22nd June 2005, 02:55 PM
Me either, it is possible to get on with some skill, enthusiasm and commitment. I like the fact that those without any of the three get filtered out pretty quickly. Unfortunately, some of the good ones go eventually as well.
I've been thinking a lot about how to maintain enthusiasm, and found that a trip to TAG did wonders. I was very surprised to find that the detritus of under-used knowledge that I've accumulated over the years made useful contributions to many papers. Much of this was about sites that the academics giving the papers had never heard of. Commercial archaeology is so crap at dissemination of knowledge. Many of my colleagues had the same experience and we came away buzzing with renewed enthusiasm. I've not seen old lags that excited since 500 quid was put behind the bar for an X-mas party!
I'd highly recommend it, and the cost was borne by the unit. I'd love to see a huge contingent of field types this year in Sheffield. We certainly made waves in Glasgow!
I've been thinking a lot about how to maintain enthusiasm, and found that a trip to TAG did wonders. I was very surprised to find that the detritus of under-used knowledge that I've accumulated over the years made useful contributions to many papers. Much of this was about sites that the academics giving the papers had never heard of. Commercial archaeology is so crap at dissemination of knowledge. Many of my colleagues had the same experience and we came away buzzing with renewed enthusiasm. I've not seen old lags that excited since 500 quid was put behind the bar for an X-mas party!
I'd highly recommend it, and the cost was borne by the unit. I'd love to see a huge contingent of field types this year in Sheffield. We certainly made waves in Glasgow!