I was originally active in SCA from about 1974 (Pennsic V was my first Pennsic, and if you remember the "Quality Shoeleather" beef jerky that Marion used to sell from Battlefield Bakery, that's me) to whenever that Board of Directors flap was -- was that 1990 or so? then dropped out for a long time. I've only recently been getting back in, first as kitchen staff/spare alto, then someone inveigled me into going to Pennsic last year, and I so enjoyed the classes that I went back this year, even teaching a few. Now I'm freshly hooked on lampwork glass beadmaking and a form of 14th-century tablet-weaving used to finish fabric edges -- so I guess I'm back in again, though I haven't formally rejoined. You're right about the high proportion of flakes and dilletants in SCA, but there're also a lot of intense quality workers too; SCA was a good place to grow up, tolerant of a wide range of skill levels (technical and personal), but with resources eager to help anyone interested in learning. I'm in the Navy, and SCA and the folk community provided my support net as I moved around the world. Why did I leave, besides the politics? While I enjoy researching and making things like costumes, woodwork pieces and foodstuffs, it got real boring to actually dress up and attend events; I'm still not interested in sitting quiet and watching a bunch of fighters whale away at each other all afternoon. The kitchen is a much better place for me -- and we sing while we work.

Lady Lilliane de l'Aleyzanne Willow, Manche, Pearl