[MR] what we "should" do

[Lord Lyon Filshenri]

Luce Antony Venus wrote:

"Do too many people wear blue jeans and not cover their chairs?  Absolutely.

But maybe the answer isn't more rules.  Maybe the answer is that influential
leaders should lead by example.  Maybe the answer is that those with the
knowledge of how to do things in an authentic manner should be held up as
examples, and encouraged to share their knowledge with others.  Other
kingdoms give awards to folks who excell at persona creation and
authenticity.  Jumping straight to the legislative option is certainly
efficient, but it leaves a bad taste in people's mouths.  And it's most
certainly NOT inspiring."

I must respectfully ask if Luce has looked around lately. Have you seen Duke
Cuan's kit? Sir Corby's household? Sir Otto's chairs? Have you seen Baroness
Daria's clothes? Looked at Their Majesties' clothing and accessories? Been
anywhere near Angevin Treasures? I could go on for days but you get the
point.

I maintain that "influential leaders" HAVE been leading by example. For
years, by my personal observation. I know they are certainly the reason I am
trying to get ever more period clothing, equipment and furnishings. The new
rules about plastic on the field may have sped up my replacing my plastic
leg armor, but the desire to do so already existed from a desire to emulate
the classier Atlantian elements.

However, some people will ALWAYS take the path of least effort. And past a
certain point, lack of effort on their part diminishes the enjoyment of
those who work very hard to make our events a little more magical, a little
grander, a little more special than they might otherwise be. We spend a lot
of time talking about how to get new members, and how to make sure they can
play, and making excuses for people based on newness. But the long-time
members have some rights too, and one of them is not to have their best
efforts spoiled by lack of consideration. (One Coke can on the table doesn't
ruin it, but six of them at every event can get discouraging.) Why do the
rights of the lowest 5% in terms of skills, resources or knowledge have to
set the standards? The experts, the long-time players are as important or
more so than maintaining an influx of new people at any cost. If we make the
SCA so casual, so generic, just to get new members or to keep those on the
fringes who want to hang out but not make an effort, we lose the very thing
we are trying to preserve.

If our King and Queen took this one small raise the bar a little, I think we
should support them with offers of help to the struggling, not complaints. 

Respectfully,

Lord Lyon Filshenri
Barony of Marinus, Kingdom of Atlantia
Squire to Syr Otto von Schwartzkatz
LordLyon at lairhaven.com