Loyalty, Personal Preference, and Situational Ethics

[Sagebrush]

Now, here is a question for the continuing "Civil War" (the gift that keeps on giving) in the present-day reenactment hobby. With the ever-increasing "Two Event" dilemma, what is the the consideration which trumps all others? I'd be interested to hear the the folks have to say, especially those who have been involved in the hobby for many years. It can be argued that the mere fact that we have a "Two Event" dilemma at all is a stand-alone ethics argument. Yes! I know some will want to share cliche's along the lines of, "To each his own,"It's a free country,"It's a no-brainer---who ever has the better event", "They're only in it for the $$$," etc., etc.

But, I'd like to know from the folks out there if personal and organizational loyalty enter in to your decision-making process? Does ethics enter into the equation, or is it irrelevant since, it is a given by some that no organization is without a skeleton or two in their closet? I have to believe that there is some percentage of the reenactment community who have, and remain conflicted over such decisions. So, as a person who is not a formal member of any umbrella organization, I'd like to get some feedback on this. And, it may be, that after all is said and done, it still comes down to, "Whatever you feel is the best decision for you," then, it is, what is. Comments such as, "Who cares?" or "Nobody cares!" may actually be reflective of the concensus out there, but I am hopeful I can receive feedback somewhat beyond that. Thanks!

 

[Nathanb1]

Let's move this to the reenactor forum, where it will get the proper audience!

 

[johan_steele]

The nastiness shown the BGA, individuals spreading rumors about the organization and telling people their event had been cancelled etc. I don't have a dog in the fight & I have no interest in doing a big National event. I do have respect for what the BGA accomplished at Shiloh this year and I respect that they're doing their best to keep the cowboy & idiot syndrome to a minimum at their events.

 

[Sagebrush]

The nastiness shown the BGA, individuals spreading rumors about the organization and telling people their event had been cancelled etc. I don't have a dog in the fight & I have no interest in doing a big National event. I do have respect for what the BGA accomplished at Shiloh this year and I respect that they're doing their best to keep the cowboy & idiot syndrome to a minimum at their events.

A reasonable and succinct response from a veteran reenactor. Thanks!

 

[RNMCSA]

I prefer history and authenticity over pagentry and anything goes. So yes I am loyal to any events done by Anders or that he is affieliated with. That covers bigger events, other than that I do living historys and such.