[MR] raising and lowering expectations

[Eileen/Ciar/DarkRaven]

Hail!

On of the reasons I liked the SCA from the very begining was it's attitude of acceptance.  Not only of beliefs and lifestyles, but of it's acceptance of peoples' level of involvement.  You could be as active and authentic as you wished and had the ability, or inclination, or finances for.

Your "little effort and a relatively small amount of money" sugestion may work for many, but unfortunately, I have neither.....(having Rheumatoid Arthritis, being on SSI, and needing drugs that cost twice as much as I get from SSI  each month makes that impossibe), and I know that others are in the same or simmular situations.  

It is bad enough that some sites and/or events do not take the disabled into account.  When you begin to require,  instead of inspire, you will narrow people's options, and chase people away.  And I have been hearing quite a bit about the need for more members.

Besides, supposing we are all minor nobility from the beging of one's participation, many festivals and events in period involved phantasy/theme party.

I believe reasonalbe effort to be period is the traditional requirement and should continue to be the standard.  Let each individual decide to what effort beyond that they go.  I also think that "stringent rules for everyone after an initial trial period" smacks of elitism; and while I am not usually PC in any manner, this voulenteer/non-profit organization should be inclusive and exclusive.

Your belief that "If you aren't making the consistent effort to become more period, then you are taking away something from all of those who are making the attempt."  seems to me to be wrong thinking.  In my opinion, it only gives a better contrast to those doing the wonderful A&S and fighting and service, and hopefully making it easier to recognize those doing good works by rewarding and recognizing them.

While I am always in favor for improvement in all things, I do not require it of others.  

The above are just my opinions and I hope no one takes offense.  I would also like to hear other's opinions on this matter.

Eileen/Ciar/DarkRaven

"I Want those who get to know me, to 
become admirers or my enemies"  - A.A.
 - We are the Morrigan
amuser of miniature panthers
Keyer of the Keeps
Firm Believer in If it is not fixed, Break It!
Wench Madame Cum Laude #913
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Thorgrimm at aol.com 
  To: atlantia at atlantia.sca.org 
  Sent: Monday, June 03, 2002 10:13 AM
  Subject: Re: [MR] raising and lowering expectations


  In a message dated 6/3/2002 10:50:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time, mungoe1 at msn.com writes:



    We are in a club of people that volunteer their time to play with each other, and we have to play nice. You cannot make people play the way you want to, then they will go away.


      The thing that separates the SCA from any other "historical recreation group" of which I am aware is the fact that we DON'T have a set minimum of authenticity for participation. It is our greatest strength as well as our greatest weakness. 
      The fact that someone can come to participate with a minimum of expense and initial effort is great. It gives a much larger proportion of people the opportunity to experience the good things which we have to offer. Once someone has gone to an event or two and decides that this is something they wish to be a part of, the need for the "minimum attempt" begins to dissipate.
       We begin to enter the realm of the eternal question in the SCA, which is whether we should require established members to put forth a stronger effort to make things more period. Personally, I favor more stringent rules for everyone after an initial trial period. It is far too easy, and relatively inexpensive, for people to put forth a bit of effort to make the illusion stronger for everyone.
      Through the years I have repeatedly put forth this notion to established members and have repeatedly been crucified for my convictions. I don't want to see us get as anal as the CivWar guys, but I do think that there should be a concerted effort to move forward as a group toward more of a historically viable look and less of the fantasy/theme party atmosphere.
      Through a little effort and a relatively small amount of money, everyone can add to the atmosphere of the middle ages. Paying attention to the laws regarding smoking and original containers should be a no-brainer, but perhaps we need to start enforcing these rules as a beginning. 
      There are people in this kingdom doing better stuff than has ever been done before. I don't know of any of them who won't take the time to help and teach anyone who asks. If you aren't making the consistent effort to become more period, then you are taking away something from all of those who are making the attempt.

  Just Another Unsolicited Opinion,
  Hrothgar 
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