ARCH - Attitudes...
Pug Bainter
pug at pug.net
Tue Jun 6 06:54:16 PDT 2000
Good Morning,
As I see it, this is mostly a matter of attitude and presentation.
This is something that the Barony I live in has dealt with for many
years off and on. It is something that is very difficult to see form
the inside, and even more difficult to try and resolve in a manner
acceptable to all.
Since I am have mentioned problems, I will try to describe them better
and suggest possible solutions.
--
First, guilt versus encouragement. This is a matter of simple
wording when writing and talking to people. You need to phrase things
positively instead of negatively. It's simple matters of change of
writing, and I try to use it appropriately whenever I can. (That
doesn't mean I am always encouraging. *grin*)
For example:
Guilt
I can't believe Ansteorra doesn't have more/better IKAC scores. Why
aren't you people shooting them? Can't you spend the time to do it?
After all, if it was important to you, you'd take the time to do it.
Encouraging
One of the ways that Ansteorra can prove it's got some of the best
archers in the world is by having IKAC scores. What can we do to help
get more scores? How can we make the time to get them done? These are
important to make the Kingdom and us look good, so let's make the time
to do it.
This is a matter of putting a proper spin on things. Yes, it does mean
that you have to watch what you say, but if you want to persuade
people, it is a much better method.
--
Second, the list field. This is simply doing what most actual groups
do in the SCA. There is someone that is considered the welcomer. Many
people do this for the list field, hospitalers do it for most new
groups, and artisans do it for themself. It may be that sometimes the
marshal in charge can do it, and others those waiting under the
pavilion can. (Yes, the marshal can talk to people and be aware of
safety issues at the same time. They are not that distracted when
explaining what is going on.)
The most important people to remember this are those that are
considered the "establishment" for archery. This means Gilli, Talon
and Plachoya off the top of my head. These are the people who are
going to set the attitude of it all. These are the people who are
supposed to be admired for what they have done. Their tone is what
will be taken away from the archery range. This is what will kill or
nurture archery in this Kingdom.
--
Finally, asking vs providing. Instead of requiring someone to ask to
shoot, why not offer it to them instead. This is more open and will
get those people who are shy, which many people in the SCA are.
--
Btw, cost for archery is not the issue. For me to get started with
archery, it is a *lot* cheaper than for me to get started with heavy
combat. This is mostly a matter of the quality and appearance of
equipment though.
That is not to say that it is not a good idea to allow people to borrow
equipment to try it out though. When I bring my crossbow out to
fighter practice (where we practice with combat tips), I will generally
leave my crossbow with the range so it can be borrowed for those who'd
like to try.
Ciao,
--
Phelim "Pug" Gervase | "I want to be called. COTTONTIPS. There is something
Bryn Gwlad - Ansteorra | graceful about that lady. A young woman bursting with
Dark Horde Moritu | vigor. She blinked at the sudden light. She writes
pug at pug.net | beautiful poems. When ever shall we meet again?"
Note: The views do not reflect the SCA nor the Kingdom of Ansteorra.
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