Customers who go to faire, purchase a sword, then ask (or otherwise attempt) to swordfight everyone in costume.
Appearantly, people who have a few drinks in them and a sword in their hands forget that we're actors, not actual sword dueling people (well, at least most of us).
Well a few things........
Parents letting their kids throw stones and do not make any attempt to correct them.
People smoking and blowing it in my face! >:(
Or when they smoke, letting their cigarette, near my garb!
And.......Parents letting their kids touch my 'garb' accessories, if they sit near me! I mean, geeshhh....let me touch your purse lady! ;D
I can honestly say I was only close to rage once at faire. We were making our way through a dense crowd around a street performer. A drunk patron behind me kept bumping me and stepping on my heels. When he finally pushed me into a bench and nearly onto the ground, I rounded on him and gave him a tongue lashing that he is probably still trying to figure out since it was all in Spanish.
But of course at the time he merely stumbled past me without apologizing as soon as there was a large enough gap in the crowd.
Nazi Brownshirts. >:(
Garb Nazi's... Get over yourself please!
People who expect free beer all day everyday, and then get mad when I won't give it to them... Sorry kids its for charity, we can't give it all away!
Drunk women lifting up MY husbands kilt!!!!
Drunk men (boys) who think its okay to play grabby grabberson just because I am a Beer Wench.. Someone's gonna lose a few fingers if it happens again this year! No Touchy!!!!!
Did I already say Garb Nazi's? Well I'll say it again! Garb Nazi's!!!
People who let their rotten children run freely around faire terrorizing the staff and vendors.. Just because you think little Johnny is an Angel doesn't make it true...
>:( >:( >:(
Same as in the Mundane world- parents who don't pay proper attention to their children or that allow the little brats to do whatever they want! I have three little girls who I try to keep well behaved and it irks me to no end to see other kids terrorizing the actors or the shops. An example of this is at the MN Fairy Fest this past year- a few kids decided that it would be ok and funny to abuse Jewel- they were hitting her with wands and kicking stones at her and other such crap- and no parent to intervene. My oldest daughter looked at me incredulously and so I had to step in and tell the other kids that they shouldn't do that to the fairy- not that the little brats listened to me but I had to try! Or the kids that get mad at me or my kids for us not giving THEM our stuff (our pouches, our fairy stones that were gifted to us, our feather fans, our flutes, our wands, ect.) and then the parents of those kids that get upset at us because we upset their kids by telling them no. Sorry folks, teach your kids some manners and make them learn that they can't always get anything they want! =P
This one is specific to my stage at Arizona-
Mundanes who try to get grabby with the Performers or their gear while on stage.
I have Birds of Prey and a whip act-
I have a falconry glove for a reason
Garb Nazis. Crying/Bratty/tamtrum-throwing children. People who bring babies & then ignore them while baby does what babies do. Drunks.
Quote from: Valiss on July 27, 2010, 10:33:23 AM
Customers who go to faire, purchase a sword, then ask (or otherwise attempt) to swordfight everyone in costume.
Appearantly, people who have a few drinks in them and a sword in their hands forget that we're actors, not actual sword dueling people (well, at least most of us).
Most fairs have a zero tolerance for non peace tied weapons (when they are allowed at all). This is a serious safety issue.
But I am always amazed when people still get pissed when you tell them they can't carry a weapon in the park,
especially when alcohol is available.
I think KC does not allow anyone not on cast to carry weapons (even fake flintlocks) and swords purchased on site are held at the gate until the patron leaves.
Like many others, misbehaving children. :-\
And drunks.
People walking around faire, plugged in to an ipod or txting like crazy. Come on people, there's a whole show going on, just for you, pay attention to it!
Those people who ruin the fun for everyone. The downers who think the girls should cover up, or that the sword fighting looks too real, or the whip cracks sound too much like gun shots...
I dont know that I have ever been pushed to the point of rage at faire. That is one reason I attend is to avoid most the things in the real world that really set me off. Now, all of the things that have been mentioned prior to this are valid points. I just try to stay with my character and disregard them. In Dona's case I dont blame her for an instant. That was rude and uncalled for behavior on the patrons behalf. IMHO.
I wouldn't say rage but it annoys me, Its a long bow, a weapon, part of an art going back to prehistory it is not a walking stick. There are many fine vendors selling beautiful walking sticks buy one and stop with using a beautiful long bow as a walking stick.
And yes I've heard every Scottish and kilt joke in the world your's is not new or funny.
Oh yeah. The folks that don't pick up after their pets. You paid the fee, got a bag (If you didn't bring yer own) so pick it up.
I don't care what kind of animal it is, you should still pick up after it.
That includes large geese. Poop is poop, people. You want to herd geese, you can pick up the big pieces, and some of those turds are worthy of a small dog.
Well, loud misbehaving drunks and loud misbehaving children are annoying anywhere you find them, not just faire! Drunks I can deal with, but heavens forbid you say anything about someone else's kids! It seems that's the only time the parents notice the little bastards, then they go off on you for daring to tell them how to raise them. I love when they ask me or my wife if we have any, we'll say no, and after seeing y'all we don't want to!
I don't really let that kind of stuff ruin my day though, but I think sometimes I get more "faire related" stress outside the gates, like this week I was banging my head against the wall on a kilt forum trying to explain to some people that seem like they've never had a day of fun in their lives why we like to dress up and do what we do.
Oh yeah, and unauthorized kilt checks ;)
Quote from: Rowen MacD on July 27, 2010, 12:35:26 PM
Quote from: Valiss on July 27, 2010, 10:33:23 AM
Customers who go to faire, purchase a sword, then ask (or otherwise attempt) to swordfight everyone in costume.
Appearantly, people who have a few drinks in them and a sword in their hands forget that we're actors, not actual sword dueling people (well, at least most of us).
Most fairs have a zero tolerance for non peace tied weapons (when they are allowed at all). This is a serious safety issue.
But I am always amazed when people still get pissed when you tell them they can't carry a weapon in the park, especially when alcohol is available.
I think KC does not allow anyone not on cast to carry weapons (even fake flintlocks) and swords purchased on site are held at the gate until the patron leaves.
Yes, exactly my point. It is dangerous and I have seen security escort the offender off site. I've also seen a drunk guy attempt to draw a sword from someones belt while the actor was in the middle of a swordfighting demo! Of course, the guy was so drunk he couldnt manage to grab it before the swordsman noticed and thwarted his attempts until security arrived. I alsmost wanted to see what would happen to the guy if he did draw the actors blade and attempt to fight him; as I recall the swordman was reputed to be very good.
That said, I've never heard of or seen a faire that didnt allow weapons. And most people seem to handle the booze and blades just fine. It's the occasional moron that gives the weapons a bad name.
Aye, what you said, Valiss. I've been going to TRF for quite a few years and have never seen a "weapons incident" except for some hillbilly's kid whacking his proud parents shin with a wooden sword. Leave my toys alone and I'll leave yours the same. I DO love (sarcasm) the question, "Is that real?... for what i paid for it, it better be and keep your fingers off the brass"
Quote from: Valiss on July 27, 2010, 01:23:11 PM
That said, I've never heard of or seen a faire that didnt allow weapons. And most people seem to handle the booze and blades just fine. It's the occasional moron that gives the weapons a bad name.
http://www.faires.com/EventRecord.php?Id=121
I checked the faire directory for KCRF (handy to have if you need to check the rules at an unfamiliar venue)
No swords, firearms or weapons of any kind. This is the strictest ruling I have seen, though most fairs do require peace ties.
I think with KC it's an insurance issue to protect against the morons who never grew up enough to respect others and their property.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on July 27, 2010, 01:56:16 PM
Quote from: Valiss on July 27, 2010, 01:23:11 PM
That said, I've never heard of or seen a faire that didnt allow weapons. And most people seem to handle the booze and blades just fine. It's the occasional moron that gives the weapons a bad name.
http://www.faires.com/EventRecord.php?Id=121
I checked the faire directory for KCRF (handy to have if you need to check the rules at an unfamiliar venue)
No swords, firearms or weapons of any kind. This is the strictest ruling I have seen, though most fairs do require peace ties.
I think with KC it's an insurance issue to protect against the morons who never grew up enough to respect others and their property.
That is interesting. But I can only speak for CA faires (and there are dozens of them a year) and, a least over here, there is no such restrictions. That said, I have also never heard of a faire that didnt require a peace tie and you can usually only draw your weapon if you are part of a show / an actor. People who purchase and then try to use them in the street usually get asked to sheath them or leave them in the car.
I really enjoy some of the weapons of the period as well as having them at faire for props and shows. But it drives me crazy when idiots go and try to be Conan because they are stupid or drunk or whatever and ruin it for the rest of us that are trying to enjoy things responsibly.
I think one of the New York faires has a no weapons, or at least a "costume weapons" only policy..
My little things are common:
Parents who are too drunk to control thier children.
Teenagers who are loud, obnoxious, ill behaved and make fun of other people/faire in general
People who bring thier small kids into a PG13+ show/bar then get pissy because of the lewd jokes going on.
Also, people who walk slowly and are in my way! i know, i know, I need to get over this one- but... when I'm on a mission, I walk fast!
I hardly ever get angry at Faire. ;D
But I'm in agreement with most of you re: weapons/safety, people who don't manage/care for their children properly, and otherwise inconsiderate people.
Also: litterbugs. Yep, I'm one of *those* people. Smokers: they're outdoors! The world is their ashtray! So why can't they field strip their cigar/cigarette and throw it in the trash? Danes who think they can just leave their debris (or their children's) about for the crew to pick up: where do they think they are? I once saw a person (sadly, a rennie even) unwrap a piece of candy and throw the wrapper on the ground. My friend and I sort of looked at each other and I didn't know what to do except go pick it up and throw it away.
So those are my peeves. I try to remember to be considerate and hope others try to do so, too. It doesn't always happen that way, though. :(
I enjoy myself at faire and hardly get upset either, but i do have afew pet peeves :
--- Drunks who walk by you with beer splashing out of their cups so that it splashes on your good gown
--- people wanting to touch my sword and dagger a nd asking me if they are real. ( you want to know if it is real...go ahead and touch it and find out, for the blade is darn sharp !)
--- parents w hen i sit my good hat and fan and basket down on a bench so i can wipe off my sweating brow, this does not mean that your child who's hands are all sticky can go touching my hat and fan.
--- People who hold cigarettes in their hands and them back up into you nearly putting a burn hole in your skirt.
--- this is for a friend of mine who is a vendor at faire......people when there are signs up all over in the booth that read please do not take any pictures of the garments in here...why do you insist on still taking pictures
--- kids kicking dirt at my gown .
--if i am walking down the hill and you see me starting to slide on the loose gravel and mud, please dont stand there in my way, snapping my picture, for i almost plowed into you knocking both of us and your expensive camera to the ground.
-- if i am standing by a bench dressed in full garb in the heat, and look like i need to sit, could you maybe kindly move your purse over so i could sit, or would you rather i just collapse and fall onto you. ( then gain, if you are a young cute guy...well......LOL !!! )
-- and to the lady who kept follwing us around taking pictures of my kid...yes he is a cute kid...but how w ould you like it if i was constantly putting a camera in your face.It was obvious my son was getting upset.
Quote from: Zardoz on July 27, 2010, 02:17:47 PM
I think one of the New York faires has a no weapons, or at least a "costume weapons" only policy..
Sterling ren faire had a no weapon policy for a few years, after a few patrons with weapons got out of hand , but since last year, Sterling had gone back to allowing weapons again, but they must be " Costume weapons " and they must be " Peace tied " at all times .
Quote from: irish on July 27, 2010, 10:51:53 AM
Well a few things........
Parents letting their kids throw stones and do not make any attempt to correct them.
People smoking and blowing it in my face! >:(
Or when they smoke, letting their cigarette, near my garb!
And.......Parents letting their kids touch my 'garb' accessories, if they sit near me! I mean, geeshhh....let me touch your purse lady! ;D
Irish..girlfriend...you forgot the lady you got in a fight with. remember the woman who made the comment about all of us who were dressed in garb. her comment was " look at these people. they all smell. they take this renaissance era too seriously. Don't they ever shower."
and you turned around and said something like" Um yes they shower, but umm..you would be sweaty and smelly too, if you were wearing al those layer of clothing on a humid 90 some degree day."
Quote from: Lady Amy of York on July 27, 2010, 03:33:33 PM
and you turned around and said something like" Um yes they shower, but umm..you would be sweaty and smelly too, if you were wearing all those layers of clothing on a humid 90 some degree day."
Grrr, I hate rude people. Would she have made that comment on the street, to a stranger? Addressing someone you don't know in an insulting and crass manner just shows a lack of manners and total selfishness. Know that that woman came off sounding like a graceless Yokel, or at the very least like someone lacking the wits to run her comments through the idiot filter first.
I get really fed up very quickly with people who seem to think that just because I'm in some sort of garb it is my responsibility to be their source of entertainment. Just cuz i'm in belly dance garb doesn't mean I'm gonna go do a private dance for you around your campfire after closing (yes I have been asked this before and no he was not drunk...ugh)...
Also, not all pirates have hook hands, eye patches, parrots and peg legs...don't tell me I'm not a pirate because I lack these items.
Another thing...the people who seem to think that my garb doesn't mean anything to me...I've had people TELL me to go trade clothes with them...I don't know what she was thinking...it wasn't a omg your gown is beautiful I wish I had one...this high school girl was all I want your dress, and I was like thanks I made it myself...she then demanded i give it to her...wtf brat
Nothing annoys me more than stupid people who have no respect for garb...they either arent paying attention and spill their beer all over your gown or let their little kids play with all your accessories...I took my hat off cuz my head it sweaty not so you can play with it...and no my tail isn't for you to pull on...my first tail broke in half because of this...kid pulled too hard
There's a couple times it was probably a good thing I wasn't in the booth when someone looked at our stuff and said "Oh I could make that for $x.00." Yes you probably could, but you can't make a living if you don't pay yourself for your time as well as the cost of goods.
The other was the couple times we've been asked "are these your normal prices?" -as if we raise them to price gouge during fair or something.
right Amy...she made that comment at the actors...so I said, well you nor I smell that flowery either....lol...something like that :P
People who let thier kids get grabby with my stock! I cringe when a pack of kids come in with italian ices.
Idots who think that because I wear a bodice that I am really a wench for hire.
People who take care of themselves and not their kids.
I don't think I have ever been near the point of rage at a Faire, but a couple things do irk me.
As a perent of a nearly two year old daughter (and a son on the way in the next few weeks) who intends to bring his kids to Faire, I can't fathom drinking while I am responsible for their well being, as well as governing their behaviour. Dealing with drunks sucks, and if they aren't watching their kids, who is? At one point evolution would have solved this problem.
I love having my photo taken at Faire, and generally garner my share of attention, but when I am on my way to the privy, I am not stopping for the paprazzi. When nature calls, I respond. I need a few extra moments with what I wear. I wish the mundane couple visiting Sterling from the deep south (accents gave them away) my apologies, but I had to go. Man did they give me attitude.
Star Trek/Star Wars characters at a Faire based in the 1300-1500's era. There is a time and place, the Faire isn't ComiCon or a Star Trek Convention. Try to keep your character at least related (however minutely) to being from this mundane earth's past, and fantasy based maybe on would might have been believed in or the stuff of myth/legend from back then.
(By the way, I am a Trekky from time to time, so easy on the attacks).
Groups of Goth kids at Faire, of their own accord, still being miserable. If you are unhappy, and the Faire isn't helping, why would you choose to go there?
People (both kids and adults) who buy the toy wooden weapons and then think that give them the go-ahead to battle eveyone and everything. Yes, they are toys but it still hurts like heck when you get hit by one.
I didn't believe the people coming up demanding your stuff until it happend to me. A girl asked for my staff. I told her no. Her parents offered to buy off it me, so I directed them to the vendor I bought it from. They were pretty reasonable but I got the impression that their little darling got whatever she wanted.
Men who assume because my bossom is promiently displayed that is okay to cop a feel. Luckily there was a security guy near by who intervened.
Quote from: serenamoonsilver on July 28, 2010, 08:35:59 AM
Men who assume because my bosom is prominently displayed that is okay to cop a feel. Luckily there was a security guy near by who intervened.
I don't care what kind of event it is that is sexual harassment! People like that need to be arrested, plain and simple.
People that come into a shop, break things, shrug, and walk out.
Biggest complaint, bad kids with bad parents.
My mom is a teacher (possibly the worst job to have nowadays) and always has to deal with perfect little Johny or Suzy that never does anything wrong so the teacher must be picking on my child syndrome.
There was a kid at Hancocks yesterday that needed to be beaten within an inch of his life!
Quote from: Valiss on July 27, 2010, 01:23:11 PM
That said, I've never heard of or seen a faire that didnt allow weapons. And most people seem to handle the booze and blades just fine. It's the occasional moron that gives the weapons a bad name.
Maryland has a strict "No weapons, costume or real" policy. Heck up until a few years ago they still had fire acts until there was a minor incident with a patron. Now they no longer have fire acts.
Quote from: Lady Neysa on July 28, 2010, 10:36:27 AM
Quote from: Valiss on July 27, 2010, 01:23:11 PM
That said, I've never heard of or seen a faire that didnt allow weapons. And most people seem to handle the booze and blades just fine. It's the occasional moron that gives the weapons a bad name.
Maryland has a strict "No weapons, costume or real" policy.Heck up until a few years ago they still had fire acts until there was a minor incident with a patron. Now they no longer have fire acts.
That sucks for sure as there are some good fire acts out there! Like I mentioned to someone else above, maybe it's just a west coast thing about allowing weapons. The more I read on this forum, the more it sounds like faires outside of CA are pretty strict. There are something like 25 faires a year in CA and I've been to a dozen of them and none had anything beyond a peace tie requirement. In which case I think I'll stick to CA faires. :)
So far I haven't gotten mad at anyone at faire but I have only been going for 3 years now this will be my 4th.
I understand the bad kids and I see a lot outside of faire. My partner will say loud for all to hear if a kid is throughing a tantrum, beat his/her weed puller. Parents quickly scoop their kids up and walk away. ;D
PRF allows weapons. They must be tie wrapped and are inspected at the gate.
I don't like it when paytrons refuse to clean up after themselves even though there are trash receptacles everywhere. I hate to see used napkins, paper plates and cups on the ground or the picnic tables. They must think someone on cast is to do this job.
I butt out my ciggy and put it in the trash. I'd never leave it on the ground.
Gina
So far the only thing that's gotten me truely mad at faire is people who steal my stuff. I have lost a mug, that was irreplaceable due to the fact that only a limited number of them were manufactured for only the people working at one particular place that one summer, and a fan that was a present, to people who decided to take my stuff.
The mug, I think someone actually took off my belt while I was watching a show. It had been quite securely attached, and wasn't there after the show. Maybe it wasn't as secure as I thought, but it was definately gone and no amount of backtracking between where I was and where I know I last had it (not all that far away) made it reappear. It wasn't at lost and found, and none of the shop keepers along the way said they had it. So, someone kept it, whether I dropped it or they helped themselves to it from my belt.
The fan was scooped up by someone in a large group of tourists after I dropped it, and they all denied seeing anything. It wasn't that far between where I started and where I lost it (hundred yards tops, but probably more like 50), you all were right behind me (and the only other people around), and it wasn't on the ground anywhere. Sure, none of you saw anything. Right. :'(
First:
Weaponless faires are few and far between. I know of only two now. Maryland and K.C. K.C.'s is even stricter than most. I have heard tales that they do not even allow staffs. I do not know this from personnal experience though. A number of faires have reversed their "no weapons" policy. Sterling, BARF, Either Michigan or Wisc. I am not sure which.
Second:
When asked if you have children, try this response. "no not any more. I had one once, but it was not seasoned properly and tasted horrible".
Yeh, Michigan got real strict for a year or two, but has loosened back up to allow them as long as they are peace tied.
NYRF also allows weapons if they're peace tied.
Although it's not enough to hurl me into a rage, I really get peeved at people who use the seating area of a performance space to hold a family meeting or discuss what they're going to do next, etc., while the performance is still going on. They completely ignore the performers and everyone who is trying to enjoy the show. It's especially irritating when it happens during a musical performance. Just try catching the lyrics of a song when the people behind you are arguing about what to have for lunch!
No rage here- but these things irk me.
People in garb constantly on their cell phones.
Litterers.
Smokers
Many shows at faire are so smokey I can't get near them!
Drunk people are really the only thing that has ever got me enraged. I saw a group barely able to walk screaming and cussing at everyone and everything and all i could think is how the hell are they getting home? There should be a wood plank leading up to the bar and if you cant walk it then you ain't getting a drink pal.
I dont get parents who buy like 3 boys wooden swords then spend an hour yelling at them for hitting each other with them...what did they think they were going to do with them? Now if they start hitting other people that sword would be hitting the trash if i was their parent.
Quote from: Becky10 on July 28, 2010, 07:08:12 PM
Now if they start hitting other people that sword would be hitting the trash if i was their parent.
Boy in the trash, take the sword home... ;)
People who are underdressed. I'm not talking about bellydancers or guys in kilts & tank tops. I'm talking about the (normally women) who are walking around wearing a g-string & some chain maille. I really do not want to see your booty or as much of your chest as I can sometimes see through the maille.
This wasn't at faire but it pertains to what really makes me upset. I was at a friends house and his roommate and I were talking about armor. His roommate said "well the reason armor was so expensive was because it was made out of gold" I nearly had an aneurism, I swear. I mean, he was talking that every armor ever made was made of gold. I couldn't even argue, I was speechless.
Which brings me to what I really don't like at faire. I'm no expert on anything to be honest but I'd like to think I know a bit about Tudor history to get by. I hate when people use stereotypes about the time period or historical figures. Like when a parent tells their children that the 16th century was a terrible place or that peasants were all stupid or that Henry VIII killed all his wives! All of them! I just wish people would take some time to learn about history instead of jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst :/
Got another one.
Furries.
Before anyone gets all offended, last year my faire had an influx, something I'm supposing was a furry meet. Now, not everyone knows what Furries are, and my friend was one of them, so she asked them why they were wearing the mascot suits. They told her, in detail, in front of her ten year old daughter. And then they got kicked out of the faire when they were caught 'yiffing' in the park lot.
:(
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on July 28, 2010, 11:24:57 PM
Got another one.
Furries.
Before anyone gets all offended, last year my faire had an influx, something I'm supposing was a furry meet. Now, not everyone knows what Furries are, and my friend was one of them, so she asked them why they were wearing the mascot suits. They told her, in detail, in front of her ten year old daughter. And then they got kicked out of the faire when they were caught 'yiffing' in the park lot.
:(
You know- there was about 3/4's of that post that I didn't understand. But I got the distinct impression that I am happier not understanding. :o
Quote from: DonaCatalina on July 29, 2010, 03:04:28 PM
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on July 28, 2010, 11:24:57 PM
Got another one.
Furries.
Before anyone gets all offended, last year my faire had an influx, something I'm supposing was a furry meet. Now, not everyone knows what Furries are, and my friend was one of them, so she asked them why they were wearing the mascot suits. They told her, in detail, in front of her ten year old daughter. And then they got kicked out of the faire when they were caught 'yiffing' in the park lot.
:(
You know- there was about 3/4's of that post that I didn't understand. But I got the distinct impression that I am happier not understanding. :o
I see I'm in good company. I was pretty lost on that one too, but better we don't know m'thinks. :)
Quote from: Queen Bonnie on July 28, 2010, 04:04:18 PM
No rage here- but these things irk me.
Smokers
Many shows at faire are so smokey I can't get near them!
I am a smoker but I always watch the people in garb around me. I am very carefull, I know how expensive some garb can get. Also, I used to smoke while watching shows but after reading peoples comments on here a few years ago I have stopped. I never thought about the smoke being an issue until others pointed it out that while watching a show they are unable to get away from it. After I read that I stopped because I try to be considerate of others.
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on July 28, 2010, 11:24:57 PM
Got another one.
Furries.
Before anyone gets all offended, last year my faire had an influx, something I'm supposing was a furry meet. Now, not everyone knows what Furries are, and my friend was one of them, so she asked them why they were wearing the mascot suits. They told her, in detail, in front of her ten year old daughter. And then they got kicked out of the faire when they were caught 'yiffing' in the park lot.
:(
Ewwww, I forgot about
them. I forget where I read that article, but that is one weird kink. They actually showed up at yer faire? OMG.
Quote from: Valiss on July 29, 2010, 03:10:11 PM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on July 29, 2010, 03:04:28 PM
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on July 28, 2010, 11:24:57 PM
Got another one.
Furries.
Before anyone gets all offended, last year my faire had an influx, something I'm supposing was a furry meet. Now, not everyone knows what Furries are, and my friend was one of them, so she asked them why they were wearing the mascot suits. They told her, in detail, in front of her ten year old daughter. And then they got kicked out of the faire when they were caught 'yiffing' in the park lot.
:(
You know- there was about 3/4's of that post that I didn't understand. But I got the distinct impression that I am happier not understanding. :o
I see I'm in good company. I was pretty lost on that one too, but better we don't know m'thinks. :)
I saw an episode of CSI about them - and the Reader's Digest version is, they are a fetish group who wear animal costumes much like what you see team mascots wear at sporting events. "Yiffing" is when they "get busy" with each other in those costumes. I'm sure you can find more detail on Wikipedia.
One - I'm surprised they yiffed in public. Two - I'm surprised that anyone gets aroused wearing something like that...ask anyone who's done duty as a mascot is a similar outfit. They're like wearing a personal sauna and have a ripe aroma as a result. So, yeah - eewww on many levels.
Quote from: Bob of the Lake on July 28, 2010, 02:12:41 PM
Although it's not enough to hurl me into a rage, I really get peeved at people who use the seating area of a performance space to hold a family meeting or discuss what they're going to do next, etc., while the performance is still going on. They completely ignore the performers and everyone who is trying to enjoy the show. It's especially irritating when it happens during a musical performance. Just try catching the lyrics of a song when the people behind you are arguing about what to have for lunch!
The primary time this annoys me is when said people make sure to get a front seat in order to do this. I understand that, many times, seats for a performance are simply a place to sit down, and nobody is going to like every single act at faire, but for chrissake, if you don't care about the performance or like the act or just want someplace to sit while you eat, why the hell go to special lengths to sit in the front row?!? Besides ruining the show for everybody else, you're making the performers have to raise their voices. There are a few performers who have the guts to actually confront patrons about this, and watching the rude jerks get their comeuppance is priceless.
Quote from: will paisley on July 29, 2010, 04:29:30 PM
Quote from: Bob of the Lake on July 28, 2010, 02:12:41 PM
Although it's not enough to hurl me into a rage, I really get peeved at people who use the seating area of a performance space to hold a family meeting or discuss what they're going to do next, etc., while the performance is still going on. They completely ignore the performers and everyone who is trying to enjoy the show. It's especially irritating when it happens during a musical performance. Just try catching the lyrics of a song when the people behind you are arguing about what to have for lunch!
The primary time this annoys me is when said people make sure to get a front seat in order to do this. I understand that, many times, seats for a performance are simply a place to sit down, and nobody is going to like every single act at faire, but for chrissake, if you don't care about the performance or like the act or just want someplace to sit while you eat, why the hell go to special lengths to sit in the front row?!? Besides ruining the show for everybody else, you're making the performers have to raise their voices. There are a few performers who have the guts to actually confront patrons about this, and watching the rude jerks get their comeuppance is priceless.
I got a bit annoyed one particular time Will, which happened to be at your wedding. I heard some people near me, yakking away, looking at their maps, and I just wanted to say to them, "excuse me, can't you see there's a wedding going on?" (I guess most people figured it was just another show.)
That being said though, the "borders" of a performance area and general common area can be a bit blurred, especially when so many bits and performances happen in the pathways. Once I was having a conversation with someone while we were standing out beyond the last row of seats at the royal stage, not actively viewing the show. I guess we were too loud, as someone who was seated turned and asked us to keep it down. Not realizing we were bothering anyone, we apologized and moved further away. It would never even occur to me to intentionally go hog up a front row somewhere and not even pay attention to the show. Pretty rude indeed.
Quote from: Lady Neysa on July 29, 2010, 10:57:20 PM
I got a bit annoyed one particular time Will, which happened to be at your wedding. I heard some people near me, yakking away, looking at their maps, and I just wanted to say to them, "excuse me, can't you see there's a wedding going on?" (I guess most people figured it was just another show.)
Aside: I heard more than a few stories about people showing up at the wedding and thinking it was an unscheduled show - nice to hear that confirmed. The most outrageous story I heard was when a lady said to her husband "Omigod, they're actually getting MARRIED!" and the husband reportedly replied "Naw, it ends like this every week." :D
We had that happen at our wedding! Had probably an extra 100 people at the wedding who had no clue it was the real thing until the end! We thought it was hilarious!
Working the wedding arc I get asked all the time if its a real wedding. sometimes the responses are very informative.
Back in my smoking days, I always tried to stay clear of anyone when I had my smoke-breaks...and I
never pitched a butt on the ground. If I wasn't near a container, it went back into the bottom of my pack. My son even commented once when we were visiting him in NYC, because I diverted to a container to put my butt, and there was a considerable amount of litter on the street we were on at the time. Scarby has signs up these days at the stages concerning smoking.
- Parents not controlling their spawn. Major irritant.
- Drunks: I cannot remember a single incident that I was around in my years at Scarby. I cannot imagine that there hasn't been an incident, but I haven't run into it personally.
- People pissy about prices (and I'm not a vendor): If you want cheap crap, go elsewhere. The wares that I've purchased at Scarby have all been good stuff! I don't mind paying for good stuff.
- People pissy about everything: Memorial Day, we were sitting in the Rose & Crown. Three folks walk in, and all the tables are occupied, but we had space at our table and invited them to join us. The waitress wasn't there as they sat down, so they started in about having to wait. Then it was too hot for them, and two went out to sit under a tree. TOO HOT!! It's Memorial Day in TEXAS for cryingouteffingloud! It's SUPPOSED to be hot! The food didn't come right out, so there were complaints about that! They make the food to order at the R&C. It's not fast food like the other spots at the faire. I may never offer a seat again! JEEZ! (I should have waved my wand and turned them into the turds they were). Sorry for the rant. This was the only time that I've ever really gotten angry at faire.
I go to faire SPECIFICALLY to NOT get enraged about anything...to relax...no worries, mate! We made the trip to Scarby three time this past year (a record for us). It's 750 mile round trip each. That's how much we love it. I've a chronic ache in my shoulders from stress. Beginning with the first trip down this year, it began to subside, and by the end of the third trip, it was gone. It (the pain) is just now starting to come back.
People who bring their kids into the pubs and then lecture me about my language. I dress like a pirate, for crying out loud.... there are no "ladies" around here. I'm gonna drop a couple thousand f-bombs IN A BAR and if you don't like it, please leave for the children's realm.
That and the ex-BF on cast who makes it his duty at faire to make me miserable... Jerkface.
This didn't hurl me into the depths of rage, rather, it made me sad.
The first weekend of Bristol, we went on Sunday, and it was very hot, so I took my paper parasol. I took one of Steve's bracers, hung it from my belt, and put the parasol in it, as a holder. Something I've done for years & years with no problem.
We went with our friends Richard & Alan. (Off topic, they're faire newbies, and we corrupted them & they love faire now!). They had stopped in a shop, as Steve & I kept walking. A few minutes later, Alan ran up to me with my parasol. Unbeknownst to me, it had fallen out of the bottom of the bracer (never did that before), and had dropped on the ground, without me noticing it.
As Richard & Alan came out of a shop, they saw people walking kicking the parasol along in front of them on the ground, just walking & kicking it. Alan thought he recognized it as mine, ran to get it and brought it to me, which was the first time I realized it wasn't in the bracer.
This made me very sad. I mean, if the people didn't want to take it to the lost & found, they could have picked it up and put it on a bench, given it to a merchant, but to walk along kicking it, that bothered me that someone would have such little respect for someone else's possesions, that they would do that.
That is very sad, Lady Renee, was there much damage to it? I'd hate to think of what happened if it was paper :(
One thing I love about faire is all the vendors are very friendly, I've never had a problem with that, except one time at Scarby. I was looking to buy my first hat, a cavalier hat I beleive. I looked around all day and decided on this one hat shop that looked like it had a great collection. I walked in and started looking around with a friend who was suggesting other possible hats for me. I was very serious about buying and knew the prices I'd have to pay. The owner, I assume, walks up and tells me rather rudely that there's no trying on unless I'm buying. I told her I'd like to try on one at the top and she said something like "Now you have to be sure you're going to buy it before I get it down". Well I wasn't sure, that's why I wanted to try it on, you know?
Her whole manner was very pushy, I got the feeling that because of my young age she didn't take me seriously, she thought I was just trying to play dress up. She was about to get the hat for me when older patrons walk in and she starts helping them. I was so very upset I had to leave. She was just so rude. I was 18 I think, about 2 years ago. I understand vendors may not take younger kids as seriously as they would adults, but there's a way to talk to people courteously no matter their age and she didn't know how.
However, I've decided I look no good in hats so maybe it all worked out :P
That is not acceptable, Delireus. I'd be angry about that, too. I'm surprised as well. I've always been treated rather well at the Scarby shops, but as you said, perhaps they weren't taking you seriously because of your age, which makes matters worse.
Being ignored can be costly to a salesperson. I went to several furniture stores looking for something in particular, and most folks were completely ignoring me. I finally walked into one store and a very nice young lady came up and was quite nice, friendly, patient, and helpful. 30 minutes or so later, we left the store after spending $5,000. Vendors take note: You cannot judge a book by its cover!
Quote from: Delireus on July 31, 2010, 03:44:39 PM
That is very sad, Lady Renee, was there much damage to it? I'd hate to think of what happened if it was paper :(
One thing I love about faire is all the vendors are very friendly, I've never had a problem with that, except one time at Scarby. I was looking to buy my first hat, a cavalier hat I beleive. I looked around all day and decided on this one hat shop that looked like it had a great collection. I walked in and started looking around with a friend who was suggesting other possible hats for me. I was very serious about buying and knew the prices I'd have to pay. The owner, I assume, walks up and tells me rather rudely that there's no trying on unless I'm buying. I told her I'd like to try on one at the top and she said something like "Now you have to be sure you're going to buy it before I get it down". Well I wasn't sure, that's why I wanted to try it on, you know?
Her whole manner was very pushy, I got the feeling that because of my young age she didn't take me seriously, she thought I was just trying to play dress up. She was about to get the hat for me when older patrons walk in and she starts helping them. I was so very upset I had to leave. She was just so rude. I was 18 I think, about 2 years ago. I understand vendors may not take younger kids as seriously as they would adults, but there's a way to talk to people courteously no matter their age and she didn't know how.
However, I've decided I look no good in hats so maybe it all worked out :P
I know exactly how you feel. Last year I decided to purchase my first hat at Faire to cover my new, rather short, haircut. I don't normally wear hats, so I had no idea what type would look good on me. I went into the main hat vendor's shop and could not get anyone to even say "hello" much less help me. I was in full garb and quite surprised. I wound up leaving disgusted and later finding a hat maker on Etsy. As a vendor myself, I can't imagine ignoring a potential customer.
Younger danes who give you dirty looks because you're in garb and they think they're so much better because of the normalcy of their life. Being normal is so overrated. What a bunch of sheep.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on July 31, 2010, 04:28:04 PM
That is not acceptable, Delireus. I'd be angry about that, too. I'm surprised as well. I've always been treated rather well at the Scarby shops, but as you said, perhaps they weren't taking you seriously because of your age, which makes matters worse.
Being ignored can be costly to a salesperson. I went to several furniture stores looking for something in particular, and most folks were completely ignoring me. I finally walked into one store and a very nice young lady came up and was quite nice, friendly, patient, and helpful. 30 minutes or so later, we left the store after spending $5,000. Vendors take note: You cannot judge a book by its cover!
I worked for many years for someone whose family product is a household name known throughout the world. This person was in a grocery store in his neighborhood and had the police called in when he was standing in an aisle in a very upscale grocery store comparing pricing on items. Since he wasn't carrying ID, they took him to jail, where they pretty quickly found out his story was true of who he was and why he didn't have ID (his driver carried it in his vehicle but they didn't believe him since he was casually dressed and had long hair). That store then carried his family's products very prominently displayed...You never know for sure who you may be dealing with, everyone deserves respect and common courtesy.
..and on the same note, when I lived in NYC a roomate had the job of being doorman at the Ritz Carlton at Central Park. The bums liked to wander in now and again from the park across the street. One day a particularly scruffy looking bum wandered into the lobby when he was busy with a guest. The bellman seeing him enter began to head him off with the idea of quickly ushering him back out onto the street before he could bother any of the guests. Fortunatly one of the desk clerks saw what was about to occur and stopped them. It was Bob Dylan.
Renee, I'm sorry too about your parasol. Sometimes people just aren't thinking.
I've only been angry at Faire once. A couple of years ago there was a new fairy in the Children's Relm at MNRF. My oldest daughter and I saw pictures of her and my girl was SO excited to meet this new fairy. Well, the day we finally go the chance we were SORELY disappointed. That fairy was a B****!!!!! When we arrived at the gate that morning my daughter was given a ring by a pirate. She loved it and wore it proudly because it matched her fairy dress. That afternoon we finally made our way to the CR to find this fairy from the pictures. My daughter went up to her, so excited, and tried to show off her wings and her wand, ect. Well, this snotty fairy (whose name reminded me of something you would name your cow) gave me and my oldest a snotty look and walked away! I thought, hmm, maybe it was directed at someone else and she didn't really see my girl. SO a little while later we ran into her again, this time it was only us around, no way that she could NOT see us! My daughter tried again to show off for the fairy and the gal smiled at her and knelt down. "I have a gift for you," she said and pulled over a basket full of plastic rings. My daughter's eyes lit up, she was so happy to get a ring from the fairy! Well, unfortunately the fairy saw the ring my daughter was already wearing (the one the pirate gave her that morning) and said to my daughter, "Oh, you have a ring already. You can't have one of these." I looked at her, just shocked, and said, "This is her first time meeting you. THAT was a gift from a pirate earlier and is NOT one of YOUR rings. That is very rude of you to do that to a 3 year old." She merely walked away. I would have let it go from there but my sister and I decided to take my girls to the dragon hatching show anyway. It was so terrible that we actually walked out! It was bad enough that snotty fairy had a TERRIBLY strong Minnesotan accent but she also talked about Hannah Montana and the dragon's penis! In the KIDS' show! There were more issues but thse are what stick out most to me. That is the only time I remember getting mad at Faire. And obviously, it still riles me up! LOL!!!! =)
...Wow. I hope you complained to management about her. That kind of thing is just... disturbing.
Delireus,
Wow. When I was working at a booth at MDRF (that sells mostly fairly high end blades and things of that nature), I still was polite to whoever came looking at items and offered to take them out and show them off, etc. Even when I figured they weren't going to buy (for whatever reason), that didn't keep me from at least giving a friendly hello and letting them know I was available if they had any questions.
Lady Fae, you should really have reported her to management.
And just because this person isn't buying doesn't mean that the person waiting behind them isn't. If you are rude to the looker the buyer may walk off.
Quote from: analise on August 02, 2010, 12:48:55 PM
Delireus,
Wow. When I was working at a booth at MDRF (that sells mostly fairly high end blades and things of that nature), I still was polite to whoever came looking at items and offered to take them out and show them off, etc. Even when I figured they weren't going to buy (for whatever reason), that didn't keep me from at least giving a friendly hello and letting them know I was available if they had any questions.
Thats great analise, that's how it should be :) Almost all vendors I've come across have been nice, just this one wasn't so much :/ but I'm glad to know that vendors take the time to help everyone
Someone who is not buying today, might remember you being nice to them, and buy tommorrow.
Oh, and one last thing that makes me rage:
"Oh, I could make this at home!" Picks it up and begins studying it intently.
Get your own ideas, don't take them from the Vendors who are trying to make a living at this.
Quote from: Delireus on July 31, 2010, 03:44:39 PM
That is very sad, Lady Renee, was there much damage to it? I'd hate to think of what happened if it was paper :(
One thing I love about faire is all the vendors are very friendly, I've never had a problem with that, except one time at Scarby. I was looking to buy my first hat, a cavalier hat I beleive. I looked around all day and decided on this one hat shop that looked like it had a great collection. I walked in and started looking around with a friend who was suggesting other possible hats for me. I was very serious about buying and knew the prices I'd have to pay. The owner, I assume, walks up and tells me rather rudely that there's no trying on unless I'm buying. I told her I'd like to try on one at the top and she said something like "Now you have to be sure you're going to buy it before I get it down". Well I wasn't sure, that's why I wanted to try it on, you know?
Her whole manner was very pushy, I got the feeling that because of my young age she didn't take me seriously, she thought I was just trying to play dress up. She was about to get the hat for me when older patrons walk in and she starts helping them. I was so very upset I had to leave. She was just so rude. I was 18 I think, about 2 years ago. I understand vendors may not take younger kids as seriously as they would adults, but there's a way to talk to people courteously no matter their age and she didn't know how.
However, I've decided I look no good in hats so maybe it all worked out :P
It's a shame that happened to you. I don't recall ever having a merchant act rudely to me, even though I rarely have the cash to buy, unfortunately. It's been my experience mostly that if you are respectful to them, they will return it to you. Depending on the kind of shop I'm in, I'll ask if I may touch something or look at it more closely. Once at MDRF, I was at Kate Cox's chainmail booth, and a very nice sales woman suggested I try on a certain headpiece she noticed me drooling over. I told her "no thanks I'm not buying', but she said "thats ok try it on just for fun." Although I'm sure she was hoping I'd change my mind, (she wasn't at all pushy), it was still very nice of her to let me have some fun and try it on.
Quote from: Delireus on July 31, 2010, 03:44:39 PM
Her whole manner was very pushy, I got the feeling that because of my young age she didn't take me seriously, she thought I was just trying to play dress up. She was about to get the hat for me when older patrons walk in and she starts helping them. I was so very upset I had to leave. She was just so rude. I was 18 I think, about 2 years ago. I understand vendors may not take younger kids as seriously as they would adults, but there's a way to talk to people courteously no matter their age and she didn't know how.
However, I've decided I look no good in hats so maybe it all worked out :P
I know exactly what you are talking about Delireus! I am really short for my age so it doesn't help. I have had the same thing happen to me, also at a hat store. I was trying to see a hat and the vendor came over and gave assistance to the lady next to me when I asked to see the hat I got the death stare for a good 2 minutes before she asked if I was "even equipped to buy one of these hats". I was dumb struck. I told her indeed I was then asked the way to another hat vendor (They got my $130 and I got good service). I try to remember that they do get disrespectful people who will try on hats then drop them on the ground and leave after myspace shots but you think you could spot who is a possible buyer and who is goofing around. It just makes you feel so small to be talked to like that. So at least you arent the only one whose been treated that way.
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on August 02, 2010, 02:58:51 PM
Someone who is not buying today, might remember you being nice to them, and buy tommorrow.
Exactly. I usually spread out my purchases throughout the faire season. I appreciate when vendors understand & take me seriously when I say 'I'll be back in a few weeks.'
Quote from: Becky10 on August 03, 2010, 07:55:48 PM
I know exactly what you are talking about Delireus! I am really short for my age so it doesn't help. I have had the same thing happen to me, also at a hat store. I was trying to see a hat and the vendor came over and gave assistance to the lady next to me when I asked to see the hat I got the death stare for a good 2 minutes before she asked if I was "even equipped to buy one of these hats". I was dumb struck. I told her indeed I was then asked the way to another hat vendor (They got my $130 and I got good service). I try to remember that they do get disrespectful people who will try on hats then drop them on the ground and leave after myspace shots but you think you could spot who is a possible buyer and who is goofing around. It just makes you feel so small to be talked to like that. So at least you arent the only one whose been treated that way.
She said that to you? Wow, that's crazy. I love that you asked her where the nearest hat vendor was, maybe she realized how she sounded then :P
Quote from: Delireus on August 03, 2010, 09:00:19 PM
Quote from: Becky10 on August 03, 2010, 07:55:48 PM
I know exactly what you are talking about Delireus! I am really short for my age so it doesn't help. I have had the same thing happen to me, also at a hat store. I was trying to see a hat and the vendor came over and gave assistance to the lady next to me when I asked to see the hat I got the death stare for a good 2 minutes before she asked if I was "even equipped to buy one of these hats". I was dumb struck. I told her indeed I was then asked the way to another hat vendor (They got my $130 and I got good service). I try to remember that they do get disrespectful people who will try on hats then drop them on the ground and leave after myspace shots but you think you could spot who is a possible buyer and who is goofing around. It just makes you feel so small to be talked to like that. So at least you arent the only one whose been treated that way.
She said that to you? Wow, that's crazy. I love that you asked her where the nearest hat vendor was, maybe she realized how she sounded then :P
The clincher would be to go back by the place with the new hat, a la Pretty Woman and the dress store.
Quote from: Delireus on August 03, 2010, 09:00:19 PM
Quote from: Becky10 on August 03, 2010, 07:55:48 PM
I know exactly what you are talking about Delireus! I am really short for my age so it doesn't help. I have had the same thing happen to me, also at a hat store. I was trying to see a hat and the vendor came over and gave assistance to the lady next to me when I asked to see the hat I got the death stare for a good 2 minutes before she asked if I was "even equipped to buy one of these hats". I was dumb struck. I told her indeed I was then asked the way to another hat vendor (They got my $130 and I got good service). I try to remember that they do get disrespectful people who will try on hats then drop them on the ground and leave after myspace shots but you think you could spot who is a possible buyer and who is goofing around. It just makes you feel so small to be talked to like that. So at least you arent the only one whose been treated that way.
She said that to you? Wow, that's crazy. I love that you asked her where the nearest hat vendor was, maybe she realized how she sounded then :P
As a hat maker and seller, I feel a need to chime in here. I agree that your treatment was extremely rude and uncalled for, but I am relieved that you can see and understand the other side of it. Hat shops are a magnet for all kinds of people to come and play dress up. Normally I have no problem with this - I mean, how will you know if you like the hat and the hat likes you if you don't try it on? However, after the 15th person in a row comes in, manhandles all your hard work, takes a bunch of pictures, then tosses your hats to the ground and wanders off, it does get a bit old. One show I was at I had a tricorn fascinator on display. I can't tell you how many parents grabbed that hat and handed it to their children to play with while mommy and daddy shopped! One woman even tried it on her DOG! ("Oh look Fluffy - a hat in your size!"). I eventually had to throw the hat away (hand blocked and shaped, by the way) because it was completely destroyed.
