There have been growing rumblings about "appropriateness" in the Independent State of Caledon, more specifically in group chat.
To be fair these rumblings have been there for a considerable amount of time. Nearly two years ago Khashai Steinbeck, Caledon's very first Steward, stormed out in a temper about how Caledon was being ruined. My own comments to him privately in IM after probably didn't help but we have since made up. Yet he has not returned to Caledon.
Others have left Caledon only to return with childish half truths about their supposed victimisation, bringing up issues that were buried more than a year ago. All people bring us happiness - some as they arrive, others as they leave.
When I first arrived in Caledon in 2006 ISC was not used for chat. It was used for posting group notices, events, and for asking advice. Even then the group members numbered less than 400. Aimless chatter was not allowed.
Miss Emilly started the most recent round of concerns here. Her initial post wasn't so much concerned about group chat and general civility as change in Caledon and whether this change was for better or worse, the comments did prompt a follow up post here concerning appropriate behaviour.
Membership of the Independent State of Caledon group today runs over 1000. This doesn't include those who have chosen to pursue their SL elsewhere.
Miss Laval made some excellent points about appropriateness in group chats. Admittedly not all 1000 people of ISC are online at the same time, but I know I don't want to hear all the "gee it's quiet in here" comments. If you're that desperate for someone to talk to, pop over to Info Island.
Miss Jameson followed up Miss Emilly's post with one stressing politeness and asking one of the fundamental questions I often wonder myself: If you're not interested in a Victorian setting or even a quasi-Victorian setting, why are you here? I disagree with her final conclusion though. Yes we are 21st century people, but if you came to a Victorian sim wanting to be a 21st century person I think you've made the wrong decision. Like wanting to be in a post apocalypse sim but dressing and acting like you're at a Paris fashion show. Or living in a gorean sim and dressing in a space suit all the time. I know of a few others in other steampunk themed sims who loudly proclaim their dislike of Victoriana. No I've never understood why they've stayed either.
There are different levels of immersion, Caledon being defined as "polite Victorian roleplay". Miss Emilly makes a further post here after this evening's debacle on ISC. I think those branding her a chat-nazi need to get out of their skyboxes more often.
Miss Emilly's concentration on politeness may grate to the modern ear. But we haven't come here to be modern. If you have a chip on your shoulder about calling people Lord or Lady muckamuk, don't do it. You can still call them Mr. or Miss at the very least. Perhaps some of that courtesy will rub off and make you stop and think before you post about what you're doing or worse still, who you're doing.
Miss Snook and I have been discussing running some etiquette lessons for Victorians of all stripe (be they Caledon or not). Perhaps these lessons are long overdue.
Showing posts with label Etiquette. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Etiquette. Show all posts
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Friday, 31 August 2007
Caledon expands again!
This week saw the addition of 5 new sims to the Caledon family. Making a total of 24 sims (with yet more on the way!) I don't know where the Guvnah finds the time or the energy.
Caledon Stormhold. Inspired by the novel Stardust by Neil Gaiman, though not based on it. Soon to be home to teaming masses.
Caledon Sound, home to Her Grace Carricre Wind.
Caledon Speirling. Home of the Marquessates of East and West Speirling. For those keeping track of titles we now have Darkling Elytis, The Marchioness of West Speirling, and Kirawill Collingwood, The Marchioness of East Speirling. (Lady Speirling is gentler on the tongue than "Lady East Speirling" I think).
The new home of Gloire Thibaud, Her Grace The Duchess of Middlesea.
And finally we have a Duke in Caledon. Otenth Paderborn, His Grace the Duke of Murdann
Caledon Stormhold. Inspired by the novel Stardust by Neil Gaiman, though not based on it. Soon to be home to teaming masses.
Caledon Sound, home to Her Grace Carricre Wind.
Caledon Speirling. Home of the Marquessates of East and West Speirling. For those keeping track of titles we now have Darkling Elytis, The Marchioness of West Speirling, and Kirawill Collingwood, The Marchioness of East Speirling. (Lady Speirling is gentler on the tongue than "Lady East Speirling" I think).
