Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2004
18th November 2007, 02:52 PM
I start to worry that BAJR has become to settled into the role - not beign a 'troublesome priest' anymore? Was BAJR better as a thorn in the side OR was it right to sit down with the establishment?
January sees a major relaunch of BAJR... perhaps its up to people to decide on the direction?
Some things will always be... Jobs, checked before going up, rather than put up no matter what.... but times are changing, interaction and interactives are becoming the norm...
See SCRIBD...
http://www.scribd.com/groups/view/2350-b...and-guides
or Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/groups/ukarchaeology/pool/
or Blogs
http://pasthorizons.wordpress.com/
http://bajrblog.wordpress.com/
and of course the You Tube for Archaeology
http://www.pasthorizons.tv/
add some radio...
http://www.bajr.org/BAJRradio.htm
What do you want to see.... ? More interaction...?
More contraversy? More action !? Is BAJR becoming too Safe?
:face-huh:
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
For really I think that the poorest he that is in England hath a life to live, as the greatest he
Thomas Rainborough 1647
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2005
19th November 2007, 02:18 PM
I think the controversy depends on who is contributing on the Forum, what they choose to talk about and what they say about it.
I do miss the Troll. I almost never agreed with what he said, and sometimes he made me very angry - but he did challenge my preconceptions and forced me to think anew about all sorts of things. I haven't felt challenged in that way by any contributions since his departure, and I think that's a shame.
I think sitting down with the establishment (if, by that, you mean joining IFA and being elected to Council) was essential; but it is an eternal dilemma - once power is won, one has to face grubby reality, rather than maintain one's purity in principled but impotent opposition. You can influence decision making far more now, but you can't deliver utopia.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2005
19th November 2007, 02:31 PM
I have to say, after all the abuse that has previously been heaped on the IFA by BAJR contributors, I was very disappointed with the limited response on BAJR to the IFA's reform process.
If people really care about this issue (rather than seeing the IFA as a convenient scapegoat for all that is wrong in the profession), why did they have so little to say when the IFA recognise the need for reform and ask for input?
Hardly anyone had anything to say, and what they did was nearly all about the name rather than about substance.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2004
19th November 2007, 09:47 PM
I suppose the IFA reform process has to be seen and more discussed... now that may in part be for the IFA membership but it is also important for the non membership... and One man was right... where was the comment? the critique? Or have we just given up... is it reform or just window dressing? Do we need a root and branch change? Have we actually stopped caring... just hoping we get paid now.... ?
I note that since Troll and other well missed 'rabble rousers?' have left the watching brief hell that is UK archaeology that BAJR has slowed down...
BAJR is not so much the independant greass roots but now the comfy slippered establishment?
SHOUT answer 1 mans questions... speak now or ...... ?????
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: Jun 2004
19th November 2007, 10:18 PM
Constant revolution is not a happy state. But constant pressure to find the best practice is always needed. One area of drift is the gap being left in the system of how we inform the public of what has been excavated and what it means in a format that can be understood.
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
19th November 2007, 11:16 PM
It must be said that BAJR is less of a 'thorn in the side' now, as BAJR has done so much to make the lot of the field archaeologist better - there is less to moan about! I am well aware field archaeology is still far from being a viable long term career for anyone who wants any sort of standard of living, permanent home, work / life balance and perhaps a decent pension. However, it has at least moved in the six years since I started digging from a job where it was common to be laid off before Christmas and be re-hired to the same job in the New Year, to one where employees are aware of their rights and expectations from employers are higher. This is largely due to discussion on these boards and knowledge filtering through into the circuit (perhaps the government may be credited with more good legislation too...).
BAJR's restrictions on advertising and checking up on employers has certainly made sure there is now a basic minimum standard package you know you will get as a paid field archaeologist even if most of it is only legal minimum holidays, pension rights and so on.
Very slowly and steadily conditions are improving, and hopefully BAJRs work will see this process continue. There's a very long way to go, but I think BAJR is following the right course in doing what is possible. The bigger and more respectable BAJR becomes, the more influence it will wield, and the faster change will come. Hopefully.
So thanks, and please continue!
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2004
20th November 2007, 09:13 PM
So should I remain in hush puppies rather than donning my steelies and kicking some soft underbellies?
There seems to be so much to do.. and sadly 1 man is right
Quote:quote:but it is an eternal dilemma - once power is won, one has to face grubby reality, rather than maintain one's purity in principled but impotent opposition.
I feel like I am wading through treacle... a dictator
with a need to ask for consensus! }
yipes... I will kick from the inside though?
focussed anger is better than impotant snoozing :face-topic:
Wake up BAJRites... the fight ain't over yet... !
Though a hard fought framework for benchmarking the profession is nearing the end... If only people knew how much effort had been put into this... I have spent weeks and several trips to London for my part - putting it together... who paid?? BAJR did.. because I believed in making our profession better paid etc.... but to do that we will have to smarten out act up.... Sometimes you think... why did I bother? So tell me? I can't do anything without you..
ps... I have stopped smokin.. which has nothing to do with my erratic behaviour!) }
:face-huh:
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
20th November 2007, 10:51 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by BAJR Host
So should I remain in hush puppies rather than donning my steelies and kicking some soft underbellies?
Perhaps a pair of outsize hush puppies worn over the steelies - a fist of iron in a velvet glove so to speak?
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2004
21st November 2007, 08:36 AM
hmmm enduring image!
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Posts: 0
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2004
21st November 2007, 11:45 AM
Part of the establishment ha....
I have to say I have been wondering for a while now has BAJR as a campaign for better pay and conditions served its purpose?
At what point do we accept that p&c are not that bad - all things considered?
No conservation job will be that well paid!
Alternatively is there so much work going on that everybody is too busy?
Peter