All this being said, none of this is any excuse for a customer to be treated like a nuisance. Every customer is important and should be treated with respect. And sometimes that means taking a break and walking away for a few minutes after the latest batch of drunk myspace picture-takers, so you don't take your frustration out on your good customers. :)
ps: I agree - LOVE the fact that you asked where another hat shop was!! Hopefully that'll teach 'em!
God I hate it when people come into my shop look at the things that I spent my winter making and tell me " I can make that better" That has a tendancy to throw me in to a bit of a rage :-[
And the people who want to play dress up snap a picture and leave, thanks to that I dont allow photos in the shop anymore
Being of the Scottish Renaissance reenactor persuation, I have to say that the things that irritate me the most are people who wear "kilts" that are nothing but the curtains or the table cloth- wrapped around their waists like 5 times! I actually asked someone once if he would like me to show him how to pleat his great kilt! I was wearing mine, but he still looked at me with this dumb look on face and said "Kilts have pleats?" (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/images/smilies/wall.gif) I actually had him take it off and I pleated and wrapped him in it right there by the jousting arena. I understand the whole costume thing, and I don't think of myself as a garb nazi, but for the love of the gods, at least do a little
research before you try to wear something ethnic!
And then there are the guys who wear loin clothes, sheepskin rugs, and blue face paint! What part of that is Renaissance?
And then there were the guys who just showed up wearing leather boots and their tighty whiteys... Seriously? That's Renaissance? In what sense? (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/images/smilies/wall.gif)
Quote from: Zardoz on July 27, 2010, 01:14:40 PM
Well, loud misbehaving drunks and loud misbehaving children are annoying anywhere you find them, not just faire! Drunks I can deal with, but heavens forbid you say anything about someone else's kids! It seems that's the only time the parents notice the little bastards, then they go off on you for daring to tell them how to raise them. I love when they ask me or my wife if we have any, we'll say no, and after seeing y'all we don't want to!
I don't really let that kind of stuff ruin my day though, but I think sometimes I get more "faire related" stress outside the gates, like this week I was banging my head against the wall on a kilt forum trying to explain to some people that seem like they've never had a day of fun in their lives why we like to dress up and do what we do.
Oh yeah, and unauthorized kilt checks ;)
Hey Z... Which forum would that be exactly? ;D
Quote from: Adriana Rose on August 04, 2010, 12:48:25 PM
God I hate it when people come into my shop look at the things that I spent my winter making and tell me " I can make that better" That has a tendancy to throw me in to a bit of a rage :-[
And the people who want to play dress up snap a picture and leave, thanks to that I dont allow photos in the shop anymore
Why the hell would a person do that? I look at the leather vendors, know I can do better than most, but I still come away with ideas, because they all have something creative and interesting that they do. Even though I can do better than most, I have the respect not to say it! And I have the appreciation to see the things that they can do better than me!
I had a rotten experience with a corset vendor at TRF last year.
My wife, who was not with me, was looking for a particular style of corset. I thought I saw one hanging in the shop at started looking at it (not touching, but looking). I called my wife to get some information and politely asked the shop keep for some information on the corset while my wife told me what to ask.
This lady was epic on the d-bag level. Rude, unprofessonal, snide, and actually asked me to "step outside and ask my wife questions and when *She* feels like doing business me, she will find me". She also mentioned that "these are for serious corset wearers and are rather expensive".
A. I am not sure what a "serious corset wearer" is, but I am pretty sure the 20 or so my wife owns would qualify.
B. She was sorely mistaken if my appearance ( i was in my "civies", so rather deathrocker looking) somehow implies that I have no money and cannot afford her wares..
Needless to say, I thanked her for her business and I left. Someone else made a nice profit off the grand or so I dropped that day.
Quote from: crashbot on August 04, 2010, 09:10:47 PM
I had a rotten experience with a corset vendor at TRF last year.
My wife, who was not with me, was looking for a particular style of corset. I thought I saw one hanging in the shop at started looking at it (not touching, but looking). I called my wife to get some information and politely asked the shop keep for some information on the corset while my wife told me what to ask.
This lady was epic on the d-bag level. Rude, unprofessonal, snide, and actually asked me to "step outside and ask my wife questions and when *She* feels like doing business me, she will find me". She also mentioned that "these are for serious corset wearers and are rather expensive".
A. I am not sure what a "serious corset wearer" is, but I am pretty sure the 20 or so my wife owns would qualify.
B. She was sorely mistaken if my appearance ( i was in my "civies", so rather deathrocker looking) somehow implies that I have no money and cannot afford her wares..
Needless to say, I thanked her for her business and I left. Someone else made a nice profit off the grand or so I dropped that day.
crashbot: Was it a small shop that specialized in underbust corsets? I had a similarly bad experience with a corset shop at Scarby & I'm wondering if its the same vendor. Totally ignored by the staff for a good 5 minutes. I e-mailed & received a rather nice response from the owner but I still cannot bring myself to spend money at a shoppe that didn't feel I was worthy the first time around.
Quote from: analise on August 02, 2010, 12:48:55 PM
Delireus,
Wow. When I was working at a booth at MDRF (that sells mostly fairly high end blades and things of that nature), I still was polite to whoever came looking at items and offered to take them out and show them off, etc. Even when I figured they weren't going to buy (for whatever reason), that didn't keep me from at least giving a friendly hello and letting them know I was available if they had any questions.
I also worked for a few years at KRF for a higher end blade vendor and it was always our policy to show every customer blades and allow them to handle them as long as long as they were 18, faire policy on that one. Now last year we got this snotnosed punk kid as a new employee. His attitude ticked most of us off. However it is not untill we were repremanded by FAIRE MANGAEMENT for being rude that he was fired. We found out that he decided to tell a young man, about 14-15, that he couldnt show him anything becuase he couldn't afford it. Well it turn out that this young man had Daddy's AMEX BLACK at his disposal and they had already researched us and were planning on spending over 5K. Well as you could guess we lost that sale. Every customer no matter if there spend $1 or $5000 should be treated like the best customer of the day.
Makes my blood boil when at Faire I see a father verbally abusing and belittling his kids in the tone of a feudal lord and seeing the kids cringe in terror. In years to come these children will associate Renaissance Faires with loathing because of said father's abuse instead of having warm memories of the wonderment that is Faire. :(
Quote from: BubbleWright on August 05, 2010, 05:57:43 AM
Makes my blood boil when at Faire I see a father verbally abusing and belittling his kids in the tone of a feudal lord and seeing the kids cringe in terror. In years to come these children will associate Renaissance Faires with loathing because of said father's abuse instead of having warm memories of the wonderment that is Faire. :(
Yeah, that crap happens everywhere. I went to the gas station yesterday. I heard this kid say "Hey that guy's wearin' a skirt!" I heard a ***SMACK!!*** followed by a "No, stupid! He's wearing a kilt!" I wanted to kill his mom... >:(
Quote from: cowgrrl on August 04, 2010, 11:30:44 PM...snip...
crashbot: Was it a small shop that specialized in underbust corsets? I had a similarly bad experience with a corset shop at Scarby & I'm wondering if its the same vendor. Totally ignored by the staff for a good 5 minutes. I e-mailed & received a rather nice response from the owner but I still cannot bring myself to spend money at a shoppe that didn't feel I was worthy the first time around.
Lady Nimue was looking for corsets at Scarby and we had excellent service at one shoppe (I'm not sure how many there are there). I'm under the impression that it was the owner that we were dealing with. Even though we told her that we were not buying that day, she (the shopkeeper) insisted on determining what size Nimue was going to need, so that she would know at least that much when the time came. Some of the other clothing shopkeepers at Scarby would have us "try this...try that" almost to a fault.
I find it very disturbing that age or appearance may be having some influence in these cases. Nim and I are ...well, not young anymore. But in our younger days, we experienced similar problems (albeit, not at faires). One look at me and mothers would gather their children and herd them safely away...
I will trade with shoppes that treat me well, and I do a lot of return business with those shoppes. However, if I were to witness poor treatment of another shopper (as long as the shopper didn't have it coming, and some I've seen do), I would make my displeasure known, and I would no longer trade there.
Oooh, I just thought of another thing that had everyone at our booth both pissed, and shaking our heads in astonishment. It's a bit long to explain, but it was a rather long event and the whole thing was nuts.
Working the balloon/bunny fencing booth, had a couple of guys show up to play who were so drunk I was amazed they could still stand upright. I was currently helping customers get into the gear. First guy gets in his jacket no problem. Hand him off to the ring master.
Second guy, put the jacket on him, and he squats down so his head is at my chest level. Now, if you don't know, fencing jackets are put on "backwards," i.e. zipper in the back. We would hold the jacket, have the customer extend their arms, and then slip the jacket on, and then have them turn around so we could do the zipper. Well, this guy, after he gets the jacket on but before it's zipped, goes "well honey, since you've got me like this, you HAVE to give me a hug!" Yeah right! So you can burry your face in my chest? No thanks! Finally get him in the jacket, and send him off to the ring.
Ring master starts going through his spiel, when all of the sudden guy #1 jumps up on the railing surrounding the ring and starts bellowing to any and all passers-by that they should "come watch [him] kick his brothers a**." We drag him off the railing, get the 2 of them squared away, and explain all the rules. Again. They say they understand, and are ready to go.
Here's the best part of the whole thing. They start fighting, take 2 swings with the swords, and all of the sudden guy #1 tackles guy #2 and pops both of his balloons by slamming his head into the ground! :o Guy #2 isn't too happy about this, and proceeds to try to flip guy #1 off of him, and they start wrestling. It took 3 people, including the ring master with his quaterstaff, to pry them apart.
Once we finally got them apart, they act like nothing happened and say that's how they always fight. We quickly take out stuff back, including the now dented-beyond-use fencing helmet, and kick them out and tell them to never come back.
Un-freaking-believable. Apparently they thought the clearly explained rules of the game, repeated multiple times to them, didn't actually apply. Never again were such obviously drunk people allowed to play. At least while any of us who had been there for that were working the booth.
For a while I worked in a shop that sold china, crystal and silver, and then I moved to a shoppe that sold high end jewelry. In both those instances, I always had customers that would come in to my shoppes saying that they received poor service at other places because they didn't "look" like they had the money to spend. At my jewelry store, our wealthiest, "high-rolling" if you will, customers were hardcore bikers, they'd come in all their Harley leather gear and silver chains. They always shopped with my store because we treated them the same kindness and respect as everyone else.
This season, my friend and I were in a shoppe that I have received good service in before. We were the only people in the store, and my friend had to ask the shoppe keep, almost three times, to help her. I admit that my friend got a little rude, but it was clear we were there to buy something (I even had on one of the shoppe's pieces!), and the fact that they shoppe keep didn't stop what she was doing to help us was extremely rude. I have to say that is the only negative experience I've ever had at a ren faire shoppe.
I'm pretty standard. Drunks that go over board, un supervised children, and people disrespecting peoples garb and wares.
The ONLY times I have gotten poor service by a shop keep at a faire was when it was at the end of the day, and I could tell they had been dealing with idiots all day. They were tired, frustrated, and over worked after a LONG day. I couldn't blame them but still left a sour taste in my mouth.
I can tell you that one of my "large mammal" friends went into a shop at Scarby one year and was insulted by being told that he was "To fat to wear any of their garb, and he should go else where." It turned me off that shop for 3 years. By then that clerk was fired, and I now recomend them for good bodice work. Just because a customer is not buying that day does not mean they won't tomorrow.
Yes I go into shops and look at garb and examine it closely for quality. Since I do purchasing of costumes for some theaters I work for I am always looking for good quality items I can recomend to my theaters. Could I make most of what I see garb wise at faire, yes, BUT I also know what goes into making them. I would rather pay another shop keep to make something for me than spend my time making it at no profit for myself.
As a seamstress I've been nice to dane who want to buy garb and taken them to places where I recomend garb. When they start griping about price I tell them they are paying for artisan work, not cheap overseas factory work. If they want that they can buy it from some online costume shop, otherwise respect the art work these people are doing. You wouldn't insult my work like that, so show them some respect.
Shoplifters! no excuse! that will piss me off for days!
It's not my stuff but I respect that shop and the hard work my mistress puts into each and every doll. I was so angry for the next couple weeks if the owner of the shop would move a doll I'd think it's been stolen, I got on her nerves being so worked up over it. I know who stole the doll and when and even talked to her....grrrrr...I HATE thieves~!!
The owner was not that stressed over it she believes in karma and that the thief would be payed back. I just wanted to chase down and beat the crud out of the thief!
Quote from: LadyStitch on August 05, 2010, 11:46:25 AM
When they start griping about price I tell them they are paying for artisan work, not cheap overseas factory work. If they want that they can buy it from some online costume shop, otherwise respect the art work these people are doing. You wouldn't insult my work like that, so show them some respect.
I totally agree. I wish we had some quality garb vendors in our area that could sell at our faires, but we are just not big enough to attract the good ones. As it is, the closest faire with even a couple of good vendors is 150 miles from here. The only 'garb' available for sale from the flea market curio vendors around here
is the cheap overseas import crap, and that is being sold at artisan prices.
No wonder the average mundane shopping for first time garb is confused. If he's never experienced superior quality, he wouldn't recognize it if it hit him in the face. ;D
Just like fine wine and racehorses.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 05, 2010, 06:54:41 PM
I totally agree. I wish we had some quality garb vendors in our area that could sell at our faires, but we are just not big enough to attract the good ones. As it is, the closest faire with even a couple of good vendors is 150 miles from here.
Make a weekend of it and go! I don't think I've been less than 100 miles from any of the faires I go to.
Quote from: Delireus on August 06, 2010, 12:31:11 PM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 05, 2010, 06:54:41 PM
I totally agree. I wish we had some quality garb vendors in our area that could sell at our faires, but we are just not big enough to attract the good ones. As it is, the closest faire with even a couple of good vendors is 150 miles from here.
Make a weekend of it and go! I don't think I've been less than 100 miles from any of the faires I go to.
;D Oh, I do! I drop a couple hundred each year at the DMRF at Likely Lotus and Scots Dragon. However this year I blew my budget on Moresca, so no more garb for me this year (bad, naughty Rowen)
Last time I was at KCRF I had to be dragged out of Sofi's, (while the saleslady was trying hard to drag me back in), just to be distracted by Tig'r Togs (oooo pretty). I am a total garb hag.
This year is My Laird and I's 3rd anniversary.....Leather! Coincidentally, the DMRF is running then...
I know much has been said of uncontrolled, bratty kids with most of the gripes seeming to center around the children of paying guests. My gripe is a little more specific.
Vendors and/or faire employees who bring their kids to faire then let them run loose so they don't have to watch them.
Over the years, these tend to be the kids I see tearing up other booths, ransacking the children's realm and sometimes stealing from other vendors and historical encampments while their parents are 'busy' (usually sitting on their arses eating or talking on cell phones).
A lot of the vendors at our faires don't have kids, but the last couple of years I have seen more toddlers and older kids being babysat by family while they man their booth. The kids are probably safer at faire than most places, so the parents or relatives are not that concerned about them falling afoul of some pervert, but some kids are not mature enough to respect the property of others, and should not be unsupervised.
Yes Rowen, I agree! I didn't specify in my first response to this thread about which children but my irksomeness about unruly children IS more geared toward employees' kids than towards patrons' kids. Many of the employee kids seem to have a sense of entitlement. Such as the little girl last year (who I have watched grow up at Faire) who pinched my daughter because my daughter wouldn't hand over her entire pouch of fairy stones. No idea who this kid belongs to but I always see her around Faire and now feel as though I need to guide my children out of her path!
I'm pretty standard with the things that hurl me off into the depths of rage as well, unsupervised children, drunks (not so much of a problem at GLMF this year since it was dry), and other ones like that, though people who criticize the performers and those who insult others' garb are the top ones.
My cousin tends to criticize the performers, sometimes within their hearing since she is naturally a loud person, which almost made me conveniently lose her at GLMF, but then I remembered she had driven and was my ride home.
Those who insult other people's garb is a big one for me. I make my own and have made some for my friends. My friends and I were at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire when we entered the Renaissance Fashions - Fine Ladies Apparel booth, which has Victorian style corsets and chemises. My friend was wearing a chemise and waist cincher that I had made for her. The salesman was there, took a look at her waist cincher, said that she could do better than the "ugly black bag" around her waist. My friend, seeing my astonished and hurt face, told the "salesman" that I had made it. He backpedaled so fast you could see skid marks! He said that he had only said that because he was a corset connoisseur. BS! Thankfully we left soon after that, and I have not stepped foot in that booth again and I will not. Sorry for the vent, even 3 weeks after it still gets me really pissed off
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 06, 2010, 02:01:42 PM
Vendors and/or faire employees who bring their kids to faire then let them run loose so they don't have to watch them.
Especially when those kids go to certain shows so much, they know the shows by heart, and start yelling out the performers lines for them... Seriously, yes, heckling happens, but when the kid is doing it at EVERY show, to the point that its making nice guy performers lose thier cool... ARGH.
My son has to come with me, I really have no choice. I have a sitter with him because well there is only so much a coloring book and some movies will do. When he is out and about he is always on his best behaivor, I will NOT allow him to turn into a faire brat!
Those kids drive me nuts too.
There are a few variations on things already mentioned that really get to me.
1. Faire B-R-A-T-S
Out of our own pockets, one of the backstage crews I worked with put out a nice spread for the performers. We didn't discriminate-performers from all the stages were and felt welcome, despite the expense of providing for them. Everyone knew, though, to keep their voices down and to minimize their entrances/exits to the backstage, so as to not interrupt the continual performances of the different acts at our stage. Well, everyone except the faire brats. They'd chase each other through out back door, in full view of the audience, screaming at the top of their lungs. They'd plunder our food supplies, taking large handfuls, spilling the bowls on the ground, messing with props, and stealing from our performance-related merchandise cart supplies. Later, when I found out that these were vendors' kids, I was appalled that their parents didn't teach them better manners and respect. Unfortunately, we could never peg who belonged with whom, so there was no resolution to this problem, other than to have a stage hand (who would have been much better suited doing their original job, had we a choice) keep them from running back and messing with everything and disturbing the performances.
2. Disloyalty and backbiting
I know that no one can be friends with everyone and that conflicts of personality are bound to arise. But COME ON! Faire is supposed to be FUN! It's not supposed to be a clique-riddled, rumor mill, back biting ring. I get so tired of hearing about how horrible X-person is from Y, only to walk farther down the lane and hear about how horrible Y-person is from X. If I wanted high school drama, I would have directed my career toward teaching! What's worse is, if you refuse to listen or believe either side, it's a case of "Well, if you're not with me, surely you are against me!"
3. Drunks
This ranges from annoyance, where I don't know if something said/promised is going to be remembered or if someone is really my friend or just drunk, to all out rage when someone tries to make a move on me or take liberties that they believe, in their drunken stupor, I welcome despite all actions to the contrary. I grew up with an alcoholic father, so I really hate seeing alcoholism tear apart friendships and relationships. I don't begrudge anyone their drinks in celebration, but I really think it is pathetic if one can't exist without a constant bottle/mug/glass/whatever of booze by their side at all times, further more if they try to pretend that they're sober when it's obvious that they are drunk and haven't seen a dry day in quite a while.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 06, 2010, 12:51:36 PM
;D Oh, I do! I drop a couple hundred each year at the DMRF at Likely Lotus and Scots Dragon. However this year I blew my budget on Moresca, so no more garb for me this year (bad, naughty Rowen)
Last time I was at KCRF I had to be dragged out of Sofi's, (while the saleslady was trying hard to drag me back in), just to be distracted by Tig'r Togs (oooo pretty). I am a total garb hag.
This year is My Laird and I's 3rd anniversary.....Leather! Coincidentally, the DMRF is running then...
Hah! My first time at Sofi's at KCRF I did the same thing ;D. I loved everything in there, I too had to be dragged out. Maybe this year shall be different!
Poorly behaved children at Faire irritate me as well. What really gets my blood boiling is parents who bring babies to Faire, and other outdoor places, inappropriately dressed for the weather! These parents have warm clothes on, while their infants are dressed in tee-shirts and diapers,with bare feet, and the poor little ones are literally purple from the cold! The same is true for hot weather, many babies have uncovered heads in the blasting sun, while Mom and Dad have sunglasses and hats on. Do they think that babies are immune from heat-stroke and cold?!
On a related topic, I am very upset by people who bring to Faires pets who are obviously overcome by the crowds of oddly dressed strangers and screaming kids. I am glad to see that more Faires in our area are banning pets. I have four dogs, and, though I would love to show them off, they stay away from crowds, since they don't all like strangers.
Quote from: Lady Toadflinger on August 12, 2010, 08:54:09 PM
On a related topic, I am very upset by people who bring to Faires pets who are obviously overcome by the crowds of oddly dressed strangers and screaming kids. I am glad to see that more Faires in our area are banning pets. I have four dogs, and, though I would love to show them off, they stay away from crowds, since they don't all like strangers.
OH MY GOSH!!!
It is so nice to hear a pet owner ACTUALLY admit that their pets are not perfect in every way! (like some parents with their kids ::) )
I have a real fear of dogs and so many owners look at me like I am crazy when I ask them to put the dog in another room or use a leash, especially when the dog jumps on me. >:( I have been known to involuntarily start kicking a dog that scares me. That is how deep my fear is. I know it's not the dog's fault. I can't help it. I just wish more owners were as considerate as you. You never know who might be afraid of dogs or how your dog might react to a particular crowd, sound, person, outfit, CHILD.
I'm like Lady Toadflinger. I would love to be able to show off my dog but...
...she's afraid of strangers. Especially those who [she thinks] try to grab her head/collar/face. And she has a fear bite reaction.
So I keep her out of those situations.
I have two dogs...the "little" one runs over 100 pounds... While I love my dogs, I cannot imagine trying to deal with them at a faire.
I have a dog fear as well...of SMALL dogs. I ...do... not... like... them! And I have an issue with some small dog owners: we take our to a dog park for just a few minutes a day 5-10 minutes at the most. Someone drives up and wants to put their dog in with mine. "Aw, come on! Our chihuahua is not going to hurt your Akita and Malamute!" Well, you a$$hat, if either of my dogs steps on your dog, your dog is dead. Use your bloody brain!
Sorry...got off on a tangent... Why would someone want to bring a dog to the faire if it's not part of a persona?
If the animal is well-behaved what is the problem? I've seen many ill-behaved children who should be leashed instead.
My parents have four Newfoundlands (yes, in FLORIDA!), each weighing at least 150 pounds. You wouldn't know it because they're so gentle. My parents usually only come out to faire once a year and bring the dogs each time. The dogs LOVE the socialization and the attention they get. They're so happy, you can see it on their faces!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/KatieM1982/DSC05091.jpg)
Granted, my parents are RESPONSIBLE Dog-parents who clean up after their animals and make sure they're properly hydrated. MORE than I can say for some parents who spend more time "hydrating" themselves in a bar while their child runs wild.
Beautiful animals!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 14, 2010, 09:01:55 AM
Beautiful animals!
Thank you! Best brothers and sisters and only child could ask for!
My comment ... why would someone bring their dogs... was not a criticism, so I hope nobody took it as such. It was a genuine question.
My Malamute would love the attention, but he would water anything that wasn't moving. My Akita, even though she's the sweetest animal I've ever had, would be too much to deal with.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 14, 2010, 09:25:30 AM
My comment ... why would someone bring their dogs... was not a criticism, so I hope nobody took it as such. It was a genuine question.
My Malamute would love the attention, but he would water anything that wasn't moving. My Akita, even though she's the sweetest animal I've ever had, would be too much to deal with.
I completely understand. Some dogs cannot handle crowds. The Newfs are all safety certified to be service dogs and can handle people, they are gentle and do not bark, snap, or go near people unless the person wants them to.
I understand people not like dogs, but I don't like children (AT ALL). If I asked people not to bring them to faire I'd be considered a horrible person.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 14, 2010, 08:05:05 AM
Sorry...got off on a tangent... Why would someone want to bring a dog to the faire if it's not part of a persona?
I hear you, Merlin :) but to be fair, there are quite a few rescue organizations here that bring dogs to faire, and those are not persona. Nor are the vast majority of the dogs that are brought by patrons. That said, I really haven't had a problem with any dogs at faire with the exception of a few pets brought on site and allowed to run loose inside the shoppes.
I adore dogs, but that doesn't mean I will welcome a slobbering, shedding, overly friendly Lab jumping or rubbing against my skirts in close quarters.
Service animals and those brought in for adoption...those dogs are there for a purpose. I guess I'm questioning the average Joe bringing his mutt with him (no offense, Joes of the forum), and again, I'm just curious why you would want to. I'm not saying you shouldn't...I think I'm being misunderstood. I apologize for that!
Kate, I'd love to get into a big pile of Newfoundlands and just hug the begeebies out of them! Or Akitas, Malamutes, St Barnyards ;D, Great Pyrenees... I just love big dogs! Let's face it...I'm like Ellie May...I just like critters. How's this for a sweet face?
(http://honors.uca.edu/commons/00401/smiles.jpg)
...off on another tangent...
CUTE!
...Tangent continued...
The Newfs know me as their big seester so I get dog-piled quite literally when I show up at my parents' house. Once they calm down from the excitement of seeing me they're great pillows!
Not really rage, but peeves I have are
uncontrolled children... whether they be participant/vendor, playtron, or patron. In my experiences, the ones I've been aware of have been patrons & playtrons, as the participant children I know are tended to, either by a sitter, their parents, or sometimes me, as I have friends with a granddaughter who is on shire with them anytime they are both there, and I'll take her to a show or two sometimes during the day. Playtron children, some of whom are the spawn of folks I know, I have no issue with saying "hey! your behavior is unacceptable and rude." and several of them know that I've been told by the parents that I may take whatever measures necessary to correct the behavior.
rude people in general. Yes, the bosom you are ogling is mine (and original equipment), and while I realize I have them displayed, they are still MINE, and no, I am not open to allowing you to bury your face (or anything else) in them. No I am not hot in this outfit as I'm wearing natural fabrics, but thank you for your concern as you stand there dripping in sweat wearing your hotpants and platform biker boots
My vendor complaints (and, having visited 8 different faires and a half a dozen other festivals/garbed events with vendors in the past 3 years, virtually all for multiple days, it's not always a specific vendor, nor is it a specific faire) include:
1-I am wearing an obviously well worn & much loved item (purchased several years early, at this very faire, from a vendor in your section of the faire) when I enter your shoppe to try on your version of said item. It is VERY poor taste to tell me (as I sit there in my clearly well worn garb and multiple accessories, with my FOF pin displayed visibly on my bodice) that once I try on YOUR product, I will never want to go back to the other shoppe again, because your product is SOOOO much better. That sir, cost you the sale of not one, but TWO of that item, as well as the sale of anything else in your shoppe.
2-I came into your corset shoppe fully outfitted in well-known products, (Moresca, Silver Squirrel, Ophelia's, Medieval Moccasins), laced into my Moresca as snugly as I can be. When you FINALLY deign to acknowledge my presence and answer my question with regard to my dear friend's CUSTOM 5 corset order that she asked me to check on while I was visiting from TEXAS (halfway across the country), I find that you have ONE item in a size that might reasonably fit me, and I ask to try it on. You lace me into it, and it feels fine... not tight enough, but you assure me that it's fine, and that when I lose 5-10 lbs, it is still going to fit me. I drop a couple of hundred bucks in your shoppe, and off I go in my new corset. The next morning, when the rogue I was with tied me in, it laced completely shut, and was still not giving me the support of my Moresca. Granted, you were nice about refunding my money, however the fact that I repeatedly stated the day before that I a-thought it wasn't tight enough, and b-was ONLY on shire that weekend as I live in TEXAS, your offers to have something my size the following weekend were patronizing, as was the fact that you weren't even willing to tell me how your sizing worked so I might order something online. I totally understand not tying the average patron tightly into a corset or bodice, but you unlaced me from a Moresca which reduced my waist by 2-3 inches easily, if you had LISTENED to me when I told you I thought it was a bit big, instead of trying to push the sale, you would have saved the waste of time of sale/refund, AND kept me from telling people I don't trust you & that your customer service is less than stellar.
3-I allowed myself to be talked into putting a lovely one of a kind piece in your display case on layaway 2 weeks before final weekend. Yes, I was willing to drop more than a car payment on this beautiful piece. The very next day, I lost my job, with no notice whatsoever, no severance, and limited savings. The following weekend, I was never able to get to your shoppe when you didn't have 8 people deep, or when I did, you pretended not to see me. Final weekend I finally managed to catch you in the shoppe on Saturday afternoon and told you of my situation, explaining that since I had no idea when I might start working again, I just couldn't justify a car payment on a piece of fun, no matter how much I loved it. Your lack of sympathy or empathy, and downright RUDENESS was completely uncalled for, especially considering that you refused to refund my slightly less than 10% downpayment. Your claim that you would have sold it already is ludicrous (I'd been looking at it all season, and it was NOT marked "sold" or anything while it was still on display after I put my deposit down). Rest assured that I (and my friends who have several of your pieces, love your work, and were equally insulted by your treatment of me) will continue to pass your booth without purchasing anything next season, just as we did this past season.
Overall, however, I don't have a big problem with folks at faire. I do find that at some festivals vendors that I know from Scarby are umm, less friendly... I don't know if it's a case of they don't recognize me out of the context of Scarby, or if it's the atmosphere of the festival.
smoking I'm outside i want to breath the fresh air from the trees not your lung blackening posion
I smoke a pipe or cloves, but only in open areas.
Quote from: Lady Christina de Pond on August 18, 2010, 01:37:45 PM
smoking I'm outside i want to breath the fresh air from the trees not your lung blackening posion
Seconded. I especially noticed it at BARF - there was cigarette smoke all over that faire. Pipes I don't mind so much, it's the cigarettes and cigars that bother me.
If a faire is outside, I don't see the problem...
As far as I know, that's still legal.
Quote from: Kate on August 19, 2010, 06:03:51 AM
If a faire is outside, I don't see the problem...
As far as I know, that's still legal.
I understand your point. I don't at all like smoke, and my wife is quite allergic to it, but I can't quite get myself into depths of rage about smoking unless someone is being rude about it. Even then, my faire time is too important to me to let rude people upset me. We simply move on.
So I guess I'd say I'd prefer that people not smoke, or that there be designated smoking areas that people respect, and even though it's a health issue for my wife, we're going to try to make the best of it.
I guess that's my problem with this whole thread. I'm not apt to to into depths of rage over anything. Gross injustice or threat of bodily harm will spur me to action, but not into rage.
Of course, mess with my coffee in the morning ... ;D
Quote from: Kate on August 19, 2010, 06:03:51 AM
If a faire is outside, I don't see the problem...
As far as I know, that's still legal.
I can't be around smoke because of my kidney transplant. There are other places I can go to if I don't want to be around smokers at faire, and it's their right to smoke, and my right not to stand around it if I don't like it.
However.......
when you are sitting watching a show, and someone is smoking, there really isn't anywhere you can go to get away from the smoke. Either the show is packed, with all the seats taken, or else it's a small stage with not that many benches.
I really think that people shouldn't smoke at shows. Even in the back at the outer edges, depending on the way the wind is blowing, the smoke carries. Most shows last less than 30 minutes. Can't someone refrain that long from having a cigarette/cigar/pipe?
Quote from: iain robb on August 19, 2010, 06:45:16 AM
I guess that's my problem with this whole thread. I'm not apt to to into depths of rage over anything. Gross injustice or threat of bodily harm will spur me to action, but not into rage.
Of course, mess with my coffee in the morning ... ;D
Here, let me help you out then. The title of the thread is hyperbole. Just think of it of something that bothers you at faire. Hopew that helps! Cheers.
I dont smoke at the shows. Then again, a really dont consider myself a "smoker" because the occasional clove or pipe I have is rare, so waiting a bit is no big deal.
Even when I was a regular smoker, I could go long periods without smoking. I never understood people that cant even make it through a meal without lighting up.
Aside from stuff mentioned before, not much bothers me. I can handle drunks and avoid kids.
I can get irritated at some of the hawkers sometimes when I am in street clothes. No, your Goth jokes are not original or funny.
Quote from: iain robb on August 19, 2010, 06:45:16 AM
Of course, mess with my coffee in the morning ... ;D
The last person messed with my coffee was processed through the office cross shredder. Handy machine.
I get annoyed at venders who practically force you into their shop, show you their stuff, sweet talk you, etc. Ya know, if I wanted to buy something in there, I would have walked into your shop on my own. All it does is make me feel like crap for not buying anything, and make me avoid that area the rest of the time I'm there.
Wow, there are a lot of complaints about kids. I have to say something because I have 2 children. The first time I brought my oldest to fair, he was one of *those* kids (you all are complaining about). Sometimes folks, you can't just jump to blame or complain. Quinn is a pretty awesome kid, he's hyper-active, no doubt, but he doesn't want to hurt anyone or anything. He absolutely LOVES everything that has to do with faire (he's a fantasy/science fiction kid), so you could imagine the first time he went to faire. After a while, yes, parents just throw up their hands and say "I give in, have your fun, we'll leave soon".
If you're wearing garb, a child is going to be interested. If you have shiny trinkets, a child will want to touch them. If you don't like kids, a festival may not be the place for you. If a child is "unruly", don't automatically blame the parents; children surprise their parents all the time. It does not mean that it's something they taught them, or mean that they didn't teach them good manners.
I've seen plenty of well behaved children in my time at faires. They have been respectful, courteous, and polite.
However, if your kid is rampaging around the place like a lunatic and being disruptive, it's your responsibility to keep them under control. Sorry, I am not trying to be rude, but just saying "kids are kids and they do that kinda stuff" is a cop out.
Quote from: Valiss on August 19, 2010, 10:53:28 AM
Quote from: iain robb on August 19, 2010, 06:45:16 AM
I guess that's my problem with this whole thread. I'm not apt to to into depths of rage over anything. Gross injustice or threat of bodily harm will spur me to action, but not into rage.
Of course, mess with my coffee in the morning ... ;D
Here, let me help you out then. The title of the thread is hyperbole. Just think of it of something that bothers you at faire. Hopew that helps! Cheers.
Yeah, I know. I should have finished my first cup of coffee before I posted.
Let me start out by saying that I have a 9 yr old that loves faire. That being said, there is a difference between being excited and being rude, unruly and downright a menace. My daughter gets excited and has lots of fun and that is great. But I know as a parent it is my JOB to supervise her and make sure that she isn't doing anything that she shouldn't. I think it is wonderful when children are interested in garb, but that doesn't give them license to go fondle any person walking by. Just like when you see a dog in public or a pregnant woman, you MUST ask before you touch. This is simply a matter of manners.
Quote from: crashbot on August 19, 2010, 01:05:20 PM
I've seen plenty of well behaved children in my time at faires. They have been respectful, courteous, and polite.
However, if your kid is rampaging around the place like a lunatic and being disruptive, it's your responsibility to keep them under control. Sorry, I am not trying to be rude, but just saying "kids are kids and they do that kinda stuff" is a cop out.
That's not what I said at all. My main point was don't jump to blame the parents or think they didn't teach them any manners. Yes, they are their parents responsibility, but like I said; kids will surprise you all the time. Any parent who says their kid has NEVER done anything that went against their teachings, is full of it. One of my biggest pet peeves is thievery. So of course, I taught my kids not to steal. What happens? 1st grade, my kid helps himself to some candy on the teachers desk. I was livid. Should I be talked about later as some mom who doesn't teach her kids manners?
"but that doesn't give them license to go fondle any person walking by. "
oi, that's not what I said either. *hand on forehead* ok, I'll put it this way - if you want to get all dressed up in some super cool garb, it's kind of odd you would come in here an complain about children checking you out ...... you know it will happen, from the parents negligence or not (hey, it takes 0.4 seconds for a kid to do something rebellious, they know *right* when you're not looking, lol) .... you KNOW it will happen
What my wife and I found very upsetting this year was working with vendors who did not know how to appropriately price their garb. This was our first time! The fist time we went into the shop, one of the sales persons quoted us a price on some garb, wrote down what my wife liked, and then gave us the info (as we wanted to shop around before buying). We came back later to purchase the garb, however, the original sales women wasn't there, so another helped us. When we told her the price we were given from the other sales person, she seemed shocked by the quote, and stated it would cost much more than said price, which was out of our price range. So we explained our budget once again and started over. The sales person picked clothing that was to be within our price range, and that's what we picked. We get to the cash register and its almost $70 more than what we were told... . I mean I can understand being off 5-10, maybe 15 bucks, but 70?? And then the cashier suggested we could leave a tip for the sales person, and we certainly would have had we not gone so far over what we were expecting to pay (yes we bought it). I always tip when proper to, but I felt bad I was not able to this time. The sales person may have been new, she kept going over to ask another sales person for prices, maybe that is where the confusion came in...
If we aren't to blame parents then who is to blame? I am not one of those parents who blames the music, tv, movies, etc. It is your responsibility to supervise your child. PERIOD! I am not saying my child has never done anything wrong, that is by no means true. If and when she does, I correct it.
I think one thing needs to be clarified. I think people are complaining about children anywhere not just at faire who are allowed to run wild, not being supervised at all. We aren't complaining about a child who does something small and is then corrected by their parents. It isn't kids that are running around and yelling, it is the ones who are swinging swords around hitting everyone in sight while the parents just watch. My husband was stabbed by a child several years ago at faire. It wasn't bad, and he wasn't angry with the child. What made him mad was that the parents turned and left when they saw that he was BLEEDING. They didn't say sorry or offer to help, they just ran away. I think most of us are parents and of course know that kids aren't perfect. When we see them doing something they aren't supposed to and then see the parents take action, then we by no means see you as a bad parent. In fact, I would think to myself more parents should take your example.
The problem isn't that your child has done something wrong, it is the way that it is handled afterwards that counts!
My two biggest problems are
Quote from: Bugsey on August 19, 2010, 12:17:41 PM
After a while, yes, parents just throw up their hands and say "I give in, have your fun, we'll leave soon".
Quote from: Bugsey on August 19, 2010, 12:17:41 PMIf you don't like kids, a festival may not be the place for you.
Yes all parents get aggravated. But when your child is acting that bad then it is time for you to leave not me. I shouldn't have to leave any place not just faire because someone else's child is acting like a heathen!
Tearing up the parking lot...not a good idea.
Quote from: Bugsey on August 19, 2010, 05:34:04 PM
[about later as some mom who doesn't teach her kids manners?
oi, that's not what I said either. *hand on forehead* ok, I'll put it this way - if you want to get all dressed up in some super cool garb, it's kind of odd you would come in here an complain about children checking you out ...... you know it will happen, from the parents negligence or not (hey, it takes 0.4 seconds for a kid to do something rebellious, they know *right* when you're not looking, lol) .... you KNOW it will happen
Years ago, before I got StudMuffin I was at TRF. I was in garb, not particularly cool looking (actually the leather vest was darn hot). Because of my physical problems I used a walking stick (still do for that matter). Around a corner came a small lad, probably 8 or 9 and ran smack into my back, knocking me down, hard on top of him. I tore open the knee on my pants and was bleeding pretty good. The parents began berating me for falling on there dear sweet angelic child. After I finally struggled back to my feet, it was all I could do to keep from applying my stick forcefully to all three of them. No apology, no assistance, not even a napkin to help staunch the flow of blood.
I think that is the sort of child most people are complaining about. That is not a kid being a kid, that is a child whose parents should not have concieved. And for that I do blame the parents.
This is no longer a problem when I ride StudMuffin. So I am MUCH better now...
Quote from: Lady L on August 20, 2010, 12:31:16 AM
Tearing up the parking lot...not a good idea.
Thats the best way to get the site crew to try to eat you lol
Quote from: iain robb on August 19, 2010, 06:45:16 AM
I guess that's my problem with this whole thread. I'm not apt to to into depths of rage over anything. Gross injustice or threat of bodily harm will spur me to action, but not into rage.
Of course, mess with my coffee in the morning ... ;D
*Stands up and applauds ... LOUDLY!*
I agree whole-heartedly Iain! I myself go to Faire for FUN and to enjoy Friends, those I know and those I've yet to meet. If it HURLS you into the depths of RAGE - get out! Go somewhere else and be HAPPY! Lyfe is too danged short.
If anything hurls me into the depths of rage - it's this thread and similar ones where people choose to wallow in negativity.
And I also agree Iain, morning coffee isn't something to be trifled with. ;)
Quote from: Lady L on August 20, 2010, 12:31:16 AM
Tearing up the parking lot...not a good idea.
WHO would be dumb enough to do that in OUR parking lot? It is a fricking rock quarry! I wonder if they left their axle anywhere in said parking lot...
I think the only thing that has totally set me off at faire, was some dude who thought he could cop a feel -on my daughter-who was twelve at the time.
My very large, and muscular cousin told him he got a ten second start...
I meant turning the parking lots into rock quarry/pits.
Quote from: Kiss-me-Kate on August 23, 2010, 10:35:12 PM
...I think the only thing that has totally set me off at faire, was some dude who thought he could cop a feel -on my daughter-who was twelve at the time.
My very large, and muscular cousin told him he got a ten second start...
Ten seconds? That's rather generous. I'm not violent by any means—quite the opposite—but he would have immediately been looking up from the ground, my foot on his throat, as we waited for security/cops.
My issue is very definitely unchaperoned kids that "belong" to someone at faire. The kind who've seen the shows a million times and spoil the jokes, who wander into other booths and distract customers, who try and wiggle their way into bits.
I'm horribly accident prone at faires, and it tends to be these kids that get me hurt because they don't have a sense of boundaries.
I agree with ya GirlChris...another thing they do that reeeeally annoys me is when they go hang out in shops and gripe about the prices and try to tell the people working there that they want it for a much lower price (like they are gonna pay $50 for a $180 bodice) cuz they think they know what its actually worth...(these kids don't consider the cost of labor) and then when the shop workers tell them they can't sell them for that cheap they talk bad about the product in the store, telling shoppers that their stuff is crap and you can buy something similar alot cheaper from their parents shop at the other end of the park...I had a kid do this to me in moresca telling me that their bodices were crappy and made out of cheap fabric and that her mom could make the same thing for like $10...I quite literally laughed. I didn't mean to laugh in the kids face, but its highly unlikely that they could get materials identical to moresca's of better quality for $10...Also calling moresca's crappy and made of cheap fabric is kind of ridiculous...
That should be reported to whomever is in charge of vendors at that faire.
Nothing will shut the kids up faster than their parents letting them know that that kind of 'help' will get them blacklisted from an event. Backstabbing will get you the same currency in payback.
Nobody that has ever worn a Moresca could believe that they are cheap.
Quote from: GirlChris on August 24, 2010, 09:20:18 AM
My issue is very definitely unchaperoned kids that "belong" to someone at faire. The kind who've seen the shows a million times and spoil the jokes, who wander into other booths and distract customers, who try and wiggle their way into bits.
Wow, there was a kid like that at a Sound and Fury show I was at; he had sat front row at every performance that day. If I were the performers I wouldn't have handled it as well, but they did what they could to put some humor into the situation. It had just rained and quickly cleared up, so the stage was wet. There was a large broom-like squeegie and they had the kid squeegie the stage. Then when he was done, they gave him a couple bucks and sent him for ice cream. He came back, but they did what they could.
Y'know, it's funny. The only time I've seen a kid interrupting a show to the extent it seems to be talked about here, it was very obviously not a kid belonging to someone at the faire. The performer tried to play along for a while but it got bad enough that he had to pretty much step out of character and point blank tell the adults the kid was with to manage their child.
Part of me understands where the kid could've been coming from. Especially in this day and age where most of the entertainment is one way...the TV doesn't talk back to you. ;) It's a totally different experience to see such up-close-and-personal stage entertainment (I'd even class it as something different from seeing a play). And if the kid had been to, say, a Fight School show...they would've seen the performers playing along with audience and the audience participating (there are a lot of jokes that happen because so many in the audience are "frequent fliers" and shout things out, for instance. "Belaying pin!" Er, I guess only people who've seen Fight School at MDRF would get that. Anyway!) and if the kid hadn't been taught (or something) boundaries...that could've carried over to another show with a certain amount of audience interaction. Except there comes a point when the performer needs to continue on the audience needs to shut up and listen and this kid was interrupting continually.
I guess my point is...I'm surprised to see people mention ren-kids because I can't think of a single time I've witnessed them be a "problem" at faire. Whereas I could say the same for non-ren-kids who don't understand that while there's a lot of license at faire for doing things you normally aren't supposed to do in public (running around and yelling, hah)...there are still boundaries to it.
Heck, that could go for anybody who visits faire and doesn't get that while there's a lot of license at faire, there are still boundaries. Like the drunk guys who go a too far in their ogling, etc.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 24, 2010, 06:57:47 AM
Quote from: Kiss-me-Kate on August 23, 2010, 10:35:12 PM
...I think the only thing that has totally set me off at faire, was some dude who thought he could cop a feel -on my daughter-who was twelve at the time.
My very large, and muscular cousin told him he got a ten second start...
Ten seconds? That's rather generous. I'm not violent by any means—quite the opposite—but he would have immediately been looking up from the ground, my foot on his throat, as we waited for security/cops.
Here were the circumstances: It was in public. It was all cast party, and I didn't want to ruin everyone's evening. Secondly, he didn't know she was 12, he thought she was older-closer to his age. He was 18 at the time, and VERY drunk.
He is actually a very nice, respectful young man, when alcohol isn't involved, and he is terrified of me.
Quote from: Aiacha on August 24, 2010, 04:21:35 PM
Wow, there was a kid like that at a Sound and Fury show I was at; he had sat front row at every performance that day. If I were the performers I wouldn't have handled it as well, but they did what they could to put some humor into the situation. It had just rained and quickly cleared up, so the stage was wet. There was a large broom-like squeegie and they had the kid squeegie the stage. Then when he was done, they gave him a couple bucks and sent him for ice cream. He came back, but they did what they could.
I remember that! The kid wanted to participate in the show? ....he got his wish!
I've generally had pretty good experiences at faire. I've gotten a couple of snide remarks from vendors once in a while, because I'm young and so I don't look like I'd have the money to spend on their products....however, there are plenty of other places to shop! But my memories of faire are positive, all in all....glitter wars in the Magic Cauldron, escaping the rain in a chain mail jewelry shop a friend works in, where he "woo'd" another friend (she looked so terrified to have this giant kilted Irishman barking at her LOL ). And I have not been attacked by drunks or children....
yet... ;)
Quote from: analise on August 24, 2010, 05:48:45 PM
I guess my point is...I'm surprised to see people mention ren-kids because I can't think of a single time I've witnessed them be a "problem" at faire. Whereas I could say the same for non-ren-kids who don't understand that while there's a lot of license at faire for doing things you normally aren't supposed to do in public (running around and yelling, hah)...there are still boundaries to it.
