[Ansteorra] "I have a question" Observation

Michele Atwood shell.atwood at gmail.com
Wed Jul 14 13:10:43 PDT 2010


My Lord and I are the worst packers in the SCA, I'd hazard to guess. We
*always* forget things, so it is standard operating practice to garb up on
site, work on set up and then head into town for something. Going someplace
in garb is such a great conversation starter. Yes, there are weird looks but
there are people who will start a conversation with you, ask you why you are
dressed up, and there are some where you can see a light come on in their
eyes as you explain. I've got to get better at carrying cards in my pouch,
because I always find one or two people every trip into town who show
genuine interest. I can't count the number of times I've written down
information on a piece of paper or the register of a checkbook because I
forgot to replenish my cards from my hospitaler.

Whether any of these folks acted on their interest, I couldn't say. I'm
outside my barony when it happens. But if the rule of sales holds, then one
in ten might follow up. It makes it worth taking the time to stop my hurried
shopping and spend some time, rather than rattling off some of the quick
(and sometimes flippant) replies we've all developed for the inevitable "Are
you in a play?" type of question. I'm starting to think I should shop in
garb in my own barony just to see if my random encounters bear fruit ;-)

Although I do love my husband's flippant reply - "We're members of the
Church of King Richard II [the King varies with usage], we think the Amish
are too progressive."

Melina de Mantua

-----Original Message-----
From: ansteorra-bounces+shell.atwood=gmail.com at lists.ansteorra.org
[mailto:ansteorra-bounces+shell.atwood=gmail.com at lists.ansteorra.org] On
Behalf Of Donna Nesbit
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 1:40 PM
To: Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
Subject: [Ansteorra] "I have a question" Observation

As I was looking to the replies to this question, I was struck by three
things.  Many of the people came to the SCA because a someone mentioned the
SCA or a friend drug them to an activity.  Others joined because of
interests that coincided with SCA interests.  Most stayed because of the
comaraderie (or family) feel.
 
I have heard many groups wondering how to attract new members.  In fact, at
King's College this year, one of the classes was How to Grow the SCA.  Well,
hear we have it!  
 
Talk to people about the SCA that you think might be interested and showcase
all of our activities:  dancing, fighting, brewing, fiber arts, metal
working, and the list goes on.
You never know what a chance comment might start, and once someone comes,
keep them by helping them find people with similar interests.  Hopefully,
through those interests, they will find people that will be a "family."
 
Penelope Miriam Darling
 
  
 
 
 
 


      
_______________________________________________
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




More information about the Ansteorra mailing list