Re: dinolisters/SVP and ethical conduct

["Andy Farke" <andyfarke@hotmail.com>]

John R. Hutchinson wrote:

>A good principle is to not distribute scientific information from SVP (or
elsewhere, such as specimens that you see in someone's care at a museum)
unless one or more of the following are true: (1) the data are published,
(2) the authors give permission, (3) the information was presented in a talk
or poster (in this last case, you should still be careful what you
distribute, and following #2 at the same time is a good safeguard).

I agree 100 percent--now that I'm really actively involved in primary
research, this issue hits close to home! I also add the following: it is
*highly advisable* to get permission before photographing or sketching
specimens that are under study, and further advisable to *not distribute*
(or comment on) these pictures until the paper comes out. If the unpublished
specimen is on display or presented in a talk that is a gray area. .
.however, it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm just as impatient as
anyone, but. . .I'm also hoping to maintain a good reputation.

With that said, it was great to see and meet everyone at SVP. I had a
wonderful time. . .so wonderful that I'm still recovering! :-P I don't have
a huge amount of time to write a detailed description of the really
interesting (i.e., ceratopsian [that's "lunch meat" to HP Holtz and others])
talks, but I'll chime in where and when I can.

Best,

Andy
_______________________________
Andrew A. Farke
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Box P404
501 East St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD  57701

605-394-2816

andyfarke@hotmail.com