How do you motivate others or improve the hobby?

[BrianHicks]

Re: Does being a modern Joe make you better at your impression?

That's right!

Four Colonels... if they were all in the same ranks at the same event... what..... a flock of Colonels? Or Would it be more like a having a Murder of Crows in the line.

[Charles Heath]

Re: Does price hurt your authenticity?

I'm in--where do I send a portion of the locksmith fee? Time for Judith to roadtrip.

Terre,

If we'd only been collecting said travel fund for the past 9....nope 10 years...Judith could have made it to BGR or the Kentucky Trial or a dozen other efforts with civilians....well, you get the point. Last summer, before the big AC Forum crash due to the database back up crisis, a lengthy thread played out several dozen scenarios, vignettes, and features people would like to see at events. While all that dreamsheeting was happening, I couldn't help but wonder why these same "living historians" hadn't bothere to attend events in the past 5 years were such took place. About 95% of the wish list had been covered, too.

As good as this thread is, perhaps this is the time to magically transport it to The Sinks, before we start asking if there is a window sash that can be removed from the inside, so an escape can be made.

Scotty, beam me up.

[LindaTrent]

Re: Does price hurt your authenticity?

Hi Judith,

You know, we all wish that we had local people who lived within our area that we could work with, but the truth of the matter is, very few of us do, and those who do are lucky. We all have to go through the frustration of either getting to better events or putting them on ourselves. Like you, I don't have a lot of areas around here to do that, which is why twice we've had to travel four hours to the site of the event I'm putting on.

Is the site perfect? Absolutely not. I think it's a city (or state) park, the site of a CW era fort built to defend the city of Frankfort, KY. I've mentioned several times all the modern intrusions with the site, but yet the interior (except for one room), is basically flawless. Would I like a better site? Yes! but at some point you have to decide is it better to hold the event in a site like this? Or to not hold the event at all? I made my decision and I will rise or fall with it.

I've been talking to Silvana Siddali about Marmaduke's Raid 1863 event coming up next September (08), it sounds like a good one, and if you're interested I'll be glad to have you in our family for the event providing you get approval. I'm not organizer or coordinator on this one, so I can't give you permission to come, but if you're serious about coming I will champion your cause.

There've been rumors of an event with civilians going to be held the first weekend of October in Virginia, but I've heard little about it. If it happens, and you can fly in I'll be more than happy to mentor you for that, too. Both events are pretty much "roughing it." And both will probaby have the soldiers come a knockin' at the door (metaphorically speaking).

You talk as though you still attend events even though you're not happy with them. Why not get a group together on the Western Campaigner's forum and meet at the event and do something different? I sent you some names of people who live in California who might be interested in that sort of thing. And you've got your own group of civilians that you do first person with, why not organize some sort of carpe' eventum!

Talk to some of the more hardcore guys out there and see if the next time they put on an event if you can raise some authentic civilians to play along. I've not had problems with that. Many of our most memorable moments were at events where the military sought us out (actually came to either Hank or me) because we're somewhat fun to play with.:wink_smil

I got three in college, live in a fine old place that is falling apart and needs ready money faster than the mint can print it...

Yet, on another forum you said that you recently went to an antiquing and purchased some more stuff, and how you're always using your "bottle money" for purchasing more "pots, beds" etc. If that's spending money, and you're so disappointed with the events that you have out there, why not save that money and attend better events, rather than put it into more stuff?

My main point is, if you're happy with what you have then you don't have a problem. If you're looking for something better than you're going to have to either accept that it isn't going to happen, or shake things up a bit and make them happen. It's all about attitude, dedication and devotion.

Oh, and by the way, unless documentation proves otherwise -- I plan to be middle class fallen on hard times at both events. So you'll see me in my powhite trash clothes. :)

Linda.

[Drygoods]

Re: Does price hurt your authenticity?

Mrs. Trent, and others,

What a great bunch of folks you all are. To put it best, I'm no slacker, I do get out beyond my keyboard. That gold rush event that the Mr. mentioned on the other forum, well that was something that he started some 28 years ago, and we did that every year gathering other hard core types having more folks from out of state with only 12 locals in attendance. Pity of the thing is that someone new came in, deciding they had a better idea, and upset the whole program by being less authentic and loose with the standards. Dumbing down history isn't my style, I still want to support the place, but I find that I don't belong there if I can't stay in character for the whole ten days. Bummer.

