Dear Friends,
 
With the use of the internet, digital photography,
scanners, and a world wide group of contributors, the
collection of information for whatever medium is much
easier.  Why stop at a book?  Visualize a world database
put into CDroms, DVDroms or maintained online for school
children to museum curators all over the world to enjoy
and learn from.  Beautiful shell books are appreciated
by one and all but there are more ways to communicate.
 
There is currently available internet technology that
allows a 3d rotation around, zoom in and out, of an
object (in this case a shell.)   The image is viewed
from a web site with javascript, without the problem of
downloading a browser "plug-in".  As I understand it
this technology is currently being used by "upscale"
jewelry establishments to sell jewelry to people who
would rather not be inconvenienced by visiting the
physical place of business.
 
In an ideal virtual seashell world.  A collective
worldwide project would include donations of data,
specimens of all shapes, sizes, colors, distribution
would be recorded.  Collectors wouldn't have to
physically donate their collections but have photographs
taken or send them to be photographed and returned.  The
written data would be the easiest part to compile.
 
Just a thought.
Lori