[Ansteorra] Nicknames in the SCA-starting a conversation

[Elisabeth B. Zakes]

I don't think it's a detriment to use a shortened form or a nickname. When
it comes time to use your whole name, those who need to will take the time
to research your name and will get it right. And in the meantime, you will
readily answer to something that can be shouted easily in a noisy crowd. :)

If introductions get the same ??? response, use the core parts that will
include the name you're usually called, like Augustina da San Germano.

Aethelyan Moondragon
Bryn Gwlad


On Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 2:43 PM, Tina Michael <tinabetta at gmail.com> wrote:

> Back when I was a kid in school, long before I had ever heard of the SCA,
> my best girlfriend and I, both of us readers into Fantasy with a capital F,
> came up with secret identities for ourselves. We did it so we could pass
> notes in class and if the teacher intercepted them we would not get caught.
> I remember her's was Vanessa en Febra duBray and mine was Augustina Johanna
> Elizabetta Michaela da San Germano. Most of it was just my real name
> fancied up a bit and that of a last name of a character in a book I was
> reading at time and liked the sound of. It had a ring to it. Well, when
> faced with the idea of a society name I just took that one and used it. I
> answer to it, right? But when I go up to people and say, "Hello, my name is
> Augustina Johanna Elizabetta Michaela da San Germano", they invariably say,
> "Bless you", or huh? or Oh my! When I was in Trimaris people called me
> Elizabetta and that was okay but still kinda funny with a Florida accent,
> it came out Elizabella or some such. So I just say call me Tina, all my
> friends do, which is true, they do. But I have been told not to use a
> shortened name or a nickname as that will be the only name you will be
> known by, but the way I see it, if someone see something neat I do and
> wants to comment on me they will make an effort to find my whole name out.
> I would do the same thing.
>   What do you think? Do you have a great long period or family name and go
> by something shorter and more friendly sounding?  Is using a nickname a
> detriment in the society or does it really matter?
>
> Lady Augustina Elizabetta blah blah blah da San Germano
> aka Tina
> --
> Any day above ground is a good day!
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