tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16289469.post2781840180488586678..comments2023-03-19T07:22:05.437-06:00Comments on The Geology P.A.G.E.: Rock Shop RantJim L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08680478888594299616noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16289469.post-7305022052487134842010-06-24T21:48:47.747-06:002010-06-24T21:48:47.747-06:00I understand your point but I can't see that a...I understand your point but I can't see that as a valid reason. There are better ways for the public to be introduced to geology and paleontology than through rock shops. Museums are the prime example where people can view science and where mostly all of the scientific knowledge is retained. <br /><br />I don't think that rock shops necessarily promote geology since you don't usually get any background with the samples. Usually (from what I've seen) there is just the name of the rock or mineral and not much else. So other than looking pretty they don't really convey all that much information. <br /><br />But there may be some that do. I know a few stores that are rather reputable and I do not include them in this rant. My rant is mainly toward those places that bulldoze out as many rocks as they can to earn a quick buck (like the image shown).<br /><br />Thanks for your comment. It's good to hear from the other side of the opinion.Jim L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08680478888594299616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16289469.post-18113937441416512612010-06-24T17:31:56.393-06:002010-06-24T17:31:56.393-06:00I agree with you, Rock Shops do indeed strip natur...I agree with you, Rock Shops do indeed strip nature of her beauty. However, I'm also struck by your thoughts because I was, at least in part, pushed towards studying geology because of my experiences at a Rock Shop in Colorado when I was young. <br /><br />I'm sure Archaeologists feel the same way about shops that sell arrowheads and other historical paraphernalia. From a scientific point of view the object/rock/mineral has a huge importance. But is it not also important to expose people to what you do and the artifacts which you find? <br /><br />I think that Rock Shops serve a purpose to expose laypeople to the geological universe. I feel like most people enjoy mountains and deserts for the beautiful scenery but don't necessarily connect those panoramas with geology. That is where Rock Shops come in.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008418949335232602noreply@blogger.com