NR - Regional Identity

[Rebecca M. Heydon]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lori Campbell" <LCAMPBEL at ossm.edu>
To: <northern at ansteorra.org>
Sent: Monday, September 04, 2000 8:35 PM
Subject: Re: NR - Regional Identity


>
> > For most of the time I have played in Ansteorra, the power
> > base of our kingdom has been in Texas, South Texas.<snip>
> > most of the Great Officers of State seem to be predominantly from
> >Texas most of the time

> I'd have to disagree with this statement.  In the past ten years,
> the North has fielded three Kingdom Seneschals, a Kingdom Treasurer,
> four Kingdom Chroniclers, three Earl Marshals (one of whom served
> twice), a Kingdom Minister of Children and a Lord High Chancellor
> (I'm sure I'm forgetting others, too).  There was also an entire host
> of deputy heralds (star signet, sable scroll, etc.), treasurers (bad
> checks deputy, emergency deputy), marshals (kingdom marshals at
> large) etc.  That's a lot of influence from our little region, yet it
> was influence that the kingdom strongly felt.
>
As the one who originally posted this observation, I would have to disagree
right back.  I have played here for a solid five years.What I have noticed
in those five years is an overwhelming dominance of Southern addresses
attached to kingdom level offices.  Yes, there have been Northern crowns and
a Seneschal and a Kingdom Chronicler, etc., etc.  Taking just the number of
offices credited to the North listed above and offering the opportunity for
all of them to hold office at exactly the same time, it comes out to roughly
25%.  That still means roughly 75% of my kingdom's administrative base lives
in Texas.

>From a regional perspective, yes, that's a whole lot of influence from "our
little region" but in the big scheme of the kingdom of Ansteorra, that 75%
carries a whole lot more weight. That these officers did their duties and
did them well is not at issue for me.  I am proud of the service of these
individuals and I am sure that much of what they did had a lasting impact on
the kingdom as a whole.  However wonderful these people were at what they
did does not change the fact that our region had and has a very small voice
in our kingdom's administration.

> I do think folks up here are kinda tired administratively speaking
> which might account for the lack of Oklahoma addresses in the
> current roster of Kingdom Officers (this accounts for the few
> Northern deputies, as well, since Kingdom officers tend to pull from
> those closest to them to fill deputy positions).  However, I wouldn't
> be surprised to see that trend change in the future.  We've got lots
> of strong regional officers that might aspire to kingdom positions in
> the future.
>

It may well be that being tired as a region has much to do with the few
Oklahoma addresses to be found in the Blackstar rosters.  What I perceive
many people to be tired of is the feelings of apathy and stagnation that
seem to rear up with greater frequency, much of which comes from long time
players in this region.  Eventually, even the most positive person can
become jaded when surrounded by no one but nay sayers.  Constant negativity
makes people not want to play or do service or even have fun.

I am interested in going in a new direction.  I know that there are others
out there who are not.  However, I think we need to try and not let this
move towards growth be stymied again.  As I put myself out on the line to
help with NR Warlord next year (and I've been told my death is not as
imminent as I had feared), I will also put myself out on a limb for the
Northern Region.  What can *I* do to help to make this region grow?  If it
is in my power, I will do it.  You have my word.

Rowan


> Kat
>
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