Winter Wading
I have waded in recently. It is not cold here. In fact, I have found some quite warm water by offering opinions, never very safe in a scientific community.
I have spent a share of recent time with Marine Organisms. I like 'thoroughly' observing an organism, offering some of what I learn in the process, usually in the form of descriptive texts or annotated photos, perhaps even external links. This inevitably takes more time than the more common alternative, I will never be a prolific Observer here.
I believe that if I offer an illustrated organism with a fairly certain ID, I ought to wade through some, if not all, of the Other Observations, particularly those not at Research Grade.
I believe others should do this too, specially if they are convinced that their own ID is correct. This is not always an easy, or safe, prospect, as there are often several hundred Other Observations and some misidentified ones to be tackled (or avoided).
I am learning to be calmer and more patient - surely a good philosophy when wading in unknown waters.