Undescribed species and the Internet

[Charles R Parker]

I have two somewhat related questions regarding new species and the
Internet.

First, what are the positions of the different ICxNs regarding publishing
new species on the Internet?  As I understand the ICZN, valid publication
requires that a hardcopy publication, possibly a CD under the right
conditions, deposited in five different libraries, is necessary.  If this
is so, it seems to imply that publication on the Internet would not be
valid.  What about ICBN or other (IC_microbial_N ?) governing bodies?

Second, in general, is it advisible or inadvisible to make illustrations,
photographs, or other images of undescribed species available on the
Internet (or other public outlets) prior to publication?  I ask because
there is some pressure from certain funding sources to make such images
available as soon as possible.  I don't think it is a good idea generally,
but if there are no real downsides to doing so, it would help keep certain
funding lines lubricated, help generate excitement among the public,
promote interest among students, etc.

I would appreciate any insight TAXACOMers might have.

Chuck

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Charles R. Parker
Research Aquatic Biologist
USGS Biological Resources Division
1314 Cherokee Orchard Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
USA
(865) 436-1704
(865) 430-4753 [fax]