[Ansteorra] Newbie's perspective on NMS and other things

[Sonja Crocker]

Welcome aboard! I also agree that that was very well said.

Cait



On Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 2:29 PM, Alexandra Shahan <acshahan at att.net> wrote:

> Hello. First post, newbie and all. (waves to all). Let me just say, I
> attended my first event because a friend insisted I go. Practically dragged
> me and my kids. Oh, by the way, she also arranged for us to borrow clothes
> and helped with gear. She told me what to expect for fees and a few details
> about the camping. When we arrived to pay (my first event was War Lord last
> summer) I saw the NMS and just thought it was the way things were done.
> Makes sense - I was not a member. Didn't really think much more about it.
> Had no idea where the  money went or what it was used for. Really not on  my
> mind. However, getting set up and acclimated was a bit daunting.
>
> In moments  of starting to unload the car, help arrived (in the form
> a teenager a his friend) who helped us unload and set up the tent (all the
> while telling my kids all about the cool stuff they could do). The trotted
> off to help others, leaving us to arrange things inside. Moements later
> another soul came by and offered help and advice and welcome. He even came
> back later that evening to make sure I was not alone and clueless  (well,
> I'm still a bit clueless, but for that evening I had an informative friend).
>
> The friend I came with had her hands full renewing old friendships and
> catching up and endeavored to introduce me to the entire organization in one
> weekend. To say the least, it was overwhelming, but in a good way.
>
> On the downside, during the full day on Saturday, it was a couple recently
> moved here from out of kingdom that made me and my family the most welcome.
> Unfortunate as they said it was normal where they came from to locate
> newbies and make sure they were taken care of. I realize it is easy for
> newbies to get lost in the shuffle, and they were a tremendous help and have
> become good friends.
>
> On the postive side, at my next event a month later (30 year) we arrived
> late and my friend had to rush off to meet an obligation - leaving me and my
> kids to set up this huge tent and stuff. I was so lost. But wait! My sister
> (who has been in for years) sent a rescue party - within in 30 minutes of
> our arrival, half a dozen really great guys showed up and in less than an
> hour the tent was up, the van unloaded and the cars moved. Wow!!! And then
> they were off to their own persuits. Still, a few moments of attention and
> this newbie felt so much less than lost.
>
> Soooo - point is, from my viewpoint, don't worry so much about the NMS.
> Want newbies? Invite someone and help make it easy for them to attend an
> event. Get a small group together to help them out their first event or two.
> That way there is no undue burden on any one person or family to fully
> shepherd or sponsor a newbie. Don't worry so much about the money
> (seriously, it's not even as expensive as taking all the kids to dinner and
> a movie once, even scout camping trips cost more sometimes). Help newbies by
> making them feel welcome, check on them and make sure they are gtting a clue
> (yes that is a shameles plug for if you see me wandering aimlessly, I
> probably am still  clueless, feel free to clue me in).
>
> Yes I finally joined (waves new blue cards for all to see). Gave the
> membership to my kids as part of their Christmas present.
>
> okay probably way more than $0.02!
>
> Alexandra McNeil NottClaire
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-- 
Cait O'Hara
mka: Sonja Crocker