[MR] Tarring all heralds with the same brush Was: Re: Proposal for reducing the backlog

[Beverly Robinson-Curry]

Landi wrote in response to Effingham:

> --On Tuesday, June 19, 2007 6:50 PM -0400 Anthony Bryant
> <anthony_bryant at cox.net> wrote:
>
>> And, for the record, "artistic style" is not
>> registerable, so if you   want a Viking-style depiction
>> of a raven, GO FOR IT. All that matters   is the position
>> be blazonable; the actual style is up to you.
>>
>> Effingham
>
> I most courteously beg to differ...  Two or three years ago
> I attempted to submit a new device containing three icicles.
> Though there _is_ an heraldic representation of an icicle
> (resembling an inverted gout, so I've been told) the
> consulting herald chose to draw a more modern design.  It
> was summarily rejected by Golden Dolphin for "obtrusively
> modern style".

I believe Effingham was trying to say that what you draw on your shield 
_once_ it has been registered, is up to your artistic license (however, I do 
believe the fighters have already had a discussion about not depicting "My 
Little Pony" type displays, as they consider it inappropriate).  The CoA 
registers the design; your display of same may differ.

As for the change of device you speak of above, I believe that was returned 
in September of 2005, which causes me to think you may have done the 
submission at the Pennsic consult table, which is staffed by volunteers of 
varying skill level from different kingdoms.  However, even if it was your 
local herald or a herald at an Atlantian consult table who prepared the 
forms, not all heralds have access to every book, or have infallable 
knowledge of heraldry.  And some of us (myself included), don't draw.  That 
you got one who was willing to prepare your forms for you and made an 
attempt, meant they were trying to really help you out.  Unfortunately, they 
lacked enough knowledge about icicles, didn't know to look it up and messed 
up.

When you received your notice of return, you had one year from that date to 
resubmit without additional fee.  Did you contact the Golden Dolphin Herald 
for additional assistance at that time?  I notice that you never completed 
the change of device.  Heck, I would have happily helped you with the resub. 
Even though I can't draw (although, I could probably manage a goutte or 
two), I can copy, paste and xerox.

And actually, I'm still happy to assist you with it, if you are still 
interested changing your device.  Or, I can point you in the direction of an 
experienced herald in your region.

> I fear I no longer have the patience to deal with the
> College of Heralds...

If an MoL fails to send in your authorization paperwork and you have to get 
the paperwork re-done to get a permanent card, or a marshal fails your armor 
or weapons for the day (keeping you from fighting), do you write off ALL 
MoLs or marshals?  Nope.  But for some reason, people are more than happy to 
develop a prejudice against heralds as a group for the failings of one 
experience or a few individuals.

And that, I find extremely unfair.

Rhiannon, Triton