2nd September 2009, 05:55 PM
Sorry for the momentary burst of anger and, yes, a sweeping statement of my own! Don't get me wrong, there is a great deal that metal-detectorists, merchant bankers and others can contribute to our understanding of the past. I am not an 'either-or' person. I too work with a wide range of volunteers and others, and have worked with many archaeologists whose route into the profession was extremely interesting, let us say. I would suggest that the issue of 'qualifications' is probably worthy of another thread...
As you say, this is a debate about archaeology and the future of the profession. I agree that we can only survive as a profession if we are prepared to engage widely with everyone. But equally we must stay true to our own values and ethos.
To go back to the original discussion: I think there is a great deal of potential in the current climate to think about where we are, what we are all about and what we are doing. But I am not sure that the system of private sector archaeology is the cause of the problems we all face. To that end I do think that, as you say, 'standing alongside' the professional institutes which do (like it or not) represent us to government and others, is essential. Moreover, discussing and debating the issues across Europe, listening to and learning from colleagues with other experiences (as the EAA session which this thread began with is going to do) is the only way forward.
The resulting action may be slow, but I do think that action is possible... yet as I said in an earlier post, it will always be gradual and inevitably tempered by the demands of other sections of society.
:face-confused:
As you say, this is a debate about archaeology and the future of the profession. I agree that we can only survive as a profession if we are prepared to engage widely with everyone. But equally we must stay true to our own values and ethos.
To go back to the original discussion: I think there is a great deal of potential in the current climate to think about where we are, what we are all about and what we are doing. But I am not sure that the system of private sector archaeology is the cause of the problems we all face. To that end I do think that, as you say, 'standing alongside' the professional institutes which do (like it or not) represent us to government and others, is essential. Moreover, discussing and debating the issues across Europe, listening to and learning from colleagues with other experiences (as the EAA session which this thread began with is going to do) is the only way forward.
The resulting action may be slow, but I do think that action is possible... yet as I said in an earlier post, it will always be gradual and inevitably tempered by the demands of other sections of society.
:face-confused: