Here is a short synopsis of the development of the workgroup from the initial conception of a global cooperative effort, to more focussed discussions of specific projects and desires, and finally the realisation of this website and its relationships with the Trilobite.info platform and the Yahoo Trilobites2 group (YT2G).

September 2003 :

A "major extinction event" occurs, as Frank Galef called it : the deletion of the original Yahoo Trilobite Group by Yahoo.groups is a shock to our community. No warning or reason was given by Yahoo, and years of messages and images accumulated there prior to this date are considered lost, although some members had made copies of valuable references and posts. Up to that date, Hans Krul archives messages, available on request.

November 2003 :

The first messages are posted on the revived Trilobites2 Yahoo Group about a common vision of global cooperative effort including scientists and amateurs. Philosophical discussions on the relationships and value of both to the goal of increasing knowledge and communication about trilobites leads to the conclusion that it would be worthwhile to attempt a pilot project.

December 2003 :

Goals of the cooperative effort are stated and discussed, including taxonomic databases and lists, syntheses of systematic publications into usable visual diagnoses, and building of a "virtual museum" of specimen images to showcase trilobite diversity are among the many suggestions. Trilobites.info is established as a working domain, occupied by Sam Gon's current "Guide to the Orders of Trilobites" website, and hosted by Steve Hess.

January 2004 :

The initial pilot project dealing with Moroccan species of Hollardops is launched, with input from scientists and amateur trilobite workers.