[Bards] Bardic college Events

[Michael Silverhands]

On Oct 27, 2006, at 4:11 PM, lburgin wrote:
> I can only speak for me, but in the many years I have been here,  
> and all of
> them a Bard, I have never entered the Eisteddford.  The reason is  
> that I was
> told about  the requirements and realized that I don't meet them.  
> This was
> many years ago and have neverchecked to see if they have changed
> (embarrassed).  What are the requirements to enter? Should they be  
> posted?
> Perhaps, like me, other bards have gotten the impression that is  
> somewhat
> like an invitational and you need to be of a certain stature to  
> compete.
> Just a thought.  AmberLea
>

AmberLea,  as far as I know anyone can enter any competition in the  
kingdom, including Eisteddfod, King's Champion, the Crown list,  
Queen's Champion, the Royal Huntsman, or Kingdom A&S (except Crown,  
which requires sponsorship if you are not a knight).

I have not entered Eisteddfod, not do I see myself doing so anytime  
soon, for the same reasons I will not enter any of those other  
competitions I cited. I am not ready. It just takes one look at the  
list of bards on the bard web page <http://bard.ansteorra.org/ 
bards.html> to realize that I do not stand anywhere near the stature  
of those individuals. Maybe in time, I could hope and aspire to be  
that good. But not now.

By the way, that's not about winning or losing. I will happily enter  
a list I know I'm almost certain not to win, as long as I feel that I  
can give a good showing -- give honor -- to whomever I meet in *at  
least* the first round. I've seen green kids enter King's Champion.  
Bully for them. But I wouldn't. To do otherwise I would see as  
arrogant, vain and self-serving -- but that's just *my* choice.  
Others obviously see it differently; and who am I to judge *their*  
motives. I can only speak for my own.

Michael