Gwen
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"Thinking in period" Geoffrey Adams, aka "Brother Geoffrey"

Although why we aim to have our conversations as much in period as our clothes, knives and combs may seem obvious to long-time members of the Red Company, it is perhaps important to explain to new members and participants from other groups why we think this is a good idea.

When we keep our conversation as close as possible to medieval topics, it adds greatly to the sense of "being there" which we work so hard to get. Frankly, a number of us feel that, even with all the other parts correct, without this atmosphere the experience is a bit of a let-down after the effort we spend in so many other areas. We sometimes wonder if we are much more than an exalted dress-up party.

Often it is too easy to think of this exercise in terms of avoiding or cutting out "forbidden topics." It really should be a positive process of imagining ourselves in the place and time and choosing topics of discussion, perhaps even drawing up a personal list (written or mental) of things to bring up at appropriate moments. This way we are preparing mentally for an event along with packing all the equipment. The topics do not have to be "topical"; we do not anticipate a daily two hour discussion of the siege of Coventry. In fact, we feel that limiting the discussion to "historic events" is unproductive and unrealistic.

Our insight is that many of the concerns of people at the time are the same daily concerns as today: our childrens well-being and upbringing, lawsuits, work opportunities, medical crises, finding bargains and good sources of food, health tips One suggested technique is "translation" of topics. Movie and book plots can be reported as "tales we have heard." While people in 1471 almost certainly did not discuss historic reenactment, they might well have seen a mystery play or interlude, heard rumors of battles and private conflicts, read some wondrous tale, or witnessed a tournament with a "historic" theme referring to the days of King Arthur, Alexander, or other figures. A pre-arranged signal that lets everyone know that the conversation is drifting away from what we want has been suggested. I think this might work in the short-run, but it is inadvisable to draw too much attention to not being-period at an event. In my view, the appropriate venue for critique is a planning meeting.

Perhaps we could open a new forum "In Period conversations" category, where we would hold running written correspondences In Period.

Suggested Basic rules:

1. Keep it simple and conversational, so as not to overload people.

2. Keep to modern English, or if you prefer to flex your vocabulary and use a smattering of middle English, french, latin, german, include a translation of the word or phrase in parenthesis. Others may respond in a different language, similarly posting translations. After all we're multi-national reenactors.


3. Avoid Ren-fair-isms, such as calling everyone "Milord".


4. Criticism. Keep criticism to minimal levels, and if you MUST correct someone, keep it light & inoffensive. Bruise no egos.


5. Modern Topics are permitted, but must be couched in period terms, such as Mistress Ginevra (correct form of address Gwen?) discussed.


6. Proper forms of address should be used. All participants should modify their profile to include Personna info and proper forms of address so persons of any station may know what to call you.

Maybe we should require all Off-topic posts to be of this type.

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We'll just have to practice at events.

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