3rd July 2005, 11:35 AM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by troll
...us diggers would quite like the opportunity to talk to the curators about our work.....on site!
I agree that really talking to diggers and site staff is important, but that's why I find this site so useful, as I can do exactly that.
It's a sad fact that monitoring visits often end up as an exercise in checking that the principles set out for an excavation in a method statement, are actually being carried out on site. Please don't forget that not only would I be just nosing around at the archaeology, interested in what you've found, but am also wondering if the agreed sampling levels are being adhered to, whether the timescale for the rest of the site is adequate, if you've got the resources to carry out the agreed scheme, whether the client is playing everyone for mugs, pushing for additional work if we think it's required, etc., etc. And then possibly off to the next site visit as well, to do the same all over again. A half hour site visit chat with the digging staff, times three site visits in a day, might actually mean that I don't make it to that final visit in time to catch anyone on site (Which has happened to me more than once)!
My favourite sites are the ones I only have to visit very rarely - because through working at the office, I am aware of what is going on, and am satisfied that it is going according to plan. Some sites I feel obliged to visit every week - because I don't trust the client or the consultant (sorry Dr. Pete) or the unit to level with me. Consider that by NOT seeing the Countie Mountie much, it might be that he/she is satisfied that you are doing a good job!