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Looking back at this year and forward into the next year, I have a declaration of sorts to make and yes this will be one of those op-ed pieces, that I am famous for, but it will be extremely optimistic. :D
From mid 2005 to late 2007, this side of the hobby seemed to suffered some morale problems and malaise for conditions that were more an existential crisis. A malaise that wallowed in the mantra of "whats wrong with the hobby?" A malaise that did not reflect the true capabilities and commitment of the campaigner/progressive movement, that is alive and well, thank you very much.
Everything from the economy, gas prices and the War on Terrorism was blamed for the "demise" and "downfall" of the hobby.
The result of the malaise was not the fault of mainstream reenactors or burned out campaigners, but resided squarely with that peculiar animal called the "keyboard campaigner." 2008 was the resurrection of the hobby (that I wasn't sure was ever dead) or more accurately we aren't hearing from a lot of malcontent people who were controlling a false perception via electrons on forums.
We can now declare that:
1. A small living history or military event can be just as accurate and interesting (if not more) than a huge event involving large numbers.
2 Accurate gear and equipment cannot compensate for a bad first person impression. The good gear gets them in to the party, the jerk underneath the jean wool ruins it for everyone.
3. The people and not the props make it happen. Events provide the play space, but the quality people with good impressions, wise gear investments and cooperative attitudes are the heart of a good event.
4. Preparation is the key to our success. It could be wearing the right gear, doing research, site preparation or improving your impression. If we prepare far in advance and use other similar events as our rehearsals, success will be certain.
Leadership is for everyone, not just the well known people of the hobby. Quit waiting on the famous names to make it happen. Organize your local areas and state. Coordinate with your neighbors and host some interesting events. Think of your region and not just your state boundary.
Finally I would really like to thank the hard working people that organized the 2008 events and the small, but dedicated core of campaigners that constantly participate in Ebufu events. Without you there would be no hobby. 2009 will be better. We have the right people now.
From mid 2005 to late 2007, this side of the hobby seemed to suffered some morale problems and malaise for conditions that were more an existential crisis. A malaise that wallowed in the mantra of "whats wrong with the hobby?" A malaise that did not reflect the true capabilities and commitment of the campaigner/progressive movement, that is alive and well, thank you very much.
Everything from the economy, gas prices and the War on Terrorism was blamed for the "demise" and "downfall" of the hobby.
The result of the malaise was not the fault of mainstream reenactors or burned out campaigners, but resided squarely with that peculiar animal called the "keyboard campaigner." 2008 was the resurrection of the hobby (that I wasn't sure was ever dead) or more accurately we aren't hearing from a lot of malcontent people who were controlling a false perception via electrons on forums.
We can now declare that:
1. A small living history or military event can be just as accurate and interesting (if not more) than a huge event involving large numbers.
2 Accurate gear and equipment cannot compensate for a bad first person impression. The good gear gets them in to the party, the jerk underneath the jean wool ruins it for everyone.
3. The people and not the props make it happen. Events provide the play space, but the quality people with good impressions, wise gear investments and cooperative attitudes are the heart of a good event.
4. Preparation is the key to our success. It could be wearing the right gear, doing research, site preparation or improving your impression. If we prepare far in advance and use other similar events as our rehearsals, success will be certain.
Leadership is for everyone, not just the well known people of the hobby. Quit waiting on the famous names to make it happen. Organize your local areas and state. Coordinate with your neighbors and host some interesting events. Think of your region and not just your state boundary.
Finally I would really like to thank the hard working people that organized the 2008 events and the small, but dedicated core of campaigners that constantly participate in Ebufu events. Without you there would be no hobby. 2009 will be better. We have the right people now.
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