Re: Archaeoraptor liaoningensis

[Ccookk@aol.com]

Tracy and list members,
    Lets not overlook the fact that the Czerkas boought a specimen that they 
thought was authentic. The person they bought it from also thought it was 
authentic, (unless of course you are insinuating that the sale of this 
specimen to the Czerkas was with the knowledge that is was a fake). I am 
seeing a seller being made a scapegoat because the buyer jumped the gun and 
made himself look foolish, as well as losing money. I see by the actions of 
the buyers that they did in fact look at notoriety, and one-ups-man-ship when 
they bought this specimen. I dont discount they also had some good intentions 
of sharing the scientific value... thats why they named it...  and they 
called National Geographic, right?
    There wouldnt be a problem here, if a buyer wasnt willing to take the 
merchandise. We have heard all around that we shouldnt buy any Chinese 
fossils, for it encourages the trade in them. It could be like saving 
elephants by buying the ivory and using it for a good cause, right?
    Lets just be honest, a well known paleontologist made a mistake and got 
embarassed. Dont make it worse by trying to lay it on the seller.
Carl