I would suggest that the "cheapest crud wins" is not a loophole in the system, it is the very essence, the ideaology of the system. It IS the system!

Assuming the system can't be changed, how can we improve it - change the way specs and briefs are produced? Funding at least in part, from elsewhere, maybe a development tax, to reduce or eliminate competetive tendering?

Today, Bradford. Tomorrow, well, Bradford probably.

I think that's their job. From where they sit, I suppose you are actually part of the bird-pooh/grain matrix.

We've done it to death before, but a licensing system of some sort might give them more teeth.

Today, Bradford. Tomorrow, well, Bradford probably.

I agree with you on this front. The first stage PIFA is enormously undervalued: when people have asked me whether to apply or not I have tended to advise them to wait and get to AIFA. If degrees are enough to be a Practitioner, there really does need to be more stages to make it mean something, with much more weight to actual 'real' experience. I no particular rub with people who choose to persue the academic side of archaeology, in fact the two strands are vital, but the pursuit of degrees and masters doth not automatically make good Field Archaeologists.

Not sure sir-please define "spot listing". From my experience, listing and scheduling does not protect monuments or buildings from commercial developers anyway....

Can someone please tell me where I can find some data?
I want to know how many sites have been excavated since the introduction of PPG15/16.I want to know how many sites are dug-on average, a year.
Many thanks. Luv you lots.Kissy Kissy.

My old WHS (work hard and starve) trowel was a superb bit of engineering. Could demolish the tracks off a soddin Russian tank wivvit.
Am currently on my second (WHS/Spear and Jackson) of the new variety in less than six months. The blade has worn to half it`s size and, in common with at least two other colleagues have found that they break across the blade. Whats goin on? Whilst the new, thicker "knuckle protector" idea is a good un`, I`m still bleeding to death.Has the takeover company seen a good earner here? Use old Datsun steel and ensure high turnover of what was once an excellent tool?

This is exactly the right place to post your thread. Over here in strawberry and cream land, we have rather a bizarre thing going on. Our "professionals" can choose to sign up to standards or not. They are completely voluntary. Not only that, those standards are not enforced, policed or even visible. In this environment, the individual you describe would (in England) make it to the top quite quickly. In fact, now that he/she has supervisory experience, the Institute here will probably provide them with extra letters after their name too. If your blood boils, keep it simmering and bring it with you to our first BAJR conference due in late 2006 where this kind of sycophantic,pathetic and pig-ignorant arrogance will be addressed.

No not that kind, you smelly lot!!!!

So, BAJR Top Trumps. We are allowed 6 categories as that is all that would probably fit on the Top Trumps cards. What should be included?

Beardiness
Beer Gut
Trowel Action
Soap Dodging Ability
Pairs of Combat Trousers Owned
Archives Deposited

Do these cover it or should we change some of the categories? Are there better categories instead? Should we replace some of the above with H&S Awareness or Sensitivity to Soil Changes or Cussing out the Supervisor? Should Over-cutting be in there? What about Missing The Edges? And how do we fit Curators into the set? So, how's about it, peeps? Let's have some ideas.

Cheers,
Eggbasket

Cheers,
Eggbasket
Gentleman Adventurer and Purveyor of Agitfop to the Masses

Civilise the City March: assemble at the Beau Brummell memorial on Jermyn Street, London SW1 on Saturday 15th October at midday. Please bring elegant clothing, a stout cane and a doffable hat.

Good Morning,
As im about to enter the relms of the consultant I would be grateful if any of you guys out there could suggest a book that encapsulates the work range of a consultant encapsulating such things as EIA and Archaeological Project management so as I can bone up on things. Any help would be of great benefit.

Cheers

What's going on with this site? First all the litigious stuff and the shut down. Now it's turned into a sort of Faceparty for dirty,beardy, smelly, jumper wearing hippies. No offence intended of course (and probably none taken). Seriously though I think David needs to set up yet another strand, this time for dating, as it would appear to be much needed. Yours, Vulpes (a Foxy stunner, no doubt!)