[MR] Re: Use of the word "Troll"

[Mark Bush (personal account)]

To say that we have always done it that way, ergo, it must be right is the
most ridiculous argument an otherwise intelligent person can possible make.
Yeah, for a long time we have used the term "Troll" to designate the person
you pay to get in to an event, but it is a ridiculous term. A troll is some
fantastic, broken-down, twisted, flesh-eating monster that jumps out from
under a bridge to torment the three billy goats Gruff. I would rather call
that person who assists me with paying my fees, getting my bearings at a
strange new venue, and providing accurate and clear answers to my every
(stupid) question anything but a troll. They work too hard for us to have a
good first experience at an event to not honor them with a more fitting
title. 

Personally, I like the term "Gatekeeper." It is appropriately descriptive,
historically documentable and does not sound to new people or non-SCAdians
like we are a bunch of weirdoes. Heaven knows we don't need that. 

Lastly, why is there such resistance to a simple change in verbiage that
makes us more period, more descriptive and more non-SCAdian friendly? I
don't know. But I do have a warning to offer. When an institution is so
myopically embedded in its own traditions as to prevent fresh air from
blowing through it and cleaning out the cobwebs or stagnation, it is dying. 

Relax, people and lighten up. It IS a game, but the rules of the game are
that we try to make our best effort to BE period in the game to the extent
that we can. No Period Zealots or Authenticity Nazis needed. But there IS an
aspect of historicity that is required to play. Do you REALLY want to settle
for wearing Poly-Cotton T-tunics for the rest of your time in the game? 

Just because you are wet, does not mean you are swimming.

Wm of Glencoe
Barony of Black Diamond