[Ansteorra] Ansteorra Digest, Vol 56, Issue 27
Laura Hodnett
ldyadelaide at hotmail.com
Fri Dec 31 12:21:44 PST 2010
Well said Robin!!! The only things I would add to his questions are:
Do you have the clothing to look the part?
Do you have a support system or access to an experienced entourage to help you with your reign?
Do you have the financial means to travel and represent your lands at local, kingdom, and national events?
Is your entourage financially able to travel with you as needed?
Can you always remember that your actions represent your lands, your people, your station and the Crown?
In Service,
HE Adelaide de Bourbon
> Mistress Hillary asked:
>
> >Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of Baron
> >and Baroness?
>
> Stop considering it. You are the last one who should consider yourself.
>
>
When the position comes up, consider other candidates. Who would be
best for the barony? Consider people who aren't your close friends, but
who play the game well. Consider people you disagree with, but who
always make you think, and sometimes convince you to change your minds.
If you can figure out who it should be, then so can everyone else. And
if there's a clearly best candidate, then your application doesn't help
you or the barony.
>
> If a fair number of people urge you
to put your own name(s) in, then consider the people who are urging
you. Do they include people who aren't your close friends, but who play
the game well? Do they include people who often disagree with you, but
whom you can make think, and sometimes change their minds? Do the
people who don't like you think you are a serious candidate? If so,
then you can begin to consider yourself. (As I said above, you should
be the last one to consider yourself, and by this process, you are.)
>
> But not for the honor -- that's not your business. Your question is this -- can you handle the responsibilities?
>
> Can you talk to -- and care about -- the people in the barony you don't enjoy being around? Are you already doing so?
>
>
Can you consider the merits of everyone in the barony for awards and
honors? Do you know the award structure well enough to make
recommendations for people doing things you don't do? And are you
already doing so? Are you putting in a significant number of award
recommendations before each local event? Also, is your sense of who's
ready for an award sufficiently close to the kingdom's that most awards
you recommend are given out soon after?
>
> Non-fighters,
can you carefully watch the fighting, and tell what happened?
Non-artists, can you look carefully at the craftsmanship in your barony
and tell what's good and what isn't? Can you fairly judge people whose
SCA focus and goals aren't really compatible with your own?
>
>
Do you spend time listening to other people's opinions, problems and
ideas? Can you fairly judge an idea that you personally have no
interest in?
>
> Can you stay onstage for hours at a time, graciously dealing with each situation with hundreds of eyes on you?
>
> Can you deal with politics without rancor, forgive and move on -- over and over again?
>
>
Are you willing to become a living banner -- a personal symbol of
people's branch that they have as much proprietary interest in as they
do in the black star?
>
> Can you keep doing the same
thing for several years? Is your SCA career sufficiently stable that
you are prepared to let everybody else's occupy much of your focus for
the foreseeable future? Is your ego and self-worth so sure that you can
spend the next several years never saying "Look at me!", but always
saying "look at them!", even to people who are praising you right now?
Is your personal life sufficiently comfortable that you can afford to
be in the public eye without a break for several years? Is your
confidence sufficiently high that you can stand having everyone taking
about every mistake you make, for several years non-stop? And can you
stand being corrected and disagreed with constantly for the same length
of time?
>
> Can you swear fealty to *anyone* who wins
Crown tourney? Can you take their orders and do things their way? Are
you comfortable shifting gears every six months? Can you defend them
and their decisions -- even the decisions you argued against? Can you
give out an award you really disapprove of when it appears at your
court with their signatures?
>
> Can you teach a new
baronial herald how to hold court? Do you even know everything that
happens to make a court a success? Do you know why they are often
thirty minutes or more late starting?
>
> Fighters, can
you drop out of fighter practice to deal with a non-fighting problem?
Every week? Can you be comfortable watching the baronial tourney
knowing you can't enter, for years? Artists, can you drop that project
and get on the phone when a problem breaks? Over and over again? Can
you be comfortable judging the artisan competition knowing you can't
enter, for years?
>
> And finally, are you a candidate
that the barony as a whole will take seriously? Do you really believe
that you will be considered the best, or one of the best, candidates,
by most of the barony, and a candidate that the entire barony and
kingdom can accept comfortably? Do you think the barony will be well
served by denying the best of the other possible candidates? And is it
really likely that they will choose you rather than another candidate?
>
>
Are you prepared for the process -- to put yourself on display for
months, for the entire barony to critique and judge, including the
people who don't like you and aren't disposed to be fair to you, to
accept all of their scrutiny and criticism, and then in all likelihood,
*not* become baron or baroness? Can you cheer and be happy at your
rivals' baronial investiture?
>
> If so, then carefully
ask yourself if now is the right time in your life for the barony, and
the right time in the barony's life for you? Can you give it more time
than any other SCA or mundane hobby activity, for the next several
years? Is it fair to your family, friends and students to take some of
your focus off of them?
>
> Because that's what you're considering doing.
>
> And be hard on yourself. Because everyone else is going to be.
>
> Robin of Gilwell / Jay Rudin,
> Baron of the Steppes 1988-1991
> From: ansteorra-request at lists.ansteorra.org
> Subject: Ansteorra Digest, Vol 56, Issue 27
> To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:00:16 -0800
>
> Send Ansteorra mailing list submissions to
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> than "Re: Contents of Ansteorra digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Hillary Greenslade)
> 2. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (paula hanna)
> 3. Advice to all Was: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> (Bree Flowers)
> 4. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Richard Threlkeld)
> 5. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Robert G. Ferrell)
> 6. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Chiara Francesca)
> 7. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Robert G. Ferrell)
> 8. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Scot Eddy)
> 9. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Stefan li Rous)
> 10. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Vickie)
> 11. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Robert G. Ferrell)
> 12. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Ld.blackmoon)
> 13. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Jay Rudin)
> 14. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Irena Fridenberg)
> 15. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Doug Copley)
> 16. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (Marthe Cole)
> 17. Re: new comment on B&B (willowdewisp at juno.com)
> 18. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (willowdewisp at juno.com)
> 19. Re: Advice to a new Baron and Baroness (HerrDetlef)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:31:59 -0800 (PST)
> From: Hillary Greenslade <hillaryrg at yahoo.com>
> To: ansteorra <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <993470.52447.qm at web110307.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>
> Gentles,
> Of late, there have been a number of new transitions for the office of Baron and
> Baroness (B&B) in the landed Baronies of Ansteorra, and several more to come
> this season.? This job is probably the hardest office of the SCA, both for it's
> length as well as it's depth.??
