[Namron] The Black Death: the Plague of Politics

[G. Gibeson]

Small Rant from someone safely outside of the Kingdom,

Really guys, enough is enough.  All the in-fighting in the group made the 
last few months before we moved like walking on egg shells.  I do not claim 
to have the monopoly on inner peace, but all that bickering is not good for 
anyone.

Maybe I am the one that has it all wrong, after the 6 years in the barony, I 
am listed on the OP somewhere under protozoa (I must have been doing 
something wrong).  I also have degrees in sociology and psychology, and 
experience in two branches of the military, here is my advise take it or 
leave it.

I know some of you have been there since the big bang, and have seen it all 
and done it all.  The SCA has quit being and game and become a lifestyle.  
It is more of a job than a hobby.

The same people who complain they do everything are also the ones that do 
not leave any work for others to do.  The world is on your shoulders because 
you refuse to share the load.

Some of the old timers (much loved and much respected) can afford to ease up 
a bit and let the newbies run the gate.  No one will blame you for taking a 
break.

No, they have not done it a thousand times like you, but it is not that hard 
and they will figure it out.

I think some folks need to step back and find some non- SCA hobbies (not 
always easy to find but they are out there) to take up part of their time so 
that it is not all spent working on SCA stuff.

I suggest volunteering to work with the Red Cross, or sponsor a Boy/Girls 
Scout troop.  They always need help, and many of the good folks of Namron 
have developed skills that they would find valuable.  I am not trying to run 
anyone off, but there needs to be some perspective in your life to ward of 
obsessive behaviors like we are seeing.

I personally enjoy my time spent in SCA activities, and often have wished I 
had more time to spend with my various SCA friends; learning, working and 
sharing ideas, but I do not need a second job with all of the politics and 
none of the pay.

Bottom line is everyone needs a vacation now and then if they want to stay 
productive.

This is normally done 1 of 2 ways:
a) Take a break, a week or 3 months to have some time to yourself, trust me, 
the world will go on.  There are many people waiting in the wings that would 
love to run a feast or an event while you have some down time.  Politics can 
wait.  Shut off the cell phone and go watch a nice MODERN movie that will 
not remind you of costuming or swordwork.  If you leave the theater asking 
yourself, "Wow, how did they make that armour/dress" you went to the wrong 
movie!  Try again.

b) Is for those who are to stubborn to take a break even when you know you 
really need it.  Once you become a crispy critter it is too late.  If you 
wait until you explode like Mount St. Helens from the stress you hurt 
yourself and those around you.  This is how you loose friends.  I do not 
want my friends to suddenly hate all things SCA because they are burned out. 
  Where is the fun in that?


Sorry if I trample on anyone's feelings or toes.

Alive and Well,

Ld Gavin



From: Samarrah bint Annaan <samarrah_bint_annaan at yahoo.com>
Reply To: Barony of Namron <namron at ansteorra.org>
To: Namron Mailing List <namron at ansteorra.org>
Subject: [Namron] The Black Death
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 3:52 AM
Sadly, I fear the black death be upon us.

I've not been playing in the SCA for long at all...less than a year, little 
more than 6 months, and while many members have been delightfully friendly 
and fun, it saddens my heart greatly to see the bits and pieces of both 
sides of my new friends and family being marred by this black scourge.

First it was dissention in the barony that resulted in an extremely 
uncomfortable meeting, then it is the report and further discussion of a 
pre-emptive cannon attack at Protectorate and the aftershock thereof.  Now 
it appears the plague be upon the good fellows of Skaargaard.

I see enough of this in my mundane life amidst the politicking of the little 
people in this little town.  I started hanging around with you good folk to 
try and get a break from that.  That is why it is called "PLAYING" in the 
SCA.

You are all decent people...and you are all very different people.  That's 
the wonderful thing about you all.  And a great part of what attracted me to 
your group.  To be honest, though, all this fighting is too much like High 
School and is quite dissappointing.

I'm just the upstart, the new kid, I know I've not been around long enough 
to know much about anything.  But I do know this...a house divided can not 
stand.  From what I can see so far is that too many people are just looking 
for reasons to get worked up and most of us fear of saying much for we know 
not who will get offended this time

If one cannot learn to appreciate or at least tolerate your fellow dreamers 
differances, how on earth can you expect them to appreciate in return? This, 
of course, being said to no one person in particular.  I don't know the 
details of all the disagreements and billious feelings, nor do I wish to 
know.

So, please, for the sake of us new recruits...and in the words of the 
Eagles...GET OVER IT.  Else you'll be scaring us away with all your fire 
breathing, plotting, and playing at MacBeth.

I care and pray for all you corseted, pirating, maurauding, jesting, 
brewing, baking, sewing, dancing, gaming and fighting fools.  Lets all just 
play nice....

Sincerely,



Samarrah bint Annaan, Princess of Pie Procurement

God be with you in every pass. Jesus be with you on every hill. Spirit be 
with you in every stream, headland, ridge and law, each sea and land, each 
moor and meadow, lying down and rising up, in the trough of the waves or on 
the crest of the billow. Each step of the journey you go, go with God.

_________________________________________________________________
Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! 
http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/