An Tir is vast in terms of size. One of our Principalities has a rotational model that is very strict, and I don't think it works very well at all. The weather doesn't synch up and too many events end up being far away from the population center, which means that the big events can draw very few people. I think that makes for a poorer SCA experience all around. Just my opinion mind you.
In thinking about what I would do if I were Empress of the Universe, I would plan my largest events near the most populous regions to draw the most money. I have been advocating for years that we should be buying large tracks of land and establishing home bases and providing potential spots for inter-kingdom wars etc. The different branches then take turns hosting the event at the home base, thereby filling their coffers for their next event, and giving some of the money back to the land for its maintenance and payments. The event where I was offered my Laurel had 2400 people, because it was near a population center. Last year, the same type of event, away from a center drew about 600, I think. I really am of the opinion that event locations decisions should:
1. Take into account weather - we had someone die from the heat at one of our recent events in the desert in July. I think it is just bad planning when we have both mountain ranges and cooler seashore locations vs. 115 degree heat. This same site is much more amenable in May, so why not then instead of in July? (back to cult of personality)
2. Take into account population centers. The closer to a city the better for the coffers. For example, I will travel maybe 7 or 8 hours if I REALLY want to go, usually not, but no way for 24 hours. Trade between the population centers to even out fairness for travel distance based on percentage of membership, and if the little groups are not getting their fair shake, allow them to autocrat in someone else's lands and take their share of the profits. That happens here occasionally. I still think it is better than a less than optimal crown event in podunk wherever with no hotels for the aging and one mini-mart.
3. Centralize the venue procurement - have an officer or the Kingdom seneschal in charge of this, and have the group in charge run in rotation and if they decline, open it up for idea bids. People could really get creative with event ambiance if they didn't have to line up the land, porta-potties and water trucks if they are already on a retainer.
4. Allow groups to present bids as normal - or a couple years in advance - if they have a really great site and idea and allow the crown to decide.
5. Divide kingdoms into principalities so they have their own local power/ceremonies and emphasis. This both enriches the kingdom with ceremony, provides more regional focus, money making opportunities and helps make smaller groups less thirsty to be the host of the kingdom events (or so I think).
Okay, now you know why I am not the empress of anything :)
no subject
In thinking about what I would do if I were Empress of the Universe, I would plan my largest events near the most populous regions to draw the most money. I have been advocating for years that we should be buying large tracks of land and establishing home bases and providing potential spots for inter-kingdom wars etc. The different branches then take turns hosting the event at the home base, thereby filling their coffers for their next event, and giving some of the money back to the land for its maintenance and payments. The event where I was offered my Laurel had 2400 people, because it was near a population center. Last year, the same type of event, away from a center drew about 600, I think. I really am of the opinion that event locations decisions should:
1. Take into account weather - we had someone die from the heat at one of our recent events in the desert in July. I think it is just bad planning when we have both mountain ranges and cooler seashore locations vs. 115 degree heat. This same site is much more amenable in May, so why not then instead of in July? (back to cult of personality)
2. Take into account population centers. The closer to a city the better for the coffers. For example, I will travel maybe 7 or 8 hours if I REALLY want to go, usually not, but no way for 24 hours. Trade between the population centers to even out fairness for travel distance based on percentage of membership, and if the little groups are not getting their fair shake, allow them to autocrat in someone else's lands and take their share of the profits. That happens here occasionally. I still think it is better than a less than optimal crown event in podunk wherever with no hotels for the aging and one mini-mart.
3. Centralize the venue procurement - have an officer or the Kingdom seneschal in charge of this, and have the group in charge run in rotation and if they decline, open it up for idea bids. People could really get creative with event ambiance if they didn't have to line up the land, porta-potties and water trucks if they are already on a retainer.
4. Allow groups to present bids as normal - or a couple years in advance - if they have a really great site and idea and allow the crown to decide.
5. Divide kingdoms into principalities so they have their own local power/ceremonies and emphasis. This both enriches the kingdom with ceremony, provides more regional focus, money making opportunities and helps make smaller groups less thirsty to be the host of the kingdom events (or so I think).
Okay, now you know why I am not the empress of anything :)