Greetings:

Whereas significant effort and sufficient time has been provided for the discussion of  the costly Major Archeological Conference Tradition on this forum it is IMHO time for a summation
and proposal to be generated based upon that discussion. Here it is:

1. Arguments in favor of the change

-In these hard, restrictive economic times archeological research, employment in the field and the needs of the resource have been impacted as never before. Cuts at all  levels have already occurred and if not will occur in the future therefore, it is regrettably, apparent  that continuation of a very expensive Major Archeological Conference tradition is un-realistic. it sends a terrible message to those who have had their pay cut, have lost jobs and to those entering the job market for the first time. The diverting of funds to hold major conferences  from research, conservation and employment is now  unacceptable if not inhumane

-Technologies at many levels now exist which can facilitate and in fact extend our ability to  communicate and share research without traditional major conferencing. Many of these technologies are free others need limited funding. Some such as free long distance telephone calls and postal mail while old technology and traditional still function adequately to facilitate communication.

-Traditional Major Conferencing Tradition is antiquated and consumes an  unreasonable share of the overall Archeological Research economy and like the pony express should be retired. We have now got face to face communication that allows us to eliminate the need for physical meeting.  These range from communication platforms to video techniques such as those that can present clearly, artifacts and site structures in  three dimensions. Faces no longer need to be in the same room to accomplish excellent communication. Using electronic means even more papers can be submitted and even more sessions held. Additionally one could add virtual tours of  sites and  collections and facilities as never before also in far larger number. Essentially also the conference could never end and be ongoing thus vastly extending communication.

2. Arguments in favor of maintaining the old major conference tradition-

-It feels better  to  be in the same room
-We have fun in conferences
-An alternative cant be done
-The funding would not continue

Alternative Proposal

1. Eliminate the conference tradition but divert all funding at all levels  to a special non profit charity/trust/fund

2. Solicit applications for disbursement of funds of three types:

-Funding for making up for funding cuts by local state and national agencies of existing programs including pay cuts.

-Funding for new research 

-Funding for the development and implementation of electronic and other alternative conferencing

I suggest that the percentage of funds allocated be done in this way

-Development and implementation of alternative conferencing 20% of total

-New  Research 50% of remainder
-Making up for cuts the remaining 50%

It has been observed however, that using existing technology including phone and postal mail communication can still go forward at existing
levels following a shutdown of the Major Conference tradition- in the light of this observation funding for this antiquated tradition at t he expense
of employment and research must be seen as truly unconscionable.

It is hard to adapt but we all know what happens to those who fail to adapt. It is hard to give up things  that feel  good but it is necessary to do
so when they are inappropriate. We can not do things that divorce us from the people we serve and those who we employ and care for.

All of this is IMHO take it as such.

While there will be objection and comment refrain from attacking the messenger.

Reply if you have an alternative plan or philosophy, I welcome your input. Conversation is good and relevant for the continuation of
our profession. 

I wish to thank all those who have been moved to  comment on  this issue. Even those for which it seems to have hit a raw nerve.
Sometimes when this happens you really know you are on to something.

I thank you for your time and patience.

Conrad Bladey
Peasant
Archeologist