>
>
> Many years ago,?as I met Baron Edwin FitzLloyd of the Steppes, along a pathway
> at an event, I asked him how he was enjoying his retirement?from Baron of
> Steppes which he had?vacated some few months before.? After a pause, Edwin
> astutely said? "It is a pleasure that the opinions I give are from Edwin, rather
> than the 'Baron of the Steppes'".?? Wisely said.
>
> Some of you have held the post of B&B and may have many words of advice to a new
> B&B.?? Many with years in the society, having supported your?landed Baron and
> Baroness, may also have words of advice.? I've asked this question before on
> this list and you can search the archives for responses, but I think it bears
> repeating.?
>
>
> The question:
> What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and Baroness
> in order for them to find success in their new office??
>
> Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of Baron
> and Baroness?
>
> Regards, Hillary
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:44:58 -0800 (PST)
> From: paula hanna <pippermint at sbcglobal.net>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <347863.39067.qm at web82605.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Always be slow to answer but quick to compliment - especially with children. The
> smallest word or token will make an impact the reverberations of which will
> carry far further than you can possibly predict.
>
> Oh, and carry a bottle of Advil Liquigels in your pouch.
>
> Mistress Oriana della Francesca
> Baroness Emeritus of Bonwicke
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Hillary Greenslade <hillaryrg at yahoo.com>
>
>
> The question:
> What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and Baroness
> in order for them to find success in their new office?
>
> Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of Baron
> and Baroness?
>
> Regards, Hillary
> _______________________________________________
> Ansteorra mailing list
> Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:54:08 -0600
> From: Bree Flowers <evethejust at gmail.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: [Ansteorra] Advice to all Was: Advice to a new Baron and
> Baroness
> Message-ID:
> <AANLkTikKJKctarQX-HQQLpjqW15+1NfPMr5nCxHgrC2B at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> I just have to say... this is such good advice that it is in fact good
> for each and every one of us. It doesn't matter what your rank is, you
> can still have a profound impact on someone else. It would be best if
> that impact was a positive one :)
>
> ~Eve
>
> On Thu, Dec 30, 2010 at 4:44 PM, paula hanna <pippermint at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> > Always be slow to answer but quick to compliment - especially with children. The
> > smallest word or token will make an impact the reverberations of which will
> > carry far further than you can possibly predict.
> >
> > Oh, and carry a bottle of Advil Liquigels in your pouch.
> >
> > Mistress Oriana della Francesca
> > Baroness Emeritus of Bonwicke
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: Hillary Greenslade <hillaryrg at yahoo.com>
> >
> >
> > The question:
> > What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and Baroness
> > in order for them to find success in their new office?
> >
> > Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of Baron
> > and Baroness?
> >
> > Regards, Hillary
> > _______________________________________________
> > Ansteorra mailing list
> > Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> > In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> > http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Ansteorra mailing list
> > Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> > In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> > http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
> >
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:20:06 -0600
> From: Richard Threlkeld <rjt at softwareinnovation.com>
> To: "'Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc.'"
> <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <011e01cba880$7a055080$6e0ff180$@softwareinnovation.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> I have been the Seneschal to three B&Bs. One well established (and extremely
> successful in my opinion) when I become Seneschal and one that started a bit
> later. My successor had to step down to become the Baroness, so I stepped
> back up for a short time.
>
> There are many things I observed and probably just as many that I should
> have noticed, but did not. But the most important in my opinion is "The
> things the B&B pay attention to thrive. The things they don't pay attention
> to don't thrive." I've seen it happen again and again. And I've seen it
> reversed by retargeting the B&B's efforts. You don't have to be the biggest
> cheerleader for everything, but pay everything some attention. Visit a guild
> meeting each month and make it a different one each time. Go to official
> fighter practice as often as possible. Meet with event stewards several
> times and look for problems (don't just ask "Is everything alright?"). Be at
> the business meeting every month and participate actively. Watch for people
> doing things right and complement them in public - in court if possible. In
> short - pay attention.
>
> In Service,
> Caelin on Andrede
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: ansteorra-bounces+rjt=softwareinnovation.com at lists.ansteorra.org
> > [mailto:ansteorra-
> > bounces+rjt=softwareinnovation.com at lists.ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of
> > Hillary Greenslade
> > Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 4:32 PM
> > To: ansteorra
> > Subject: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> >
> > Gentles,
> > Of late, there have been a number of new transitions for the office of
> Baron
> > and
> > Baroness (B&B) in the landed Baronies of Ansteorra, and several more to
> > come
> > this season.? This job is probably the hardest office of the SCA, both for
> it's
> > length as well as it's depth.
> >
> >
> > Many years ago,?as I met Baron Edwin FitzLloyd of the Steppes, along a
> > pathway
> > at an event, I asked him how he was enjoying his retirement?from Baron of
> > Steppes which he had?vacated some few months before.? After a pause,
> > Edwin
> > astutely said? "It is a pleasure that the opinions I give are from Edwin,
> rather
> > than the 'Baron of the Steppes'".?? Wisely said.
> >
> > Some of you have held the post of B&B and may have many words of advice
> > to a new
> > B&B.?? Many with years in the society, having supported your?landed Baron
> > and
> > Baroness, may also have words of advice.? I've asked this question before
> on
> > this list and you can search the archives for responses, but I think it
> bears
> > repeating.
> >
> >
> > The question:
> > What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and
> > Baroness
> > in order for them to find success in their new office?
> >
> > Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of
> Baron
> > and Baroness?
> >
> > Regards, Hillary
> > _______________________________________________
> > Ansteorra mailing list
> > Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> > In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> > http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:24:04 -0600
> From: "Robert G. Ferrell" <rgferrell at gmail.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <4D1D22A4.2080309 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> On 12/30/2010 4:31 PM, Hillary Greenslade wrote:
>
> > The question:
> > What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and Baroness
> > in order for them to find success in their new office?
