2008 Weapons Policy?

[L Dale Walter]

we will be dealing with people who have not carried a sword before and posses neither system of knowledge and thus no experience at all with proper etiquette and attention to it.

BINGO!  For SOME reason people seem to think if they buy a sword, they are now a "swordsman", and while fighting with it hopefully will not come into play, the rest of the stuff that comes with it (care, manipulation in crowds, all that jazz) is part of the understanding of the weapon.  I don't think the guy at the flea market handing over $25 for a Bud K sword is going to think of this.

Or you get arguements like the one posed to me a few months back, that he knew a great deal about swords because he took a Kendo class for 12 weeks.  ::sigh::

I don't think there will be any major problems, but I think there will be lots of annoyances.  But the best part is I DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH ANY OF THEM!!!  I think I will come, dressed as a Klingon, and watch the fireworks.  Do I have to peace tie my Batleth?  (BTW:  If anyone complains that Klingons aren't period, I will tap my tricorder and growl "Stupid holodeck malfunctions...")

My broadsword is a piece of crap that was made for me and I love it. It's used for religious purposes,

I know that weight lifting (and a 15 LB sword is pretty weighty) can be like a religion...<g>  OR do you use this to behead cattle like in Apocalypse Now?

No wait, better not to go down that road.  Do not want to know...

Gotta go, Silver Leaf setup begins today.  We open July 5.  Killer entertainment lineup, plus the LAST Knights of Iron show The Adventures of Robin Hood.

L. Dale Walter
Heglughme qaq Jajvam!
(carrying out the Klingon theme)

[max and kate]

I think, Lord P, that your arguments do not go over well, because it appears you try to talk over your arguees. Just a guess. We all know you're smart, that's enough. Now, it may be 100% possible this is your every language and that's the way it is, so forgive my guess, because that is all it is.

Or he's using the 'I know smart sounding words so my argument has more merit.' method.  Or, he's just pretentious.

~shrug~

Personally I think that his argument of discussing proper manners of carrying a weapon in a crowd will destroy the joy of wearing the weapon is a bunch of bunk.  While his a posteriori argument works well for only him in this case, we will be dealing with people who have not carried a sword before and posses neither system of knowledge and thus no experience at all with proper etiquette and attention to it.

Just like dressing in garb brings a certain amount of responsibility, so does carrying a weapon.  Since this is the first time in a long time that MIRF has allowed it - there is merit in the discussion of it.

The Ladies see through you. I have worn swords many times at many different events so I am safe.

[maelstrom0370]

and THIS is why I'm sticking to pistols!!  and maybe a boarding axe...and a belaying pin or two....

[nliedel]

  But the best part is I DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH ANY OF THEM!!!  I think I will come, dressed as a Klingon, and watch the fireworks.  Do I have to peace tie my Batleth?  (BTW:  If anyone complains that Klingons aren't period, I will tap my tricorder and growl "Stupid holodeck malfunctions...")

My broadsword is a piece of crap that was made for me and I love it. It's used for religious purposes,

I know that weight lifting (and a 15 LB sword is pretty weighty) can be like a religion...<g>  OR do you use this to behead cattle like in Apocalypse Now?

No wait, better not to go down that road.  Do not want to know...

Gotta go, Silver Leaf setup begins today.  We open July 5.  Killer entertainment lineup, plus the LAST Knights of Iron show The Adventures of Robin Hood.

L. Dale Walter
Heglughme qaq Jajvam!
(carrying out the Klingon theme)

I do love Klingons. I actually think they are a hoot and don't care if someone is not dressed Ren at a Ren faire. No sweat off my brow. Yer all welcome. As for the sword. Wiccan. No actual cuts have been made with it.

[Margaret]

  I think I will come, dressed as a Klingon, and watch the fireworks.  Do I have to peace tie my Batleth?  (BTW:  If anyone complains that Klingons aren't period, I will tap my tricorder and growl "Stupid holodeck malfunctions...")

Klingons are just fine.  As long as you don't come dressed as part of some troll gang, then...  Oh.  *er*  Nevermind.    

