[MR] 5% and other prevarications

[GM Miller]

As a member of a small Shire, and an Autocrat and Marshal, I think that 5% or even 25% is a bit of a stretch, and a bit towards insulting to the populace...

I know that my Shire could never have held it's last few events without a lot of help from outside sources. I have never had to but call, post, or approach someone, anyone- and ask for assistance at/for an event to get it. I've been turned down, because of people not being able to attend, bad health, or prior commitment, but never an "I don't want to", not once.

At EVERY event I have attended, in over 12 years, I have never seen a lack of help cleaning up after a feast. Most of these events I myself have been in the kitchen, cleaning, to witness this. It's true, not everyone contributes- BUT, if you put everyone at the event inside most kitchens we use, you wouldn't get anything accomplished, because you'd be packed in like virtual sardines. It's true I've had to kick my feastocrat (and assistants) out of the Kitchen during clean-up, but never because they were "having to do it theirselves", but because they were still trying to volunteer and do what they could to work at what needed doing!

I have also never autocrated an event, nor sat at troll, that many various and a sundry of people did not walk up and ask if they could help with something- Anything! I've had people do any job you can think of willingly, voluntarily, and stay it through until it was finished, all without having to ask for the help.

Site clean-up is sometimes difficult to get assistance with; People are tired, many have a long drive ahead of them, some have obligations to get home at a reasonable time, but many more stay and help, at least a little. BUT- the group that sponsors an event are the ones who know they are responsible for clean-up when they contract the site. It doesn't take a crowd to do this, and even a small Shire (like mine) can do it alone, but again, I've never personally seen this happen. Nor have I ever seen a site left in so poor a shape by the SCA that a huge amount of clean-up is necessary. Sweeping and mopping and a little trash gathering is about all it usually takes. (Pennsic and the like aside)

If your group is having difficulty finding enough help for any part of an event, whether marshalling, cooking, cleaning, trolling, or whatever, it because you have not let your need be known to those who would gladly donate their time to your cause.

Remember though, that this is a Game! If someone does this just to have fun and relax, and doesn't want to work their butts off, that's OK. Do what you do because you want to... because you enjoy it. Let others do the same without question or harassment. I guarantee that the 5% of us (if that scurrilous estimate is anywhere near close) will still get the work done, and we'll keep having nice events, and keep the Dream alive.

I guess the short of it is: Do what thou wilt, and the rest will take care of itself. Always has (for at least 12 years), and probably always will.

Vivat! to all those who do volunteer their time and efforts. If you haven't before, watch closely at the next event you attend, and see for youself just how many people are working! I'm personally proud of our Kingdom, and the things that we can come together and do when we decide we want to. Vivat Atlantia!

Lord Primus Gavius Falconius Brittanicus