2014 Blogging Archaeology eBook

make puns), CRM archaeologists are in a unique position to providevaluable information regarding how archaeology is really done.The blog is a media form uniquely suited to CRM archaeologists. Theever-expanding availability of Wi-Fi means that we are able to accessour blogging platform from most hotels and coffee shops. The fact thatblog platforms are inexpensive, and many are completely free to use,means that we do not have any significant cost barriers. The ability tostructure a blog entry however we like and to write on whatever subjectwe please means that blogging is a delightful break from theregimented report formats that we must follow at work.Moreover, CRM archaeologists can provide a valuable perspectiveand important information to each of these audiences. To the student,we can provide insight into the day-to-day realities of thearchaeological workplace. Entries describing such mundane things aslodging conditions during fieldwork, variations in expense report andreimbursement policies, types of personalities encountered duringfieldwork, and confrontations common in CRM (conflicts with landowners, clients, and members of the general public, for example)provide an understanding of this career path that cannot be gainedthrough studying archaeology and regulations. No doubt thebureaucratic matters sound dull as dishwater and half as deep, butthere exists a long history of tackling tales of bureaucracy with humor toturn them into entertaining stories. In fact, my own experience has beenthat the best way to deal with the frustration caused by dealing with redtape is to write about it and lay it all bare (and when possible to do sowithout violating my professional ethics, to mock it). Similarly, sometimesthe best way of dealing with a conflict is to write about it, and to try tounderstand where the other party is coming from. Importantly, these areaspects of CRM archaeology of which anyone entering the field must beaware.Avocational archaeologists benefit from discussions of projects andorganizations that are seeking volunteers, resources available throughCRM companies, academic institutions, and community organizations. Ifidentified as stakeholders, avocational archaeological organizationsmay find themselves pulled into conflicts and troubles surroundingBlogging Archaeology Page 23