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+--- Thread: BAJR leaves the IFA (/showthread.php?tid=914)
BAJR leaves the IFA - BAJR Host - 25th April 2008
It is with great thought and advice that I prepared the following statement for the IFA council and read an extend version on Wednesday 16th 2008 in London.
I have always honestly believed in all the ideals and principals of the IFA, even if I have often disagreed with the exact implementation or directions of certain aspects. However, at this point in time, the potential for me to reconcile my own ideals with this has been compromised by some recent and not so recent events, comments and actions.
I began to doubt my effectiveness as a Council member due to a growing sense of background conflict (in certain areas) that whether real or perceived was affecting the work that was required in what is an important post.
I have no desire to undermine the valuable work that is taking place now, and stress this is a personal decision, the full reasons for which I do not intend to make public, and I therefore wish to continue to support the IFA in all aspects of its work where my assistance will be seen as appropriate and an understanding of working towards a common goal are agreed.
I felt that, although I wished to be a part of the new and exciting directions that archaeology in general must take and having received a trust from people who voted me onto the Council to represent them within the IFA ( my greatest regret), I had no other option than to resign from [u]both </u>the IFA Council and (for the present time) the IFA ?a decision I have not taken lightly.
I have a great respect for members and colleagues in the IFA, and wish them the best for the challenges that lie ahead. BAJR will continue to unilaterally support (in its' small way) active initiatives designed to move the profession forward.
I will continue to give my wholehearted support to the Diggers Forum and other initiatives. It is also my intention to continue as an external participant, in the creation of an ethics committee, that should both strengthen the profession and prevent some damaging disciplinary cases. I also wish to work to ensure and encourage a more proactive approach when dealing with matters relating to ongoing archaeology projects, as it has become clear that action after the matter, is very much a ?closing the stable door after the horse has bolted? situation, and leads only to conflict, rather than resolution.
This has been a troubling decision to make, but I hope a brave one. BAJR has always been an independent voice, based on the thoughts of the many, from Digger to Director and Curator to Consultant. I do hope you will understand my motives, and apologies again to those who may feel let down.
David
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
BAJR leaves the IFA - gonetopot - 25th April 2008
Another own goal by the IFA I feel. Your absence will be their loss as you appear to have a much better idea of the current feelings and ideas of active archaeologists than they do. I am very sorry to hear of your decision and hope you will not limit your input into the avenues that remain open to you. I'm sure everybody on BAJR will continue to support and urge you forward in positive directions.
BAJR leaves the IFA - Paul Belford - 25th April 2008
Agreed.
BAJR leaves the IFA - BAJR Host - 25th April 2008
Many thanks... I must stress that I will continue to input into avenues that remain open to me.
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
BAJR leaves the IFA - 1man1desk - 25th April 2008
As someone that nominated David for election to the IFA Council, I am very sad to see him leave both the Council and the IFA itself. I do know the background, and understand David's reasons for leaving.
I believe strongly that the IFA will be the poorer as a result of this, and that saddens me, as a strong supporter of both IFA and BAJR.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
BAJR leaves the IFA - Sparky - 25th April 2008
All comments echoed.
Its not good promotion for the IFA either. I think your joining gave the IFA some creedance. Now folk might be asking what is really going on.
BAJR leaves the IFA - BAJR Host - 25th April 2008
And I thank 1man for his understanding... it was a big disappointment to me as well. And it is to him and others that voted for me that my biggest apology is directed... I feel I have let them down.
I would urge people however not to see this as a reason not to support the IFA - I still do - (however, at present, not as a member). Perhaps questions may be asked, and something will come from it... but as I said, I do not want to go into publically, what is a personal matter.... I am separating my own feelings from that of a greater good....
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
BAJR leaves the IFA - mercenary - 25th April 2008
Quote:quote:Now folk might be asking what is really going on.
Me for one. I am on the verge of joining the IFA after many years of bitching about them from the outside. I saw David's election as a very good sign that the IFA may be changing. Now I'm not at all sure.
BAJR leaves the IFA - Digger - 25th April 2008
I have papers sitting on my desk to rejoin the IFA after some period of letting my membership lapse. My concern is I am now wondering if I should get back into the programe (I still support the concept). One of the positives I have noted over the last few years are the progressive debates/arguments on this website, which has allowed the unheard (or great unwashed!)to whinge, bitch, moan and generally put forward ideas and working ideas based on accumulated experience.
I was quite excited to see what David would be able to achieve given his commitment to archaeology and positive attitude to changing the lot of the vast majority of those employed at the arse end of the profession..sorry coalface.
Now I wait.
BAJR leaves the IFA - BAJR Host - 25th April 2008
I do promise to continue the commitment I have .. and I am embarrassed and grateful for those kind words - I can't say to people not to join... as that is not what I want to see. I will still work with the IFA and especially the Diggers Forum. I will still try to push the limits... and here you really can speak (with reason) your mind... and digger to Manager can mix as equals.
I do not want to divide us when now... of all times ... we need to be united. This was one of the reasons I had such a terrible time in coming to the conclusion that I had to resign.. not something I took lightly.. and most because I knew that many people were relying on me (and others who are still in the Council) The benchmarking is an achievement for us... the next step is implementation...
I do see BAJR as more than just me... as I need the accumulated experience to have any chance of saying things which are halfway sensible...
See it as a return to a BAJR that truly is independent.
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu