You Elois and we Morlocks can peaceably co-exist provided individuals
from either group don't market themselves as having a privileged
position among collectors to provide meteorites. Those traits, ethics,
are individual characteristics. Everyone has their own reasons for
wanting to join (or not) the IMCA organization and it is a very
personal and private decision in everyone's own world and experiences.
No one ever should be made to feel it necessary to explain why they
choose not to. I have dealt in a very small way, with MikeG and found
him to be a conscientious and outstanding collector.
That's all I have to say!
Happy Holidays,
Doug
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Gilmer <[email protected]>
To: Darryl Pitt <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Sent: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:05 am
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] IMCA?
Hi Darryl,
I'm glad you wrote this back so quick, because I was mulling over what
I had said, and I think I may have come across wrong. I am not
trying to bash the IMCA. I fully support their mission to police the
meteorite marketplace and to put some measure of consistency into
the handling and dealing of meteorites. And for the most part, I think
the IMCA succeeds with flying colors in this respect. But, no
group is perfect, and the IMCA can come across as inconsistent at
times to people from outside the group. I am not privy to the
IMCA's internal workings, so what I am saying must be taken with a
grain of salt - since I am merely putting forth a single opinion as
someone from outside the group. I am curious whether other people
from outside the IMCA may feel the same way - a couple of comments I
have read on the list in the last week have led me to believe that
others might be seeing the same things I am.
I'll also say I have never been burned on a deal by an IMCA member.
In fact, (knock on wood), I have never been burned on a deal for
meteorites by anyone (yet). I have been trading online since 1999, so
I have good fraud radar - years of buying and collecting antique
telescopes has taught me this. (there is a lot of fraud and
misrepresentation in the the antique scope market). I have bought
specimens from nearly every major member of this list over the last
12-16 months. The majority of these people are IMCA members - and
their cordial nature and genuine desire to help newcomers is what
gave me a positive impression of the meteorite field/hobby. But now
that I have been a part of this hobby long enough to see some things,
I am learning that our watchdogs also need some occasional watching.
The IMCA is a large international collective - it has members from
all walks of life and corners of the world. Like any such group,
there is going to be some variation in how things are implemented from
one member to the next.
I have a great deal of respect for the IMCA and the majority of it's
members, but my respect is not blind and I have seen a few things
over the course of my time in the hobby that has tempered this respect
with a measure of perspective. While I would consider it an honor
to be a member of the same group as some of the highly-respected
IMCA personalities, I think there are a few things going on that
make me reluctant. Currently, I am greatly enjoying this hobby as
a collector and kitchen-table dealer. I am also learning many new
things about planetary science, space science, chemistry, geology,
and meteoritics. I feel rewarded and stimulated by my participation
in the world of meteorites - and I see no reason right now to change
that participation by aligning myself with a particular group.
Best regards and clear skies,
MikeG
.........................................................
Michael Gilmer (Louisiana, USA)
Member of the Meteoritical Society.
Member of the Bayou Region Stargazers Network.
Websites - http://www.galactic-stone.com and http://www.glassthrower.com
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fine_meteorites_4_sale
..........................................................
--- On Mon, 12/15/08, Darryl Pitt <[email protected]> wrote:
From: Darryl Pitt <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] IMCA?
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Date: Monday, December 15, 2008, 9:38 AM
I think what the IMCA aspires to be is outstanding, and I
wish the
organization good fortune as it strives to do an better job
in
promoting an agenda which is of benefit to us all.
On Dec 15, 2008, at 10:26 AM, Michael Gilmer wrote:
> Hi List,
>
> I never thought I would agree with any of these views
that are
> critical
> of the IMCA, but I must admit (unfortunately) that I
have seen some
> things that gives me pause about ever wanting to join
again.
>
> I was rejected on my first time around for being
"too new" on the
> scene.
>
> A few months later, a beginner I started out in the
hobby (introduced
> and schooled) was accepted the first time after being
on the scene for
> a fraction of the time I have.
>
> I have seen IMCA members use incorrect or misleading
terminology to
> describe/sell specimens.
>
> I have seen IMCA members butcher and disrespect
meteorites in the name
> of making a buck. (hideous resin-encased kindergarten
junk)
>
> I have had IMCA members be rude to me - uncalled for
at that.
>
> On the plus side (for the IMCA) -
>
> Some of the nicest people I have met on the meteorite
scene are IMCA
> members.
>
> 2 of my "meteorite mentors" are IMCA members
- I greatly value their
> friendship and expertise.
>
> I have gotten some GREAT deals from IMCA members.
>
> I have learned MUCH from talking with IMCA members.
>
> So, in the end, I have to say my opinion of the IMCA
is conflicted.
> On the one hand, I feel a personal loyalty to some
members who have
> become valued friends of mine. On the other hand, I
think the IMCA
> is inconsistent and NEEDS TO CLEAN HOUSE. Until this
house-cleaning
> takes place, I am not joining (even if they'd have
me).
>
> Regards and clear skies,
>
> MikeG
>
> ------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:51:39 +1000
> From: "Bob WALKER"
<[email protected]>
> Subject: [meteorite-list] IMCA not a knight in shining
armour !
> To: "Meteorite"
<[email protected]>
> Message-ID:
<e8e6c4f63f3e4608b224fca6dfaa3...@your0a700f0aaf>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed;
charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> Listoids
>
> Heaven forbid !
>
> The alleged guardian of our sacred community condoning
the sale of
> "Mekong
> Iron"
>
> It isn't the first or last time that Listoids have
been unhappy with
> IMCA...
>
> I'd like to hear from other Listoids who have had
"disagreements" with
> IMCA - I'm beginning to take the view that there
is a bad odour to
> IMCA ( ?
> by dealers for dealers ?) - tho I'm still acutely
aware of the
> excellent
> work done by many IMCA members
>
> At least it will take the heat off Bob EVANS for a
while
>
>
>
.........................................................
> Michael Gilmer (Louisiana, USA)
> Member of the Meteoritical Society.
> Member of the Bayou Region Stargazers Network.
> Websites - http://www.galactic-stone.com and
http://www.glassthrower.com
> MySpace -
http://www.myspace.com/fine_meteorites_4_sale
>
..........................................................
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________
> http://www.meteoritecentral.com
> Meteorite-list mailing list
> [email protected]
>
http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
______________________________________________
http://www.meteoritecentral.com
Meteorite-list mailing list
[email protected]
http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
______________________________________________
http://www.meteoritecentral.com
Meteorite-list mailing list
[email protected]
http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
