[MR] Names and stuff (fwd)

[Brett W. McCoy]

Becky McEllistrem wrote:

> Actually it is about recruitment that I worry though. 
> Would you like to move a kingdom and have everybody
> "correct" you with "proper" terminology as you walk in
> the door?  This is what gets encouraged and has
> already been mentioned.

Why is this any different than correcting people with inappropriate 
garb, or someone walking around with a cell phone?  It doesn't have be 
done as finger-wagging and snarking, there are better ways to do it and 
I think those who want to see more accuracy should be careful how they 
go about this... the idea of 'authenticity nazi' doesn't need to be 
perpetuated.

> Show me how you're going to prevent that from
> happening then I might be interested.  Personally, I'd
> rather focus on research and writing, than individual
> words.

What if one's research involves what people called things in the Middle 
Ages?  I think it's as valid research as, say, 13th Century costuming.

I like the suggestions made that we start introducing, and gradually, 
more appropriate terms that can be used in persona.  We don't have to be 
mean and nasty about it, it's even appropriate to respond in a medieval 
fashion, or to omit the terms that are "translations" of modern items, 
as Ii suggested.  "There's a troll on the grounds??!?!?!  Oh, very 
amusing, I see the jest, yes, you want the gatekeeper over there..."

-- Istvan
                                           http://www.chapelperilous.net/
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Q:	What is the sound of one cat napping?
A:	Mu.