[Rockhounds] Re: MR Texas Supplement

[Darryl Powell]

Dear List,
    Obviously there are a lot of different observations and opinions 
about the Texas Collector issue.  I guess there will always be 
differences of opinion as to the best role of MR as a publication.  On 
the whole, I have benefited from the range of information the magazine 
provides, even if it doesn't always "hit" my interests or collecting 
philosophy and I continue to look forward to receiving the new issues.
    How's this for yet another perspective:  considering how many 
collection issues have been published by MR, is it possible that an 
unstated direction of the magazine is to publish a number of collection 
catalogs, as an historical record of what's out there in the mineral 
collecting world right now and where it is?  For example, the pink 
Peruvian fluorite octahedra in the Spann collection at one time belonged 
to Marty Zinn.  Personally I always found it interesting to trace the 
heritage of old specimens that at one time belonged to this count then 
that mineralogist then that museum then that private collector, and so 
on.  I suppose there's some value, even if minimal, to have such records 
available for future generations.
    Lastly I must confess that I do like mineralogical eye candy and 
enjoy the pretty pictures.  Not much brain energy needed which is fine 
at the end of a long and busy day.

Just some random thoughts.  Best wishes to you all.
Darryl Powell
Manchester, NY