We started as mostly SCA members seeking more focus, and authenticity. I think most of us are moving toward the living history approach.

I think the best method is to commit to as high a level of authenticity as you can. Commit to being completely authentic by a certain date, and mark out capitol improvements to be made in increments within this timeframe.

Lets say St. Olafs will be "Living History" in two years, and set your begining level, and several inrements along the way - say two major improvements a year.

St Olafs will start out with all clothing being made of linen & wool, to historical design, and to station appropriate. Within six months of joining, all members commit to buying or making proper turnshoes - if you can't make authentic ones on a last you must buy them. At years end, all members commit to the next improvement, and so on. They know what they have to get, they have a reasonable time to save to get it, and the next improvement is far enough away so they can budget for that. Basic turnshoes run about $120 - $140. If you can't save that much up in a six month time span then you have other things to worry about than a hobby - like getting a job you can support yourself at. This takes commitment and discipline, as people seem to be able to save up to buy swords & armour much easier than things that ain't shiney, but are absolutely essential to a proper basic outfit.

Most groups expect any new recruits to have basic clothing of acceptable standard within six months to a year of joining - don't hold yopurself to a lesser standard than this.

Unfortunately, your older members will be at a disadvantage as they will already have obsolete equipment which will need to be replaced. You can give new members the benefit of your research and they can start at a higher level.

In my experience with the Red Company, it's a whole lot easier on everyone once you have standards. Once the line is drawn in the sand everyone has a crystal clear idea of what they're getting themselves in to, the time and cost involved, etc. A benefit to this approach in my mind is that you can share research and move toward the goal a lot faster. For example, I handed out 4 doublet patterns today for our new recruits- there's just no sense in making these guys sweat over drafting a pattern when I have a perfectly good one they can use. They can jump in at a level it took the rest of the guys 3 years and at least 2 doublet versions to get to. Why buy Doublet 3.0 when Doublet 5.5 is available?

I think it's a whole lot easier to get to a destination when everyone is rowing in the same direction.

Just my 2d.

I had to smile when I saw your "till we get it just right".

As you go along, you'll find the bar you set will move upward all by itself with no help at all from anyone. It will float just above your grasp and tantalize you with its nearness and frustrate you with its inaccessability. It will move when you least expect it, and every bit of info the group gains will cause a change. No matter how hard you try, there will always be something that is just "not right".

Learn to enjoy the journey, and the place your group is at any given time. Enjoy what your group HAS, and learn to note but not dwell on what you DON'T HAVE. No group can be perfect, but that doesn't mean trying isn't worth it.

At least that's my experience...

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Originally posted by Peder:
I looked at yalls website and yall are doing really well. I wish groups like yours had been around when I was in the SCA may have stoped me from leaving and doing nothing instead.

Good luck.

Brent

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Thank you. We're trying, we have our odd moments, but it seems to always work out in the end.

It looks like we're here for the duration. Who said you can't come back?