...and the tekkie verdict on "Hoard Hunters"?

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It was interesting to see the reactions of those most interested in last night's "Hoard Hunters", other metal detectorists. There were mixed reactions, there were some who loved it, like "zendog" (Tue May 28, 2013 11:51 pm):

Generally enjoyed the programme, just still don't understand why the TV companies think they have to have at least one larger than life hyper presenter for all these types of series. I think they think the audience like it, I think they are wrong. Good to hear them reinforcing the permission, record and report message. Not sure I would have bothered to dig that lump of iron. Looking forward to next weeks episode.

Others, such as forum member "Grant" (Tue May 28, 2013 11:29 pm) were less impressed:

I thought the guys who presented it were just irrating to watch , especially the guy who kept getting that bloody megaphone out, what a twat, I was hoping to see more detecting, instead it was just two guys jokeing about, hopefully it it'll get better but has the thumbs down from me unless it improves.

another one less than impressed  was "Selectcase" (Tue May 28, 2013 11:31 pm):

The jury is out for me at the moment - Driving around like a nutter in a tombraider 110 landie with a megaphone kind of put me off a little.

"Mikes334" gets more personal (Tue May 28, 2013 11:37 pm): 

I,m with Grant on that one ... That Gary Brun is so annoying .I'm pleased he's not my M.D buddy .......... elmtree ya safe mate !!

"Jamie B." (Tue May 28, 2013 11:48 pm) has much the same feelings: 

It was as I expected ... I knew the prat with the hat would be acting the idiot and basically be the "johnny vaughn" character ... The heritage (great surname) was the "Steve brooker" character with all the passion and knowledge and the archeologist was the museum/pas fella The one great thing was the archeologists voice!! It could be so much better with less dicking about and more finds and history of the people and area. 5/10.

or indeed discussion of the issues surrounding artefact hunting and collecting. "Johny-blaze" (Wed May 29, 2013 1:17 am) agrees with Grant and Mikes334 concerning Mr Brun's onscreen  antics: 

he's as funny as a kick in the nuts

Meanwhile on another thread a post by "Coltmanwest" (Tue May 28, 2013 11:14 pm) pulls no punches:

Did anyone else out there have to hide behind the sofa while watching the biggest load of s##t ever, about detecting..I hid!!..out of embarassment!..Maybe the next episode will be hosted by the chuckle brothers! Any comments people...I am gobsmacked.

If such reactions from the UK detecting community are anything to go by, it would seem that in the public eye some damage was done to the image of detectorists by this programme, which is kind of what one would expect on hearing that the man with a hat was going to be the presenter. Apparently they tried to get the FLO to visit them in a field, but they did not turn up. Maybe the Portable Antiquities Scheme as part of their public outreach might like to publish a statement about this programme for the benefit of millions of people whodo not go out hoiking historical artefacts from the ground, or cleaning Roman coins fresh from the soil by putting them in their mouth (!).

Vignette: The Chuckle Brothers.