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local tv: metal detectorists vs archaeologists
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Paul Barford
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Re: The Heritage Action Counter
Jun 03, 2007, 07:17
nigelswift wrote:
In an endeavour to cool the issue (as I'm keen the core one doesn't get lost) [...] what's been going on here is a continuation of a two-year long argument....
.... between those who (quite simply) support the exploitation of archaeological sites and assemblages for collectables and those who question it and express concern.

The discussion has been going on since the 1970s, but in the present form in fact since the beginning of May 2004. In that time the pro-collecting lobby has come up with absolutely no real arguments against the concerns of the conservation lobby. the only thing they can manage are glib anecdotal comments about what "good" it does and dismiss any concerns about erosion, the fate of the information etc by personal attacks. As we see with the reaction to HA's counter here, there is no attempt made to actually engage in any discussion pitting facts and figures against the concerns raised.

In fact, the majority of detectorists do not act as the handfull we have seen here. The vast majority - whether they record with the PAS or not - simply ignore that there ARE any concerns. As I write, many perhaps are getting ready for a Sunday morning's hunting for archaeological artefacts for collection or sale with not a thought for the counter ticking away... after all, "it's legal innit?"
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Re: The Heritage Action Counter (nigelswift)
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