One of my buddies said that he wanted to come in full Superman costume.  See, Superman was from outer space - from a very advanced culture.  Who's to say he could not have arrived on earth in Elizabethan times. 

Makes kind of scary sense....   

[Katie Bookwench]

When I just use the word statistics I actually refer to probability based of a priori argument. And of course I based currently used probability on on theorized rational events that could bare a weapon that is pieced tied and the physical requirements for that occur. For example starting from most probable to least (assuming weapons are properly pieced tied): Someone cuts your tie, tie locking mechanism fails, you accidentally cut your tie, the tie's molecular structure breaks down and evaporates away.

I'm not a statitician, but it sounds like you're applying statistical theory to this -- One could easily leap to the conclusion that you so readily apply theory to this argument because you lack actual experience.

That's where L Dale Walter and many of us on this thread are coming from. We've been out there---many of us for multiple years--and have seen the crazy, totally irrational, completely random stuff people will do.

Where the public is concerned, it's a good idea to throw any scientific or philosophical theory that relies on logic right out the window--it will be defeated by the sheer stupidity of people in large numbers.

And, gee, Dale.... you're retiring already? Aren't you a little young yet? I mean, really-- I think you've got at least a couple more good months left in you.  

(hee! what are ya now, sixty? ya geezer! )  

slightly more seriously (but only slightly)...I think the Klingon is more your style. You're too tall to be a troll. But at least you can re-use the teeth!

[Black Armor]

Although I dare not agree with your reasoning and and precautions of carrying a weapon into faire. I do believe that it is an over statement of the natural reality. To put forth the statistics/physics and apply mathematics to the possibility of someone else stealing your weapon while peace tied is minimum and nearly ignorable. To think someone will steal your blade while peaced tied is stupid and irrational.

Hahaha I like that quote. This is were my scientific based philosophy comes in. If test were actually done and experiments completed I would most likely refer to them as studies show, experiments show, or evidence shows depending on the creditability. When I just use the word statistics I actually refer to probability based of a priori argument. And of course I based currently used probability on on theorized rational events that could bare a weapon that is pieced tied and the physical requirements for that occur. For example starting from most probable to least (assuming weapons are properly pieced tied): Someone cuts your tie, tie locking mechanism fails, you accidentally cut your tie, the tie's molecular structure breaks down and evaporates away. Then applying Octum's razor it would it is easy to say the a priori statistics that I used.

A better example of why this can work, statistically the chance of the earth blowing up and very rare. Doing the work on a priori bases I doubt you will need actual test done to support that statistic.

Of course a priori arguments are weak and subject to change given any a posteriori argument shows otherwise.

Lord P, if you want to look in your college textbooks and regurgitate terms and refer to studies as a way of supporting your arguments, I'm sure there is a thread for that somewhere but it isn't this one.  If you want to have a philosophical debate, I would be happy to indulge you in person but not in this format.  I would be much more appreciative if you were making your own arguments based on your own knowledge instead of trying to baffle people with obscure terms like Occam's Razor (which you misspelled by the way; It's not "Octum" it's Occam or Ockham's Razor.  Ockham after Sir William of Ockham for whom it is named.)  People here are open to others' honest thoughts and opinions but I for one do not have much patience for anyone that tries to make himself look like a genius by talking above others.  When someone does that, it appears more like someone who is trying to over compensate or impress rather than true intelligence.     

I have had the displeasure of working for a boss for several years now who has a doctorate in philosophy.  He does the same thing and it is no fun to talk to him either.  He also tries to impress people with big words and obscure references, which only puts people off. 

Be yourself and stop trying so hard to show that you are intelligent.  If you are a truly intelligent person, others will recognize that by hearing YOUR ideas and thoughts.  If you want to "apply Ockham's Razor" (the core idea of which is that "the simplest explanation is usually the best"), apply it to your posts and simply explain your opinion without clouding it up with far fetched analogies or references to "a priori" versus "a posteriori" statistics.  None of us needs a statistics or philosophy lesson.           

