7th November 2006, 09:53 AM
>>>> Care in Thread required <<<<<
The question is who are archaeoligsts accountable too... and what happens when finds - rarely - go missing. As this is to highlight a suggestion that archaeologists should practice what they preach... they do, we have a system in place (which on very rare occasions) fails. We are in fact having trouble with archives, in that they are getting too big. With all due respect, the UKDFD and the PAS recording systems are - at this point in time... way way behind anywhere near either the regulation or the 100% recording of archaeologists... every find... every feature, every photo, every report, plan, map, sample etc etc etc... Detectorists only deal with finds... and although the recording method is growing (thanks to people like yourself Gary) it has a way to go before 100% recording takes place. And when that happens.. I would not expect - no matter how foolproof the system - that every single object could be located immediately...
I am just trying to suggest that I am in need of a peaceful day.
One lost tupperware box in an otherwise well kept archive - not something I would worry about... as it is bound to turn up on the wrong shelf, or in a cupboard... As it stands just now, there are 'archives' that will never see the light of day. I feel the accusation of hypocritical only stands up when the hypocrite is doing the same... (I would suggest that an extensive archive system that involves all aspects of an archaeological investigation is not the same - even if there is the rare failure)
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
The question is who are archaeoligsts accountable too... and what happens when finds - rarely - go missing. As this is to highlight a suggestion that archaeologists should practice what they preach... they do, we have a system in place (which on very rare occasions) fails. We are in fact having trouble with archives, in that they are getting too big. With all due respect, the UKDFD and the PAS recording systems are - at this point in time... way way behind anywhere near either the regulation or the 100% recording of archaeologists... every find... every feature, every photo, every report, plan, map, sample etc etc etc... Detectorists only deal with finds... and although the recording method is growing (thanks to people like yourself Gary) it has a way to go before 100% recording takes place. And when that happens.. I would not expect - no matter how foolproof the system - that every single object could be located immediately...
I am just trying to suggest that I am in need of a peaceful day.
One lost tupperware box in an otherwise well kept archive - not something I would worry about... as it is bound to turn up on the wrong shelf, or in a cupboard... As it stands just now, there are 'archives' that will never see the light of day. I feel the accusation of hypocritical only stands up when the hypocrite is doing the same... (I would suggest that an extensive archive system that involves all aspects of an archaeological investigation is not the same - even if there is the rare failure)
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu