Book excerpt: You've read every dinosaur book that you could get your hands on since you were ten years old. You've dragged your friends and family to natural history museums all across the country. Maybe, you've been volunteering for digs or lab work. Maybe you've already gotten your degree or even your first job in the field. Whatever the case, if you are chasing the beasts of life's past, and you know that paleontology is what you want to do for the rest of your life, then "The Top 256 Rules of Paleontology" should be the next step in your journey. The Top 256 offers introductory fossil technicians, volunteers and young professionals over 256 practical, candid, no holds-barred, tidbits of advice on how to make that journey a success. It covers everything from field and laboratory techniques, to advice on publishing, dealing with your peers and conducting research. If you're a young professional, an old pro or just someone interested in fossils, this book is a must read!