[MR] Names and stuff (fwd)

[Craig Levin]

Lady Maderun:

> To all who love the SCA,
> 
> If we start doing things "authentically period" then we will have to change 
> our SCA ranking structure and a basically most of the SCA. If it isn't broke 
> why fix it.

>From your mouth to Laurel's ears.

I'm writing a Creative Anachronist on Renaissance Portugal.
Trying to view the titles and social structure of Vasco da Gama
and Magellan's Portugal through the prism of the SCA is like
trying to study the craters of the Moon by using a funhouse
mirror and the bottom of a Coke bottle. 

I would say that gradual reform is a lot better for an healthy
institution's existence than radical action. One is like losing
weight by gradually changing one's diet and starting on a regimen
of exercise, and the other is like getting the stomach stapled
and liposuction. 

There are a lot of things I'm glad we don't recreate, and for
which I see little, if any reason to do so, like limpieza de
sangre. There are other things which I think would be nifty but
would be impractical to carry out, and a change in our title
structure is one of them. 

> Yes, we should try to do things more period and improve ourselves and our 
> groups  but we should not come to the point that we no longer enjoy the SCA 
> and drive people away. Soon there will be no one to left to play.

>> I shall help my Lord husband to look better on the field along with his 
> equipment, I will pay my coin to the Troll (reminds me of three billy goats 
> gruff).  I will help those I can to better their garb, equipment and have 
> enjoyable events.  I will not nit pick.  I will have fun and help others to 
> do the same.

I think any reforms would have to be examined in the light of
maintaining our viability. Mind you, I don't see doing something
like using period terminology for our event staff as something
disastrous for recruitment. To each his own, though.

Pedro