| I LOVE ME SOME SCA No, really. I haven't played for over two years now, and I've actively avoided hearing news about the juvenile political machinations of people who like to classify themselves in Machiavelli's footsteps but in reality have the cunning of Barney Fife. Face it, your typical SCA devotee can barely orchestrate a job interview for Half Price Books. But I do enjoy the occasional update, especially when it demonstrates people's ability to introduce pettiness and general knobbery to an activity that should have been fun and enjoyable. It's also reassuring to see that my five year old is more mature and learns faster than the average SCAdian. (Reassuring regarding my five year old, that is; can't say much for the SCA folk.) Now, before you get all in a lather, keep in mind that there are plenty of SCA folks whom I find very competent, intelligent, mature, and enjoyable. Just not most of them. (While I'm at it, I should be clear on something else: I don't really care what most of you think. Really, I don't. That's why I no longer read or answer the comments on my Xanga. I believe the people whose opinions are worth something to me know how to email, text, or call. If you're really wondering (and it really matters to you) whether I think your opinions are worth knowing, just contact me and I'll tell you. For the slower people in the audience, if I don't reply, you can figure out easily which category you're in.) Then again, you've got to admire persistence, even when it's persistent knobbery. Especially when it pays off. In fact, I'm going to try it at work. I can't complain about my job situation -- they pay me really well, I have fantastic benefits, I've been getting great reviews, and the bonuses have been excellent. On the other hand, I've actually had to work hard, demonstrate proficiency, and generate successful results. And they expect me to show up! Go figure. With a new year starting, I think I'll change my strategy. I'm going to find some tasks at which I'm really beginner level. Then, instead of improving my skills, I'm going to ask my manager to compare me to other people who really suck. I sure as hell won't go after any challenges outside of my immediate domain; that would risk exposing my ineptitude to more people. Instead, I'll just get my friends to complain when I'm not recognized as a pillar of brilliance. Remember, my office is a small part of the overall organization, and we're far from the Seattle headquarters. I think we've got a great case for geographic discrimination! If the powers that be refuse to overlook my mediocrity, I'll just rally the troops and threaten to hold our collective breath until the leadership gives in. Or, if we find we simply MUST inhale before they break, we'll all threaten to quit and go to other companies. Yessiree, I should have that promotion I deserve in no time! I just hope the guy who worked hard and exhibited real talent and capability doesn't feel cheapened by getting his promotion alongside me. It might bother him that I moved alongside him with no more effort than a sustained group temper tantrum. Then again, we've all gotta get there somehow, right??? |
