In a message dated 98-04-15 16:18:14 EDT,Dr. Andrew Rindsberg wrote:
 
<< I do not understand why you are so reluctant to reposit specimens there
when so much has changed in the interim, while still being so concerned about
unique
 specimens leaving the state. Surely it is better to light a candle than to
 curse the darkness.>>
 
It was not my intention to raise bones of contention.  However, I do not think
the Alabama Museum or any other institution in the state at the present can
make the assurances I and others would desire.  The Alabama Museum has taken
great strides for which I commend them. However, I believe my reluctance to
deposit material there is justified.  I am certainly not the only worker in
Alabama or even neighboring states who feels this way.  I have been privy to
more than a few discussions on just this very thing.  It is true that it is
better to light a candle than curse the darkness.  That is why I am doing my
part to promote malacology and an understanding of mollusks in Alabama and to
educate others on the richness of  the diversity of mollusks (marine,
freshwater, terrestrial, and fossil) of Alabama whenever I can.  It is also
better to deposit material where it is more likely to be used and appreciated
which is why for the present I usually deposit material at museums in Florida,
Mississippi, and Tennessee.  I understand that political climates can and do
arise at other institutions would could render the future of a collection
unstable. In short, I do not believe the Alabama Museum or any other
institution in Alabama has yet proven themselves worthy ( with the one
exception of the Geological Survey of Alabama).  The political climate has
changed little.  Politics in all spectrums is business as usual in Alabama.
 
<< Incidentally, it's unfortunate that specimens were labeled as "[John Doe]",
 a legal term meaning "Anonymous."  >>
 
I did not intend to give the impression the Florida Museum of Natural History
had labeled their specimens as collected by John Doe.  I used the brackets and
"John Doe" simply to refer to a collector in general.  When the collector was
known, the FMNH labels bear his/her name.  If the collector is unknown, that
field is simply left blank.  I apologize for any confusion my journalistic
liberties may have caused.
 
Doug Shelton
Alabama Malacological Research Center
2370-G Hillcrest Road #236
Mobile, AL 36695