I haven't seen boothie/performer kids at all at MDRF (or if I have, I haven't had any reason to think that's what they were). I've seen them be a problem at smaller faires, though. They're generally running around while their parents are busy working. If the parents have the attitude of the faire being a village that will take care of their children for them, and the kids haven't been taught to behave, it can easily be a problem.
I have seen playtron kids and non-ren kids alike be a problem at MDRF. In both cases the children are usually too young for the "faire boundaries" bit to be an issue; they're just playing in a place and nobody's telling them not to. I've seen far too many parents treat the tavern as a play pen while they stand outside and talk and drink, and the performer has to stop the show and yell out "Who are the parents of this child?" I've seen the Hack and Slash show come to a screaming halt when toddlers are playing on the steps of the stage, their parents nowhere to be found. These kids aren't trying to interact with the show - most of the time they don't even know there's a show going on.
I guess I'm either just never present when a problem occurs, or our home faire (Scarby) doesn't have the problems that I'm reading about here. The latter would seem unlikely simply due to human nature being what it is.
Someone mentioned a while back in this thread that if we are getting into a rage at faire, we shouldn't bother going because it's supposed to be a fun time. I may be ignoring things around me so that I can enjoy my limited time at the faire.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 28, 2010, 09:47:39 AM
I guess I'm either just never present when a problem occurs, or our home faire (Scarby) doesn't have the problems that I'm reading about here. The latter would seem unlikely simply due to human nature being what it is.
Someone mentioned a while back in this thread that if we are getting into a rage at faire, we shouldn't bother going because it's supposed to be a fun time. I may be ignoring things around me so that I can enjoy my limited time at the faire.
The wizard's greatest power--willful ignorance!
I think the only time I've had issues with vendor kids was the first year at our home faire's permanent location, and a later faire (Same kid).
1. There was still construction equipment in the castle. A vendor's 9 year-old TURNED ON THE TABLE SAW. :o Our Duchess happened to be walking in at the time, heard the saw start up and scorched his ears. Not that it did any good...
2. This same kid CLIMBED THE INSIDE OF THE CASTLE FACADE, and was to be seen merrily waving out of the tower window, to the dismay of many. Considering the facade is held up by 2x4s, I still can't believe he actually thought it was okay.
3. At another faire a year or so later, we were doing a show which involved putting the Spanish Ambassador in the stocks for insulting the princess and Queen. The same kid decided to get a little too into the show (which he was NOT a part of), and hauled off and hit the actor across the behind with a juggling stick as hard as he could. The actor, needless to say, was furious. That was the very last faire we saw that kid, or his parents (his mother saw the whole thing, and she was horrified).
So yeah, misbehaving kids, and grabby male patrons (The Kissing Bandit of '08), just irk me.
OK, I guess I have to ask: What's the story behind "The Kissing Bandit of '08"?
Ahhh... the Kissing Bandit... :P
Well, I was coming back from the joust with the full court, and was being escorted by my son. An older gentleman came up to me, told me how pretty he thought I was, and acted like he was going to kiss my hand. Instead, he reeled me in and planted one on my cheek, whilst coming into contact with personal areas of my chest, pretty much before anyone could do anything about it. The lady behind me tried to laugh it off because patrons were standing there just shocked, by saying, "How utterly inappropriate" and giggling. Her husband put his hand on his sword, and got me out of there right away.
This wasn't a sweet old man being harmlessly flirty, this was scary, and pretty much ruined the rest of the day for me. There really are no words to explain how creepy this was.
Come to find out, he had done the same to a couple of other female cast, hugging one much too friendly-like, and trying to kiss another. One of our tallest court members located this person the next day, and explained that while admiration from afar was acceptable, touching was not. He wasn't there last year, TG.
Now, the guy who told me he'd scale the castle walls for me was another story (and I quipped right back, "Room 302!")
Quote from: Molden on August 22, 2010, 02:42:15 PM
If anything hurls me into the depths of rage - it's this thread and similar ones where people choose to wallow in negativity.
I agree 100% Well put!
Anything bad/annoying at faire is still better than those same things outside of faire.
Quote from: Leyla on September 02, 2010, 02:08:59 AM
Quote from: Molden on August 22, 2010, 02:42:15 PM
If anything hurls me into the depths of rage - it's this thread and similar ones where people choose to wallow in negativity.
I agree 100% Well put!
Anything bad/annoying at faire is still better than those same things outside of faire.
I don't know about- having little kids handling my knives while the parents just stand there and watch is pretty upsetting. It's a liability!! And there have been times when I have asked kids not to, and the parents actually argue with me! Don't get me wrong here- I wouldn't do festivals and faires if I didn't truly love it- but there are some manners of disrespect that are just plain dangerous!
Nighthawk, you see that happen and expect any moment for the parents to break out in song..."If I Only Had a Brain."
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 04, 2010, 10:48:04 AM
Nighthawk, you see that happen and expect any moment for the parents to break out in song..."If I Only Had a Brain."
Man, at the Colorado Scottish Festival, it would have been a chorus! It's usually not that bad... People must have had stupid for breakfast en masse that particular weekend.
All right, I really thought that there wasn't anything that truly sent me off to the depths of rage, but we had an incident Saturday that totally blew the Kissing Bandit away.
Try this: "Scotsman-who-likes-to-lift-ladies'-skirts-and-take-photos-without-their-knowledge"
He was caught in the act, while the Princess and I were talking with some patrons. One of our court gentlemen swears he heard his name called, and he turned around to see what I wanted, and caught the perv lifting the Princess' skirts!!!!!!! I was standing right next to her, and didn't notice a thing! He told the guy that he didn't want to do that, and to delete the photo immediately. We got the princess out of the way without her even knowing what happened, and told her after we got to the castle.
Security was notified, and checked his camera to make sure that the photo was deleted, and pretty much all of the 3000+ photos on the card were x-rated. He had also lied about deleting the photo in question.
Yes, he earned himself a lifetime-ban, and her mother is filing charges.
This is the same man who "accidentally" exposed himself to the ladies of the court twice a couple of years ago, and got thrown out for being an unruly drunk last year.
Ugh.
(But, it still didn't destroy my faire weekend! We had an incredible time! And it was even better because we knew he wouldn't be there!)
Ick, icky ick!
Dont' know what the guy thinks he's going to achieve by this...most of us wear shorts or bloomers under our skirts anyway.
You see more on the mundane streets.
I hope he gets nailed to the wall for this.
*shudder*
Don't most states now have laws regarding this (taking this type of photo without the subject's knowledge)? At the very least, I would think that he could be charged with attempted sexual assault.
Back in the days when I still had a little kinky streak (and remembered what it was used for) even I wouldn't have stooped this low...
I am not 100% sure, but I am pretty sure ff you are in public, you can be photographed with or without your knowledge and/or permission. However I would hope this would fall outside of that rule.
Quote from: crashbot on September 07, 2010, 03:53:55 PM
I am not 100% sure, but I am pretty sure ff you are in public, you can be photographed with or without your knowledge and/or permission. However I would hope this would fall outside of that rule.
It's one thing to photograph someone standing around in public (or even to...say..focus on one particular part of their body that might be prominently displayed). It's quite another to position your camera such that you are taking pictures of a part of their body that is normally covered (by skirts).
Quote from: crashbot on September 07, 2010, 03:53:55 PM
I am not 100% sure, but I am pretty sure ff you are in public, you can be photographed with or without your knowledge and/or permission. However I would hope this would fall outside of that rule.
Without specific permission, your picture cannot be published. The faires have in the contract for your tickets that
they own the copyrights to all photographs taken on their grounds. Your face can therefore be published without any additional releases. A picture of your bum cannot.
The taking of erotic images, nude images, images in dressing rooms, suggestive images, etc., without the permission of the subject, has been criminalized in some jurisdictions. A shot up some lady's skirt is certainly not in public.
That type of photo is illegal in our state, hence the fact that charges are going to be filed. The moment he touched her skirts, it also became assault, because the intent was there.
The girl's mother spent most of the weekend finding the appropriate information.
Naughty children p*ss me off!
I was whipped in the face with my own whip this weekend. While her dumb*ss mother did nothing other than tell little "Ireland" to not touch the nice ladie's whip.
Evidently my telling her that I use it on my very own naughty children didn't scare her or her Mother. I am quite sure steam was coming out of my ears. I was in my busy shop, so I couldn't get away from her until they left.
If that were MY kid, at the very least I would have reached over and swatted her on the tukus....
Quote from: Kiss-me-Kate on September 07, 2010, 07:13:49 PM
Naughty children p*ss me off!
I was whipped in the face with my own whip this weekend. While her dumb*ss mother did nothing other than tell little "Ireland" to not touch the nice ladie's whip.
Evidently my telling her that I use it on my very own naughty children didn't scare her or her Mother. I am quite sure steam was coming out of my ears. I was in my busy shop, so I couldn't get away from her until they left.
If that were MY kid, at the very least I would have reached over and swatted her on the tukus....
O.M.G. Seriously? WHAT is the problem with some people? Why don't people understand that you should raise your kids so that EVERYONE can like them and not just you?
A couple from this weekend:
Douchebags who either don't acknowledge you, or tell you to eff off: Yes, you get a lot of people trying to get your attention at faire. Still, it would be nice to say SOMETHING when some one tries to interact with you, such as 'Sorry, we're trying to make a show' or 'No thanks, I'm in a hurry.' "efF off" is NEVER an appropriate response to someone trying to start a bit with you.
Drunks: It's been said before, I'll say it again. Why come out to a faire, and get so blitzed you can't remember it? I saw more then one trio, where all three of them were supporting each other. Worse are the families, where mom and dad are trailing three little ones, and both parents are falling down drunk. Also, it always feels like whenever a female friend tells of someone crossing the boundaries, they're always some drunk who has got to the point where any sight of boobies MUST be an invitation. Bah.
Not playing along: Jesus Christ, you'd think we wanted to drag people into actually have their heads chopped off. I've started working at the faires Jail this year, and the number of people who choose to either run away or just flat out say 'I'm not doing this' is astounding! Maybe it's because my parents always played along, but I just can't understand why people come to a ren faire, and then won't get in the spirit.
Last, and the one that is driving me the most up a wall: DON'T PULL MY TAIL! Yes, I have a yellow tail. Yes, I'm the only one in the shire with one that color. It is cool, isn't it? It'll be a lot less cool when it breaks and I can't get a new one cause some moron thought it was a wonderful idea to yank on it.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 07, 2010, 04:17:10 PM
Quote from: crashbot on September 07, 2010, 03:53:55 PM
I am not 100% sure, but I am pretty sure ff you are in public, you can be photographed with or without your knowledge and/or permission. However I would hope this would fall outside of that rule.
Without specific permission, your picture cannot be published. The faires have in the contract for your tickets that they own the copyrights to all photographs taken on their grounds. Your face can therefore be published without any additional releases. A picture of your bum cannot.
The faires do this so people cannot make money off pictures taken in public. However, consent is not required to
take photos of people in public places. It's a gray area for sure, but places where you can expect reasonable privacy are obviously exempt. Up ones skirt being one of those places.
http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf
I haven't read this whole thread so my apologies if this has already been posted. The one thing that annoys the bejesus outta me is people who attend faire, decide it's lame then proceed to complain loudly and make fun of people in garb. I get that Renaissance faires aren't for everyone, and that's fine. But lingering at an event which is not enjoyable then being a tool about it is so NOT cool.
Not defending that in the slightest, because it's a REALLY stupid thing to do, and it would get me pretty upset if I saw it as well, but I can understand the thought process behind that one:
"We drove all the way out here (X miles), paid $Y to get in, and, gosh darn it, we are GOING to get our money's worth if it kills us and everyone we come across!"
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 08, 2010, 12:30:08 AM
Not playing along: Jesus Christ, you'd think we wanted to drag people into actually have their heads chopped off. I've started working at the faires Jail this year, and the number of people who choose to either run away or just flat out say 'I'm not doing this' is astounding! Maybe it's because my parents always played along, but I just can't understand why people come to a ren faire, and then won't get in the spirit.
Unfortunately, many people have the wrong conception of what a Renaissance festival is supposed to be. Last weekend I heard a dane on his cell phone telling somebody "We're at the other end of the
park." When the audience has a Renaissance faire confused with an amusement park, they're not going to expect to be asked to participate. They're used to all manner of other shows where you stand in line, sit down, watch, clap at the end, and leave. I've seen this at the PARF Finale In Song all the time; the Queen or whoever will actually announce the song and tell everybody where to find the lyrics in their program, all the cast not onstage will run up and down the aisles, yelling "Sing along!" and motioning with their hands to get people involved, and not only will the audience just sit there, they'll turn around and give you a dirty look if you join in. My favorite story about this phenomenon happened to a performer friend of mine at MDRF. He was in the lanes, playing his miniature harpsichord (virginal), and greeted a lady walking by with "Well met, madame, and how fare you this den?" She snarled back "F*** you and your little piano, where's the beer?" (to be fair, she had just spent two hours waiting in line in the car to park, and then get tickets, on a blistering hot day).
So much of these negative reactions are based on mindset. People conclude the faire is horrible because they think it's supposed to be Colonial Williamsburg for Tudor England, or Medieval Times with rollercoasters, and then they get upset because a stranger deigns to talk with them in the lanes. VARF has an especially hard time with this, as they're small and don't have the plethora of stages and shows that larger faires have. It's an educational process to get people to realize that the funny people in weird costumes walking around the faire
are the show, and that they're missing the best part of faire if they merely rush from stage to stage and then go shopping.
Quote from: will paisley on September 08, 2010, 12:03:01 PM
It's an educational process to get people to realize that the funny people in weird costumes walking around the faire are the show, and that they're missing the best part of faire if they merely rush from stage to stage and then go shopping.
Therein lies the problem-some of the best entertainment at fair is the spontaneous little plays acted out right in front of you in the lanes. People need to sloooow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
Over here is a gentleman enjoying a stay in the stocks, singing for his freedom at the request of his wife or SO. Over there we have Prince Charming on his knee, proposing to a tiny little fairy princess all of 5 years old. Stop and smell the roses, and admire the daisys too. ;D
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 08, 2010, 12:30:08 AM
Not playing along: Jesus Christ, you'd think we wanted to drag people into actually have their heads chopped off. I've started working at the faires Jail this year, and the number of people who choose to either run away or just flat out say 'I'm not doing this' is astounding! Maybe it's because my parents always played along, but I just can't understand why people come to a ren faire, and then won't get in the spirit.
I can understand that one. Because of my job/industry I know there are people who would do me harm if given the opportunity.
At MNRF years ago someone paid to have them get me and put me in the stocks. No way that was going to happen. I tried to explain they couldn't guarantee my safety and no way was I going to be locked in stocks with a crowd of people I didn't know. I had to physically resist.
The next time someone isn't in the spirit, consider there might be a good reason.
Ferret
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 08, 2010, 12:27:45 PM
Quote from: will paisley on September 08, 2010, 12:03:01 PM
It's an educational process to get people to realize that the funny people in weird costumes walking around the faire are the show, and that they're missing the best part of faire if they merely rush from stage to stage and then go shopping.
Therein lies the problem-some of the best entertainment at fair is the spontaneous little plays acted out right in front of you in the lanes. People need to sloooow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
Over here is a gentleman enjoying a stay in the stocks, singing for his freedom at the request of his wife or SO. Over there we have Prince Charming on his knee, proposing to a tiny little fairy princess all of 5 years old. Stop and smell the roses, and admire the daisys too. ;D
Yeah, I've actually had to make myself really slow down and just spend time walking in the lanes. I caught myself a lot last year just going to the couple of shows I liked, spending some time in a booth with friends, spending the rest of the day working in a booth, and then going straight home. This year I'm making a concerted effort to go do things I don't "normally" do, or just get out and enjoy the lanes more. And hey, it paid off already and I have a bent fork from Ivanovich to prove it. :)
Quote from: Ferret on September 08, 2010, 01:44:55 PM
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 08, 2010, 12:30:08 AM
Not playing along: Jesus Christ, you'd think we wanted to drag people into actually have their heads chopped off. I've started working at the faires Jail this year, and the number of people who choose to either run away or just flat out say 'I'm not doing this' is astounding! Maybe it's because my parents always played along, but I just can't understand why people come to a ren faire, and then won't get in the spirit.
I can understand that one. Because of my job/industry I know there are people who would do me harm if given the opportunity.
At MNRF years ago someone paid to have them get me and put me in the stocks. No way that was going to happen. I tried to explain they couldn't guarantee my safety and no way was I going to be locked in stocks with a crowd of people I didn't know. I had to physically resist.
The next time someone isn't in the spirit, consider there might be a good reason.
Ferret
That? is a good reason. However, the majority of these people don't have ANY reason, besides just not wanting to play along.
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 08, 2010, 11:53:28 PM
Quote from: Ferret on September 08, 2010, 01:44:55 PM
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 08, 2010, 12:30:08 AM
Not playing along: Jesus Christ, you'd think we wanted to drag people into actually have their heads chopped off. I've started working at the faires Jail this year, and the number of people who choose to either run away or just flat out say 'I'm not doing this' is astounding! Maybe it's because my parents always played along, but I just can't understand why people come to a ren faire, and then won't get in the spirit.
I can understand that one. Because of my job/industry I know there are people who would do me harm if given the opportunity.
At MNRF years ago someone paid to have them get me and put me in the stocks. No way that was going to happen. I tried to explain they couldn't guarantee my safety and no way was I going to be locked in stocks with a crowd of people I didn't know. I had to physically resist.
The next time someone isn't in the spirit, consider there might be a good reason.
Ferret
That? is a good reason. However, the majority of these people don't have ANY reason, besides just not wanting to play along.
Some people are just painfully shy, and are uncomfortable interacting. Therefor they just prefer to watch, that doesn't mean they aren't having a good time. And by trying to force them to interact you are making them embarrassed or otherwise uncomfortable. You may become the reason that they don't have as good of a time. If someone says they don't want to play along don't take it personally just move on to the next mark.
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 08, 2010, 11:53:28 PM
Quote from: Ferret on September 08, 2010, 01:44:55 PM
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 08, 2010, 12:30:08 AM
Not playing along: Jesus Christ, you'd think we wanted to drag people into actually have their heads chopped off. I've started working at the faires Jail this year, and the number of people who choose to either run away or just flat out say 'I'm not doing this' is astounding! Maybe it's because my parents always played along, but I just can't understand why people come to a ren faire, and then won't get in the spirit.
I can understand that one. Because of my job/industry I know there are people who would do me harm if given the opportunity.
At MNRF years ago someone paid to have them get me and put me in the stocks. No way that was going to happen. I tried to explain they couldn't guarantee my safety and no way was I going to be locked in stocks with a crowd of people I didn't know. I had to physically resist.
The next time someone isn't in the spirit, consider there might be a good reason.
Ferret
That? is a good reason. However, the majority of these people don't have ANY reason, besides just not wanting to play along.
At our faire if you end up being put in jail you could end up in a small cell in the sun with several other people for a few hours. I know it's fun for some people but that is not something I would like to do after spending $20 to get into faire. The jailers back in the day would not take no for an answer and started to make a big scene and act like I was being a total *itch in front of everyone for not playing along. After I composed myself I simply told them that they did not have the right to touch me and I moved along. I don't think anyone should have to do something they don't want to and people should remember that not everyone likes the same activities.
If I laugh and say "no thank you" to someone wanting to put me in jail, in stocks, or lop off my head, I expect to have my space respected and then left alone.
If you laugh and say 'no thank you' you're still more polite then a good half of the patrons.
OK, step back for a moment. I think the point here is patrons who are totally rude to actors for just saying hi. F* off is never a good response. No one said anything (I don't think) about physically forcing someone to do something they don't want to do. ;)
As to the various mentions of weapons and peace ties, its not so much a rage as a worry. I've been a regular attendant at a number of NorCal faires for years. Most require zip-tied weapons, though enforcement changes from year to year, and seemingly from p(l)aytron to p(l)aytron. What bothers me is the massive pile of broken/cut ties immediately outside the gates where people discard (on the ground) them as quickly as possible upon leaving. Even worse is at one faire you can tell where people think nobody will notice, becasue there are corners with the busted ties piled up on the ground INSIDE. I know that people who would be so determined to have ties off are not likely to respect the weapons as such, nad just from personal experience, are the ones who might cause trouble (except it does seem like most I've actually caught with ties removed are in that nice littel window that lets them buy blades, but not booze).
Quote from: Hoowil on September 12, 2010, 10:32:32 AM
As to the various mentions of weapons and peace ties, its not so much a rage as a worry. I've been a regular attendant at a number of NorCal faires for years. Most require zip-tied weapons, though enforcement changes from year to year, and seemingly from p(l)aytron to p(l)aytron. What bothers me is the massive pile of broken/cut ties immediately outside the gates where people discard (on the ground) them as quickly as possible upon leaving. Even worse is at one faire you can tell where people think nobody will notice, becasue there are corners with the busted ties piled up on the ground INSIDE. I know that people who would be so determined to have ties off are not likely to respect the weapons as such, nad just from personal experience, are the ones who might cause trouble (except it does seem like most I've actually caught with ties removed are in that nice littel window that lets them buy blades, but not booze).
I have to say here that I get a chuckle out of the peace tie thing. My dirk and sgain dubh are impossible to tie, given the shape of them, but the gate keepers always try, anyway- and management know me well enough by now that they just let me in as long as it LOOKS like my weapons are tied. Gods bless the gate keepers- they give it their best honest effort.
No one checked my baskethilt or my dirk at Scarby... i was actually through the gates when i realized that my tie had come undone. ::) Only a fool would draw live steel at faire... drunk or not, a fool is still a fool.
The last time I went to TRF, I actually forgot to tie my sword...they never even checked. I didn't realize it until I was through the gate and had been walking around for a while. I wouldn't draw it anyway--too many people around to be waving a sharp & pointy bit of metal....
That would be @$$hats that go on roadtrips with us and don't behave. Even if these people are not actually affilliated with us, any drunken escapade, any fire alarm, any small scale radioactive incident, and the blame is apparently squarely with my pirate crewe.....
Parents who think it's okay to use the Children's dell as a daycare drop off.
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 15, 2010, 11:06:58 AM
Parents who think it's okay to use the Children's dell as a daycare drop off.
Hey, at Maryland there's a pub they use for that. Makes it real interesting for baudy performers who are about to teach preschoolers a whole new vocabulary they can share with their weekday day care classmates.
So called "Rennies" that cut down the trees in other clan encampments to build fences out of - DIE DIE DIE
Sorry - was that out loud
I love everyone (o:
Quote from: midnightferret on July 27, 2010, 02:25:23 PM
I hardly ever get angry at Faire. ;D
But I'm in agreement with most of you re: weapons/safety, people who don't manage/care for their children properly, and otherwise inconsiderate people.
Also: litterbugs. Yep, I'm one of *those* people. Smokers: they're outdoors! The world is their ashtray! So why can't they field strip their cigar/cigarette and throw it in the trash? Danes who think they can just leave their debris (or their children's) about for the crew to pick up: where do they think they are? I once saw a person (sadly, a rennie even) unwrap a piece of candy and throw the wrapper on the ground. My friend and I sort of looked at each other and I didn't know what to do except go pick it up and throw it away.
So those are my peeves. I try to remember to be considerate and hope others try to do so, too. It doesn't always happen that way, though. :(
I run into the trash thing all the time on the street. I will pick up the trash and take it to the person who dropped it, hand it to them while asking " excuse me, did you drop something". Most people will take it with their mouth open not believing I really did that.
Quote from: woodfar on October 01, 2010, 01:57:05 PM
I run into the trash thing all the time on the street. I will pick up the trash and take it to the person who dropped it, hand it to them while asking " excuse me, did you drop something". Most people will take it with their mouth open not believing I really did that.
I like your style!
A funny story: Many years ago, when there was still such a thing as full-service at a gas pump, a guy and his lady drove into a station, in a convertible, on the corner from where I lived. While they we filling his tank, he went to the john, and she slid the ashtray out and dumped it over the side of the car into the driveway (the trash can was 2 feet away...too far to walk!).
The lady who owned the station with her husband, witnessed this act, grabbed a broom and dustpan, and went out and cleaned up all the butts, and the lady in the car watched with disinterest. Mrs. B. then walked over to the convertible and dumped the contents of the dustpan in the back seat!
I liked
her style too. Funny thing about Mrs. B: she'd do anything in the world for you, but you didn't want to cross her.
That's a great example story Merlin. It takes too much negative energ to actually "rage" per the opening post. Justice in the form of teaching lessons as you just described to those in need of the schooling/education, is another matter entirely. ;D
Not sure if I would actually rage, but as close as it can get.
1. People who attend Faire in Walmart Halloween costume level garb in a very weak attempt to fit in, yet they then act complete fools to all around them and especially to the danes who don't know the difference, thereby giving all veteran Playtrons, those with earnest works of garb and personae in progress and the Faire as a whole a bad rep.
One example in particular is this guy who wore a t shirt that simulated a maille shirt, some kind of belt and a plastic toy sword. Therefore (in his mind, accelerated by alcohol ) it was ok to LOUDLY spout an unending stream of very badly accented olde english and make some very roguish remarks to any females that had the misfortune to get in his radius, flail about wildly in his posturing, the list goes on... I even overheard one lady say to another "does he work here?" I quietly informed them that while I myself did not work for them either, that they certainly would never employ badly dressed drunken buffoons such as that. I saw another group of 3 very badly dressed and acting like complete jerks and laughing when people were offended.
2. People who attend for the express purpose of mocking everything about the Faire. Usually this is from the younger teen crowd, but occasionally adults will do this as well. The occasional one who brings their children and does this in front of them, well.....floggings should be reinstated in my book.
I been attending Faire as a playtron for around 25 yrs. My weapons are always peace tied, never had any issue at the gate. I smoke, but always step away from the crowds and walkways and would never smoke in a show, a pub or any other gathering place. Lady Gryphon and I being often mistaken AS cast, have a small repertoire of shticks to entertain onlookers briefly and keep the fantasy alive as we can assist with it.
No, I do not rage nor let anything ruin my day. And seeing unthinking or uncaring people attempting to ruin others day intentionally,they get reported.
Ah, another OLD thread. Why do I always find these a year after they end?
Anyway, let me add one to the list. I'm a merchant, and the thing that torques my jaws is being rushed by a gaggle of undisciplined kids, who touch and grab everything they can reach, while the parents ignore them, or even take pictures of the little brats. For the first time, I finally snapped this weekend, and jumped up , yelling, "Take that helmet off your head", to a little girl who was abusing a $200 leather helmet I'd made. She said "No" and I couldn't get it off her, as she'd fastened the chinstrap. I submerged my impulse to strangle her with it, and turned to her mother, who was taking pictures! She finally intervened, as I was yelling at her to get her kids out of my shop. Whew.
Encouraged by the results, I tried the same tactic with a young couple who were busily snapping pictures of each other while ignoring the shop owner and helpers...many pictures...handling expensive merchandise like they owned it. "Enough PICTURES", I groused. They finished the last of the series, then said "Sorry", and left.
Now, I'm prepared to say something right away to the rude patrons. It keeps my blood pressure safe, and informs them, as their parents never did, about how to treat expensive merchandise that does not belong to them.
I guess it makes me mad that the burden is upon my shoulders to be the "enforcer" and let people know when they've trodden too heavily in someone else's space.
I must say, though, that the vast majority of patrons and kids are polite and respectful. I've just finally gotten the stones enough to say something to those who are not.
Doug
Not ended...merely dormant for a bit.
If you're having difficulty with people trying on your wares and snapping pictures, you should simply do what so many of the vendors at the faires I have attended have done, and post a sign saying "Absolutely No Photos." If you are the artisan/vendor of unique items, you have every right, in my opinion. You can also request "Please do not handle merchandise without assistance." If you don't maintain control of your shop, the dim-witted twits will take it.
One cut I really like when kids are manhandling expesive things is " Oh that (insertprice here) garland will look great on your mum"
That normally ends the grabbit kids for the time. Signs with " No pictures please" works too but you still have to be on the watch for the snap happy people.
Honestly, I can put up with a lot. I can put up with stupid weed puller danes, I can put up with the kids, with the hooker-pirates, with the drunks, and with the garb nazis.
The only thing at faire that has sent me into a fit of rage and still does, are the few people who have wronged some of my family out there.
The very few that have used the community for their kindness, and have taken and taken without giving back. That expect to be given things because they are worse off than other people. The worthless scum still manage to walk amongst the magic, still feeling like they are owed something. And then have the nerve to tell other people when I don't show them kindness.
That will always make me burn so angry that I could throw something.
*Is picturing Elo's Red hair bursting in flames right about now, eyes glowing brightly, standing about 8 feet tall*
Yes, I think the "No Pictures" signage is an idea whose time has come. I've been reluctant to do that, as I didn't mind the respectful people getting their pics...no problem. If some folks actually asks permission before taking pictures, I love them.
I always assumed that the No Pictures signs were because the artisan didn't want thier designs to be copied, but it may actually be more because of people just wearing the items out by handling them.
Also, the line about being sure the $!!! item looking great on your Mom, is really sharp!
We went to an auction at a shop on Saturday. The owner of the shop was auctioning off some swords, some other piratey stuff, and giving out some stuff free. Also, there were raffle tickets. As we walked in the shop at the beginning of the day, the owner...who actually IS older than twelve, though its hard to tell by his attitude, would randomly scream, BOOBIES!!! when women walked by, and would actually reach out, pull out their shirt, LOOK INSIDE, and drop in a raffle ticket.
Later in the day, when we were standing outside the shop for the raffle/auction, he would repeatedly say things like, "I like boobies. If you show me yours, you'll get free stuff. Women who didnt, he would throw water on their light colored chemises, then yell, thats better! now I can see your boobies!! I mean, really, over and over and over.
Im not a prude, but I just didnt think that was right. I stayed far back from him, bc I knew if he attempted it, my husband and I would probably have ended up escorted out of the fair! I dont think most women...covered up or not....expect random men to just grab at their breasts and scream about it. I really felt like that was more like sexual harrassment.
Quote from: jackrocks on September 12, 2011, 10:32:02 AM
We went to an auction at a shop on Saturday. The owner of the shop was auctioning off some swords, some other piratey stuff, and giving out some stuff free. Also, there were raffle tickets. As we walked in the shop at the beginning of the day, the owner...who actually IS older than twelve, though its hard to tell by his attitude, would randomly scream, BOOBIES!!! when women walked by, and would actually reach out, pull out their shirt, LOOK INSIDE, and drop in a raffle ticket.
Later in the day, when we were standing outside the shop for the raffle/auction, he would repeatedly say things like, "I like boobies. If you show me yours, you'll get free stuff. Women who didnt, he would throw water on their light colored chemises, then yell, thats better! now I can see your boobies!! I mean, really, over and over and over.
Im not a prude, but I just didnt think that was right. I stayed far back from him, bc I knew if he attempted it, my husband and I would probably have ended up escorted out of the fair! I dont think most women...covered up or not....expect random men to just grab at their breasts and scream about it. I really felt like that was more like sexual harrassment.
If someone I don't know touches my person without my consent, they are likely to draw back a bruised hand from where I've hit it, and if they are working in a shoppe, I will have no qualms about reporting them to festival management. Were he to actually get far enough along in his assault to have pulled my chemise far enough out to look down in it, he's going to wind up with one helluva headache as well, and that absolutely would be reported to everyone I could find working for the festival. Just because I am wearing something which appropriately displays the treasure chest, that does NOT indicate an invitation to any random person to open and inspect it without my consent!
Quote from: jackrocks on September 12, 2011, 10:32:02 AM
We went to an auction at a shop on Saturday. The owner of the shop was auctioning off some swords, some other piratey stuff, and giving out some stuff free. Also, there were raffle tickets. As we walked in the shop at the beginning of the day, the owner...who actually IS older than twelve, though its hard to tell by his attitude, would randomly scream, BOOBIES!!! when women walked by, and would actually reach out, pull out their shirt, LOOK INSIDE, and drop in a raffle ticket.
Ask any Halloween Event worker (haunted houses) and they will tell you all about the 'hands off' rule for interactive events.
No touching either way. Patrons or Staff. There could very well be a lawsuit in the making here. I've seen better behavior in Hooters (which, by the way, has the same no touch rules).
Did he
know the women he was touching personally? I can't see a complete stranger allowing such liberties, but even if the woman he was manhandling was his newest SO, random and very public interactions like this should be reported to the management anyway since it's bad for business.
Quote from: daggrim on September 11, 2011, 05:24:27 PM
... I'm a merchant, and the thing that torques my jaws is being rushed by a gaggle of undisciplined kids, who touch and grab everything they can reach, while the parents ignore them, or even take pictures of the little brats. For the first time, I finally snapped this weekend, and jumped up , yelling, "Take that helmet off your head", to a little girl who was abusing a $200 leather helmet I'd made. She said "No" and I couldn't get it off her, as she'd fastened the chinstrap. I submerged my impulse to strangle her with it, and turned to her mother, who was taking pictures! She finally intervened, as I was yelling at her to get her kids out of my shop. Whew....
Doug,
Don't be afraid to defend your shoppe and merchandise, it's your hobby and livelyhood.
Most vendors are doing the signage described so far, and in many cases where the merch is not really intended for children anyway, they have a 'no kids' rule. You can also place the expensive stuff way out of reach, or well out of the common areas where customers are allowed, which would be my first suggestion since most kids ignore signs.
A simple 'For your own safety, please ask for assistance before handling merchandise' is a nice PC notification that the parents will understand from mundane stores and even if you don't have a thing in the place that could harm a fly, will make them pay extra attention to what the kids are grabbing.... ;)
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 12, 2011, 11:32:33 AM
Quote from: jackrocks on September 12, 2011, 10:32:02 AM
We went to an auction at a shop on Saturday. The owner of the shop was auctioning off some swords, some other piratey stuff, and giving out some stuff free. Also, there were raffle tickets. As we walked in the shop at the beginning of the day, the owner...who actually IS older than twelve, though its hard to tell by his attitude, would randomly scream, BOOBIES!!! when women walked by, and would actually reach out, pull out their shirt, LOOK INSIDE, and drop in a raffle ticket.
Ask any Halloween Event worker (haunted houses) and they will tell you all about the 'hands off' rule for interactive events. No touching either way. Patrons or Staff. There could very well be a lawsuit in the making here. I've seen better behavior in Hooters (which, by the way, has the same no touch rules).
Did he know the women he was touching personally? I can't see a complete stranger allowing such liberties, but even if the woman he was manhandling was his newest SO, random and very public interactions like this should be reported to the management anyway since it's bad for business.
As the Chairman for a Haunted House in years past, I can quadruple verify that. ;D
We had multiple postings of the rules everywhere in the lobby. And when I had time, I did a full costume MC shtick out there too (with an echo box PA system ) that the primary spiel went something like this...
"No matches, lighters, flashlights or cameras once you pass this door...
DO NOT touch the monsters, they WILL NOT touch you...
IF you TOUCH the monsters, they WILL touch you BACK...and I can assure you that you certainly will NOT like it...*Wicked Laugh* "
Perhaps someone can come up with a spiel (and signage ) geared towards Faire similar to that...hmmm...
Faire be good...
Faire be fun...
But shouldst Thou lay hands P'on my shopkeepers...
Preparest Thyself to runnnn....
Ok, cheesy, but it was spur of the moment. :P
I have made a few hard constructed items and can easily see the grabby sticky fingers all over something like that to be a stage for inflamed red eyes to be sure. Especially since it is your direct livelihood. Sad to say a sign which states "Please do not handle merchandise without assistance" is becoming more needed these days. But it should help. Customers always seem to blur the lines between the playing in the streets and the reality of a working shop. They take for granted that the entire property is a playground. And now that this has made me think, I myself am guilty at our last visit to disney that I was wearing assorted items and getting pics taken. Bad Darklord, bad. Won't do that again. :-[
And I believe I know exactly what show that jackrocks attended, and it can get pretty lively. But I do know they have their own little circle of groupies and the several I have been to, they were doing such things only with people who were in on the joke and invited the playing. Not gonna name names, but from what I have seen they push the envelope, but appear to be very careful in doing so. I have also seen every single time to date that if cast does cross that line, they get at minimum a severe talking to all the way up to being let go. Usually a pretty hard line on that kind of stuff from the different faires I have been to anyway.
that is good to hear. :) someone close to me works for him, and I wouldnt do any of the reporting, bc I wouldnt want to endanger her job, she really needs it. BUT, I would say this person (who is close to me) offered to get my teenage daughters jobs there next summer and that is a resounding NO WAY IN HELL!!!
We did luck out and get my husband an awesome sword at the auction for $20!!! Its big and shiny and sharp!! its more like ninja and he would have liked more piratey, but for $20, cant complain, it was a good birthday gift.
Should we go back this season (we might) and take the kids, I would most certainly avoid that shop, bc it is definitely only for adults!! :)
improperly worn corsets. Although I do indeed enjoy gazing at women's chests ( hey, I AM a healthy man ) seriously, put your girls in the corset the right way so they aren't just bulging out and showing me EVERYTHING but the, well, you know.........
kcdcchef...shut UP. LET them do it the wrong way.
Thanks for understanding about the grabby, picture takers. Nice to know I'm not just an ol' ogre.
Quote from: daggrim on September 12, 2011, 09:49:52 PM
Thanks for understanding about the grabby, picture takers. Nice to know I'm not just an ol' ogre.
Not at all, Daggrim. In the age that I grew up, manners was something you either had, or had beaten into you. Being rude to someone could get you backhanded. These days, good manners are becoming a little more difficult to find. Some years back, when I was managing a restaurant, a young lad walked up to the counter, threw a bill on the counter and demanded, "Gimme some quarters." I said, "No. Not until you ask properly."
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 13, 2011, 05:09:19 AM
Quote from: daggrim on September 12, 2011, 09:49:52 PM
Thanks for understanding about the grabby, picture takers. Nice to know I'm not just an ol' ogre.
Not at all, Daggrim. In the age that I grew up, manners was something you either had, or had beaten into you. Being rude to someone could get you backhanded. These days, good manners are becoming a little more difficult to find. Some years back, when I was managing a restaurant, a young lad walked up to the counter, threw a bill on the counter and demanded, "Gimme some quarters." I said, "No. Not until you ask properly."
They had manners way back when? :D
Back at the Dawn of the Age ... of Television ... even before Wally and the Beav... now THAT'S old! :D
Here is my peeve, it doesnt really enrage me - When i am at faire i like to take pictures of people, people i know and total strangers. Sometimes i get the glare from some people of why i am taking their picture, usually i will ask, but sometimes they are walking by and maybe involved in a conversation so i wont interupt. But why the glare? If you are dressing up in garb you are part of the show, i would think that you are dressed up to show yourself off. You should expect to have your picture taken. If someone wants to take a picture of you in garb, it really should be taken as a compliment to your hard work at putting yourself together.
It's so bad, even my BFF can't deal with it, so most times I just opt out. I hate watching jousters that clearly CAN NOT ride. Seriously, learn to ride BEFORE you pick up a lance. And the next thing that just irritates the crap out of me, fake jousts. You know, the ones for show. Hanlan Lee's (sp?) are the worst, IMHO. Nice guys, can ride decently, but I want to see a REAL joust. You know, when the fall from the horse WASN'T planned. That's why I LOVE the Knights of Valour! Real jousting and great horsemanship. Plus, the horses in their troop are rescues. :D Makes me super happy!
I agree Merlin. I must be as old as you! A little beating never hurt me. It permanently creates a big red stop sign in your psyche in the shortest possible time.
This is sort of a response to Seaman Blurt.
I don't care for strangers taking my picture, and especially not taking pictures of my child. When I see a camera pointed my way, I turn away. If they persist, I put my hand up and apologize, but no pictures please. If they are nice enough to ask first, then I respond with, "I'm sorry, no thank you." I get peeved at the peope that get peeved when I say no. As if I do not have a right to refuse. I have no control over what happens to that picture, and I simply do not want to be posted all over the internet. I certainly do not want my child posted all over the internet for some perv with a child pirate / princess fetish to add it to their collection. People seem to forget that once they post a picture online it can be downloaded by anyone and used for whatever sick purpose sick people intend. That does not make the photographer a bad person, but a byproduct of the internet. I am not insulting them directly, but simply protecting my privacy. I have been told that if I did not want my picture taken then I should not dress up. It sucks all the fun out of pirate festivals, I hope there are enough people in garb at the ren faire that I do not have multiple incidents in a day a faire.
Now for my child touching things ... I say "do not touch" so many times that I have considered just making a recording. Then the darned vendors will say, "oh, it is ok, they can touch it". Aaarrrrgh. The trouble with children is that it is all or nothing. Touch everything or touch nothing. I touch because I am considering a purchase. Now that kiddo has been saving allowance all year in preparation for a "real replica non-firing" pirate pistol at Faire this spring, I suppose I will have to make a deal with the vendor that touching only precedes a possible sale, and only under the strictist of supervision, and only after a recent handwashing! :)
Quote from: LadyDracolich on September 13, 2011, 10:56:51 AM
It's so bad, even my BFF can't deal with it, so most times I just opt out. I hate watching jousters that clearly CAN NOT ride. Seriously, learn to ride BEFORE you pick up a lance. And the next thing that just irritates the crap out of me, fake jousts. You know, the ones for show. Hanlan Lee's (sp?) are the worst, IMHO. Nice guys, can ride decently, but I want to see a REAL joust. You know, when the fall from the horse WASN'T planned. That's why I LOVE the Knights of Valour! Real jousting and great horsemanship. Plus, the horses in their troop are rescues. :D Makes me super happy!
Agreed! I don't know what the group is that does a lot of the east coast shows (like Sterling, BARF, and I thought I even saw them at Scarby this year, though I could be wrong), but they do the same joust for every single show, and it is sooo boring! But last weekend, at the Ardenwood Faire in CA, there was a joust by the Imperial Knights, and they were really good! It looked real to me, which was a breath of fresh air, since I've lately just started avoiding the joust at most faires.
And not to start a battle, but I agree with Seaman - I think that by dressing up, you become a part of the scenery at faire, and therefore should expect that pictures will be taken of you. I think it's perfectly acceptable to ask that people not take pictures of your child, but adults are a different matter.
Betty, most of the best photos I have seen are close-up shots taken from a distance with telephoto lenses. You wouldn't even be aware of many photos that are probably already out there of you and your daughter. By wearing garb, you are silently agreeing to become part of the faire scenery.
Trust me, I'm not in any way trying to diss you in any way, shape, or form. You, as a parent, have the right and duty to protect your child. I have to wonder, though, if you might be sending an unintentional message to your child—that everyone is a perv and don't trust anyone. I have to hope that the world hasn't disintegrated that much. I have heard of isolated cases of pervs at various faires, but in the many years that I have been going to faire, I have not personally witnessed it.
Some of the very best photographs from faire that exist are of small children with a look of wonderment, amusement, awe—things that very soon they won't have anymore. Stalkwell and his wife took some astounding photographs at Sherwood last year, and despite his name, I trust him and his spouse completely. You and your child are going to be photographed, like it (and know it) or not. I would have to agree with the one person who said that if you don't want to be photographed, don't dress up. It would seem that for your peace-of-mind, that may be your only option.
Manners have been discussed in this thread. When I shoot someone where I am in their sight and obviously wanting to shoot them, I ask. I have had many people ask me to take my picture, and am tickled to death to oblige. Occasionally, if I see someone at a distance, out of the corner of my eye, trying to capture me, I will nonchalantly pause and gaze into the distance allowing them to get their shot. I think it's every person's right to get to shoot a wizard. ;)
I do hope you find a compromise that allows you to enjoy without feeling at risk, because that does suck the fun right out of faire.
Betty, I am your perfect example of the kind of Photographer Merlin is speaking about. I am usually in Garb myself, with a lens big enough to choke a horse. This way I can stand back and take a photo of the action. If I find a particularly unique costume, or someone I know who is cast I may ask for a posed photograph, but most of the time, I'm walking the crowd and trying to get the cast and playtons interacting. I feel if you dressed up, then you WANT to be part of the day. It's a public event, therefore I'm really not obligated to ask your permission. I'm tell you this, so you know, not to be a smart @ss. Release forms are not necessary at a public event such as this. And since you are in garb, to me, that is a consent to have your photo taken when interacting with cast or a vendor. I'm 10-20 feet away, I'm not listening in on your conversation and I'm not going to interrupt a skit or a conversation to ask permission. You are a very, very small minority.
As for taking photo's of children. If they are on a ride, and I see joy (or some other priceless expression) on their faces I'll take my shot. If I want a photo of them in their garb, I'll ask he child. Why, because sometime even if the parent says yes, the kid doesn't want a camera lens in their face and I'll respect that. So I try to play all the angles and shoot all the angles. You just never know when a good shot is going to happen.
I don't mind being photographed as part of the scenery, and I love the magic of the telephoto lens. If all pictures were taken without my knowledge, I wouldn't care at all. I love taking pictures too, and bring my camera and take tons of photos of strangers. The distinction is that if it is a single person close up or garb photo, then I ask, and if they said no, then that is ok. To make the assumption that just because I walk out my front door gives anybody who wants to the right to take pictures of me is not reasonable. I don't like to pose. I am simply not photogenic in posed pictures. Once I see the camera, I just cringe. I paid the same entrance fee, I am not required to stop and entertain others. I respect others that enjoy that, and I think they greatly add to the atmosphere at faire, but that just isn't me. I am not rude or ugly about it, I just say no thank you. I am offended by those that get pissed off that I don't want to pose for them. I also don't think it is reasonable to suggest I shouldn't get dressed up if I don't want to play the game the same way most others might. I don't in any way interfere with others enjoyment of faire, I don't think they should interfere with mine. I love to talk with people, and have a few silly pirate jokes in my bag, and if someone wants to sit and talk garb or history then I've got all day, but just not the camera in my face please.
Just to clarify the perv issue. It's not the perv at faire I worry about, but the thousands of pervs on the internet that hunt public photo albulms.
Quote from: kcdcchef on September 12, 2011, 07:26:48 PM
improperly worn corsets. Although I do indeed enjoy gazing at women's chests ( hey, I AM a healthy man ) seriously, put your girls in the corset the right way so they aren't just bulging out and showing me EVERYTHING but the, well, you know.........
