Tim,
An illustrative approach seems like a very good idea.
Do note, we are gathering content on this topic for use at a set of public
web pages (www.saa.org/public) so the only resource we would be producing
is on-line. The targeted audiences include both the public and our
colleagues (who may want a resource for this).
If any resource similar to that which you describe exists I do hope we are
forwarded the reference for it. If it doesn't exist, I hope you will
consider creating one.
The visual impact you describe would well serve this portion of these
public web pages. I will pursue obtaining some images toward that end.
PLJ
and sAt 08:17 PM 9/25/2006 -0400, Tim Thompson wrote:
>Patrice,
>I've retired from the converting the infidels game; too many brick
>impressions on my forehead, but I've learned a good bit trying to deal
>with the very large "loot for profit" community -- oops, I mean
>hobbyists and Civil War Buffs (does that mean they don't were no
>clothes?) -- here in Virginia so FWIWON, here's some pointers:
>
>1. You do NOT want "readings". It's not that your target audience can't
>read; they just don't, at least unless there's also pictures, and you'd
>better rely on the pictures to carry the message.
>
>2. First, show some pictures of especially orderly looking and neat
>excavations (in the east, contact any student of Joffre Coe, and a number
>of others, of course). You don't need to explain the details at this point
>-- the appearance will speak for itself. Then, you need to collect as many
>pictures of trashed sites as you can (there are plenty of available
>pictures of properly excavated sites). Check with the usual suspects, NPS,
>BLM -- ask Sherry Hutt where you can access evidence photos from ARPA
>prosecutions by U.S. Attorneys. Then superimpose plenty of circles and
>arrows that illustrate carnage.
>
>3. Develop a very simple, logically sequenced argument, starting with the
>archaeologist vs. the looter, who they are, what their motives are (the
>human touch). Yes, this is going to alienate some informants that are only
>"semi-bad", but this is a religious war, and if you ain't with us, your
>ag'i'n' us. Include pictures of looters in handcuffs, and shots of their
>mega-bucks road hog SUVs that were confiscated by the FBI/USMarshalls when
>they got caught. This is the overture, so don't dwell on it.
>
>4. THEN switch to content. Context is really tough, even though it becomes
>second nature to archaeologists. It sounds like BS to the average looter,
>or even the just interested citizen. Enlist the aid of some very smart
>artists, preferably someone with LUCAS studios who's looking for a tax
>break. Heck, write George himself and offer him an opportunity to atone
>for his Indiana Jones sins and get a tax break at the same time. Graphic
>presentations, moving ones preferred, are worth ten times ten thousand
>words, particularly for the young folks we need to get before they turn to
>the dark side.
>
>5. Include the "site as library" in graphic format; include some moving
>sequences of brown shirts burning books. Every page torn out and thrown in
>the fire can never be retrieved -- you already know the mantras.
>
>6. Graphically illustrate the "law of superposition" and how that is
>violated by looters.
>
>7. Refine this idea (graphically) with a brief discussion of soils, and
>how sites can be sealed by volcanics, colluvial processes, and urban fill,
>so the site may turn up where it doesn't look like there would be one.
>
>8. You could try some graphics of landscape modelling, but this might be
>better for the second presentation.
>
>9. Give a visual presentation of the "community" that wants to preserve
>sites -- not just the pointy-headed intellectuals with pith helmets and
>bull-whips, but the responsible amateur societies, schools, state museums
>and SHPOs and private institutions, including some private developers and
>emphasize the rewards of joining into this community, along the lines of
>what some environmental organizations have done so successfully. The
>pictures of amateur societies, and espcially Native Americans, working
>with professionals in particular excavations, successful interpretive
>centers developed from citizen initiative, etc., are essential. Pictures
>of amateurs turning in site forms, NOT Riker mounts full of arryheads, to
>the state repository.
>
>10. Finish up with handouts with websites, local contacts, state contacts.
>A page or two of this material, following up a multimedia presentation,
>will be worth a lot more than a five, ten or twenty page essay on the topic.
>
>11. Media: A canned powerpoint generic presentation that can be provided
>free or at postage charge on a CD or DVD to (minimally vetted) requestors
>will go along way. Isn't it possible that a corporate sponsor could be
>found for production and materials costs? Maybe SAA could support it? The
>next leap is a big one, but how about contacting public network or
>independent producers for a half-hour production, to be made available
>FREE on DVD?
>
>This is not intended as a criticism of your plain to gather together the
>text sources on this topic. Reach a little farther; it may not be as tough
>as you think.
>
>Tim T.
>
>
>
>
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Patrice L. Jeppson, Ph.D.
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