From: grimkirk@amiganet.chi.il.us (Mike Schneider)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Legislating Authenticity
Date: 4 Jan 93 02:27:42 CST
Organization: Amiga Network Information Systems

[Authors' Note: While the actual TOPIC in the issue discussed below is a
combat-related one, I believe the ideological issue is one which will affect
more than just the specific TOPIC in the long run.]


Good gentles -

   I write this evening to ask you en masse to discourse on your opinions of
the aforementioned subject matter. I fear that a dark change may soon overtake
this SCA which we all love so dearly.

   There has been for years now, a distinct line of difference between those we
refer to as "authenticity mavins" and those who are referred to as "fun
mavins". And fortunately for all, there has been room for both. But I hear
?rumors? that some (at Kingdom level) would legislate the level of authen-
ticity in certain if not all activities. Legislation that in some cases, would
remove tenets that have defined what SCA is based upon (example: a combatants
RIGHT to call his/her own blows).

   Those that I have spoken to would make such a move toward legislating
authenticity by decrying the status quo as undesirable and unauthentic, as well
as maintaining that the SCA's main thrust IS authenticity and theatre. This
contradicts Corpora's written statements to the contrary. Corpora states that
ATMOSPHERE via research and recreation is the goal, and specifically states
that the SCA is "living history" and NOT dramatic performance.

   While not addressing specific topics (like combat), I'd like some discussion
on this issue. Should we begin to increase the SCA's level of authenticity via
legislation or continue as we have, by motivation and reward? And if so, should
it be done universally (at the Society level), or left to individual Kingdoms
to adjudicate? What are your views on the pros and cons of this issue and is it
something we ought to do?

   There are going to be those who will see this and *think* they know what is
*really* going on with regards to the TOPIC in the background of this missive.
But as I said, the purpose of this is not to discuss the TOPIC but the
underlying ISSUE, whether or not it ever really comes to pass. I have my own
views on this issue, obviously, but I will for the moment keep them to myself
as I do not wish to skew or slant the direction that this discussion may take.
I would like responses as soon as you may have time to reply, and while this
may be better held in the open forum of the Rialto, I'd like personal replies
in addition to public postings, since my server only archives 300 or so message
at a time, and unless I log in daily, I am likely to miss some public postings
as they age.

   Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.


                                        Yours in Service to the Society,



                                        Grimkirk ap Greymoor, AoA, OPF
                                        grimkirk@amiganet.chi.il.us

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Newsgroups: rec.org.sca