And you could wager your last dollar I'd be at the Fort Tejon event this month if it wasn't for the other event the same weekend at Ardenwood. Ardenwood isn't hardcore, but the new folks that I've given fabric, patterns, and the whole shebang just for joining, well, they have a program going on, so naturally, I want to support their efforts. Unlike a lot of groups, when new people join our club, I give them the period cloth, patterns, classes, and everything free of charge just so that I don't have to hear those horrid stories of how they got fleeced at Dope Deluxe Swindler Sutlery. I know this isn't the practice everywhere, but it's my way of helping and making sure that everything that new person has is correct, so they can really get working on interpretation.

The only way that I can spin this bit of thread drift back into the topic is to tell folks, humble yourself and ask for help to build an outfit, or don't push for everything all at once. I'm not saying make it a 5 year plan like buying a new car, but if you want to look right and have a slim budget, then you have to make the sacrifice to give up a meal or two out during the month, or learn to do without those mochas. Believe me, yesterday I told my daughter that I wish I could have a box of chocolates, hadn't had any in such a long time, but instead I saved for that pie dish that I will get to use next Christmas and then again next June at another event.....it's just the way that I find my priorities, and sometimes you never get that second chance to buy that wonderful piece of material culture/dishware.

And yes, Mr. Heath, I do travel. I'm not the shut-in that people think, but it's true that the majority of folks I know and play with are the western states crowd and do more 1848-1850s interpretation, don't get me wrong, I love CW, but find more options for those earlier bits. But don't worry, you'll see me sooner than you think.:wink_smil

[Spinster]

Re: Does price hurt your authenticity?

With two events in 2007 with room for significant numbers of civilians (Kentucky Trial and Banks Grand Retreat), there was really no excuse for civilians not getting out somewhere.

2008 holds similar promise for significant civilian events---and in mid-country to boot, with both Marmaduke's Raid and Athens being centrally located.

Its also the 'on' year for Shaker Village---an excellent venue for those who are a bit shy about the whole thing to stick a toe in the water--where they will find it as deep or as shallow as their own preparation. (Hint--the Louisville, Ky airport is about an hour away, and Southwest Airlines provides service from several California venues at a reasonable price. Rooms and meals available at the Village cut down on the need to haul significant plunder).

Flying to events is wayyyyyyy underrepresented:D

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Does being a modern Joe make you better at your impression?

That's right!

Four Colonels... if they were all in the same ranks at the same event... what..... a flock of Colonels? Or Would it be more like a having a Murder of Crows in the line.

Brother Brian,

Since you are "counting crows"....Don't think it as so much to do with "Character" but..."the ranks" is the only place they will let us in.:wink_smil

Really, I am honored they will even have us!!

[Chad Teasley]

Re: Does being a modern Joe make you better at your impression?

Speaking of O-5's...We also have that retired USN Commander Doug Cooper fella, who when he got done flying Navy aircraft for a living, went to work full time saving hallowed Civil War battlefields.

Oh, shucks, wait a minute. :)
I most always forget; Doug only works on preservation in his SPARE time, after taking care of his family and post-Navy career. That's what he modestly claims, anyway. (It's kind of hard to believe battlefield preservation is not his full time job, as much work as he does to save those fields for future generations.)

[DougCooper]

Re: Does being a modern Joe make you better at your impression?

Thanks Chad. Stay safe out there.

I will never forget standing in ranks with a Navy O-6 whose name escapes me, but I think we was in the 28th Mass. We were both Yankee privates that day. I was a Navy Squadron Commander in Norfolk and he was the skipper of a Trident Nuclear Submarine, the most powerful warship in the history of earth. I took him aside after the event and we talked. Both of us were looking for a bit of followership to go with our lot in real life. :D

[BrianHicks]

Re: Does being a modern Joe make you better at your impression?

I know we have several Retired folks amongst us... but what is far more amazing, is when you have Senior Officers whom are still on Active Duty, that take the time, and effort to humble themselves back into the ranks portraying Privates.

[BrettKIllinois]

Re: Does being a modern Joe make you better at your impression?

So many Colonels... they could start their own mess.
Ok, all the kidding aside, I'm impressed.

[Drygoods]

Re: Does price hurt your authenticity?

Mrs. Lawson,

Traveling without plunder? Oh, now why spoil the beauty of the thing:( It's great to travel with a few comforts from home, or so I've always thought, but still even nicer to save a bit of spare time to shop 'round if given a chance. Myself, I seldom travel light, but I find it valuable to send things on ahead of time by shipping them to the nearest FedEX or UPS station so that all I have to do is collect my rental car at the airport and pick up my boxed clothes &c.

