[MR] y'all are missing something about newcomers

[Tammy Silverman]

I think almost every event I have been to, there have been newcomer tokens - maybe troll should tell all the blue-cards WHAT the token looks like for that event, instead of putting it all on our newcomers.  Everyone can make it their goal to find three newcomers and help them feel welcome.  At an event like WoW it would guarantee that the new comers would get a wide variety of folk to talk to.     

I've seen some amazing garb on newcomers - certainly better than mine.  But I do find that telling anyone that their garb is beautiful is a great icebreaker.  A large portion of the people I know who start don't know where to start - and if you are shy, that puts a huge burden on you.  

One of the things I'd really like to work on is the "what do I need to play" answer.  The answer of, "oh, whatever you have is fine" frustrates people.  Try to explain - well, you need something to wear.  You need something to carry your stuff in.  You might want something to sit on.  You probably ought to have a hat or some sunscreen.  

The resulting questions - well what can I wear - lead to deeper conversations and help make newcomers feel like they aren't asking stupid questions.  I can honestly say that is part of the reason I didn't join SCA sooner: I kept feeling stupid about asking the same questions without getting what I felt were serious answers.  Newcomers don't usually have persona yet, so asking what time period I'm from is only going to frustrate me more.  Offer some basic advice - t-tunics were worn for a good portion of the period, and cover several countries -they are a great basic garment and fairly easy to sew.  Viking garb is very comfortable.  Did you see someone dressed in garb that really grabbed you?  If so, lets find them and ask them about it.  

We can't be afraid to say "I don't know" but follow it up with a "let's ask someone!"

It's a fun hobby, and for all the fabulous parts of it, the people are what keep me coming back.  The civility and attention to how a person is versus who they are.  

IMHO - that's what we should do for newcomers.
Thamira