SCA Thoughts

[jennythereader]

I've been listening to my friend Jaime's Pennsic Independent Podcast today, and it's got me thinking about what I want from the SCA and what I can offer to it.

Joy seems to be key. Doing things purely because they are fun in and of themselves or because they let someone else have fun. If I am doing something that I find to be fun, then I don't care if anyone else notices or not. If I'm doing something that makes an event more fun for others, than all I need is a simple "thanks" at the time.

The thing that sucks joy out of an event for me is politics. People doing things they hate just because it will get them noticed. People chasing awards. People telling me that if I ever want to get an award I'm going to need to change the way I play. People telling me that I need to befriend the "right people" and go to the "right events."

I'm not in the SCA because I need merit badges. I'm here because I love history, and making things, and learning how to do new things. And as long as I have the opportunity to do that and to hang out with other people who also care about that stuff I'll keep playing. Whether anybody notices or not.

This post isn't nearly as coherent as I want, but if I try to perfect it I'll probably end up deleting it. If I expand anything or make any major edits I'll note my changes.

added, 7:05pm 11-7-11: I realize most folks in the SCA don't have this attitude, and even most of the folks who are known for one reason or another don't have it. But it frequently seems like the small minority that does think this way has the loudest voice and drowns out everyone trying to do things differently.

Comments

[sunatrya.livejournal.com]

I'd love to steal large sections of this...

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

If you feel like linking it, go ahead.

[dulcinbradbury.livejournal.com]

I have a lot of thoughts on this, but, they'd be better for a longer and in-person discussion.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

I may be at Ceilidh this weekend (still haven't made up my mind).

[gwenlianna.livejournal.com]

I wish I could remember the source... One of the most sensible comments about doing things for fun vs. doing things for the awards: "If you do things for fun, you may get the award too, and it will be a nice extra pat on the back. If you do things for the award, it will always be overdue (and a source of resentment), no matter how quickly you achieve it."

Also... It's a game! If you aren't having fun, you're doing it wrong.

That being said, if there's something in particular that you are interested in, there may be events that will be important to attend, in order to meet people who can help you to advance your knowledge in that area.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

That's a great quote. :)

I also agree that if you aren't having fun, something has gone seriously wrong. It just seems like I keep hearing about/meeting people (more hearing about than meeting, thank goodness) who seem to have forgotten that they're here for the fun.

As for what I'm interested in, my main focus is the same as ever: using string in assorted decorative/practical ways. Lately I've been a little more interested in cooking, and random things are always catching my attention and sounding fascinating.

[chamisa.livejournal.com]

Politics. Award-seeking. Peers and hats acting all holier-than-thou. Feeling like you have to know "the right people" and go to "the right events". And other stuff. Yes, the majority of the SCA is not like this, but I get where you're coming from about having the joy sucked out.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

Like I said, the ones who do have the award chasing attitude just seems to shout louder than the rest.

It's a shame, because I'm sure it's chased off folks who would otherwise love the game.

[purpura.livejournal.com]

I actually have a long response to this. It's something that's been occuring to me for some time. I'd love to flesh t out with you at ceilidh.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

Next time we see eachother, sure. I'm still making up my mind about Ceilidh.