11th February 2007, 06:44 PM
There's a lot depending on definitions. If the individual is contributing to the work, and thus the profit, of a commercial organization on a for-profit contract, in my view they should be paid. Otherwise there is a clear and direct flouting of the BAJR/IFA pay scales. If unpaid, another word amateur would be unpaid professional! This would apply to an "experienced amateur".
If however we are talking about an interested "member of the public" then the kind of scenario outlined by Hosty comes into play, an outreach or public particpation programme. I see this as a totally different kettle of fish and not what I would call commercial archaeology, even if run by a commercial/professional unit and maybe even in advance of development (in which case an enlightened client will be required).
We owe the dead nothing but the truth.
If however we are talking about an interested "member of the public" then the kind of scenario outlined by Hosty comes into play, an outreach or public particpation programme. I see this as a totally different kettle of fish and not what I would call commercial archaeology, even if run by a commercial/professional unit and maybe even in advance of development (in which case an enlightened client will be required).
We owe the dead nothing but the truth.