How important is it to be part of a club?

[Gaius Drustanus]

Actually, the whole discussion about Clubs made me reflect further about the grievances I, myself, have about clubs.

I have a daughter who now lives in Wellington (recently married) and because of my interest in Ancient and Medieval History she got involved in sword clubs back in her late adolescence.
She was also a founder member of the Second Legion Augusta in the 1990s.

However because of the Social Stigma inflicted on the Roman movement, she did not stay with her fathers club but another group, that seemed more "cool" and socially prestigous.

I won't describe subsequent events in detail because the Mod Squad would no doubt describe that as "personal attack". But you would, today, be hard pressed to get her to say a good thing about Medieval reenactment.

Particularly the interpersonal and social "politics" of a certain un-named, well known club (which now has a completely different Administration). So by no means are clubs always benign. In this example the cut is quite "close to home".


More than just an Independent, she has left the movement Entirely. This causes me sadness because the opportunity to share my enthusiasm within my own family has been squandered by club politics (external and internal).
That's why it can be beneficial to choose to belong to several clubs, to have a choice around avoiding those groups that can function like a gang or a cult.

[Robbo]

Amazing girl your daughter. Despite the injuries she's had (and still has afaik), she's still kicked my ass a few times and reminded me of the reasons I swear women are by far the more vicious of the species. Also taught me a thing or two.

Hope and trust Mr. York looks after her.

[Gaius Drustanus]

Acrually both both my girls are Exceptional in their own individuals ways. Her sister just graduated as Senior Scholar in Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland.
Don't even start me on my Son, Nathaniel, starship trooper par extraordinaire

[Robbo]

[Robbo]

Didn't even know you had 2 girls Rob...you man of mystery you.

[Gaius Drustanus]

So perhaps we should call Nick's club: "The League of Extraordinary Independents"?

[Ben_sutton]

I'm independent. Have been for ages. I resent any accusation that I might be freeloading on the time of others. I am prepared to bust ass for any event I happen to go to and I will not push anyone for time they are not prepared to give. Some people, myself included, have good reason for their independence and the majority of those I have met work hard to earn their keep when attending any functions and events and they deserve a little respect rather than these grand sweeping claims that independent people are somehow robbing you of your time. I've got a lot of respect for you guys who have been in this thing for a good long while, lets endeavour to make that a mutual thing ay?

[Ben_sutton]

Also, I recognise that any statements I make here are not going to change anyones mind. All I'm saying is that there is a whole lot of good that comes from clubs, but we do some good too. And at the end of the day the community as a whole is made up for the most part of good people, weather they have affiliations or not. There are occassionaly dangerous bastards out there who spoil it for the rest of us, and yes, I will conceed that they will frequently end up as independants before finally fading away completely, but that is only because the clubs have finally shaken themselves free of them. The Key here really, is that we are "Independent" You can't tar us all with the same brush. We are individuals. Just the same as no one should state anything as broad sweeping as "all members of club x are arseholes" respect the individual, everything else will follow.

[Anyad]

Lovely to see that this thread has generated some good debate and conversation. But, as emotions are starting to get a passionate again please keep your language toned down and don't make personal attacks.

Thanks everyone.
D

[Ben_sutton]

I apologise for my language in the preceeding statements. It was not my intention to be offensive in anyway, nor was it my intent to make any personal attacks. The example of "club x" was not intended to be a veiled insult, merely an example of how the statements made about independent people being dangerous could easily be turned on any club if someone were to have differences with one of their members. I do not have anything against any of the clubs, or for that matter anyone who has made comments here. I have the utmost respect for Rob and his contribution to the community, but this is why I feel somewhat hurt by a number of the statements which have been passed here. In any case, I do not intend to continue in this debate, I have stated my position, and hopefully despite my somewhat ham-handed approach in the statements I have made, my feelings on the matter will be clear.

Cheers heaps guys

Ben

[Gaius Drustanus]

I certainly didn't take offensive. Perhaps some people take things personally that are not directed at any one in particularly but might indicate certain categories or instances.

[BigMac]

[BigMac]

Given that any inderpendant can start thier own club at the drop of a hat not even needing other members (which has happened in the past), I see the arguement of clubs vs indies as far as safety goes, moot.

Clubs can be good (or bad) but not to everyones taste and the same can be said for inderpendants.

personally I think the world is a better place with a little diversity.

my 2cents

TTFN

[thunderbolt]

think i mite join club x.or at least poach a few members.as for clubs the only one id ever belong to are the NZN no politics or dramas in our camp boo frickity hoo

[??Questions??]

as alway not realy reading the 5 pages (gahhh) of stuff before i post my reply. (this helps keep topics in line and outa left field).

but i though i would just say that i attend club practices and workshops almost all the time. over the years i have found that this help me improve my skills as much as possible. as well as being able to help the newer members too, this is what i think being a club is all about; not just sticking together on and off the feild but also taking an active part in everyone learning =].

hope this helps

??Questions??