Hello All.

    This is just one of those questions I have on the backburner and I
figured I'd ask especially those who actually sell shells.  My understanding
is that, at least in the US (and probably true in Japan and Europe) the
demograpics of those who pursue this hobby is undergoing a serious
gentification, ie there are a lot few younger people entering the hobby.
Clearly over the last several years however the opportunities and the number
of specimens avaliable  seems to have increased significantly, especailly
since the web has opened up so many new ways to purchase shells.

    By my figuring that would mean that there is a decrease in the number of
those buying shells (although they may have more pocket cash) while the
number of specimens offered continues to increase.  It would seem to me that
with those types of figures that the business of selling shells would
rapidly be becoming less profitable.

    Am I missing something here?  I realize North America, Europe and Japan
to not represent the whole hobby, but I'd wadger they represent most of it.

Thanks!

Doug

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