[Steppes] An informal poll and February Populace
AlKudsi at aol.com
AlKudsi at aol.com
Thu Feb 15 20:52:57 PST 2007
Although I've already expressed my opinions privately to Chiara, I felt it
was time to comment publicly.
First, and no pun intended, can we go for a little less heat? Everyone is
entitled to their opinions without being demeaned. Each of us has things that
are precious to us or important to us about every event. Please remember to
extend courtesy to everyone who responds.
Second, from the last message from Her Excellency Francesca, the decision has
already been made to change sites next year. That is news to me, but then I
don't attend many meetings, so it is my own fault that I did not know. The
poll and comments, as I see it then, are strictly for this year's Warlord. While
personally, I rather like a lot of the aspects of the Canton site, I'm quite
willing to give other sites a try.
Third, from a historical perspective, I can claim quite a few Warlords under
my belt. I've been a member of this Barony since 1979, and have only missed
two Warlords in all those years. I can remember Camp Burnett (tornados, cars
falling through into the septic tank, makeshift showers (NONE in the bathrooms),
no parking worth mentioning, but wonderful memories), and the sites since.
There is ALWAYS a tradeoff between amenities and "period feel". But each event
is what we make of it, as a group and as individuals. A small event with
mundane trappings can be as powerful a memory as a glorious huge event that is as
period as we can make it. The key is -- what WE make of it. But we each have
to make our own magic at an event; the event isn't magic, what we make of it
is. Personally, and I may be a minority in this, I've seen the Canton site
quite as magical as other events in more period environs. How? Because I LOOKED
for it, wanted it, and therefore found it. True, it can be easier in some
places than others, but it is possible.
Finally, while I agree that we have become so bound up in adding things to
ALL of our events that I think we have overscheduled ALL of them, it becomes a
push-pull contest about what to do about it. As I recall, Archery was added
for IKAC competition initially, because the scores had to be at an official
event (i.e. one that was on the kingdom calendar) and Steppes Warlord was ideal
for the Kingdom as a whole for it's convenience. I have no idea if that still
holds true because as I became less active in archery (what, you didn't know I
used to shoot?), I lost track of the rules and regs. Perhaps that is no
longer true, but our Archers still deserve recognition in court in front of the
Crown, when possible, for their accomplishments. Their skills are just as valid
as heavy and light fighting, and our A&S. And our equestrians are
spectacular, even if few. My first taste of them was at the SCA 25th Anniversary in
Burnet, and I was blown away about how fabulous it was. Guess what, I totally
forgot we were sitting in a rodeo stadium while I watched horses in their barding
doing jousting, and the parade of nobility from every kingdom form a court
that took my breath away.
So, what do we do? First, we all take a deep breath and remember that we all
want what is best for the Barony and for the event...we just see what that is
with different eyes and a different focus. Then we try and come up with a
compromise that will work. Noone will be perfectly happy, because that is a
factor of compromise, but hopefully, it will be something we all can live with.
And we remember that change needs to be gradual if we don't want to alienate a
large segment of people who have a great deal to contribute to the Barony and
to the SCA, in general.
I'm sorry this is so long. But I felt it needed to be said and I am by
profession, a writer, so, well...
I remain, always in Service to the glorious Barony of the Steppes and to the
Dream of the SCA,
Honorable el-Sayyidda Saqra al-Kudsi
More information about the Steppes
mailing list