19th February 2009, 06:15 PM
Paul and vor,
As I see it, the conference was organised as a joint discussion of the various issues affecting archaeology during this current climate. It was not solely presented by IfA members. The IfA have gone to a good effort to present a plural account of the industry and opinions of the speakers. I see no reference to anyone in Paul's article suggesting that the IfA will see a way out of this mire if they were to join their ranks. If you or the IfA have a special weapon which destroys economic slumps without harming anything else, please be sure to let our Government know about it. I'm sure they will be very pleased.
I would suggest that in light of recent and future job losses, as predicted, that the last thing individuals want to do is give their money over to an institution who can do nothing about it. If you are an unemployed archaeologist what really can they do for you?
I would argue that Peter Hinton's comments should be reserved for the IFA conference and are inappropriate when the discussion is aimed at the misfortune of our industry and those it employs. I would also argue that the IfA does not represent our industry as a whole, yet.
Still, I welcome the efforts of the IfA to have this forum, and hope benefits and lessons can be learnt.
S
'Mum!!! Can you get me the toilet roll, please!'
Noam Chomsky
As I see it, the conference was organised as a joint discussion of the various issues affecting archaeology during this current climate. It was not solely presented by IfA members. The IfA have gone to a good effort to present a plural account of the industry and opinions of the speakers. I see no reference to anyone in Paul's article suggesting that the IfA will see a way out of this mire if they were to join their ranks. If you or the IfA have a special weapon which destroys economic slumps without harming anything else, please be sure to let our Government know about it. I'm sure they will be very pleased.
I would suggest that in light of recent and future job losses, as predicted, that the last thing individuals want to do is give their money over to an institution who can do nothing about it. If you are an unemployed archaeologist what really can they do for you?
I would argue that Peter Hinton's comments should be reserved for the IFA conference and are inappropriate when the discussion is aimed at the misfortune of our industry and those it employs. I would also argue that the IfA does not represent our industry as a whole, yet.
Still, I welcome the efforts of the IfA to have this forum, and hope benefits and lessons can be learnt.
S
'Mum!!! Can you get me the toilet roll, please!'
Noam Chomsky