The new home of Gloire Thibaud, Her Grace The Duchess of Middlesea.
And finally we have a Duke in Caledon. Otenth Paderborn, His Grace the Duke of Murdann
Saturday, 11 August 2007
Dame Lapin Paris
Monday evening saw a rare event with the induction of a new knight into the Order of Caledon, in acknowledgement of her outstanding service for the SLRFL.
The simple ceremony, Presided over by Her Lyonesse as the representative of the Guvnah, was attended by a large number of Caledonians, showing the high regard in which Dame Lapin is held.
Using a spanner instead of a sword for the knighting.
The gathered celebrants and witnesses to the ceremony.
I believe this makes Dame Lapin the third (or possibly fourth) Knight of Caledon.
Congratulations to her and deservedly so.
The simple ceremony, Presided over by Her Lyonesse as the representative of the Guvnah, was attended by a large number of Caledonians, showing the high regard in which Dame Lapin is held.
Using a spanner instead of a sword for the knighting.
The gathered celebrants and witnesses to the ceremony.
I believe this makes Dame Lapin the third (or possibly fourth) Knight of Caledon.
Congratulations to her and deservedly so.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
A letter from the Solicitor
Last week I received the most astonishing correspondence. Delivered with the evening post was a parcel addressed from the solicitors Sue, Grabbitt and Runne that contained a large number documents.
It seems with the death of my cousin Arthur, and his son Henry having died tragically in the brewery explosion last year, that I have inherited the title of the Earl of Primbroke! I must say it comes as something of a surprise. I had met my cousin on those few occasions of broader family gatherings, but I never thought I would be the one inheriting the title. While I know on my mother's side I'm related to the Duchies of Carntaigh and Loch Avie, on my father's side we were a rather cadet branch of the family.
I've been going over the details with my own solicitor seeing what entails are on the Estate. The Duchess of Carntaigh has kindly offered to include my own investiture with the upcoming ceremony of L'ordre du Rossignol.
So this will make me Lord Primbroke and Christine Countess Primbroke. Though I will still be answering to Sir Edward or Edward or Mr. Pearse or however else I'm likely to be called (though one day I hope to put and end to people incorrectly saying "Sir Pearse").
Now to work out what to wear...
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Some notes on Military etiquette
Etiquette for the uninitiated, part II
The issue of organising something approaching military etiquette for a fictional country in an unspecified Victorian time period is something of a challenge. The Victorian era saw a large number of conflicts: the Boer Wars, the Mexican-American War, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, the Franco-Prussian War, the Schleswig Wars, the Zulu wars, the Maori Wars, the Sepoy Rebellion, the Fenian Raids, and the list goes on. British Intelligence Office Arthur Conolly is credited with describing the pan-European struggle for supremacy as The Great Game. From the time he first used it in 1829 to the vast destruction of the War To End All Wars uniforms, tactics and even countries has changed dramatically.
My notes in this piece are based on a time period around the mid 1870s and are heavily influenced by British military traditions. Since Caledon is the old name for Scotland that’s always been my starting point, but there is plenty of scope for diversity.
The basic structure for military units is as follows:
Private/Trooper
Corporal Usually in charge of a Section or approximately 8 soldiers
Sergeant Usually in 2nd in charge of a Platoon or approximately 10 soldiers
Sergeant-Major
Colour Sergeant
Lieutenant Usually in charge of a Platoon or approximately 10 soldiers
Captain
Major Usually in charge of a Company or approximately 100-200 soldiers
Colonel Usually in charge of a Regiment or approximately 2-3 thousand soldiers
Brigadier Usually in charge of a Brigade or approximately 3-5 thousand soldiers
Major-General
Lieutenant General
Field Marshall
Colour Sergeants were originally responsible for protecting Ensigns (which was a rank) who were in turn charged with carrying the Ensign (the Battle Flag, which gave its name to the rank). The flag was also known as the regiment’s Colours, hence the title of Colour Sergeant.
Uniforms
Originally rank insignia were worn on the collar. The newly created rank of Second Lieutenant, replacing the rank of Ensign that was abolished in 1871, originally had no rank marking. Lieutenants had a single star (or “pip”) and Captains had two.
