[Taxacom] ICZN procedure question

[Stanley A. Schultz]

A recent question arose regarding the prior use of a name on the 
Internet. Specifically, a group of taxonomists are preparing to name a 
theraphosid spider. The paper has not yet been published, but someone 
who apparently has advance knowledge has announced the proposed name on 
a hobbyist/enthusiast forum.

The questions are:

Does such publication constitute prior publication by current ICZN 
rules? If so, must the taxonomists now use a different name?

If its announcement on the Internet constitutes prior usage, but it is 
(innocently) published anyway, and later its prior use on the Internet 
comes to light, how would the problem most probably be resolved?

Thanks in advance for your help.


Stan Schultz
Calgary, Alberta, Canada