SC - questions/kinda long, sorry

[CBlackwill at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/19/00 3:02:28 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
oftraquair at hotmail.com writes:

> Either some people lead very lonely lives, having given up on every group 
>  they've considered, or they are holding SCA to a different standard than 
>  other groups in their life.

As well they should, wouldn't you folks agree?  Consider:  The SCA prides 
itself on being the last great bastion of courtesy and civility left in the 
world.  When new members attend an event, at least the vast majority that I 
know of, they are usually there upon a referral from another member.  
Doubtless, this member has lured them into the fold with talk of chivalry and 
romance and courteous behavior.  When they arrive, and are treated in a 
less-than-appropriate manner, it is quite a shock.  "Is THAT the courteous 
behavior you have been ranting and raving about??  No, thanks, I'll stick to 
walking the docks and getting whistled at by sailors..."  (not that I, 
personally, have EVER been whistled at by a sailor.  Well, there was that one 
time...)  The individual most likely had set "higher standards" in his or her 
mind, and the initial introduction failed to meet them.

  I can see treating the optional (SCA, PTA) 
>  differently than the required (work, church for many) but still, a rude 
>  person or two amongst the first dozen or so you encounter is par.

I disagree.  Finding a rude person (worse yet, two) within the first dozen or 
so you meet is certainly either a) very, very unlucky, and a bad omen in 
general, or b)an indication that, out of every dozen or so people you meet, 
two will be rude.  I can believe that a dozen or so will be rude *overall*.  
Meaning, out of your entire first years of membership (before your skin has 
gained the thickness required), you may run into a dozen or so rude people.  
But, meeting two of them right off the bat is unfortunate, and not a good 
indication of things to come.

Comments?  Sarcasm?

Balthazar of Blackmoor


Mr. Wizard, what happens when you combine pasta and antipasta?