We call those dead fish at our Fest. ;)
Quote from: Kiss-me-Kate on September 14, 2011, 10:45:20 PM
Quote from: kcdcchef on September 12, 2011, 07:26:48 PM
improperly worn corsets. Although I do indeed enjoy gazing at women's chests ( hey, I AM a healthy man ) seriously, put your girls in the corset the right way so they aren't just bulging out and showing me EVERYTHING but the, well, you know.........
We call those dead fish at our Fest. ;)
simply awesome!
I've had this happen at least three times this year (two different festivals) - I've been looking at something or talking to someone and when I turn my head I find a camera in my personal space getting a very up close and personal picture of my upper bodice/cleavage area. Take all the pictures you want of me in the scenery or my face or my full outfit, but if you're going to take a zoomed in "porn" shot of my boobs you better darn well ask. And I don't care if you really like my pins or my bodice, the answer will always be no. That just crosses the line. That's what really pisses me off at festival.
I don't think any festival operator would approve of this type of behavior. That should be reported to management.
If anybody wants to risk damaging their equipment by taking my picture, it's OK with me ;D
Quote from: Stolenhalo6 on September 15, 2011, 02:27:38 AM
I've had this happen at least three times this year (two different festivals) - I've been looking at something or talking to someone and when I turn my head I find a camera in my personal space getting a very up close and personal picture of my upper bodice/cleavage area. Take all the pictures you want of me in the scenery or my face or my full outfit, but if you're going to take a zoomed in "porn" shot of my boobs you better darn well ask. And I don't care if you really like my pins or my bodice, the answer will always be no. That just crosses the line. That's what really pisses me off at festival.
Among my friends, we play a lovely game of "guess the cleavage", but you ALWAYS get permission first. How exceedingly rude not to!
I find it amazing that people would have the personality to dress up for faire; to spend lots of cash on garb or lots of time making garb, then not want to be photographed in it. I understand not wanting a camera right up to your cleavage, but on the otherhand if cleavage is displayed in public, i would think a photographer might get the impression that youre not shy. Of course it is good manners to ask, and respect the answer of the playtron. out of curiosity, are cleaveage shots ok with you if they are taken from far away with a telephoto lens>?
Quote from: Seaman Blurt on September 15, 2011, 11:50:28 AM
I find it amazing that people would have the personality to dress up for faire; to spend lots of cash on garb or lots of time making garb, then not want to be photographed in it. I understand not wanting a camera right up to your cleavage, but on the otherhand if cleavage is displayed in public, i would think a photographer might get the impression that youre not shy. Of course it is good manners to ask, and respect the answer of the playtron. out of curiosity, are cleaveage shots ok with you if they are taken from far away with a telephoto lens>?
the problem with the cleavage thing is there are many characters at faire who are so into their wench act that they promote and enjoy the cleavage shots. not saying it makes it right to do it without asking, 'cause it doesnt, but that is why so many people do it i think.
There was an issue a while ago that someone was taking the cleavage shots and putting them up on a porn site. If I remember there was a few lawsuits threatend if they stayed up.
I dont mind having my picture taken but if somthing like that happend to me that persons favorite bits are going to be hanging from my rearview mirror.
Quote from: kcdcchef on September 15, 2011, 11:59:45 AM
Quote from: Seaman Blurt on September 15, 2011, 11:50:28 AM
I understand not wanting a camera right up to your cleavage, but on the otherhand if cleavage is displayed in public, i would think a photographer might get the impression that youre not shy. Of course it is good manners to ask, and respect the answer of the playtron. out of curiosity, are cleaveage shots ok with you if they are taken from far away with a telephoto lens>?
the problem with the cleavage thing is there are many characters at faire who are so into their wench act that they promote and enjoy the cleavage shots. not saying it makes it right to do it without asking, 'cause it doesnt, but that is why so many people do it i think.
As Adrianna Rose mentioned, there was a dust up a couple years back focusing on a particular photog/group of photogs that specifically hunted photos at ren faires of extremely generously endowed females that were not shy about showing just about everything. Some photos the photogs took themselves, and some were downloaded off other sites. The IWG site had a thread about it. In the pictures the ladies were obviously aware they were being photograhed. Those pics ended up on a site that was a not-much-toned-down version of 'girls gone wild' pandering to guys with a fetish for humongous cleavage, and the ladies in question raised a stink about being posted on the site.
Common sense would say; if you don't want a picture of yourself looking/acting a certain way, then don't present the the opportunity for someone to get that shot. The photographers (whether friends or foes) were not exactly sneaking around taking pictures through windows.
You never know who is taking a picture ala 'People of Walmart'.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 15, 2011, 03:13:11 PM
Quote from: kcdcchef on September 15, 2011, 11:59:45 AM
Quote from: Seaman Blurt on September 15, 2011, 11:50:28 AM
I understand not wanting a camera right up to your cleavage, but on the otherhand if cleavage is displayed in public, i would think a photographer might get the impression that youre not shy. Of course it is good manners to ask, and respect the answer of the playtron. out of curiosity, are cleaveage shots ok with you if they are taken from far away with a telephoto lens>?
the problem with the cleavage thing is there are many characters at faire who are so into their wench act that they promote and enjoy the cleavage shots. not saying it makes it right to do it without asking, 'cause it doesnt, but that is why so many people do it i think.
As Adrianna Rose mentioned, there was a dust up a couple years back focusing on a particular photog/group of photogs that specifically hunted photos at ren faires of extremely generously endowed females that were not shy about showing just about everything. Some photos the photogs took themselves, and some were downloaded off other sites. The IWG site had a thread about it. In the pictures the ladies were obviously aware they were being photograhed. Those pics ended up on a site that was a not-much-toned-down version of 'girls gone wild' pandering to guys with a fetish for humongous cleavage, and the ladies in question raised a stink about being posted on the site.
Common sense would say; if you don't want a picture of yourself looking/acting a certain way, then don't present the the opportunity for someone to get that shot. The photographers (whether friends or foes) were not exactly sneaking around taking pictures through windows.
You never know who is taking a picture ala 'People of Walmart'.
Well said
Yup, my theory is if your grandmother would whack you for doing it, dont do it.
RE: Adriana Rose's "Yup, my theory is if your grandmother would whack you for doing it, dont do it."
Big LOL from this Grandma.
To reply to Seaman Blurt in particular - If the picture contains my cleavage and only my cleavage, I don't care how far away it was taken from, I'm not okay with it. If it contains my cleavage and my beautiful smile and a playful wink, no problem. The difference for me is that one shows respect (of a kind) for the person, the other does not.
I am very well endowed (the only reason I don't have a picture posted here on my profile, if your curious, is because I don't have on posted publicly anywhere online that I can grab from), but I easily keep well over half of my girls covered. You have to be looking at me from above to see all that terribly much because of the way I wear my bodice. So anyone taking a cleavage shot is actively trying to and not just a casual photographer snapping candids. I am not shy at all, I enjoy seeing and being seen at festival, and there is a bit of exhibitionism in dressing like a playful wench. But there is still this thing called respect. Don't disrespect me and I won't kick your weed puller. I think that's fair, especially when I've told you plainly where my line is.
Well said, Stolenhalo6.
new DVD idea, wenches gone wild!!!
I respect you Stolenhalo6. :)
That's just because you're afraid I actually could and would kick your week puller :p But thank you. I respect your blurt honesty.
Slightly off topic, but related:
There is no polite way to say to a lady in garb 'Excuse me miss, but I can see your nipples. Is that on purpose?' Cause I know some ladies like to show off, but I also know some would like to be informed they're slipping out.
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on September 16, 2011, 12:04:22 AM
Slightly off topic, but related:
There is no polite way to say to a lady in garb 'Excuse me miss, but I can see your nipples. Is that on purpose?' Cause I know some ladies like to show off, but I also know some would like to be informed they're slipping out.
it's why i listed it as my single thing at faire that hacks me off. i am a red blooded straight man, I LOVE LOOKING AT BOOBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But when worn improperly in an impoperly worn corset, they look like hell actually!!!!!!!
Looking at boobs and being rude are two different things. Captain Cornelius, if you have a female at your side that could inform the woman of her slippage, that would probably be best, HOWEVER, you could also prove yourself a gallant gentleman by stepping up to her, saying "Madam, your naughty bits have escaped!" turn your back to her, and raise your cape to shield her as she adjusts.
Quote from: Stolenhalo6 on September 15, 2011, 08:32:07 PM
That's just because you're afraid I actually could and would kick your week puller :p But thank you. I respect your blurt honesty.
Oh! if you only knew! , mmmmm! pain hurts so good. ;D I just had to blurt that
I'm confused...I thought it was the Renaissance Faire and not the Puerile, Gee I've Never Seen Breasts Before Faire. I'm all for a little bit of bawdy fun but there truly is so much more to Faire, it's kind of a shame to see it thought of as an outdoors Hooters for boys who haven't grown up yet. That goes for the women who desperately need that kind of attention and encourage it to the point that these people think they have a right to disrespect everyone.
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on September 16, 2011, 10:02:39 AM
I'm confused...I thought it was the Renaissance Faire and not the Puerile, Gee I've Never Seen Breasts Before Faire. I'm all for a little bit of bawdy fun but there truly is so much more to Faire, it's kind of a shame to see it thought of as an outdoors Hooters for boys who haven't grown up yet. That goes for the women who desperately need that kind of attention and encourage it to the point that these people think they have a right to disrespect everyone.
What Nikki said!
And what makes me really angry at Faire? People who don't know how to handle alcohol. People who didn't want to go in the first place being really grouchy, especially with their children. People who should have left their dogs at home. Actually, these things pretty much make me angry anywhere! The inappropriate photographer people just gross me out in comparison, they're sort of like gnats.
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on September 16, 2011, 10:02:39 AM
I'm confused...I thought it was the Renaissance Faire and not the Puerile, Gee I've Never Seen Breasts Before Faire. I'm all for a little bit of bawdy fun but there truly is so much more to Faire, it's kind of a shame to see it thought of as an outdoors Hooters for boys who haven't grown up yet. That goes for the women who desperately need that kind of attention and encourage it to the point that these people think they have a right to disrespect everyone.
Well, faire is full of drunken pirates. I totally understand being respectful. i would never cop a feel without permission, unless it was purposely accidental. Yarrr! Pirate!
And I would never kick a gentleman where it counts but wouldn't think twice about it if he forgot to behave like one. Even pirates have a code of honor.
Speaking as a Beer Wench, accidentally on purpose touching is still NEVER okay!! Pirate or not, you will lose an appendage, and I will start with your shortest one! Thereafter having you escorted from our lovely shire by security, the police, or on a stretcher, your choice. I have plenty of "pirate" friends at faire, and they would never dream of touching any of us or anyone else in an inappropriate way! Heck I'm married to a "pirate" and he has far more class than to ever even consider touching a woman inappropriately! The role most MEN at faire take on is that of a protector from the idiots who think its okay to touch, take headless pictures, etc.. just because you are wearing a bodice.. Don't forget at the end of the day its all still make believe. People should also realize that there is a very real chance that you could face criminal charges should you decide to be said idiot.
All said in good fun, of course...But seriously, I don't even like chiropractors!
Again, the Faire isn't an excuse for rude and boorish behavior, even if it's in character.
Well said, Muffin...And it's true, the gentleman (even be they pirates) win the prize...
seems like at faire in the 80's people were more touchy feely in general and more apt to just toss someone in an act even if a touch of pain were to be had. not so much anymore, the joys of a lawsuit happy society. and probably a GOOD THING!
You know i am just arguing for the sake of arguing... I do agree with you ladies. its not ok to touch unless invited to do so. im just glad i am always invited... ;D
there are many wenches at my home faire i know by first name and character first name, and always am playful with them. have many photos of me staring directly into the cleavage, fun stuff. and again, by invitation only!
I have a few pictures of friends pulling that. Sillies. Not offended at all as it's clearly not crossing a boundary. :) Just in fun.
I do think folks should take responsibility for their actions at faire. If you flirt too much with some guy you just met and he trys to get a little more friendly just quietly ask him to back off. Usually they don't mean harm. Just get carried away. No need to cause a scene. I've been wubbie attacked by someone I barely knew, he meant no harm and I didn't get all whipped up over it. I've also had a pirate think it was okay to drape himself on me everytime we met. I quietly asked him to stop as it made me uncomfortable. He did. Of course he also held a grudge over it. Yes there are jerks at faire just lke in real life. My lesson learned. Just like in real life you have to take responsibilty for your actions.
.
The picture thing is a difficult one. I wouldn't want *any* pictures of myself showing up in some babe and boobs website. Yet I'm glad to be part of a portfolio of a faire taken by a respectable photog. When you put on garb you become a photo op. I think just assume you will end up in somebodys photobucket so dress and act to your comfort level.
For me, the thing I hate most is the tempest in the teapot syndrome that happens at faires. I don't know if folks are just bored with their lives and need attention or what, but good lord. Go to faire and have fun, but please don't create drama and fabricate stories and feed the rennie rumor machine. It's annoying and a bore.
I have a new one - - Budweiser products (o;
But then I find good dark ale (Guinness) and all is right with the world again
Yes, Guinness does help to make the world go round. It's my #1 choice in stout (that isn't my own). I also like Bass for an ale. Truth be known, the best brews will never make it to faires because the American beer palate is just not sophisticated enough (in general). My dad liked Old Milwaukee (blech!). When my father-in-law was living in Houston, he drank Buckhorn & Texas Pride. I don't remember which of those two it was, but in a book I had many years ago that graded beers in the U.S., it was the only beer that rated a zero. Having tasted it myself, I think they were way too generous with the score.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 16, 2011, 02:03:23 PM
Yes, Guinness does help to make the world go round. It's my #1 choice in stout (that isn't my own). I also like Bass for an ale. Truth be known, the best brews will never make it to faires because the American beer palate is just not sophisticated enough (in general). My dad liked Old Milwaukee (blech!). When my father-in-law was living in Houston, he drank Buckhorn & Texas Pride. I don't remember which of those two it was, but in a book I had many years ago that graded beers in the U.S., it was the only beer that rated a zero. Having tasted it myself, I think they were way too generous with the score.
yeah my old man always drank budwesier and bud light, schlitz, all that hillbilly crap. i do think the american beer palate is improving, 20 years ago you never saw oatmeal stouts, nutcracker brews, all that stuff. hey if you ever make it through KC again, i highly reccomend boulevard beer. pretty decent american stuff.
The closest I've been to truely angry at faire is the few times really drunk women have tried to lift my kilt. I do not understand thinking its OK to place a hand up a kilt when you would certainly be upset if a man put a hand up your skirt or down you shirt.
While I don't wear a kilt so far (Milady is hard at working trying to get me into a US Marine one as those are now being recognized, though ) I seem to hear a lot about this. And find that a very valid point. Why would someone who would likely have a very (and rightfully ) huge fit should anyone place a hand up a leg or down a blouse think its ok to do so to Men?
And as for this girl who seems to do this regularly at Dragon Cons according to the board I found it at, should that be done to me in a kilt without warning she would certainly experience some of my rage....I don't find it amusing at all....
(http://www.darkwhispi.net/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=33343&g2_serialNumber=1)
This "lady" obviously needs to have things explained to her. Out of line.
I know men who will not wear a kilt specifically because it makes them a target. The
mirrors some wenches carry...the unasked for kilt checks. Seriously.... *eyeroll here*. People leave their senses at home sometimes when they enter faire.
actually, I believe that's Jenny Breeden the artist who does The Devil's Panties comic http://thedevilspanties.com/ (http://thedevilspanties.com/)
It's possible that it is not actually her, but instead one of her followers, and I'm pretty sure that they don't just sneak up on unsuspecting kilted men... I mean, really, they are carrying leaf blowers for crying out loud. It's been going on for several years, and started out as a joke in the comic that sort of got shifted into the real-life con
As I understand the female with the leaf blower she only does it with those that are willing and know she is doing it. I never liked those so called candid camera shows were they blow women skirts up or stuff like that I know they are really popular in certain countries and all but they are not my idea of humour. I don't mind and even enjoy a kilt check by a woman I know or even one I don't know if they who ask and I'm fairly sure they knows how it correctly perform said aka with permission and discretion. Not just someone grabing and pulling to the chin without asking in full view of the world including possible children. Time and place people time and place.
I agree with the female version of the male ogler being entirely out of line also.
It goes both ways!
You lasses have advanced permission to grope me anytime ;D
Oh my, I am afraid I will mistake some poor unsuspecting gentleman for Seaman Blurt!
Quote from: Betty Munro on September 16, 2011, 07:22:14 PM
Oh my, I am afraid I will mistake some poor unsuspecting gentleman for Seaman Blurt!
I can wear a name tag
Throwing in my two cents.
agree with everyone about the kids, been sitting at a show with my sword leaned against my knee and felt a sudden tugging. A kid of about 8 had walked up grabbed hold of the hilt and was trying his hardest to pull it out with the leather cord i had used to piece tie it still on it. As most people would do seeing a kid about to do something hugely stupid I yelled at him to drop it, which got me a tap on the back from the kids dad asking me not to yell at his kid and just let the kid take it out and play with it abit.... Im guessing daddy dear didn't know faire rules (trf) and/or is a total idiot. I don't keep my swords razor sharp, but more than sharp enough to hurt yourself on (got a scar from my own stupidity trying to show off one night to prove it) but even if it wasn't no way im going to let an 8 year old play with a $400 anything. These days i wear my sword on my back to make it harder to draw.
Im only 25 and I remember well my dad taking his belt off and tanning my backside for grabbing a football off the shelf at one of his friends houses after I was told no, So at what point did parents just totally loose their mind and give up trying to control their kids?
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 16, 2011, 06:30:21 AM
Looking at boobs and being rude are two different things. Captain Cornelius, if you have a female at your side that could inform the woman of her slippage, that would probably be best, HOWEVER, you could also prove yourself a gallant gentleman by stepping up to her, saying "Madam, your naughty bits have escaped!" turn your back to her, and raise your cape to shield her as she adjusts.
Merlin: I speak mostly of those who can be seen THROUGH their cloth top, rather then those who have popped out.
yeah those are pretty special too. how bout' improperly worn kilts? that is getting rather annoying!!!!!!! and my latest favorite, kilts with cowboy boots????????????????????????????????
I would have to agree wholeheartedly about kids running loose at faire. Where has proper parenting gone these days? Also, another thing at faire that somewhat annoys me is parents bringing their kids to a show which is for an older audience, although I do like the warnings that the performers give out beforehand! :)
Agree about drunk, incompetent, drunk, ignorant, drunk, self-absorbed, drunk, non-attentive, parental units letting children run amok. (Did I mention drunk?)
Two kids whaling on one another with boppers in an open area is one thing; the boys with bows and sharpened arrows shooting into the air at TRF under the watchful eye of three drunken adults – well, I guess they were allowed to swing their wooden swords in a crowd last year.
My own "single thing" has to do with adult entertainer bait and switch at TRF a couple years back. It was in the Agora area, often the site of adult shows, but we had checked and no adult stuff was scheduled. There was a huge audience seated for the last show of the day, a "special fire show, with belly dancers" which was more than suitable for all ages; everybody had food, lots of kids and older people. The area was packed.
Some person jumped on a table, announcing that so and so was running late on another stage, the act following needed an audience and we get a special treat, namely such and such, a known strictly adult act, but no mention of "get the kids out" for unsuspecting new faire goers.
At least half the audience left immediately. Our group had seats, food, and 10 of us so I decided to wait it out; the children were sent to play in an open spot at the now empty edge of the area. As the act proceeded, a lot more people left.
I was not amused or entertained in any way, yet the helpers pushed hats in my face with me glaring at them and shaking my head no. Then the speaker berated the audience with "come on, you can do better than that" and announced that the act would do it again because "he deserves to make his money." He had brought his own small audience with him, but apparently they did not come up with enough cash to buy him off.
While we find adult acts entertaining and take turns supervising the children elsewhere, this was, in old language, beyond the pale. Chasing away the audience for the scheduled act was unacceptable. Demanding money in such a manner was unacceptable. Such lack of respect for the paying customers was unacceptable.
Dear Merlin, I am regretting doing the necro on this thread. None of these things seem to be worthy of hurling any well balanced person off "into the depths of rage".
Our forum host just about had the negativity threads under control and thus, my regret for doing a necro with this thread with a negative topic/theme.
Now, standing ready for the stones to fly this direction. Its more fun to focus on the positive side of this co-creation for purposes of entertainment.
If I stand alone on this idea, then by all means . . . carry on with focus on the negativity if this is what we must have and must feed upon in the place we come for fun and unity of thought and purpose.
Quote from: kcdcchef on September 17, 2011, 12:32:06 AM
yeah those are pretty special too. how bout' improperly worn kilts? that is getting rather annoying!!!!!!! and my latest favorite, kilts with cowboy boots????????????????????????????????
Ya woke me back up - Apparently you've never been to a highland games in Texas. We wear our boots with everything, including our kilts. I'm one of the original Kilted Cowboys. Traded in my Wranglers for kilts 6 years ago and haven't looked back.
I'll take a good pair of Lacers or Work boots over Ghillies any day. However, today is my laid back day so its a denim kilt with t-shirt, hoodie and SAS sandals.
Keepin It Kilted
Hey, Archer,
If nothing else, you made me Google "necro on this thread" because I did not know what it meant. Never too old to learn, eh.
Quote from: PollyPoPo on September 17, 2011, 12:18:06 PM
Hey, Archer,
If nothing else, you made me Google "necro on this thread" because I did not know what it meant. Never too old to learn, eh.
Learned it from some folks much younger than me, who instructed that I should learn what they call a meme.
Similar to Bump, Necro is a sister term of Bump for reviving really old and inactive topics back to the first page. Depending on the forum, intentional necromancy of a thread that has ended discussion and inactive for a long time is prohibited. This is also called "necro-trolling", and more commonly "necroposting".
It was my sin, responding to Merlin's story of liter justice that caught my eye.
In a mere three posts, we've brought it away from negativity and made it a positive learn experience.
Perhaps a change of the topic name would move it away from being a negativity thread. Its good to take a negative and turn it into a positive.
If that can't be done, maybe lock the sucker up to re-direct toward the positive aspects of what we gather here to discuss and do for entertainment and high excitement. :)
For the necro. . . an apology was in order. ;D
"...Merlin's story of liter justice..." I'm trying to figure that out. Like Bones would say, "I don't know what that means."
I think "depths of rage" is a bit strong for most of the issues we've been discussing, and for the most part, it has simply been discussion. While you are so very right that faire is for fun, there are occasions and incidents at faire when problems arise.
The thing about this thread, as opposed to the negative threads you mentioned, is that there may be a legitimate purpose for this one, if kept on target. That purpose is to inform those who own, operate, or staff faires around the country that there are issues that they may wish to examine and watch for to protect themselves from injured patrons and/or possible legal repercussions.
We're all having fun at faire ... we like to keep it that way. :)
Another peeve, not really a rage is danes who bring pets and expect you to take pictures with them and have no worry over whether you might have an issue with it.
We were at a Faire and a trio of goths came walking by, one of which had a snake wrapped around her hand and she was well into her cups. So she bounces up remarking how kewl we look and she MUST have a picture with us. I had time to remark that neither of us were comfortable with snakes, which she ignored before draping her arms across our shoulders. Fortunately for her she draped the snake one across Lady Gryphons shoulder, not on mine or there would have been a very lively reaction ( I have a distinct phobia of snakes ). To the couple with hers credit, the guy snapped a pic as quickly as he could and the girl, seeing us both turn a deep shade of pale and the girl moved VERY quickly to remove the other girl from us and dragged her off down the walkway, lecturing her all the way.
Some people do not like animals at all. Some have phobias. Always best to ask first.
(And like Merlin, I find this thread not just about negativity. It is and can be very helpful advice to anyone from any angle of attending as to trouble issues and yes even up to legal ramifications )
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 17, 2011, 01:38:55 PM
"...Merlin's story of liter justice..."
lol, it was a reference that I was prompted by your story of the shop keeper who swept up her driveway and then she dumped it back in the car.
"Litter" was incorrectly spelled. Finger mumbling this morning, apparently. Blame it on age and carpal tunnel. ;D
LOL! Okay... NOW I get it... I thought maybe it had something to do with the volume of Jack Daniel's I drink in a week... ;)
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on September 17, 2011, 11:09:34 AM
Ya woke me back up - Apparently you've never been to a highland games in Texas. We wear our boots with everything, including our kilts. I'm one of the original Kilted Cowboys. Traded in my Wranglers for kilts 6 years ago and haven't looked back.
I'll take a good pair of Lacers or Work boots over Ghillies any day. However, today is my laid back day so its a denim kilt with t-shirt, hoodie and SAS sandals.
Keepin It Kilted
fine. you're in texass. you guys do everything a little different down there, and from what i have seen in my travels to the lone star state, you do everything in cowboy boots. so i'll let that slide. but in Maryland and New York, where no one has on cowboy boots?
Just lightening the mood round here ...
Do they even sell cowboy boots in NY and MD? LOL! Some folks have to choose the least of evil in garb ... what do you wear on your feet with a kilt if you don't have gillies or ren boots? I guess I'm just so happy to see a man in a kilt I barely notice what he's got on his feet. Much like you probably wouldn't notice the elastic in my polyseter chemise. ;) LOL!
Quote from: Lord Dragon on September 17, 2011, 01:49:46 PM
Some people do not like animals at all. Some have phobias. Always best to ask first.
THANK YOU!!!
I was bitten in the face by a dog (a very friendly and sweet dog, yeah right...) when I was small. Don't EVER, EVER, EVER assume everyone just LOOOOVESSS dogs or any other animal. I am scared to death of dogs and I assume all dogs will bite me. That kind of thing sticks with you. This has also led to a distrust of dog owners. Be responsible for you pet and respect others, please!
Quote from: Betty Munro on September 17, 2011, 07:30:18 PM
Just lightening the mood round here ...
Do they even sell cowboy boots in NY and MD? LOL! Some folks have to choose the least of evil in garb ... what do you wear on your feet with a kilt if you don't have gillies or ren boots? I guess I'm just so happy to see a man in a kilt I barely notice what he's got on his feet. Much like you probably wouldn't notice the elastic in my polyseter chemise. ;) LOL!
:D I rode up to a bike rally in upstate NY in 1983, and people were asking about my boots all the time!
what do you wear on your feet with a kilt if you don't have gillies or ren boots? The same shoes you'd wear if you weren't wearing a kilt. It's not a uniform!
This doesn't cause me rage, but it does greatly annoy me - when faires are so out to make a profit that they stop caring about the paytrons. For example, the faire that I went to yesterday, which apparently is known for having hot weather (and is a very dry, dusty faire), was charging $4 for a small-sized soda. That is more expensive than Disneyland. I'm really glad I brought a whole bunch of water with me, but when I ran out, I left the faire. I'm not paying through the nose just because I'm a "captive" audience. And the food prices weren't much better.
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on September 18, 2011, 05:36:24 AM
This doesn't cause me rage, but it does greatly annoy me - when faires are so out to make a profit that they stop caring about the paytrons. For example, the faire that I went to yesterday, which apparently is known for having hot weather (and is a very dry, dusty faire), was charging $4 for a small-sized soda. That is more expensive than Disneyland. I'm really glad I brought a whole bunch of water with me, but when I ran out, I left the faire. I'm not paying through the nose just because I'm a "captive" audience. And the food prices weren't much better.
A price can and often does annoy on first blush but, those of us that are getting up there in age would say that some of the real problem lies in the fact that your dollar only buys about 1/4 of what it did in our earlier years of life. The blame should at least in part be on the devaluation of our dollar and the middlemen who make, transport, package and handle things before it gets to our hand. So yea, for one who used to get a softdrink for a dime, then fifteen cents, then a quarter and pumped fuel all day for 19 cents a gallon, it does cause sadness (if not annoyance) to see what our nation has allowed to happen with the value and purchase power of our dollar. I guess I don't blame the operators or vendors at faire for this because they didn't devalue our dollar and therefore, I can't lay the blame on that sadness or annoyance at the vendor or faire operator's doorstep.
It's certainly true that prices do rise over time, but that doesn't quite excuse a $4 Coke. I do expect higher prices at faire than on the "outside," but there is a limit to what is reasonable. I, too, remember the "good old days" when I could get a dollar—that much usually being reserved for a special occasion such as a birthday—and using that to ride the bus downtown, go to a movie (often a double feature), get a Coke and some popcorn, and making it back home on the bus. All for a dollar...
It may not excuse the price under discussion but I'd lay a little wager that it gets worse before it gets better . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=619XZwtj-fw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=619XZwtj-fw)
I've given up soft drinks anyway and feel better physically as a result of that choice. :D
No, I have to say that my earlier comment does garner quite a bit of strong emotion from me. As a former professional equestrian, it does anger me when I see so-called "professionals" demonstrating poor riding skill and horsemanship. Just because you are a rennie with a draft horse and lance does NOT mean you are a qualified professional equestrian worthy of demonstrating something as dangerous and requiring of skill as jousting. You not only endanger your life and someone else's, but that of your horse who is too good natured to tell you what a moron you really are. I have seen great jousting and riding skill on the faire circuit, but I have seen more idiots in armor and on a horse than I care to count. I wish faire management would realize this as it happens at one of my favorite faires in the NE.
And, should you question my fervor on this subject, you only need ask Lady Mikayla. She refuses to watch any joust with me... Though I generally refrain from watching any jousters other than the Knights of Valour or Patrick Lambke.
well.....for me it is.....
UNCONTROLED children! good, gawd!
i have seen children hit, kick, climb on and are just mouthy, towards actors at faire. where are the parents? WATCHING!
makes my blood boil! and yes, i have corrected a child, softly to stop. if they don't the first time, i will say it again, firmer.
i have stopped to chat with a parent, pretending i did not know it was their child with these words....."can you believe that? i wonder where the parents are of that brat? that kid should be taught some manners!"
then i smile and walk away. it usually 'nips it in the bud'....
I like your style, Irish! :)
Something in the way of information/thoughts for those who complain (or have negative reactions) about child behaviors. . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa3Dp5AmKSM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa3Dp5AmKSM)
Quote from: Betty Munro on September 17, 2011, 07:30:18 PM
Just lightening the mood round here ...
Do they even sell cowboy boots in NY and MD? LOL! Some folks have to choose the least of evil in garb ... what do you wear on your feet with a kilt if you don't have gillies or ren boots? I guess I'm just so happy to see a man in a kilt I barely notice what he's got on his feet. Much like you probably wouldn't notice the elastic in my polyseter chemise. ;) LOL!
I'll address this one alone.
One of my favorite pairs of boots, in fact probably my first pair of cowboy boots, were suede. I wore them for many years, got lots of compliments on them.........and bought them at a store in Boston, Mass.
Now to the topic.
I generally don't get angry at faires, have rarely left one feeling bad. About the only one was where I had a difference of opinion, badly stated, with another person.....so one learns to keep their opinions to them self.
HOWEVER, the other night I was at a belly dancing show and it did bug me that I could hear the man talking to his date a table or so behind me, over the performance. If one is going to be at a show, show some respect for the performer.
Years ago, I saw a man get up and head toward "Sholo", on stage, in a possible confrontation. That's never good but "Sholo" handled it professionally.
The other little things? Cell phones? Not too crazy about them but learned to live with them. Further, even if the person is in garb, one should recognize that some of us are more into it than others and that we should not lessen those who are not. Of course, it can get difficult and it is slightly irritating, but really, very slightly, when you have to break character to get a point across. A few years ago, someone complimented me on my camera and I immediately responded in the cover story, about the strange device that the gypsies gave me when I traveled with them................and confused my complimenter. Again, however, such is something of an occupational risk.
Star Wars, Star Trek, or even Clockwork Orange? Yes, it is out of place, but in keeping the faires going, tolerated. We want people to come to the faires, have fun, ....spend money. We don't want to shoot ourselves in the foot by being very strict on appearances.
Of course, Star Wars figures are much easier to deal with if you look at them with an eye of the era. He's not a storm trooper, but just a knight with very expensive, fancy armor.
On taking pictures. I rarely ask in "open air" and follow the legal protocols in that the focal point is where a reasonable person has no expectacy of privacy, they are not profit, not for advertising, nor displayed in a way insulting to the person. If I see someone turn away from the camera, I turn away from them. I rarely take sole cleavage or bum shots and in those times when it might appear that I am, those shots are not displayed. (Those are "intelligence shots" where I'm capturing a detail of the costume or of a performer for future recognition.) My style of photography is to get the face and most of the person. Admittedly, cleavage shots do occur, but that's more of the subject matter than the focal point of the shot.
I switch off the camera when I enter a shop, in respect to the vendor, and do not take shots of items in the shop although if a suitable picture occurs in passing, I might try to get it shooting out from the shop. That just depends. Shots of Danes are not high on the list, but they can occur depending on the situation, such as how they are reacting to a joust, that springy "ride", ......or on occassion, they want me to get shots of them.
Which comes to something of a point. How much is one selling the "industry"? I'm not an employee of any festival but when people come up to me asking directions, I try to be helpful. Some come to me about the whip or the ren shirt and I've tried to provide them with the information they wanted. I've even provided a brief cover story for that Black Knight known as Darth when a Dane said he was out of place..............warp coil accident.
I cannot imagine anyone in their right mind confronting Sholo. The only thing I can think of that I'd be brave enough to call him is "Sir." He is actually a quite delightful person when out of his character.
Hey Dinobabe, the same thing happened to me as a toddler, and I still have a small scar on my face many decades later. I got nailed by another dog as an adult, too. I'm not really afraid of dogs, but I almost always take a defensive posture around a strange dog, automatically. I often carry an umbrella on my walks, and when hiking in the countryside, or the wilderness, I always arm myself with a stick, first thing. I like dogs, but only after I know I can trust them.
Daggrim
Irish...very smooth move.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 19, 2011, 06:04:49 AM
I cannot imagine anyone in their right mind confronting Sholo. The only thing I can think of that I'd be brave enough to call him is "Sir." He is actually a quite delightful person when out of his character.
He is indeed a delightful person out of character.
I happened to be in the vicinity one afternoon at a pub where he performed once a day on a very small stage, that required him to set up his own speaker for his wireless microphone. There were several women sitting on the edge of the stage, on the side, when he arrived. He said to them, nicely, something to the effect of "In about 2 minutes I'm going have to set up for my show on this stage, and will need you to move please." Well, they took HUGE offense and mouthed off about "what if we don't move", to which he responded with "I could have Security remove you". They continued to get more and more belligerant, and louder as he walked around to the front of the stage and started setting up. When he refused to be drawn in further, they stormed off. About 10 minutes into the show (generally about a half hour, ending a few minutes before the next act arrives to do their own set up), Management showed up & called him off the stage to attend to "an emergency". Those of us in attendance were ASTOUNDED, and when he returned there were a great many offers of "we saw what happened, we will write letters to mgmt in support of what really happened." He was very appreciative of the support, and asked that we not do anything until he heard further from mgmt. When I spoke with him the next day, everything had been handled and it was no longer a problem. It just astounds me what idiots will do! AND while I realize that I know the teddy bear that's underneath that "Nubian Warrior" exterior, if I were to encounter a similarly clad STAGE ACT, I would certainly, even in my most inebriated state of mind, know that being told that the stage on which I'm sitting was about to be prepared for his show was NOT A THREAT TO MY SAFETY, but rather a warning that it was not the best choice for seating.
I'm reasonably sure I know of the stage you speak... Pardon the off-topic—I realize that never happens on this forum—but this past season at Sherwood, we had the pleasure of finally seeing his stage show and THOROUGHLY enjoyed it! So when we got to Scarby, we took our friends to see his show. I got Sholo to include Nim in his act. He saved her for last and stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her and picked her up. Nim has chronic back problems, and I owe Sholo for the "treatment" as she was pain-free for several weeks after that.
lol, what is up with that ? You do not seem to be actually "hurling off into the depths of rage" brother Merlin. Free back treatments are a good thing. ;D :P
It's okay, Archer. You'll get a chance to enjoy Sholo next April! You need "rage?" I don't like bad folks dissin' the good ones. Sholo is a good one. :)
Excellent. New experiences to look forward to, that is if Texas doesn't turn to a cinder 'afore we get there. :)
MrHyde's pictures looked like they needed a volunteer bucket brigade, without any who were being "hurled into the depths of rage", that is. ;D
The simple fact that I and many of us have put much into our garb and Faire Personna. For me I do like to be as close to period (1540-1590) as possible and comfortable. Support the vendors for interesting bits of garb and visit with friends and meet new ones. I dislike the staring by ungarbed or poorly garbed "partiers" who seem to form a ClusterF*%# near the pubs.
Rude kids for sure.
Smokers who treat the grounds as an ashtray. I smoke and I strip the remains and put it in the bin.
Heres a new one for me.
People playtrons and patrons who come into my shop look at the garlands that I bust my hump to make curl their lip and say " I can go get the stuff and make it for cheaper" or the ones that look me in the eye and ask me how I made the garland. This is how I make my living I am in no way going to tell them.
Does this bother or annoy you because you feel you or your work is devalued by it ? Is it a choice and could one decide to consider it a compliment that they would want to make one such as yours ? Is it all in how you decide to take the comment ? Take a lemon and make some lemonade. Its easier on the stress factors that affect your zen and potentially your health. ;)
Quote from: Archer on September 20, 2011, 12:03:37 AM
Does this bother or annoy you because you feel you or your work is devalued by it ? Is it a choice and could one decide to consider it a compliment that they would want to make one such as yours ? Is it all in how you decide to take the comment ? Take a lemon and make some lemonade. Its easier on the stress factors that affect your zen and potentially your health. ;)
I believe that if it only happened once in a blue moon, it might be easier to take it as a compliment. As this video, http://wn.com/vendors?orderby=relevance&upload_time=all_time (http://wn.com/vendors?orderby=relevance&upload_time=all_time), indicates (the first one, the vendor/client relationship in the real world, can't say for the rest), that's not necessarily the case. Now granted, this is humor......but humor impacts a long way when it has a lot as oppose to a little reality to relate to.
Further, there is that essential point, that this is the vendors' cash supply. It's not money on the side, but how they eat and live. Things that threaten anyone's meal ticket are pretty tough to interpret as a compliment.
Quote from: DT_Masters on September 20, 2011, 01:04:16 AM
Quote from: Archer on September 20, 2011, 12:03:37 AM
Does this bother or annoy you because you feel you or your work is devalued by it ? Is it a choice and could one decide to consider it a compliment that they would want to make one such as yours ? Is it all in how you decide to take the comment ? Take a lemon and make some lemonade. Its easier on the stress factors that affect your zen and potentially your health. ;)
I believe that if it only happened once in a blue moon, it might be easier to take it as a compliment. As this video, http://wn.com/vendors?orderby=relevance&upload_time=all_time (http://wn.com/vendors?orderby=relevance&upload_time=all_time), indicates (the first one, the vendor/client relationship in the real world, can't say for the rest), that's not necessarily the case. Now granted, this is humor......but humor impacts a long way when it has a lot as oppose to a little reality to relate to.
Further, there is that essential point, that this is the vendors' cash supply. It's not money on the side, but how they eat and live. Things that threaten anyone's meal ticket are pretty tough to interpret as a compliment.
That was an interesting video perspective. No question that there is negativity out there that we are exposed to each day. Perhaps each of those situations presents us with an opportunity to learn or to teach and to decide what we will not do and how we will not act toward others. It is human nature to gravitate first, toward negative feelings when confronted with negativity or things that tend to devalue us or devalue what we consider to be something of our own creation and high excitement. If we make a choice to decide that our method of earning is under attack, the learned behavior reaction is to feel devalued and defensive. Redefine is the method to make a decision to let none of that negativity impact because it has no real impact unless you permit it by making that choice, to permit. The comment really does not devalue you or your work or services at all. A choice could be made to view it simply as a neutral prop that gives you an opportunity to decide how you will or will not behave yourself. After all, your choices and your words and actions are something you own. You have to own it before you can control it. A choice is made each time you decide how you are going to react to negativity or negative comments or negative energy put out there by others. Its just a tool to consider for the daily life toolbox but, each individual has a choice to use it, or not.
Comments like "I could make it cheaper" at ANY event featuring handcrafted items is in extremely poor taste, and, often, when you get down to it, not true at all. Admittedly, I have made some of those very same comments, however I did so PRIVATELY, away from the shop, so as not to insult the vendor.
Some items, like simple chemises and basic skirts, sure, I can make those for much less cost in materials than the price of what most vendors sell, and it doesn't take me very long to whip those things out, HOWEVER, when you calculate in my time, at a reasonable hourly rate, let's say $10/hour for JUST the preparation of the purchased items and the sewing of them, and fuel to go pick up the fabric at the store, unless I hit a really great sale on fabric, a basic cotton chemise is right about $40 in materials, fuel, and my time, and that's a plain, made from 4 squares/rectangles of fabric with an elastic neckline & elastic cuffs, and nothing fancy on it.
Don't even get me started on corsets/bodices, those are generally worth every penny to me.
Something like flower garlands, such as Adriana makes & sells, I would think that by the time materials are purchased and the tedium of getting everything assembled, they would be worth every penny.
Unless a demonstration is part of the booth's offering, I would think asking for instructions, ESPECIALLY after having made a comment about being able to make it cheaper, is not only in poor taste, it IS downright rude, and after enough incidents, I think it would begin to hurl me into depths of rage as well.
I dont let it get to me anymore, though one of the giels that works for me look like she was going to rip the persons head off when they asked her that. Thank goodness she didnt but I saw the thought crossing her mind, this was for a " How do you make it, and whats in it?" question. She said " Oh just about 8 years of practice and a bit of this and a bit of that"
Quote from: raevyncait on September 20, 2011, 10:13:52 AM
Comments like "I could make it cheaper" at ANY event featuring handcrafted items is in extremely poor taste, and, often, when you get down to it, not true at all. Admittedly, I have made some of those very same comments, however I did so PRIVATELY, away from the shop, so as not to insult the vendor.
Some items, like simple chemises and basic skirts, sure, I can make those for much less cost in materials than the price of what most vendors sell, and it doesn't take me very long to whip those things out, HOWEVER, when you calculate in my time, at a reasonable hourly rate, let's say $10/hour for JUST the preparation of the purchased items and the sewing of them, and fuel to go pick up the fabric at the store, unless I hit a really great sale on fabric, a basic cotton chemise is right about $40 in materials, fuel, and my time, and that's a plain, made from 4 squares/rectangles of fabric with an elastic neckline & elastic cuffs, and nothing fancy on it.
Don't even get me started on corsets/bodices, those are generally worth every penny to me.
Something like flower garlands, such as Adriana makes & sells, I would think that by the time materials are purchased and the tedium of getting everything assembled, they would be worth every penny.
Unless a demonstration is part of the booth's offering, I would think asking for instructions, ESPECIALLY after having made a comment about being able to make it cheaper, is not only in poor taste, it IS downright rude, and after enough incidents, I think it would begin to hurl me into depths of rage as well.
I'm a professional chef, and hear this a lot. I could make it cheaper. Than please do and shut the fu(* up. So could I, after I take away your tablecloth, silverware, table, dishes, server, air conditioning, building you're eating it in, and all that fun stuff. It really is in such poor taste to say that directly to a vendor. Sad.
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on September 18, 2011, 05:36:24 AM
This doesn't cause me rage, but it does greatly annoy me - when faires are so out to make a profit that they stop caring about the paytrons. For example, the faire that I went to yesterday, which apparently is known for having hot weather (and is a very dry, dusty faire), was charging $4 for a small-sized soda. That is more expensive than Disneyland. I'm really glad I brought a whole bunch of water with me, but when I ran out, I left the faire. I'm not paying through the nose just because I'm a "captive" audience. And the food prices weren't much better.
If the faires provided a safe, free, drinking water source like a drinking fountain I wouldn't mind that the vendors charge 3-4$ bucks for a bottle of water for the patrons who may not want to drink tap water.
Markup on bottled water of just about any brand is 400-500%, and on only one occasion have I ever encountered a vendor that offered bottled water at less than the price of a 20oz. soda.
For the 'I can make it cheaper' snarks; I would tell them:
"Feel free to run on home and give it your best shot. However, if you want to wear a nice wreath/hat/ gown
now, please refer to the price tag on the item. Be aware that the price is NOT negotiable."
Well stated Rowen.
I think most of us here could make just about anything we wanted. Yes, it is your time and therefore technically saves you money. But that's not the point! I buy a loaf of bread because I don't always have the time to make one. It would be cheaper for me to buy the ingredients and make it myself (and healthier!). We buy ready made items to save time, support a well liked vendor, get a better quality than we are capable of (years of experience there!), buy a single item that we may have to buy in bulk, the list goes on, etc. We live in a ready made, disposable society so even the hand crafted items are seen that way. It's really too bad that society has gone down that way. At least we have the support of this community and place to rant about it. ;)
Thank you crafters that have decided to take the harder road of preserving hand crafts, trades skills, and other lost arts!
If the vendors aren't there to pay booth fees to increase the faires income, there'd be no faire. Therefore, my shopping addiction is the least I can do to keep the faire open. lol
But doesn't it SOUND like it makes a lot of sense???........ ;D
Lady Renee, I wholeheartedly agree with your view! If we don't help support the vendors, they won't come to our Faires, and the Faires will dwindle away. This is why I bought a corset at a recent Faire from a new vendor! It was purely altruism.... (it really helped that the corset was a fabulous price, and just screamed at me to take it home. I truly couldn't turn it down, now could I?) ;D
Now these are some feel good posts. I must admit that my party on average is "blessed" and will usually drop at least (one or more) multiple 4 digit numbers, spread amoung craftsmen and vendors, over a month time each year, in support of my local faire. I tend to purchase from other sources only those things I can't locate at the faires I attend.
I suspect that may occasionally be a measure of salve for any good souls that were in the booth or shop, ahead of me.
I encourage the guests I take or invite to visit particular vendors who have good/quality inventory and positive charged personalities.
Those tend to be winning combinations for those who attend with intent to support their work and creativity.
Historically, the arts have always needed benefactors. The trick is how to be selected by those benefactors.
At the risk of the label lecturer, keep up the good work craftsmen and vendors. Some supporters will notice. Not all are able . . . these days.
Edit to add: Nothing in this activity or process has, so far, hurled me off into the depths of rage. :P
Shoplifters and thieves. Grrrr.
Last weekend our clan tent at the Quad Cities games was located next door to a vendor. They happen to be friends of ours as well as sponsors of many of the Celtic Games in the Midwest.
