12th night apprentice meeting- recap

[raffaellasworld]

The 12^th night apprentice meeting was great. I was a little confused at first by the listing. Since it was listed as the Laurel’s Apprentice meeting and went from 8-10 I wasn’t sure if any Laurel’s would be stopping in from 8-9 then going to their meeting from 9-10. I was actually hoping some of the Laurel's might stop in, introduce themselves, chat a bit, etc. If there's any interest in that I'd be happy to try to get two hour meeting slots from here on out. I’m not complaining by any means, I’m very grateful to the autocrat team for having made time and space for us.

I did want to take just a moment to clarify, there seemed to have been the impression that we were meeting to get together and talk about the Laurels and/ or exclude them to be mean or something that effect. That couldn’t possibly be further from the intent. The reason the AnTir apprentice list was started in the first place was to share information without whining or negativity, and to help build a network of resources for non-peer artisans that does not seem to currently exist and hopefully, become a bridge of communication between the groups. It was meant to facilitate sharing, community and growth, not us vs. them. I promise. Girl scout’s honor even.

 

        It was nice getting to meet so many new faces and starting to get to know each other. This was mostly just a social meeting, and we went around and each introduced ourselves and talked about what our interests are. Lots of great information was exchanged, and the introduction helped people hook up with those who had similar interests and resources to share. At least 4-6 people came away with new resources and research information after they mentioned what they had been looking for. I love that.

 

All in all, I’d say it went really well and I hope this can become something that happens regularly at any event where there is enough interest. There was also the suggestion of advertising any gatherings or meetings as artisan / apprentice instead of just apprentice so it’s clearer that it’s also open to those who aren’t apprenticed.

 

I’m really optimistic and excited about everyone getting the chance to know each other and share ideas and information.

Comments

[renartthefox.livejournal.com]

Wish I hadn't been so scattered this weekend. I would have loved to have made it to the gathering and gotten to meet some of the peeps in the group. Ahh well, next time then!

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

We may wind up having one at 12th night too, so keep eyes peeled. Since the autocrat is on the list, she may be able to get us a meeting that's slightly later (although that depends on schedule, I'd imagine).

I wonder when the Laurel's meeting is scheduled for at Ursulmas. Hmmm.

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

So, I'm a total dork! That should have been "We may wind up having one at _Ursulmas_ too", and it does look like it's a go. I've already emailed the autocrat and asked it we can be added to the schedule, offical calendar, announcement and website.

[renartthefox.livejournal.com]

dork ;)

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

Brat! :P~~~~~

[jillwheezul.livejournal.com]

I think maybe the reason you didn't have Laurels stop by was a simple miscommunication. Because the only thing I think I saw about the group itself was the announcement of the email list, which distinctly asked that Laurels not participate in that venue. Maybe that impression somehow also moved to the meeting and the Laurels wanted to respect the focus as apprentice only. I'm sure if you are clear with an invite that makes it to the Laurel email list you'll have Laurel's stopping by and introducting themselves. I would! :)

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

That would be cool, maybe another Laurel Apprentice tea again sometime too? Most of the Laurels I know are so insanely busy that they just may simply not have time to add anything else, but I'd be happy to host something (maybe even with refreshments) where they could just come and drop in for a bit if they have time.

I was just wanted to clear that us as I had been told directly by at least 3 different Laurels (granted it may have been with some amusement on their part) that we were meeting to talk about them. After hearing the same thing three times, even if it was said in a good natured way, I thought I should clairify what the intent is and is_not_. :)

[parlor-games.livejournal.com]

I am going to stick my neck out here and say...even if you WERE meeting to talk about the laurels, so what? Why does it automatically have to follow that what you have to say is negative or unproductive?

Sometimes there is a fine line between gossip and information, and I would think that a group of adults - in this case, the apprentices - would be able to tread that line just as well as anyone else. I would hope that natural leaders would emerge, people who can guide these conversations along positive channels, and encourage open and helpful conversations.

And if the topic ends up being laurels, well...why is that different than a group of squires getting together to discuss knights? Their recent fights with knights, their fighting styles, getting to do slow work with them, going to a knight's armoring workshop, blah blah blah.

Edited: If you ever need me to say this same sort of stuff to my fellow peers, I am happy to.

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

I totally grok that. In fact, I think there may have been some discussion of Laurels, but it was along the lines of "oh, you're interested in obscure 9th century doohickeys? You should talk to Mistress Soandso, she's totally into that".

I just want to be sure that it's not turned into (or perceived to be) something negative because the whole point is better communication, not talking smack or bitching about the meanie poo-poo head Laurels. I just wanted to make that clear.

I know a lot of effort and thought has been put into how people perceive the Laurels as a group, and one of my hopes (that's actually been put into action a couple of times) is that if there are concerns or perceptions that people have and don't feel comfortable addressing directly that I can take that and go the Laurels and say "what do you think of this, how can this be addressed?". The main example I can think of is the comment books- several people were frustrated that they either got no comments or nothing more in depth than "you clearly put a lot of thought into this". I asked several Laurels about it, and they said they were frustrated that they were told they were either being too mean or weren’t saying anything useful and felt their hands were tied. A solution suggested is that there be two books- essentially the "stroke me" book for compliments and the "give it to me straight" for those who want in depth information and are willing to put on their big girl (or boy) panties and take it. Putting out the book you want filled out tells the commenters what you're looking for so they don't have to guess and which ever one you put out you don't get to complain about them following through on. I took this back to the apprentice/ non-apprentice group and everyone thought it was a great idea, no one had a problem with it.
If that's something we can implement it looks like we've actually managed to resolve something that was frustrating people on both sides.

I think this is a huge opportunity for the non-peer level artisans to build the kind of network that we just don't currently have, and to work on conversation flow between the groups.

I just want to make sure we're not hamstringed out of the gate by miscommunication.

[parlor-games.livejournal.com]

I apply a rule to all of this kind of stuff...if you think you are being maligned or misrepresented, you can prove them right or prove them wrong.

Being clear in your communication is certainly important; bring consistent and noble in your actions will speak volumes and volumes.

There are a lot of people who I do not believe could pull off a big project like this. Fortunately, you are not one of those people. ;)

[renartthefox.livejournal.com]

Overall I think we are on the right track, Raph is doing a wonderous job with all of this. Remembering back to the society_wide apprentice list, we wish not to go to that route with our group.

Kingdom A & S

[tradarcher.livejournal.com]

Is there any type of meeting planned, like this one, at Kingdom A&S?

We could not make it to 12th night but am saving for Kingdom A&S.

Re: Kingdom A & S

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

I posted a poll and so far we've had interest in Ursulmas, Kingdom A&S, July Coronation and September Crown. I've sent emails to the autocrats of Ursulmas, Kingdom A&S, and September Crown. July Coronation still hasn't been announced, so there is not a contact yet.

So, to make a short story long, I don't have confirmation of time or space yet but it looks like we'll be meeting at Kingdom A&S .