[Taxacom] [iczn-list] Proposed Amendment to the Code - 2nd instalment ofContributions to the Discussion on Electronic Publication published

[dipteryx at freeler.nl]

Van: iczn-list-bounces at afriherp.org namens Natalie Dale-Skey
Verzonden: vr 2-10-2009 12:47
> Dear everyone, 
 
> The second instalment of comments on the ICZN proposed amendment on 
> electronic-only publication (http://www.iczn.org/electronic_publication.html) 
> has been published in the September issue of the BZN and is available 
> online at http://www.iczn.org/BZN66(3)_Contributions_to_the_Discussion_on_Electronic_Publication_II.pdf 

***
The contribution of Mike Taylor looks impressive when he argued that 
the Code is here to serve and that there is a taxonomic community 
who do not feel served by the present Code. Of course, the idea that 
the Code is there in a serving capacity is nothing new (the classic 
phrasing being "nomenclature is the handmaiden of taxonomy", 
with taxonomy in turn serving the world) and it is well accepted that 
the Code came into being as a codification of pre-existing nomenclatural 
practice. 

However, it looks to me that Mike Taylor is unclear who exactly is to be 
served (I would say the taxonomists of past, present and future, as well 
as the world at large) and how large is this community who now feel that 
they are no longer being served, as compared to the number of taxonomists 
worldwide. Is this a vocal minority (comparable to those who feel that all 
the Codes should be abolished and replaced by a single unified Code) or is 
this widely supported? If the latter how can we know that this is indeed 
the case?

Paul