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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs To leave this list, click on the following web link: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and click leave the list. ----------------------------------------------------------------------