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<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>In my view one of the most important functions a
bard does is to observe, compose, and perform. When a bard observes
something interesting he/she can compose a piece (embellishing as necessary),
and perform. Upon performance, the bard is guaranteed the attention of the
central character who, if shown in a favorable light, will be delighted to be
the subject of a song, story, poem. The bard can also count on the attention of
others involved in the story, and they will all want their friends to hear the
piece also. My best advice for a bard who wants to become famous is to do
these things. Choose someone and make him/her famous; compose a series of
pieces about this person and perform them often, preferably around people who
know him/her initially. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>This is one thing that some titled bards have
neglected to do. When I won my first bardic title my predecessor, Ramone,
told me I had a great responsiblity--that the very minimum I should do was to
compose one piece about the group that had chosen me and to perform it for
them. I have never failed to charge a titled bard who followed me with
this responsibility. I do not believe that it ends when the bard no longer
carries a group's sash, rather that as long as you call yourself a bard you have
a responsibility not only to entertain (for the worst offense is to be boring)
but to observe and compose. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>My greatest joys as a bard have come from seeing
the pride in a man or woman as he listens to me tell of his/her deeds, of
haveing my hand shaken by someone with tears in his eyes at the thought that
even though he is not anyone famous, someone thought enough of him to make him
the center of a tale.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>H.L. Olias</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>