I like the direction David Goldstein was taking this subject. He mentioned volunteers to monitor information for accuracy. It was my claim that no expert is more knowledgeable than the combined minds of our club. Maybe we can start with a subject like “what makes for a good piece of Aurene verses a poor piece” or “rare shapes versus popular shapes in determining value”. Then vetting could be done by the club for accuracy in information or identification.

Another need I have seen is for accuracy in identification for museums and major auction houses. They could be invited to send a photo to the Gazette for proper identification and color accuracy. That way they could label it Persian Blue candle stick with shape number rather than just Blue Steuben candlestick. Someone could approach the Corning Museum so they could begin to preserve the knowledge through accurate and more detailed identification. The Gazette could host a piece a week perhaps. Readers could be encouraged to send photos of their pieces in also. This may spark new interest for beginners and seasoned collectors alike and promote group effort.

Does anyone have any other ideas to promote group participation and preservation of knowledge?
Rande Bly

p,s, I know I promised everybody the Back Yard Tricks for identifying Persian Blue. We all got started on another subject but it is very simple. Persian Blue is the only Steuben Blue that glows bright green under a black light. If you do not have a black light you can also see the glow somewhat in outdoor sunlight. It works every time and will never fail you.