Message-Id: <9401192240.AA19199@us2rmc.bb.dec.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 94 17:40:36 EST
From: touche!  19-Jan-1994 1717 <groff@epee.enet.dec.com>
To: carolingia@world.std.com
Cc: groff@epee.enet.dec.com
Apparently-To: carolingia@world.std.com
Subject: Birka

Iain may feel like he is the only one who felt that Birka might have some room
for improvement.  I must admit that there are some things I found in this last
Birka that simply pissed me off, big time.  Most of these are avoidable "with
practice."  StoneMarche does not have a huge number of people with experience
running large events amungst its number.  It held a huge event with success. 
For that, I applaud it and its Autocrat.  Yet there are things that could be
improved.

I was running fencing, as usual.  Unlike years past, Birka made arrangements
with me months in advance.  Of course, the prize was arranged (by me) at the 
last moment when I discovered that the Autocrat had not arranged one (or
contacted me for one).  I hope the merchant who provided the prize got paid.

The site was wonderful.  I was able to keep warm and didn't have to hike a mile
to get to the main hall.  Of course, the Gymnists kept us from starting for 2
hours.  Running late, we had a difficult time doing all the activities I had
planned.  (Actually, we skipped the malees I had hoped to do.)  The gym was a 
huge improvement over the slippery/dirty floors in the Nashua site. 
Unfortunately, we were still on the outskirts of activities and I fealt that
many may not have known that fencing and fighting were going on!

But, the merchants were spread out.  I did not have much time to look over
everyone, but it did not seem to be a "logical" arrangement.  Worse, there
seemed to be fewer merchants this year (maybe that was an illusion, but there
were some "standard" merchants missing).

The biggest complaint I have is an EASILY corrected problem. 
	NO ONE KNEW WHERE THE AUTOCRAT WAS.  I could not find her the WHOLE
	DAY.  I asked MULTIPLE TIMES at the Troll and was never directed to an
	equivalent of "autocrat's point".  Nor, did she look into fencing to 
	find out if everything was going "OK".  (I found her as I left due to a
	chance encounter with a gentle that "had a clue")
I had problems and, because of my experience (as an autocrat and marshal),
solved those problems on my own.  A lesser experienced Marshal would have been
in hot-water!  

Simple solution: Autocrat checks with all "heads of activity" in the morning.
S/he sets up an Autocrat Point which is staffed by herself or someone who can
make decisions & knows where s/he is at all times.  The location of Autocrats
point is advertised AT THE TROLL (everyone has to go there sometime!).  The
Troll knows where it is.  All Heralds know where the Autocrat's Point is
located.

Another gotcha is that the prize for the Fencing was NEVER AWARDED.  Nor have I
been contacted by the autocrat to get it to the fencer.  I will be following up
on this later this week.  {I worry that I may get into a situation I had before
the event where my messages did not get a return phone call.  A problem with
her machine?  Maybe.}

I gather there was an "organizational meeting" before the event.  I heard about
it third hand.  Possibly, as Marshal, I should have been included?

Who was the Chirougean? None introduced themselves to me.  If there was one
on-site (as I requested), I didn't know it.  If I had a medical emergancy, I
would have been IN TROUBLE.  Luckly, I didn't.

Water WAS provided for fencers.  This is a FIRST!  Very few Autocrats thought
that far ahead.  Vivat!

I am glad the feast went well.  Family demands had me leave early this year. 
Maybe next year I might brave the feast.

The problems this year were minor and resulted in little/no damage to the
participants.  These problems could have been addressed by an "Autocrat's 
Breakfast" type of forum BEFORE they became problems.  Simply, they are
problems of experience.  Maybe Carolingia and StoneMarche might have a joint AB
someday?

Overall, this was a good event and a good reflection of StoneMarche's
abilities!  I think the SM should be rightfully proud of this accomplishment.

-Danulf