> Dear Sir,
> The archaeological community fights a constant battle against the ravages
> of time - chemistry, weather, memory and looters.  Your article concerns
> me very much, in that I feel it is promoting detrimental effects on
> potential understanding of the past for our present and future
> generations.  Your article makes the science of archaeology sound like
> simple child's play when in fact, beyond academics, it takes years of
> practice, apprenticeship and contemplation to become a good archaeologist
> - as well as active participation in the intellectual community of
> archaeology.
> I do understand that a point you may raise might be that these are
> people's own backyards, however, putting trowel to soil for the purpose of
> finding artifacts by a non-professional archaeologist is illegal in many
> places, irregardless of the ownership of the property.  While your article
> has obvious problems for the archaeological community, it can also incite
> legal difficulties for your readership - an effect I am sure you would not
> seek.
> I am sure none of the concerns I have raised were in any way part of a
> "vendetta" motivating your article, however if archaeologists don't speak
> up when such things take place, we will be (as my maritime-country
> journalist mother often says) "shovelling shit against the tide."
> Please do not take my response to be a chastisement but a request for
> awareness, understanding and respect for the work of and obstacles faced
> by the professional heritage community.
> Cheers,
> Heather MacLeod
>