I think Gareth and I must have read different postings from Richard. The one I
read started by reiterating a point contained in Richard's first posting,
viz., 'this is not a personal attack on Aideen', contained an apology to
Aideen, and a wholly convincing argument that he was making a general point.
(Incidentally, I'm not sure why Gareth thinks Aideen couldn't write to defend
herself, if she had been attacked.)

I don't agree at all with Gareth that the 'whole issue' should be buried. I
think Richard (and previous posters) have raised important points. The thread
began with indignation about the exclusion of England from the papers to be
given at the agm. I share that indignation - it is, after all, where most of
the membership works.

Richard then expanded the thread to include the gagging order on discussing
the SoA strategic review. It seems to me that this listserve is a very
appropriate place to discuss the matter. In fact, for me, it's the only place,
since the only available Yorkshire Regional meeting coincided with a meeting
of the Yorkshire Archives Council. Where else am I to propound my preliminary
views, and have the corners knocked off them?

So, as Richard wrote in his first posting, I hereby consider myself absolved
from the prohibition on discussing Society issues on this listserve. And to
make good my self-absolution, here's my first contribution to what should be
the most important and wide-ranging SoA debate in years.

The Society should concentrate on being a professional body. As such, we
should think hard about our geographical coverage - as a professional body
there is an argument that we should include only archivists working in the UK.
The SoA should offer training, and an enforceable code of ethics. It should
abolish the Regions as constitutional parts of the Society (though they could
continue as social organisations if members wished it), and work as a one
person one vote democracy. In practical terms, it should move out of expensive
London and establish a headquarters in an easily reachable (and cheaper) major
city.

Plenty to discuss, it's important, and actually, if non-members listen in,
where's the harm? May be some of them can offer constructive suggestions from
their experience of other professional bodies.

Chris

Williams Gareth Haulfryn ADH/ECL wrote:

> The sooner this whole issue is buried the better. It is not a matter of
> society business that is being discussed any longer, but an unwarranted
> attack on someone who is working voluntarily very many hours every week
> trying to represent the interests of at least five countries, all with
> different archival concerns, having been democratically appointed so to
> do.
>
> I think the listserv subscibers deserve better than having to read
> self-justifications for unacceptable public attacks on people who cannot
> easily answer back.
>
> Gareth Williams
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Richard Taylor [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 25 March 2002 08:41
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: ...and another thing
>
> ...and wouldn't it be good if the SoA responded as quickly and as
> forcefully to archive issues in the media and on the government agenda
> as the SoA Irish Region did to my "personal attack" on Aideen?
>
> But of course, that might mean standing up for the PBI by publicly
> disagreeing with someone powerful.
>
> Cassius
> ====================================================
> Richard Taylor
> Curator, Archive Collections
> National Railway Museum
> Leeman Road
> YORK YO26 4XJ
> ENGLAND
>
> Tel     +44 (0)1904 686 289
> Fax     +44 (0)1904 611 112
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>
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