[MR] Queen's Corner - Peerage discussion

[The Sheltons]

From: "Shannon Smith" <sorchadeglys at cox.net>


<< And then there's the dreaded, "To become "X" in Atlantia, you have to 
have a web page." I have found that being accused of peerage hunting has 
kept many from sharing their knowledge with the world via the Internet.  On 
the other hand, I've also seen many who've been ignored for peerages for 
years until they've "published" online - and then it
was a very short trip.>>

Speaking from the Laurel perspective I've never heard of this alleged 
requirement.  However, I think I understand how you can get such an 
impression.

Laurel candidates must not only demonstrate mastery of an art or science, 
but should impact the overall knowledge and
skills set of the Society.  Artistic ability is wonderful but until you are 
sharing your knowledge with others you're not going to be looked on 
favorably by the Order.

Despite what anyone may tell you, there are no mandatory requirements like 
"you have to  have a web page."  Each candidate is evaluated individually, 
particularly given the variety of arts practiced within the SCA.  There are 
multiple ways to share your knowledege, including teaching classes (both 
formally and informally), publishing articles (Oak, TI, local), mentoring 
others, and, more recently, making your research available on-line for 
others to view.

I would suggest that the people that Sorcha states were ignored for years 
didn't suddenly become Laurels just because they met a reputed requirement 
to set up a web page.  At any given time we are watching numerous candidates 
throughout the Kingdom but it is difficult for the Order members to be 
equally familiar with each one's works.  Instead it is possible that these 
people were already under consideration but the information they provided in 
their web page was sufficient to tip the scale in their favor on a polling 
[note that the decision to actually make peers rests with Their Majesties, 
not the Order].

Personally, I enjoy looking at SCA websites and have been amazed at some of 
the web pages I've seen.  It's a convenient way to disseminate your personal 
information, particularly if you live at a far end of the Kingdom or can't 
attend many events.  However, I don't have a web page myself and I would 
never consider that to be a requirement for a peerage.

Hopefully this explanation is helpful.

John le Burguillun OL OP