Alexandre, if I thought you really wanted to have an intelligent conversation with a sense of learning, I might try. You have an agenda. I don't. I simply come here to learn. You actually give great info. I appreciate the information you bring to the table. We both love history and preservation, so we stand on common ground. At least, I think so. Your rhetorical answer clearly shows your mind is made up, and I don't venture into trollish arguments.
In the event that I am wrong, consider this. All new technologies begin with trial and error. What has been done in underwater recording and preservation after WW2 and up through the 80s might be laughable by today's standards. The Wright brothers didn't get it right at first, nor did many early underwater preservers. But over time, the underwater archaeology as a science grew on the foundation of what was originally just a "treasure hunt." But back in the day, no one cared. Even land archies laughed about taking underwater archaeology seriously. Everyone was laughing until treasure hit the news. Once attention was drawn to its success, the history began to unfold behind the treasure. And once the history was told, a viable science was born. Many who laughed at the beginning now began to get involved. In the 80s and 90s, a serious split began to take root - not in the treasure hunting community, but in the archaeological community. An agenda was formed. The have-nots began to accuse the haves of impure motives. The language began to change from treasure hunting to "looting." Those archies who worked with salvors continued their work and ignored the accusing crowd. Unfortunately, the accusers continued their agenda in influential places like universities and state/federal govt's. By the time the working underwater archies and other lovers of history saw what was happening, it was too late. The jealous have-nots began their own brand of preserving cultural heritage while convincing the influential of their superior ways. With influence on their side, the jealous now proclaim their victories on a global scale and now seemingly have gained much control. It's so sad, though. If they had simply worked together, everyone would have benefited and much history wouldn't have been lost in the power struggle. I fear we may already be too late. Now pirating will be at an all-time high and the very preservation claimed by the victorious will be lost forever.
I have neither the time nor inclination to name names or site references. I'm not that good. I have just been in this industry for so long, that is my truth on the matter. I suppose you have your truth as well. I just wish we would meet on common ground rather than uncommon.
