Phil and All:  Bad-photo shells should be avoided, but they are still
very commonplace in auctions.  There are also many sites with grading
but no pic's.  Down the road, a standard ratings ethic among consumers
would encourage offenders to stop the hazy or overbright photo practices
and adhere to a COA standard.  But that standard doesn't exist now.  A
COA ratings practice might nudge everyone to go that direction.
Disregard of ratings illustrates the need for reform.

Russell Renka

Russell D. Renka
Professor of Political Science
Mail Stop 2920, Carnahan 211-L
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-4799
office:  573/651-2692
Home:  573/334-0039
FAX:  573/651-2695
URL:  http://cstl-cla.semo.edu/renka
E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Phil Fallon
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2005 8:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Grading Sea Shells

With the increased use of photography in presenting shells for sale,
there is little need for grading.  A buyer should know a species'
characteristic condition, color and size before purchasing.  If you
don't, Google Images will usually turn up a half-dozen pictures for
comparison purposes.

I've long ago stopped looking at the dealer's grading, and don't
purchase shells if the photography is poor.

Phil

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