There will be many changes this Pennsic. Some of them are wonderful - new bridge coming in, new filtered water for parts of the campground (with that being expanded in future years), new Great Hall, larger produce market and the addition of a mini hardware store.
Some of the changes are not as good - losing a day (though I more than understand why, and even agree), Troll closing Mon-Thurs from midnight to 6am (only one or two people showed up during those hours last year on any given day, so yeah, it definitely makes sense even if a few are put out), new camping locations for those people that will have to move for the Great Hall (I would be sad to move too, but again, I understand), shuffling of days/times for other activities...
And yes, this plethora of changes is really fraying some tempers. And with these shortened tempers, I have more than once heard a forlorn cry of "The Dream is Dying."
I beg to differ. The "Dream" is Pennsic. And Pennsic is more than the hours for Troll, it's more than what block you live on (though most of us are very wed to that piece of property that is home away from home), it's more than worrying about changes that you absolutely cannot control.
That Dream is what we all make it. Is that not worth a bit of personal sacrifice and willingness to change? Is that not worth sending a thoughtful letter to the staff rather than spouting about dying dreams on a public forum?
Personally, I believe the Dream lives on as long as someone follows their Kingdom to the battlefield to cheer on their fighters. It lives as the pageantry of Opening Ceremonies or Royal Court. It is the teaching and classes and sharing our arts with others. It is courtesy when we acknowledge someone else as mi'lord or mi'lady. It is drumming deep into the night and dancing around the fire till dawn. It is those magical moments when you see Pennsic through a newcomers eyes. THAT is how I see the Dream. And I really believe that if we all foster those things and work to preserve the culture we have created and work to make Pennsic, in it's entirety (flaws and all) a better place, then no, the Dream will not die.
Some of the changes are not as good - losing a day (though I more than understand why, and even agree), Troll closing Mon-Thurs from midnight to 6am (only one or two people showed up during those hours last year on any given day, so yeah, it definitely makes sense even if a few are put out), new camping locations for those people that will have to move for the Great Hall (I would be sad to move too, but again, I understand), shuffling of days/times for other activities...
And yes, this plethora of changes is really fraying some tempers. And with these shortened tempers, I have more than once heard a forlorn cry of "The Dream is Dying."
I beg to differ. The "Dream" is Pennsic. And Pennsic is more than the hours for Troll, it's more than what block you live on (though most of us are very wed to that piece of property that is home away from home), it's more than worrying about changes that you absolutely cannot control.
That Dream is what we all make it. Is that not worth a bit of personal sacrifice and willingness to change? Is that not worth sending a thoughtful letter to the staff rather than spouting about dying dreams on a public forum?
Personally, I believe the Dream lives on as long as someone follows their Kingdom to the battlefield to cheer on their fighters. It lives as the pageantry of Opening Ceremonies or Royal Court. It is the teaching and classes and sharing our arts with others. It is courtesy when we acknowledge someone else as mi'lord or mi'lady. It is drumming deep into the night and dancing around the fire till dawn. It is those magical moments when you see Pennsic through a newcomers eyes. THAT is how I see the Dream. And I really believe that if we all foster those things and work to preserve the culture we have created and work to make Pennsic, in it's entirety (flaws and all) a better place, then no, the Dream will not die.
RSS Feed