25th June 2014, 01:57 PM
Jack Wrote:Nah, I'm with PP here. Digging archaeology is a privilege not a right. It is a valuable and diminishing resource that as yet is undervalued.
In my experience of running sites, training people and rescuing as much as I can I have seen 'natural' archaeologists who get it pretty much straight away and have the hunger and dedication to the cause. Those that are hungry to learn and never stop to do so.
I have seen those without this natural ability who have to work harder to learn but still get there.....
But unfortunately I have also come across those who pretend to know what they are doing and who destroy much information, I have seen the deluded wannabe's who spout words of experience and skill that their bodies and minds cannot back up.
But more worrying I have seen the ambitious unskilled who's only interest is the thrill of command and the kudos of running a dig. They are the enemy.
No wonder you lot are struggling to find staff, who could meet those standards?