The Interpreters Network (IN) is a diverse group of career oriented guides,
volunteers and salaried individuals.  We serve as a vehicle of exchange for
interpretive information.  The group also provides counsel and support among
veteran interpreters and builds channels for developing professional growth
and reputations.

This group is considering a fundraising effort by creating a series of
t-shirts displaying phrases, one-liners and lists which hopefully will be
humorous to those in the Interpretive profession.  The members of the
Steering Committee are interested in any response regarding the validity of
this idea (so where else to get opinions but this listserve).  Some initial
examples are listed below, and we hope to stimulate other input from the
museum profession (this is where you come in).  Any simmular lines which
will enhanse or augment these concepts are solicited (and don't tell me you
don't have the time to respond or you wouldn't be on this listserve).

Top Ten Reasons to Become a Museum Interpreter:
     You get into other museums free.
     Sometimes you get to dress up in funny clothes.
     You can appear in home videos around the world.
     You don't have to let the facts interfere with the story.
     You make the big bucks.
     There are no stupid questions...but they do try!

Top Ten (or more) Comments from our Favorite Tourist:
     If that's Art, my kid could do better!
     What time does the ten o'clock tour start?
     What are those two animals doing?
     Why did the buildings burn: was it fire?
     I thought men were shorter then!
     What do you mean, I have to wait in line?
     Is that water real?
     If you are an interpreter, what languages do you speak?
     Do they remove the velvet ropes before they go to bed?
     (or)
     is this where you live?
     You mean I have to buy a ticket to get in?
     (or)
     You mean you're going to charge me to look at that old stuff?

One liners that could be part of a list, or could stand alone:
     How come they always fought battles in a National Park?
     Why did they put this historic house in a modern developments?
     A vistor to Colonial Williamsburg commented that "I spent all day
looking for Germany, but I never got out of England?"


Characteristics of the Museum Interpretive profession:
     Historic Interpreters tell it like it was.
     Art Docents tell it like they see it.
     Science Interpreters obey the laws.
     Nature Interpreters put up with the weather.

Museum Interpreters: know how to create a hands-on experience!
     like to do it in a group!
     prefer to do it in frount of everyone!
     can talk while they're doing it!

These are just some ideas from the experiences of the Steering Committee
members of the Interpreter's Network.  We can be glad they do not have a
regular access to this listserv but they are interested in your comments.