[MR] Was: census conclusions Now: Recognition

[ldmolly at md.metrocast.net]

Unto the Gentles of the Tavern does Mary Isabel of Heatherstone send greetings and an observation...

Recognition (at any level in the SCA) is often based on award recommendations. I cannot speak for their Majesties (having never held such a position) nor would I presume to speak for any other Baronage. I _can_ tell you that while I served as the Baroness of Dun Carraig, we often had to SEEK OUT recommendations or base them off of our own limited observations. 

I cannot tell you how many feelings have been hurt because someone was just sure there were "tons" of recommendations for them just being ignored by the sitting royalty/peers/insert collective group here. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case and the person's feelings were being hurt for no good reason.

This is one of the simplest items to fix out of this whole discussion. If you think someone is doing a good job, then TELL folks who can acknowledge their work. There are awards for long-term activity, as well as simple one-time "Atta-boy!" awards to encourage folks. They are all wonderful to receive. I think having TOO MANY recommendations is a burden most monarchs would happily shoulder, smile. 

The award recommendation forms are located here: http://award.atlantia.sca.org/ and it even keeps a record of the past recommendatiosn you've made. There's even an award "cheat sheet" if you forget what the award is for. 

Thank you for allowing me to add something (hopefully positive) and to provide some perspective to this ongoing discussion.

Molly