Musings Concerning the SCA

[gothwalk]

There was a shire meeting last night, at which I took notes, listened a lot, and watched people. I didn't say much, although I participated a bit more in the site-finding discussion afterward.

I've also read the mailing lists with close attention lately, trying to pin down a few things that are annoying me. I've been unable, for one reason or another, to do anything SCA-wise for about two months now, and the space is making some difference. I think I'm close to pinning those things down, and I think they are the pedantry and the pedantry, with a dash of politics.

We went to an event in August. I got authorised, we were very pleased with the event, things were good. When we got home, we put up some pictures, and the very first response I got was from someone saying that a title in the captions was wrong. The writer provided a four or five paragraph discourse on the correct title, and why giving people the wrong titles was a Very Bad Thing. I replied saying, basically, "Thanks, but, uh, go away, you pedant". A day later or so, a version of the mail I received was sent to a regional mailing list, where it was challenged by half a dozen different people. I felt somewhat justified, but some damage had already been done.

Since then, I've seen that writer respond to a number of mails, always with an objection or a point of order, or some other proof that the writer notices More Details and is therefore A Better SCAdian. To be fair, they did say some very good things about a recent event, and seemed to disagree with some else's pedantry, but I'm not sure it's coming from a good basis. Yes, I'm bending over backwards to not identify this person; I'm talking about a type, albeit with this person as a prime example.

And then there's the politics. These are pretend titles, handed out for what are, in real terms, very minor achievements. And people fight and argue over them, disagree, and make very real impacts on each other's lives and emotions. That, in a word, sucks. It's a game, but it stops being a game very rapidly when you, by direct action, make someone cry.

So how come I'm still interested in this, you might ask. Well, for some unknown reason, Dublin (and Elpaheimr, Glen Rathlin, etc) seems to be different. I can identify no schisms in the group. There were about twelve people at the meeting last night, and virtually all decisions were unanimous, or very close. We have enthusiastic people (not just here, but coming in from outside, too). The only possible pedants in the group are good-natured and easily distracted by shiny things.

So what it's coming down to is that I can expend money and effort trying to get to events and things in other places, and get pedanted at, or I can expend money and effort trying to do more for the Dublin/Irish group, and enjoy it. The choice is pretty easy.

Comments

[silme.livejournal.com]

We like to play in Ireland because SCA events there are fun. And we tried to make Crown a lot of fun also. Heck, Acarin told Raphe he'd never seen a better breakfast spread at any SCA event ever -- and he's played in An Tir also. Raphe pointed to me since I cooked the breakfast. But that's what I was used to. I had £1.50 a person. I could come up with all sorts of neat things for that money. Jaelle wasn't into my idea of French toast, so I didn't do it on Saturday. But when I looked around, the breakfast on Saturday seemed sparse. So, I decided I'd make French toast (eggy bread over here :) on Sunday. There was a lot of leftover bacon to cook, so that went on also. People were impressed we had all sorts of teas, coffee all day, hot chocolate etc. Heck, it's not expensive, and people like it. Why not? I'm in a household based in Denver (but with people all over now) in which we believe that there might not be enough food; I'm used to that -- and to treating people the way I want to be treated.

I've had problems here in Drachenwald. Heck, I was fired as ID seneschal. I was very successful as a baronial seneschal and as a kingdom seneschal. What was my problem? I had to explain over and over again to two individuals high in rank that they couldn't do what they wanted to do because it went against SCA rules. Basically, I was fired for doing my job and daring to speak against people who thought they knew everything. *sigh* If I don't know something, I'll admit it. But heck, I've been in the SCA since 1979. I've served in shires, baronies, principalities, kingdoms and even a little at the corporate level. The current SCA president was my student. I was student to two amazing Pelicans (one also a Laurel) and a former SCA steward (also a Pelican and Laurel). I learned a lot -- and I learned to ask questions and look for answers. And I've learned now how many people support me and wish I were still seneschal. Oh well. :)

But I also learned over the years that the SCA is about enjoying yourselves. And if someone, particularly someone who is a relative newcomer makes a minor slip, you control yourself and don't jump all over them. I believe the person who corrected you (tell me privately if you want -- I think I know) actually doesn't know as much as that person thinks s/he knows. Even if it's a major slip, you work with them privately and on an individual basis. And you're not pedantic about it.

I don't know it all about the SCA, but I know quite a bit. And I know to encourage newcomers -- not to knock them down. *sigh* I was so angry when I learned someone had 'corrected' you last summer.

Ireland plays the SCA the way I remember it being played a long time ago. That's why we're coming over for Yuletide. The events in Ireland are the way events should be.

Seriously, if you go anywhere and someone starts being condescending, use me as your attack cat. And I bet two certain peers in Ireland would be an attack wolf and an attack lizard as well. ;)

I play SCA as a hobby. I have a life. I have a fulfilling career, I love my husband, I live in a nice house, my cats are nifty, I have a lot of cool friends and I do a lot of things besides the SCA. There are some people for whom the SCA is about all they have -- they don't like their jobs, they're having all sorts of mundane problems etc. The SCA is the only place where they feel they have any control. I feel sorry for them.

[silme.livejournal.com]

But it was careless for that person to need to be that nit-picky, particularly with folks who are relatively new to the organisation.

But those are just my feelings; what do I know? ;)

I don't want to be an officer any longer; I just want to sit back and point and giggle.

And wear male garb to events because it's so comfy and freeing. :)