>
> I haven't served as a territorial noble personally, but when Mistress
> Mari ferch Rathtyen stepped down from the baronial throne of Bjornsborg
> her first words to me were (paraphrased):
>
> "After ten years, my opinion finally counts again."
>
> Cynric
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:50:38 -0800
> From: "Chiara Francesca" <chiara.francesca at gmail.com>
> To: "'Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc.'"
> <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <034201cba884$bf0079e0$3d016da0$@gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Not a landed, served in support of landeds and the best bit of advice told to me by a 3 separate Baroness from different groups was to make sure that the Barons' men-at-arms always have an ample supply of altoids to hand him. :)
>
> ?
> Baronessa Chiara Francesca
> (said in my best southern drawl) You want a silver lining to that sad, little, cloud; come sit by me. :)
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:08:07 -0600
> From: "Robert G. Ferrell" <rgferrell at gmail.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <4D1D2CF7.6080703 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> In all seriousness, though, the one piece of advice I give to landeds
> and new Crowns is this:
>
> The SCA is a game. Nothing more, nothing less. Have fun and play the
> game; don't let the game play you.
>
> Cynric
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:55:21 -0800 (PST)
> From: Scot Eddy <mister_eddy2003 at yahoo.com>
> To: " Inc.Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA" <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <887848.83309.qm at web130207.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> The ?Advice to a new Baron and
> Baroness? thread got me to thinking. There is a? theatre analogy that
> might serve us well here. For the actors to perform well night after night you
> need a good stage manager to take care of them. For the B&B to perform well
> event after event they need a good entourage. I pulled the following list off
> the internet (just look up ?stage manager?s kit? for a more comprehensive list)
> pared it down to the basics, and added equipment and supplies for the SCA.
>
> ?
>
> For those gentles who will be
> ladies- or lords-in-waiting here is a useful list that will help your B&B be
> at their best.
>
> ?
>
> STAY IN CAMP KIT
>
> Medical supplies: First aid kit, tweezers,
> instant ice packs, cough drops, band-aids, saline, antacid, and pain relievers,
> Polysporin/Neosporin, Benadryl, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer,
>
> ?
>
> Office supplies: cheap mechanical pencils,
> pens, clipboard, sticky notes, legal pads, rubber bands, recent kingdom
> newsletter, recent local newsletter,
>
> ?
>
> Convenience items: Small sewing kit
> (several needles (pre-threaded), black and white thread, buttons, hooks and
> eyes), scissors, safety pins (multiple sizes), Brasso, sunscreen, seam ripper, lighter,
> insect repellant, zip locks,
>
> ?
>
> Hygiene: tissues,
> bobby pins, hair clips and elastics, barrettes, nail clippers, nail file, breath
> mints/Listerine Fresh strips, chap stick, toilet paper, stain remover pens, Goof
> Off,
>
> ?
>
> Tools: Screwdriver set, hammer, small tool
> kit, wrench, work gloves, utility knife, multi tool, glasses repair kit, 550
> cord, zip ties, rubber mallet, tent stakes,
>
> ?
>
> Food/Feasting:
> Extra feast gear, snacks, water, beer bottle opener, corkscrew, chocolate,
> candles, goblet, favorite beverage
>
> ?
>
> Special: Largess,
> spare baronial award regalia, throne pegs, mittens, hand warmer, spare
> batteries, mini maglight, super glue, extra copies of court scripts, extra copies
> of the wording of scrolls
>
> ?
>
> ?
>
> ?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> CARRY WITH YOU KIT
>
> Put the following in a basket or a shoulder bag
>
> zip lock bags (for putting small items you don?t want to
> lose), bottled water, pain reliever, safety pins, largess, goblet, hair
> accessories, small sewing kit (with pre-threaded needles), breath mints, hand
> wipes, hand sanitizer, multi tool/Swiss army knife, pencil/pen, paper,
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:31:09 -0600
> From: Stefan li Rous <StefanliRous at austin.rr.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <427965EC-70C5-4003-B53A-EC6CD9F17A93 at austin.rr.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> On Dec 30, 2010, at 6:24 PM, Robert G. Ferrell wrote:
>
> > On 12/30/2010 4:31 PM, Hillary Greenslade wrote:
> >
> >> The question:
> >> What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and Baroness
> >> in order for them to find success in their new office?
> >
> > I haven't served as a territorial noble personally, but when Mistress
> > Mari ferch Rathtyen stepped down from the baronial throne of Bjornsborg
> > her first words to me were (paraphrased):
> >
> > "After ten years, my opinion finally counts again."
> >
> > Cynric
>
>
> Okay, Cynric, I guess I don't see what you are saying. I can't see Mari *ever* just being a figurehead. I would think as Baroness you have to take pains to be even-handed and as non-biased as you can. Not because your opinion didn't count. Because it does. A lot more than the average member.
>
> I can easily see a good baroness saying that she is finally free to express her opinion again. Not because it didn't when being the baroness, but because it very much did. As someone else mentioned, what the baroness is interested in, gets done while other ideas may languish.
>
> Stefan
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:41:54 -0800 (PST)
> From: Vickie <arastya at yahoo.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <506809.66296.qm at web110608.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>
> The advise I give is similar to what some others have said but?here it goes;
>
> The B&B of a group are the Heart and Soul of the group.??How they present
> themselves?tends to be reflected in the way the group interacts with?each other
> and the rest of the Kingdom.? So my advice?is the consider what image and
> message your actions are giving to your populace.? Believe me for better or
> worse they will follow your lead and not always with the interpretation you
> expected.
> ?
> Mistress Asiya (formerly Arastya)
> Vickie Bratcher
> www.kingdom-kreations.com
> ?
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Hillary Greenslade <hillaryrg at yahoo.com>
> To: ansteorra <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Sent: Thu, December 30, 2010 4:31:59 PM
> Subject: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
>
> Gentles,
> Of late, there have been a number of new transitions for the office of Baron and
>
> Baroness (B&B) in the landed Baronies of Ansteorra, and several more to come
> this season.? This job is probably the hardest office of the SCA, both for it's
> length as well as it's depth.??
