[MR] supporting "The Dream"

[Caterine St. Loe]

*listening and cringing*

Well I suppose constructive debate is as period as flat out bickering.

It seems to me this "debate" comes up about every few months or so.  And
it seems to me that it always comes down to one thing.  The law.  The
rules are set forth to make the game as enjoyable and authentic as can be
without forcing strict period guidelines like other groups do.  How hard
is it to disguise non-period items?

But at the same time how can we expect newcomers to adhere to those rules
if they are finding it trying to even get a long standing member to guide
them?  And even if they do get a member to guide them through the rules of
the game who's to say that that newcomer will want THAT level of
involvement right out of the gate?  How? By making it all available to
them when they start.  NOBODY is insisting a newby be an A&S god when they
start...nobody is insisting ANYONE be perfect at anything...all anyone is
calling for is that non-period items be covered. And now it isn't only
going to be certain people frowning on those not trying it will be a
rule...a rule that we as a Kingdom can vote to change. But that we as a
Kingdom must abide by until it is changed.

I think the dream is different for each of us.  But think about when you
first started in the SCA. Or even now when you see someone all decked out
in their finest.  Do you think "show off!" or do you think "WOW, I want
something like that" Not every Knight on the field in spiffy armor is a
rhino-hider and not every Lady donning a perfectly period Tudor gown is
looking down her nose to you.  You cant generalize that way.  We have a
"society" and in every society their are a million personalities and each
is allowed a voice.  The rules in this Kingdom are brought in and voted on
by it's populace.  If you don't like them you have three choices.  Change
them. abide by them. or don't play.

I am sure not to make any friends in this post, I am not looking to argue
with anyone.  This Kingdom welcomes all opinions, they just don't make
rules from them all.

In service
Caterine St. Loe