Chainmaille Show

[Molden]

You know...this has an interesting read. I have never seen anything inappropriate at the chainmaille show in the manner of dress or attire of the volunteer performers. Wrong? Sure. Seeing Shaggy dance will make just about anyone laugh as they reach for the eye-bleach...

As Fraser said - it's an institution. It was on my regular round as I went into Faire...fill my mug, find my spot, interact/play with the Parade as it passed, and then Cheer on the performers or laugh as appropriate. It was the main reason why I was always late to the R/F meet n' greet at the Prince of Wales pub.

I have to say, between the HERDS of locusts (mundanes), the stories of the heavy-handed, flat out rude "security" both inside the gates and on the campgrounds, and now the possible scuttling of the Chainmaille show - I'm not exactly inclined to make the effort to return to TRF anytime soon.

[PollyPoPo]

Yes, Molden came up with a better term "possible scuttling of the Chainmaille show."  It's not a done deal.  Terre Albert has already told us it is under review. 

[Zardoz]

Hmmmm... there has only EVER been one shot taken of me that i haven't known about and the "compromising" ones I've set up ahead of time.  I behave in public... camp is another story.  Take pics of me at your own risk, when I'm not in faire.  None of this discussion is getting us anywhere...


I want to hear the REAL REASON behind all of this bull duckie...

I'll hazard a guess, and it's pretty simple.  Some up-tight folks complained that they or their spawn saw something they deemed 'inappropriate', and threatened to tell the rest of their bible group not to come to faire anymore . To hear the powers that be talk TRF is barely hanging on, they are obviously willing to pretty much do whatever it takes to keep the danes rolling in. This sort of thing has happened at faires before, I recall there was one that told their vendors not to display 'pagan symbols' because a church group complained.  

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

*face palm*

[PollyPoPo]

I'll hazard another guess.

Perhaps complaints came not only from viewers but volunteer models as well, especially regarding photographers, not all of whom are as gentlemanly as our Sir Martin.  One such complaint was alluded to (with the man's name) on a FB posting about the show.

[PollyPoPo]

For those on Facebook, there is now a FB page, Petition to Continue TRF Chainmail Fashion Show. 

[eloquentXI]

I'll hazard another guess.

Perhaps complaints came not only from viewers but volunteer models as well, especially regarding photographers, not all of whom are as gentlemanly as our Sir Martin.  One such complaint was alluded to (with the man's name) on a FB posting about the show.

Polly, I think you might have hit the nail on the head. Most of the regular photographers are nice and gentlemanly (or just polite, in my case since I am female). There are a few though...that made me uncomfortable being around, that were pushy, etc. I could see this being the big reason behind disbanding it all...I know NO facts on the subject, so don't take my word for anything.

[raevyncait]

If you don't want to be photographed wearing it, then DON'T WEAR IT OUTSIDE YOUR HOME. I applaud anyone who has the guts to wear risky stuff in public, but seriously, if you don't want your photo taken, then you should simply cover yourself in a sheet.  That may sound harsh, but anyone who has ever spent 15 minutes inside the gate knows that there are a legion of photographers with high-end cameras inside, and any rational person can safely assume that somewhere around 90% of the folks walking around have a camera of some sort, disposable, pocket, phone, whatever. If you are costumed at all, it is a reasonable expectation that your image will show up SOMEWHERE on the internet, whether you wish it to or not.  If you don't want your mama/daddy/boss/coworkers to see you dressed like that, DON'T DRESS LIKE THAT.  My co-workers all know of my love of faire, and have seen a photo or two of me in my garb, it doesn't bother me a bit. That being said, I choose garb that flatters me, and is appropriate to my age and size, and never ONCE have I been afraid that anyone would see me.

[eloquentXI]

If you don't want to be photographed wearing it, then DON'T WEAR IT OUTSIDE YOUR HOME. I applaud anyone who has the guts to wear risky stuff in public, but seriously, if you don't want your photo taken, then you should simply cover yourself in a sheet.  That may sound harsh, but anyone who has ever spent 15 minutes inside the gate knows that there are a legion of photographers with high-end cameras inside, and any rational person can safely assume that somewhere around 90% of the folks walking around have a camera of some sort, disposable, pocket, phone, whatever. If you are costumed at all, it is a reasonable expectation that your image will show up SOMEWHERE on the internet, whether you wish it to or not.  If you don't want your mama/daddy/boss/coworkers to see you dressed like that, DON'T DRESS LIKE THAT.  My co-workers all know of my love of faire, and have seen a photo or two of me in my garb, it doesn't bother me a bit. That being said, I choose garb that flatters me, and is appropriate to my age and size, and never ONCE have I been afraid that anyone would see me.

