[meteorite-list] IMCA?

From: Michael Gilmer <michael_w_gilmer_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:05:34 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <587181.67469.qm_at_web58403.mail.re3.yahoo.com>

Hi Darryl,

I'm glad you wrote this back so quick, because I was mulling over what
I had said, and I think I may have come across wrong. I am not
trying to bash the IMCA. I fully support their mission to police the
meteorite marketplace and to put some measure of consistency into
the handling and dealing of meteorites. And for the most part, I think
the IMCA succeeds with flying colors in this respect. But, no
group is perfect, and the IMCA can come across as inconsistent at
times to people from outside the group. I am not privy to the
IMCA's internal workings, so what I am saying must be taken with a
grain of salt - since I am merely putting forth a single opinion as
someone from outside the group. I am curious whether other people
from outside the IMCA may feel the same way - a couple of comments I
have read on the list in the last week have led me to believe that
others might be seeing the same things I am.

I'll also say I have never been burned on a deal by an IMCA member.
In fact, (knock on wood), I have never been burned on a deal for
meteorites by anyone (yet). I have been trading online since 1999, so
I have good fraud radar - years of buying and collecting antique
telescopes has taught me this. (there is a lot of fraud and
misrepresentation in the the antique scope market). I have bought
specimens from nearly every major member of this list over the last
12-16 months. The majority of these people are IMCA members - and
their cordial nature and genuine desire to help newcomers is what
gave me a positive impression of the meteorite field/hobby. But now
that I have been a part of this hobby long enough to see some things,
I am learning that our watchdogs also need some occasional watching.
The IMCA is a large international collective - it has members from
all walks of life and corners of the world. Like any such group,
there is going to be some variation in how things are implemented from
one member to the next.

I have a great deal of respect for the IMCA and the majority of it's
members, but my respect is not blind and I have seen a few things
over the course of my time in the hobby that has tempered this respect
with a measure of perspective. While I would consider it an honor
to be a member of the same group as some of the highly-respected
IMCA personalities, I think there are a few things going on that
make me reluctant. Currently, I am greatly enjoying this hobby as
a collector and kitchen-table dealer. I am also learning many new
things about planetary science, space science, chemistry, geology,
and meteoritics. I feel rewarded and stimulated by my participation
in the world of meteorites - and I see no reason right now to change
that participation by aligning myself with a particular group.

Best regards and clear skies,

MikeG


.........................................................
Michael Gilmer (Louisiana, USA)
Member of the Meteoritical Society.
Member of the Bayou Region Stargazers Network.
Websites - http://www.galactic-stone.com and http://www.glassthrower.com
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fine_meteorites_4_sale
..........................................................



--- On Mon, 12/15/08, Darryl Pitt <darryl at dof3.com> wrote:

> From: Darryl Pitt <darryl at dof3.com>
> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] IMCA?
> To: michael_w_gilmer at yahoo.com
> Cc: meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
> Date: Monday, December 15, 2008, 9:38 AM
> I think what the IMCA aspires to be is outstanding, and I
> wish the
> organization good fortune as it strives to do an better job
> in
> promoting an agenda which is of benefit to us all.
>
>
>
> On Dec 15, 2008, at 10:26 AM, Michael Gilmer wrote:
>
> > Hi List,
> >
> > I never thought I would agree with any of these views
> that are
> > critical
> > of the IMCA, but I must admit (unfortunately) that I
> have seen some
> > things that gives me pause about ever wanting to join
> again.
> >
> > I was rejected on my first time around for being
> "too new" on the
> > scene.
> >
> > A few months later, a beginner I started out in the
> hobby (introduced
> > and schooled) was accepted the first time after being
> on the scene for
> > a fraction of the time I have.
> >
> > I have seen IMCA members use incorrect or misleading
> terminology to
> > describe/sell specimens.
> >
> > I have seen IMCA members butcher and disrespect
> meteorites in the name
> > of making a buck. (hideous resin-encased kindergarten
> junk)
> >
> > I have had IMCA members be rude to me - uncalled for
> at that.
> >
> > On the plus side (for the IMCA) -
> >
> > Some of the nicest people I have met on the meteorite
> scene are IMCA
> > members.
> >
> > 2 of my "meteorite mentors" are IMCA members
> - I greatly value their
> > friendship and expertise.
> >
> > I have gotten some GREAT deals from IMCA members.
> >
> > I have learned MUCH from talking with IMCA members.
> >
> > So, in the end, I have to say my opinion of the IMCA
> is conflicted.
> > On the one hand, I feel a personal loyalty to some
> members who have
> > become valued friends of mine. On the other hand, I
> think the IMCA
> > is inconsistent and NEEDS TO CLEAN HOUSE. Until this
> house-cleaning
> > takes place, I am not joining (even if they'd have
> me).
> >
> > Regards and clear skies,
> >
> > MikeG
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 7
> > Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:51:39 +1000
> > From: "Bob WALKER"
> <qwalkra at mailbox.ezadsl.net.au>
> > Subject: [meteorite-list] IMCA not a knight in shining
> armour !
> > To: "Meteorite"
> <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
> > Message-ID:
> <E8E6C4F63F3E4608B224FCA6DFAA328F at your0a700f0aaf>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed;
> charset="iso-8859-1";
> > reply-type=original
> >
> > Listoids
> >
> > Heaven forbid !
> >
> > The alleged guardian of our sacred community condoning
> the sale of
> > "Mekong
> > Iron"
> >
> > It isn't the first or last time that Listoids have
> been unhappy with
> > IMCA...
> >
> > I'd like to hear from other Listoids who have had
> "disagreements" with
> > IMCA - I'm beginning to take the view that there
> is a bad odour to
> > IMCA ( ?
> > by dealers for dealers ?) - tho I'm still acutely
> aware of the
> > excellent
> > work done by many IMCA members
> >
> > At least it will take the heat off Bob EVANS for a
> while
> >
> >
> >
> .........................................................
> > Michael Gilmer (Louisiana, USA)
> > Member of the Meteoritical Society.
> > Member of the Bayou Region Stargazers Network.
> > Websites - http://www.galactic-stone.com and
> http://www.glassthrower.com
> > MySpace -
> http://www.myspace.com/fine_meteorites_4_sale
> >
> ..........................................................
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________
> > http://www.meteoritecentral.com
> > Meteorite-list mailing list
> > Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
> >
> http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list


      
Received on Mon 15 Dec 2008 11:05:34 AM PST