>
>
> Many years ago,?as I met Baron Edwin FitzLloyd of the Steppes, along a pathway
> at an event, I asked him how he was enjoying his retirement?from Baron of
> Steppes which he had?vacated some few months before.? After a pause, Edwin
> astutely said? "It is a pleasure that the opinions I give are from Edwin, rather
>
> than the 'Baron of the Steppes'".?? Wisely said.
>
> Some of you have held the post of B&B and may have many words of advice to a new
>
> B&B.?? Many with years in the society, having supported your?landed Baron and
> Baroness, may also have words of advice.? I've asked this question before on
> this list and you can search the archives for responses, but I think it bears
> repeating.?
>
>
> The question:
> What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and Baroness
> in order for them to find success in their new office??
>
> Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of Baron
> and Baroness?
>
> Regards, Hillary
> _______________________________________________
> Ansteorra mailing list
> Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:44:05 -0600
> From: "Robert G. Ferrell" <rgferrell at gmail.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <4D1D4375.3020002 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> On 12/30/2010 8:31 PM, Stefan li Rous wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Okay, Cynric, I guess I don't see what you are saying.
>
> You're not a Bjornsborger.
>
> CoB
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:48:41 -0600
> From: "Ld.blackmoon" <ld.blackmoon at cox.net>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <3CC7B3702AD34595BE6E6843547FA8AC at blackmoon1>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> greetings
>
> while the below post is the best i have seen / heard in many years,
> i would also have to agree with Cynric , that this is a form of
> entertainment that we all CHOOSE to participate in .
> RELAX , its supposed to be fun.
> the other point i would add , is that to the vast majority of the populace ,
> as a landed or crown , you portray the " NOBILITY " with all that entails.
> including the belief ( true or not ) that all nobility are the living
> examples of what we the populace should be striving to imitate in order to
> better live
> " the dream " ( tm, cc, or some such ; )
> so please , have an alternate personna ready , if you find you just have to
> go check out the "barbarian beach babes" party at war ; )
>
> just my thoughts, ymmv ; )
>
> Be Safe , Be Happy, Have Fun .
> Arthur
>
> ps.. believe in yourselves,and your populace . the populace and the crowns
> believed in you !! you'll do fine : )
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Richard Threlkeld" <rjt at softwareinnovation.com>
> To: "'Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc.'" <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 6:20 PM
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
>
>
> I have been the Seneschal to three B&Bs. One well established (and extremely
> successful in my opinion) when I become Seneschal and one that started a bit
> later. My successor had to step down to become the Baroness, so I stepped
> back up for a short time.
>
> There are many things I observed and probably just as many that I should
> have noticed, but did not. But the most important in my opinion is "The
> things the B&B pay attention to thrive. The things they don't pay attention
> to don't thrive." I've seen it happen again and again. And I've seen it
> reversed by retargeting the B&B's efforts. You don't have to be the biggest
> cheerleader for everything, but pay everything some attention. Visit a guild
> meeting each month and make it a different one each time. Go to official
> fighter practice as often as possible. Meet with event stewards several
> times and look for problems (don't just ask "Is everything alright?"). Be at
> the business meeting every month and participate actively. Watch for people
> doing things right and complement them in public - in court if possible. In
> short - pay attention.
>
> In Service,
> Caelin on Andrede
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: ansteorra-bounces+rjt=softwareinnovation.com at lists.ansteorra.org
> > [mailto:ansteorra-
> > bounces+rjt=softwareinnovation.com at lists.ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of
> > Hillary Greenslade
> > Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 4:32 PM
> > To: ansteorra
> > Subject: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> >
> > Gentles,
> > Of late, there have been a number of new transitions for the office of
> Baron
> > and
> > Baroness (B&B) in the landed Baronies of Ansteorra, and several more to
> > come
> > this season. This job is probably the hardest office of the SCA, both for
> it's
> > length as well as it's depth.
> >
> >
> > Many years ago, as I met Baron Edwin FitzLloyd of the Steppes, along a
> > pathway
> > at an event, I asked him how he was enjoying his retirement from Baron of
> > Steppes which he had vacated some few months before. After a pause,
> > Edwin
> > astutely said "It is a pleasure that the opinions I give are from Edwin,
> rather
> > than the 'Baron of the Steppes'". Wisely said.
> >
> > Some of you have held the post of B&B and may have many words of advice
> > to a new
> > B&B. Many with years in the society, having supported your landed Baron
> > and
> > Baroness, may also have words of advice. I've asked this question before
> on
> > this list and you can search the archives for responses, but I think it
> bears
> > repeating.
> >
> >
> > The question:
> > What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and
> > Baroness
> > in order for them to find success in their new office?
> >
> > Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of
> Baron
> > and Baroness?
> >
> > Regards, Hillary
> > _______________________________________________
> > Ansteorra mailing list
> > Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> > In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> > http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ansteorra mailing list
> Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1191 / Virus Database: 1435/3348 - Release Date: 12/30/10
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 13
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:01:08 -0500 (EST)
> From: Jay Rudin <rudin at peoplepc.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA,Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID:
> <740188.1293764468430.JavaMail.root at mswamui-backed.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Mistress Hillary asked:
>
> >Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of Baron
> >and Baroness?
>
> Stop considering it. You are the last one who should consider yourself.
>
> When the position comes up, consider other candidates. Who would be best for the barony? Consider people who aren't your close friends, but who play the game well. Consider people you disagree with, but who always make you think, and sometimes convince you to change your minds. If you can figure out who it should be, then so can everyone else. And if there's a clearly best candidate, then your application doesn't help you or the barony.
>
> If a fair number of people urge you to put your own name(s) in, then consider the people who are urging you. Do they include people who aren't your close friends, but who play the game well? Do they include people who often disagree with you, but whom you can make think, and sometimes change their minds? Do the people who don't like you think you are a serious candidate? If so, then you can begin to consider yourself. (As I said above, you should be the last one to consider yourself, and by this process, you are.)
>
> But not for the honor -- that's not your business. Your question is this -- can you handle the responsibilities?
>
> Can you talk to -- and care about -- the people in the barony you don't enjoy being around? Are you already doing so?
