[MR] Spiff = time money and effort

[LWright740 at aol.com]

I have read the posts concerning increasing our level of authenticity with 
interest.  On the Medieval Encampments list that was a thread on buying 
verses making period items.  This discussion was along the lines of "instant" 
spiff and could you buy credibility that way.  I'm sure what I have to say 
will piss someone off but it should be said.

Now when I was a student and had little money, I made much of my "kit," and 
did a reasonable level of authenticity.  Once I started my career I had less 
time and more money so bought more of my "kit" from merchants.  My first big 
purchase was a pavilion.  I wanted to add to the atmosphere and set a good 
example.  I found out very quickly that all of this spiff stuff was much 
harder to transport (why I own a truck) and could not be set up alone.  I am 
a single woman in her mid 30's working full time and developing a Veterinary 
relief practice; my limited resources are now time and endurance. (Sometimes 
money and asthma flair ups)

 When I was younger I could do more sustained physical labor, I had many 
young men willing to help me set up, and I gave out beer for help (good 
beer).  The SCA has changed and there are less people with time to help 
others.  The changes are due to increased responsibilities like family, 
households, and their own "spiff."  There is a slight chance that some of the 
young men that helped me were doing it to flirt and I understand that.  The 
free beer stopped attracting vollunteers too.  I simply cannot put up my camp 
(even an abbreviated one) without considerable help.  It is humiliating to 
ask for help all the time especially now that there is less of it.  I have 
even tried to pay or barter for help, but I have found a lack of dependable 
"employees."  A lack of help, even if it is not meant as a personal slight, 
will eventually discourage you and take the fun out of SCA play.  

  I could go to camping events in a dome (it would be easier) but I feel that 
because I have the spiff I should bring it and not take a step back.  I could 
affiliate with a household to get help and contribute to their set up but I 
feel this will only add to the problem of less help for people like me.  Once 
I get my camp set up (and my breath back) I wander around and help others set 
up pavilions or merchant booths (Hi Effenwalt).  It is fun to meet people and 
help out as well.

  Large household (while they do host bardic and such) often have so much to 
do that it keeps their members in camp and they get "worked out" on the 
household camp.  I remember some knights that used to send their squires out 
to help others (not just people they knew).....what has happened to that 
practice?  There are other people that feel that you shouldn't play if you 
can't set up your own camp....they get no help so why should you expect it.  
To me that dosen't fit with the dream of chivarly.

My solution has been playing less or day tripping rather than lowering my 
standard.  I'm not sure this is any better than showing up to Court in blue 
jeans with a Coke.

Take Caer,

Lora Leigh
Barony of Marinus in Atlantia