Page 286 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

is possible. A detailed Table of Contents is therefore usually good enough.
Sensitive information
Some information, such as specific GPS indications, may be highly sensitive to disclosure. This may particularly be true in the absence of a management plan that addresses threats of vandalism. Sometimes, it may therefore be appropriate to prepare a separate report for public distribution. However, this touches on a profound dilemma. Archaeology builds on spatial distributions. Moreover, it serves a public purpose. So, in many ways, the public has a right to know. Denying access and withholding information may have more negative impacts in the long run than engaging as many as possible in protection through extensive information. Nevertheless, it may be wise to consider some information sensitive when it is not backed up by a full information strategy. This argument should not be used, however, to withhold information that would otherwise lead to a better understanding of the significance of the underwater cultural heritage, or of the issues involved in its protection.
Report-writing guidelines
Every author has his or her own style. But there are guidelines that should be followed when writing a report. A report is not a novel, but just like a novel it
needs to be readable. Readers will generally consult individual sections, rather than reading it cover to
cover, which they might quickly do once. This needs
to be accommodated. Each section should be more or
less self-contained. A matter-of-fact style is the most practical. Complicated constructions, wordy clauses
and passive voice should be avoided. A narrative
on how things were done may include personal considerations. It should not be swamped with sophisticated, lengthy sentences. Factual descriptions should avoid adjectives that are subjective in nature. It
is also more relevant to state actual size and condition
than to state that something is big, overwhelming or beautiful. If such adjectives are used at all, they should
be in comparison to something else. It is essential that 285
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Reporting