> The scope for amateurs playing a significant role can go well beyond being a
> 'field technician' for the Cornell Lab.

> I don't think the UK need be a special case as far as amateur involvement a
> lot of the programs are carried out in partnership with major organisations
> and universities. A few examples:

> The truth is out there !!!!!

I hope I haven't caused any misunderstanding - I fully support amateurs
doing field work, on their own (when they're qualified) or as volunteer
helpers to others.

I was merely pointing out that our two countries do have a somewhat
different heritage in this regard. Science IS undervalued in the
UK, and many in the UK who write about this phenomena do place much
of the blame for this on a heritage of science being largely the domain
of well-heeled, well-educated amateurs. I didn't invent this notion.
Your compatriots back home did.

Science is also undervalued here, but at least it's better funded.

- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>