[Nordskogen] Regarding demos: LONG

[Brenda]

Greetings Barony of Nordskogen,

While Maestra Giovannas suggestions of presentation at demos is a worthy 
one I do have a concern. My concern is that having such high standards 
would limit participation by those who felt they could not live up to them.

As someone who is still fairly new to the SCA (just 1 year) I do not 
have all the bells and whistles of a period encampment (heck I'm still 
working on a complete persona!). Seeing an encampment such as THL Cinniu 
and Cainnechs definitely gives me something to look up to and work 
towards, however it is going to take some time and money to acquire 
whatever my persona will need. I feel it is safe to say that other newer 
members would feel the same way. My concern is that by suggesting such a 
perfect presentation, we are excluding newer members, like me, who want 
to participate and support the SCA and their Barony. I was very self 
conscious when I first began and everyone who seemed to have it together 
was somewhat intimidating. I would hate for our newer members to avoid a 
demo because they didn't feel they could live up to someone else's' high 
standards, however awesome those standards would be if met. New folk can 
be valuable members too.

As I mentioned previously, it takes time and money, among other things, 
to get a complete kit together. I would like to remind everyone that 
some folks are not as fortunate as others. Anyone who knows me knows I 
have had a rough last year. I have to choose wisely where I spend my 
money (not to mention time and resources), and unfortunately sometimes 
SCA gear has to take a back seat. I feel it is safe to say that there 
are others out there like me. Again my concern is that we are, by 
suggesting such high standards, excluding those that are not able to 
financially put together a complete kit but do their best in their 
chosen area of the SCA. This is a hobby, and a fun one at that, not a 
profession. There are many levels that one can play at which is why the 
SCA is so great.

Having a great showing of period persona's and their encampments would 
be awesome at the Caponi Demo. No doubt. But I would hope that members 
of our Barony would not be scared away because they don't have complete 
kits or period shoes (like me). I would like to show the public the 
awesome kits that the people in our Barony is blessed with but also show 
the public that anyone and everyone are welcome to come and play that 
have an interest to learn and live the Middle Ages.


YIS
Devin of Nordskogen




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