Childlike Search for Approval

Like insecure children, it seems metal detectorists are constantly seeking attention and approval. Some of them attempt to attract attention to themselves by posting provocative texts in the public domain and then sit back and watch for a reaction. Detectorist John Winter and his pals first of all (in the comments section) reveal their anticipation that claiming artefact collectors as "national treasures" will get a reaction from the archaeological community, then disappointment that they were ignored. This is followed by a joyful announcement by the neglected old man when the notion was commented upon:

 No wonder the PAS so often treats the milieu as a whole as cantankerous and backward children.

The Truth of the Matter About UK Metal Detectorists

Randy Dee 15 March 2015 at 10:15 am writes as Ambassador of the Hobby:

"The truth of the matter is if [Paul Barford] dwelled in the British Isles he wouldn’t dare open his great thoughtless gob [....]"

The implication seems to be that if he did, the PAS-partners would smash it in for him. Nice folk the men with metal detectors. 

Ad Hominems

John Winter, metal detectorist: 26 March 2015 at 6:34 pm

“… hypocrisy and deceit …’ are traits in which Mr Barford excels.
Thanks for your contribution.

Quite what is hypocritical or deceitful in pointing out problems with current policies on artefact hunting and their effects on the archaeological record, challenging the glib rhetoric of supporters of the current status quo, or broader discussions of the issues surrounding artefact collecting and the market and repatriation of stolen artefacts is nowhere revealed by Mr Winter. I guess he believes that if enough people parrot the same foundationless epithets time and time again, that somehow magically makes it true. Pathetic and childish.