Please forgive if I've posted erroneously, I'm quite new to the site and still fumbling my way around.

But one thing I've been thinking of the last few weeks, while working on my 'name''device' and our shire hosting our first event in 10 years or so (thinking a little less but who's counting?) , is the number of 'newbies' without meaning the term to be insulting, as I still consider myself one, who aren't familiar with all of the ins and outs, and quid pro quo's, policies/procedures, tricks of the trade, hard learned lessons, social faux pas and gafs, that really should be briefly described in a
"Newbies Guide to the SCA"

Nothing terribly in depth, but a brief description of "here's a good source to help you come up with a proper name "Lord Conan the Elf slayer", and "no you can't call yourself Sir Robyn without being awarded such"... Such as use of titles, generic court policies, ( addressing peers by Sir/Dame, AoA's by Lord/Lady, not wearing circlets, coronets, crowns and other devices) as well as what the various terms mean, Pelican, Laurel, AoA, etc.,

A friend of mine who has her AoA told me the story of her very first event, she wore a white belt unknowingly, referred to herself as Lady XXXXX, and had a circlet of pearls.. Someone who WAS of the peerage didn't recognize her, asked whom she was and where she was awarded, and instead of delving to find out "this is just a poor newb" decided to snub her. Thankfully her local Senechal spotted her and politely and quietly dragged her aside and helped explain things to her. Sometimes a ounce of prevention is better than a pound of good ol fashioned snobbery.

Anyhow, I was thinking, and rambling as its past midnight, that perhaps a thread, or topic, or even publication if we get enough help, on a "Newbies Guide to the SCA" or "How I survived my first event" could make our addiction more enjoyable to those ignorant of the way ( myself included)The Previous thread on Households already gave me much information, as I did not know how the households worked, could one be a member of many households,etc.,

Rolando Sanchez

Perhaps this is far more general and far less personal than you are looking for, my lord Rolando, but the SCA website has a page for newcomers where one can find links to several informational pages that include articles on choosing a name, and advice for new members. It can be found at http://www.sca.org/newcomers.html

As for conversation on the subject (I personally find that to often be more helpful than a page full of print), I think it would be an excellent topic. Pick one of your queries, and I shall try to expound upon it with my own experiences :)

~Ginevra