"Archaeology On the Web"
When searching for archaeological resources on the web, one is bound to stumble across some bizarre sites mixed in among the respectable sources of information. In our search for an actual, viable source for archaeological information on the web, we luckily came upon the A&B Anthropology Supersite http://www.ablongman.com/html/anthro/arch.html which thankfully provided an accurate view of the field of archaeology. This site seeks to give those who are interested some insight into various fields of anthropology, including cultural, physical/biological, linguistic, and applied anthropology, along with a helpful introduction to archaeology. The site prides itself on using exciting examples to convey the "adventure" of archaeology. It claims to follow a more formal, processual approach while delving into more contemporary issues and perspectives of archaeology. The site was very well composed by Pearson Education and has different sections devoted to the aforementioned fields of anthropology. This web page provides peeks at current archaeological research projects and sites and allows users to participate in an "interactive dig." Furthermore, the site also gives visitors the option to learn more about archaeological sampling strategies, listing the benefits and possible disadvantages of various skills and how they might be useful in research and to cultural anthropology as a whole.
A site like this is quite useful because it easy to use and allows visitors to become more involved through interactive aspects and activities. The site is also offered clearly for educational purposes by Pearson Education. They even give contact information to get in touch with the editors or the authors. Many links are also provided to interested users for various other related sites. This site should be lauded for its accessibility and eagerness to give users a more interactive, hand-on, educational look at archaeology.
Other sites, unfortunately, are not as credible or rooted in education. One such website,http://home.earthlink.net/~pleiadesx/, tells of an actual "Stargate," saying "If you liked the movie, you will love the reality." This site was composed by Mark Roberts. Apparently Roberts is a former Methodist preacher who, after repeated contact with aliens, or "Grays," as he calls them, decided to become an archaeologist. However, he does not go into much more detail about his past unless one subscribes to be join his "club." Apparently, this real Stargate can give insight into ancient mysteries, including archaeological mysteries from the dawn of humankind. According to the site, this Stargate is an ancient depiction of a cosmic-portal painted at the entry to a cave containing one of the most ancient representations of the constellation known as the Pleiades. This star map is to have provided the secrets to connect over 4 decades of archaeological study, including Egyptian hieroglyphics and links to an even more ancient culture.
One is hard pressed to find any archaeological merit, let alone any educational merit, within this site. Speculation is bound to arise at this Mark Roberts, who calls himself an archaeologist but appears to have no formal training or degree. Furthermore, to gain more knowledge about this supposed real Stargate, a visitor to the site has to join the club, or "join the Quest," that the site romanticizes. It is almost painfully obvious that this site appeals to those who are bored and looking for a thrill and has no real archaeological purpose.