SIGHTINGS



Giza Plateau Ethical
Research Coalition Announced
From Amargi Hillier
Project Duat News <news@projectduat.com>
Cairo, Egypt - March 24, 2000

New Updates:
 
 
1) The Giza Plateau Ethical Research Coalition
 
A new coalition has been formed which encourages, for the first time on the internet, an ethical 'code' with regards to alternative Egypt research. Emphasis is placed on maintaining high ethical conduct with regards to online presentation, public responsibility, and respectful interaction between other theorists/researchers (orthodox or non-orthodox).
 
As many know, there are a lot of unethical actions occurring on the internet by numerous Giza researchers. Because of this, too often the entire genre of alternative Egypt theory exploration is lumped into the category of 'a bunch of fanatics'. Thus, the coalition also serves to attempt to make clear distinction between the unethical and irresponsible researchers from the other branch of researchers who instill respectability and ethics in their work. The coalition seeks to ensure that unethical people no longer taint the entire genre of alternative Egypt research.
 
The Giza Plateau Ethical Research Coalition (GPERC) is not a policing effort, but rather a collection of members who have agreed to a simple online 'common courtesy' code.
 
Each member has their research and website info listed on the main GPERC page. As well, each member will receive a monthly e-newsletter with useful content and 'insider information' which can help researchers make the most of the internet and take advantage of useful online services. Besides these online 'tips & tricks', each month the newsletter will include some Egypt 'tips & tricks'; useful info for the researchers coming to Egypt.
 
It is the coalition's opinion that all Egypt researchers are equal on the internet - whether it be a published author or a new young researcher. In other words, everybody has their own unique theory to offer even though some might hold different skill levels or have different research abilities. Thus, all Egypt researchers who have an online presence should consider agreeing to a common code.
 
Certainly, some researchers may they are above any common code which should exist online. However, if all researchers of any skill level or 'rank' can agree upon some common online ethics, it would serve to help instill some online harmony in the field of alternative Egypt research as well as encourage emerging researcher to follow an ethical approach to their new theories. This later aspect is so very important, and should be the consideration of the professional researchers.
 
The GPERC also encourages new researchers to continuously improve their research abilities; to learn and develop how to research in a much more professional manner. To some self- minded people, it is not in their best interest to have emerging researchers gaining patient and responsible research skills. For this means that a new progressive theory might have the potential to displace their own theory. Yes, there are some who do not like their theory challenged. However, when we are dealing with a paradigm of truth seeking... empathy, respect and courtesy towards other people's ideas or theories will ultimately give us more answers than just one theorist trying to hold the highest ground. Because each person has a human right to theorize what they feel or think about ancient Egypt, we feel that at least a common code of ethics can help unite researchers together, even if their theories are not united. Ethics can also bridge the gap between orthodox and non-orthodox beliefs. For orthodox and non-orthodox theories are free to be challenged or criticized, but the personalities behind those theories should be not be deemed negative.
 
It will be the GPERC's main effort to ensure in Egypt that although researchers may have alternative theories about the pyramids, at least the GPERC's members are maintaining ethical standards and have clear respect for Egyptian antiquity law and preservation efforts. The coalition observes that in Egypt the freedom of opinion and theory is healthy and well-founded, but it has been all the unethical actions or aggressiveness by some alternative researchers which has created much distrust and ill feelings between Egyptian professionals and alternative researchers.
 
Complete information can be found at the GPERC website:
 
http://www.gizaplateau.net/
 
 
Note: This domain was slated for another website in development for 2001. The GPERC will either remain here, or be moved to another domain in 2001.
 
 
2) New Photo of the Week
 
A new photo-of-the-week has be uploaded to the main Project Duat page index. This week's rare photo shows Dr. Zahi Hawass in the process of pumping out water from the Tomb of Osiris (Water Shaft) on the Giza Plateau. The photo is slightly blurry, but sort of matches the setting. I felt it would be nice to offer it. Reload here:
 
http://www.projectduat.com/main-index.html
 
 
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Since there has been very little response to numerous volunteer requests, maintaining the websites increasingly becomes a larger job. I am more than happy to take care of this myself. However, because of the added workload, I must reduce all e-mail correspondences and will probably no longer respond to the vast Egypt related inquiries or questions that come to me. Thanks for your understanding.
 
A.H..

 
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