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10- A LETTER TO THE EDITOR . . . An important, and often overlooked, part of any organization’s basic procedures should be a standard orientation for new members. This seems particularly important in a group such as the ASA, dedicated as it is to the task of scientific inquiry. Yet, as a new member, I have not noticed any such standardized orientation-procedure. I am sure that there are many new members who, like myself, have a strong interest in archaeology, but do not have a professional or academic background in the field. This must usually mean a long breaking-in period during which the new member’s scientific value to the group remains at a minimum. To avoid this slack period, I suggest that the following or similar steps be made standard procedure: A. Each new regular member be mailed a simple and concise booklet (the price of which could be included in the initial dues) containing: 1. Basic purpose and activities of the ASA 2. Elementary considerations in local archaeology (along the lines of Ruth D. Simpson’s "What Should We Look For?") 3. A suggested reading list with readings classified as: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced (and in­cluding a reminder of valuable books and papers available at the Southwest Museum) B. A personal reminder and invitation (either by phone or mail) to participate in the first field trip after the member joins. m C. An available and central point at which random artifacts and information regarding possible sites, road information, etc, may be turned in and evaluated. I feel that these steps would be of real value in stimulating new members' interest in local archaeology, and in allowing the ASA to utilize more fully the results of novice field trips and explorations. - Barwyn Browne . . . AND THE REPLY I am very happy to see such letters. It shows a new member is taking the ASA seriously, as it should be. Suggestion "A " is fine — it is being worked on at the present tim e. But don't expect to see it next week. Remember a ll officers are volunteer and are working people . . . suggestion " B" is fin e , and we try to do this at all tim es. And for suggestion "C " ? The answer is the Southwest Museum. C all the Southwest Museum at any time (CA 1 —2163), or ca ll the Field Chairman, who w ill give you the numbers of fie ld leaders in your v ic in ity . * * * * * * * * DISCUSSION GROUP, A N Y O N E ?'?? CALL DEE SIMPSON AT THE MUSEUM AN D ASK TO BE PUT O N THE NO TIFICATIO N LIST. GROUP MEETS USUALLY ABOUT ONCE A M\ONTH — ATTEND ONE AND YO U'LL COME TO ALL