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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