Haven't you got more important things to do?
Get over it, for gods sake.
But just for the record since lynn can't read

This is the original message below and I don't see Betty's name on the email
but just Bob's, The highly respected dealer in specimen shells.
      Your right though, This doesn't look like a self promotion which in
COA guidelines for list says is a NO NO
I Apologize

Andrew Sharpe
(wool over his eyes)

Original Email 29th July 2000
We just updated our website. It's not complete yet, but we have a
picture or two of specimen shells to look at. Be carful, it may be too
much for you all at once.

Bob

Check us out at our Website: http://www.theshellstore.com
The Shell Store
348 Corey Ave
St. Pete Beach FL 33706
Phone: 727-360-0586 FAX: 727-360-3668




----- Original Message -----
From: "Lynn Scheu" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2000 7:25 PM
Subject: Re: below the belt


> Andrew Sharpe said:
>
> > But I guess there is diffrent rules for diffrent members.
> > Shouldn't the president of COA set the example or is it true what I was
told about the COA by many people not being for
> > the benefit of its members but more for the benefit of 4 or 5 dealers.
> > I'm truely disappointed that not even the president  of the COA can
abide by its lists guidelines.
>
> I think someone should point out here that COA President Betty Lipe, who
> is married to Bob Lipe, a highly respected dealer in specimen shells, is
> not in the shell business herself. She works for her county 4-H office,
> as well as being a tireless volunteer worker for COA in many capacities
> for many years. She deserves praise, not negative comment.
>
> Just as the Lipe family is made up of several individuals, so COA is
> made up of many individuals. Making assumptions about one member or
> about the organization as a whole on the basis of another member, is
> risky at the least, and certainly unfair.
>
> Also, COA has as many as 60 member shell dealers and probably lots more
> than twice that many who sell shells occasionally. 38 of
> themparticipated in the COA Bourse in Houston in June. Which I might add
> was only a 13-hour event in a 6-day convention! Many of those dealers,
> Bob Lipe among them, do a lot for the shell collecting community,
> including identifying shells, contributing to Conch-L and American
> Conchologist and other shelling publications, donating SO many shells to
> auctions of the various shell organizations, writing books, leading
> trips, organizing field trips at conventions, guiding new shellers,
> serving COA in various board capacities, and much more. How could anyone
> think that the entire 1200-1300 member COA is held hostage by 4 or 5
> dealers for their own benefit?
>
> On the basis of such evidence as a guess, a question, some assumptions
> and a rumor, you seem to be saying that none of COA can abide by its
> list's rules, not even the president. Surely you don't mean this?
>
> Lynn Scheu
> Editor American Conchologist
> List Co-Owner, Conch-L
> Conchologists of America