SC - Serving question

[Elaine Koogler]

grizly at mindspring.com wrote:

>

I can understand where you're coming from.  However, as serving feasts in our area is usually done this way, it is a surprise when there are servers provided!  I don't think any of us "expect" that the dukes, duchesses, baronage, and/or peerage will help out with events.  We don't...except for those who live in the hosting group.  However, we are fortunate in that the peers and barons who attend events in our area are very generous with their time and energies, so they usually help take up any slack that may exist in our barony of 30 paid, but usually around 15 active, folk!  If they don't, then we in our group must work extra hard to take care of things...and we usually do.

I don't think there's a problem with "lose some its luster" either....the contributions that those outside our barony make to our events is recognized and appreciated, usually with some kind of memento of the event.  As I said, the contributions are not "expected" but rather deeply appreciated when they are offered.

The only time we have had any question about someone helping out with an event and not paying the event fees as a result has been usually with those who are more professional...as was the case with some Middle Eastern dancers recently.  We could not afford to pay them for their presentation, but compensated them with seats at the feast.

I hope this helps explain how we do things here....

Kiri

> PEace and Good to the SCA Cooks List.
>
> I commend you on your attitude and commitment to active contribution to the event.  It is a good thing that can certainly make a difference in the event feel and success.  I wonder if expecting it from everyone would not tend to cheapen the generosity a bit.
>
> The example of the ranking people, as well as yourself, as first to help is a great one!  It seems to my eye  to lose some its luster when you call it expected behavior. Those people are special just because they do it when it isn't expected of them.  People who go to events participate and contribute in many ways.  simply paying money to attend is a gret boon to a group who is trying to break even.  I am well aware that smaller groups are far more dependent on graciousness and generosity of others than a barony of 100+.  Does not expectation take the honor anf glory out of generosity and grace?  It seems toturn into doing one's duty and punching the clock.
>
> I don't make any prestense at saying it should never happen.  I just suggest that the host group's making every effort to maximize hospitality will enhance the experience for everyone.  To whatever ends a group can make.  Heck, around here, households sometimes take turns being servants at feast, doing cleanup, whatever.  That is households from different groups and areas, not just local.  That would take the "general expectation" out of the equation.  Doing 'one from every table' by default just because we know it won't be minded much isn't maximizing our hospitality, even though I know it happens for lots of very valid reasons.
>
> The other thing I sort of cringe on is the element of surprise. If there is some statement ahead of time that I might be expected to serve the food, I would feel better about it.  I often am one of those who enjoys the social aspects of serving feast, but really dislike being surprised with that sort of thing.  Even a small print statement  in the flyer or at check-in would give the opportunity to make an informed choice about paying for feast or not.  If you are already doing something like that, I applaud you.  It does not happen with any frequency around here.
>
> Every feast I have served has been sent out by servers specifically committed to doing that.  But I realize I am lucky.  Not everyone has people every time who want to volunteer to be an element of the feast presentation.  I also take the chance to ask some people weks ahead of time to assist that way.  Sometimes it works, sometimes, everyone is already doing something.  I don't recall (my memory ain't great, though) in the last two years anyone's speaking directly to me ahead of time to ask if I would be a feast server.  It happened a couple of times before that, and I was so honored that I jumped at the chance.  It was even cooler the times when the group had tabbards for us to wear.
>
> niccolo difrancesco
>
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