outlets for alpha taxonomy

[Robin Leech]

Hear, hear, hear!.  3 rounds for Bill.
Robin Leech
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Shear" <wshear at EMAIL.HSC.EDU>
To: <TAXACOM at USOBI.ORG>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2002 8:31 AM
Subject: Re: outlets for alpha taxonomy


> It has been made abundantly clear by many studies (summarized recently in
> Scientific America) that magnetic and optical media fall far short of the
> permanence of paper publication.  Unlike much of the biological
literature,
> which becomes of historical interest only shortly after publication (as
new
> studies supersede it), taxanomic publication is for the ages.   A century
> from now, it will be necessary to examine the species descriptions,
figures,
> and type data published this year.  At this point, without hard copy, it
is
> difficult to imagine how this will be done.
>
> Web publication is even more ephemeral than publication via magnetic or
> electronic media.  Hard copy is required to meet the criterion of
> permanence.
>
> Thus I think the ICZN wise to insist on it until more permanent means of
> electronic publication arise.  Also, the hard copy requirement is
relatively
> modest: a few copies can be made and placed in designated repository
> libraries, and the criteria as to what constitutes publication have been
> loosened.
>
> I do feel a bit resentful about the comment that taxonomic papers "take up
> space" in journals that, by implication, might devote their pages to more
> important matters.  Taxonomy IS important, and deserves all of the space
it
> gets in those relatively few journals still willing to publish it.
>
> Electronic publication is great, but for now, let's parallel it with hard
> copy for permanence.
>
> Bill Shear
> Department of Biology
> Hampden-Sydney College
> Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
> (434)223-6172
> FAX (434)223-6374
> email<wshear at email.hsc.edu>
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>
http://www.fmnh.org/research_collections/zoology/zoo_sites/millipeet/home.ht
> ml
>
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> the day and office-holders, though they may be thought to be of very
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> insamuch as they are only the various ingredients of the froth which ever
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> Henry David Thoreau, Journals, Aug. 9, 1858.