What is a lepidopterist? - One man's Humble Opinion

Stan Gorodenski stanlep at extremezone.com
Wed Jan 30 19:07:08 EST 2002


Where am I?  Darn, you left out the 'Stage' where the individual gets
rich writing books and giving presentations at major events.


"Robert J. Nuelle, Jr." wrote:
> 
> A lepidopterist . . . Hmmm
> 
> I would like to suggest that there is a definite evolutionary process
> with distinct stages that one moves through in becoming a
> Lepidopterist.
> 
> Stage 1:    NEOPHYTE Phase:   Mild interest rapidly becoming a primary
> interest
> First specimens captured or photographed,
> Book acquisition phase - chiefly Field Guides,
> Equipment acquisitions begin - boxes, pins, spreading boards, better
> cameras, albums, etc.
> 
> Stage 2:    AVOCATIONAL Phase:  Individual becoming highly motivated
> Begins carrying Nets, Cameras in trunk of car
> Buys better boxes, invests [creates] a database
> First Scientific – higher grade books purchased
> Begins discussing Butterflies or Moths in general conversation
> 
> Stage 3:    AMATEUR LEPIDOPTERIST Phase:    Individual now committed
> Can now name all Latin names of specimens in collection
> Collection [specimens or photographs] grows explosively
> Joins first List Serve – Club — Seeking out more experienced mentors,
> primarily a questioner
> Specialization probably begins here – One or more associated families
> become focus
> Books and Journals now being purchased more regularly
> 
> Stage 4:    LEPIDOPTERIST Phase:    Individual now actively sharing
> knowledge
> Is now Field logging behavior and doing semi-scientific research on
> Focus Family
> Begins to plan vacations / free time around the Avocation
> No longer a listserve lurker – individual now actively posts REPLIES
> to others’ questions
> Collection activities [specimens or photographs] may taper off in
> favor of Analysis activities
> 
> Stage 5:    LEPIDOLOGICAL MENTOR Phase:     Individual now is more
> concerned with teaching
> Collection activities now highly focused  - more intensely focused –
> less extensive in scope.
> Maintains a high volume of correspondence [email & snail mail] with
> others
> Probably begins to build the definitive website on their research or
> Focus Family.
> May actively seed specimens/photos to others at earlier phases in
> development
> Probably gives first lecture at a Club – Show – Public Forum
> Begins to think about writing a book.
> 
> Stage 6:    ACCREDITED LEPIDOPTERIST Phase: Individual now completely
> focused on knowledge dissemination
> Collection now very mature and a museum/university has been selected
> for ultimate deposition
> College classes are taken or other formal certification processes are
> investigated
> Book or Website is published and mature.
> Individual now begins to focus entirely on cataloging hard won
> knowledge and ensure its longevity
> This is the highest evolutionary phase – a totally non-selfish state
> of being completely focused on knowledge sharing
> 
> Stage 7:    LEPIDOPTERIST EMERITUS Phase:   Individual begins to enjoy
> the fruits of labors
> Speaking engagements – publishing activities increase
> Tales of collecting trips or phyllogenetic epiphanies are increasing
> the topic of conversation
> Enthusiasm gives way to philosophical observations
> Collection gets donated
> Death occurs – but legacy lives on
> 
> Stage 8:    POSTHUMOUS EXPERT – Individual is now known by his/her
> contributions
> Lepidopterist’s name is seen constantly in the scientific press  in
> the Works Cited section
> Others tell the tales of trips gone by and epiphanies experienced
> A Butterfly/Moth is named after the individual
> We all gain from standing on the shoulders of this giant – the
> contributions and sacrifices bear fruit
> 
> In My Humble Opinion — Where are you?
> 
> Bob Nuelle
> Stage 3 and growing
> 
> --
> Sincerely,
> 
> Robert J. Nuelle, Jr.
> Webmaster
> The UniverShell Trading Company
> 
> webmaster at univershell.com
> 
> http://www.univershell.com/home.html      --- Molluscan Natural
> History Site
> http://www.univershell.com/bfly/home.htm  --- Butterfly Natural
> History Site

 
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