[MR] [AtlantianHeralds] A question of Protocol regarding toasts

[Chris and Sue]

Cian,
I realize the issues of group dynamics.  This particular dynamic, however,
has demonstrated to me over and over again across 18 years of engaging in
SCA activities to do far more harm than good.  I think a pomp and
circumstance is a fantastic thing and, yes, I will agree that it adds
immeasurably to any SCA event.  It is a great thing, provided that is what
it is used for - atmosphere and entertainment.

Sadly, it isn't.  Far too many "important" people leverage their in-game
(ever wonder why it's called a game) authority over other people in the
interests of meeting some bizarre personal agenda or promoting someone else
they know to pool said fantasy authority.  I spent this last weekend bowing
to Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses, Barons and Baronesses, and
celebrating one of my best friends' ascension to a coronet because it does
matter.  It matters very much that these people, in these in-game positions
be given the reverence they deserve because they (on the most part) have
earned it one way or another.  I in no way am suggesting we throw that
practice out because the SCA would be lessened without it.  It's those
people who play this game like there is really something to gain that go
about hurting other people.  You earn the award/accolade by already being an
example of it before you are awarded it.  It isn't an actual promotion.
Hell, even winning Crown is just winning a very hard tourney - and the prize
is the Kingdom.  On Monday morning, you (general you, not you specifically)
still have to set the SCA aside to deal with real life.  If nobody is there
to bow to you, are you still a Baron / Prince / King?

How this ties in is simple.  I don't object to there being an order of
precedence for such a simple thing as a toast - but somewhere did somebody
get their panties in such a wad as to need to define how it should be done?
It's these little things that have calcified the SCA as a whole.  I know
that His Grace (see, I can do it!) has said that numbers actually increased
over the last year.  I hope that's true, because as a Chatelaine for two
(three?) years, I've converted 80% of my contacts into members.  That
translates into 6 people.  I've also been laughed off of 2 campuses because
of this "game."  We have no credibility in the academic community because of
pretend Kings, Barons, etc.  We look frighteningly like a LARP, if you take
a look around.

That's fine, though, because that's what the SCA has always been.  This
though, arguing over who gets toasted first, arguing over some crazy
protocol when people are just trying to do the right thing and recognize
those people who have earned a position, and letting the "game" become more
important than the people, the activities, or the reason we play it is
shameful.  This is my beef, and I know I don't speak up often, but I may be
talking for other people here when I say that you have all started to take
yourselves way too seriously.  Are the positions / appointments serious?
Absolutely.  But they're meant to be fun, and to facilitate fun for other
people.  Leave the serious work for the officers and let's just get on with
actually trying to be honorable and chivalrous for a change instead of
talking about it and pretending to be noble.

Dagobert  

-----Original Message-----
From: atlantia-bounces at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
[mailto:atlantia-bounces at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org] On Behalf Of Cian Conor
MacQuaid
Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2010 11:31 AM
To: Merry Rose
Subject: Re: [MR] [AtlantianHeralds] A question of Protocol regarding toasts

Dagobert,

I am sorry if this detracts from your enjoyment of the SCA. In any group
you will find people niggling over the details, often with much more
heat than has been shown here. If you judge any group by its mailing
list you are doing it and yourself a grave disservice.

I don't think any of us have suggested that any people are not worthy of
respect, or for that matter suggested anything that will have any
significant impact on the way the game is actually played.

As you note, our general focus is on being good to each other. My
observation is that practice often deviates from what I see as a clear
declaration by Corpora of the order of rank.

Cian