As it happens, The Theropod Archives is the second paleo-related project I’ve undertaken in recent years. The other, an educational database pertaining to dinosaurs and pterosaurs, is the reason I began collecting scientific papers in the first place. In populating the database, I frequently drew data from whatever online resources I came across, provided that they did not involve access fees. Faced with a lot of conflicting information, it wasn’t long before I figured out that the vast majority of dinosaur-themed Web sites are rife with errors. Thus began my efforts to validate content by referring instead to the primary literature.
Having no budget for the database project, I spent many an hour scouring the Internet for freely-available papers before tentatively reaching out to authors and fellow researchers with pleas for assistance. It must be that the individuals I contacted sensed my passion for the subject matter, or at a minimum appreciated my unwillingness to propagate misinformation, for my reference library has grown rapidly. To all who have helped in that regard, I offer my gratitude.
Further, I should note that each of the PDFs obtainable directly through The Theropod Archives is the fruit of someone else’s labor. I lack both the time and the hardware necessary to conduct my own digitization efforts; as a result, the older works presented are sure to have been obtained through the good will of others. Regrettably, I have done a poor job keeping track of the origins of the PDFs in my collection. Where I can remember sources, I have credited them. Where I have forgotten, please accept my apologies. Rest assured I’m more than happy to rectify the situation with a gentle reminder. Beyond all, I wish to acknowledge those who have worked to make dinosaur research more readily available. Clearly we share a mission!
Were it not for my participation in the Dinosaur Mailing List (DML), I would never have become involved with this effort. Thanks to my fellow Listers who provided early feedback about the site, and offered valuable suggestions for future enhancements. I would also like to single out a few DMLers for their assistance, both past and present. Graeme Worth has given excellent advice with regard to my database project, and shared valuable insight into the challenges of carving out a niche among countless dinosaur-themed educational products. He has also fostered a strong appreciation for the need to go “straight to the source” with regard to fact-checking. (For those who don’t know, Graeme maintains the PDF-based Dinosaur Encyclopaedia. Replete with meticulously researched specimen numbers and valuable references, it is well worth the nominal cost!) Brian Switek graciously offered to announce the launch of The Theropod Archives on his excellent science blog, Laelaps. And of course, thanks are owed to Ken Carpenter. I wasn’t aware I was ready for another project until he suggested I might be the person to tackle theropods!
Here’s hoping that spearheading this effort recompenses for some of the many kindnesses shown.