[Ravensfort] a letter from your Seneschal

[byzytym]

My apologizes if the B & B did not request combining the meeting.  

What a strange coincidence that it happened less than two weeks after they
stated that is what they planned to do.

I did start my email with "I assume".

 

The topic of canceling the south meetings is a powder keg issue.

Those of us that live down here have had to deal with threats of no meeting
for decades.

Check the Raven's Fort archives and you'll see it's true.

Every couple of years or so someone decides that they don't want to go to
the effort to make the drive and it starts again.

It is an insult.

The south has never been developed to its full potential. 

If I am touchy about this issue, it is with good reason.

 

As a side note, I want to thank our Seneschal for allowing the Barony
members to voice their opinions.  

It is important that we have a venue for decent and collaboration. 

 

V NV

 

From: ravensfort-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org
[mailto:ravensfort-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of Seneca of
Ravensfort
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2014 11:23 AM
To: Ravensfort at lists.ansteorra.org; Ravensfort Officers List
Subject: [Ravensfort] a letter from your Seneschal

 

Greetings:

 

It appears as your Seneschal that I have been somewhat remiss in speaking
out as loudly as I could.  I have approached this position as I approach
eveything and everyone in my life - with the utmost respect and loyalty as
is deserved.  This position both demands and deserves a neutral but steady
influence for the Barony.  

 

Over the past couple of weeks, tensions have mounted as individuals have
allowed for their emotions, egos, and pride to dictate their actions.  I
have been very disappointed in how things have progressed recently, as we
are a family - though we have arguments, fights, and misunderstandings as
any other family would, it seems as though some in our Barony are looking
for those fights, thereby trying to rip us apart.

 

In looking over the lists (email and facebook) I do not automatically post
responses, delete statements that are made, nor censure individuals in the
open.  Why?  It is not because I do not care, nor because I agree or
disagree with the statement made. We are all adults and I respect each and
every one of your opinions.  If inflammatory or defamatory, then I do
believe that an administrator should step in -  but otherwise free
expression is one of the things the SCA is all about!

 

As to individual issues:

(1) There is a combined business and populace meeting this month because I
chose to do it this way.  I did not ask permission nor seek guidance from
anyone in this decision.  I chose this because I want to have a Planning
meeting this month in re: Defender and the Folk festival, as one is coming
up soon and one is a huge event. Three meetings in one month is burdensome
on all involved, regardless of where in the Barony the individual is from.  

 

(2) Huntsville is chosen as the primary meeting area as it is the most
central location available.  It is not a slight to our Northern members in
Jewiit, Centerville, and Madisionville, nor is it a sign to our Southern
members in the Woodlands or Conroe that we do not welcome their input and
presence - it is honestly and simply a balance of both worlds.  This is a
large Barony; ALL members are important.

 

(3)  As to the Scribal Symposium, or ANY other ideas for an event or demo, I
welcome the ability to take the ideas to the Populace.  If someone comes up
with an idea, bring it - let us discuss it - and allow the Barony as a whole
to have input.   The firestorm that has errupted is unnecessary,
unwarrantad, and counterproductive.  No decisions have been made one way or
the other as NOTHING has been presented.  

 

Overall, I have attempted to stay out of individual arguments and hurts as I
recognize how important each of you is to the Barony and to each other.
Comments made simply to inflame a situation do just that -  inflame the
situation and hurt all of us.  I cannot be the gatekeeper of what should and
should not be said - no individual can, nor has the right , to do so.
Otherwise this office would become a dictatorship, censoring ideas and
expressions simply because the individual holding this position disagrees.
I  WILL NOT do that as Seneschal.  I respect the Barony, the SCA, and each
of you too much.

 

I love this Barony, as we all do.  We must act together, not separate. 

 

YIS,

Lady Seneca of Raven's Fort

Seneschal of Raven's Fort 

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