11th February 2007, 12:14 PM
Alot of what Hurting-back said I agree with and when I undertake excavation I do more or less what you have said above.
Why should people concern themselves about what is commercial archaeology? well we do these because it is deemed to be in the "public interest" by the government resulting in PPG16 (which is under/or going to be under review) in additional all other sources for funding in general for archaeology are continually being cut. If these voices at community conferences express a general disatisfaction with us as a group representing the "public"- this could affect our future.
I dont wish upon anyone the need to learn about PPG16 BUT most people think we do this as a holiday pastime - how many times have you been asked are you a student? If people understood we were a commercial business they would understand better the limitations placed on us for public access - but seriously alot of people I met think i do it for fun! obviously I partly do it for that but paying the rent and getting food on the top are also part of the equation.
Why should people concern themselves about what is commercial archaeology? well we do these because it is deemed to be in the "public interest" by the government resulting in PPG16 (which is under/or going to be under review) in additional all other sources for funding in general for archaeology are continually being cut. If these voices at community conferences express a general disatisfaction with us as a group representing the "public"- this could affect our future.
I dont wish upon anyone the need to learn about PPG16 BUT most people think we do this as a holiday pastime - how many times have you been asked are you a student? If people understood we were a commercial business they would understand better the limitations placed on us for public access - but seriously alot of people I met think i do it for fun! obviously I partly do it for that but paying the rent and getting food on the top are also part of the equation.