With all the recent discussion threads in other tribes, as well as the details on pennsicwar.org, I thought I'd get some input and ask some questions and give some opinions here as well.

first, let me say that while the changes do not directly effect me, as I do not bring my children and I do not work full time outside my house, that I feel for those who it does effect.
second, I also understand the need to adjust for other things in real life such as 'schools'.


with that said.. I wonder about all those people who were just foresaken due to this change. Those who are working full time and can't take vacations in July due to Colleges, black out dates in the companies, and those of us who have other things going on. I also wonder about all the other events that are planned. For instance what about those of us who do the Jamestown Scandinavian festival? this year it's the weekend before war, which already makes some of us hesitant to do... but make it the middle week and well darn... I can't say how the local event that isn't sponsored by the SCA will do? That's of course just one example because that's all I can speak of first hand.

I realize that the SCA is family oriented. I don't think (opinion) that adjusting this event for schools start times, is the best way to handle this particular event. I think most of us would say that Pennsic isn't necessarily "the" family event. I think many people want it to be, but in reality, you can't force it. I've heard speak of if Pennsic should become a forced family event only, then they would migrate to Gulf Wars which I hear is quite an event. I myself am kid friendly (I have 5 of them middle school or below) So I can relate - before anyone says "you don't know, cuz you don't have to deal with it".. I do have to. trust me.

Perhaps this event will allow for more kids, adults with children, if you will. But what happens to those others? Will the wholeness of Pennsic's spirit and life change if some of those things are altered? Will it still be Pennsic, or will it be Pennsic-like? I don't mean that in a bad sense, I honestly think that it will change into some event that is subtly different. Not because of 'kids' or what not.. just that the changes will effect more than just what day that it falls on.

I'm curious about how this whole thought process went. How first was it brought up that it "needed" to be changed? Was a census of the attendees or potential attendees taken to see if this would increase or decrease attendance? What items were taken into consideration when it was discussed? How long had this been discussed prior to a vote taken? What potential benefits were assumed by changing the dates? What were the foreseen possible down sides? How does the benefits measure up to the cons? Roughly what are the percentages of attendance by each kingdom? Would you say Midrealm is 1/4 or 1/3 or some other percentage of total Pennsic Attendees? What about the other kingdoms? What about the misplacement of others unrelated to SCA Pennsic event? (example, cooper's has a huge RV camper event the week before they shut down for us. what about that? will they have to alter their vacations as well? Did anyone talk to them about changing their event? and a million other questions)

Am I going to fast? LOL I really am just curious about it. I as I stated, am not directly effected by the change. But... my camp might be, and many of my current friends might also. I wonder if someone within 'the loop' so to speak might speak on these detailed questions? Many of us can 'guess' what was going on, or hypothisize.

So, I end this with so many more questions in my head. I thank you for taking this in the light it is meant to be, which isn't accusing, just inquisitive. I recognize everyone's voice in response.
Sincerely
YIS,
Lady Muirenn ingen Tipraite meic Cormaic
Shire of Herontir
Kingdom of AEthelmearc