Nancy:
 
There is room for all types and levels of collectors.  I don't think
many people think of CONCH-L people as shell snobs.  Almost every type
of question has been answered.  With the high quality of most answers,
the result can be quite educational.  The scope of subjects is very
wide.
 
The fact that the scientific types who post information are strongly in
favor of making collections of the most scientific use possible is an
indication of trying to provide basic information to beginners who are
most welcome.  Almost all of us are beginners in some aspect of
Malacology and can learn a lot.
 
Aloha,
 
Wes