A Few Thoughts For Newbies
Everyone is new at some point. When you are new in the SCA it is alot like being set down in the middle of an alien planet and told to go and fit in. It is ideal to go into the SCA with a friend who has been in for awhile but that is not usually the case. You are usually alone or with someone who is just as clueless as you are. So just how do you go and "fit in"? Here are a few ideas. * Offer to help - You want to meet people and talk and learn, so go offer to help set up with the feast or the merchants. Offer to help with the kids if they need sitters. Offer to help serve feast or clean up afterward. You will meet some really interesting people this way and make yourself someone that they will remember.
* Always tell people when you first meet them that you are new. - Doing this plants the understanding in their mind that you might not know all the social graces and they will be patient with you and may even be positively disposed to help you learn more about the group.
* Observe the "Private" zone. - Do not just walk up and start talking to people or interrupt conversations. Stand just outside of the conversation (the edge of the tent or about three feet away if there is no shelter near) and wait to be acknowledged before entering the conversation.
* Come with a name. - Even if you end up changing it (this happens usually when the herald or other person in the know either tells you that your name is not in period, does not match your nationality or someone else is using it) having a name when you come to your first event gives people a tag so they remember you next time and you fit in (It is hard to be Cindy when you are hanging out with Anika, Allisandra and Brigid.)
This is not a complete list of notes for newbies, just the most obvious. If you have tips you would like to add, please send them To Brigid Ein Teirnan.