ANST - A Calligrapher Responds - A lot : D

[Ace]

Hi there!  Aslyn here (taking off her Event Steward hat and rolling up her
scribal sleeves for this discussion):

(Editor's note:  for those who want to skip to the punch, just scroll down to
the last paragraph)

I (and I'm sure other calligraphers) have been listening in on this discussion
for some time; gleaning as much information as possible before responding.  

Master Tadhg has proposed a few variants of a proposed restrucing of the
current document presentation system, and Sir Kief has opined as follows:

{snip}

>>[ed. From Tadhg] * Star Signet farms out the assignment to a person...
>
>>This is pretty close to what would have happened in period, as I
>>understand it. It strikes me as allowing maximum flexibility and
>>minimum work for all involved [respondent's emphasis added], and ideally
>would generated some pretty snazzy-while-still-authentic documents for the
>happy recipients.
>>
I must respectfully object.  : D

As a current trench warfare calligrapher, current trench warfare illuminer,
past Sable Scroll, and one who teaches new calligraphers and illuminers, I have
some comments to add.  I am a native Texan, but began my SCA life in the East
where every scroll is original.  I observed the scroll production system of the
East, AEthelmarc and the Midrealm.  Upon returning home to Ansteorra, I was
once a voice who strongly questioned this sytem.  Then I began to take a look
at how large we really are, how many scrolls are given out, and most
importantly, how many people are doing the work.  So, my heart and mind was
changed.  

I speak to you now from that changed heart:

The number one difference between Ansteorra's system, and those Kingdoms which
I mentioned, is that there are many, many more calligraphers and illuminers in
place to do the job, and the populace knows to get their awards in weeks, if
not months, ahead of time.  I also am of the humble opinion that this Kingdom's
Charters (and yes, that's what they are at this moment) are far better than
some of the original works being created in other Kingdoms (I think the most
wonderful thing about their scrolls is the customization of text - however, I
know and agree that it is not period.  So, put away the torches, please).  

I am not sure it is generally understood just how few people are doing the bulk
of the work in the Kingdom.  And please, gentles, I do not mean that statement
as a whine.  Just a clarification of the current situation.  

Supply vs. demand:  in my opinion, that is the true issue here.  I would
estimate that right now there are perhaps (and I could be wrong), less then
five
(maybe seven) non-Laurels who are currently doing original calligraphy and
illumination documents.  That is a general estimate and not a breakdown of
skill level.  The number of non-Laurels who do calligraphy only (in relation to
document production) is less than five.  

Even if I am incorrect in my assessment of numbers, if one was to double my
estimates, that would still not be enough individuals to implement this
system; 
or, in the alternative, if we were to implement that system using those few
people, they would burn out so very, very quickly.  

We are already at maximum capacity for what our scribes can handle.  And yes,
we are the type of individuals who will leap to assist in a good cause.  But as
we all know, there are prices to pay, and sometimes they are permanent.

Let's look at that assertion on these levels:  how many gentles only do
calligraphy, how many gentles only do illumination, and how many gentles are
currently comfortable with document design and production (and doing them more
than once a year).

Consider the huge existing backlog of Peerage scroll commissions.  Considering,
again, the very few individuals who do original works, and would  comfortable
with an increased workload, another very, very large backlog will most
definately occur with non-Peerage document requests.  

Adding an additional path of original production for Grants and below will only
increase the backlog to enormous porportions.  

Also, take into consideration this very likely scenario: that upon learning of
this new proposal and the vast numbers of new "recruits" requied to implent the
plan, artisans across the Kingdom indicate that they want to learn calligraphy
and\or illumination.  Wonderful!!!!  However, in the meantime, while those
trying to implement the system are training these new folks to work at that
level, those few individuals implementing the program will be burning out even
faster (while, at the same time, keeping up with their exisiting obligations). 


Another consideration (which I honestly think must be made) is those who are
currently happy and content providing a service to the Kingdom my painting
Charters.  For many, it is an excellent starting point to explore illumination
(and perhaps calligraphy).  But there are a number of folks who are perfectly
content with that level of exploration - they have no desire to do straight
illumination.  Okay - that's not my bag - I explore the Universe and encourage
others to dive right along with me.  But just because it doesn't work for me
doesn't mean it can't work for them.  They are content with where they are -
and I suspect that they absolutely love to serve in that capacity.  

So.......here's what I propose.....let's do a survey of calligraphers and
illuminers, and a survey of the Kingdom at large (two distinct categories,
because I think the first folks we should be asking are the folks who would do
the bulk of the work, and I think we should ask the populace if they want
straight calligraphy warrants, and then wait for a "festive" document).

I will volunteer to draft the surveys, pass them out, and tally the results.  I
will also be glad to run the questions by many folks from different sides of
the table.  Then let's see where we are - realistically.

Please don't think that I'm trying to be overly negative about my position.  I
was present behind the thrones of many a Court and saw the faces of those who
received original works which were tailor made for them.  Oh, the unbridled joy
a scribe feels at that moment.  : D  

However.....I think we need to stop and re-assess our minds and our hearts.  I
believe the day will come when we will implement a system of original works. 
But first, we must train and encourage the future, and preserve the present.

Yours verbosely, but in Service,

Aslyn Crystyn
Steppes, Ansteorra
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