I'm British- Historic Enviroment Professional view

[BAJR Host]

quote:I find it morally wrong to try and make money out of any conservation based profession.

I also take issue with that... I'm sorry I can be a moral person and make money... why would making money be morally wrong if its what you are good at...

I for example don't make lots... but I make quite a good living, and therefore can have the time (and money) to spend doing community and outreach..) "I make therefore I can"

If we want to be professional.. lets stop the embassesment about making money... I can't think of anyone else who would feel they should not make money .. because its not nice.

I make a living... but I also don't mind making more than I need.. not greedy... just reasonable... then I can be a bit more socially inclusive... Archaeolgoists are always seen as people who will do a weekend dig for nought... give a lecture for free, carry out research for thrupence... by why?

I also disagree with Paul..money does not have to be the sole option... but why can't you have two? Interest in the past and a desire to have the painting you like, the holiday you want, the car that goes more than a few miles without breaking down.

We do love to do ourselves down...

I agree that money is not the ultimate reason I do it... but after 15 years I was still on 10k a year... was nice indeed to have the money not to worry about the money any more... AND have the life as an archaeologist.... or HE Professioanal

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Chris Jones]

If I insinuated that a person is morally wrong by making money then I take it back, but I do feel strongly on this ..... everyone has a right to make money and yes archaeologists should start to market themselves as valued professionals who are worth the money .... I just feel that archaeology is about so much more than financial benefit, and we're obsessed with money because the vast majority of us aren't paid what we are worth. I'm happy with my lot ... now .... but I spent a lot of time being unhappy and was quite close to doing something else, but the archaeology I really enjoy is that which occupies my spare time, and it took me bloomin ages to realise this ....

Quote "I agree that money is not the ultimate reason I do it... but after 15 years I was still on 10k a year... was nice indeed to have the money not to worry about the money any more... AND have the life as an archaeologist.... or HE Professioanal"

Totally agree

[BAJR Host]

Your right in a way as well (hey I like the fence I sit on!) Archaeology is more than the money... it is lots more than that, it should not though be seen as a soft touch, and should be paid and treated like a grown up ... As someone said, Archaeology is a hobby that got out of hand I'll never drive an Audi sports Car, never own a private jet... but I will have a life that is rich in interest and diversity... that said... an Audi would be nice... with heated seats ...

The question still stands though... Can archaeology really create a 'British' Citizen? can it regenerate a community? Or is it a luxury that needs a stable community in the first place..., I feel it is a bit of both, seeing what has happened at Prestonpans and Cousland (near me) with groups involvement giving a sense of place... but it costs money... much as I would love to do things for nothing (sometimes I do) you have to look after yourself. Only when you are stable can you do charity. (even if its what you love)

If I had a penny for everyone who wants to be an archaeologist.. would have my dream car!

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Chris Jones]

Agree absolutely ..... and looking forward to the debate.
Congratulations also in order ... glad you are in a happy place. I never thought I would get to be, but then it's all the sweeter. Bring on 2008!

[BAJR Host]

Oh how true... but it turns out that it's up to the person... anything is possible...

perhaps this is a new thread..

the debate is needed.. and Kenny has started it.. which can only be good..

I know he is on holiday.. so I hope he sees this and is able to reply...

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Paul Belford]

Just for the record, to clarify what I thought I said before - I did not say it was wrong to make money, simply that doing it [u]only</u> for the money was questionable - ie. I agree with Hosty that you can do both. I was not saying we should not earn money at all, rather that we are not (or should not) be in it [u]just</u> to earn money... any more than, say, a doctor goes into medicine primarily to make money (although as a GP he might earn £100,000 a year, as a specialist consultant as much as £300,000 a year).

BTW - if you really want heated seats follow my example and buy an old Saab!


[url]http://paulbelford.blogspot.com/"[/url]

[BAJR Host]

Thanks for that Paul... and today... I could really have done with the heated seat.. in fact the heated anything.... it was so cold I ended up actually working to keep warm! Ah the joys of working out in winter! (and you all thought I was just a desk jockey!)



"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Steven]

Hi Chaps
There is a fundamental flaw in this article because most of it is non-specific. You can replace the word British with European and it still plays out the same. The article does not say anything. Its like one of those essay writing programmes that string together a series of verbs and nouns etc which relate to any subject which appears to have meaning but is in fact just grammatically correct nonsense. To then wedge this in to comparing cultural identity with the HE profession is just a really cheap shot and the last paragraph reads like the wind up to an after dinner speech at a self-congratulatory back slapping awards ceremony.

Sorry if this seems a little harsh but if Kenneth’s going to proclaim on “self centred individuals” etc then he’d better get a properly thought through reason first.


Steven