[Antir_scribes] New questions from Bronwen

[Judy Harcus]

As I sent this only to Bronwen the first time --

-------- Original Message --------

Ed and Terri Morrison wrote:

>Greetings all,
>
>I've a new question  or maybe a set of questions
>
>1) Have you ever motivated someone to become a new scribe? a new illuminator?  a new calligrapher?
>  
>
Actually I can answer that with more assurance today since earlier I had 
someone send me a charter design that she started working on in a class 
she took from me several months ago.  She finally had time to finish it 
and was wondering if I could use it.  It was very nicely done and since 
the Tanist and ban-Tanist are looking for charters, I'll be showing them 
her design this weekend.  I also believe I've encouraged a few more 
people to paint charters.

>2) If your answer to #1 was yes, what did you do or say to get that person interested?
>  
>
The first one took a class from me on designing charters and scrolls.  
My emphasis is that you don't have to be an artist to design scrolls and 
the copying is very period.  This seems to reassure a lot of people.  
I've encouraged painters by having supplies available at evernts, 
including old charters that they can experiment with.  Those that aren't 
very confident like having old charters as they don't feel intimidated 
while trying things out.

>3) Do you have any other ideas about how to get people who have never done it - involved in scribal activities?
>  
>
We need more ways of getting what we're doing visible and inviting.  
Having scribal areas set up at events is good, but not all people are 
willing to spend several hours painting, and I think watching some of 
the really experienced painters can be intimidating.  Are people who 
stop and look encouraged to stop and give it a try (with the offer of an 
old charter if they don't want to do a current one), or do we expect 
them to make the first move?

>4) What keeps people who do scribal stuff interested in continuing to do scribal stuff?
>  
>
I think it helps when you can get a scriptorium happening so there's the 
social aspect to it as well as having mentors to advise and encourage.  
Positive feedback always helps too.

>5) Do you think that uninitiated people think that scribal work is a mystery?
>  
>
I think the biggest misconception is that you have to be an artist already.

>6) If your answer to question 5 was yes - what do you think are some ways to dispell the mystery.
>  
>
I'm trying to do that with some of my classes, and also when talking to 
people who seem interested.

>7) do you have any good ideas on how to motivate experienced people to do scribal work?
>  
>
I'm suspecting the biggest problem with keeping experienced people 
motivated is keeping them from burning out.  I know that as people 
started recognizing that I was a good scribe, I got more and more people 
asking me to do scrolls or charters for them.  In this area, there is a 
shortage of good scribes and it can be hard to turn down your Prince and 
Princess.  I didn't want the job I have but was persuaded because there 
really wasn't anyone else.

>I'll give you some thoughts of mine   -   if you give some of yours  :-)
>  
>
Well there's mine.

Alicia
Tir Righ Scribe