>
> Can you consider the merits of everyone in the barony for awards and honors? Do you know the award structure well enough to make recommendations for people doing things you don't do? And are you already doing so? Are you putting in a significant number of award recommendations before each local event? Also, is your sense of who's ready for an award sufficiently close to the kingdom's that most awards you recommend are given out soon after?
>
> Non-fighters, can you carefully watch the fighting, and tell what happened? Non-artists, can you look carefully at the craftsmanship in your barony and tell what's good and what isn't? Can you fairly judge people whose SCA focus and goals aren't really compatible with your own?
>
> Do you spend time listening to other people's opinions, problems and ideas? Can you fairly judge an idea that you personally have no interest in?
>
> Can you stay onstage for hours at a time, graciously dealing with each situation with hundreds of eyes on you?
>
> Can you deal with politics without rancor, forgive and move on -- over and over again?
>
> Are you willing to become a living banner -- a personal symbol of people's branch that they have as much proprietary interest in as they do in the black star?
>
> Can you keep doing the same thing for several years? Is your SCA career sufficiently stable that you are prepared to let everybody else's occupy much of your focus for the foreseeable future? Is your ego and self-worth so sure that you can spend the next several years never saying "Look at me!", but always saying "look at them!", even to people who are praising you right now? Is your personal life sufficiently comfortable that you can afford to be in the public eye without a break for several years? Is your confidence sufficiently high that you can stand having everyone taking about every mistake you make, for several years non-stop? And can you stand being corrected and disagreed with constantly for the same length of time?
>
> Can you swear fealty to *anyone* who wins Crown tourney? Can you take their orders and do things their way? Are you comfortable shifting gears every six months? Can you defend them and their decisions -- even the decisions you argued against? Can you give out an award you really disapprove of when it appears at your court with their signatures?
>
> Can you teach a new baronial herald how to hold court? Do you even know everything that happens to make a court a success? Do you know why they are often thirty minutes or more late starting?
>
> Fighters, can you drop out of fighter practice to deal with a non-fighting problem? Every week? Can you be comfortable watching the baronial tourney knowing you can't enter, for years? Artists, can you drop that project and get on the phone when a problem breaks? Over and over again? Can you be comfortable judging the artisan competition knowing you can't enter, for years?
>
> And finally, are you a candidate that the barony as a whole will take seriously? Do you really believe that you will be considered the best, or one of the best, candidates, by most of the barony, and a candidate that the entire barony and kingdom can accept comfortably? Do you think the barony will be well served by denying the best of the other possible candidates? And is it really likely that they will choose you rather than another candidate?
>
> Are you prepared for the process -- to put yourself on display for months, for the entire barony to critique and judge, including the people who don't like you and aren't disposed to be fair to you, to accept all of their scrutiny and criticism, and then in all likelihood, *not* become baron or baroness? Can you cheer and be happy at your rivals' baronial investiture?
>
> If so, then carefully ask yourself if now is the right time in your life for the barony, and the right time in the barony's life for you? Can you give it more time than any other SCA or mundane hobby activity, for the next several years? Is it fair to your family, friends and students to take some of your focus off of them?
>
> Because that's what you're considering doing.
>
> And be hard on yourself. Because everyone else is going to be.
>
> Robin of Gilwell / Jay Rudin,
> Baron of the Steppes 1988-1991
>
> ________________________________________
> PeoplePC Online
> A better way to Internet
> http://www.peoplepc.com
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 14
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:09:20 -0600
> From: Irena Fridenberg <rubberduckiemom at gmail.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID:
> <AANLkTi==8oOufTCTXyCZayB5Xf2DD5Yrf1q_ka3Pxhke at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Treat your people as you would be treated. If you want to be known as a
> horrible B&B, treat people horrible. However, I am sure you want to be a
> B&B who is well loved and respected; therefore you must love well and
> respect the people of your barony, region, kingdom and world.
>
> Ldy Katrine la Esclopiera
>
> On Thu, Dec 30, 2010 at 4:31 PM, Hillary Greenslade <hillaryrg at yahoo.com>wrote:
>
> >
> > The question:
> > What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and
> > Baroness
> > in order for them to find success in their new office?
> >
> > Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of
> > Baron
> > and Baroness?
> >
> > Regards, Hillary
> > _______________________________________________
> >
>
>
> --
> *"*You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling." *Eames from
> the movie Inception *
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 15
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:19:42 -0600
> From: Doug Copley <doug.copley at gmail.com>
> To: Jay Rudin <rudin at ev1.net>, "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc."
> <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <4D1D59DE.1000802 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> Wow! Master Robin, you said quite a mouthful and what you said is quite
> true. Thanks for taking the time to say it so clearly. It should always
> be about what is best for the barony and the populace. If they are best
> served, whether by you or another, then it will also be good for you:-)
>
> Vincenti da Murano
>
> On 12/30/2010 9:01 PM, Jay Rudin wrote:
> > Mistress Hillary asked:
> >
> >> Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of Baron
> >> and Baroness?
> >
> > Stop considering it. You are the last one who should consider yourself.
> >
> > When the position comes up, consider other candidates. Who would be best for the barony? Consider people who aren't your close friends, but who play the game well. Consider people you disagree with, but who always make you think, and sometimes convince you to change your minds. If you can figure out who it should be, then so can everyone else. And if there's a clearly best candidate, then your application doesn't help you or the barony.
> >
> > If a fair number of people urge you to put your own name(s) in, then consider the people who are urging you. Do they include people who aren't your close friends, but who play the game well? Do they include people who often disagree with you, but whom you can make think, and sometimes change their minds? Do the people who don't like you think you are a serious candidate? If so, then you can begin to consider yourself. (As I said above, you should be the last one to consider yourself, and by this process, you are.)
> >
> > But not for the honor -- that's not your business. Your question is this -- can you handle the responsibilities?
> >
> > Can you talk to -- and care about -- the people in the barony you don't enjoy being around? Are you already doing so?
> >
> > Can you consider the merits of everyone in the barony for awards and honors? Do you know the award structure well enough to make recommendations for people doing things you don't do? And are you already doing so? Are you putting in a significant number of award recommendations before each local event? Also, is your sense of who's ready for an award sufficiently close to the kingdom's that most awards you recommend are given out soon after?