I was sitting in my tent crowdwatching that afternoon, when I noticed a young lady, maybe early 20's, wearing an oversized down vest, jogging pants, sneakers and a long sleeved T-shirt. The temps were in the upper 60's. She appeared to be about 5-6 mo pregnant, though otherwise she was very thin. She was accompanied by a young man about the same age wearing a polo shirt and cargo shorts. She was also carrying a large camera with a telephoto lens around her neck, though oddly she was not carrying a supply case for it, or even a purse. Her male companion was likewise unburdened. They passed our tent and started cruising the clothes racks to the side of the vendor's tent.
They spent a lot of time looking at merchandise outside the tent, never going inside. They kept watching the vendors (who were very busy) intently, then started picking up clothing items and turning away so the woman's back was to the register while the man watched the vendors over her shoulder.
Hubby returned to our tent right after they started doing this, so I decided to mosey over and watch these folks more closely. As I walked up, they were flipping through a rack with children's' kilts. The man had one of these held up to the girls lower belly, which people would dismiss as a cute "what would the kid look like in this?" move. The girl raised her vest and I could clearly see that she was not pregnant and apparently had quite a bit of fabric (lumps and edges) stuffed under her shirt under the vest. I was standing right behind the man when she saw me watching them, and she shot him a meaningful look and shook her head slightly whereupon he hastily hung the kilt back up and they took off. I waited till there were no customers in line before I informed the vendors of my suspicions, and we could see by that time that the couple had entered the athletes tent where the contestants stored their personal effects.
I headed over there as they started to pick through the stuff laying in chairs and on tables like they belonged there, when one of the athletes walked over to them. The girl lifted the camera (the first time I ever saw her touch it) and she gestured toward the games. The athlete did not look like he was buying it, and he spoke to them for about 5 minutes in a not friendly manner. The couple beat a hasty retreat, and I did not see them after that.
The vendors are reasonably sure they did not get anything from them that was expensive, since jewelry and such is kept under glass or on the tables within clear sight of the staff. They usually lose a percentage of stuff every event to thieves, and I felt bad for not confronting these while they were at the tent, but since I had not actually seen them take anything, I did not feel right about making a scene in someones place of business.
However, considering their behavior and the fact that she was definitely not carrying a baby under that vest, would have got them hauled into a back office at any store in town.
Quote from: Lady Toadflinger on September 20, 2011, 09:01:14 PM
Lady Renee, I wholeheartedly agree with your view! If we don't help support the vendors, they won't come to our Faires, and the Faires will dwindle away. This is why I bought a corset at a recent Faire from a new vendor! It was purely altruism.... (it really helped that the corset was a fabulous price, and just screamed at me to take it home. I truly couldn't turn it down, now could I?) ;D
I walk through the faires and look at so many pretty things....I WISH I were in a position to buy some of the beautiful items I see for my kids for Christmas, or birthdays. I totally get the "support the vendors" ideas and I know without that business, there wont be faires. At MMRF, my daughters pooled their money and bought a "belly dancer" outfit (by that I mean, the sheer skirt with coins, and the equally sheer matching top)....Im not entirely sure yet how they plan to "share" the outfit, but, whatever!! lol At michigan pirate festival, although it was very small, it was VERY reasonably priced as far as vendors.....and it was our only vacation, so there we were able to get something small for each of my four kids. Right now, we are both unemployed and in school, and as much as I would love to, I just cant justify dropping a hundred or more bucks at a vendors shop. I love to go in and look, though.....I just love to look at the different materials, and how things are put together in different ways. Looking at pretty things is a treat to me, its just as fun as watching a show or riding a ride, IMO. I hope that vendors arent getting irritated with me, because Im just looking, not buying. Going to MIRF for Dh's birthday was a stretch for us just for the tickets. He saw the most magnificent leather pirate coat....I wished with all my heart I had the $500 to buy it for him!!
Where we live (mid-mi), SO MANY people are unemployed, its just a sad fact. In my small town, most streets have as many foreclosed homes as not. Businesses are shutting down...it would be so sad if the faires disappeared, too.
jackrocks, I hear you completely! Our area depends on tourism for its livelihood, and the numbers are down big time. I wish I could buy something every time I went to faire, but that would only happen in a dream world, not my reality.
What I meant was that I do try to buy any presents for others at faire, something generic like candles, jewelry, wall plaques that can be enjoyed by anyone, not just another rennie. I have a limited list of people that I buy Christmas and birthday presents for, and if I buy them in July or August, I just store them away until the proper time. If I am going to spend the money anyway, I budget it up and spend it then.
And if I am going to buy something for Steve or me, even if the vendor has a website, we try to buy it at faire, so we can support them there and make it evident that it is worthwhile for them to be there.
However, when I win the lottery, that will all probably change........ ;D
Jack rocks, your situation these days is unfortunately much more common than it should be. It's just been in the past 10 years that we've been able to go to faires at all. They aren't indigenous to our state, and the travel expenses used to keep us away. No one is looking to you to keep the vendors afloat...there will be someone to pick up the difference. If you are like us, the most important thing is the vacation from reality that faires provide. It's all we have to keep our sanity. I truly hope things ease for you soon...
I think too, even if you can't afford to make a purchase, just visiting a shop can be supportive. If I see someone trying on garb I'll let them know if I think it looks great on them, or strike up a conversation with a fellow shopper if I already own something from the store and they are considering a purchase. If a shopkeeper asks I'll let them try something on me. Heck fun for me and maybe will help make a sale. Sometime your mere admiring presense can bring dollars to a shop.
Oh, I know. I just wish I could....my younger daughter is the type of kid who is very creative...she creates her own jewelry, and has a deep, abiding passion for unusual glass beads and funky jewelry....if I gave her $500 and let her spend it all at faire, she would spend it all on jewelry, I could guarantee it. Its things like that I wish I could get...bc those are things you cant get at walmart when youre Christmas shopping:)
It is hard, where we live, bc it seems like the whole county is trapped in this awful cycle...people lose their jobs, and they stop buying "extras"....the people who depend on others to buy their products lose business....more people out of work, less people to buy anything....more business shut down, more out of work, less people to buy anything, more places close down...etc etc etc. We are the type of people who have always tried to support "the little guy"....the small shops, the little town hardware store, vendors, etc and it stinks when you keep seeing those places close down.
The thing is....ren faires, little county faires, etc are the only break and fun time many of these folks get....but when they dont get enough support, they go away, and it just makes everything else much more depressing.
I believe that going into a shop, admiring and stating that you LOVE the item(s), but just can't afford it right now; is a far cry from saying you could make it yourself for less, or that it isn't worth the price listed.
I too am looking forward to winning the multi-million dollar lottery and spending the next 10 years travelling from faire to faire supporting the vendors. LOL! It just hurls me off into the depths of rage that the ticket I bought last month was not a winner!!!
Quote from: Betty Munro on September 25, 2011, 02:36:40 PM
I believe that going into a shop, admiring and stating that you LOVE the item(s), but just can't afford it right now; is a far cry from saying you could make it yourself for less, or that it isn't worth the price listed.
It's just so awful that there are people that are rude enough to make comments like that, (that they can make it for less etc.) I too have often longingly admired things in a shop with no intention of buying due to finances. I really hope that isn't offensive to the vendors. A lot of times I will openly say right from the start that "unfortunately, I'm only browsing today." I've never had anyone who seemed to mind. I always try to ask an employee first if it's ok to touch or pick up something, and I'm always very careful. They really seem to appreciate that. I know I would.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 24, 2011, 11:02:21 AM....... She was also carrying a large camera with a telephoto lens around her neck, though oddly she was not carrying a supply case for it, or even a purse..........
Just to note on that. These days, with DSLR's, one could get way with just having the camera. It is very much different than when I had to carry rolls of film, both to feed and shot. Could get away with just the rig.......but someone like me is usually carrying, somewhere, megaflash, spare batteries for that, spare memory card, spare power cells, lens cover, wiping cloth.....and ballpoints and sharpies.
About how much it costs for purchaises. When I was weighing in the off week whether or not to buy a coyote parka, I approach "friends" about buying something of great cost, that could only be used a few places, and might not be in use more than 5 times a year. They responded that if you can without going into financial distress and you want to, go for it. They further pointed out that many go off and spend hundreds on a rifle that might not see its way out of its vault except every few years. It is all relative.
As far as only browsing. Personally, from my habits, I think the vendor would prefer for a person to come into to browse than to walk by knowing that they can't so why bother to enter. Why? Because browsing might eventually lead to a return visit to buy. I made at least two trips to the fur store before I bought that coyote parka.
As things go, yes, it might seem foolish to pay $120 for an item that will only be used for garb accessory, but I had been dreaming about having a bullwhip for years so when it showed up, I bought it. My various attempts over the years of homemade approaches for that kind of "weapon" like a coil with a lariat at one end and monkey fist at the other did not result in decent looks. My early attempts at tying a monkey fist were marginal and non synthetic weaves, other than cotton, don't coil the best to be worn on the hip. Of course, it does help the decision to buy in that I bought it from a store where friends worked at.
Quote from: DT_Masters on September 26, 2011, 03:42:32 AM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 24, 2011, 11:02:21 AM....... She was also carrying a large camera with a telephoto lens around her neck, though oddly she was not carrying a supply case for it, or even a purse..........
Just to note on that. These days, with DSLR's, one could get way with just having the camera. It is very much different than when I had to carry rolls of film, both to feed and shot. Could get away with just the rig.......but someone like me is usually carrying, somewhere, megaflash, spare batteries for that, spare memory card, spare power cells, lens cover, wiping cloth.....and ballpoints and sharpies.
This camera looked like it was pretty old. She had it hanging from one of those cheap, thin plastic straps like the type that came with the cameras back in the 70's 80's. It was so short, the camera only hung to her mid chest. Can't have been comfortable around the neck for a rig that large. With so many professional photographers around, she stuck out like a sore thumb. She just looked....odd.
Quote from: Anna Iram on September 25, 2011, 08:15:17 AM
I think too, even if you can't afford to make a purchase, just visiting a shop can be supportive. If I see someone trying on garb I'll let them know if I think it looks great on them, or strike up a conversation with a fellow shopper if I already own something from the store and they are considering a purchase. If a shopkeeper asks I'll let them try something on me. Heck fun for me and maybe will help make a sale. Sometime your mere admiring presense can bring dollars to a shop.
I do that too! I'll fuss over someone trying on an outfit or item, and sometimes it's enough to convince them they have to have it. Car salesman use the technique all the time ;)
It's great fun to get others into the spirit of faire, and if a future rennie is born the minute they see themselves in a corset or wearing a sword....then they are welcome to join the madness!
Something that I have noticed in our shoppe, this year especially. It doesn't hurl me off into a rage or anything, but...
We try to make a point of greeting everyone that enters.
About half of the patrons don't even acknowledge the greeting.
The other half parrot back exactly what we say verbatim. (Hello. Welcome.)
Once in a blue moon, we get a chuckle when we ask if they wanna be tied up. (laces-shoes...)
If we are really lucky, we get a person deciding to plunge into being a rennie, and they are excited.
They are the reason, I do my job. The excitement is part of the magic we try to put out there every weekend. Now if the rest of the population would "get it."
Are people really that self asorbed? :(
And Jackrocks, I think most people have been in tight financial situations at one point or another. There were many weekends I came to fest, with my pass and five dollars just-in-case money-that I didn't spend. There were a few seasons I didn't get to buy anything- at all. Hang in there, this too shall pass. But continue to encourage your favorite shop keepers. Sometimes a kind word goes a long way. ;)
Kate, I get that frustration. Every November I stage this GIGANTIC, RIDICULOUSLY big gingerbread exhibit, and many people that see it love it. However there are a select few that look at it while on their cell, talking to someone else, and go out of their way to act like they dont see it. Or like it isnt that impressive. So annoying that people try to act like they dont see something because they are so absorbed in their own little world!!!
To add to the points being made about buying items at faire... I am also usually a looky-loo due to budget concerns. I love to look and I always take a card or a brochure if they have one from shops that have items I admire. If I can't buy it during faire season, I can at least contact them in the off season and usually order it then. Hopefully this also helps the artisans crafting these items during the leaner months when there is no faire.
The only things that make my blood boil at faire are people who don't watch their children, or are obviously dragging around kids that have no interest at all in being there. I don't want to see kids with a Nintendo DS glued to their hands when I'm at faire. And also, 'danes who are obviously and loudly rude about people's costuming choices. I may not agree with those choices, but I keep it to myself and applaud their creativity and courage. Only on a few occasions have I been treated rudely or dismissively by a vendor, so I can hardly complain about that although it has happened. I just move on and find somewhere else to (eventually, lol) spend my money!
Vendors who are rude about OTHER vendors. A few seasons ago, my friend, who, like me, owns several pairs of Medieval Moccasins, (all of which are obviously well worn & loved, when you see them off her feet) was in a shoppe that sells various leather crafts, from keyrings to belts to shoes to wallets, and wanted to try on one of their styles of sandals with a thong between the toes, to see how they felt. The vendor, upon removing her MM from one foot said "oh, our shoes are so much better that once I put these on you, you'll want to throw away all of that brand because they are crap"
Now, I'm NOT opposed to things like "ours have a cushioned sole so they are softer on your feet" or "the cut of this item does xyz for your figure and we are the only ones with this particular style", or pointing out differences in items "our decorative bottle purchase includes your choice of oil included in the price".
They are all crafters, and sure there is competition for business, and I understand that everyone thinks their product is superior, but I am much more likely to purchase from one who simply says "the advantage that my shoe has over that one is that it's got more cushion" and leaves it at that, WITHOUT saying ugly things about other vendors.
Badmouthing another vendor is an indication that you aren't confident about your own product, in my opinion. I will not purchase anything from anyone that I hear making negative comments about another. It's the same standard that I use with politicians...
Good point Merlin. Good business manners have just about disappeared.
"You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him." ~Leo Aikman
Quote from: Kiss-me-Kate on September 27, 2011, 10:17:40 PM
Something that I have noticed in our shoppe, this year especially. It doesn't hurl me off into a rage or anything, but...
We try to make a point of greeting everyone that enters.
About half of the patrons don't even acknowledge the greeting.
The other half parrot back exactly what we say verbatim. (Hello. Welcome.)
I call it the WalMart syndrome. People are becoming so inured to being mechanically greeted by someone who is obviously just parroting what they were told to say, that they just tune out the "Hi, welcome to the shoppe" or "Hi, how are you?' automatically.
I despise when men think that just because I am serving them beer and am wearing a low cut bodice that gives them permission to shove their hand down my top to give me a tip. I am sorry, but no. I am worth FAR more than a dollar and coping a feel is NOT included in your purchase. Then they have the audacity to get angry when I tell them in no uncertain terms how I feel about their actions.
Once at Scarby I purchased a beer and the server had a number of bills in her bosom. She raised up as if inviting me to place my tip there, but I asked "May I?" before I did so... I found myself uncomfortable with it after the fact... I guess I'm too shy...
Been there. Last one TOLD me to place the tip there. I keep several tip bills folded to hand out, so I gingerly placed it there and no skin touched skin at all.
Guess I am too much of a gentleman. ;D
(Just don't tell the Evil Darklord Society that, I would hate to have to re-apply. Sacrifices are so messy. )
Heh, at yon home faire's smoker some of the wenches would gaze at you as if insulted, if you decline to insert the tip with ye teeth and then fail to make a few motorboat sounds as ye withdraw from the mission. Truth.
Now, mind you they do expect the tip to be a bit larger if ye make those motorboat sounds over an extended time period. There can be a catch to all good deeds. Some say, no good deed goes unpunished. ;)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 28, 2011, 07:23:14 AM
Badmouthing another vendor is an indication that you aren't confident about your own product, in my opinion. I will not purchase anything from anyone that I hear making negative comments about another. It's the same standard that I use with politicians...
Agreed.
Maybe it is a "Minnesota Nice" thing but, if we don't carry it, we are NOT afraid to suggest another vendor at our Festival.
When looking for a specific boot, we will show you on the map where it is located.
Same with slippers.
"Willing Soles does not offer slippers, but Nomadic Dreams near the Crown Stage do and they start at 45 dollars." (I specfically asked the owner.)
Just because we can't supply the customer with what they desire, does not mean I am above helping another vendor out. I know Heather from Nomadic Dreams directs people our way.
It is the classy thing to do. I even do it in my "real" job.
Quote from: Sitara on September 28, 2011, 02:19:23 PM
I despise when men think that just because I am serving them beer and am wearing a low cut bodice that gives them permission to shove their hand down my top to give me a tip. I am sorry, but no. I am worth FAR more than a dollar and coping a feel is NOT included in your purchase. Then they have the audacity to get angry when I tell them in no uncertain terms how I feel about their actions.
Oh, I would LOVE to watch you tell the offender off. I remember Muffin had some trouble with this as well, and I was ready to kick the losers tukus on her behalf.
that settles it. no more visible boobs at renfest. we'll have to settle for overweight middle aged men in ill fitting tights instead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lUjhEHlh7s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lUjhEHlh7s)
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 27, 2011, 04:55:37 PM
This camera looked like it was pretty old. She had it hanging from one of those cheap, thin plastic straps like the type that came with the cameras back in the 70's 80's. It was so short, the camera only hung to her mid chest. Can't have been comfortable around the neck for a rig that large. With so many professional photographers around, she stuck out like a sore thumb. She just looked....odd.
That's an interesting view of things. Of the Renaissance Paparazzi, I wonder who of us is "professional" and who isn't? Me, strictly amateur. Of course, in the recent years, with digital pocket technology, the amount of cameras at faire has just exploded. One year, it just those like me with their SLR's, the next thin digitals galore.
"I have never seen so many cameras back in the past! I told the time council that this would happen if they put travel technology on the open market, but did they listen to me? NO-OOOO!"
To me, the professional photographer that sticks out like a sore thumb? The one who isn't in garb.
Quote from: DT_Masters on September 29, 2011, 04:53:25 AM
"I have never seen so many cameras back in the past! I told the time council that this would happen if they put travel technology on the open market, but did they listen to me? NO-OOOO!"
;D
I don't really think this makes me angry or anything like that, but I have had quite a few angry wives/girlfriends give me death glares after they see their husband, ahem, looking at the "upper area" of my garb. Like I said, it doesn't make me angry, but a part of me does want to tell them, "Look where you are... there are bosom aplenty! There are way more women out here that look way more gorgeous than I do that look GOOD in what they are wearing! See that corset shop over there? Go in there. Check out what they have. They'll get you all set up and you'll look 20 shades of foxy!" LOL...
I have posted this thought elsewhere but what has me in a rage lately is more directed at faires and the change to go to family venues. Does everything have to be PC and based on Disneyland in America? Don't get me wrong I love my country and will gladly take a bullet to defend her but come on. Faires with family days where the entertainment has to be at the PG level that day, wenches that give a kiss removed from faires to be replaced by goofy kid shows. There is Disneyland, Six Flags, Chuck E Cheese, etc for families to take kids to. If the faire offends people with children don't bring the children to the faire. Ok. Off the soap box.
Huzzah!
yeah i'm with ya there. my home faire, KCRF always opens columbus day monday, and it's a school day basically, and SO ANNYONING, all the good shows are so darned boring that day. like you said, take the kids to chuck e cheese!!!!
If you want to take your kids to a Renaissance faire don't expect Chuck E Cheese. There is no cannon fire at Chuck E Cheese
Quote from: MrHyde on September 29, 2011, 01:22:07 PM
If you want to take your kids to a Renaissance faire don't expect Chuck E Cheese. There is no cannon fire at Chuck E Cheese
but then again, we must embrace kids at fare. the more that expereience it, the more likely it is to surivive going forward. many faires have patrons getting older and older, get the kids into it!!
I think what he's trying to say is that faire has changed a lot over the years. Some good, some not so much. I remember, when I was a kid, all of the bawdy shows. They were a lot of fun! Over the years I slowly learned what the "adult" jokes were, which made it even funnier. Yes, there should be kids shows; yes, there should be family shows; yes there should be PG-13 shows; yes, even an R one or two (Axel the Sot). The cutesy always G rated stuff can get really boring after a while, not that I enjoy lots of cuss words or vulgar jokes, just saying. ;)
YES, we need kid friendly to help raise the next generation. ;D
Quote from: Dinobabe on September 29, 2011, 01:43:28 PM
I think what he's trying to say is that faire has changed a lot over the years. Some good, some not so much. I remember, when I was a kid, all of the bawdy shows. They were a lot of fun! Over the years I slowly learned what the "adult" jokes were, which made it even funnier. Yes, there should be kids shows; yes, there should be family shows; yes there should be PG-13 shows; yes, even an R one or two (Axel the Sot). The cutesy always G rated stuff can get really boring after a while, not that I enjoy lots of cuss words or vulgar jokes, just saying. ;)
YES, we need kid friendly to help raise the next generation. ;D
sigh, I miss Axel the sot!!! He used to be a regular act at KCRF!
There is a more and more trend towards ALL family friendly. Which I am feeling more and more "mature" places for adults to attend are fast becoming extinct altogether.
We attended the annual Fetish and Fantasy Ball in Vegas a few years ago. Upon arriving, we were all informed the Morals Board of Vegas had decreed a very long list of rules. Long enough to make it very near Disneyland, including "No revealing costumes, nor any costumes portraying anything of private parts." Excuse me? First off, VEGAS. Second off, it was held in a convention center, alcohol was served and no one under 21 allowed. Thirdly, VEGAS, home of the bawdy shows, nekkid shows, etc????? Come on....
Don't misunderstand me. We love kids. We feel parents should spend more time with their kids. We feel kids SHOULD attend Faires, as fantasy settings other than video games are also fast becoming extinct. the "Magick" has few places in which to live anymore. And most definitely, children are the future of Faire. I employ a Dragon puppet with most of my garb which draws the children in droves and tickles me no end in so doing.
But for pete's sake, stop making everything Disneyland. Some of us have grown our kids and we would like to be at least allowed to have our niche where we can have fun without having to watch everything we say and do. And most of the bawdy shows at Faire I have attended are nearly all double entendres rather than any sort of filth anyway.
And I think one of the biggest problems (which brings me back to an annoyance at Faire, not really a rage ) are the Parents, who blithely ignore the opening statements at the bawdy acts (which I have heard said every single time ) where they say "mature act, if you have children or are sensitive to such, you may want to move on down to the next act on down the lane."
Then they have the utter GALL to be offended. And then they act like EVERY show is like that when in truth there are very few.
When did society suddenly decide "your ways offend me. Rather than show tolerance and respect, I will make sure you stop, even though it is not illegal or unlawful.And I plan to change everywhere I go to the same ways."
That is very sad. And I would like to tell most that are so offended that there is far more violence and graphics on the tv and in movies nowadays, even the cartoons, than Faires. Just watch the news sometime. But I don't. I also want to tell them to stop trying to change the world to suit their delicate sensibilities, far better to learn tolerance and respect. But I don't.
But that's just my piece of eight on the matter. No better than anyone else's for certain.
Reminds me when my brother didn't want me showing my young nephew my Ren Fest shots because of the belly dancers in them.
C'est la vie!
At MIRF this year, there was one Friday they were open, which was a day that school classes were encouraged to come, and it was advertised as a family/kids day, with discounts for kids tickets and more age appropriate shows. My daughters class was supposed to go, as they are studying ren. period and romeo and juliet,b ut the teacher cancelled at the last minute (she was so disappointed!).
Anyway....I thought that was a good compromise. It doesnt take a day away from anyone else, and for those who are very sensitive, or with kids the shows are toned down somewhat.
Most shows we have seen have had a disclaimer up front about content, and thats a nice heads up. One show we attended earlier in the year did NOT, and the cast invited us to come sit, seeing we had young kids, and I asked if it was a family friendly show, and was told yes. It was not. That was a bit irritating. But, we'll know to avoid it for next time, not a big deal. I would not say I want a show to change for my own ideals, I just like to know ahead of time if its going to be appropriate or not.
The pickle hawkers are hysterical/awful. I remember when my kids were really little, and they would suddenly parrot something they had heard you say before, sometimes with embarassing results. I can just imagine some 3 yr old parroting the pickle vendors..."Bigger than your boyfriend and just as cheap!!" at preschool or something, lol!
See I am friends with a pickle guy. Yeah he thinks its funny to get my 4 year old to parrot what he hawks, but hey hes 4 and well he doesnt get the jokes.
I shoot for kid friendly when there are a ton of kids in the crowd but when its later in the day and we have The Parade of Drunks I tend to go a tad more bawdy. As bawdy as you can with flowers lol.
Lol it makes me think of my friends little girl. She had trouble making a hard "k" sound at the beginning of words, it came out as an "h" sound.
My friend is a chef.
For the longest time, she would go around telling people she wanted to be a HOOKER (cooker/chef), just like mommy:)
Half Naked wenches or barbarians running around in revealing costumes, flirting with everyone they meet.
That absoluetely really drives me into a ...wait a minute...did you say "rage"??? I thought you said...
Oh, well, then never mind...
NOTHING is irritating other than just the large crowds that occur on some weekends and you have to weave through them to get food or drink. That and wheneever there's no good reason to cancel the fireworks (there will be this year). Otherwise, I'm fine with TRF. (I went to Sherwood for their Highland games and Celtic Festival a couple of weekends ago and the grounds definitely look inviting for their Middle Ages festival.)
That happened to me at KCRF the last time I went (2006)-It was a busy Saturday and the crowds were so thick it was just miserable. I had been to KC a couple of times before then and it was never this bad. There wasn't room in the lanes for improv, and when someone was able to get a gig going, you couldn't see what was happening unless you happened to be right there when it started. Long lines were everywhere for everything, and when I finally wanted something to eat at 2pm,all the food vendors were sold out of everything but candy and sweet snacks. Only one still had regular food and those were Bocaburgers (yuk) which were served very cold on a plain bun (at regular price) and the vendor was out of condiments to boot.
The next day (Sunday) was only slightly better, I hit the food vendors at 11am. I met my friends, we saw a couple of shows (not many, as you had to show up 20 minutes early to get close enough to see) shopped a little then called it an early day. I have not made the trip to KC since, though I love the place when it's not a crushing madhouse.
If I wanted a Disneyland crowd experience, I would go to Disneyland. Crushing crowds are not my idea of fun, even though they do mean big gate profits for the owners. I find I like to take my time, see and be seen, without being pushed, shoved, walked on and then spending a good portion of my day waiting in some line or another.
Quote from: Rennytom on October 04, 2011, 11:18:22 PM
Half Naked wenches or barbarians running around in revealing costumes, flirting with everyone they meet....
I hate it when that happens... ::) 8)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on October 05, 2011, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: Rennytom on October 04, 2011, 11:18:22 PM
Half Naked wenches or barbarians running around in revealing costumes, flirting with everyone they meet....
I hate it when that happens... ::) 8)
I've actually met and chatted with that Lass at TRF. She's actually a very sweet person to talk with and bloody intelligent to boot! ;D
I dislike half naked wenches too... kinda... I guess... hmmm.. ;)
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 05, 2011, 12:45:42 PM
That happened to me at KCRF the last time I went (2006)-It was a busy Saturday and the crowds were so thick it was just miserable. I had been to KC a couple of times before then and it was never this bad. There wasn't room in the lanes for improv, and when someone was able to get a gig going, you couldn't see what was happening unless you happened to be right there when it started. Long lines were everywhere for everything, and when I finally wanted something to eat at 2pm,all the food vendors were sold out of everything but candy and sweet snacks. Only one still had regular food and those were Bocaburgers (yuk) which were served very cold on a plain bun (at regular price) and the vendor was out of condiments to boot.
The next day (Sunday) was only slightly better, I hit the food vendors at 11am. I met my friends, we saw a couple of shows (not many, as you had to show up 20 minutes early to get close enough to see) shopped a little then called it an early day. I have not made the trip to KC since, though I love the place when it's not a crushing madhouse.
If I wanted a Disneyland crowd experience, I would go to Disneyland. Crushing crowds are not my idea of fun, even though they do mean big gate profits for the owners. I find I like to take my time, see and be seen, without being pushed, shoved, walked on and then spending a good portion of my day waiting in some line or another.
Well, last Saturday was that crowded at the KCRF! The most crowded I have ever seen it. Sunday was getting that way when I left around 12:30. I'm not sure how it will be this weekend, you need to come back down! I heard I-29 is open all the way both North and South, only 1 lane each way around the IA/MO border, but open. Come on down, I'll buy you a nice beverage!
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 05, 2011, 12:45:42 PM
That happened to me at KCRF the last time I went (2006)-It was a busy Saturday and the crowds were so thick it was just miserable. I had been to KC a couple of times before then and it was never this bad. There wasn't room in the lanes for improv, and when someone was able to get a gig going, you couldn't see what was happening unless you happened to be right there when it started. Long lines were everywhere for everything, and when I finally wanted something to eat at 2pm,all the food vendors were sold out of everything but candy and sweet snacks. Only one still had regular food and those were Bocaburgers (yuk) which were served very cold on a plain bun (at regular price) and the vendor was out of condiments to boot.
The next day (Sunday) was only slightly better, I hit the food vendors at 11am. I met my friends, we saw a couple of shows (not many, as you had to show up 20 minutes early to get close enough to see) shopped a little then called it an early day. I have not made the trip to KC since, though I love the place when it's not a crushing madhouse.
If I wanted a Disneyland crowd experience, I would go to Disneyland. Crushing crowds are not my idea of fun, even though they do mean big gate profits for the owners. I find I like to take my time, see and be seen, without being pushed, shoved, walked on and then spending a good portion of my day waiting in some line or another.
My home faire so I will step in and defend for a quick second, but any faire really. I think large crowds are very irritating, but a pleasant sign nonetheless. A lot of these old faires are in trouble fiscally, and not long for the world. Many have even closed over the years. So while it is indeed irritating to not be able to get fed and see the shows as you would like, it is a good sign indeed. But you did mention that.
Last Saturday at KCRF was like this. They didn't run out of anything. In fact in all my years of going to Canterbury I have never encountered them running out of anything. ( if you say it happened I believe you though! ) But for me, on the busy BUSY days like Saturday and the one you described, what sets me off is the sheer amount of people at the shows who are talking on their phones, texting, listening to the football game ( and I am a HUGE football fan ) I think it sucks. It's like, PAY ATTENTION!!!!!!! It's bad enough those of us who love it here cannot get a good seat, but those of you who did arent even listening!!
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 05, 2011, 12:45:42 PM
If I wanted a Disneyland crowd experience, I would go to Disneyland. Crushing crowds are not my idea of fun, even though they do mean big gate profits for the owners. I find I like to take my time, see and be seen, without being pushed, shoved, walked on and then spending a good portion of my day waiting in some line or another.
Crowds, and their attendant issues like traffic jams in the parking and long lines for some food and drink are the issue that has the most negative effect on my enjoyment of TRF. I have taken to getting there well before cannon just to beat the incoming traffic, which is cool, I got plenty of folks to visit with. And by 3 or 4 PM it's filled up to the point I'm ready to go. And for the last few years if you don't get out of the parking lots by 4 you basically won't, for hours. One day last year we were having a really great time in spite of the crowds, and didn't get in the car till 6, and we couldn't even leave our parking space for half an hour. We went over to a friends camp and watched the non-moving traffic for 3 hours before getting out.
Quote from: kcdcchef on October 07, 2011, 11:08:08 AM
Last Saturday at KCRF was like this. They didn't run out of anything. In fact in all my years of going to Canterbury I have never encountered them running out of anything. ( if you say it happened I believe you though! ) But for me, on the busy BUSY days like Saturday and the one you described, what sets me off is the sheer amount of people at the shows who are talking on their phones, texting, listening to the football game ( and I am a HUGE football fan ) I think it sucks. It's like, PAY ATTENTION!!!!!!! It's bad enough those of us who love it here cannot get a good seat, but those of you who did arent even listening!!
I was seriously not expecting them to be out of food either. It was weird, a fluke, and has never happened at any other fair we have been to. The vendor of the BocaBurger I ended up buying said they had had HUGE crouds at the food court that afternoon, (I found out later that KC set a record for more than double attendance that weekend) and nobody was ready for it. I took his explanation at face value, because no one
likes to run out of stuff to sell.
I have been there in the past when it was a pleasant experience and I don't give up that easily. If we go back (probably in the next year or two) we will try for a weekend that is not so well attended.
I too
hate the cell talkers/texters at faire (particularly when they are in garb) but, if they want to waste their considerable entertainment buck on something they could just as well do at home, it's their money. They seem to get the best seats too. ???
yeah i have never seen that happen at KCRF, or any faire, in my 30 years of faire going, MDRF, KCRF, VARF, PARF, PRF, OHRF, MNRF, the list is endless, and have NEVER seen that. Although I am sure I mighta been there the weekend in question, since, I can recall a weekend in 2006 where you could not even walk it was so crowded. I remember getting a migraine it was so darned crowded and I was geting so frustrated. But not angry. I love faire and realize great crowds are a great thing! But in all my faire years I have never seen more than an item here or there, not literally everything all at once and all! That sucks!
back to the texters and talkers, we were at Sonic Sidhe Tribe, the fire jugglers and dancers with drums, and this jerkoff not only gets a phone call ( rude enough ) but while in audience, answers it and keeps talking. Jerk!
I love the Tribe! Yeah, I'm sure you were at the same weekend I was there. You could just about walk on top of the crowd it was that thick. That's the kind of crowd I don't like, since all you can see is the person in front and in back of you.
You may have been in a different part of the grounds where there was still food, because I gave up after the first 5 or so vendors said they were out. It was too crowded to search any further.
I get the idea of not using a phone while in garb...but some folks are parents and have to keep in touch with the kids, or babysitters....and sometimes the only way to do it is through texting.
At least, I do. If I didnt do that, occasionally throughout the day, then I wouldnt be able to go (as my teens are my sitters for the little ones).
Quote from: jackrocks on October 07, 2011, 09:23:15 PM
I get the idea of not using a phone while in garb...but some folks are parents and have to keep in touch with the kids, or babysitters....and sometimes the only way to do it is through texting.
At least, I do. If I didnt do that, occasionally throughout the day, then I wouldnt be able to go (as my teens are my sitters for the little ones).
i dont care who uses a phone when. well, if you are a character actor and acting, especially getting paid to act, stay off your phone. no way, never. ever. if you are just garbing, and want to be on your phone, your business. but in an audience, really?
Something else to keep in mind; these days, a lot of people have replaced their watch with their phone. Someone like me, that's very impractical from diving to making minute by minute log entries, but a lot have gone that way.
So flipping out their phone may be their only way to see how close they are to a show starting.
But what about the "Digital Ben Hur 2000"? Doesn't the wrist watch break the garb as well? Well, two things. First, for me, it is usually hidden under the bandana on the wrist. Secondly, for a time traveling anthropologist, the bigger, the more complex the time piece, the better......but these days my Triathlon fulfills the story line nice enough.
Finally, the sleeves of the poet's shirt usually cover it, anyhow.
Wind, boys, WIND! Get the time machine ready to go! I have a date with the past!
Quote from: kcdcchef on October 07, 2011, 09:49:44 PM
Quote from: jackrocks on October 07, 2011, 09:23:15 PM
I get the idea of not using a phone while in garb...but some folks are parents and have to keep in touch with the kids, or babysitters....and sometimes the only way to do it is through texting.
At least, I do. If I didnt do that, occasionally throughout the day, then I wouldnt be able to go (as my teens are my sitters for the little ones).
i dont care who uses a phone when. well, if you are a character actor and acting, especially getting paid to act, stay off your phone. no way, never. ever. if you are just garbing, and want to be on your phone, your business. but in an audience, really?
well, yeah, if you are working, you shouldnt be on a phone for personal reasons, probably in any job, lol! but just as folks who've gone in garb for fun...I put my phone on vibrate, but I do leave it on. Accidents and emergencies dont always know when mom is watching a show, and if one of my younger kids has an asthma attack and big sis needs to call to check which meds to give...things like that just cant wait. But, for myself, if Im at a show, I would walk away before replying, take care of business, and come back.
I agree it IS really rude when folks are just carrying on some ridiculous conversation, loudly, in the middle of a show/concert. And I love it when the performers call them on that and humiliate them:)
QuoteAnd I love it when the performers call them on that and humiliate them:)
Patti LuPone (the original Broadway Evita) once stopped a Broadway show, brought up the house lights, then told a fellow in the front the show would continue when he finished his phone call. The audience gave her a tumultuous round of applause.
As for hiding your time piece, try a clip clock medalion or broach. (http://www.clipclocks.com/ (http://www.clipclocks.com/))
I can't do without my watch (which I keep hidden under voluminous sleeves) and I'll be getting a clipclock as soon as I can decide on what style to get. but I'll probably end up with one that looks like a jeweled pendant.
The Queen herself did have a 'wristwatch' (a small clock encased in a bracelet presented by Dudley) so that style is period, but I expect they were not worn that way by the rest of the court.
Edit: ClipClocks are also available without ornamentation, so you can attach the mechanism to what ever piece of jewelry you like.
Admittedly, I used my phone infrequently today but nevertheless. The first to send off my arrival message of getting there safely. I was in a hurry to get to the gate for opening cannon, so that had to wait till I was inside. The other times, to check for responses during the day. We are something in a crisis mode in the family, so it was necessary.
But one has to remember the elephant in the room, anyhow........that camera around my neck.
As the time piece goes, I bought fur covered, leather gauntlets today to replace the bandana covering. On the first run, they aren't perfect and there are some problems to address, but practice can make perfect.
As far as the other suggestions, I appreciate them.......but they don't quite fit into the story, either for DT or for a time traveler. As DT, it's the rich landsman from northern Scotland who, bored of the trappings of wealth, went off to become an adventurer and hunter....and the hunter is the major focus of the costume.
As the time traveler........there's the orb watch approach, such as used in Time After Time, Abe Lincoln in Star Trek, and Mr. Penn in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. There's the bracelet approach that Arthur C. Clarke used for time acceleration in the story All the time in the world. And then there is my approach between a wrist calculator watch (the early digital version), a multidial pilot watch (the early analog version), and the Triathalon (big face, multiple features feeding to that face, and two time zones which could be Past Time and Future Time). The first two are merely props, they don't work anymore.
Of course, it is all just a story, but even in the story, there are other things. What did I tell the saleswoman today? That I wanted something to hide this device worn on the wrist, given to me by the gypsies..........to say nothing of that image taking device I wear around my neck, also given to me by the gypsies.
Crowds and traffic nightmares...like it taking an hour to go 2 miles... MDRF was insane today...the only day I got to go this season and looks like the last time I will be going :( My hubby just informed me he's not going again after dealing with the insane amount of traffic and the number of people in the faire ( and I finally gotten him to be interested in going!). At times you couldn't move in the lanes they were so crowded, and the lines were crazy.
My faire's season ending under 10" of snow and not getting to say goodbye.
The talking texting issues I don't even see it, when a performer nails someone on a phone I consider it free high quality entertainment because they are going to get embarrased about it (that's been my experience).
As somone who work in City Public Library in the Mudance world I believe each and every one of you in regards to mis-behaving feral brat children. Mine eyes and ears and witnessed many atroticites my 5 years working in libraries. Also too many modern baby things like strollers just spoil the effect.
Crowds are annoying but inevitable, I to like to get there early when it's nice an quiet, get the lay of the land. I esp. like using one morning to do a walk in them editation garden at TRF. This is the bets tiem to do it. I would highly reccomend it.
I have a tendency to leave early before the mass exodus ensues in the parking lot. happened once last year and we spent well over an hour getting out of the place. Also, what do the outer rows get to go first at TRF? People in the inner rows were here 1st so shouldn't they get to leave 1st? That's why I leave early.
Also, parent's that cannot read signs for shows i.e. Adults audiences
or PG_13? Then they get all mad and fly out of there red-faced when Sound and Fury starts getting into their routine. They think everything should be bubble wrapped and sanitized just for them and their kids.
Quote from: GoodyTombShoes on October 29, 2011, 10:29:02 PM
My faire's season ending under 10" of snow and not getting to say goodbye.
Yeah, that's bad.
Quote from: DonaCatalina on October 31, 2011, 09:59:49 AM
Quote from: GoodyTombShoes on October 29, 2011, 10:29:02 PM
My faire's season ending under 10" of snow and not getting to say goodbye.
Yeah, that's bad.
Doña, what do you think the chances of that happening at Scarby are? It could happen at opening, but no way at closing!
Well, we had 12" last March here in north Texas...so.....
But yeah, if it snowed Memorial Day weekend I'd be looking around for the demons cause 7734 done froze over.
I wouldnt say "depths of rage", but I would say almost a severe annoyance.... and that is with people who rush up and want pictures of you, but still havent taken the time to learn how to work their cameras. One can only hold that pose and cute smile for only so long ;) This is especially prevelant with folks that hand off their iphone to someone else to take the shot.... and add more time it takes to get one photo.
Thank gods for the photo stalkers out there that KNOW what they are doing right away :)
Quote from: EmbyrretheFae on November 28, 2011, 10:20:42 AM... One can only hold that pose and cute smile for only so long ;) ...
At least you have a cute smile to give them, Embyrre. Helen of Troy may have had a "face that launched a thousand ships," but my face sank them.
My biggest issue (although not rage) is when I'm at faire and I see people angry or in a bad mood. I don't understand. You're here to have a good time, why are you mad? If you want to be pissy, go home.
I once overheard a lady fighting with her family over not knowing where they were at I heard where she wanted to go. I stopped, turned around and in full character informed her that it was ahead on the right and if she had any other questions there were maps posted at every bathroom. She didn't seem too happy but she did stop yelling.
Being pissy brings up an incident I witnessed at a faire I went to in July where a person in management was reaming out a couple of the cast/staff in plain view...just inside the front gate. Besides showing a decided lack of management skills, it was totally uncalled for.
Quote from: GoodyTombShoes on October 29, 2011, 10:29:02 PM
My faire's season ending under 10" of snow and not getting to say goodbye.
I'm STILL pissed off about this and STILL feel they coulda opened it if they wanted to. I saw the photos too! Oh well, stuff happens I suppose.
Nothing sends me to rage... but i don't like when they dont manage the FOF parking area and allow others to take spots they FOF people pay extra for.
Quote from: GoodyTombShoes on December 30, 2011, 07:56:19 PM
It will be an open wound for the regulars as we lost three longtime faire friends this year. Saying goodbye to the gates is the same as saying goodbye to them.
Yup. Can imagine it would be. It was my only 2011 trip, it's a tradition for me to make my only day closing day. It also is agood thing for me because I am VERY BUSY the 2 weeks after it with my gingerbread, so I almost need it as a last hurrah to have a life and get some creative juices flowing. Further the best performance you get from a performer is their last one, this is coming from someone who's performed before. You put every ounce of energy into that last show, knowing it's your last time to do it for almost a year!
People on cell phones. People fighting. Enjoy the Faire instead. I wont take my cell phone in. It belongs in the truck during faire time!!!!! Huzzah
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on December 30, 2011, 05:52:22 PM
Being pissy brings up an incident I witnessed at a faire I went to in July where a person in management was reaming out a couple of the cast/staff in plain view...just inside the front gate. Besides showing a decided lack of management skills, it was totally uncalled for.
That really does display the poorest of management skills, uncalled for or not!
I would imagine that person isn't allowed to manage so much as a hamster in their 'day job', if he/she displays that kind of incompetence and lack of sensitivity.
You only get as much respect as you give. Someone like that needs to be constantly watching his back.
Yup, pretty basic management: Praise in public, reprimand in private.
In the times that I've spent at faires—admittedly not nearly as much as many, if not most of you—nothing has ever hurled me anywhere near the depths of rage. I go to faire to totally unrage. Sure, there have been some irritating moments, but the only things that would push me into action would be to witness physical or sexual abuse. I've heard of cases, but never witnessed them myself. My staff could certainly cause someone to take pause to review the appropriateness of their actions.
I try not to do the rage thing anymore...it gives me unsightly wrinkles, and in extreme cases, may cause incontinence.
...I wouldn't necessarily say "rage" but maybe "intense frustration due to a lack of common courtesy"
As a performer:
*Cell Phones, and then people that answer them and carry on a conversation during your show
*People who sit in the front row and leave the show early to get a good seat for the joust
*And for whatever reason, this one gets me the most: People who leave their dirty paper plates smeared with ketchup or any manner of nasty goo under their benches as if they were at a baseball field--our stage has two trashcans! use them!!! Grrr! Your performers shouldn't have to clean up after you!
As a visitor:
*During the chess match at a faire that has bleacher seating- people who elect to sit directly infront of me when there is plenty of other open seating (I'm a bit short) and then sit their drink down next to them. Then they knock said drink back onto my silk and cotton gauze gypsy skirts >_<;
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on January 02, 2012, 05:39:34 PM
I try not to do the rage thing anymore...
In experience, there is wisdom. (http://www.sicklittleboy.com/EasyCart/Images/Products/lower_your_expectations_500.gif)
More annoying than enraging really:
Gypsy reminded me of a small issue we have had at a couple of the smaller faires, concerning people (usually kids) who stand in front of the bleachers, or other seating; between the front row and the fence for the joust or combat demos. To be clear, I am not including the kids sitting on the ground, just the 5-10+ year olds leaning on the barriers or fences. Like birds on a line, it seems that if one of them does it, soon there is an impenetrable wall of backs. The folks in the first two rows of the seating behind them (many of them with young children whom the parents don't want to have on the upper tiers) cannot see through them, particularly when there are 10-20 of them in a row. If they wish to stand, or there is no more seating; they should please move to the sides or sit on the ground.
At the risk of being non-PC; some of the scooter patrons fall into this category, especially when the distance between the lowest tier on the bleachers or hay bales and the fence is only about 5 feet wide. No matter how low they think they are to the ground, people on scooters or chairs are just as hard to see though and over, and if the list or demo clearing is a little bit downhill of the seating area it's impossible.
While most scooter riders will take pains to avoid blocking someone else's view, some others will cruise in right before the event, park in the middle front and expect everyone else to deal with it.
In the vast majority of cases, special needs can be accommodated without inconveniencing the rest of the audience. At the local fairs, we will put you on the end or on the royal box side of the list facing the audience.
Ask and ye shall receive; you may even end up in the royal box!
Quote from: Rowen MacD on January 24, 2012, 12:40:48 PM
More annoying than enraging really:
Gypsy reminded me of a small issue we have had at a couple of the smaller faires, concerning people (usually kids) who stand in front of the bleachers, or other seating; between the front row and the fence for the joust or combat demos. To be clear, I am not including the kids sitting on the ground, just the 5-10+ year olds leaning on the barriers or fences. Like birds on a line, it seems that if one of them does it, soon there is an impenetrable wall of backs. The folks in the first two rows of the seating behind them (many of them with young children whom the parents don't want to have on the upper tiers) cannot see through them, particularly when there are 10-20 of them in a row. If they wish to stand, or there is no more seating; they should please move to the sides or sit on the ground.
