The Forum

Being Critical Is Easy; Finding Answers Is Difficult

The November/December 1999 Editors’ Page provided an interesting comparison of prostitution with antiquities dealers and looting. So what is an archaeological magazine that accepts ads from antiquities dealers? Antiquities pimps?

I understand the economics and the need for income from advertisers.

And it’s easy to be critical. But in the same issue with your editorial on antiquities dealers and looters, who destroy the very thing they revere, are advertisements about how to buy Roman coins and how to own a piece of ancient history.

How much of the antiquity/looting problem is the result of archaeological magazines like yours?

So much of history isn’t where it belongs. Pieces of Egypt in New York, Mayan artifacts in Los Angeles. As I said, being critical is easy. Finding answers is the real problem.

Loathsome

I’ve found your articles interesting, your editorial positions loathsome. I’ll not renew.