> >
> > Non-fighters, can you carefully watch the fighting, and tell what happened? Non-artists, can you look carefully at the craftsmanship in your barony and tell what's good and what isn't? Can you fairly judge people whose SCA focus and goals aren't really compatible with your own?
> >
> > Do you spend time listening to other people's opinions, problems and ideas? Can you fairly judge an idea that you personally have no interest in?
> >
> > Can you stay onstage for hours at a time, graciously dealing with each situation with hundreds of eyes on you?
> >
> > Can you deal with politics without rancor, forgive and move on -- over and over again?
> >
> > Are you willing to become a living banner -- a personal symbol of people's branch that they have as much proprietary interest in as they do in the black star?
> >
> > Can you keep doing the same thing for several years? Is your SCA career sufficiently stable that you are prepared to let everybody else's occupy much of your focus for the foreseeable future? Is your ego and self-worth so sure that you can spend the next several years never saying "Look at me!", but always saying "look at them!", even to people who are praising you right now? Is your personal life sufficiently comfortable that you can afford to be in the public eye without a break for several years? Is your confidence sufficiently high that you can stand having everyone taking about every mistake you make, for several years non-stop? And can you stand being corrected and disagreed with constantly for the same length of time?
> >
> > Can you swear fealty to *anyone* who wins Crown tourney? Can you take their orders and do things their way? Are you comfortable shifting gears every six months? Can you defend them and their decisions -- even the decisions you argued against? Can you give out an award you really disapprove of when it appears at your court with their signatures?
> >
> > Can you teach a new baronial herald how to hold court? Do you even know everything that happens to make a court a success? Do you know why they are often thirty minutes or more late starting?
> >
> > Fighters, can you drop out of fighter practice to deal with a non-fighting problem? Every week? Can you be comfortable watching the baronial tourney knowing you can't enter, for years? Artists, can you drop that project and get on the phone when a problem breaks? Over and over again? Can you be comfortable judging the artisan competition knowing you can't enter, for years?
> >
> > And finally, are you a candidate that the barony as a whole will take seriously? Do you really believe that you will be considered the best, or one of the best, candidates, by most of the barony, and a candidate that the entire barony and kingdom can accept comfortably? Do you think the barony will be well served by denying the best of the other possible candidates? And is it really likely that they will choose you rather than another candidate?
> >
> > Are you prepared for the process -- to put yourself on display for months, for the entire barony to critique and judge, including the people who don't like you and aren't disposed to be fair to you, to accept all of their scrutiny and criticism, and then in all likelihood, *not* become baron or baroness? Can you cheer and be happy at your rivals' baronial investiture?
> >
> > If so, then carefully ask yourself if now is the right time in your life for the barony, and the right time in the barony's life for you? Can you give it more time than any other SCA or mundane hobby activity, for the next several years? Is it fair to your family, friends and students to take some of your focus off of them?
> >
> > Because that's what you're considering doing.
> >
> > And be hard on yourself. Because everyone else is going to be.
> >
> > Robin of Gilwell / Jay Rudin,
> > Baron of the Steppes 1988-1991
> >
> > ________________________________________
> > PeoplePC Online
> > A better way to Internet
> > http://www.peoplepc.com
> > _______________________________________________
> > Ansteorra mailing list
> > Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> > In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> > http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
> >
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 16
> Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:26:49 -0600
> From: "Marthe Cole" <claryce at cox.net>
> To: "'Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc.'"
> <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <001b01cba8ab$53161060$f9423120$@net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> There's a lot of advice out there, and here's what I say to new Baron and
> Baronesses:
>
> 1) It's a game. A lot of people will try to convince you it's not, but it
> really won't help you pay the bills.
>
> 2) Take time to be your mundane selves away from the SCA. This helps you
> reset your brain and emotions. Even if it's only 1 weekend a quarter, set
> time to be away from the SCA. Set it up where only a trusted member of your
> entourage can get in touch with you, and they know to only call if the
> entire barony is burning/flooding/etc.
>
> 3) Listen to the advice of current and former landeds. They will have very
> valuable experience that you can only get from sitting in those "Hot seats".
>
> 4) Try to still have fun. If it ceases to be fun, you'll burn out, and
> that's Very Bad for you and the Barony.
>
> - Claryce
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ansteorra-bounces+claryce=cox.net at lists.ansteorra.org
> [mailto:ansteorra-bounces+claryce=cox.net at lists.ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of
> Hillary Greenslade
> Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 4:32 PM
> To: ansteorra
> Subject: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
>
> Gentles,
> Of late, there have been a number of new transitions for the office of Baron
> and
> Baroness (B&B) in the landed Baronies of Ansteorra, and several more to come
>
> this season.? This job is probably the hardest office of the SCA, both for
> it's
> length as well as it's depth.??
>
>
> Many years ago,?as I met Baron Edwin FitzLloyd of the Steppes, along a
> pathway
> at an event, I asked him how he was enjoying his retirement?from Baron of
> Steppes which he had?vacated some few months before.? After a pause, Edwin
> astutely said? "It is a pleasure that the opinions I give are from Edwin,
> rather
> than the 'Baron of the Steppes'".?? Wisely said.
>
> Some of you have held the post of B&B and may have many words of advice to a
> new
> B&B.?? Many with years in the society, having supported your?landed Baron
> and
> Baroness, may also have words of advice.? I've asked this question before on
>
> this list and you can search the archives for responses, but I think it
> bears
> repeating.?
>
>
> The question:
> What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and
> Baroness
> in order for them to find success in their new office??
>
> Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of
> Baron
> and Baroness?
>
> Regards, Hillary
> _______________________________________________
> Ansteorra mailing list
> Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> In order to make changes and manage your account please go to:
> http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 17
> Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2010 05:39:27 GMT
> From: "willowdewisp at juno.com" <willowdewisp at juno.com>
> To: rudin at ev1.net, ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] new comment on B&B
> Message-ID: <20101230.233927.9294.0 at webmail07.vgs.untd.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>
> As many of you know Duke Jonathan and I have been giving advice to new B&B for decades.
