20th February 2009, 12:23 AM
Hello Paul,
Let me first respond by emphasising the importance of this seminar, its content and the broad sphere of speakers, and also congratulate the efforts of the IfA. Thanks are also due for your 'out-reach' work on this discussion board. It is greatly appreciated.
My post wasn?t intended as an IfA bash but only to cynically highlight what was an event with good intentions but seems to have been turned into a bit of a circus by Peter Hinton?s efforts to cadge a few more members. However, I wasn?t there and was only relying on your article though I did ask you if he said this, which you confirmed. You have to admit it?s a bit crass when put in the context of looming unemployment for some and the real thing for others.
Quote Paul:
The IfA is a professional institution, not an employer and not a union. Therefore joining the IfA will not immediately change anyone's present employment situation. As an unemployed IfA member you will get "an immediate reduction on their subscription fees from the next available direct debit instalment" (see here). You will also recieve the Jobs Information Bulletin, which as our Host reminds us, is "an alternative UK job service...BAJR and IFA's Jobs Information Service are not competitors, but offer different and complementary services for those seeking archaeological staff or employment" (see here).
As I said elsewhere, you can?t readily expect unemployed people to pay to join even if there is a subscription fee reduction. A degree of realism, please. I will agree that its not a bad idea to have access to the Jobs Information Bulletin but, as you point out, there are alternatives, and cheaper ones too.
Quote Paul:
What more do you expect? For me, the seminar brought home to me the seriousness of the situation for all of us. People were talking about 25% decline in planning applications in the last few months, developers going bust, real issues with skills and archives, a loss of 1 in 12 archaeology jobs in the last 6 months, and a possible 30% contraction of the archaeology sector over the next 12 months. Archaeology is - let's face it - a fairly small leaf blowing about in the bitter winds of global financial collapse.
No one is disputing the seriousness of the economic climate, nor the figures.
Quote Sparky:
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
Quote Paul:
If this is your understanding then my article may have misrepresented Peter's remarks, for which my apologies both to you and to Peter. I think his remarks about the need to improve accreditation of individuals and organisations within the profession, bringing out the new standards and guidance for curators, using the downturn as a period to improve quality across the profession, engaging with government and raising public awareness were all entirely appropriate to wrap up a day of intensive and wide-ranging discussion hosted by the IfA.
I refer to you my comments above. I do not object to any positive actions and sentiments that will benefit our profession and can only praise the IfA and others for their work.
S
'Mum!!! Can you get me the toilet roll, please!'
Noam Chomsky
Let me first respond by emphasising the importance of this seminar, its content and the broad sphere of speakers, and also congratulate the efforts of the IfA. Thanks are also due for your 'out-reach' work on this discussion board. It is greatly appreciated.
My post wasn?t intended as an IfA bash but only to cynically highlight what was an event with good intentions but seems to have been turned into a bit of a circus by Peter Hinton?s efforts to cadge a few more members. However, I wasn?t there and was only relying on your article though I did ask you if he said this, which you confirmed. You have to admit it?s a bit crass when put in the context of looming unemployment for some and the real thing for others.
Quote Paul:
The IfA is a professional institution, not an employer and not a union. Therefore joining the IfA will not immediately change anyone's present employment situation. As an unemployed IfA member you will get "an immediate reduction on their subscription fees from the next available direct debit instalment" (see here). You will also recieve the Jobs Information Bulletin, which as our Host reminds us, is "an alternative UK job service...BAJR and IFA's Jobs Information Service are not competitors, but offer different and complementary services for those seeking archaeological staff or employment" (see here).
As I said elsewhere, you can?t readily expect unemployed people to pay to join even if there is a subscription fee reduction. A degree of realism, please. I will agree that its not a bad idea to have access to the Jobs Information Bulletin but, as you point out, there are alternatives, and cheaper ones too.
Quote Paul:
What more do you expect? For me, the seminar brought home to me the seriousness of the situation for all of us. People were talking about 25% decline in planning applications in the last few months, developers going bust, real issues with skills and archives, a loss of 1 in 12 archaeology jobs in the last 6 months, and a possible 30% contraction of the archaeology sector over the next 12 months. Archaeology is - let's face it - a fairly small leaf blowing about in the bitter winds of global financial collapse.
No one is disputing the seriousness of the economic climate, nor the figures.
Quote Sparky:
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
Quote Paul:
If this is your understanding then my article may have misrepresented Peter's remarks, for which my apologies both to you and to Peter. I think his remarks about the need to improve accreditation of individuals and organisations within the profession, bringing out the new standards and guidance for curators, using the downturn as a period to improve quality across the profession, engaging with government and raising public awareness were all entirely appropriate to wrap up a day of intensive and wide-ranging discussion hosted by the IfA.
I refer to you my comments above. I do not object to any positive actions and sentiments that will benefit our profession and can only praise the IfA and others for their work.
S
'Mum!!! Can you get me the toilet roll, please!'
Noam Chomsky