[meteorite-list] Who owns the meteorite?

[Adam Hupe]

Mike G Wrote:
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If profit is the focus of our activities then the government is  always going to 
come knocking with it's hand out and the regulation  pen in the other hand.
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I could not agree more.  This is one of the reasons that I am so vocal about all 
of the media attaching seriously overinflated price tags to every meteorite 
instead of balancing the subject with other more important attributes.  The 
price doesn't need to be mentioned at all unless unwanted attention is the 
desired result.  A meteorite can carry its own weight without attaching a 
ridiculously high price tag to it in public.  Unfortunately, putting up a price 
tag and playing the sound of the cash register drawer opening is a very cheap 
yet effective way to improve viewership, especially in an economic downturn.  In 
my opinion, it is very irresponsible but may be good for ratings, just not the 
hobby.    


You notice that professionally done series like Chasing Mummies doesn't attach 
price tags to anything found.  They do not need too.  The treasure hunt, history 
and culture are all that is needed to keep an audience interested.  They also 
inform the viewer of the laws concerning the antiquities so that a free-for-all 
doesn't break out.

Lately, most of the people coming forward with suspected meteorites seem to be 
only attracted the monetary aspect of it, thinking they are lying everywhere 
like an Easter Egg hunt, $$$$ ready for the picking.

Happy Hunting while you still can,

Adam