enough with the cell phones at events discussion already!  I think we've established that those who do not wish to give up their modern conveniences will find any reason, no matter how convoluted, to justify their decision, and those who hate them will continue to bemoan the loss of courtesy in the Society.  Can we take it as a given that nothing will change?  Thousands of inboxes across the Kingdom thank you.

I think we just need to face up to the fact that we have moved to a culture of "if you don't like it, move" when it comes to doing things that bother other people.  After all, it's not like we can't leave Court when someone decides to take a phone call, is it?  Whining about it isn't really effecting any change, and it's unattractive, to boot. I think we should give up, and go with the flow.  It's fun!  It's easy!  It's a game the whole family can enjoy!

Making an effort is hard, and we shouldn't be asked to do it.  Being told to think of other people's wishes makes the rebellious teenager rear up in all of us, and with good reason.  I mean, really, other people are just being authenticity nazis, and it's about CREATIVE anachronism, you dig?  You know what?  I think the cell phone people have the right idea!  Personally, I'm glad my expectations for the SCA have been lowered so that I don't need to put in any effort myself - all that work was taking up too much of my time.  I'm much happier with a sports bottle of Gatorade and my Lunchables - that "period" cooking was such a drag!  And my nylon chair folds up small, and even has a cupholder so I don't lose my drink!  Hell, I'm even tired of wearing fancy clothes - it's not like I'm going to get any awards for making them, so what's the point?

By the way, I think we shouldn't worry about competitions and prizes any more - everyone gets a cookie.  After all, we've all made an effort, haven't we?  And who's to say which effort is more worthy?  Awards for all!  Everyone wins!  It'll be great!  And I'm quitting judging, and so is everyone else - since it's all okay, there's no need for anyone to decide who has the best stuff.  In fact, it's really not very nice to say thing A is better than thing B, because the effort should be all that matters.  And the level of effort only has to be an "attempt", according to Society law, so any effort more than that is just going to make other people feel bad.  Don't do it!  

I'm hanging up my advice hat, too - anything you want to do is okay by me.  I promise not to tell anyone they're doing it wrong, and I'm going to suggest a moratorium on any advice from Laurels - criticism is never helpful.  From now on, I will always tell you your effort is the best I've ever seen, so that you feel encouraged, and keep playing.

No, really, I mean it.  I think that tie-dye Hawaiian print kilt is fabulous for Court.  I'll recommend you for a Pearl, since you're really bringing out the "creative" aspect of the hobby.  Neon pink Crocs?  Why not coordinate with a neon pink cotehardie?  If they had it, they'd have made the King wear it!  Heck, I think you all should be Laurels!

Now, where's my phone?

(NOTE:  The preceding was a joke - except for the bit about my bathroom tiles being backordered.  Please don't rise up in a mass horde and kill me.  Thank you.)