[meteorite-list] Some Good News for a Change

From: Adam Hupe <raremeteorites_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon Nov 22 16:28:14 2004
Message-ID: <064801c4d0d8$92aad8c0$6401a8c0_at_c1720188a>

Dear List,

Sure, some are turned off by the efforts being made to restore collector
confidence, change is painful for some. Many believe the problem only
exists with NWA material, this is not true. The influx of material from NWA
has affected every sector of meteorite collecting including falls. I
recognize there are other factors involved as well. The good news is that
there are bargains to be found everywhere regardless of how you collect.
More good news is that the following steps are being taken to improve the
image and add professionalism to this awesome avocation:

It was decided that long-term steps should be taken in order to improve the
situation. The IMCA has evolved to Corporate status with a board of
directors that represent some of the most honest people you could hope to
have represent this community.

Rules of conduct and a code of ethics are being worked out as we speak with
the input of nonbiased individuals.

Collectors and dealers are becoming more aware of the importance of
documentation. The chain-of-custody of some material is being rightfully
questioned. This can only enhance the value of certain meteorites in the
future.

The entire meteoritic community including collectors and dealers were
invited in by the Meteoritical Society to add input on the NomCom rules
regarding NWA nomenclature. This demonstrates that differing groups can
collaborate. If you did not take advantage of this you have no right to
complain about NomCom rules. I personally believe the best that can be done
has been done.

Two more laboratories are online that did not classify meteorites just five
years ago. As the cost of Microprobes comes down expect a few more to come
onboard. Free classification services are starting to go away so it is time
to take advantage of these services before more start charging, grant money
can longer be counted on to support some of these services and a new finance
model has been adopted by some laboratories.

As the material is starting to dry up from NWA, laboratory wait time has
been reduced to an average of six months, down from over a year and a half
in some cases.

Several exciting things are happening including some revamping of the
archaic classification systems that are now in place. O-isotope testing is
becoming an ever increasingly important tool in qualifying new meteorite
types and two new facilities are onboard and are excited to work with
meteorites.

Meteoritics will move ahead, embrace the changes,


------------------------------------
Adam Hupe
The Hupe Collection
Team LunarRock
IMCA 2185
raremeteorites_at_comcast.net
Received on Mon 22 Nov 2004 04:16:46 PM PST