2nd February 2012, 09:43 PM
Yes a finite resource destroyed daily by a lot of factors beyond your control so you go for the one easy option and jump on the " lets ban metal detecting" bandwagon without ever considering of how best to utilise that interest and resource to a mutual benefit. Seems to me that you would be happier in the utopia you seek where the commercial world can destroy the archaeological resource and particularly the casual loss one without record just so no one else without the right degree or background can find it. Its easier to blame someone else and for many detecting is always seen as an easy option rather than taking a closer look at the whole picture of loss and damage.
Ah the old antiquities chestnut again - i have been around long enough to know that the market was well supplied with material long before the advent of and common use of metal detectors. I suppose there are different perceptions today with collecting of antiquities now available to the man in the street and is no longer the preserve of the academic elite.
Yes we do see things differently and for me i take a more pragmatic view based on experience.
Ah the old antiquities chestnut again - i have been around long enough to know that the market was well supplied with material long before the advent of and common use of metal detectors. I suppose there are different perceptions today with collecting of antiquities now available to the man in the street and is no longer the preserve of the academic elite.
Yes we do see things differently and for me i take a more pragmatic view based on experience.