[MR] A&S issue

[Kathrina Black]

I have to comment on the first good lady's experience.  I have
not participated in A&S competitions even though I am considered a
competent seamstress and I teach many classes on the costumes that I make
and research.

The reason I do not participate is because I have had negative and
sometimes nasty comments to my face about my garb not being period, from
people who are wearing polyester sacks, but because they hold the title of
"Laurel" in "something," they apparently feel qualified to judge anyone
about anything.  This has happened to me on so many occasions, I've stopped
counting and anyone who knows me, knows that I try to be as period in my
garb as money and physical condition allow (I have  severe carpal tunnel
and cannot hand-sew very much).

I agree with Duke Logan that if you are in a competition, you are asking to
be judged, but there has to be a better way.  Not only should nasty
comments be banned, but someone needs to teach a class on how to leave
constructive criticism.

I don't know what the answer is, but I know I am one of at least a hundred
people that feels the same way.  If we don't think of a way to fix this,
A&S competition will die out of the Society and that would be a travesty.

In Service,
Lady Catriona inghean Ghiricc