30th August 2006, 10:47 AM
I very much doubt that 8 out of 10 archaeologists would appear on Time Team. The vast majority of those I have discussed the matter with wouldn't, and the vast majority of those I know that have done so would never do it again.
I fail to see how having diggers jumping up and down about how a single sherd of Kingston ware (or was it?) equals high status feasting activity does anything for the profession. It doesn't help when trying to get a developer to take you seriously does it?
Come to think of it, most coppers cringe at the mention of the Bill. No doubt there are hard working interior design professionals out there who fight to justify their existence every time they meet someone new. Do we want to be like that? Well if not, it's best that we aren't depicted on TV as muppets.
What Time Team needs is the courage to tell complex stories, the prudence to stick with techniques and sites guaranteed to produce presentable results, and the sense not to sensationalise when they haven't found much.
Personally I would like to see more programmes monitoring and adding to existing projects like the ones in Canterbury and Roman London. They were fantastic.
I fail to see how having diggers jumping up and down about how a single sherd of Kingston ware (or was it?) equals high status feasting activity does anything for the profession. It doesn't help when trying to get a developer to take you seriously does it?
Come to think of it, most coppers cringe at the mention of the Bill. No doubt there are hard working interior design professionals out there who fight to justify their existence every time they meet someone new. Do we want to be like that? Well if not, it's best that we aren't depicted on TV as muppets.
What Time Team needs is the courage to tell complex stories, the prudence to stick with techniques and sites guaranteed to produce presentable results, and the sense not to sensationalise when they haven't found much.
Personally I would like to see more programmes monitoring and adding to existing projects like the ones in Canterbury and Roman London. They were fantastic.