[meteorite-list] Harassing eBayers
Dear IMCA and List Members, I thought IMCA was supposed to act like a professional organization and I do not like the thought that somebody else's lack of judgment when contacting sellers about their meteorite wrongs might reflect poorly upon other members, including myself. I think a consensus should be sought before attacking eBayers and a friendlier approach should be taken when contacting these individuals. A lot of new collectors came from the Chicago fall and a lot of non-meteorites were sold by parties who did not know any better. In the long run press is good for meteoritics whether it comes from a legitimate fall or just a sighting. I saw local news reports that the Elma material was being sold on eBay along with over 700 other meteorites. If this does not promote eBay sales of meteorites I do not know what will. Millions of viewers saw these newscasts broadcast on five networks. Several non-collectors have been emailing showing an interest in meteorites because of the coverage. The few specimens sold on eBay by non IMCA members is minimal, the sellers, in this case, state they are not sure they are meteorites and these minor sales posses very little threat to established dealers. I would encourage a cooperative attitude with non IMCA members rather than putting them into a defensive posture with a belligerent approach. All the best, Adam __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Harassing eBayers
Adam, List, Even though I am not a member of the IMCA (yet), I couldn't agree more with Adam. I't's easy for us to ridicule or chastise the unknowing, uneducated ebay seller. Some of these sellers may actually be trying to mislead, but many are just naive. A perfect case in point is the gentleman I visited here in Michigan on the 4th of July. You may remember he had a 'meteorite' for $15,000.00 and it was 'authenticated' by a school teacher. When I met him I said "I bet you've got a boat load of nasty emails". He said that indeed he did, and he proceeded to show them to me. I was floored by some of the unprofessional, child like reprimands that this innocent man was subjected to. Some of them were very, very accusing, vicious, and intended to do nothing but belittle the man. I was embarassed! I recognized some of the names as list members, I'm sure they know who they are. Your words are inexcusable, and I highly suggest people think before they fly off on a rant the next time an unsuspecting civilian posts a meteorwrong for sale. I felt like half my job was damage control instead of meteorite education, defending the ones that made us all look like spoiled children. Enough said, Larry Atkins
