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Hi there! Aslyn here (taking off her Event Steward hat and rolling
up her scribal sleeves for this discussion):<br>
<br>
(Editor's note: for those who want to skip to the punch, just
scroll down to the last paragraph)<br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
Master Tadhg has proposed a few variants of a proposed restrucing of the
current document presentation system, and Sir Kief has opined as
follows:<br>
<br>
{snip}<br>
<br>
>>[ed. From Tadhg] * Star Signet farms out the assignment to a
person...<br>
><br>
>>This is pretty close to what would have happened in period, as
I<br>
>>understand it. It strikes me as allowing maximum flexibility
and<br>
>><i><u>minimum work for all involved</i></u> [respondent's
emphasis added], and ideally >would generated some pretty
snazzy-while-still-authentic documents for the >happy
recipients.<br>
>><br>
I must respectfully object. : D<br>
<br>
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, <u>how many people are doing the work</u>. So, my
heart and mind was changed. <br>
<br>
I speak to you now from that changed heart:<br>
<br>
The number one difference between Ansteorra's system, and those Kingdoms
which I mentioned, is that there are <b>many, many</b> 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).
<br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
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 <b>five (</b>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 <u>only</u> (in relation to
document production) is less than five. <br>
<br>
Even if I am incorrect in my assessment of numbers, if one was to double
my estimates, that would <i>still</i> 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. <br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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 <u>currently</u> comfortable with document design and
production (and doing them more than once a year).<br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
Adding an additional path of original production for Grants and below
will only increase the backlog to enormous porportions. <br>
<br>
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 <u>few individuals</u> implementing the program will
be burning out even faster (while, at the same time, keeping up with
their exisiting obligations). <br>
<br>
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.
<br>
<br>
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).<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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 <br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
Yours verbosely, but in Service,<br>
<br>
Aslyn Crystyn<br>
Steppes, Ansteorra</html>