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

[GPStone]

have always appreciated GP's contributions - but the problem with disinterest and being 'turned-off' is much larger - it is a society wide issue.

most brits do not want to discuss/debate/investigate ANYTHING - "heard it all before, what can i do anyway"

we have been pushing for unity and industry wide collaboration on BAJR - a clear and definite Positive Step Forward - but even this is frequently dismissed by majority as pointless ("yeah but can it change anything?" "look at the IFA..." etc etc)....

Thanks, Gnomeking!

I agree with you about apathy amongst wider society - its a depressing and deplorable situation and is an ever descending downward spiral. However, there are small pockets where it can be overcome. In this forum I think there is the potential for such a situation. The people who have decided to not participate and to not read a lot of what's being said aren't apathetic themselves. They might be here precisely because they are looking for solutions or meaningful discussion in the first place and want to do something but are met by a perception of ultimate and insurmountable negativity (like I said, I don't hold that belief but I can see why someone glancing over these threads might). I can't say that I believe that negativity to be unfounded, let me be clear on that. But I think there might be other ways of presenting stuff and being constructive - I'm just not entirely sure how to go about that right now, including your suggestion, BAJR. I don't know........:face-thinks:

Oxbeast, edwardajames and others - you've hit on a situation and both your positions seem valid. There isn't any feasible entry route into this 'profession' or applicable CPD or career progression once in it which helps towards staying in it. That is indicative of the failings amongst the IfA, others AND ourselves for not having capitalised on the brief moments of security and relative prosperity (I know, laughable, hence why I say relative) we had for a few years. All of us who are here now should take a small slice of blame for that (although the IfA et al might want to take somewhat larger chunk in their clear state of humbleness.......:face-huh.
Oxbeast, on the other hand, makes the extremely valid point that there ain't much we can do about this right now. I'm sorry for that. Please, keep trying and pushing and cajoling to try and get in but please realise the reality of the situation and look around (here, for instance - how pertinent) at all those who have done exactly that, who've weathered out the rough spells and found they never actually fade to good times or security or affluence the harder you try, and ask yourself if its worth the battle and whether you'll be able to make a good contribution at the end of it. If the answer's yes, then good luck to you and there'll be a lot of people who might, in the right circumstances give you a hand if they can..........and now who's being negative!