[MR] RE: Atlantia Digest, Vol 9, Issue 52

[egeorges]

Lord Lyon:

Yes, I have seen the kits of the gentles you mention, and many other equally
inspiring examples.  You talk about "everything we are trying to preserve."
And here is where you and I differ, and perhaps the heart of this debate.
Yes, we want to strive towards excellence in the portrayal of the period.
But on the way should we sacrifice other things that are equally important?
Like, for example, hospitality and courtesy?  Shall we make some folks feel
unwelcome because they don't excell to the same degree as you do at creating
period atmosphere?  Shall we make folks feel that if they make one little
mistake they shall be run out on a rail?  Because that's what rules do --
they create the feeling that this game is not about "wanting to" but "having
to."  We've had enough problems dispelling the myth that the SCA is full of
wandering "garb nazis" that will rudely tell you in great detail everything
that is wrong with your outfit.

You assert I am "defending the rights" of some recalcitrant lowest common
denominator.  And you go on to assert that the long-time players have the
"right" to not be importuned by coke cans.   I submit to you there are no
"rights" to be had here at all.  This game is not about entitlements.  It's
about creating an environment.  And the ends do not justify the means. And
it is not base "complaining" to suggest that we should think long and hard
before we make something a matter of law rather than inspiration. It's
called defending our ideals.  And it is possible to have a reasonable
disagreement on how to do that.

And as for the supposed "lowest 5%" -- I have found that most people, if you
offer them a hand as opposed to an admonition, will respond.  If coke cans
really work your nerves, offer someone a glass for their beverage instead.
If someone's jeans really bother you, offer them some loaner garb that works
better.  If you really can't stand the sight of someone's Coleman chair,
offer to drape your cloak on it.  I would rather have us be a Kingdom marked
by our generosity and our tolerance, as opposed to an abundance of rules.  I
would rather that we rely on people's nobler instincts, than presume that
everyone is just a lazy good-for-nothing.  Because if we fall back on
expediency and give up on those ideals, we are all the poorer for it.  No
matter how pretty we all look.

Yours Truly,
Luce Antony Venus


===============

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