> I have moved to a new barony and with it I have gained new insights. As many of you know I have been in the SCA for many years and I have weathered many storms. I am probably one of the oldest in membership active peer in the sca.
> Many of you tell me that you are in the SCA for the friendship and community, but like a aging vampire I have outstayed many a friend and enemy and many of a community. I stay for the ability to work on a creative level with many wonderful people and I have learned to let them them go. .
> While I have never lived in NorthKeep I have many old friends here so for the first time I have entered a community and this has opened my eyes to some things.
> first the sca is two things or even more things at the same time, but for this missive I will talk about 2.
> the first thing that the Local sca chapter are a community. this has a life independent of the organization and is very important to every person on a very real and private level.
> the other thing we are is a club to promote creativity and understanding of Medieval history in the individuals that are members of our group.
> the needs of the human community and the needs of the club sometimes run counter to each other.
> Now to the point
> The Baron and Baroness' hardest job is to balance the needs of the community and the needs of the club.
> Here are some points they have to deal with.
> Communities like to become stable and have a tenancy to close up. A club like our needs new people and new things being done all the time.
> Creative people come into conflict.
> communities to stay stable need to do away with conflict so they often suppress any thing that makes conflict.
> the club is based on the concept that we are coming to work for excellence and living history's environments that give people understanding of the time periods that we study. There is so much room here for conflict. but out of the conflict, if it is kept in control, we grow.
> the B&B have to balance peace and maybe going stale or high levels of creativity and maybe losing the community.
> In the past the crowns have tried to keep this balance by limiting the tenures of the B&Bs and changing up the kinds of B&B. One would be good with people and one that is good in getting people excited over learning and history and doing things
> The best B&Bs have been good at both but they usually burn out fast because it takes a lot of energy to keep both of these plates going. Doing this kind of work allows no time for you to think of yourself and there is no time off. Often good b&bs sacrifice all their personal ambition to make a fun, interesting , challenging , learning SCA community.
> Because that is what we should be, A SCA Community. That is my dream and I have seen it. Unfortunately it takes many of us working together and understanding or at least agreeing to the methods.
> willow de wisp
> Please forgive the weird capitals the machine is not working right.
> ____________________________________________________________
> Moms Asked to Return to School
> Grant Funding May Be Available to Those That Qualify.
> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/4d1d6cc284c7d98eba0st04vuc
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 18
> Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:14:17 GMT
> From: "willowdewisp at juno.com" <willowdewisp at juno.com>
> To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID: <20101231.001417.10006.0 at webmail19.vgs.untd.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>
> greetings to all from willow de wisp
> Is it a game?
> When I was a girl new to the sca my mentor Ulric of Wolfhaven said these words,"It is a game, but a very serious game."
> I have played very hard for many years and since creating events is fun for me I enjoyed all of it. Around me many, many people also played. We were having a great time. then slowly people took offices and tried to make order out of the chaos. They put in rules that we didn't like. Some of them were just and some were unjust and some were just plain stupid and they fought with each other and they fought over power spots and then they started interfering with our good time.
> A young Squire came to us and said you can't let other people do all the work and expect them to do it like you like it. Many of them are like dragons, they like to burn cornfields and you are a bunch of stupid farmers who put dragons in charge and complain when they burn and roll in your cornfields. You don't give political and decision positions to people who enjoy them you need to give the positions to people who enjoy the game and will work to protect the people and the fun"
> We the "players" became you first crowns and worked very hard because we understood that jobs that keep the sca going are not games. the referee on the field isn't playing. People who be upset if he played around and people got hurt. Our Kings and Queens, Baron and Baroness, Officers of Kingdom and Local, Peers all have jobs to do to keep the people safe and having a good time in our SCA Communities. We are working so others can play.
> Mistress Claryise is right what we do will not put money in our pockets and we need to husband ourselves and do what everyone who is in a position of responsibility in a church, team, volunteer or social group does to keep their heads straight.
> It is very important to not overdo your work in the sca when it becomes a chore it is vital to step aside. If you burn out we lose you to the club and the community and that makes everyone sad.
> willow de wisp
>
>
>
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 19
> Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:38:37 -0600
> From: HerrDetlef <herrdetlef at gmail.com>
> To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Advice to a new Baron and Baroness
> Message-ID:
> <AANLkTind_ftONiwiQxX=Gu+aq5fJkMPLPSk+a3jyYGFi at mail.gmail.com>
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>
> Okay, here I go!
>
> Probably the trickiest thing about being a landed baron/ess is balancing the
> fact that the SCA is a hobby (however seriously you may take it) with the
> fact that several people will be demanding your time and energy at once.
>
> Remember that, for many people you meet--not just newcomers but also
> oldtimers--you will be the image of the Society for Creative Anachronism in
> its totality. People will look to you to see what the Society is all about.
> This is something that happens to anybody who plays, but landed barons and
> baronesses, as well as kings and queens and princes and princesses, are the
> focus of attention far more than almost anybody else is. Do you want to
> inspire newcomers to become peers? Or do you want newcomers and even
> established members to run screaming away?
>
> Landed nobility rarely get to play for themselves. They are not part of
> their own game but part of everybody else's game. The demands the job will
> put on you outweigh the perks more than anybody could ever imagine. The
> landed noble or royal who gives much thought to "what's in it for me" will
> not leave a desirable legacy.
>
> Keep in mind that you will want to overhear people say "Remember when (you)
> were baron and baroness? Man, those were the days!" much more than you will
> want to overhear people say "Remember when (you) were baron and baroness? We
> don't ever want THAT to happen again!"
>
> Don't play favorites. If you're ever tempted to play favorites, drop
> everything and read Shakespeare's "Richard II" or Marlowe's "Edward II."
> Stay away from political games or personal issues between individual members
> unless it is absolutely up to you to restore the peace. Your obligation to
> execute the King and Queen's law and keep the peace FAR outweighs the
> privilege to get your own way. Baronies have seneshals for a reason. Respect
> their judgement; if that's impossible, respect the kingdom seneshal's and
> the Crown's judgement. If THAT's impossible, you seriously need to step
> down. Offer your opinion when it's asked; hesitate to offer it when it isn't
> asked (unless, of course, you find yourself in a groupthink
> situation). Remember that the title "Baron/ess of (whatever barony)" does
> not belong to you; YOU belong to the title. And since the title belongs to
> the barony, so will you.
