Posted by img on January 26, 2000 at 14:41:53 in 134.68.5.59 :
In Reply to: An open letter to all posted by Doug May on January 26, 2000 at 03:11:38:
Doug:
I understand your frustration. Since the majority of research done by WHOI & NGS is done with the help of either government money (US Navy) or public donations, you would think that they would be eager to promote their findings?
Why should they you ask? I say to promote the individual institutions work and raise money for future projects. To spark the imagination of future scientist and expaned the knowledge of those who are truely interested in the subject matter. Not just shipwrecks, but anything. But they are extremely unwilling it seems.
I assumed that the purpose of the association was to give the individual memebers another tool that may help them obtain the information that they seek. That was what you post was about correct?
I agree with you on this one Doug. I don't mind paying a reasonable price for plans, videos, or pictures. If I'm "truely" serious, money would not be an problem. But they should at least give us a chance to make an offer.
Come on!! Titanic was found in 1986. 10+ years ago. Their scientists are done with it, the media is done with it. Accord to Roy Mengots website, it is sitting in their basement in a file cabinet. Who does it benefit? Why not make a extra buck and let us feed of the scraps?
As for those who are limited on cash but are still "truely" interested in the subject. You still have some options. First is the association itself. Try to make arrangements to meet with some of the other members. Maybe they would be willing to let you take alook at (not photocopy) what they have. Pretend you are in school, take notes. You might even make a new friend or two. CHECK YOUR LIBRARIES!!!!!! After reading James "Engineering" post, I went to the local University Library and guess what I found out they had :) even though I don't "own" them, I at least have access to them.
The Association is still young. Its not like we are the THS or anything. We are not that established. Maybe we could get Sean or one of the other leading members to write a letter in our behalf. But remember "all for one, one for all". If just one of us "screws up" and ticks them off, then we are all screwed.
Lets say we did have access. What would we do for them? We would have to do something for them in return. Promote WHOI's research? Do a presentation at the local library? It is a give and take situation.
The information is out there. It is HARD to get to. And yes it is frustrating. But we have limited influence and are unforunately at their mercy.
Just remember that honesty and alittle faith go along way. It may serve you well when you least expect it.