At the risk of being non-PC; some of the scooter patrons fall into this category, especially when the distance between the lowest tier on the bleachers or hay bales and the fence is only about 5 feet wide. No matter how low they think they are to the ground, people on scooters or chairs are just as hard to see though and over, and if the list or demo clearing is a little bit downhill of the seating area it's impossible.
While most scooter riders will take pains to avoid blocking someone else's view, some others will cruise in right before the event, park in the middle front and expect everyone else to deal with it.
In the vast majority of cases, special needs can be accommodated without inconveniencing the rest of the audience. At the local fairs, we will put you on the end or on the royal box side of the list facing the audience.
Ask and ye shall receive; you may even end up in the royal box!
I agree, though it is a delicate subject. I worked in assisted living as an activity coordinator at one point, and I would make sure to either transport persons in chairs to a regular seat and then fold up the wheelchairs or park the scooters elsewhere. (Which was great fun for the residents watching my novice scooter skills as I parked their ride, lol) Then we would get them back in them when show was over. It would be great if faires had volunteers that would provide this service, though there is always the case that not ALL handicapped or elderly people can leave their chair for an actual seat, but they could at least post signs as to not block the front row--this could go for those children too. I think the most politically correct option would be to establish a chair accessible area where they could be that close to the performers without blocking people, a "drive in" so to speak. There could even be limited bench seating for anyone who comes with them. The special seating area could be seen as a "perk" just like getting to go to the front of the lines at Disney World if you are disabled.
The special seating area seems to be the most logical solution. Most of the people are not in those chairs by choice.
I've decided, however, that I shant allow anything to hurl me into the depths of rage at faire. So don't piss me off. ;)
I bow to Merlin the Elder's advanced age and wisdom. A special seating area for those of us who ride steeds would be the best. At TRF, StudMuffin and I try to stay in the back when attending shows. However, the view from a lower height can be challenging. Now one of my associated pet peeves...I may arrange my viewing spot with great care but someone comes along and stops in front of me, obstructing my view. I may arrive to watch the opening gate ceremony at TRF almost an hour early. From experience I know how much room the cast will need and which lanes to leave open. Ineviatably, someone comes along just before the show starts and stands in front of me. Or pushes back when the cast needs more area. Even for the Death March (Grand Parade), in front of the Prince of Wales Pub this happens. Menitioning it to the offender usually get s sickly smile, a shrug and no change. I guess it is just part of the cost of riding instead of walking (and falling). Certainly nothing that causes rage, just a minor pique.
I think I shall train StudMuffin to bite them.
After reading all the replies, I guess here in California we are in some cases very strict, and in others lax.
I hate costume Nazi's!!!! (The main reason I quit working the big southern faire here years ago. I understand now they are even telling what feathers to use and who can use them.)
The majority of faires here require you piece-tie your weapon, even the participants have to unless they are doing a show.
Most of the faires do not allow smoking in general areas and if you smoke there are places you can go just for that.
I admit, some in our group who are cigarette/herb smokers go behind our trailer out of sight of the public. I have no problem with that or even the vendors who might bring a bottle or two of liquor of choice to sip on in a mug (I'm guilty of some of that).
We had a gal with her boyfriend and her two kids join our group a couple of years ago, it turned out she was constantly drunk and had no idea where her kids were. We had to ask her to leave our group and they got kicked out of the faire after her youngest was found wandering the parking lot by Security.
Since our group hands out candy and goodies to the kids, we get a lot of kids coming back for more, and we kindly tell them no.
Yes I have to admit in a former group another 'called me out' and all hell broke loose between us - very public.
I soon left that group for better people.
Rumba Rue
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on January 25, 2012, 12:36:06 PM...I think I shall train StudMuffin to bite them.
Keeper, if I were you, I'd mount a cannon on the front of StudMuffin and shoot rock salt into their bloody arses. That's just way too rude.
I admit that I have wiggled my way to the front of a crowd to take pictures, but when I do, I crouch down below the line-of-sight of the people behind me. When I finish, I return to the rear...of the crowd, to make myself clear—I know how people like to look for openings for wisecracks and rude comments... ::)
I make every attempt to make sure I'm not blocking anyone's view. If I accidentally step in front of someone unknowingly, and they call me out on it, I will apologize and move immediately. My rights end when someone else's are interfered with.
Rumba, some folks are just plain allergic to alcohol. They take a drink and break out in stupidity.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on January 25, 2012, 01:07:37 PM
My rights end when someone else's are interfered with.
Wow, what a stupid concept! Putting others before self, being polite, apologizing! ::) What is the world coming to?
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on January 25, 2012, 12:36:06 PM
Menitioning it to the offender usually get a sickly smile, a shrug and no change.
Keeper, next time we meet at TRF ( or anywhere else ) and if that should happen, mention it to me, please. They will move for you or I shall embarrass them so badly that they will run away. *Wicked Smile*
I have long had friends and family who were challenged in some way, walkers, wheelchairs, power chairs, etc. And I full firsthand know how challenging getting around with those is. The number of people who use them to be rude is small at least to me and even then I still try to remember their difficulties. ( Save for Walmart, where they seem to think that humanoid ankles are fair game and that they are allowed to cut lines. :P ) I don't see why a small special section for things like that should be a problem to handle at Faire, a few ropeoff holders, some rope and a sign usually does the trick.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on January 25, 2012, 11:57:28 AM
The special seating area seems to be the most logical solution. Most of the people are not in those chairs by choice.
We already provide special parking for chairs and scooters, though I don't think anybody considered that the occasional rider may not wish to take advantage of it because their family and friends have to sit elsewhere or cannot stand next to them ::) My apologies. *facepalm*. Extra seating for folks attending the scooter/chair folks is a great idea, and I will bring this up next time suggestions are solicited for our fair in a few weeks.
@KeeperoftheBar-The selfishness of some people never ceases to amaze me, when they act like they are entirely unaware of their surroundings. Good manners are quickly falling by the wayside.
Alas, I have missed a couple of excellent shows thanks to the random 6 foot giant that shoved to the front, waving a camera, as if that allowed him to be rude.
@Lord Dragon- LOL. I know the Walmart Racers you speak of ^_^. and I would not be surprised if they were the same folks in my original post.
It should be noted I have
never had a garbed person on a scooter or chair act rudely, but I
have seen ungarbed patrons treat them with less consideration than they would the Walmart scooter lady.
Quote from: Dinobabe on January 25, 2012, 02:21:19 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on January 25, 2012, 01:07:37 PM
My rights end when someone else's are interfered with.
Wow, what a stupid concept! Putting others before self, being polite, apologizing! ::) What is the world coming to?
It worked for my late dad, and never heard anyone
ever say a bad thing about him. I would like my son to be able to make the same claim...yeah, silly, I know...
If I'm winged and decided to attend a show, I always try to be out of the way, usually all the way in the back. Most times I stand outside or sit on the ground. I know they get in the way, I know they are bulky, I have to deal with them for the entire day. But one thing that irks me is the drunks (garbed or not), stumbling around outside certain popular pubs in a very congested area oblivious to anyone but themselves. My wings were not cheap, they were specially made for me. And if they are damaged, I don't have a clue how to repair them as the person who made them has moved away. They need to watch where they are going and how much they drink! How can you enjoy faire in that state?? ??? Guess that goes back to that whole politeness thing...how silly of me!
Not rage, but concern. Some folks carrying swords don't appear to have any awareness of where the point is. Agreed that most folks can avoid them, but there are also kids attending faire. Be aware of the location of the point of your swords.
Since I ride what's probably the biggest anachronism at Faire, I'm amazed about the total lack of awareness some folks have of what's going on around them. I don't run into people, but there is such a thing as inertia which sometimes makes this a challenge.
As far as kids giving their folks a hard time, a tug of the beard and asking if they know whether Santa is watching sometimes yields positive results. And, yes, I know that this isn't period.
Trying to eat a big juicy turkey leg, stuff on a stick, or pickle and having some juice spill onto your newest, cleanest, lightest colored piece of garb.
When that awesome accessory or piece of garb that you waited so long for/paid so much for/worked so hard on, fails to hold up to the rigors of a full day at faire.
But it's still worth it.
I held off eating a turkey leg for soooo long, more because of my beard than garb. I was trying not to gross anyone out. I finally took the plunge at RenDezvous this year. With a bit of care, it wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought!
I HATE when I am at a show and some one in the audience is singing along. It drive me up the wall!!! Look I go to hear THEM sing not some random person.
Wow. Hate ? Rage, really ? Over someone getting into the spirit of a performance ? Seems a little intense to suffer irritation or rage or even the level of emotion such as "hate" over others having fun. Doesn't it take alot of energy to be negative over others enjoying their own experience at faire ? Maybe the other singalong guest was imposing on your experience and that caused the rage. Did the rage end soon after suffering that experience ? :P
If it is an interactive show, it is one thing. But I agree when seeing any performer at any type of concert when you are there to see ( and definitely hear ) their performance, especially when it is a once a year or a once in a lifetime thing, to have someone singing along that certainly irks me no end myself.
Quote from: BagPipeBabe on January 29, 2012, 10:46:36 PM
I HATE when I am at a show and some one in the audience is singing along. It drive me up the wall!!! Look I go to hear THEM sing not some random person.
Ditto with Lord Dragon: The Jolly Rogers encourage sing-alongs, and it depends on how many fans are participating whether you can hear them well or not. It's expected, but there are still grumbles from first time attendees which is understandable.
However, if I was listening to a solo flutist or a folk guitarist who was known for his vocals; I might be a bit peeved if someone else was competing with him from the audience.
What drives me crazy is when people are singing or drumming along, when they are terribly off key or off beat. There's one paytron that I recall who ALWAYS sat in the front row with a bohdran, and was ALWAYS about a half beat behind the group on stage, which was both annoying and distracting to those of us in the first 2 rows. A small child is one thing, but an adult who has no consideration for the rest of the audience is just plain rude. I'm glad you're taking lessons and learning to play, but if you really feel the need to practice by trying to play along with the band, at least have the consideration to sit off to the side, instead of smack dab in the middle of the front row.
People singing the words to a song that the performer is NOT SINGING.
I know I don't sing well, so unless it's specifically a sing-along, I'll usually only mouth words or else quietly hum to myself.
Fortunate is the word that applies then to this Archer as no experience at faire in any location over the past six or seven years has caused an emotional experience of rage, hate, to feel irked or peeved or any other negative emotion for that matter . . . at all. :)
And this irks you? It must if you are on this thread. Otherwise you would be off topic. :o
Quote from: raevyncait on January 30, 2012, 09:44:11 AM
What drives me crazy is when people are singing or drumming along, when they are terribly off key or off beat. There's one paytron that I recall who ALWAYS sat in the front row with a bohdran, and was ALWAYS about a half beat behind the group on stage, which was both annoying and distracting to those of us in the first 2 rows. A small child is one thing, but an adult who has no consideration for the rest of the audience is just plain rude. I'm glad you're taking lessons and learning to play, but if you really feel the need to practice by trying to play along with the band, at least have the consideration to sit off to the side, instead of smack dab in the middle of the front row.
People singing the words to a song that the performer is NOT SINGING.
I know I don't sing well, so unless it's specifically a sing-along, I'll usually only mouth words or else quietly hum to myself.
Amen!
[/quote]The Jolly Rogers encourage sing-alongs[/quote]
I love sing along show (it my fav thing of the day is pub sing). But when it is a performer is singing and did not ask for us to that is SOOOOOO disrespectfully to the people on stag and the people off it too.
Quote from: BagPipeBabe on January 30, 2012, 11:55:48 AM
The Jolly Rogers encourage sing-alongs
I love sing along show (it my fav thing of the day is pub sing). But when it is a performer is singing and did not ask for us to that is SOOOOOO disrespectfully to the people on stag and the people off it too.
Jolly Rogers of Kansas City Renaissance Festival? Yeah they encourage sing alongs with certain ones, no doubt. But I hate it when people sing along and you can tell the performers aren't into it.
New one speaking of Jolly Rogers. they always like to fish a dollar ( or more ) out of women's breasts after shows, love it. But when one particular chick who you can tell hasn't had a man anywhere near her chest since the last festival, continually drops dollar coins in there over and over and over again to get one of the Jolly Rogers to get it, is quite tacky, sorry!!!!
Quote from: Lord Dragon on January 30, 2012, 11:42:51 AM
And this irks you? It must if you are on this thread. Otherwise you would be off topic. :o
Assumption incorrect. I admit to noting more negativity from some who proclaim love for faire, than ever witnessed or experienced at a faire.
Curiosity as to reasons/causes for negativite responses/emotions and others who would validate same is confirmed/acknowledged. So, it would be off topic to decline to express some form of moan or groan ? Interesting concept. Maybe the Archer has just been lucky/fortunate. :D
I hate it when someone steals my ale... ;) I refuse to rage at faire.
Heh, I find some measure of disfavor with flies that live outside and tell their friends to come land on my breadbowl of potato soup. 8)
I also refuse to rage at faire. :P
Quote from: Rennytom on October 29, 2011, 05:53:28 PM
Quote from: Molden on October 05, 2011, 01:46:48 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on October 05, 2011, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: Rennytom on October 04, 2011, 11:18:22 PM
Half Naked wenches or barbarians running around in revealing costumes, flirting with everyone they meet....
I hate it when that happens... ::) 8)
I've actually met and chatted with that Lass at TRF. She's actually a very sweet person to talk with and bloody intelligent to boot! ;D
Chatted WITH, or chatted UP... ;)
Sweet and intelligent, eh? I must admit I have not had the courage to go and strike up a conversation with her yet. Say, there's something that drives me into depths of rage - being an absolute wimp when it comes to meeting young lasses at the faire!
I guess I did have one conversation with her this year, out in the parking lot while walking to the campgrounds. In it's entirety -
"umm, uh, excuse me. Um, can I take your photo?
"Why certainly"
(snap)
"umm, uh, thanks! You look se...uhm..uh...barbaric,," (DOH!)
"Thanks!"
(RUN AWAY! face burning...)
Oh well, here's the photo, to make the story complete -
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6211/6293070298_d6ddc45355.jpg)
Hey - I remember you!
I dunno why, but I become enraged when bearded men eat turkey legs in public without a veil to hide their grotesque display.
Quote from: Jack Daw at Work on February 01, 2012, 05:52:29 PM
I dunno why, but I become enraged when bearded men eat turkey legs in public without a veil to hide their grotesque display.
:'(
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on February 01, 2012, 06:25:12 PM
Quote from: Jack Daw at Work on February 01, 2012, 05:52:29 PM
I dunno why, but I become enraged when bearded men eat turkey legs in public without a veil to hide their grotesque display.
:'(
Oh, did I say 'enraged' I meant...um...'humored.'
Grabby hands and people who think it is fun to steal my stuff from the royal court area, and give it to others to give back to me in a "humorous" way. It wasn't funny, it wasn't cute, and I wasn't flattered. If people want to "be a part of the act", then come to us earlier, introduce yourself properly, and don't ask to do anything that will interfere with the shows or be out of character for the actor involved (he interrupted the question/answer session of my show!).
The whole experience ruined my mood for the rest of the day, and made a patron who was roped into the interruption very uncomfortable. I made sure to reassure her that it wasn't her fault, while my escort took the guy off to the side and had a serious talk with him about why this type of interaction was not welcome. The patron was mortified, and I could have kicked the guy just for that reason alone. We ended up having a nice talk, and I think she'll still come back next year.
The interfering patron got a nice talk from our large security folks, courtesy of my escort.
Grr...
Quote from: RumbaRue on January 25, 2012, 12:49:54 PM
After reading all the replies, I guess here in California we are in some cases very strict, and in others lax.
I hate costume Nazi's!!!! (The main reason I quit working the big southern faire here years ago. I understand now they are even telling what feathers to use and who can use them.)
Rumba Rue
@Rumba Rue,
Southern does try to keep a quality and consistent look. The look of each group and booth is dictated by the group and booth. The whole thing is then the coordinated by the faire's costume director. If you are working, you must follow the rules, it is a trade-off. Remember that faire is a theatrical construct.
If you are a patron, and a cast-member is talking smack, find out who they work for and let their booth-owner/guildmaster know. It is very bad show and makes us all look bad.
People who have loud things on their costumes. Jingling coins & small bells I'm good with. Today, however, I had to listen to COWBELL attached to a kid as it clanged all over the Faire. It was very disruptive to Sarah Mullens beautiful harp playing & jarring at other times of the day. I was highly tempted to say something to the parents but they were bigger than me & had horns so I refrained!
Had a Dane at mdrf brush his lit cigar on my arm. Glad I had my sleves rolled up of it would of burnt my shirt. As crowded as it gets there walking around with a lit cigar in your hand is a pretty poor idea.
At the Pittsburgh fair there is this one beef jerky vendor that is a super pushy/rude. Guy really got on my nerves and I ended up avoiding the area he was in. I hope he is gone this year.
Quote from: Alaric on May 29, 2012, 10:08:29 PM
Had a Dane at mdrf brush his lit cigar on my arm. Glad I had my sleves rolled up of it would of burnt my shirt. As crowded as it gets there walking around with a lit cigar in your hand is a pretty poor idea.
At the Pittsburgh fair there is this one beef jerky vendor that is a super pushy/rude. Guy really got on my nerves and I ended up avoiding the area he was in. I hope he is gone this year.
I'm sorry, Alaric. I'm not laughing at your burn and I hope it wasn't bad, but you made me think of another thread:
You know you're a true rennie when you're garb means more to you than your own skin. :)
More annoyance at bad manners than rage, I guess. Still early in the season, but the 'cranky patron effect' is apparent already..The comments cited below are aimed primarily at mundanes, the vast majority of Rennies aren't this rude (I hope).
I realize that some people are (rabidly) loyal to certain faires, and that's cool.
What is not cool, is going to a small faire, (or a website, or a news blog contribution) and making lengthy and disparaging comparisons to much bigger, and much, much better funded events.
That's like comparing the annual town Carnival to Disneyland.
Making loud and snarky comments for everyone to hear (or read) about the lack of 20-30 different places to eat, high end artisans and top paid acts at a faire that only charges $10.00 at the gate is just petty, and does not make the snarker look or sound worldly or sophisticated, which we have to assume is the intention.
I understand that some folks cannot bring themselves to attend a 'soft' faire, but please, if you do go, keep your comments to yourself. Not everybody can afford Tartanic or The Tortuga Twins, and certainly not a tiny venue barely making enough to pay the jousters. *Sigh*.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on May 30, 2012, 02:20:21 PM
More annoyance at bad manners than rage, I guess. Still early in the season, but the 'cranky patron effect' is apparent already..The comments cited below are aimed primarily at mundanes, the vast majority of Rennies aren't this rude (I hope).
I realize that some people are (rabidly) loyal to certain faires, and that's cool.
What is not cool, is going to a small faire, (or a website, or a news blog contribution) and making lengthy and disparaging comparisons to much bigger, and much, much better funded events.
That's like comparing the annual town Carnival to Disneyland.
Making loud and snarky comments for everyone to hear (or read) about the lack of 20-30 different places to eat, high end artisans and top paid acts at a faire that only charges $10.00 at the gate is just petty, and does not make the snarker look or sound worldly or sophisticated, which we have to assume is the intention.
I understand that some folks cannot bring themselves to attend a 'soft' faire, but please, if you do go, keep your comments to yourself. Not everybody can afford Tartanic or The Tortuga Twins, and certainly not a tiny venue barely making enough to pay the jousters. *Sigh*.
Rowen, one would hope that it is not rennies making such comments, as most of us understand that not all faires are the same and there is a HUGE pool of talent out there for various festivals to wade through in order to get their entertainers, many of whom are regional, lesser-known acts, who may be just as talented as the big names who command the big money. Personally, I try to find something good to say about any festival I visit, and while there are a couple of festivals that I would like a refund on my time & gas (as I was given free tickets), I try not to publicly be ugly about them. Norman is one of my very favorite festivals, and if I lived closer, I would have been there this year, but it's already in my plans for next year. Scarby will always be home, even if there are aspects that make me less than happy, I can still find happiness & joy out there. Not every festival will appeal to everybody, but that doesn't make it a bad festival necessarily. It goes to "just because something doesn't work for me or bring me happiness doesn't mean it's bad or wrong, it just means it's wrong FOR ME."
Quote from: Anna Iram on May 30, 2012, 01:21:54 PM
Quote from: Alaric on May 29, 2012, 10:08:29 PM
Had a Dane at mdrf brush his lit cigar on my arm. Glad I had my sleves rolled up of it would of burnt my shirt. As crowded as it gets there walking around with a lit cigar in your hand is a pretty poor idea.
At the Pittsburgh fair there is this one beef jerky vendor that is a super pushy/rude. Guy really got on my nerves and I ended up avoiding the area he was in. I hope he is gone this year.
I'm sorry, Alaric. I'm not laughing at your burn and I hope it wasn't bad, but you made me think of another thread:
You know you're a true rennie when you're garb means more to you than your own skin. :)
;D Luckily I pulled my arm away quickly so I only got a small burn. I just spent 80 bucks on a new shirt and would have hated to get a hole in it, tho to be honest it probably wouldn't have mattered as I managed to get a small hole in my pants somehow. Matching destruction FTW >:( :D
QuoteWhat is not cool, is going to a small faire, (or a website, or a news blog contribution) and making lengthy and disparaging comparisons to much bigger, and much, much better funded events.
That's like comparing the annual town Carnival to Disneyland.
Making loud and snarky comments for everyone to hear (or read) about the lack of 20-30 different places to eat, high end artisans and top paid acts at a faire that only charges $10.00 at the gate is just petty, and does not make the snarker look or sound worldly or sophisticated, which we have to assume is the intention.
I understand that some folks cannot bring themselves to attend a 'soft' faire, but please, if you do go, keep your comments to yourself. Not everybody can afford Tartanic or The Tortuga Twins, and certainly not a tiny venue barely making enough to pay the jousters. *Sigh*.
Thank you so much my good lady. As a very small soft site faire I truly appreciate your comments. My faire is funded from my VA and SS check and ran as my wifes business so be it a money pit it is still ours. While we have yet to turn a cash profit we have reaped the benefits of seeing smiles on peoples faces that would otherwise have never attended a faire. We may be a small fair but we give our patrons 110%.
Rabbi, you are most welcome. A labor of love shows in the dedication of the people who run it, and the people who volunteer there. Keep at it, you will grow.... ;D
It seems that the most disparaging comments are reserved for the 'midsized' faires; particularly the ones that have a mix of hard booths with a section for tentage. These venues typically charge between $10-$20 gate and may or may not have a dedicated site. Many only have volunteer cast and acts that are new or only semi-professional at best, while the big faires have the best of everything: fancy buildings, grounds maintenance, professional actors, and variety, and they charge $25+ for a day pass to pay for it all.
This obvious difference escapes these uninformed and amateur (but vocal) 'critics', who don't recognize the difference between a faire that is still evolving into a full blown, and hopefully, multiple weekend event, and a bigger one that they may have attended in the past.
They apparently expect to see a miniature TRF or Bristol in the middle of a cornfield, like Venus rising full grown from the clamshell. ::)
edit for spelling
Well....Yer magic and all, aintcha? ;)
Only been to one that I could, would, and did disparage...in my home town. $5 admission, and 30 minutes later, we left, having seen and done everything. There was no cast. There was a short lecture and demonstration on jousting in a small paddock. There were a couple of vendors left over from the state fair. That was it. That was the best that a metro area of 3/4 million people could do??
I would fully support a start-up or small faire in my area, but they would at least have to try, and not just take someone's money and say they had a faire, like this one. For obvious reasons, the "faire" was never heard from again.
To make a faire go, and to make a faire worth going to, you have to have the enthusiasm and love of faire, like Rabbi.
Not rage, but sort of annoyed.
I'm always saying "anything goes, just have fun" with your garb at faire. But lately I percieve that there are people who's costumes are sort of a joke at other playtrons expense. They might have started as a gag, but seem like an intentional and somewhat mean spirited parody of faire.
That has me curious...What did the costume look like? :)
I'm curious as well! Are you talking costumes such as those for a "Day of Wrong" but worn any time?
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 31, 2012, 06:38:47 AM
Only been to one that I could, would, and did disparage...in my home town. $5 admission, and 30 minutes later, we left, having seen and done everything. There was no cast. There was a short lecture and demonstration on jousting in a small paddock. There were a couple of vendors left over from the state fair. That was it. That was the best that a metro area of 3/4 million people could do??
I would fully support a start-up or small faire in my area, but they would at least have to try, and not just take someone's money and say they had a faire, like this one. For obvious reasons, the "faire" was never heard from again.
Yeah, I've been to a couple like that. I've also noticed that it tended to be the same 'promoter' each time, so I quickly learned not to attend his 'events', which I now understand were a thinly disguised stab at a quick buck. It cost him nothing to put on, the admission was 100% profit. Fool me once.
I suspect that I know the costuming of which Zardoz speaks, and yes, in the beginning it was intended to be a light-hearted fun thing to do for Day of Wrong. I know this because I am part of the group. I am sad to say, however that it has evolved and, at least in my opinion, is no longer the light-hearted fun that it began with. As a result there have been some hurt feelings within the group, and I honestly don't know where it will go from there.
What began in the 2009 season as a fun way for a close-knit group of us to spend the next-to-last day of faire, has, as time has gone by, evolved into a huge group, most of whom many of the original members have never even met, and I've become less enthusiastic about being part of the hijinks on DoW. As an employee of the shop, I have more freedom with my garb than members of cast, but I am also aware of the fact that the average patron may presume that rather than an employee of an independent contractor, I am a representative of the festival itself, and so I do my best to ensure that what I have on will not negatively impact the image of the festival.
I am sincerely hopeful that the group will settle down and be less of a spectacle before next season
Raevyn, I don't think we're talking about the same thing, at least the folks I was thinking of are not a big group.
Honestly, I wish I had not made that post, it's pointless without really stating or showing what I was talking about. But I'm sure doing so would likely make some people mad at me!
Zardoz, that does indeed make me happy, if what you saw is not the group I'm thinking of. As I spent all but about 30 minutes inside the shoppe that on Sunday, I've no idea how large their gathering became.
Interestingly I saw nothing to send me off into a rage today. It was over all a really good day. There was a guy there who was wearing his first kilt for the first time and left the basting stitches in the pleats. I told him how badly that could turn out. He thanked me for telling him, went to a costumer for help removing them, and all ended well.
Quote from: irish on July 27, 2010, 10:51:53 AM
People smoking and blowing it in my face! Or when they smoke, letting their cigarette, near my garb!
Smoking should be totally banned from any large venue like this. I don't care if it's outside. It shouldn't be allowed inside the gates at all. I have no desire to smell any poisonous smoke, either when walking around, eating or viewing a show. At very minimum, ALL Faire's should have designated smoking areas AWAY from everybody.
(BTW, Scarborough is just begging for a lawsuit. They're actually promoting smoking by selling cigars on site)
Sorry but I will respectfully agree to disagree here. First I will apologize for those smokers that are inconsiderate of others and yes they are out there. As a smoker I paid my way in to see the same things you did and the same price even. So I deserve to enjoy myself as well. Number 1 I do not smoke in the vendors enclosed area as there is not adequate airflow. Number 2 If seated at a show I will excuse myself and step to an area less likely to create a problem for others. Number three I am aware of the space my cigarette is in and have averted issues with people wearing extremely nice garb and not paying attention to anything and had I not moved my cigarette gues what burned garb. Number 4 I never intentionaly blow my smoke in anyones face. Number 5 If POLITELY asked I have been known to put a cigarette out after having just lit it. Common courtesy goes a very long way on both counts and as a smoker we generaly get the raw end of the deal. Yet it is perfectly acceptable for some drunk to spill his/her drink on garb and staining it.
Quote from: The Rabbi on June 16, 2012, 03:31:44 PM
Sorry but I will respectfully agree to disagree here. First I will apologize for those smokers that are inconsiderate of others and yes they are out there. As a smoker I paid my way in to see the same things you did and the same price even. So I deserve to enjoy myself as well. Number 1 I do not smoke in the vendors enclosed area as there is not adequate airflow. Number 2 If seated at a show I will excuse myself and step to an area less likely to create a problem for others. Number three I am aware of the space my cigarette is in and have averted issues with people wearing extremely nice garb and not paying attention to anything and had I not moved my cigarette gues what burned garb. Number 4 I never intentionaly blow my smoke in anyones face. Number 5 If POLITELY asked I have been known to put a cigarette out after having just lit it. Common courtesy goes a very long way on both counts and as a smoker we generaly get the raw end of the deal. Yet it is perfectly acceptable for some drunk to spill his/her drink on garb and staining it.
As a smoker, I second this. Thank you for being so eloquent, Rabbi! :)
And as a non-smoker, I third Rabbi's opinion. I would much rather be next to a polite smoker than I would a typical parent of a baby or toddler any day. I fear nothing sets me off like a crying baby. Worse than fingernails on a chalkboard to me. But I could never support banning them from the festival.
I, too, support Rabbi's position, and I am an ex-smoker. Smokers have become pariahs these days, regardless of where they wish to smoke. It's getting to be in some cities, you can hardly smoke ANYWHERE. You start banning smokers, then what's next?
Sodas larger than 16 oz and big tubs of popcorn in the movies, like New York City. Or was that a rhetorical question?
Replying on the smoking thing as a definate non-smoker. I think that if people want to smoke, fine. that's their choice. If they want to smoke at Faire, again, fine. However, I think you need to go to a place as far away from people as possible. Definitly not in a crowd, at a show, or where people may be eating. And part of the problem for me, I am mildly allergic to cigarette smoke, and people never seem to think about those around that may have those issues. Mind, I am not just saying that I dont like it, I mean that my throught starts to close. Never so bad yet to make me go to a hospital or anything yet, but it will make it so bad that I cant talk for a good hour if I have been directly next to someone smoking. I can even tell if a person has been smoking recently because of the lingering smoke. >:( Makes things hard when I have to suddenly leave sometimes...
Just my 2cents...
Unfortunately yes I do understand as I have a friend that I sent to the hospital as he did not inform me as we were outside when I lit up. Of course this happened when we had first met and well he thought it was all good til we went to the ER. For those of us courteouse smokers I ask one REALLY BIG FAVOR. Please let us know that yes you are allergic none of us like visiting the ER and my habit is not worth that trip. I also now have a habit of asking friends soon into the friendship if they are allergic to anything.
I try to let people know when I can, and like I said I am mildly allergic. So not so bad yet to have to go to the er. But sometimes I can't always let people know, and more important are the people who are just around who just don't think or care. I don't presume to tell people they can't smoke though, just think of others when you do... ::)
Quote from: The Rabbi on June 16, 2012, 03:31:44 PM
Sorry but I will respectfully agree to disagree here. First I will apologize for those smokers that are inconsiderate of others and yes they are out there. As a smoker I paid my way in to see the same things you did and the same price even. So I deserve to enjoy myself as well. Number 1 I do not smoke in the vendors enclosed area as there is not adequate airflow. Number 2 If seated at a show I will excuse myself and step to an area less likely to create a problem for others. Number three I am aware of the space my cigarette is in and have averted issues with people wearing extremely nice garb and not paying attention to anything and had I not moved my cigarette gues what burned garb. Number 4 I never intentionaly blow my smoke in anyones face. Number 5 If POLITELY asked I have been known to put a cigarette out after having just lit it. Common courtesy goes a very long way on both counts and as a smoker we generaly get the raw end of the deal. Yet it is perfectly acceptable for some drunk to spill his/her drink on garb and staining it.
As a cigar & pipe smoke I third it
Quote from: LadyFireKissed on June 17, 2012, 01:35:39 PM
I try to let people know when I can, and like I said I am mildly allergic. So not so bad yet to have to go to the er. But sometimes I can't always let people know, and more important are the people who are just around who just don't think or care. I don't presume to tell people they can't smoke though, just think of others when you do... ::)
Absalutely agree my good lady Courtesy and Respect should apply in all things and I admit to many faults but I do try to abide by these two things.
Quote from: The Rabbi on June 16, 2012, 03:31:44 PM
Common courtesy goes a very long way on both counts and as a smoker we generally get the raw end of the deal. Yet it is perfectly acceptable for some drunk to spill his/her drink on garb and staining it.
I have to agree with Rabbi as well.
Inconsiderate smokers can certainly ruin a day for someone else, but seriously, I have had a LOT more ruined experiences (and stained garb) thanks to immoderate drinkers than the oblivious smoker.
LadyFire, I think we're all saying about the same thing. The people I know and hang with at faire who are still smokers, have always been courteous to me. Be aware of something, however. Some of us smoked for so long—when it wasn't an issue—and on occasion, simply forget ourselves. Back when I still smoked, one time...just out of habit ..., I reached into my pocket, took out a cigarette, and lit up in a client's office. I think I was more surprised than he was!
There is rudeness on both sides of the issue. Having been off cigarettes for 3½ years, I understand that the odor is offensive to some, but to tell someone "they stink" is out of line, yet I had someone tell me that. Smokers and non-smokers alike need to show a little common courtesy to each other.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on June 17, 2012, 05:07:30 PM
There is rudeness on both sides of the issue. Having been off cigarettes for 3½ years, I understand that the odor is offensive to some, but to tell someone "they stink" is out of line, yet I had someone tell me that. Smokers and non-smokers alike need to show a little common courtesy to each other.
True. I would no sooner tell a smoker that they 'stink' or that they are 'polluting my air', than I would call an overweight person a 'fata$$' or tell them they are 'ruining my view' for not being a size 4. Both are exactly the same kind of rude, IMHO.
edit for grammar.
Quote from: LadyFireKissed on June 17, 2012, 01:35:39 PM
I try to let people know when I can, and like I said I am mildly allergic. So not so bad yet to have to go to the er. But sometimes I can't always let people know, and more important are the people who are just around who just don't think or care. I don't presume to tell people they can't smoke though, just think of others when you do... ::)
I have to agree! As a family of six that includes 5 severe asthmatics, I appreciate it when people don't blow it in our faces. It can be frustrating when your child starts coughing, you pull out an inhaler to help your kid breathe, and people just stand there, blowing smoke at a child having an asthma attack that they caused. Its aggravating. Just like they did....I paid money to come to faire, I would like to not spend the weekend in the hospital with my kid(s) bc of it, we came to have fun, too.
The thing is that common courtesy would go a long way....but sometimes people get so bent on having their own way they forget to care about harm they may be inflicting upon others. My whole extended family are smokes....but they've watched my kids turn blue often enough that they no longer smoke around them, or if they do, they walk WAY away from them:) which I do appreciate.
Why would anyone blow smoke at a kid? Wow.
Like Rowen said, I'd be a lot more upset if somebody spilled stuff on my garb. I don't really care about smokers one way or the other.
The thing that sucks about some/most smokers at faire, is they view that since Sir Walter Raleigh is worked into so much of the humor, that since cigars are considered fine, that many smoke in their acts depending on the faire, it's fine to just some wherever you want whenever you want, and will do so right around kids/nonsmokers, etc.
I've always said to those smokers who hate smoking areas/non smoking rules, thank your fellow inconsiderate smokers.
I haven't run into acts that smoke...seen a few flames, though.
At Scarby, and the rest of the faires I've attending, there are few that are downright rude with their smoking, although there have been some. This year at Scarby, there was someone in line before cannon just smoking away. I'll bet I did that a few times myself, thinking back. These days we're a little more socially aware, or so one would think. A non-thinking cigar smoker outside an enclosed pub also caused a problem briefly.
But rage?? Nah...just a bit of irritation.
Rowen, I don't think anyone would intentionally blow smoke at a child. Some people are just oblivious to what is occurring around them.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on June 18, 2012, 04:49:14 PM
I haven't run into acts that smoke...seen a few flames, though.
At Scarby, and the rest of the faires I've attending, there are few that are downright rude with their smoking, although there have been some. This year at Scarby, there was someone in line before cannon just smoking away. I'll bet I did that a few times myself, thinking back. These days we're a little more socially aware, or so one would think. A non-thinking cigar smoker outside an enclosed pub also caused a problem briefly.
But rage?? Nah...just a bit of irritation.
Rowen, I don't think anyone would intentionally blow smoke at a child. Some people are just oblivious to what is occurring around them.
must be a regional thing. At KCRF they work smoking into the pub sing regularly, and have a daily Royal Cigar Smoker where everyone sits around drinking beer, smokign cigars, and it's the best humor of the day generally. and same at PARF, they work Sir Walter Raleigh into the humor all the time. at any rate, seems when sitting at the various acts, people blow smoke right at you and don't seem to care at all. what puzzles me is we are generally sitting on hay bails with dead leaves all around, you'd think smoking would be on the dangerous side, but what do i know.
Chef,
the people smoking don't really think about the hay bales, dead leaves and such until there is a major fire. TRF has put paving stones under all of their designated smoking areas in an effort to mitigate careless cigarette butt dropping.
But I guess having a 100 acre wildfire threaten the fair was quite the wake up call.
It was sad to drive down the highway outside the fair entrance and see the miles of burned pine trees. Many, but not all, of last Fall's wildfires were started by cigarette butts.
Quote from: DonaCatalina on June 19, 2012, 08:24:49 AM
Chef,
the people smoking don't really think about the hay bales, dead leaves and such until there is a major fire. TRF has put paving stones under all of their designated smoking areas in an effort to mitigate careless cigarette butt dropping.
But I guess having a 100 acre wildfire threaten the fair was quite the wake up call.
It was sad to drive down the highway outside the fair entrance and see the miles of burned pine trees. Many, but not all, of last Fall's wildfires were started by cigarette butts.
you know i wondered about TRF and smoking - since Texas seems to be wildfire central in recent years. And I remember how dangerously close it was to faire site. sadly, a friend we go to faire with is one of those inconsiderate smokers. he lights up anywhere anytime. doesn't care at all. when he comes to our house we make him go outside like any smoker who visits. but it's sad how we'll be next to kids, elderly, anything, and he lights up. and at faire, you see so many other smokers who make an attempt to go elsewhere to smoke, not him though.
I have to say, I smoked for years in my younger days. It was my choice then, not the people I smoked around. It was also my choice to go someplace that had designated smoking areas. I was not going to make somebody else smoke, be it first or second hand, if they did not want it. If you smoke, you know you do. If you go someplace that has designated smoking areas, learn where they are, and plan you walks around your smoking. After all, you are the one doing it. At the same time, if I am with friends or family who smoke, I will not begrudge them their habit, if they accept the local rules (house, faire, wherever).
In my life I have also put out two separate brush fires at places I was working, and an inconceivable number of trash fires, as well as three small brush fires that I came across elsewhere because people were careless with ashes and butts. If people don't think a carelessly thrown or dropped butt can cause damage, let them stand still while we throw burning embers at them.
Well, bit of a rant there, and I appologize.
Noisy people who hover around the shows! Ok, you (noisy low account patrons) are having a great time, feeling a bit tipsy, just ran into an old friend, and you're super excited to see all the well endowed-garbed-up-gals.
Does that mean you have to be an inconsiderate imbecile, stand around or right behind the seating for the shows, and talk (yell) at full volume so your friends can hear you over the very rude actor on stage who is projecting his voice without the use of microphones, over the 20 something rows of hay bales so people can be entertained by what they spent their money on?????
I know not everyone cares for faire shows, especially if they have seen them year after year. But that is no excuse for blatant disrespectful behavior. And if you haven't seen a show (noisy low account patrons), maybe now's a good time learn that culture isn't just a sample of bacteria......
End Rant. :D
I'll second your rant, Genyferbelle.
When the faire management doesn't bring back some of my favorite acts >:(
When they keep raising the price of camping for participants every single year yet not making any improvements.
Lack of water on site. I can handle just about anything, but, thirst will knock you flat faster than anything.
Quote from: lilaney on July 12, 2012, 02:16:00 PM
Lack of water on site. I can handle just about anything, but, thirst will knock you flat faster than anything.
I agree. I thought that it was somehow illegal to hold an event where there is no access to FREE bathrooms and water.
Bathrooms we can find. A spigot with potable water is something entirely different, and you can forget about water fountains at most events.
At nearly every faire I have been eventually successful finding a hose or spigot, but in most cases,
only after asking someone who works there. At a couple of venues they were reluctant to tell me, and only divulged the location of the pump after I told them it was an emergency.
This gives me the impression they were told to not encourage people to seek out free water.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on July 12, 2012, 03:27:34 PM
Quote from: lilaney on July 12, 2012, 02:16:00 PM
Lack of water on site. I can handle just about anything, but, thirst will knock you flat faster than anything.
I agree. I thought that it was somehow illegal to hold an event where there is no access to FREE bathrooms and water.
Bathrooms we can find. A spigot with potable water is something entirely different, and you can forget about water fountains at most events.
At nearly every faire I have been eventually successful finding a hose or spigot, but in most cases, only after asking someone who works there. At a couple of venues they were reluctant to tell me, and only divulged the location of the pump after I told them it was an emergency.
This gives me the impression they were told to not encourage people to seek out free water.
Thats frustrating. I drink a lot, and I mean a LOT of water on a normal day. so out in the heat, and in garb it is even more ridiculous. I have gotten around that by "not" taking in the smallest water bottles I can find. So they "don't" fit into a pouch. ;) Hey my health comes first.
The OK Ren Faire was amazing in that at every pub, there was a large cooler with a spigot on the bottom (looked like a barrel). Either water or gatorade was inside, and anyone could go there and fill their mugs at no charge. It was almost in the 100 degrees, so it was much appreciated.
On another note, last weekend was the opening weekend for Bristol. Three different times I had to get up and leave shows due to the smoke. At one show, the guy was in the front row. And the other shows had either cigar smoke - the worst - and/or cigar and cigarette smoke. And there were a couple of other shows we arrived when they were just starting and didn't stay because of all the smokers in the audience.
There is no way I will do anything to jeopardize my kidney transplant, so I ended up leaving. I'm surprised that the performers don't say anything, because without people there, the tips are certainly less. And I really was aggravated that I was the one who had to miss out because of inconsiderate smokers.
I would make noise to the management, if I were you. That is just plain rude, to say the very least.
I agree with Merlin, that situation needs to be elevated to the management. I'm tolerant of smokers, but then, I'm not allergic or in delicate health, nor do I have small children with me most of the time.
Lady R, I can see where a designated smoking area, may have to be set up if the problem is that bad, because you are not the only one who doesn't like it, or can't tolerate it for health reasons.
Since fair is largely an outdoor venue, it is one of the last places where smoking in public is accepted, or at least tolerated, just about anywhere the person wishes to indulge. A lot of venues now days do not allow (open) consumption of alcohol outside of designated areas anymore thanks to a few selfish drunks, and I can see that in the near future at places where smokers are still allowed to smoke wherever they want, if they don't start showing a bit of consideration for others.
Already, many faires forbid smoking by employees within sight of the public, and smokers have to go in back of a fence, near the horse trailers or Porta-Potties or at least stay downwind of the patrons. The smoking patrons tend to cue on the behavior of the employees, and many will seek out the areas that other smokers go to, since they have to do that at work anyway.
I want to say that Scarborough has signs now about smoking in the seating area, but I could be wrong about that. I have seen performers ask people to either extinguish or leave. I've also known certain performers take cell phones away from rude people and toss them.
There are so many ways that people exhibit rudeness at faire and everywhere else. Manners is a thing of the past, I fear.
Of the 4 faires I've attended so far this year, 2 allowed smoking anywhere and 2 had designated smoking areas. I didn't experience smoking-related problems at any of them but maybe I was just lucky. I think the designated smoking areas work pretty well and would recommend them for any faires that have ongoing problems with inconsiderate smokers.
Signs in the seating area, sound like a good idea for whole bunch of reasons.
Walking smokers will eventually move away from you.
Not much "hurls me into the depths of rage", and that's a big reason I enjoy being there in the first place.
But....................these gripes can be filed into the "people with little to no manners" cabinet.
When camping at faire, at some point in the night:
> turn your music down. I enjoy a wide variety of music, but not at 4 in the morning.
> dance all night long if you want to, but yelling and beating drums ALL NIGHT LONG gets real old real fast.
> people cutting thru camps (usually very drunk) and triping over every tent cord that they can obviously not see. Good way to get hurt for the person cutting thru, and a startling and unwelcome wake up call for the person or persons in the tent.
That last one about music reminded me:
People who feel the need to blast their ren faire music in the camping area early in the morning. Just because you have to be up and about doesn't mean everyone else has to be.
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on July 26, 2012, 02:28:53 AM
That last one about music reminded me:
People who feel the need to blast their ren faire music in the camping area early in the morning. Just because you have to be up and about doesn't mean everyone else has to be.
I suspect it might be pay back to those who scream, shout, shoot fireworks, and play music till 4 AM or they pass out, whichever comes first.
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on July 26, 2012, 07:22:02 AM
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on July 26, 2012, 02:28:53 AM
That last one about music reminded me:
People who feel the need to blast their ren faire music in the camping area early in the morning. Just because you have to be up and about doesn't mean everyone else has to be.
I suspect it might be pay back to those who scream, shout, shoot fireworks, and play music till 4 AM or they pass out, whichever comes first.
That's why I quit camping in private or privately run campgrounds: I am a light drinker, and hubby abstains.
The game and parks commission grounds I now use when I camp has a curfew, which usually means peace and quiet and usually more amenities than the private grounds.
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on July 26, 2012, 07:22:02 AM
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on July 26, 2012, 02:28:53 AM
That last one about music reminded me:
People who feel the need to blast their ren faire music in the camping area early in the morning. Just because you have to be up and about doesn't mean everyone else has to be.
I suspect it might be pay back to those who scream, shout, shoot fireworks, and play music till 4 AM or they pass out, whichever comes first.
You might be right.....speaking as one who watched the Saxons march to war at 6am banging their shields and chanting loudly as they went past the Horde who had been up drumming until 3-4 am.
The first weekend the husband and I camped I have a -very- fond memory of me, all snuggled up beside him warm in our cocooned tent, listening to drumming and soft chanting/singing coming from Val Halla across the way. I can't remember the time, but we were the first ones to turn in since we had been up early to make sure all of our camping stuff was packed correctly. I got that warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach like all was right with the world and despite being half frozen, I fell right to sleep...
