GenBank & Taxonomical Nomenclature/identification

[Peter Rauch]

On Fri, 28 Jul 2000, Gary Gibson wrote:
> The GenBank has nothing to be ashamed about re. voucher
> specimens compared with ecologists, biocontrol specialists and
> other biologists in general.

Gary,
"...compared to ...." ? Perhaps so. But, being the
johnny-come-lately to the block of data archivists, genbank had
the opportunity to redeem some of these bad practices of the
past. It seems like it did not. Your examples and arguments only
highlight the profoundness of the "shame".

> I do not want to start a whole new diatribe about the
> importance of properly labelled voucher specimens, whose museum
> depository is cited in the relevant publication, but this is a
> continuing problem and frustration for taxonomists.

No fear... "Diatribe" it isn't. It _is_ a shame, just as you have
labelled it. The goal is to raise awareness when the opportunity
makes itself present, and to change the practices; and not allow
them to be explained, justified or excused by others' equally bad
practices.  Right?

Peter