ES - The Middle Ages as They Were, or As They Should Have Been?

[Sue Dittrich]

> 
> <<  If an event needs "a place for new people to go" than that event has
>  failed.  And those of us there have failed to uphold the hospitality and
>  courtesy that was extended to us when we joined.  Perhaps it is just
>  nostalgia, but I seem to remember a time when hospitality and courtesy
were
>  due to all, not just the people one already knew and liked. >>
> 
> 
> Amen
> Maili Donnel MacGregor


I have a comment on this matter, too. I have been in the SCA for only 2
years, but I have noticed these types of things happening, too.  I know
that I am not as active because of mundanity, but I call to those of you
who are active:  Make those newcomers welcome!!  Just because you don't
recognize someone as they come close to your fire doesn't mean they aren't
welcome there.  Someone close to me refuses to attend another SCA event
because of just this type of behavior.  No one would speak to him at
events, with the exception of a few people, whose number I can count on one
hand.  He behaved as a gentleman, yet very few people would even ask him if
he was having a good time.  He provided some foodstuffs (a large amount of
meat) for a local group for two years in a row, and he was never thanked
one time.  What kind of image is this projecting to some of our newcomers? 
If you don't do anything else, at least be courteous.
	 I was lucky--I am an outgoing person and was introduced to some wonderful
people from the very start of my life in the SCA.  But not everyone has the
courage, as a newcomer, to walk up to the first person they see and start a
conversation.  Our hospitaler's office does a wonderful job, but they
should only be providing support for the rest of us.  We are the
hospitalers of this Barony.  Walk up to someone you don't know and
introduce yourself. 	 
1. Gentlemen: help a lady carry her things.  It's part of what chivalry is.
 I, while carrying a chair, cup, basket, hat, etc., have passed many a man
who looks at me, but doesn't bother to help me when I need it.  
	
2. Ladies: behave as ladies, and let a man carry your things.  He may be
that newcomer who wants nothing more than to get involved and live the
Dream.  Or he may eventually be your "knight in shining armor!"  

3. Everyone: if your camp is "open," welcome all to your camp.  Don't just
invite those you know.  Invite that fresh face who is "wow-ing" at the
atmosphere of the Tournaments and Court.  Offer to sponsor a newcomer. 
They may be your next lifelong friend, or the next King.  And most
importantly:  People don't forget the way they are treated at an event. 
One bad experience can ruin it for them forever.

	Good gentles, I am not criticizing everyone.  I have been guilty of some
of things I wrote about.  Just keep in mind what it was like for you to
wander around your first event with the "wow" look in your eyes.  Remember
the people who took you under their wing and showed you what it was like to
live the Dream.  I have never forgotten those special people.  And they
won't forget you.

Thank you for letting me stand on my soapbox.

In service,

Lady Genevieve de la Gamba
Matron, House Silver Moon
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