Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you pronounce "Phaeton"?
• Phaeton rhymes with "Dayton." In our usage the accent is strongly on the first syllable: "FATE-en".
• What does "Phaeton" mean?
• Phaeton is a hero in Greek mythology. He won his fame by daring to drive the chariot of the Sun, a task that no human being could possibly accomplish. Our name honors Phaeton's determination to aim for the highest possible aspirations, and his bravery in daring to take on even an impossible challenge that would surely destroy him.
  
  Because of his association with the chariot, Phaeton's name was adopted in the 19th century to identify a type of light horse-drawn carriage built for speed. In the 20th century the automobile era transferred the name to a type of touring car that was designed to be driven by a chauffeur. A "Phaeton" was any long convertible with a luxurious expanded back seat area. The front seat usually had a separate roof section which could remain open for driver visibility while the passengers enjoyed the comfort of a closed canopy over back. This type of car was particularly characteristic of the 1920s and 1930s.
• Doesn't Volkswagen have a car called that now?
• In 2002 German automaker Volkswagen began producing a sedan car to which it gave the name Phaeton in an attempt to associate it with the luxury cars of the 20th century interwar years. However, in automotive parlance this is a bit like calling your new car model "The Convertible," since a Phaeton is a type, not a model. Even so, we wouldn't mind so much except that if you're going to use the Phaeton name for an automobile you really need to come up with something more worthy of the heritage than the forgettable vehicle VW is building.
• How can I join Phaeton Group?
• Enlisting with Phaeton is signing on for a commitment to hard work and tough standards, and most of it is unpaid. Some commercial projects offer compensation, but we are largely volunteer simply because the type of work we do must often be so. Phaeton Group members generally hold advanced professional credentials in science, engineering, or other relevant fields, or are master artists of proven talent and accomplishment. Phaeton membership also requires a high degree of trust, as we sometimes work with sensitive or dangerous situations. People suited to our profile are scarce, and we are not actively recruiting.
  
  However, we are always on the lookout for the rare individuals whose profile does suit them to our sort of work and whose talents would strengthen the Phaeton team. If you have advanced credentials, interests beyond your own specialty, respect for teamwork, and a belief in the importance of contributing your efforts to the service of science and society, then we would like to hear from you. Send by a postal mail a letter expressing why you are interested, and why you think you would be a good addition to Phaeton Group, along with background information such as a C.V., resume, or work samples. Use the address listed under "Contact Us" at left.
  
  Our newest members earned our appreciation and won our trust through volunteer service over quite some time. They paid their way to join us on field missions to prove their mettle and their value. Their character and their long-term commitment eventually made it clear that they belonged in the organization, and so they were offered positions and inducted into the Group. This is the standard cursus honorum for becoming a Phaeton member.
• VOLUNTEERING. I don't have a Ph.D. or an engineering degree or the professional equivalent, but I would still like to work with Phaeton. How can I volunteer?
• Volunteers make a substantial contribution to Phaeton operations, aiding us in a wide variety of ways. Those with greater experience and training in Phaeton-related fields may have the opportunity to work with us at more advanced levels, but anyone with the necessary dedication can play a valued role somewhere in the organization. And yes, we do sometimes take volunteers along with us on field missions when circumstances allow. Our existing network of volunteers, including the Phaeton Volunteer Reserves, has been sufficient to our needs (and our limited administrative capacity), but we are considering opening up the volunteer network in 2008 if demands on our time permit. We appreciate your interest and would like to be able to accept your help.
  
  UPDATE: We are presently (as of January 2008) working with an outside agency to allow volunteers who are able to pay their way to Mongolia to join Phaeton Chief Paleontologist Michael J. Ryan on his next dinosaur expedition to the Gobi desert in Summer 2008, and will publish details about that very soon.
• Is Phaeton Group a non-profit or a business?
• Phaeton Group is constituted as a commercial business, but the organization is non-profit in its objectives. This is an experimental approach intended to give us flexibility in funding our operations through business contracts as well as donations. We are available for hire in any area covered by our abilities, and we also accept charitable donations in support of our goals. Either way, all our income goes toward supporting the organization.
• What's with the uniforms?
• Phaeton Group uniforms are designed to be distinctive, simple, serviceable, and readily recognizable. Field uniforms keep Phaeton team members comfortable and appropriately suited to the situation at hand whether it be desert dunes or polar ice. Formal uniforms provide a degree of polish for dress occasions and presentations. Uniform is worn only on duty, and is never worn off-duty. There are casual Phaeton garments that suit some off-duty uses.
  
  For all their functional utility, the symbolic component of Phaeton uniforms is actually the more important. Our uniforms make a visual statement that when we are on the job, we represent the entire organization and are bound to honor its high standards in all that we do. The reputation of the organization and that of each of our teammates is reflected upon by anything said or done by a uniformed member of Phaeton Group. Working in uniform reminds us of our commitment to our standards and to our teammates.
  
  The uniforms also signal to people and agencies with whom we work that we take our responsibilities seriously, and that we are each prepared to be accountable for our actions. This has helped us to establish confidence in some situations where access might otherwise have been denied, so Phaeton uniforms serve a utility function in this respect as well.
  
  The use of uniform is frankly anathema to many of our education colleagues, who often regard uniform as symbolizing a conformist threat to the intellectual freedom that is rightly prized and indeed held sacred in academia. Phaeton Group represents a hybrid of academic goals and ideals blended with military discipline and determination. We sacrifice none of our individual freedom of thought by adopting uniform, and indeed Phaeton Group is as diverse a lot of free-thinking individuals as you are likely to find anywhere, with perspectives and beliefs of many stripes. For us uniform symbolizes the values that we share, and a common dedication to ideals and goals that are higher than ourselves. The personal freedom afforded by academia can sometimes lead to the self-centered, arrogant outlook that characterizes the negative stereotype of "ivory tower" academics. Phaeton uniform is our statement that we will not abuse that intellectual freedom and turn it into an excuse for disregard of others. Our commitment in Phaeton is not to our own careers, but to higher ideals and the things we can only accomplish working together as a team. For us this system of individual freedom within group discipline fosters a positive climate for inquiry and accomplishment.
• Can I buy one of those cool shirts you guys wear?
• Sorry, the tunics are Phaeton uniform and they are only available to team members. But the Quartermaster branch appreciates the compliments.
• Where do you get your uniforms?
• They are custom-made for us.
• Are you guys for real?
• Yes.