Federation - for the benefit of Britarchers

[BAJR Host]

After some interesting comments about me personally on Britarch
and many thanks to those that stepped in to defend..

There has been an unusual post about the BAJR Federation:

This is still in a rewrite phase.. and I am working on it (as we speak)

I am glad to say that discussions with a large specialist group has already been fruitful, adding some hundreds of members.

One John Armour ( only ever heard of him on Britarch when he commented on my lack of degree and attempt to dominate british archaeology) has asked the valid question.. (with a barb at the end)

quote:What do people think of the proposed BAJR Federation (chair DC)? Is this a good thing? or an attempt to dominate and control british archaeology?

Well here is the original proposal for their benefit - Not so much a Nazi takeover, more a collective democratic support.

If individuals wish to join:
http://www.bajr.org/federation/


Taking into consideration the comments and suggestions made both on and off the BAJR Forum and elsewhere, the following is a revision of the membership, aims and organisation of what will become the

BAJR Federation



Membership:

Member:
The sole trader/ small company (5 or less); Freelancers; Specialists (the surveyor, ceramicist, geophysicist, finds specialist etc.); Short term contract employees; and individual or small group who is active within what can broadly be termed archaeology within the UK.
Student:
Those in full time or part time education related to any aspect of archaeology.
Affiliate:
A person who is either not directly involved in archaeology or is involved in archaeology but is out-with the United Kingdom, and so not directly affected by issues within the confines on the United Kingdom.
Group Affiliation:
Existing groups within the profession, such as the Diggers Forum, the British Women Archaeologists, ADA the AAIS etc.. would be invited as group affiliates, and information exchange formalised, to inform of issues and initiatives both to and from the BAJR Federation.

The process of communication with the current bodies would be decided ? to ensure that again, information and methods of approach could be understood by all parties.

The thrust of the Federation would be in three parallel directions.

1. An information gathering and dissemination service to provide advice and notification of new and current issues, regarding the various membership groups
2. A lobbying organisation on matters put forward by Federation members, with voting on a collective response; providing a collective response to consultations.
3. A voice to actively interact with current groups that is representative of a majority rather than as an individual.


Each of these seven categories would put forward a member to the Council yearly to represent the concerns of each group.

Issues, information and self help could be addressed by each group and disseminated.

For example, for sole traders help in running your own business; for freelancers, requirements for insurance; for specialists, new research in various fields; for students, details on requirements and expectations in the different facets of archaeology; the short term contract workers, having a voice with which to ensure the union represented them robustly and a collective voice to speak for the individual.

Skills and training would be paramount to the federation and therefore connection to and working with the pre-existing organisations would be complementary and not conflicting.

Membership of the federation will be (at least initially) free and rely on recognition that an independent organisation is needed.

Over the past ten years BAJR (as an individual) has established a reputation for honesty and trust and there is no reason why BAJR Federation(as an separate but affiliated organisation) cannot continue with the same stance, no longer a single voice but many voices speaking as one.
It is essential that this is not seen as a replacement for any of the existing organisations and is not seen as a Union, but a federation of like minded and dedicated professionals who wish to see that the standards and future of archaeology are ensured. T

Voting would be the main responsibility of members.. with first a discussion on the nature of the question and answers and then a system of voting that is inclusive (both web based and SMS) ensuring those who have limited access to the internet have the ability to have their say. A majority vote would be required to actively move forward on an issue. Non-voting over a protracted period could lead to a loss of voting rights. (with certain safeguards against those unable to be involved for legitimate reasons? perhaps a three strikes rule?)

A Bi-monthly Newsletter would inform members of activities.. available as a pdf download.. (thoughts on paper copies would have to be addressed) - The main concept is to keep people informed, to communicate, to support and to lobby.

"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage."
Niccolo Machiavelli

[Oxbeast]

Wow, I'm glad that our AUP prevents 'reductio ad Hitlerum' as it is known on t'internet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reductio_ad_hitlerum
Is Britarch even moderated at all?

[BAJR Host]

I asked Britarch to remove the comment, they have stated that they would not.

I have contacted the Jiscmail (of which Britarch is part of) and they have agreed it breaches AUP and will remove it.

The difference is that BAJR can be moderated (sometimes after the event ) but it can be moderated to ensure that debate is robust, but not overly offensive... as recent posts have shown..

I feel it was a shame that the britarch attitude was one that did not recognise personal abuse as being unacceptable.

I don't mind it from you lot though

"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage."
Niccolo Machiavelli

[Hermannyorks]

Ah that'll be why the thread was gone. 'reductio ad Hitlerum' or known by its other name Godwin's Law

[mattockman]

Sorry logged in under my usual account. I set up that one just to demonstrate that Diarmaid Walshe was talking rubbish about membership being vetted

[kevin wooldridge]

I hadn't heard of it referred to as Godwin's Law....but I think I very much like the explanation as espoused on Wikipedia....especially the corollary that there is a political version where at the moment that a sensibly liberal candidate appears to be winning anything they will immediately be branded as an 'extremist' or that every Hollywood actor eventually has to dress as a Nazi to win awards (otherwise known as Ricky Gervaise's 'Winslet Theorem'.

Who is John Armour by the way. Is that a Britarch pseudonym?



With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...

[gorilla]

Isn't Diarmaid Walshe the director of a newish-on-the-block company, seen on the 'tinternet sellingarchaeological tools, providing archaeological information and has a job-hunting page (much like BAJR has done for the past few years)? Isn't he the same dude that had a run-in with David over copyright as well?

Hmmm... sounds like sour grapes to me

"I hope one day chickens will be able to cross the road without having their motives questioned" Anon

[BAJR Host]

Well all gone now, pity I had to complain to the JiscMail people.. an apology would be nice..

however, sorry that the debate was ended, even though there was some rubbish being talked...

Did nobody tell D Walshe that I was an IFA Council Member or that membership of the CBA is not really like he seems to think it is.

Or that the Federation (working title) is somehow a replacement to the IfA - lots of weird and whacky ideas from people who should read before typing..

debate is good though.. and needed.. sensible moderate debate. only then can the Fedration move on.

As to vetting... its all in the eprception of the beholder...
perhaps D. Walshe will join? perhaps not? He will have to act within the AUP though, :face-thinks: :face-huh:

"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage."
Niccolo Machiavelli

[drpeterwardle]

I have to say I find all of this tiresome.

I have just spoken to the CBA and they tell me that Britarch is a semi-moderated list. They have a poor track record on such matters.

See:
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webad...=0&O=T&T=0

This reveals "sensitive infomation" as defined by the data protection act about myself and the CBA refused to remove it.

I suggest that we dont bother responding to comments on Britarh about BAJR fed.

Have to say though that Britarch is normally a great resource.

Dr Peter Wardle

[BAJR Host]

Mr Welshe is one in the same... we mostly ignore him now... though his job thing hit an early snag when it was shown to be a copy of the IfA Job Information Sheet.. whooops.

I wish them luck with their business, as long as they play by the rules. Its good to have competition - keeps you on your toes. How you conduct yourself is also important (memo... remember that myself!)

I didn't get wher I was today ...blah blah... did you know it's BAJR's 10th Birthday this year??

"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage."
Niccolo Machiavelli