THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY: AN EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL, AMATEUR, AND COMMERCIAL PALEONTOLOGISTS

Over the past 100 years, the relationships between fossil collectors (both amateur and commercial) and professional paleontologists have changed significantly. In this preliminary study, the reasons behind these changed relationships are explored and discussed. Data collection occurred via a questionnaire-style survey that was administered to a sample of amateur paleontologists. Given the exploratory nature of this project, convenience sampling was utilized to get a gross estimate of the results. Analysis and interpretation of the data reflects amateur contributions continuing in a traditional manner, including: (1) gifting specimens to universities and museums, (2) volunteerism on behalf of museums, and (3) a generalized focus toward educational outreach. A substantial percentage of amateurs contribute either professionally or casually to the amateur and professional community with submitted papers. Amateur selling/trading of fossils seems to be very limited. A supplementary case study, outlining the educational evolution of the first author (an amateur collector), supports the evidence of the value of recent educational outreach efforts by the professional paleontological community. Further, this preliminary study suggests possible solutions for reducing future conflicts and building more inclusive relationships between the amateur and professional paleontological communities.