[MR] Look to yourself...

[Signora Sveva Lucciola]

It seems that when ever this list erupts, it is because people fear
others imposing their values/standards/expectations on them. We had
this with the "kit" discussions, and now we are having it on a simple
word choice! 

As mentioned earlier, the beauty and lasting power of the SCA is that
it has room for all kinds. Truly the only thing you can control is
yourself. That means make your garb/armor/language as historically
accurate as you are happy/comfortable with. Be impressed and motivated
by those who go further than you, but do not mock or ridicule those who
do less. We are each different and find our joys in different ways. 

Personally, I would like to thank the poor gentle who brought up the
topic of "Troll" terminology. I did not perceive they were trying to
change the entire system,...merely inquiring if these other terms would
be understandable or acceptable. By doing so, they have brought a
multitude of options to our greater notice.  

And now for my 2 cents worth...I have been involved with the SCA for 20
years, in multiple Kingdoms and multiple groups, so I am not a recent
addition trying to change the flavor of the SCA.  But, I do have
personal negative connotations with the term "troll". 10 or so years
ago I was manning a middle of the night shift in rural mid-Western
America pretty much by myself when a bunch of rowdy non-SCA guys came
hooping and hollering and making fun because there was a sign saying
"Troll this way".  They just came to cause trouble and make fun because
they thought we were freaks. It was scary.  But it got me to thinking
about how we were projecting ourselves to the outside world. Ever since
then I have avoided the term. For events that I have autocrated or
where I have served the function of taking reservations and checking
people in, I have either used the term "Reservationist" or the
"Gatekeeper". Guess what? NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN CONFUSED! So, those who
would are planning things, feel free to use whatever terminology you
feel comfortable with, be it troll or gatekeeper, feastacrat or head
cook, etc. Yes, people will still refer to you by the term they are
most comfortable with, but smile and do your best to fulfill that
function.

Sveva Lucciola



=====
"If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. 
If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. 
But I arise in the morning torn between the desire to improve the world, 
and a desire to enjoy the world. 
This makes it hard to plan the day."
---e.b. white

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