GeologyRocks

ouch! Bit pricy Simon! :shock:

John

you should see the Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group meeting - VMSG - at Leeds this year - £100 for students, and up to £150 for non-students.

The MDSG isn't too bad - about standard prices for many conferences.

You're probably right. It just seems a lot for what is a hobby to me - although there are those who claim it rules my life!

John

That's the problem isn't it? If you're a student or academic these things are paid for so it doesn't matter, but if it's a hobby you have to foot the bill yourself. A little unfair I feel as it could put off people who otherwise could make a valuable contribution.

Just for comparison the conference I talked at this summer was $150 (American) for students and something like $300 for non-students :shock:

You're right - it may well put potential rockhounds off. But is there any way to subsidise. I don't think Gordon Brown would put his hand in his pocket!

John

Hmmm, you're right. I can't really think of any way to subsidise that would actually work. Do the Geological Association or any other professional body provide grants for non-academics to attend meetings? I think that could possibly work. I know I'd be happy for my annual fees (I'm a member of the Palaeontological Association) to be used in this way.

I think it's such a shame as geology is one of the few sciences where amateurs can make a real contribution.

Unfortunately the MDSG conference IS subsidised! £25 for students is cheap, and non-NERC funded students get some funding to attend - but unfortunately you can't subsidise everyone and putting a conference on is expensive...maybe there should be an 'amateur' subsidised category as well...

It doesn't sound horrendously expensive to me. Trouble is, I tend to avoid London like the plague. There would have to be some major incentive, like cheap accommodation and a fearsome curry thrown in.

Gus

I'll rent you a bench in Hyde Park !