[MR] Orders and Awards

[Rupert Gaddy]

Good Lords and Ladies,

I had promised myself that I would remain quiet on this, most people already
know where I stand, since I was one of the moderators on the 4thPeerage
Group and was one of the primary people involved in sending that proposal to
the BOD...only to have it shot down in flames, and make a few enemies in the
process.

However as I see the same ground covered again, this time on the Kingdom
level, I can not help but post this in the hopes that it will greatly
clarify the issue and the opinions being formed and stated.

The discussion on this issue pretty much mirrors that which occurred on the
4th Peerage Group, with the following main arguments being made:

(the top ten list)

(1)Everything is wonderful as it is.

(2)We need these orders to recognize those who are not being recognized.

(3)No we don't, the existing orders are fine.

(4)The Existing orders are not fine, they need to be more inclusive and
recognize these people.

(5)The only people pushing this are the whiners who don't have awards and
want them.

(6) Only those who already have awards think everything is OK and they keep
raising the bar to deprive others of any recognition.

(7)The excellent work of people is falling through the cracks because they
don't fit exactly into the existing orders and it is not fair to ask the
existing orders to change the way they do things.

(8)We don't do this for recognition, it doesn't bother me not to be
recognized, I do it for fun.

(9) People who could continue to offer things to the Kingdom and Society get
so discouraged after years of having their work go unnoticed (or un awarded)
that the eventually quite the society in bitterness

(10) Good riddance to those the above category

As in the discussion that occurred on the 4thPeerage group, let me ask you
before you "pick a side" to consider what the PURPOSES of awards in this
organization are.

Are awards to encourage certain behaviors and discourage others?
  If so, how does the current award system meet these needs? Is it
encouraging the
  behaviors  (and activates) that we want to be encouraged, or is some
behavior or
  activity being left out.. or over emphasized... or under emphasized?

Do you think awards should be given for X which is an activity that was not
part of the original concept of the SCA?  Why or why not?
   Does having awards for other than heavy fighting, or A&S somehow dilute
the Society and
   the Kingdom? (The Pelican was left out intentionally, as it was a later
award itself) Or
   does the inclusion of other service and activity in the areas which are
worthy or award
   enrich the Society and the Kingdom?

What is the desired effect on the person who receives an award? Is this
effect happening?

What is the desired effect on the populace who sees the person get the
award?  Is this effect happening?

What effect does seeing the work of others recognized have on an individual
who has done as much or more work, but who has never been recognized for it?
Is the effect desired?

You can probably add a few more relative questions to the list..... This is
only a starting point.

Only when you discover for yourself what you think the PURPOSE of awards in
the Society and the Kingdom really are can you then begin to think about
specific awards and to evaluate them as to their effectiveness and
usefulness. This may cause you to confront your prejudices and deep feelings
about the activities and people of this kingdom, and in fact to relook at
the purpose of the Society itself and you own place with in it.

Rupert, the Persistent