19th June 2009, 08:02 PM
David, thanks for clarifying that; as I said, I knew what you really meant, but many wouldn't.
I agree that communication isn't good, and would hope that it will improve soon. Jez has been on site pretty much constantly for the past year or two but has been doing what he can, I imagine the same is true for Chris although I haven't seen him since xmas. I know its not an excuse, but as Kathryn says they are volunteers, and don't have any time except their own. And if you are on site 5 days a week its different from being in an office where you can knock off an email newsletter in your lunchbreak.
If more people offered to help out, then communication could improve rapidly, but when it is only a few people then it is harder, especially when they are working hard on site. Unfortunately lack of visible communication/results is a self-fulfilling prophesy, and you can see how the original drive (and quite frankly courage to set this up in the first place) was depleted by the tide of apathy. I have offered to help as I believe in what they are doing, and have offered some of my training handouts as freebies for any newsletter. Of course when nothing is really happening its hard to know what to write, and expectations are always high, and results normally low. But yes, to communicate and listen is essential. But also to get involved and support.
I have heard about the website issue from four or five different people, including yourself, and everyone has a slightly different version! Lets just move on in a positive way.
I look forward to a DF relaunch, supported by all who support archaeology. Hopefully it will have some form of webpage, and regular communication to report activities and get feedback/support/ideas.
I also look forward to the new BAJR fora, and Fedspace and seeing how they develop, and would like to thank you again. I've just got some queries about how it will work (as usual).
I agree that communication isn't good, and would hope that it will improve soon. Jez has been on site pretty much constantly for the past year or two but has been doing what he can, I imagine the same is true for Chris although I haven't seen him since xmas. I know its not an excuse, but as Kathryn says they are volunteers, and don't have any time except their own. And if you are on site 5 days a week its different from being in an office where you can knock off an email newsletter in your lunchbreak.
If more people offered to help out, then communication could improve rapidly, but when it is only a few people then it is harder, especially when they are working hard on site. Unfortunately lack of visible communication/results is a self-fulfilling prophesy, and you can see how the original drive (and quite frankly courage to set this up in the first place) was depleted by the tide of apathy. I have offered to help as I believe in what they are doing, and have offered some of my training handouts as freebies for any newsletter. Of course when nothing is really happening its hard to know what to write, and expectations are always high, and results normally low. But yes, to communicate and listen is essential. But also to get involved and support.
I have heard about the website issue from four or five different people, including yourself, and everyone has a slightly different version! Lets just move on in a positive way.
I look forward to a DF relaunch, supported by all who support archaeology. Hopefully it will have some form of webpage, and regular communication to report activities and get feedback/support/ideas.
I also look forward to the new BAJR fora, and Fedspace and seeing how they develop, and would like to thank you again. I've just got some queries about how it will work (as usual).