Q: how many archaeologists does it take to ruin an industry?

[moreno]

Since I came back to the forum not that long ago, I've been asking lots of people I know in archaeology if they read the forum and if they participate. The answer is ALWAYS the same and almost always consists of the same points (I sincerely apologise in advance if anyone is insulted by this, that isn't my aim in bringing it up, but I think its worth raising). It goes something like this:

"Yeah, I still read the stuff on the forum sometimes but not as much as I used to. I don't participate anymore because I got fed up with all the bitter old-timers ranting about how bad things are, and often I disagree with some things but feel like there's no point in saying anything because you know the response before you join in."

I dropped out back in 2006, and only recently rejoined BAJR, and much for the same reasons. The experience is not so dissimilar.

I don't necessarilly agree with this, maybe because I've started joining in. But the consistency of responses I've received when I've asked that question makes me wonder whether there's something on this forum which sometimes reinforces peoples views - something which creates a self-fulfilling prophesy of sorts. It happens in the site-hut and amongst all of us in conversation, so maybe its not fair to point the finger here. And maybe it means nothing, I'm not sure. I have no doubt that most people in this industry at all levels are pretty down, very frustrated and largely scared at the possibilities for the future if they even have the benefit of being able to see one. But I'm also not wholly convinced that the overall views represented here always represent the views on the ground, and I think we need to be aware of that sometimes. Sometimes they do, of course..........sorry if that's :face-stir:.

It's been a while since I've been in a site hut, but now that you mention it, it rings bells. I made sure to eat lunch as far away from a site's usual suspects.