>
> DO NOT MICROMANAGE YOUR BARONY! Tending to every detail in the barony's
> operation while you also hold down a mundane job and handle mundane personal
> obligations will eat you inside out. Deputize! Deputize! Deputize! Encourage
> your populace to do their part.
>
> As a court herald, I would strongly recommend that you cultivate court
> ceremonies that minimize the time that any attendees are left idle. Court
> ceremonies are the province of official (that is, appearing in the kingdom
> Order of Precedence) awards and honors and of prizes for the day's
> competitions. Nobody wants to witness something at court that they cannot
> hear or understand, so private audiences during court ceremonies really
> should be discouraged. The focus of a baronial court is and ought to be the
> barony. Official awards are necessarily given at court ceremonies, but they
> also provide a tribute to the barony's activity as a whole, and prizes also
> testify to the glory of a barony. Private audiences with individuals and
> groups can and should be given at other times during the event. Oaths of
> fealty by peers and landed barons should be given in public at court (since
> they actually affect the OP and the kingdom's history), but that really only
> involves royal courts. Whatever is done in court, make sure everybody in
> attendance can hear and and take part. The last thing you want to do is bore
> your populace with a needlessly long, drawn-out court.
>
> You're going to need a strong and reliable support system. A healthy
> baronial household will include at least a chamberlain (to assist in
> ceremonial functions), a steward (to assist with setting up and taking down
> camp and related gear), a butler (to help keep track of your feast gear),
> and a marshal (to help you make sure you're always at the right place at the
> right time). There is a historical precedent for this set-up in Germany: the
> secular electors carried out these functions in at least a ceremonial way).
> A baroness should have at least two ladies-in-waiting (so, if one must be
> sent on an errand, the other can stay in attendance), and a baron should
> have at least two men-at-arms. The landed baron and baroness who think they
> can do it all by themselves will find themselves playing catch-up during
> their entire tenure. Make sure you have reliable shoulders to cry on, and
> make sure you have someone on hand you can trust NEVER to break confidence.
> It wouldn't hurt, also, to have someone on hand who can put you in your
> place whenever you get too full of yourself for your own (or the Society's)
> good.
>
> And for the love of G-d, find something non-SCA to do that you can escape to
> every once in a while! Even though the SCA is a hobby, it will become an
> occupation while you are in tenure. Cultivate an outside interest so that
> you can get your mind off of SCA every once in a while. The demands a landed
> baronage places upon a person can become exhausting--and the rest of the
> world will not stop turning while you're representing the Crown to your
> barony and your barony to the Crown, the Kingdom, and sometimes even the
> Known World. Have a refuge to retreat to every once in a while. You don't
> want the end of your tenure as a landed to be the end of your SCA
> experience.
>
> Speaking of the end of your tenure. It wouldn't be a bad idea to start
> thinking about that soon after your tenure begins. Scout your barony for
> successors. I would hesitate to suggest grooming someone specific to succeed
> you, but do what you can to make sure there is a healthy field of candidates
> to succeed you when the time comes. Sometimes your successors will be an
> obvious choice; sometimes they will not. Plan on staying with the job about
> three years. Five is possible but not always attractive. Some people can do
> it beautifully; some people cannot. The length of your tenure will not have
> half the bearing on your legacy that the quality of your tenure will have.
> Knowing your limitations is much more heroic than trying to force yourself
> to go beyond them with disastrous results. Do everything you can to make
> sure that people feel good about your tenure at its end.
>
> And then, after you step down, you'll get enjoy the game again. You'll be
> able to speak your mind again, and, depending on how successful your tenure
> was, your opinion will be taken seriously. And you'll also have a wealth of
> experience and insight to pass on to your successors. <G>
>
> If you find yourself putting in for a landed baronage, I have this to ask
> you: "What are you, MAD???" If you've read all these words of advice on this
> thread, and you still intend to go through with it, I wish you the best of
> luck. I'll even pray for you, if you want me to.
>
> Detlef von Marburg (who hopes NEVER to be a landed baron!)
>
> On Thu, Dec 30, 2010 at 4:31 PM, Hillary Greenslade <hillaryrg at yahoo.com>wrote:
>
> > Gentles,
> > Of late, there have been a number of new transitions for the office of
> > Baron and
> > Baroness (B&B) in the landed Baronies of Ansteorra, and several more to
> > come
> > this season. This job is probably the hardest office of the SCA, both for
> > it's
> > length as well as it's depth.
> >
> >
> > Many years ago, as I met Baron Edwin FitzLloyd of the Steppes, along a
> > pathway
> > at an event, I asked him how he was enjoying his retirement from Baron of
> > Steppes which he had vacated some few months before. After a pause, Edwin
> > astutely said "It is a pleasure that the opinions I give are from Edwin,
> > rather
> > than the 'Baron of the Steppes'". Wisely said.
> >
> > Some of you have held the post of B&B and may have many words of advice to
> > a new
> > B&B. Many with years in the society, having supported your landed Baron
> > and
> > Baroness, may also have words of advice. I've asked this question before
> > on
> > this list and you can search the archives for responses, but I think it
> > bears
> > repeating.
> >
> >
> > The question:
> > What advice, suggestions or counsel would you give to a new Baron and
> > Baroness
> > in order for them to find success in their new office?
> >
> > Or to those considering applying for the honor of holding the office of
> > Baron
> > and Baroness?
> >
> > Regards, Hillary
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
>
>
>
> --
> Hw?t! We Gardena in geardagum,
> ?eodcyninga, ?rym gefrunon,
> hu ?a ??elingas ellen fremedon.
> Oft Scyld Scefing scea?ena ?reatum,
> monegum m?g?um, meodosetla ofteah,
> egsode eorlas. Sy??an ?rest wear?
> feasceaft funden, he ??s frofre gebad,
> weox under wolcnum, weor?myndum ?ah,
> o???t him ?ghwylc ?ara ymbsittendra
> ofer hronrade hyran scolde,
> gomban gyldan. ??t w?s god cyning!
>
>
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