I would like to add a remark to the debate:
 
Stigmatizing a specific category of persons (in this instance shell
dealers) always bears the danger of amalgamating goodies and baddies. One
should bear in mind that shell dealers only exist because there is a demand
for shells. The education of buyers should be a priority and a well
informed and knowledgeable dealer can certainly contribute positively to
it. As seen with other trades (art, antics etc.) a keen buyer or collector
would always find ways - legal or illegal - to get what he wants. So it's
better to help buyers resort to the "goodies".
 
Janine
 
Janine Rodgers
Versalles 3021, Dpto 52
Las Condes
Santiago
CHILE
Tel/Fax: (562) 232 05 19
e-mail: [log in to unmask]