[pineridge]

YYYEEEE   HAAAAWWWW  I love this topic!!  <grabs popcorn bowl> <sits crosslegged on the floor>  (although it is a re-run)  sigh

[maelstrom0370]

'Priori' this and 'Posteriori' that, statistics, theory....I'm lost
Wasn't this a 'Weapons Policy' thread?
ANYways....is it really that much of a 'hot button'?  I mean, you will or you won't right?
If you decide to carry a weapon, use your bean.  Take responsibility for it.
If you're not comfortable or don't think you can handle the responsibility, then go to faire as you always have, sans weapon!
I dunno...seems like a pretty straight-forward thing to me.

[pineridge]

MAelstrom,,,, DO NOT BE THE VOICE OF REASON!!!!!!!   You're riuning my summer soap-TV.  "As the Weapons policy turns" is the BEST THING on right now!!!!

[Black Armor]

MAelstrom,,,, DO NOT BE THE VOICE OF REASON!!!!!!!   You're riuning my summer soap-TV.  "As the Weapons policy turns" is the BEST THING on right now!!!!

That's awesome! 

[maelstrom0370]

MAelstrom,,,, DO NOT BE THE VOICE OF REASON!!!!!!!   You're riuning my summer soap-TV.  "As the Weapons policy turns" is the BEST THING on right now!!!!

That's awesome! 

I agree! That is SO full of WIN!

[nliedel]

Once a argument is won, it's no fun anymore. That's why I love history. Theories, things we can only guess at, and now weapons policies. WOOHOO!!!

Btw, I'm more afraid of a drunken idiot with a hidden dirk, than I am some guy with a zip tied sharp sword. Actually, it's grabby hands. Some men get drunk, see chests and think it's an open invitation. They scare me more. Not that I am a temperance girl, mind you. I say pass the Woodchuck, or the Mead. Sorry Guinness lovers. I've tried, I've really tried to like it, more for you.

Can peace ties be broken? Yes, I have a first hand story from a long time cast member who had it happen to her (I do not have permission to share it, sorry). Does it happen much? Lots of faires allow them with no issue at all. I don't expect any issues with them this year. Yes, I am cast and have all the bounce of a puppy on drugs, but I really don't think this is going to be an issue.

I really mean to call Kevin today and ask him about concealed weapons. I suspect since they cannot carry them into bars, and venues which hold over a certain number of people (Which I seem to remember is larger in numbers than our best day ever) the answer may be no. And there is that little thing about the owner saying you can't. Still, it's an interesting question. For arguments sake alone. And I do so love a good argument.

I once saw Hare Krishna Klingons at a Science Fiction Convention. I loved it.

[Margaret]

If you decide to carry a weapon, use your bean.  Take responsibility for it.
If you're not comfortable or don't think you can handle the responsibility, then go to faire as you always have, sans weapon!
I dunno...seems like a pretty straight-forward thing to me.

Boy - we can even put that arguement in to a proper form!!

Would you prefer Modus Ponens form:

If you carry a weapon, you choose to accept reponsibility for it.
You choose to accept responsibility for it.
You carry a weapon.

Or, the Modus Tollens form:

If you carry a weapon, you choose to accept responsibility for it.
You choose not to accept responsibility for it.
You do not carry a weapon.

ROTFLMAO!!!!   

Can I have some popcorn too?  With lots of butter, if you don't mind.

[Lord Virgil]

This is a very interesting (if not somewhat convoluted) thread.  Being a royal pass holder for the past few years and having been married at MiRF in 2005, I'm glad they finally lifted the ban on weapons.  I have a Pirate outfit, and a sword will complete the look I want.  Having said that, it is our responsibility to be self policing on this issue.  I will follow any and all rules in regards to said new policy and will expect nothing less from my fellow rennies.  If you see someone acting like an idiot with or toward a person with a weapon, report them to security.  Don't try to be a nice guy (or an apathetic do-nothing weenie) and not tell on them, or they will ruin it for all.  I have no issue with busting someone being a jerk, as they will ruin someone elses day.  The most important part is to not try to take matters into your own hands.  Report them to security and don't try to be a hero.  I would have no issue assisting security if they ask or need it, but don't confront morons on your own.