[Northkeep] Canditate or not, food for thought for all of us. [long]

[Hugh & Belinda Niewoehner]

You are welcome.
	Damon

Dennis England wrote:
>
> Thank you Damon.  Truly well reasoned and relevant thoughts on this issue.
>
> Balvin
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Niewoehner, Hugh" <hughn at SSD.FSI.com>
> To: <northkeep at ansteorra.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2001 2:57 PM
> Subject: [Northkeep] Canditate or not, food for thought for all of us.
> [long]
>
> > With all the questions floating around, I want to post the following text.
> > It may bring up some new questions or put a different angle on what some
> of
> > the candidates have to say or think about.
> > These are excerpts of a discussion between myself and someone who has
> > _recently_ held the offices of Coronet and Crown.  I believe these to be
> > applicable to those who seek not only a Coronet or Crown, but those who
> > would hold office as well.
> >
> > I've omitted some stuff that has already been said, etc.
> >
> >        Damon Notacandidateheimer
> > -offlist
> >
> >
> > *** Begin included text ****
> >
> > Though many people are willing to serve the Baronage, it is important to
> > always remember that the Baronage is there to serve the group.  It will
> feel
> > like work - it should feel like work.  But that's okay - work can be fun
> if
> > done right.
> > >
> > There are new folks whose idea of "nobility" in the SCA will be their
> > Baronage.  The Baronage should represent everything that's cool about the
> > SCA. There will be people who will look up to the new baronage the same
> way
> > we did to Steven and Arwen when we were new.  That sense of awe is
> > important. But so is the sense that they are people.
> > >
> > The Baronage is the chief cheerleader.  The power you can have to inspire
> > people is scary.  Use it to help them enjoy more of the SCA.  Widen your
> > horizons and drag them with you. If you make something sound fun, others
> > will believe you - and that can make it fun - even if its a shitload of
> > work.
> > >
> > Work with your officers. Build a team that moves in the same direction and
> > there is little that you can't do. Support them, work with them.  The
> > Baronages are more than just ceremonial  position.  They are leaders.
> Lead.
> > People typically want to be lead - but they don't want to be ordered.
> > Persuade and convince with your tone, your words and your smile and you'll
> > be amazed what can happen.
> > >
> > Be the Baron for everyone.  Not just your friends, or the folks who think
> > like you, but for the new goob who clearly has no clue, for the old peer
> who
> > resists any change, for the lady in the corner who's not sure why she's
> > here, and for the knight who barely plays in his own barony.
> > >
> > A barony divided can and will hurt the game.  There will always be
> politics,
> > but make it the politics of looking to work together.
> > The politics of finding the best and most fun solution for everyone.
> > >
> > There is no doubt that a ruler in the SCA can make things nice for
> > themselves.  With some effort they can often get almost everything _they_
> > want.  But that's not why they were given the position - the position is
> > there to get what the _people_ want or perhaps what they need in those
> times
> > when they are not the same.  Sometimes (perhaps even often) that means the
> > baronage (or the Crown) must sacrifice their personal desires for those of
> > the group.
> > >
> > Showmanship.  Court is theater - never forget that.  It is hard to keep
> > courts interesting - but always try.  Give the old timers a reason to
> > listen to _another_ baronial court. Make them smile, or laugh from time to
> > time.  Do things to break the pattern or monotony. At the same time,
> explain
> > things for the newer members so they feel part of things.
> > >
> > 98% of your words in court should be loud enough for everyone to hear
> > clearly even from the back. Make people part of court by some things that
> > allow then to move, act, or speak. The old golden turkey for new officers
> is
> > that kind of thing.  Stock phrases they can respond to also help.  I used
> > "Its not just an event - its a war" so often that the populace would shout
> > the second half back.
> > >
> > The people want "tags" they can pin on their rulers.  Lyriel's "well
> known"
> > love of shopping was just such a thing. Everyone knew
> > that she _loved_ to shop, so they became part of her by enjoying this as
> > well. Baronial shopping expeditions at wars, etc... Our Royal shopping
> > muster as Crown, was a play on this same thing.
> > >
> > Some of the people called into a baronial court will never be called
> before
> > the Crown.  This is their one moment in the spotlight.
> > Make it special for each one. Talk to them, but also talk to the people
> > about them.  Make them smile or even cry.
> > >
> > One of the coolest things of being Baron and King was getting to watch the
> > looks on peoples faces when they get an award.  Cherish that.  The look on
> > someone's face when they get an AoA may help keep you in perspective so it
> > never becomes "just an AoA"
> > >
> > Don't bore the Kingdom with your local awards.   Hold your courts for
> _your_
> > people.  If you do business before the Kingdom, make it special.  The
> > barony's top awards, or a cool award for a well loved person. The only
> thing
> > more boring than a local court is someone else's local court. If you are
> > doing more than 2 or 3 things before the Kingdom you should be thinking
> > pretty hard about why.
> > >
> > The Baronage is the first link from the people of your land to the Crown.
> > Keep good relations with your Crowns.  Send award recs for your people and
> > you will find them regularly acted on.  If you don't, don't count on
> anyone
> > else doing it.
> > >
> > Get out and about your Barony regularly.  Go to a variety of local
> > activities. Occasionally show up to things that are not in your normal
> > fields of interest - sewing night, or whatever.
> > >
> > Don't be afraid to admit when you are wrong - you will be.  Learn and move
> > on.
> > >
> > Have fun.  Laugh at yourself from time to time and don't be afraid to
> play.
> > BUT, be sure you can turn the switch to more serious so its obvious to
> > everyone for the more serious aspects of your job.  The Clown prince idea
> is
> > fun for a while but then it gets old and perhaps embarrassing.  Laugh when
> > its appropriate and be regal when it matters.
> > >
> > It's a really really cool job, but it is certainly work.  And if it
> > ceases to be fun, and becomes nothing but work, be prepared to step aside.
> >
> > It's better to go out on top and still enjoy the game than to burn out and
> > hurt yourself and your Barony.
> > >
> > I've already written more than I intended and rambled quite a bit.  I'm
> sure
> > I have forgotten important things as well, but let me include here the
> > advice which was given me in our Coronation ceremony.  It applies to a
> Baron
> > as well as a King.
> > >
> >
> >        This crown, a circlet, the sign of our land
> >        The sign of the king, the sacrificed man
> >        He thinks first of his men, their beasts, their land
> >        And last of the pride that flows from sword hand.
> >        A child may play in a castle tower
> >        The king who does soon sees the hour
> >        The land he rules has lost all power
> >        The glory once sweet is spoiled and sour.
> > >
> >        By law and by custom is the king bound
> >        No one beyond these limits may be found
> >        We turn for justice to those who are crowned.
> >        The King respects what the people hold dear
> >        Though he like it not, to their hopes gives ear
> >        He champions their cause and stands against fear
> >        If the people prosper, that is his cheer.
> > >
> >        The greatest of burdens falls to the king
> >        In times of woe, he must cheerfully sing
> >        In times of crisis, a level head bring
> >        The first to battle but last retreating
> >        By each of their subjects, kingdoms are known
> >        Before us that mirror of honor is shown
> >        A circlet of metal, polished and honed
> >        On the brow of a man, one of our own.
> > >
> >
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