However, I have a HORRIBLE memory of a few weekends after that, trying to get to sleep/comfortable while people were walking around the campground setting off firework poppers and -screaming- for people to wake up at 3am. People can be just plain stupid sometimes.
I think we'll continue to camp at the Hampton Inn. The drum circles there are few and far between...
Quote from: DonaCatalina on August 01, 2012, 09:41:03 AM
You might be right.....speaking as one who watched the Saxons march to war at 6am banging their shields and chanting loudly as they went past the Horde who had been up drumming until 3-4 am.
This reminds me of being at Civil War events with a 6am skirmish. Artillery (that's me!) doesn't participate. So we always grumble when the bugler wakes us up at 4am! Yikes!! :o
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 01, 2012, 10:29:05 AM
I think we'll continue to camp at the Hampton Inn. The drum circles there are few and far between...
;D Me too..
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 01, 2012, 12:36:31 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 01, 2012, 10:29:05 AM
I think we'll continue to camp at the Hampton Inn. The drum circles there are few and far between...
;D Me too..
Aww comon guys, they're fun! Granted, sometimes they -do- get abit loud, but if they are at that perfect "background noise" level, it's actually pretty soothing to drift off too. Like the final cherry on top of your Renfaire sunday :D
Quote from: scarletnyx on August 01, 2012, 01:41:11 PM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 01, 2012, 12:36:31 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 01, 2012, 10:29:05 AM
I think we'll continue to camp at the Hampton Inn. The drum circles there are few and far between...
;D Me too..
Aww comon guys, they're fun! Granted, sometimes they -do- get abit loud, but if they are at that perfect "background noise" level, it's actually pretty soothing to drift off too. Like the final cherry on top of your Renfaire sunday :D
There would have been a time, Scarletnyx, but once you pass 9 or 10 centuries, you tend to need a little more rest than you used to... :P
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 01, 2012, 08:00:33 PM
Quote from: scarletnyx on August 01, 2012, 01:41:11 PM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 01, 2012, 12:36:31 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 01, 2012, 10:29:05 AM
I think we'll continue to camp at the Hampton Inn. The drum circles there are few and far between...
;D Me too..
Aww comon guys, they're fun! Granted, sometimes they -do- get abit loud, but if they are at that perfect "background noise" level, it's actually pretty soothing to drift off too. Like the final cherry on top of your Renfaire sunday :D
There would have been a time, Scarletnyx, but once you pass 9 or 10 centuries, you tend to need a little more rest than you used to... :P
Aww comon now, I am sure you still got some fire and brimstone left in ya Merlin :D
On the other hand, I bet a hot shower and a bed that won't deflate on you in the middle of the night is quite welcome.
( Can beds deflating in the middle of the night hurl you into rage? Because it surely does me and the husband )
I got PLENTY of fire and brimstone left, Scarletnyx, but it shuts down around 8 or 9 PM.
Quote from: raevyncait on September 28, 2011, 06:53:57 AM
Vendors who are rude about OTHER vendors. A few seasons ago, my friend, who, like me, owns several pairs of Medieval Moccasins, (all of which are obviously well worn & loved, when you see them off her feet) was in a shoppe that sells various leather crafts, from keyrings to belts to shoes to wallets, and wanted to try on one of their styles of sandals with a thong between the toes, to see how they felt. The vendor, upon removing her MM from one foot said "oh, our shoes are so much better that once I put these on you, you'll want to throw away all of that brand because they are crap"
Now, I'm NOT opposed to things like "ours have a cushioned sole so they are softer on your feet" or "the cut of this item does xyz for your figure and we are the only ones with this particular style", or pointing out differences in items "our decorative bottle purchase includes your choice of oil included in the price".
They are all crafters, and sure there is competition for business, and I understand that everyone thinks their product is superior, but I am much more likely to purchase from one who simply says "the advantage that my shoe has over that one is that it's got more cushion" and leaves it at that, WITHOUT saying ugly things about other vendors.
I'm late in the game with this thread, but at MI Ren Faire, some of the vendors will talk like this as part of their "act" (ie, poor sod trying to sell you some shoes). For instance, I'll walk into a booth selling leather goods, and while I'm looking at the belts, the vendor will come up to me and say something like "that belt you have on is ok, but if you really want to impress the ladies, try one of mine on." They don't really know what brand of belt I have, or who made it (it's actually an old leather belt from the Gap lol), its just part of the act.
My parents don't go to the faire anymore because they perceive this as rudeness, or merchants being pushy with their wares. I think a lot of the time it's harmless, and should be thought of as such.
No Pub or the Pub has run out of Beer.
Not a generalization to faire or vendors, this is specific to my local faire, and an incident that keeps reoccurring over the run of the faire.
There is a vendor who brings her child to the faire, as do many. The girl is around 8 or 9. Her mom's shop is 2 shops over from a large stage with very good entertainment. Which becomes the babysitter while the mom is busy in the shop. The girl sits in the front row, dances in front of the stage when there is music playing, and yesterday at the musician's revel, she got up on stage with the musicians and danced while they were taking turns performing.
I feel sorry for her because it is obvious, she has nothing else to do, and no one to look after her, but it is very annoying to see every time you go to that stage. I'm thinking none of the musicians say anything to her or her mom, because they realize the mother has to work, and they are part of the faire family, but as the weeks go by, it is getting out of hand.
Not a rage on my part to be sure, just an annoyance.
Quote from: Lairde Guardn MCrack on August 20, 2012, 06:24:21 PM
No Pub or the Pub has run out of Beer.
Agreed! Skipped a new faire this year because it was a dry faire.
Quote from: Lairde Guardn MCrack on August 20, 2012, 06:24:21 PM
No Pub or the Pub has run out of Beer.
Yes! I've been to a dry faire, and I only found out about it once we got there. I just assumed there would be plenty of beer at any renaissance faire. I don't know if it was an ordinance or they just didn't want to serve alcohol, but it was bit of a disappointment.
Also, it's a little annoying when you can only consume beer within a designated area. I like to enjoy my ale while walking around the faire. I know this has more to do with liquor licenses and ordinance than anything else, but it's still annoying.
Quote from: Ser Niall on August 21, 2012, 08:17:15 AM
Quote from: Lairde Guardn MCrack on August 20, 2012, 06:24:21 PM
No Pub or the Pub has run out of Beer.
Yes! I've been to a dry faire, and I only found out about it once we got there. I just assumed there would be plenty of beer at any renaissance faire. I don't know if it was an ordinance or they just didn't want to serve alcohol, but it was bit of a disappointment.
Also, it's a little annoying when you can only consume beer within a designated area. I like to enjoy my ale while walking around the faire. I know this has more to do with liquor licenses and ordinance than anything else, but it's still annoying.
A pub running out of beer would be a major annoyance for me too, but I will--and do--attend dry faires. As long as I know in advance that no alcohol is served, I'm okay with that. But, like Ser Niall, I DON'T like to show up only to find out it's dry! Did that once and it was pretty disappointing! I like my beer at faire and if there's not going to be any, I want to know in advance!
Quote from: Bob of the Lake on August 21, 2012, 01:42:51 PM
Quote from: Ser Niall on August 21, 2012, 08:17:15 AM
Quote from: Lairde Guardn MCrack on August 20, 2012, 06:24:21 PM
No Pub or the Pub has run out of Beer.
Yes! I've been to a dry faire, and I only found out about it once we got there. I just assumed there would be plenty of beer at any renaissance faire. I don't know if it was an ordinance or they just didn't want to serve alcohol, but it was bit of a disappointment.
Also, it's a little annoying when you can only consume beer within a designated area. I like to enjoy my ale while walking around the faire. I know this has more to do with liquor licenses and ordinance than anything else, but it's still annoying.
A pub running out of beer would be a major annoyance for me too, but I will--and do--attend dry faires. As long as I know in advance that no alcohol is served, I'm okay with that. But, like Ser Niall, I DON'T like to show up only to find out it's dry! Did that once and it was pretty disappointing! I like my beer at faire and if there's not going to be any, I want to know in advance!
As a small fair owner I can not afford a liquor liscence but it is well known that I do not serve beverage so if you have a tankard and behave properly I aint gonna check your cup or your botta bag. Chances are after a brief introduction i might even be persuaded to let you place your cooler within reach and not in the vehicle. I live on site so my brew is always handy just dont drink during business hours. I also wish other fairs would consider a picnic area within the fair grounds as well. i hate overpaying for sub par food just because I am at fair.
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 20, 2012, 07:37:15 PM
Not a generalization to faire or vendors, this is specific to my local faire, and an incident that keeps reoccurring over the run of the faire.
There is a vendor who brings her child to the faire, as do many. The girl is around 8 or 9. Her mom's shop is 2 shops over from a large stage with very good entertainment. Which becomes the babysitter while the mom is busy in the shop. The girl sits in the front row, dances in front of the stage when there is music playing, and yesterday at the musician's revel, she got up on stage with the musicians and danced while they were taking turns performing.
I feel sorry for her because it is obvious, she has nothing else to do, and no one to look after her, but it is very annoying to see every time you go to that stage. I'm thinking none of the musicians say anything to her or her mom, because they realize the mother has to work, and they are part of the faire family, but as the weeks go by, it is getting out of hand.
Not a rage on my part to be sure, just an annoyance.
That reminds me of an older post on here somewhere about kids that hang out in other shops, getting in the way of paying customers. Definitely a side effect of boredom.
On a crowded day, in particular, you don't really want another vendors' kids in your shop, just because they don't have anything better to do, messing up displays and blocking prospective customers from getting to the counter. I realize that some of the vendors want to, or have to, bring children and it was a common practice back in period, but back then, the parents put the kids to work in their own shop; sweeping, running errands, and keeping an eye on the merchandise.
People are so used to not making demands on their children nowadays, that all that energy is going to waste. Idle hands breed mischief.
When my grandparents owned a booth I made friends with a girl the same age in a shop down the lane. We were ENCOURAGED to go away and play to keep us out of the shops! Of course, we were also given strict etiquette rules on how to behave and any other vendor/performer would have told grandma and grandpa if we were misbehaving. And believe you me I didn't want that to happen!! :o
Quote
I also wish other fairs would consider a picnic area within the fair grounds as well. i hate overpaying for sub par food just because I am at fair.
I do think food can be overpriced if you are a regular faire goer (most patrons aren't), but I know that most of the KCRF food booths are run by volunteer organizations and charities that get to keep money they bring in. That's a nice little thought.
Food and drink prices at most faires are high, but it's still a relatively good value for a full day of entertainment. It can cost $100 or more to go out for a dinner and a movie. You can easily have an enjoyable full day at the ren faire for that money, not including any artisan goods you might purchase.
Also, once you pay the admission fee all of the music and shows are free (except for tip of course). When you look at it like that, the ren faire is looking pretty good.
Quote from: Ser Niall on August 23, 2012, 09:34:09 AM
Food and drink prices at most faires are high, but it's still a relatively good value for a full day of entertainment. It can cost $100 or more to go out for a dinner and a movie. You can easily have an enjoyable full day at the ren faire for that money, not including any artisan goods you might purchase.
Also, once you pay the admission fee all of the music and shows are free (except for tip of course). When you look at it like that, the ren faire is looking pretty good.
Faire is definitely cheaper than a theme park or a circus, and is on about an even par with a carnival or state fair, when you consider the rides cost about $3.00-4.00 each and the food is comparable in price.
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 22, 2012, 10:00:38 AM
When my grandparents owned a booth I made friends with a girl the same age in a shop down the lane. We were ENCOURAGED to go away and play to keep us out of the shops! Of course, we were also given strict etiquette rules on how to behave and any other vendor/performer would have told grandma and grandpa if we were misbehaving. And believe you me I didn't want that to happen!! :o
I'll bet you behaved
very well. I know many long time vendors who adhere to the unspoken etiquette rule of 'look after your own, as well as the other faire kids'. It takes a village to raise a child.
I notice the creeping up of beer prices more than the cost of food, but when it comes right down to it, I don't care, because I'm having a good time, and I don't mind bearing the cost of being happy.
Wouldn't that be beering the price of being happy?
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 23, 2012, 03:23:09 PM
I notice the creeping up of beer prices more than the cost of food, but when it comes right down to it, I don't care, because I'm having a good time, and I don't mind bearing the cost of being happy.
[/quote
This doesn't throw me into rage, but reading Merlin's post brought to mind today at faire (Bristol). I was in line to get soup in a bread bowl (it was raining, and yes, there was a breeze!), and was right next to the turkey leg booth. The price is $8.50. I don't eat them, but I'm kind of thinking that they have gotten more expensive then what I remember. Of course, I don't pay attention to the price on a regular basis, but I was surprised to see that price on the sign.
That's pretty high. At MI Ren Faire, it seems like everything is in the $5-$6 range, including beer, wine and mead. Haven't been to faire yet this year so I can't say if they jacked up the prices.
Seems to be a Larger faire issue, Sort of like McD's making a big portion of profits on the soft drinks.
Beer, wine and mixed drinks at DMRF (a mid sized faire) 3-4$ range. Last time I checked.
I think the mixed drinks are 12 oz, the beer is in bottles. I don't drink beer.
Same drinks at KCRF are $5-$7 for half the amount. I don't know how much they were charging for beer, but I didn't see a lot of people buying it. I ordered a glass of Chaucers at KCRF (food court) $4 for about 4 oz. Not worth it.
Turkey legs should never be more than $6-$7 and IMHO should be less. I've seen some going for $8-$9, but they dropped back down the following year.
And don't get me started on the price of Scotch eggs.
$5.00 and sometimes $6.00! for one egg covered in sausage!?
For crying out loud, I make much better ones at home, and can tell you they cost about .25 cents to make, if that, and I don't even buy my sausage in bulk, like these guys probably do (awful stuff).
Vendors would sell many more if they sold for $2-$3. They are small, they are portable, but nobody is going to buy more than one at $5.00 a pop, and you want them to come back.
Good points, Rowen. I think, though, that faires are going to test the waters with prices. If they aren't careful, however, it's going to backfire on them. Partially in their defense, this has been a tough year, and prices ARE up for farm goods. Drought. But on certain items, I HAVE seen prices rise faster than they should.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 27, 2012, 04:58:33 PM
Good points, Rowen. I think, though, that faires are going to test the waters with prices. If they aren't careful, however, it's going to backfire on them. Partially in their defense, this has been a tough year, and prices ARE up for farm goods. Drought. But on certain items, I HAVE seen prices rise faster than they should.
Like gasoline! LOL.
But really, 'festival pricing' for food has such a huge profit margin factored in, that even a steep rise in supply costs wouldn't justify an extra dollar on the price of a turkey leg from one season to the next.
The only possible answer is price gouging. However, as you mentioned, most people have a 'set price' that they just will NOT pay for something they have traditionally bought, or even for something that to them is an essential part of the 'faire experience'.
The one good thing about the free-market economy, people stop buying, prices come down. Then the bad thing, people quit buying, production reduces making the product scarcer, and driving the price back up. Somehow, we always get the odorous end of the stick.
My lady and I took advantage this past weekend's beautiful weather and made a last minute trip to the faire. We were going to wait until next weekend to go so that I could get my garb done before, but it was too nice to pass up. Of course, we'll go again once I'm finished, but I digress....
I wished to purchase some items from a particular vendor at the faire. I've shopped this vendor's booth in past years, and I was ready to pick out some items for purchase. When I got to the booth, it had moved to a smaller location, and there was next to nothing displayed for sale. I simply asked the shop owner if he had any items for sale, and he replied with "I only make things for people who pay me first! Order off the website!"
I didn't understand the need for rudeness. I was a potential costumer, and while I was eyeing his merchandise for a while, the attitude has convinced me to not buy. If he was a bit more polite, he could have told me how to go about ordering from him, and he would have my money. Instead, I found a similar item from a different shop. They were much friendlier there.
Sorry for the rant, just ticks me off when shop owners get snooty with customers who are trying to support their art.
Quote from: Ser Niall on September 11, 2012, 03:06:06 PM
My lady and I took advantage this past weekend's beautiful weather and made a last minute trip to the faire. We were going to wait until next weekend to go so that I could get my garb done before, but it was too nice to pass up. Of course, we'll go again once I'm finished, but I digress....
I wished to purchase some items from a particular vendor at the faire. I've shopped this vendor's booth in past years, and I was ready to pick out some items for purchase. When I got to the booth, it had moved to a smaller location, and there was next to nothing displayed for sale. I simply asked the shop owner if he had any items for sale, and he replied with "I only make things for people who pay me first! Order off the website!"
I didn't understand the need for rudeness. I was a potential costumer, and while I was eyeing his merchandise for a while, the attitude has convinced me to not buy. If he was a bit more polite, he could have told me how to go about ordering from him, and he would have my money. Instead, I found a similar item from a different shop. They were much friendlier there.
Sorry for the rant, just ticks me off when shop owners get snooty with customers who are trying to support their art.
.
What a JERK, and what is the point of investing in booth space at a festival if not to SELL STUFF?
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 31, 2012, 12:42:12 PM
The only possible answer is price gouging. However, as you mentioned, most people have a 'set price' that they just will NOT pay for something they have traditionally bought, or even for something that to them is an essential part of the 'faire experience'.
That's exactly what happened with me and turkey legs--I love 'em and they are totally part of the faire experience but won't pay $8!
Ser Niall
I concur with raevyncait
that guy is a total jerk and definitely didn't deserve your money.
As a vendor, it would never cross my mind to be rude to anyone, let alone a potential customer. Some people really have no concept of Karma
Quote from: Auryn on September 12, 2012, 09:03:25 AM
Ser Niall
I concur with raevyncait
that guy is a total jerk and definitely didn't deserve your money.
As a vendor, it would never cross my mind to be rude to anyone, let alone a potential customer. Some people really have no concept of Karma
Well, he didn't ;D I ended up finding something similar at another booth, and the artist there was very happy to help me find exactly what I was looking for in her shop.
More a peeve than rage:
Merchants and their shoppe folk at faire who barely dress in garb.
I'm talking $9.99 stretchy, sparkly pannevelvet, 'Guenivere' cothardie-ish gowns for the girls (usually with flipflops), renshirt, jeans and sneakers for the guys.
Maybe OK for a really small tent faire, but this kind of sloppy has no place in a big faire.
Edit for spelling
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 19, 2012, 10:15:01 AM
More a peeve than rage:
Merchants and their shoppe folk at faire who barely dress in garb.
I'm talking $9.99 stretchy, sparkly pannevelvet, 'Guenivere' cothardie-ish gowns for the girls (usually with flipflops), renshirt, jeans and sneakers for the guys.
Maybe OK for a really small tent faire, but this kind of sloppy has no place in a big faire.
I know exactly what you mean. I saw a few examples of that at my home faire last year, and while I understand some of the vendors actually cater more towards danes than fairefolk, you can find better shoes to wear at a small tent than house slippers ( If I recall correctly ) and the stretch pressed velvet. However, playing devils advocate here, garb may be expensive for a company literally ran out of someone's garage. It's hard once you're "in the groove" to ignore something like that, but I try my hardest to put that out of my mind when I am at the smaller tents because I don't know their situation.
Edit for spelling
Quote from: scarletnyx on September 20, 2012, 10:55:43 AM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 19, 2012, 10:15:01 AM
More a peeve than rage:
Merchants and their shoppe folk at faire who barely dress in garb.
I'm talking $9.99 stretchy, sparkly pannevelvet, 'Guenivere' cothardie-ish gowns for the girls (usually with flipflops), renshirt, jeans and sneakers for the guys.
Maybe OK for a really small tent faire, but this kind of sloppy has no place in a big faire.
I know exactly what you mean. I saw a few examples of that at my home faire last year, and while I understand some of the vendors actually cater more towards danes than fairefolk, you can find better shoes to wear at a small tent than house slippers ( If I recall correctly ) and the stretch pressed velvet. However, playing devils advocate here, garb may be expensive for a company literally ran out of someone's garage. It's hard once you're "in the groove" to ignore something like that, but I try my hardest to put that out of my mind when I am at the smaller tents because I don't know their situation.
Edit for spelling
I kinda expect this in the pop-up tent vendors, but if a vendor spends the bucks to rent/lease/buy a booth, he/she can at least have standards for the 'uniform of the day' for themselves and employees.
If you hire a shop girl, make sure she has something decent to wear, if he/she isn't already a regular playtron at the faire who has an outfit (or several) already.
It would also help to make sure they don't have their noses glued to their phones. ::)
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 20, 2012, 11:17:48 AM...
It would also help to make sure they don't have their noses glued to their phones. ::)
Damn! My cord won't reach that far!
maybe you need a shorted nose
Quote from: Ser Niall on September 11, 2012, 03:06:06 PM
My lady and I took advantage this past weekend's beautiful weather and made a last minute trip to the faire. We were going to wait until next weekend to go so that I could get my garb done before, but it was too nice to pass up. Of course, we'll go again once I'm finished, but I digress....
I wished to purchase some items from a particular vendor at the faire. I've shopped this vendor's booth in past years, and I was ready to pick out some items for purchase. When I got to the booth, it had moved to a smaller location, and there was next to nothing displayed for sale. I simply asked the shop owner if he had any items for sale, and he replied with "I only make things for people who pay me first! Order off the website!"
I didn't understand the need for rudeness. I was a potential costumer, and while I was eyeing his merchandise for a while, the attitude has convinced me to not buy. If he was a bit more polite, he could have told me how to go about ordering from him, and he would have my money. Instead, I found a similar item from a different shop. They were much friendlier there.
Sorry for the rant, just ticks me off when shop owners get snooty with customers who are trying to support their art.
I had a similar experience my first trip to faire. I stepped into a booth, where some one sold masks. I have been collecting masks since I was very young, and so I asked the lady there how long it takes to make just one. They were beautiful.I loved them, and was trying to start up a conversation. I've always found it kinda awkward to just walk up to a vendor and be all "Hiiiii! Oh my gosh! I love you work! Tell me your life story!"
So apparently I hit a nerve, because the woman went OFF on me, about how its the only thing people care about.I'm talking about borderline yelling... "How long,how long, how long. No one cares about the fact that its my full time job, or the quality, or how beautiful my work is!Let alone what the process is like, and the masterful..yaddah yaddah." Thankfully I was the only one in her booth at the time (shows what that says about her).
She didn't bother to ask if I am a crafter (which I am), If I collect masks (which I do) If I was interested in buying anything (Which I was).
Needless to say this mask collector didn't buy anything from her.And I have never seen her at faire since that day some 5 years ago.
hoodies.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on September 19, 2012, 10:15:01 AM
More a peeve than rage:
Merchants and their shoppe folk at faire who barely dress in garb.
I'm talking $9.99 stretchy, sparkly pannevelvet, 'Guenivere' cothardie-ish gowns for the girls (usually with flipflops), renshirt, jeans and sneakers for the guys.
Maybe OK for a really small tent faire, but this kind of sloppy has no place in a big faire.
Edit for spelling
My local faire actually has a policy: If you work there or even have a booth, you are IN GARB. Even if it's something semi half-arse like "I sell nick nacks and am wearing a sorta-accurate garb". Only exemptions are security (who they usually make wear kilts) and kitchen staff.
The thing that REALLY irks me are the people who think that because we enjoy dressing up, we are freaks. I had one person tell me while I was in mundanes first weekend of faire this season that "People who don't work there and dress up are freaks". I ignored it for a minute, but after quite a few rude statements I told them in no uncertain terms "I spend quite a bit of money on my garb. I dress up every year. I come to this to have fun. If you don't like it, then why are you here? My wife and child dress up as well. If you have an issue with that I am sure you would have more fun just leaving".
The other thing that irritates me are fall-down drunks. I drink heavily at the faire. I get drunk. I do NOT however get so drunk I am falling into people. I tend to save my good drinking until the adult pub sing we have and then I head home. It irritates me when I see people so drunk they can't even speak. It bothers me MORE when they are in garb because that reflects on ALL of us.
Quote from: Nidhoggr on October 07, 2012, 02:13:13 AM
The other thing that irritates me are fall-down drunks. I drink heavily at the faire. I get drunk. I do NOT however get so drunk I am falling into people. I tend to save my good drinking until the adult pub sing we have and then I head home. It irritates me when I see people so drunk they can't even speak. It bothers me MORE when they are in garb because that reflects on ALL of us.
Amen.
I grew up with an alcoholic father, and then I was married to another falling down drunk until I divorced him.
I drink very little, and my new hubby not at all. We do have friends who like to indulge, but not to excess, because they know that 'snot slinging' drunks are not my favorite people, in or out of garb.
When the drunk is in garb during the day, it amplifies the problem.
People who are falling down drunk in the lanes (a thankfully rare occurrence, though not rare enough) make me feel acutely embarrassed for the faire. Children attending faire really don't need to see adults in that condition, in the middle of the day, and in a place that is supposed to be family friendly. Kids see a 'character' in costume (whether they work there or not) and expect them to be a bit more...wholesome... for lack of a better word. Their parents will probably not bring them back next year.
I think many of us play up the drinking thing—I know I do. My love of Jack Daniel's has become something of a legend, methinks. I do drink it, but at faire, it is generally left for back in the hotel, relaxing before bed. At faire, once within the walls, I drink only those ales and stouts that are available from the local barkeep. No one has ever seen me drunk at a faire.
I've seen a few of these morons at faires. It's not fun. I even had a drunken woman approach me and a companion at one faire, and she was being very loud, obnoxious, and rather crude. (For the record, I can be quite crude, but only in private, and with the best of my friends.) It would not have been a major issue had we been somewhat isolated, but we were in the main lane!
I was at a loss at how to diffuse the situation, when luckily, my companion's wife approached. She had assessed the situation as she walked up, and effectively took things back down to Defcon 5 without incident.
I've been around drunks of various types. Some are vicious, others simply sloppy. The best way of handling a situation is by contacting the management/security. I don't know if all faires are as easy, but at Scarby, all of the taverns have direct connections to security.
We recently saw one of the wenches during one of the pub sings who could barely walk. At first we thought it was comical as we thought it was part of her act. Then when the show ended, and she needed help off the stage and we witnessed her stumble on her way, we realized she was half in the bag. Not sure if she was a volunteer or paid, but it was totally unprofessional and inappropriate either way, not to mention in bad taste, and I am far from a prude.
Are you certain she was part of the faire? I should think that any faire upon finding one of their own in this condition would remove them from service—permanently—whether paid or not. The liability alone would be grounds for dismissal and banning from the faire.
To answer the op's original question, nothing has hurled me into the depths o rage yet, and hopefully won't. I am pretty laid back, but it ain't pretty when I go there on that very rare occasion.
I did get annoyed by a rude shopkeeper, especially when I had planned to drop a pretty penny with them. It killed me to walk away as I really wanted their wares, but I am a proud lady, and by God, I was not going to give them my business. Luckily, that has only happened once.
Another thing that once aggravated me were cast members who would rather commiserate amongst themselves than talk to the patrons. Again, only witnessed this once as most are quite wonderful and love what they do. And yes, they were definitely on cast and not playtrons. I experienced this personally as well as observed this with garbed and mundane patrons alike.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on October 12, 2012, 07:43:29 AM
Are you certain she was part of the faire? I should think that any faire upon finding one of their own in this condition would remove them from service—permanently—whether paid or not. The liability alone would be grounds for dismissal and banning from the faire.
Yes, I am certain she is associated with them as I have seen her in many of the acts on previous occasions. Although, come to think of it, I don't recall seeing her last weekend, so perhaps she is no longer with them. She has been a regular fixture all this season and I haven't missed a weekend yet since Labor Day. Yes, I agree it is definitely a liablity issue as well as portraying a bad image for the faire. I am sure many were turned off and complained. It was that blatant.
Thieves. >:(
Security can only do so much. Big gatherings attract the thieves in disproportion to the general population. The idea of "we're a big, happy family" makes some of us a bit complacent at times.
Thieves. >:(
It's sad, but campers almost have to leave one of their group on guard duty at their campsite instead of enjoying faire. These criminals are very good at avoiding security.
Thieves. >:(
They can take a small item less than inches from your hand if you do not have eyes or physically have hand on it at all times. In tight quarters, females hover over strollers to grab purses, cameras, etc., while Moms are busy with kid, say, changing a diaper.
Thieves. >:(
Quote from: PollyPoPo on October 12, 2012, 07:59:33 AM
Thieves. >:(
Security can only do so much. Big gatherings attract the thieves in disproportion to the general population. The idea of "we're a big, happy family" makes some of us a bit complacent at times.
Thieves. >:(
It's sad, but campers almost have to leave one of their group on guard duty at their campsite instead of enjoying faire. These criminals are very good at avoiding security.
Thieves. >:(
They can take a small item less than inches from your hand if you do not have eyes or physically have hand on it at all times. In tight quarters, females hover over strollers to grab purses, cameras, etc., while Moms are busy with kid, say, changing a diaper.
Thieves. >:(
This makes me sad, but unfortunately, there are dregs of society everywhere, even at faire. I guess I am naive in a way and try to see the best in everyone. All I can say is karma, baby. She always comes back with a vengeance.
Eta: Yes, this would be one of the few things that would def hurl me off into the depths of rage.
Quote from: PollyPoPo on October 12, 2012, 07:59:33 AM
They can take a small item less than inches from your hand if you do not have eyes or physically have hand on it at all times. In tight quarters, females hover over strollers to grab purses, cameras, etc., while Moms are busy with kid, say, changing a diaper.
Thieves. >:(
Having 'lost' more things than I can count at faire, I agree 100%.
It sucks to be the victim of one of the oldest professions in history. The techniques haven't changed in centuries, but nobody can stay hyper-vigilant all the time.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 11, 2012, 06:20:33 PM
Quote from: Nidhoggr on October 07, 2012, 02:13:13 AM
The other thing that irritates me are fall-down drunks. I drink heavily at the faire. I get drunk. I do NOT however get so drunk I am falling into people. I tend to save my good drinking until the adult pub sing we have and then I head home. It irritates me when I see people so drunk they can't even speak. It bothers me MORE when they are in garb because that reflects on ALL of us.
Amen.
I grew up with an alcoholic father, and then I was married to another falling down drunk until I divorced him.
I drink very little, and my new hubby not at all. We do have friends who like to indulge, but not to excess, because they know that 'snot slinging' drunks are not my favorite people, in or out of garb.
When the drunk is in garb during the day, it amplifies the problem.
People who are falling down drunk in the lanes (a thankfully rare occurrence, though not rare enough) make me feel acutely embarrassed for the faire. Children attending faire really don't need to see adults in that condition, in the middle of the day, and in a place that is supposed to be family friendly. Kids see a 'character' in costume (whether they work there or not) and expect them to be a bit more...wholesome... for lack of a better word. Their parents will probably not bring them back next year.
Don't get me wrong, I
DO get drunk at the faire. BUT i wait until: A) The end of the day, B) I am sure I am not driving, C) I don't get sloppy drunk. This past season, the only exception was on a hardcore day that fell on a friend who worked at the faire as a vendor's birthday. The only attendees were playtrons who everyone knew. D) I keep the "heavy" drinking to the adult-pub where drunken debauchery is the norm. And most IMPORTANTLY: E) I drink plenty of water and eat plenty of food to keep myself from falling to the ole' "Empty Stomach Monster".
I have had PLENTY of days where I am drunk, and even a few where I am not exactly walking a straight line. NEVER have I had a "fall down in the lanes" or "Loud and obnoxious" day. Honestly most people at the faire have told me before that "It's hard to tell if you're drunk because you act exactly the same. The only difference is you're ridiculously cheerful".
Nidhoggr, you sound like a few guys I know who never quite act drunk, just a little happier, or quieter, than usual. ;)
Me, a fat old elf, when I plan to drink, I am always with someone who will not only be sober, but strong enough to pick me up, dump me in a vehicle and make sure I get to a safe place. It's very seldom I indulge much, being the matriarch and all that, but I have to plan ahead so as to not give the younglings any excuse to ever use me as an example of why it's okay to get plastered.
Unfortunately, I have seen more than one drunk lying face down, passed out, alongside a path, usually to a campgrounds. Within Faire itself, someone usually manages to hide the serious drunks. Bad for business, you know.
disrespectful people in the audience;
this past weekend some friends and I were at TRF watching "Sound and Fury". it was the last show of the day and it was almost over when we started overhearing this guy behind us complaining about the show. he was criticizing them, I believe without really understanding what they were trying to do. he also said that they needed to wrap it up. I think if I had heard much more I would have done something, but I didn't want to interrupt the show by causing a scene, but I did give him a nasty glare.
If I wasn't enjoying a show, I think it would be logical to remove myself from the audience. It's somewhat of a chore to stand up and walk away, but I think I could handle it.
Its really hard to ruffle my feathers, so there are very few things that truely bother me at Fest. Peeve me possibly? Yes, such as mispronouncing "My Lady" as "My Laty" and workers/cast who have beautiful costumes but walk around in sneakers. But the things that bother me the most are...
1: Unsupervised kids. I get that all the time where I am at, including parents who encourage the kids to steal. I wish I wasn't making that up.
2: Blatantly rude or obnoxious drunks. Happy drunks I find amusing and enjoy laughing and having a good time if they come talk to me.
3. Inconsiderate smokers. I make the distinction because I know there are smokers who are very considerate and do not blow smoke everywhere or leave their butts on the ground, and for that I am extremely thankful; even made a point to hug one a few weekends ago. On the other hand I have a severe asthmatic reaction everytime somebody comes right up to my game waving their cigarette around, chases me with it, blows it in my face or hands me money with the cigarette in the same hand. Gladly all I have to do is ask for them to move and they are very nice about it most of the time.
Though in most cases I don't mind at times past it really twisted my kilt when people have kilt-checked me at random and without warning...
Now I go bare just for those who think its funny, they get a show close-up!
How would they like if I just walked up and reached up their skirt or down their pants!
I can imagine that kilt checks must be very trying, compliment or not its just rude. I think what gets my goat are people who just dont get into the faire, Its a wonderful place where we can be our best self. I cant understand people who cant feel, taste, enjoy, and become a buzz with excitement at all there is to see and do. I think it makes me sad more than angry.
The same etiquette applies to kilted men, as applies to ladies in dresses. It's considered bad form to sneak a peek.
Don't kilt check unless:
1)You know the person.
2)You know them well enough to handle a 'surprise', and you know they wont' mind.
3)You are invited, in which case you will probably get flashed.
Considering the scuttling of a traditional part of the Faire because of "johnny-come-lately" prudes who comparatively haven't dropped a dime in comparisson to regular attendees who have contributed more to your pockets than they EVER will!!!
Yeah I speak of the Chainmaille Show. AND YES TERRE - I'm looking at YOU!!! >:( Make this Right!
Agreed Rowen MacD and well met!
I have no problem with the person who asks, as it 1, gives me time to "warn" them and 2, make sure the area is clear of little ones, no pun intended, lol. Also no issue with the ones with whom I know as they all know what to expect and where it is appropriate...
Good day my Lady!
adam
Indeed Sir Adam, Well met!
My own Laird wears a kilt to faire, and no one kilt checks him but me ;D
As for Himself, he would prefer it that I kilt check no one else ;)
I just wish I was still hot enough that anyone would WANT to do a kilt check.... ::)
(http://x24.x24garcia.com/images/kilt.gif)= Merlin
Quote from: Dinobabe on November 29, 2012, 10:16:08 AM
(http://x24.x24garcia.com/images/kilt.gif)= Merlin
Luv it, luv it, luv it!
Made me LOL - really cute.
You're all a bunch of hussies! :o
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 29, 2012, 04:27:45 PM
You're all a bunch of hussies! :o
LOL!!
I haven't been called that in about 40 years and haven't even heard the word spoken aloud in about 20.
Hussy and Tart are getting rare even at faire.
People are so PC they don't even want to throw fake insults around anymore.
Yea - hubby routinely calls me a termagant and/or a harridan; cause few folks realize what it means. We both get a kick out of it, cause he SAYS he means it facetiously.
I don't get too worked up about kilt checks at faire as long as they are done right; asking first, descreet, etc...
The surprize ones, well that's one of the reasons I carry a stick
Quote from: Zardoz on November 30, 2012, 12:03:39 PM
I don't get too worked up about kilt checks at faire as long as they are done right; asking first, descreet, etc...
The surprize ones, well that's one of the reasons I carry a stick
Ah, but do you walk softly?
TEDDYS here now ??
When someone wants to play my guitar at Faire.
Quote from: metalcelt on December 02, 2012, 07:02:08 PM
When someone wants to play my guitar at Faire.
NEVER touch another person's instrument, unless you want to die.... ::)
I have been attending ren fairs for about 4 years now. My boyfriends family have been attending TRF for about 15 years and they totally hooked me. I have to say the worst experience I've ever had was in a hat shop. It was my first trip and I was going around buying a whole outfit when I stopped to look at hats. I asked to try one on. I had multiple bags in my had where I had shopped numerous stores and her reponce was "you can only try on a hat if you plan on buying it"... Really isn't that the whole point of me trying it on.
The other thing that ticks me off is hearing the young girls berate the shop keepers for not letting them try on corsets. Many of the shops have signs that clearly state that they only sell to 18 and up with out parents.
On that vein there are teens that go around and manhandle everything, play dress up, snap pictures for Facebook and then leave. As a vendor it gets old fast. Hence many vendors having the rule that you said and the no pictures in the shop rules.
One thing that really gets my goat is saying "Good day my Lady or my Lord " to a dane and just have them look right through you like you don't even exist or spoke in some foreign language they never heard before. This happens in every day life as well.
Quote from: Baron Frederick on February 02, 2013, 08:54:28 PM
One thing that really gets my goat is saying "Good day my Lady or my Lord " to a dane and just have them look right through you like you don't even exist or spoke in some foreign language they never heard before. This happens in every day life as well.
I expect some confusion from the danes, but I say it anyway. How else do they learn! ;D
Look, if I'm juggling in the street, it's actually *not* cool to come and catch/take one of the balls/clubs while I'm performing.
Uncontrolled children who insist upon touching the Duchess' court gown with their dirt/chocolate/grease-covered hands while their "parents" stand there oblivious!
People trying to barter my already low prices..
Kids who rip my skirt... One of these days I'm going to have to replace it..
People trying to correct me on how I'm suppose to be when in my role... I'm a gypsy.. I act like me.. I'm not going to act like all the horror stories people hear about gypsies..
People who expect the worst from me cause I'm a gypsy and treat me badly cause of the idea in their head.
Becoming a nursery.. I love kids but please ask me first before leaving me the baby to do what you want. I understand some rennies have to perform, I'm good with that but if you just leave the baby with me just cause you want to go drink I'm going to be upset..
Quote from: Keno on April 08, 2013, 05:56:36 AM
Becoming a nursery.. I love kids but please ask me first before leaving me the baby to do what you want. I understand some rennies have to perform, I'm good with that but if you just leave the baby with me just cause you want to go drink I'm going to be upset..
Oh man, I hope you set them straight on that, it's not a habit you want to encourage.
Unless the person is a relative, I don't do babysitting, period. And then only on
very rare occasions, like privy breaks or some other emergency.
If they don't want the kids along, they need to leave them home.
About workers (or anybody for that matter) expecting other people to be responsible for children while the workers go play afterhours - I believe this is a misinterpretation of the "it takes a village" saying. Too many mothers just assume that it means everyone is responsible for their children regardless of whether there is an agreement for babysitting in place or not.
Anybody really wanting to go to the "it takes a village" route, needs to get it straight. That means the old women get to tell the young mothers to get their butts back to their abode and take care of their own kids instead of going to the late night party. It means everyone else has the right to discipline your kid, too. And it means mommie and daddy need get out of bed to feed hungry kids instead of letting them stand around staring at other people while they eat.
This gimme mentality irritates me to the point of rage whether it is someone in the next tent expecting to leave their children unattended (and not even asking if it's okay) while they go party or the foolish customers who ask shopkeepers if it's okay to leave their 9 year old girl at the shop while the parent goes to the 21 and up place. Seriously, I have seen this happen more than once.
Quote from: PollyPoPo on April 22, 2013, 05:11:58 PM
About workers (or anybody for that matter) expecting other people to be responsible for children while the workers go play afterhours - I believe this is a misinterpretation of the "it takes a village" saying. Too many mothers just assume that it means everyone is responsible for their children regardless of whether there is an agreement for babysitting in place or not....
I have a friend who does an interactive children's' act. She had a vendors kid who showed up one year (she had never met the little girl before) unattended, proceeded to trash her tent, pull the decorations down and spill 3 vials of glitter on her carpet. The child refused to ID her parents, so she was shooed off and told not to come there with out her mom.
The next day, my friend left her tent after closing the flaps and putting her privy break sign up. She was back in 15 minutes, but as she walked up to her tent, the same little girl ran out.
This time she had not only ransacked supplies, she had stolen some decorations.
After some asking around we found out she belonged to a tent vendor. Mommy was too involved smoking and updating her social media via phone to pay any attention to what her kid was doing. She also acted like she could care less about what her girl was up to, and admitted she had sent her over there to get her out of her hair.
From then on my friend does not leave her tent unattended.
Quote from: PollyPoPo on April 22, 2013, 05:11:58 PMAnd it means mommie and daddy need get out of bed to feed hungry kids instead of letting them stand around staring at other people while they eat.
That's just sad. You get the same thing in mundane campgrounds.
I would think that it would warrant filing a grievance with the operators/management. That is inexcusable.
Well it didn't exactly make me furious, but a little irritated. I was at a faire last year with some friends talking near a place you could pay to dress up and get your picture taken. A worker was standing outside trying to get customers. She tried really hard to get this couple in mundanes to come do it. A few minutes later we walked by and she tried us. Telling us we could get it done for only X amount bc we were already dressed in garb. The price was the same she'd quoted the other couple for getting dressed up and having their picture done.
Quote from: Jade on April 29, 2013, 04:21:48 PM
Well it didn't exactly make me furious, but a little irritated. I was at a faire last year with some friends talking near a place you could pay to dress up and get your picture taken. A worker was standing outside trying to get customers. She tried really hard to get this couple in mundanes to come do it. A few minutes later we walked by and she tried us. Telling us we could get it done for only X amount bc we were already dressed in garb. The price was the same she'd quoted the other couple for getting dressed up and having their picture done.
Did they post different prices for' in garb' vs 'they provide' ? Most don't charge anything different for the picture, unless they have an agreement with the rental concession to give a discount to their customers.
Definitely sounds like they were trying the old "50 cents for one, or a great deal at two for a dollar!" ,hoping to get you in before you do the math. ::) An
old hawkers trick..and probably period ;).
Quote from: Rowen MacD on April 22, 2013, 01:34:16 PM
Quote from: Keno on April 08, 2013, 05:56:36 AM
Becoming a nursery.. I love kids but please ask me first before leaving me the baby to do what you want. I understand some rennies have to perform, I'm good with that but if you just leave the baby with me just cause you want to go drink I'm going to be upset..
Oh man, I hope you set them straight on that, it's not a habit you want to encourage.
Unless the person is a relative, I don't do babysitting, period. And then only on very rare occasions, like privy breaks or some other emergency.
If they don't want the kids along, they need to leave them home.
My little ones call me crazy. I remember one year. A blond renni heard I "steal" kids and care for them. She came up with her three month old baby and asked me to steal her for abit so she can work. I said ok. She didn't have work.. she went to drink the whole time and I didn't know til after the weekend was done. Here is me being crazy part. I waited til 11pm before just packing up and took the kid home with me. I stopped for cloth covers and baby drink before home. No one at my home even batted a eye at me bring home a 3 month old baby. We took a bath, fed, and went to bed. 7am and back to faire. She still didn't even come back for the baby.. Someone saying they were her sister came back for the little one. Safe to say I didn't see her again. I think I would of killed her for leaving her kid behind.
Quote from: Keno on May 02, 2013, 07:39:51 AM
My little ones ... she went to drink ... I waited til 11pm ... She still didn't even come back for the baby...
That's what Child Protective Services (or Social Services or whatever the name is in the area) is for. The parental unit lied about why she wanted someone to care for the child, did not return in a reasonable time, then sent someone unknown to the unsuspecting caregiver to pick the kid up???
Legal ramifications all around for everyone, especially the caregiver.
Not to even think about the potential danger to the child when parental unit wants to go drinking again.
Quote from: PollyPoPo on May 02, 2013, 09:05:54 AM
Quote from: Keno on May 02, 2013, 07:39:51 AM
My little ones ... she went to drink ... I waited til 11pm ... She still didn't even come back for the baby...
That's what Child Protective Services (or Social Services or whatever the name is in the area) is for. The parental unit lied about why she wanted someone to care for the child, did not return in a reasonable time, then sent someone unknown to the unsuspecting caregiver to pick the kid up???
Legal ramifications all around for everyone, especially the caregiver.
Not to even think about the potential danger to the child when parental unit wants to go drinking again.
^^That^^. I would have called the cops about the time I was ready to leave, and definitely by the next morning. A parent like that doesn't need to have kids.
Way back when I was
much younger-I lived near a racetrack in Spokane, Wa. It was a bad part of town, but we were poor.
I was used to people parking on my street since we were the nearest free parking for the racetrack, which charged a buck for all day.
The state welfare checks were issued on the first day of the month back then, and we were usually parked solid by 10AM on the first Saturday of the month.
I was out watering the lawn in front of my duplex on one such morning.
A woman pulls up in a station wagon and parks in front of my house. She was maybe late twenties and had 5 kids in the car. The youngest was about 2, oldest maybe 7-8. It was a warm day.
This woman calmly gets out of her car, hooks her purse on her shoulder and starts to walk off toward the track. Concerned about kids in a hot car ( I had a 3 year old daughter of my own) I asked her where she was headed.
She then asks
me, a perfect stranger, to keep an eye on her kids, and that she would be back in a' couple of hours'.
Not waiting to get an answer, she starts to trot off toward the track again.
I yelled after her to tell her to pick up her kids at the police station.
She kept walking like she hadn't heard me, so I laid the hose down and went into the house (no cell phones back then). I waited for a moment to make the call, to see if she was actually going to leave her kids there.
Seriously, the woman walked to the end of the block before her common sense overrode her need to gamble. She got back into her car and drove off, loudly cursing, kids still in the back seat.
You guys are scaring me to death! This is my first year vending, and there is no way I'll babysit kids in my booth! The fear of people putting greasy fingers all over my art quilts is making me quiver. I'm planning to set up tables in front of the display wall in hopes that at least little ones won't be able to reach.
