[Steppes] Gate Issues (was Discouraging / Encouraging)

[alkudsi at aol.com]

Lucky you!  At a couple of events in the last few months, I have had to stand and wave money under the gate person's nose for 30 seconds to even get their attention because they were so busy talking to their friends.  They acted as if I was intruding.  Ouch.  Now THAT's bad PR!



Here is where the class idea could be helpful...how about the person running gate having a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) with their answers actually posted at gate?  I've thought of this before, and we actually used to do it.  Especially at camping events, we had maps with "facilities", Chirurgeon's location, emergency phones, ice machines, list field, merchant's area, central security location, groups camping together (if arranged with the event steward ahead of time), etc. all marked and large enough to post on a bulletin board at gate.  You could also leave notes for your individual friends you were camping with as to where you were located.  That way the information is in a central location, and even if the gate person didn't know the answer to a specific question, they could at least direct the person to the bulletin board for the answers.

At last weekend's Fiber Arts Collegium, they had a map actually taped to the Gate table, showing where the bathrooms were, where the classrooms were, and where the central gathering area was located.  It sure helped to be able to see it while you checked in!

Saqra


-----Original Message-----
From: Michelle Dodd <lygabrielerdb at hotmail.com>
To: Steppes Barony <steppes at lists.ansteorra.org>
Sent: Tue, 26 Jun 2007 1:26 pm
Subject: Re: [Steppes] Gate Issues (was Discouraging / Encouraging)




I agree that working Gate is a lot like retail and anyone can have a bad day. 
owever there is a major difference. In retail you can be fired for rudeness or 
e asked to leave the store. We as SCAers are 'supposed' to use courtesy to all 
e meet, no matter the rank. You never know if the person you are meeting at 
ate is the next "Highness" or not. And it can be hard for some people (I have 
his problem) to recognize someone out of their 'regular garb'. I've walked 
ight past a friend who had changed persona.
hen I have worked gate, I have always tried to remember, if you treat people 
ith respect they are more likely to treat you with respect. 
ersonally, I have never had someone be rude to me when I was working Gate. I 
ave had an occasional problem at Gates, where after the schpeel was said, the 
orms signed & the tokens given, I would be ignored when I had a question. Where 
re the Porto pots? Is there any type of map as to where certain groups are 
amping? Usually, once I break into the conversation they have gone onto, the 
ate workers are polite and as helpful as they can be.

y Gabriele

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