I don't think its the actual act of the photo being taken, we all get that we look different from the rest of normal society, but it's more of the behavior of a photographer or how they acted...

I see big ripples in the pond because of this... 

[Zardoz]

I'll hazard another guess.

Perhaps complaints came not only from viewers but volunteer models as well, especially regarding photographers, not all of whom are as gentlemanly as our Sir Martin.  One such complaint was alluded to (with the man's name) on a FB posting about the show.

Well if somebody that didn't like getting their picture taken is a reason to shut down the show, based on that concept the whole faire is in danger. I hope none of the guys who's 'kilt like garment' fashion disasters I joked about complain!
Really ladies, don't shake that moneymaker in public if you are afraid it might get photographed.

[haleyileaha]

Whatever the reason for it, it is sad. I really hope they reconsider.

[Stalkwell]

My biggest problem <snip> is the traffic jam. <snip> because I always got stuck in the traffic and had a hard time getting around. 

I've noted that while the lane is totally plugged in the center, both sidewalks are clear.  Almost every show.  Anyone can walk directly under the balcony at Randolph's without touching elbows with anyone at any time during the show.  The other side (walk) is nearly as clear.  After the show breaks,  transit can be difficult around the Naked Tree time, but the center of the lane has been somewhat cleared by then.  Still both sidewalks are uncongested.  The wife and I run that gauntlet all the time.   It is at most a minor inconvenience if we are determined to get somewhere.

Aside from TRF's motivations for being a stroller faire, I suspect the vendors around the cluster are upset with the change in traffic flow.  Perhaps they are frustrated that 'now that there are this many people here right in front of my shop', they aren't paying attention to the product.  Or maybe it does affect their bottom line... 'I've been that way already today, don't want to retrace my steps'?  I honestly don't know.

I agree there is more than just the skin excuse in play here, regardless of it being presented (or mis-represented') as 'the reason'.  Reference the 'stroller faire' term above.  Strollers don't do cobblestones?  People that do strollers don't have a taste for 'that sort of thing' and represent the target demographic?

"The reason is because of complaints specifically due to photography."

I'm also curious about the 'photography' comment.  Until they ban photography, you show it, I shoot it... its that simple.  You don't want it seen, don't do it!  In camp, on site, at the beach, in a church... that applies exactly the same!  You have no expectation of privacy in an over crowded public venue, especially when dressing in garb intended to draw attention to yourself in a field of photographers.  I really doubt that anyone from Randolph's herd complains about photograph'y'... I think that is a smoke screen. 

However, if it is a case of a specific photograph'er' being a problem, that issue should be dealt with one on one.  Yes, I have a specific incident in mind, and said self proclaimed 'photographer' was out of line.  FWIW, his actions thoroughly pi$$ed off the rest of us, and there are a LOT of us.  Had many of us realized the situation was happening, we would have tended to it en masse.  I understand that Randolph dealt with it as he should have, and good on him for stepping up.  Randolph has some wranglers (and his own photographer(s) ) out there for crowd control during the Naked Tree, and it falls on him to do what is necessary for his models' comfort during his show.  And he does.  Until it becomes an issue in general, just deal with it! Don't blame the photographers.

Stalk well...

[PollyPoPo]

And Stalkwell adds to the knowledge base about what might be the cause of some complaint. 

[Bonny Pearl]

I have seen both the chain and Brazilian shows.  Think I would rather our son see the chain show because of the drums, belly dance, free style dance and such.  Chain show has more of a natural, earthy faire feel than the Brazilian show is at the moment with it's recorded music.  (Laugh In, Sonny & Cher anyone?)  Now if the Brazilian show modifies the garb and Carnival feel then I would pause and reevaluate my opinion.

Either way our son has seen the booties in the lanes and giggles.  So meh, I am not worried if it is chain or flamingo pink feathered booties.    We'd risk bootie sightings at the beach as well.

If it is an instance of an individual getting out of hand, be it dancer or a person in the lane; then that is something that I'm sure can be dealt with by Randolph and the faire.

Guess we will see what's what when the dust settles.

[Hercules]

If they decide to go "Family-Friendly" then I'd prefer they just do it all the way and get it over with. That way I can decide what else to do between the beginning of October and Thanksgiving weekend cuz it won't be TRFing.