THE TEN TON DINOSAUR IN THE ROOM: CONTRIBUTIONS OF COMMERCIAL PALEONTOLOGY AND A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO MOVING FORWARD

A complete assessment of our paleontological community reveals three distinct groups. These are often described as "academic", "avocational" and "commercial". Whereas contributions from academics are well known and contributions from avocationalists are now being recognized (thanks in part to the FOSSIL project), contributions by commercial interests are often overlooked. A survey of the last three centuries shows that commercial paleontology has had a long and beneficial history. Throughout much of this time, commercial paleo was generally accepted. Contributions include: The discovery of new sites and specimens, the discovery of new taxa, the salvage and recovery of specimens under threat of weathering, construction or development, the creation of new field and lab techniques, an increase in public interest and providing specimens to museums and educators around the world who would otherwise have limited access.

Despite these positive contributions a great schism between the academic and commercial worlds has emerged, with many avocationalists caught in the middle. This war of conflicting philosophies has divided our community and has led to all manner of problems that current generations must now face. It's time we move forward.

Each branch of our community has a positive role to play and when viewed holistically, are symbiotic with one another. A comparison of the needs of each group shows various links that make them interconnected. Without the skills, knowledge, enthusiasm or hard work of one, the other branches wither, failing to reach their potential. To achieve this, we must cultivate an environment of respect, communication, understanding, cooperation, acknowledgement and trust. We must police ourselves, agree to standards and practices and minimize the extremes. As we move further into the 21st century we must understand that a united community can more effectively increase our shared knowledge of ancient life and help reveal the true geologic history of this planet.