30th June 2010, 10:27 AM
This is indeed one of the main issues where although it may be 'clear(ish) in our heads how important it all is... we fail to express that as commercial archaeologists and often (as I saw yesterday) archaeologists are seen as people who come along and just do it (for some reason not needing to be paid)
How many times have we heard the phrase... now don't get me wrong... I love the time team... but why do I have to have archaeology in my garden/houseplot/development site. Archaeology is seen as a hobby profession, with poor wages and a vocational outlook. So when looking at bottom lines, guess where archaeology turns up! I have yet to see a convincing and coherent argument that archaeology is important that does not have to stray into immeasurables about er... time team...er... our heritage... um... because ...er.. (oh and don't forget to add the 'benefit to tourism' )
I want to see hard facts... real benefits... cost analysis... things that you can hang a hard hat on. So... what is the benefit of an evaluation in real money... what does it save... what does it mean in terms of value... etc...
Then we might see courses going back up when both the buying public (clients) see a real benefit rather than a stealth tax for no real benefit. (and yes I know it is needed to get planning - but I am talking something where the client thinks... that was worth it) and then students will think.... this is a career that is worth investing in... and unis will think... I want an archaeology department to add prestige to my university.
Dream on Mr BAJR... dream on :face-huh:
So once again I agree with Dino.... I must watch myself
How many times have we heard the phrase... now don't get me wrong... I love the time team... but why do I have to have archaeology in my garden/houseplot/development site. Archaeology is seen as a hobby profession, with poor wages and a vocational outlook. So when looking at bottom lines, guess where archaeology turns up! I have yet to see a convincing and coherent argument that archaeology is important that does not have to stray into immeasurables about er... time team...er... our heritage... um... because ...er.. (oh and don't forget to add the 'benefit to tourism' )
I want to see hard facts... real benefits... cost analysis... things that you can hang a hard hat on. So... what is the benefit of an evaluation in real money... what does it save... what does it mean in terms of value... etc...
Then we might see courses going back up when both the buying public (clients) see a real benefit rather than a stealth tax for no real benefit. (and yes I know it is needed to get planning - but I am talking something where the client thinks... that was worth it) and then students will think.... this is a career that is worth investing in... and unis will think... I want an archaeology department to add prestige to my university.
Dream on Mr BAJR... dream on :face-huh:
So once again I agree with Dino.... I must watch myself