killing vs photography

[Neil Jones]

In message <199910091833.LAA24654 at trifid.u.arizona.edu> Bruce  Walsh writes:
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> "I think this issue is a central core issue to any individual even
> casually 
> interested in moths and butterflies.  Rather than suppress it, it should
> be 
> discussed often.  I constantly see it surfacing on this server with good 
> reason.  "
> 
> Actually, I find these discussions divisive and counterproductive.  First
> and foremost, individuals are on this list because they have a love and
> passion for lepidoptera.  Some collect, some photograph, some simply
> observe.  All members of this list wish to share their experiences with others,
> increasing awareness of butterflies and moths and promoting the critical
> need to safeguard habitat.  These are points upon which we can all agree.

I am not entirely sure that this is the case. Some people are definately
anti habitat protection. I am not however about to
reopen the debate. This seems to crop up every autumn with monontonous
regularity.

In general I agree with Bruce and I am not a collector. Although
I do not wish to see collecting banned. (I have to say this. People who have
been around a long time will know why!!)

Anyway for those interested in the matter. I did start to put together
an FAQ on the subject. It never did get completed properly, but
it is on the WWW. The URL is
http://www.nwjones.demon.co.uk/faq/

Some say I will add more.

> 
> Alas, when the collecting vs. photography debate pops up, it poloarizes
> members of this list for the following reason:  In general, collectors
> welcome all individuals with an interest in leps and   want to encourage any
> level of interest and any approach (be it collecting, watching, and/or
> photographing).  Conversely, individuals (very often from a birding
> background) bring a very different, and welcome, viewpoint.   The friction arises
> when certain members of this group try to enforce their individual way of
> enjoying leps on collectors --- in particular, that they should not collect.
>  Imagine how a photographer would feel if I tried to make them feel very
> uncomfortable for taking pictures!  Both groups should be able to easily
> co-exist by recognizing, and respecting, the viewpoint of the other.  
> It is the asymmetry of the discussions -- collectors having no problems
> with "watchers", but the converse NOT being true that makes this an endless
> debate that does not move any individuals from their initial position
> despite the huge amount of bandwidth used.
> 
> Peace
> 
> Bruce 
> 
> PS  Be careful, as I can hear those black helicopters full of
> evolutionists wanting to spray NYC.  They may launch if this thread gets out of hand.
>  Luckily, I'll be off the list for the next week or so, as I'm off the
> look over the Smithsonian's collection of SE Arizona moths.

-- 
Neil Jones- Neil at nwjones.demon.co.uk http://www.nwjones.demon.co.uk/
"At some point I had to stand up and be counted. Who speaks for the
butterflies?" Andrew Lees - The quotation on his memorial at Crymlyn Bog
National Nature Reserve