It is inevitable with the wide range of experience of contributors that occasionally the novice field mycologists like Nick and I will feel a little out of our depth, but never-the-less we all still thoroughly enjoy participating as best we can and finding it endlessly fascinating reading the erudite and informative missives of the learned members. Where better to supplement the knowledge gained from foraying with groups and reading the literature.
Back in October, having seen the Bird section equivalent, I first suggested an enhanced Fungi List, including images, for the WAB Reference. I envisioned an online reference mirroring the principles of the popular publications and I still think, within limits, it is possible. The initial aim, using the resources of the gallery and forum contributions, was to create an A to Z with an entry for every verified species found by members giving the basic descriptions and information. In a minority of cases this has been achieved, viz:
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...erdigris-navel
But there is still an awfully long way to go, especially as, so far, insufficient microscopic data has been supplied and without which we can not be taken seriously.
Then comes the question of consolidating, selecting and storing within the relevant entries, the supplementary salient information supplied in torrents every day on both the WAB website and in the learned society and association publications, etc. To do this in a manner that would keep this reference viable would take an enormous team of researchers and editors; a resource we don't have, other than the volunteers who already do as much as they can to get the scheme off the ground. (We could use some of that free time Nick
)
So perhaps it is time, as John says, to rethink the strategy.
David