Peter Fowler from the UK, wrote the following (presumably to cop a spray from Guido):
"RECOGNISED TAXONOMISTS Peter I can do searches as well ,,,all day and night. I thought I would do a search on Taxonomists especially Orchid Taxonomy. I searched in many sites , not just English & found of course Dr. P.Cribb but not Dr. G. Braem, anywhere!!!. I tried it with an 'ae' & 'ea', but no. Is Dr. Braem like Henry Az a self appointed 'expert' who's papers are only published in non-English journals? Peter Fowler Alton, UK" I cannot for the life of my wonder why Peter Fowler would try to stir the pot with such comments. There is enough crap and wasted typing on the OGD of late without this. Sadly his were purely negative comments, asking for a "bite",(which Guido will do doubt deliver). A lot of "orchid taxonomists", worldwide, primarily have no formal training in taxonomy and plant systematics. Many have letters after their names, often gained in a field very different to the orchid hobby. So what! Personally, I judge an "orchid taxonomist" by the quality, thoroughness and the logic in which they present their "arguments" or determinations in print, be it articles in orchid periodicals and in books. Guido Braem is at least very well published, with numerous books in English. What's wrong with "Non-English" journals?? Gosh, Guido lives in Europe...what's wrong with him publishing in some of his "local" periodicals, in "foreign" languages? We have already published a couple of Guido's articles in the "Australian Orchid Review" and these have been very well received by the readers. His extensive illustrated paper on "Albinism in Paphiopedilum" is the most comprehensive and up-to-date treatment ever published on the subject. It's now the benchmark, and will be the essential reference point for any similar work in the future. I wonder if "non-English" in Peter's context includes Australia??!! ;-) So if the orchid fraternity ultimately decides that only "professional orchid taxonomists, with many letters after their name, having studied at XYZ University" are the only ones "allowed" to delve into the systematics of orchids, well delete my name straight away...and whilst you're at it, you may as well erase about another 80% (or higher) of currently well-known "recognised" taxonomists. Realistically, this is a classic "non issue". Judge the work, not the person. kind regards, David Banks (who sadly has no formal training or botanical qualifications whatsoever!) ******************************************** David P. Banks (Hills District Orchids) 39 Carole Street, Seven Hills NSW 2147 Australia Phone (02) 9674-4720 Editor "Australian Orchid Review" www.australianorchidreview.com
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