As for rage ... smoking. Anywhere, anytime, unless its VERY far away. Sorry, smokers, but we all spend tons of time, money, and creative energy on our garb and our art or craft. The risk of fire or smoky odor in my work or my clothing is very, frustrating. Not to mention that I'm allergic to it, but quite frankly that's the least of my worries when months of work is at risk.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on May 02, 2013, 10:30:17 AM
Quote from: PollyPoPo on May 02, 2013, 09:05:54 AM
Quote from: Keno on May 02, 2013, 07:39:51 AM
My little ones ... she went to drink ... I waited til 11pm ... She still didn't even come back for the baby...
That's what Child Protective Services (or Social Services or whatever the name is in the area) is for. The parental unit lied about why she wanted someone to care for the child, did not return in a reasonable time, then sent someone unknown to the unsuspecting caregiver to pick the kid up???
Legal ramifications all around for everyone, especially the caregiver.
Not to even think about the potential danger to the child when parental unit wants to go drinking again.
^^That^^. I would have called the cops about the time I was ready to leave, and definitely by the next morning. A parent like that doesn't need to have kids.
Way back when I was much younger-I lived near a racetrack in Spokane, Wa. It was a bad part of town, but we were poor.
I was used to people parking on my street since we were the nearest free parking for the racetrack, which charged a buck for all day.
The state welfare checks were issued on the first day of the month back then, and we were usually parked solid by 10AM on the first Saturday of the month.
I was out watering the lawn in front of my duplex on one such morning.
A woman pulls up in a station wagon and parks in front of my house. She was maybe late twenties and had 5 kids in the car. The youngest was about 2, oldest maybe 7-8. It was a warm day.
This woman calmly gets out of her car, hooks her purse on her shoulder and starts to walk off toward the track. Concerned about kids in a hot car ( I had a 3 year old daughter of my own) I asked her where she was headed.
She then asks me, a perfect stranger, to keep an eye on her kids, and that she would be back in a' couple of hours'.
Not waiting to get an answer, she starts to trot off toward the track again.
I yelled after her to tell her to pick up her kids at the police station.
She kept walking like she hadn't heard me, so I laid the hose down and went into the house (no cell phones back then). I waited for a moment to make the call, to see if she was actually going to leave her kids there.
Seriously, the woman walked to the end of the block before her common sense overrode her need to gamble. She got back into her car and drove off, loudly cursing, kids still in the back seat.
Sadly where I lived I pick the better option. Child services will not show up for two weeks even for a lost child and cops will not come unless the child had been left on its own for two days. Also if you call child services and they do show up and you don't have the kid they will call the cops on you for hindering their work. I also copied all the woman that picked up the kid info on her cards and a working phone number. Also had a friend take a picture of her if we had cops come by. Its the best I could do with my young age.
Sorry, Keno, for your experience and how authorities would fail you in this instance.
I'm in Texas. In the San Antonio metro area, Child Protective Services takes their job seriously.
Most commercial day-care facilities have a set time for kids to be picked up. If they are not, then the day care calls CPS and the children are taken into the system. Same thing goes for schools where parents are supposed to pick kids up in after-school care.
Kids left alone in a car without parental unit close by will also go to CPS and the parental unit(s) won't be picking them up at the police station - they'd be picked up by the police and charged. Little ones in a hot car? It only takes about 10 minutes for temperature to get above 120 on a 90 degree day outside. A few more minutes brain damage and not too long after it's death, the younger they are, the faster they go.
If kids are left alone, nobody may know for a while, but if a neighbor calls about kids alone in a house, cops are all over it.
Oh, yeah, I use the term parental unit because what I would really like to call these creatures would be zapped out by internet censorship programs. :o Notice they never ask you to watch their purse or iPod or whatever, but think nothing of leaving a kid with someone and not even know their last name.
Yeah Polly,
The system has gotten a lot more proactive in protecting kids since the 70's -80's, and in some (albeit isolated) cases, it's a bit overzealous.
In the 70's, It seemed to me it was a lot harder to get someone in trouble with CPS (in it's vestigial stages back then) and then only if there was criminal activity involved.
Back then, it was easier for repeat offenders to lose their kids for good too. There was none of the 'they're better off being beaten to death by mommas BF; than quickly adopted to another family' mentality we have now. It seems that no matter how careless, neglectful or brutal the 'natural' parents are, they hold all the cards. The system will nearly always opt to leave the kids with them; and as long as that kid represents a paycheck, this kind of parent will choose that over the well being of their children any time.
Back to the regular programing:
About kids and soiling garb....
I really wish that some parents would not give the 3-4 year old a vending cup of very sugary technicolor punch or strawberry lemonade with or without a lid to carry around; they nearly always find a skirt or shoes to drop it on or near.
A non kid-friendly cup like that is too large for a small child to manage, and the plastic sweats, causing it to slip out of their grip.
A pet peeve we have with our lone lemonade vendor, is they offer their drinks in one size only, never offer lids and load the cups with ice, which they charge $3.00-$4.00 bucks for. They give a dollar discount if you bring the cup back.
Many little ones will ignore a straw and try to drink from the rim, spilling it all over themselves and anyone nearby. Silk spots and stains like the dickens.
Quote from: GryffinSong on May 02, 2013, 01:26:45 PM
You guys are scaring me to death! This is my first year vending, and there is no way I'll babysit kids in my booth! The fear of people putting greasy fingers all over my art quilts is making me quiver. I'm planning to set up tables in front of the display wall in hopes that at least little ones won't be able to reach.
As for rage ... smoking. Anywhere, anytime, unless its VERY far away. Sorry, smokers, but we all spend tons of time, money, and creative energy on our garb and our art or craft. The risk of fire or smoky odor in my work or my clothing is very, frustrating. Not to mention that I'm allergic to it, but quite frankly that's the least of my worries when months of work is at risk.
Me too! It's my first year and while I love children -- and have four of my own I will be taking with me -- I am not about babysitting.
I am paying my fee to hawk my wares, dress up, stare at other peoples garb, and watch pirates sword fight. If I wanted to babysit, I would hand a sign in the local grocery advertising that and stay home! :)
Quote from: GryffinSong on May 02, 2013, 01:26:45 PM
You guys are scaring me to death! This is my first year vending, and there is no way I'll babysit kids in my booth! The fear of people putting greasy fingers all over my art quilts is making me quiver. I'm planning to set up tables in front of the display wall in hopes that at least little ones won't be able to reach.
As for rage ... smoking. Anywhere, anytime, unless its VERY far away. Sorry, smokers, but we all spend tons of time, money, and creative energy on our garb and our art or craft. The risk of fire or smoky odor in my work or my clothing is very, frustrating. Not to mention that I'm allergic to it, but quite frankly that's the least of my worries when months of work is at risk.
Well, Gryffin, I am sorry to say you just lost my business before you even got to my home faire. I am one of those smokers you detest so much. And as a smoker, I put just as much time, energy, and money into my garb. It's insulting for you to say that just because I am a smoker, that I don't. I realize I may start a war by saying this, but I am tired of smokers being treated like second class citizens. I am respectful of those with allergies. I don't smoke in the shows. I realize there are people who are not, but do not judge an entire group by the actions of a few.
Serenity, most smokers (of which I am an ex) are careful and considerate of others.
There are a very few who really don't care whom they are bothering, and I'm sure Gryffin speaks mostly of them.
However, even the most well meaning smokers cannot control where their their effluent is going. Given an unfavorable wind, even smoking within 30 feet of fabrics can leave a noticeable odor, and some customers are very picky about whether or not their purchase was made (and stored) in a smoke free environment.
Gryffin-Due to that fact that there are precious few places in a Renaissance festival that some sort of incense, wood, grease, pipe or cigar smoke is not present most of the time, you may want to keep your finer quilts and crafts covered in plastic (it keeps them cleaner too) to avoid accidental contamination. It's just about an unavoidable hazard. Many a time I have come home from faire, and had to air out my garb because it smelled like a BBQ pit, smokers were the least of my worries.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on May 03, 2013, 02:23:59 PM
Serenity, most smokers (of which I am an ex) are careful and considerate of others.
There are a very few who really don't care whom they are bothering, and I'm sure Gryffin speaks mostly of them.
However, even the most well meaning smokers cannot control where their their effluent is going. Given an unfavorable wind, even smoking within 30 feet of fabrics can leave a noticeable odor, and some customers are very picky about whether or not their purchase was made (and stored) in a smoke free environment.
Gryffin-Due to that fact that there are precious few places in a Renaissance festival that some sort of incense, wood, grease, pipe or cigar smoke is not present most of the time, you may want to keep your finer quilts and crafts covered in plastic (it keeps them cleaner too) to avoid accidental contamination. It's just about an unavoidable hazard. Many a time I have come home from faire, and had to air out my garb because it smelled like a BBQ pit, smokers were the least of my worries.
This. Thank you, Rowen. Agree with everything you just said :) It was just the tone with which she wrote that bristled me the wrong way.
I'm so sorry my tone sounded like that. I certainly didn't intend it that way. Last year I went to my first faire in many years. I was not vending. I saw a smoker standing with his cigarette about two inches from a stunning gown. I was terrified that her gown was going to light up, and very surprised that the smoker hadn't even noticed. Hopefully that was a rare event, or perhaps he was drunk. I also saw a smoker standing immediately outside the doorway of a garb vendor, with the wind blowing the smoke into her pavilion. I hope that kind of behavior is rare, and I certainly don't hate smokers as people. In fact, I've been known to stop and say "thank you" to smokers who are smoking respectfully, and in areas that don't compromise people's work or garb. I'm putting everything I have into this art career, and things like that smoker who nearly lit up a gown have me very concerned.
Again, I'm certainly sorry if my comment was taken in a spirit of anything but genuine concern based on an observation at a particular faire. I hope I'm worrying over nothing.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on May 03, 2013, 02:23:59 PM
... There are a very few who really don't care whom they are bothering, and I'm sure Gryffin speaks mostly of them...
Yes, thank you. I'm concerned about the inconsiderate smokers.
QuoteGryffin-Due to that fact that there are precious few places in a Renaissance festival that some sort of incense, wood, grease, pipe or cigar smoke is not present most of the time, you may want to keep your finer quilts and crafts covered in plastic (it keeps them cleaner too) to avoid accidental contamination. It's just about an unavoidable hazard. Many a time I have come home from faire, and had to air out my garb because it smelled like a BBQ pit, smokers were the least of my worries.
I did think about BBQ places and asked that my booth be away from the food pavilions. Hadn't thought about incense and such. Well, I'll consider plastic, although that certainly takes away from the renaissance feel. Maybe I should switch to iron work ... not too many worries about smells OR breakage. LOL
Smokers in general don't bother me, but inconsiderate smokers absolutely do. As a former smoker, who grew up in a household of smokers, and currently lives with 2 smokers, who do try to NOT blow it in my face, and not smoke within a couple of feet of my bedroom door (which is kept closed), I've become more sensitive since I quit than I was growing up.
I work in a perfume oil booth, which only has access from the outside (i.e. nobody comes inside the booth), and it's very frustrating to me to have smokers blow their smoke AT ME as I'm offering them a cork to sample a scent, and then say "I can't even smell that". I have had potential customers walk away because the smoker was waving his/her cigarette/cigar around, and the non-smoker couldn't get away from it.
It seems to me that common courtesy would dictate not smoking inside a shoppe, or immediately at the entrance.
Also, we are near one of the forges on site, and their smoke drives me crazy as well.
The faire I'm doing doesn't allow smoking inside vendor's tents or immediately outside them. There is also a smoking area, but I'm not sure exactly what that means or where it is. Forge smoke doesn't bother me too much ... its more like a campfire smell, although I haven't vended near one. I imagine that if that smell got into my quilts a customer might not like it. Hard to say at this point. The last three years I've sold my work at greyhound events, and they were mostly no-smoking venues. Our biggest concern was male dogs peeing on our work, so I had to hang stuff above a certain point. :o
I suppose there's always something to watch out for at any venue.
Anyway, I'm going to hope for the best regarding odors of any kind, and I'm sure that since I'm worrying about it something else entirely will go wrong. ;D
Quote from: GryffinSong on May 04, 2013, 12:12:01 AM
. Our biggest concern was male dogs peeing on our work, so I had to hang stuff above a certain point.
I suppose there's always something to watch out for at any venue.
Gah! I hadn't even thought of that.
Any vendors have issues with indiscriminate scent marking? We all tend to concentrate on the solid waste control, and I can see dogs lifting their legs on just about any vertical surface; tents included.
I would probably lose it if a dog decided to lift his leg on my gown. Thank goodness, it hasn't happened yet!
My gripe (annoyance actually), forgive me if it was covered in an earlier topic:
People who attend a small faire, and then proceed to disparage it to anyone who will listen by comparing it to a much larger one, 3 hours away. It's like comparing a local carnival to Disneyland.
We all
know it's small, we
know they don't have a bazillion vendors and the cast is all volunteer, and not as numerous, well dressed, trained, etc. as, for example, MRF or TRF.
It's a young faire, still growing, and they've only had a hard site for 4 years.
They also charge less than 1/2 of what the bigger venues do at the gate.
If it's not sophisticated enough for you, then please stay home, or better yet, go there.
You are not making yourselves look worldly, or 'too cool for your Podunk operation' by standing around making sour observations to people who don't want to hear them.
Several years ago, I was in line to enter faire and a dog peed on me. The owner was horrified and proceeded to try and wash my skirt in the water bowl at pet gate. I reassured him that I would be fine, went back to the car and changed into a clean skirt. At least I was wearing a plain cotton skirt so it was easily washed with no lasting harm done.
Quote from: Sitara on May 06, 2013, 12:47:55 PM
Several years ago, I was in line to enter faire and a dog peed on me. The owner was horrified and proceeded to try and wash my skirt in the water bowl at pet gate. I reassured him that I would be fine, went back to the car and changed into a clean skirt. At least I was wearing a plain cotton skirt so it was easily washed with no lasting harm done.
Urine was used in the middle ages and Renaissance to lighten hair, so I would expect you would need to get that out of the fabric ASAP so that it doesn't discolor, especially the darker colors. If it was my Celtic or Peasant wear, I'd just rinse it off at a faucet and let it dry. No harm done.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on May 06, 2013, 08:46:25 PM
Quote from: Sitara on May 06, 2013, 12:47:55 PM
Several years ago, I was in line to enter faire and a dog peed on me. The owner was horrified and proceeded to try and wash my skirt in the water bowl at pet gate. I reassured him that I would be fine, went back to the car and changed into a clean skirt. At least I was wearing a plain cotton skirt so it was easily washed with no lasting harm done.
Urine was used in the middle ages and Renaissance to lighten hair, so I would expect you would need to get that out of the fabric ASAP so that it doesn't discolor, especially the darker colors. If it was my Celtic or Peasant wear, I'd just rinse it off at a faucet and let it dry. No harm done.
Well now I know how to more naturally age things hehe
Patrons who blatantly ignore what booth owners/workers are telling them, until it's said it 4 times, or physical action is taken. Patrons who insist on specific examples/details about how the product is made. Examples from this weekend:
Artisan: "Sir, we request that you not photograph our items, please."
Patron 1: *ignoring artisan* click click
Artisan: "Sir, again, please do not photograph our items"
Patron 1: *changes angle of photo from hanging items to items on counter* click click
Artisan: "SIR, PLEASE, we have asked that you stop photographing our items!"
Patron 1: *looks indignant and moves to another section of shoppe* click click
Artisan: *waving hand in front of lens* "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to move away, and stop photographing our items!
Patron 1: *backs off to a distance that he can still photograph, but can't get detailed images with the camera/lens he has* "grumble grumble"
Patron 2 (coincidentally, the spouse of Patron 1): "Can you tell me how these are made?"
Worker: "We use essential oils mixed into skin-safe, cosmetics grade oil to create the perfumes
Patron 2: "No, I mean, can you tell me what is in this one?" *holds up bottle of popular blend*
Worker: "That is one of our light floral blends."
Patron 2: "Can you tell me what is in it?"
Worker: "It's a mix of some of our florals."
Patron 2: *looks at worker like worker is a moron* "WHICH florals"
Worker: "I don't know the specific recipe"
Patron 2: *looks annoyed*
(did you SERIOUSLY expect to be given a propietary recipe by a vendor, especially given that your husband has been blatantly taking photos of the various bottles of oils, especially the one for which you're trying to get the recipe?)
And then there are the ones who INSIST on picking up bottles, despite being told repeatedly "Please leave the bottles in the rack, pull out the cork, and sniff of the scent on the cork." I've had to actually take bottles from people's hands to show them how to leave the bottle where it belongs. Kids, actually are pretty good about just taking the cork out, especially after they've been told. Adults, on the other hand, are not so cooperative much of the time.
I get the Question"- Who are you supposed to be?" How rude.
Quote from: Queen Bonnie on May 14, 2013, 08:50:17 AM
I get the Question"- Who are you supposed to be?" How rude.
The Riddle Master at our Fest told my sister, me, and my girls that we "aren't real fairies" because we didn't stop to answer his riddle. My girls were heartbroken and frankly, he hurt my feelings, too!
Another Jackwagon told my sister that her Noble garb was boring and that she wasn't pretty enough.
Seriously, what is WRONG with some people?!?!?!?
Quote from: LadyFae on May 14, 2013, 11:16:31 AM
Quote from: Queen Bonnie on May 14, 2013, 08:50:17 AM
I get the Question"- Who are you supposed to be?" How rude.
The Riddle Master at our Fest told my sister, me, and my girls that we "aren't real fairies" because we didn't stop to answer his riddle. My girls were heartbroken and frankly, he hurt my feelings, too!
Another Jackwagon told my sister that her Noble garb was boring and that she wasn't pretty enough.
Seriously, what is WRONG with some people?!?!?!?
Queen Bonnie-"Why, I am myself of course, there is no comparison! " LOL.
Lady Fae-I'm so sorry.
Some folks are just born mean and spiteful. Poking fun at others is their pathetic attempt of making themselves fell superior, because they are aware that no one else thinks they are.
Manners are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
Quote from: LadyFae on May 14, 2013, 11:16:31 AM
The Riddle Master at our Fest told my sister, me, and my girls that we "aren't real fairies" because we didn't stop to answer his riddle. My girls were heartbroken and frankly, he hurt my feelings, too!
Another Jackwagon told my sister that her Noble garb was boring and that she wasn't pretty enough.
Seriously, what is WRONG with some people?!?!?!?
What an weed puller! If someone said something like that to my daughter or wife, ESPECIALLY if it was my daughter and she was made to cry, I would have been livid. Quite possibly to the point of "You might say she's not a 'real fairy', but if you speak to any other child like that again you're going to find out what a viking/pirate I am. On top of that, I am going to the casting director/owner/whatever and reporting this because you have completely overstepped your bounds as a character."
I wonder what the Riddle Master considers a 'real' fairy to be?
Lady Fae's girls are as 'real' as any others there.
Poor manners!
This past season at I was sitting on a bench taking a rest beside a food vendors shop when I overheard a conversation between some Danes that were behind me (behind some lattice).
It went something along these lines: "I hear there are camp grounds here, but there's no way I'd camp out here. I've heard those people drink heavily into the night, start running around naked, and have orgies."
I didn't say anything at the time, but debated in my mind if I should of said something or not. My first reaction was to just laugh. After thinking about for a few minutes it kinda ticked me off alittle bit. Talking about something that they don't know to be a fact and talking about it in a judgmental kinda way didn't sit well with me. I'm not saying nothing along lines has never happened, but I've never seen anything along those lines myself (open nudity and orgies). Sometimes others's perceptions leave ya with an OMG/did I really hear that kinda reaction.
I'm trying to figure out why "...those people drink heavily into the night, start running around naked, and have orgies" is considered to be a bad thing to start with. It wouldn't have done any good to try to correct their thinking. Like politics and religion, people get misinformation in their brains, then refuse to believe the facts.
Man! Now, see, I TRIED to talk my husband into camping at the grounds in June, and he says it's too much work to haul the trailer up and set it up for just two days.
I feel like I am really missing out! :)
LOL thank you jackrocks i needed that.
Quote from: RenStarr on May 19, 2013, 07:43:57 PM
This past season at I was sitting on a bench taking a rest beside a food vendors shop when I overheard a conversation between some Danes that were behind me (behind some lattice).
It went something along these lines: "I hear there are camp grounds here, but there's no way I'd camp out here. I've heard those people drink heavily into the night, start running around naked, and have orgies."
I didn't say anything at the time, but debated in my mind if I should of said something or not. My first reaction was to just laugh. After thinking about for a few minutes it kinda ticked me off alittle bit. Talking about something that they don't know to be a fact and talking about it in a judgmental kinda way didn't sit well with me. I'm not saying nothing along lines has never happened, but I've never seen anything along those lines myself (open nudity and orgies). Sometimes others's perceptions leave ya with an OMG/did I really hear that kinda reaction.
Funny, it's usually the visitors that do the super-wild behaviour... not the regulars. Though I do know there are some that go to faire to drink from dawn to dusk (which personally I do not understand), I've also seem as many mundanes causing problems as playtrons or such.
Marga
I've had to help drag/carry many a drunken Dane from the tavern. I created a rather potent drink at our faire and it's now got a "2 drink limit" on it unless you're, ya know.... "Known to hold your booze". Anywho: this dude was hopping back and forth between the two bars drinking on a 105% day and needless to say he passed out right in the middle of the main path.
The Drunkards are really something. Some Alcohol is one thing, but when people overdo... There was a guy last year that (uninvited) came right up on the stage to (try, and badly too) to flirt with a female band member. When she let him know he needed to leave, he decided to try to impress. By jumping onto one of the wooden picnic tables next to the stage. It was at the end of the show and I was near the front, when I saw what he was going to do, I made to get out of the way. Unfortunately, having a bad ankle and walking on rough terrain all day, I was not able to get out of the way quick enough. So when he missed and, didn't land on me, but did bump into me hard enough to knock me down and really screw up my ankle even worse for about a week and a half after that. Some people should just really not drink in public places.
Quote from: RenStarr on May 19, 2013, 07:43:57 PM
This past season at I was sitting on a bench taking a rest beside a food vendors shop when I overheard a conversation between some Danes that were behind me (behind some lattice).
It went something along these lines: "I hear there are camp grounds here, but there's no way I'd camp out here. I've heard those people drink heavily into the night, start running around naked, and have orgies."
I didn't say anything at the time, but debated in my mind if I should of said something or not. My first reaction was to just laugh. After thinking about for a few minutes it kinda ticked me off alittle bit. Talking about something that they don't know to be a fact and talking about it in a judgmental kinda way didn't sit well with me. I'm not saying nothing along lines has never happened, but I've never seen anything along those lines myself (open nudity and orgies). Sometimes others's perceptions leave ya with an OMG/did I really hear that kinda reaction.
Alas, my secret has been discovered. Well, actually it is StudMuffin. He goes around the TRF campground wearing nothing but a bridle and drags me along for the ride.
PS hope to see you opening RenStarr
Keeper, I wasn't going to drop your name, but you outed yourself and StudMuffin! I'm going to shoot for opening weekend, hopefully it won't be too hot. Who knows, maybe you and I will drink heavily into the night and streak the campground!! ;D
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 20, 2013, 06:36:31 AM
.....Like politics and religion, people get misinformation in their brains, then refuse to believe the facts.
Facts aren't interesting, but mythical drunken orgies are the stuff of legend!
Come on, everyone knows that rennies are drunken loafers that make animal sacrifices during orgies on the main stage in the middle of the night. It's on the internet so it must be true! :o
Quote from: Dinobabe on May 22, 2013, 09:35:30 AM
Come on, everyone knows that rennies are drunken loafers that make animal sacrifices during orgies on the main stage in the middle of the night. It's on the internet so it must be true! :o
I have been a rennie for more than 20 years, and have yet to be invited to one of these events. What am I doing wrong?
Quote from: Norfolk on May 22, 2013, 02:19:16 PM
Quote from: Dinobabe on May 22, 2013, 09:35:30 AM
Come on, everyone knows that rennies are drunken loafers that make animal sacrifices during orgies on the main stage in the middle of the night. It's on the internet so it must be true! :o
I have been a rennie for more than 20 years, and have yet to be invited to one of these events. What am I doing wrong?
I think you have to host one first...
Quote from: Norfolk on May 22, 2013, 02:19:16 PM
Quote from: Dinobabe on May 22, 2013, 09:35:30 AM
Come on, everyone knows that rennies are drunken loafers that make animal sacrifices during orgies on the main stage in the middle of the night. It's on the internet so it must be true! :o
I have been a rennie for more than 20 years, and have yet to be invited to one of these events. What am I doing wrong?
Well, in my case, it has been centuries since I was dashing and debonaire...
Well, I have seen a few unusual(?) events in campgrounds, but not nearly as much as I saw in mundane life back in the late 70s. That was just before AIDS became known to the smarter-than-the-average-bear types and all the fun and games became a bit too dangerous for most of us.
I don't see too much scandalous activity anymore (much less participate). Being in my dotage, my campmates are amazed when I am still awake at campfire past 10:00 pm. Nothing really untoward occurs much before midnight and, besides, I'd be more inclined to laugh out loud than be shocked, horrified, or offended. ::)
Then there is always the occasional streaker or tweaker running around during the day. But, hey, it's faire and not many people really pay much attention to people acting strangely.
I must admit I have seen a couple mundane cross-dressers who were disappointed; apparently they really thought they were going to shock people and nobody noticed. :o
Quote from: PollyPoPo on May 22, 2013, 09:01:38 PM
Nothing really untoward occurs much before midnight ...
Aye, there's the rub!
Quote from: LadyFireKissed on May 21, 2013, 07:53:52 AM
The Drunkards are really something. Some Alcohol is one thing, but when people overdo... There was a guy last year that (uninvited) came right up on the stage to (try, and badly too) to flirt with a female band member. When she let him know he needed to leave, he decided to try to impress. By jumping onto one of the wooden picnic tables next to the stage. It was at the end of the show and I was near the front, when I saw what he was going to do, I made to get out of the way. Unfortunately, having a bad ankle and walking on rough terrain all day, I was not able to get out of the way quick enough. So when he missed and, didn't land on me, but did bump into me hard enough to knock me down and really screw up my ankle even worse for about a week and a half after that. Some people should just really not drink in public places.
Happy to know this clown got pummeled by himself, sad to hear you were harmed! And to your band-mate, my condolenses
I wear a great kilt to the TX Ren Fest, and I just can't stand it when I walk by, the food vendors yell, "Turkey legs!!!"
Quote from: Jack Daw at Work on May 24, 2013, 07:19:34 AM
I wear a great kilt to the TX Ren Fest, and I just can't stand it when I walk by, the food vendors yell, "Turkey legs!!!"
LOL!!!!
Quote from: Norfolk on May 24, 2013, 09:10:10 AM
Quote from: Jack Daw at Work on May 24, 2013, 07:19:34 AM
I wear a great kilt to the TX Ren Fest, and I just can't stand it when I walk by, the food vendors yell, "Turkey legs!!!"
LOL!!!!
I am deeply confused as to what a kilt has anything to do with a turkey? Oh well, all in good fun I suppose.
Quote from: RenStarr on May 19, 2013, 07:43:57 PM"I hear there are camp grounds here, but there's no way I'd camp out here. I've heard those people drink heavily into the night, start running around naked, and have orgies."
Honestly, you lose control of one
bar mitzvah and all people do is judge, judge, judge...
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on May 24, 2013, 11:55:23 PM
Quote from: RenStarr on May 19, 2013, 07:43:57 PM"I hear there are camp grounds here, but there's no way I'd camp out here. I've heard those people drink heavily into the night, start running around naked, and have orgies."
Honestly, you lose control of one bar mitzvah and all people do is judge, judge, judge...
lol!
My worst so far was this lady who let her kid on our ship alone. Any child under the age of 6 is not allowed on deck without a guardian. Well he snuck past our dock girl.
Let me mention, that from ground to main deck is about 40 feet. The actors won't even attempt that jump. (okay we HAVE before... Only in safety rigging) anyway, the little mite gets scared before we usher the group down into the hold, where the brig is. It's pretty dark and slightly foreboding to the normal 6 year old. So he starts crying, I do my mommy thing and pick him up and attempt to sush him. He calmed down pretty well, but I wasn't going to force him into the big dark scary. So I spend the next 20 minutes looking for my little stowaway's mom.
I finally found her after sending the Boatswain out to yell for her. So she walks up to the ship and yells at me to THROW her son off the deck! Literally throw him overboard! We ain't on water folks! That's nothing but sand and red clay down there!
At that point I informed her I would be happy to call park security to come and rescue her son if she refused to walk up the deck to come get him.
Quote from: StilettoWolf on May 27, 2013, 05:21:16 PM
My worst so far was this lady who let her kid on our ship alone. Any child under the age of 6 is not allowed on deck without a guardian. Well he snuck past our dock girl.
Let me mention, that from ground to main deck is about 40 feet. The actors won't even attempt that jump. (okay we HAVE before... Only in safety rigging) anyway, the little mite gets scared before we usher the group down into the hold, where the brig is. It's pretty dark and slightly foreboding to the normal 6 year old. So he starts crying, I do my mommy thing and pick him up and attempt to sush him. He calmed down pretty well, but I wasn't going to force him into the big dark scary. So I spend the next 20 minutes looking for my little stowaway's mom.
I finally found her after sending the Boatswain out to yell for her. So she walks up to the ship and yells at me to THROW her son off the deck! Literally throw him overboard! We ain't on water folks! That's nothing but sand and red clay down there!
At that point I informed her I would be happy to call park security to come and rescue her son if she refused to walk up the deck to come get him.
And the department of social services! Geeze she sounds like a real whacko! Sorry you had to deal with that and SORRY for the lad
Oh another thing!
Danes who bring untrained or vicious dogs to fair! If your huge pit bull is barking at a three year old child and trying to pull off his collar to get to said child, he does NOT need to be in public.
And the creepers....
The far too many Captain Jack Halloween costumers who want to steal things from the ship.
Ninjas. Just....seriously. Ninjas....Last time they were color coded. There was even a pink one. They try to "attack" the ship every year. I may have taken to loudly threatening to throw the wash water out of the galley when they got to close to porthole.
One creeper I dubbed green hat. He repeatedly stood behind the ship IN OUR CAMPSITE, during our cannon volleys (granted our cannons are black tennis balls, but still the volleys land directly behind the ship, in our camp). I asked him twice to leave, I demanded he leave one more time, the 4th time I had to go back there I informed him Fair security would be on there way if I saw him with in ten feet of camp.
Or the jackass Dane that wouldn't take no for an answer from one of our younger girls. Boatswain made sure to tell security AND follow him all the way to the fair exit.
Quote from: StilettoWolf on May 28, 2013, 05:45:30 AM
Danes who bring untrained or vicious dogs to fair! If your huge pit bull is barking at a three year old child and trying to pull off his collar to get to said child, he does NOT need to be in public.
I don't have any patience for people with unruly dogs, and if you don't know how your dog will act in public with 100% certainty, you should not take them anywhere strange to them. I don't care what the breed or the size.
That said, I'm curious-Was the child in costume, and or screaming?
I have seen even the best trained dogs act unpredictably around kids that look oddly and shriek as a way of getting attention. I have an 18 mo old grandson going through this most annoying of phases. He will utter an ear spitting shriek whenever he does not get his mothers'
immediate attention. It bothers the SSSS out of me, so I can imagine what a high strung dog like a terrier would feel.
The dog was sitting next to his owner's feet who was sitting at a bench eatting lunch. The toddler was out playing about ten feet away by another park bench with mom. I wasn't really watching until the dog started doing that weird jump/ lunge thing they do and started that weird harsh barking..you know when they get super excited and start the rolling and tugging the leash and then bark/whine? I have no idea if that meant the dog wanted to play or was just excited. Either way it shouldn't happen that close to a toddler. It was pretty obvious the dog was barking at the toddler. Mom picked kiddo up and moved away pretty quickly.
It may have been a "prey chase" response from the dog. I love terriers to death, but they love to chase! Everything! And the spring dog butt bounce phenom that's so popular for them. You know the "omgomgomg! Chase shiny!" Thing.
It scared me with that kiddo being so close.
Quote from: StilettoWolf on May 28, 2013, 03:09:36 PM
It may have been a "prey chase" response from the dog. I love terriers to death, but they love to chase! Everything! And the spring dog butt bounce phenom that's so popular for them. You know the "omgomgomg! Chase shiny!" Thing.
It scared me with that kiddo being so close.
I have two Scotties (Aberdeen terriers) so I know what you mean. If they see something that turns them on, it's almost comical. They have
no patience, and are serious drama queens. If you are not familiar with the breed you would think they are rabid savages.
That said, they are rather small dogs, and very short. They are friendly and playful, but even then I don't trust they won't snap in annoyance at being manhandled by a strange child.
Perhaps the child had a toy? Mine go bat shyte for toys.
Rain.
...Well, not the depths of rage, but I have definitely decided I don't like it. And also mud. Mainly mud. Mud mud muddy mud mud.
Fairies who come into my shop, pick up my creations, twitter to one another about them, then bring them to me and "ask" questions....but will not stop speaking in "Fairy twitter speak", so......not quite sure how I am supposed to respond.
Are you asking me a question about my product? I can't understand you.
I understand you are retaining your character, but if you really want one of my creations, you are going to have to speak English. Or Pirate. Or Sarcasm. Because I don't speak Fairy twitter.
Quote from: jackrocks on June 03, 2013, 10:10:25 AM
Fairies who come into my shop, pick up my creations, twitter to one another about them, then bring them to me and "ask" questions....but will not stop speaking in "Fairy twitter speak", so......not quite sure how I am supposed to respond.
Are you asking me a question about my product? I can't understand you.
I understand you are retaining your character, but if you really want one of my creations, you are going to have to speak English. Or Pirate. Or Sarcasm. Because I don't speak Fairy twitter.
So sorry to you Jackrocks! I am intrigued, what is "fairy twitter" speak? I haven't encountered this new language as of yet.
Quote from: Sunshine on June 02, 2013, 07:56:21 PM
Rain.
...Well, not the depths of rage, but I have definitely decided I don't like it. And also mud. Mainly mud. Mud mud muddy mud mud.
sounds like you may be speaking of personal encounter with rain?!? I have experienced rain before, but not like what we had in Amana!!
Faerie twitter is the chirping/purring noises many of them make. I may do that when I'm wandering as a greeting, but I always speak when I'm interacting with someone.
Quote from: Aderin on June 03, 2013, 10:14:14 AM
Quote from: jackrocks on June 03, 2013, 10:10:25 AM
Fairies who come into my shop, pick up my creations, twitter to one another about them, then bring them to me and "ask" questions....but will not stop speaking in "Fairy twitter speak", so......not quite sure how I am supposed to respond.
Are you asking me a question about my product? I can't understand you.
I understand you are retaining your character, but if you really want one of my creations, you are going to have to speak English. Or Pirate. Or Sarcasm. Because I don't speak Fairy twitter.
So sorry to you Jackrocks! I am intrigued, what is "fairy twitter" speak? I haven't encountered this new language as of yet.
It's like....a high pitched tongue rolling sound...like rolling a spanish "R" sound but higher, shriller......and annoying-er, lol
I LIKE the fairies, I just don't understand what they want when they are standing there, holding one of my hats or scarves or flowers, twittering at me like they want me to respond....I just....don't. know. lol
Quote from: Trillium on June 03, 2013, 10:30:10 AM
Faerie twitter is the chirping/purring noises many of them make. I may do that when I'm wandering as a greeting, but I always speak when I'm interacting with someone.
Oh, how lovely! I bet it sounds beautiful. Nightmares for shopkeeps! :D
I am rather surprised that you can see them, much less hear them. Everyone knows that only small children and the innocent can see Faeries...
Ugh, yes, the twitterers/chirpers/squeaker faeries bother us, too! What my girls and I usually say when we are thanked for speaking English is that "Those faeries are still new to the human world and haven't learned the language, yet." I do wish more of "those" types would learn when the chirps are appropriate and when they need to give it up.
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 03, 2013, 10:19:31 AM
Quote from: Sunshine on June 02, 2013, 07:56:21 PM
Rain.
...Well, not the depths of rage, but I have definitely decided I don't like it. And also mud. Mainly mud. Mud mud muddy mud mud.
sounds like you may be speaking of personal encounter with rain?!? I have experienced rain before, but not like what we had in Amana!!
Amen. Seriously, it was scary.
I have never seen rain like that, even when I've been safe at home! It just
never stopped.
We had a goodly squall at Siouxland on Saturday morning before gates opened, but it was there and gone within an hour. We were left with a wee Loch in front of the Clan tent that made me long for a plastic dinosaur to place in it (We'll have one next year, just in case). Even that was dry by the end of the day. Sunday was gorgeous.
Quote from: LadyFae on June 03, 2013, 06:50:54 PM
Ugh, yes, the twitterers/chirpers/squeaker faeries bother us, too! What my girls and I usually say when we are thanked for speaking English is that "Those faeries are still new to the human world and haven't learned the language, yet." I do wish more of "those" types would learn when the chirps are appropriate and when they need to give it up.
That is a perfect response. LOL. I have seen fairies conduct business in an eerie silence too. Hard to say what is stranger.
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 03, 2013, 10:19:31 AM
Quote from: Sunshine on June 02, 2013, 07:56:21 PM
Rain.
...Well, not the depths of rage, but I have definitely decided I don't like it. And also mud. Mainly mud. Mud mud muddy mud mud.
sounds like you may be speaking of personal encounter with rain?!? I have experienced rain before, but not like what we had in Amana!!
Doing laundry after Amana. ::mope:: Anyone got any tips for getting rid of mud stains?
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on June 03, 2013, 12:17:28 PM
I am rather surprised that you can see them, much less hear them. Everyone knows that only small children and the innocent can see Faeries...
LOL!
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on June 03, 2013, 12:17:28 PM
I am rather surprised that you can see them, much less hear them. Everyone knows that only small children and the innocent can see Faeries...
perhaps I am more innocent than you are taking me for...despite the fact that my shop has a "Support your local hookers" sign hanging out front:)
Quote from: jackrocks on June 04, 2013, 10:20:55 AM
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on June 03, 2013, 12:17:28 PM
I am rather surprised that you can see them, much less hear them. Everyone knows that only small children and the innocent can see Faeries...
perhaps I am more innocent than you are taking me for...despite the fact that my shop has a "Support your local hookers" sign hanging out front:)
^Hahaha
How strange. I have never heard this fairy twitter speak. Our fairies speak English.
Quote from: StilettoWolf on June 05, 2013, 12:30:08 PM
How strange. I have never heard this fairy twitter speak. Our fairies speak English.
Good point. You would think that
truly magical creatures could make themselves understood in what ever the local language was..a magic translator or something like that.
I had a very negative experience at morescas at nyrf a few years ago. I had gone in there looking to buy a new bodice but wasn't sure of my size due to never having purchased a moresca.
The sales girl ignored me and when I finally did get her attention she told me that she thought I was a medium. She then took two bodices off the rack pointed out the changing area and walked away. Now I don't know about anyone else but I've never been able to lace myself properly into a bodice by myself, never mind while trying to see if it fits proper. I hung up the bodices and walked out of the shop.
Now I don't know if the girl thought I was there to play dress up. I look young, I still get carded for R rated movies and am 26, and this was a few years ago. But what if I was just there to try things on? How do you know if you want to buy an outfit if you don't try it on. This was also early in the day so I can't even say that she'd been having a bad day.
LOL! I love it when the fae get started chirping and chittering at me...I always let Todd, my plushy familiar whom some of you have met, do the interpreting for me, and let them try to keep up with the impovised dialogue that comes out...Its wonderful to make a faerie blush!! great fun!! 8)
Gypsy Pyxie, I've similar experiences in the mundane world. Having come of age in the 60s, it's something I've dealt with for decades--being judged by appearance. It still happens to me. We went to the LazyBoy store in town here, and I suppose because I have a long beard and long hair, they didn't consider me much to worry with. We hung around for about 15 minutes and not a single sales person acknowledged us. We went to the Bassett furniture store nearby, were greeted cordially, and spent $5000 that day. Someone lost a commission at LazyBoy...
I remember about two years ago I went to a Friday 'students day' as an adult because I could make it then. I was in the market for a new bodice. One of the big garb stores was open, but had the doors roped off. I went over to see why, and was informed that I would only be allowed in if I was planning to buy! I found that very rude, so I took my business elsewhere. It's sad because they were discouraging a whole new potential future clientele with their attitude.
I had a rather scary incident at the last faire I attended. And it was something that still makes me a rather angry to even think about. I am part of a group that does demonstrations on period archery, so at as many faires as we can, we get a range set up to shoot. We hold tournaments, and live demonstrations. We even have people making arrows, and a bowyer who works on longbows during open hours. Due to liability issues, we cannot le the public shoot, but we try to make it openly known that those involved with the faires can come and shoot if they are interested. So during a slow period this last faire, there were a number of us sitting around a table in our yard next to the range. Tucked in next to the table is a wooden crate we put the table wares in when not in use. I was standing next to the crate, talking with friends, when I lifted my foot up onto the crate. There was a loud thunk, and the crate shook. My first thought was that I knocked something over so I take a quick look around, and find just where my foot had been seconds before an arrow sticking out of the crate. It was not one that belonged to anyone in our guild. This was at a brand new, first year faire, in a soft site in a local park. Along one side of our yard was the park playground, which was fenced and all gates secured to keep kids away from the range, and across that was the actors camp, and past that handicap parking. Standing in the handicap parking was somebody, who was asking loudly if anyone knew where their arrow went. This was one of the volunteers for the faire, who had a modern bow, who had decided to show off the bow and arrow to a couple kids in the parking lot. We immediately reported the person to security and to the faire organizers, and the person was escorted off, volunteer status revoked. However infuriating that encounter was, the next day it got worse. While walking around the faire I saw the same person, in mundanes, yelling at a patron after they walked into a sheathed sword, making very loud comments along the lines of how they were sick of dealing with people who weren't responsible enough to keep their weapons out of other peoples' ways, and how it wasn't fair that they had been run off after an incident with an arrow getting loose, but then had to watch out for other people. The only things that stopped me from screaming at this person were that I was with my 4 year old son, and that I really didn't think they'd get it at all. After all, nearly shooting somebody, having a bow confiscated, being escorted out by security, and having been effectively banished as a volunteer from this faire didn't make it clear, so I so certainly wouldn't.
I know most if not all faires have rules about weapons being secured. But people don't seem to remember that a bow is a weapon, designed to kill things from a distance. Nobody would think to fire a gun blind in an uncontrolled area.
WOW! I mean seriously...WOW! I cannot believe anyone would be that stupid! ...well, yeah I can believe it. That seems like something that should be a chargeable offense. I could be wrong, but according to the definition, it might be considered to be assault. see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault)
There was a short discussion about whether to call security or the sheriff when it happened. Looking back, especially after the second day encounter, we probably should have done both.
I think I would have, Hoowil. I cannot help but equate Arrow-in-the back with Life-in-peril.
Quote from: Hoowil on September 18, 2013, 02:07:21 PM
There was a short discussion about whether to call security or the sheriff when it happened. Looking back, especially after the second day encounter, we probably should have done both.
I would have- that person is an disaster waiting to happen. Sorry you had to endure that.
Patrons and Playtrons who think it is perfectly permissible to pick the flowers planted in the green spots around the shire, carry them around all day, and then dispose of the wilted remains in the parking lot make my blood boil. I don't know what is worse... children who think it is ok to tear off small branches from the trees to play with... or the parents who permit/encourage such behaviour. Grrrrrrr! >:(
That would tick me off too. What is is about Ren Faires that make people forget their manners?
When they go to a public park, most folks tell their kids not to pick the flowers in the beds, and also explain to them that they are there to make the place look pretty, not to make a free bouquet for them to carry around or wear.
Unfortunately, some of our guests apparently think that 'medieval' means 'no modern rules'; but conveniently ignore the fact that picking a posie in the Queens garden would earn you a prison sentence! ;)
Quote from: Rowen MacD on November 25, 2013, 09:23:30 AM
Unfortunately, some of our guests apparently think that 'medieval' means 'no modern rules'; but conveniently ignore the fact that picking a posie in the Queens garden would earn you a prison sentence! ;)
Maybe a beheading or two and the message would be sent :P
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on November 25, 2013, 11:38:18 AM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on November 25, 2013, 09:23:30 AM
Unfortunately, some of our guests apparently think that 'medieval' means 'no modern rules'; but conveniently ignore the fact that picking a posie in the Queens garden would earn you a prison sentence! ;)
Maybe a beheading or two and the message would be sent :P
LOL. Perhaps not
that drastic...I think a flogging would do the trick. ;D
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on November 25, 2013, 11:38:18 AM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on November 25, 2013, 09:23:30 AM
Unfortunately, some of our guests apparently think that 'medieval' means 'no modern rules'; but conveniently ignore the fact that picking a posie in the Queens garden would earn you a prison sentence! ;)
Maybe a beheading or two and the message would be sent :P
One of the local soft site faires here is in a park that has a resident peacock population. Watching people chase after the Queen's Bird to try to gather feathers is irritating on more than one level. I don't think people realize that having even one feather without being granted it by royalty was criminal
Now that I'm a vendor I have a new one. People who jump up and mess with my sign. It cost me a bundle to have it made, and people hit it without thinking that it could fall, it could bang against the sign post and get damaged, or they could dent it. One time someone even slapped a bumper sticker on it!!! Thank goodness the sticker came off cleanly, but hello? I'm not some big corporation here ... I'm literally a poor, starving artist, and I can't afford for people to damage my hard-earned display. :-\
Our Faire has a large, open space for parking with its own entrance, with a "further back" parking and entrance for cast and vendors.
Those of us working would arrive early, and often have a great deal to carry back into the woods from our vehicles, and this special entrance made our walk much easier and shorter. There may occasionally have been cast or vendors who may need to come in late on a certain weekend, and having that separate entrance made it so much easier to get in and set up quickly.
About the third weekend in last summer, it was found there was a group of guys, garbed to the nines, sneaking in the back, workers entrance, and spending the day in the pub.
Entrance fee was an overwhelmingly reasonable price, at $10 per person, with a $1 coupon off printed from the website.
These guys had seriously expensive (looking at least) garb, and could afford to spend all day buying beer, but could not afford the entrance fee?
Once discovered, the owners had to erect a fence all around the beautiful woods, and install a gate to lock our entrance up an hour before opening. Then, if workers arrived say, 45 minutes before opening, or if we had to leave for some reason, had to pack up and go aaaaaaalllllll the way around to the front entrance, through the patron lot, to get to our vehicles.
In general, this is a wonderful, intimate faire, where everyone is helping one another and pretty good natured. It's really a shame this had to happen because of some jerks who thought it would be cool to not pay their entrance fee so they could spend more on beer.