I think that sometimes people are afraid to travel long distances to events. They are afraid of weather, not finding good food, or any comforts or accommodation that they are familiar with. Yes, that tired old argument, both of them, but folks you don't know what you're missing unless you get out there and see the world. I know that last year I took off on a workshop to a big city, and I was a bit worried because I'm not used to this sort of thing -- big cities. In truth, I suffered a bit from big city envy, here was a place that had every convenience, stores aplenty open 24 hours, and if you couldn't find exactly what you wanted, then you had a hundred other places to look. The downside was that you heard traffic all night and day long, whereas at home, sometimes I have to wait 3 or 4 hours for a car to drive the main street.

Funny thing this thread, it sure struck a chord with me, as the last thought of the night, and first of this morning, was how right Mrs. Trent was; I should stop buying so many antique crocks and wax jacks and learn to turn my nose up at these delicious finds and save for a plane ticket. :wink_smil

[weed]

Re: Authentic junk clothing and gear

Nic, if you don't know John Wedeward - you might want to give him a call. This is his perspective as well and pretty much the M.O. behind the way he produces his blouses.

You're right though - this isn't an excuse for buying farbonzo gear. Authenticity in patterns, construction techniques and materials still count... even if the garment appears hastily constructed, for the reasons you've mentioned.

I thank Paul for the kind words. If you go to my web site http://www2.inxpress.net/jwedeward and then to the section on "view details of Original Uniforms" you will see that is being talked about.

John W

[LindaTrent]

Re: Does price hurt your authenticity?

Funny thing this thread, it sure struck a chord with me, as the last thought of the night, and first of this morning, was how right Mrs. Trent was; I should stop buying so many antique crocks and wax jacks and learn to turn my nose up at these delicious finds and save for a plane ticket. :wink_smil

I have a spot at the Trial event next weekend in Frankfort, KY. We'll have lots of plates to wash, chamber pots and spittoons to be dumped, rope beds to be made... You won't have to bring a thing since the inn's entirely furnished with the best of the best of material culture.

The majority of the women will be the equivilent of "a low paid clerk or assistant?" The only exception would be one witness and one juror who might dress better simply because they're in an official capacity with the trial.

Let me know by midnight (eastern time) tonight (Thur. Aug. 2) and I'll get you up to speed on characters and such. Full first person immersion (action and interaction). I'm sure someone can pick you up at the Louisville Airport. If not, I'll drive there myself and pick you up. :D

Linda.

[Charles Heath]

Re: Does price hurt your authenticity?

Judith,

You'll be happy to learn most of the truly great events do not take place in big cities. Over on another forum, some benevolent sorts have established "The Judith Fund" to help fund travel to your very first event.

This isn't just about you, because Esperance Bob's first event is only 2 hours away. I'm looking forward to meeting him on the evening of August 10th.

[Drygoods]

Re: Does price hurt your authenticity?

My Dears, Mrs. Trent, and Mr. Heath,

Oh! if wishes were horses! Yes, I'd love to attend your event, but sadly, I'm committed to a workshop these two next weekends. My form of charity work in the world is taking antique clothes about, drafting patterns from them, and forcing new sewing enthusiasts to reproduce said items so that they may wear them at future events, thus making themselves and the hobby as a whole look much better. It sounds like a generous touchy-feeling sort of thing but secretly is my excuse for buying more antique clothing, you have to justify these things to the rest of the family when they say "you need another one of those?"

The Judith Fund eh? Good thing you've taken on this project Mr. Heath, as I'd just make a dog's dinner of it all and more than likely buy myself another piece of furnishing to shove into my already over-cluttered home. You think I'm kidding, I'm not, old desks are my downfall while ogee clocks haunt my husband.:sarcastic However, I'm certain sure that several on this forum are just reading this wishing that me, that nagging old crone would dry up and stop gassing on and on about how tough it is to afford trips as far as the end of the block. The JF will take years to acquire, as no doubt who would contribute to such a thing when everyone wishes "she'd just cork-it for ten minutes and stop using up all the oxygen in the room! Why don't she give somebody else a chance to push a word in once and a while?" :confused_However, no matter what, one thing is crystal clear from this thread; no matter how much it costs to outfit a person, the kindness and generosity of those is this hobby is amazing. I don't think that you can find better people this whole world over than people who care, and love history.