In 1880 the British army changed its system and insignia were now worn on shoulder boards. In 1902 another raft of changes went through the services moving rank insignia from the shoulders to the cuffs and giving 2nd Lieutenants a single star. Both Lieutenants and Captains were given an additional star at this time increasing theirs to 2 and 3 respectively.
Purchasing a commission
The purchase of a commission varied depending on both the rank and the prestige of the regiment being sought. The more prestigious ranks commanding higher premiums. Being cashiered was considered a grave punishment, as the officer would lose the right to resell the commission he held. Officers’ ranks could be purchased up to the rank of Colonel. Promotion to ranks above Colonel needed a service history and favour from within. The purchasing of commissions was abolished in 1871.
Addressing a superior
As a matter of military courtesy, when speaking to a superior there are two differing forms of address, based on whether the superior is a non-commissioned or a commissioned officer. When addressing a non-commissioned officer, a positive response to a command from a Sergeant Major would be "Yes, Sergeant Major!" The proper positive response to the same command from a Lieutenant would be "Yes, sir!" or "Yes sir, Lieutenant!" The supposed difference between a non-commissioned officer and an officer is that of education, which is equated with social status as well as working class. When a non-commissioned officer receives the response "Yes, sir!" to a command, he is more apt than not to remind the soldier that he, the non-commissioned officer, is a "working man, not an officer.”
Saluting
While there are numerous theories about the development of the salute, the modern one appears to have started in the 18th century as noted by this extract from the Royal Scots Standing Orders of 1762: ‘as nothing disfigures the hats or dirties the lace worn more than taking off the hats, the men for the future are only to raise the back of their hands to them (hats) with a brisk motion when they pass an officer’.
Saluting should be undertaken intelligently and only when headdress is worn. Salutes should not be attempted in places where the presence of crowds or where the distance from the officer makes it impracticable to salute. All soldiers should salute with the right hand unless physically unable to do so, in which case they are to salute with the left hand. The junior member is to salute first and the senior member is to return the compliment.
Saluting ladies
All too often, the courtesy that should be extended to ladies is neglected. Proper military etiquette would dictate that any soldier or officer encountering a lady should touch the brim of his hat in the manner of a salute, or remove his cover in her presence. It is not necessary to exchange greetings or comments with the lady, but acknowledgement of the presence of those of the fairer sex to whom respect and admiration are due, without regard to their station in life. There is some dispute as to whether it is appropriate to greet ladies unknown to one, as it is improper for ladies to greet those strange to the lady unless requiring aid of some sort from anyone at hand. Of course many of the more Adventuress types of ladies will often introduce themselves directly without waiting for a mutual acquaintance.
The listing of ranks with titles
Should you be in the position to require to show a full formal rank and title it should be done in the following manner:
Your rank, Name (inclusive of title if applicable), and any post-nominals.
For example:
Colonel, George Featherington, Marquess of Vulgaria, NFI, WTF
or
Major, Dame Cybil Cruft, OMG
Remember that post-nominals are different to academic abbreviations. Post-nominals are always capitalized and written without full stops between the letters and should never be used in conjunction with Academic titles and degrees.
A Post Script to the first post.
It’s been brought to my attention that there may be some confusion as to what a Governor might be. To an American a Governor is a head of an individual State. To those brought up within the Commonwealth countries a Governor is a representative of the Monarch, while the head of an individual State or Province is a Premier. A Governor General (Similar in position to a Viceroy or a Lord Lieutenant) is one where a number of States have joined together to form a larger body, such as modern day Canada or Australia, though individual States will still retain own Governors.
The issue of organising something approaching military etiquette for a fictional country in an unspecified Victorian time period is something of a challenge. The Victorian era saw a large number of conflicts: the Boer Wars, the Mexican-American War, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, the Franco-Prussian War, the Schleswig Wars, the Zulu wars, the Maori Wars, the Sepoy Rebellion, the Fenian Raids, and the list goes on. British Intelligence Office Arthur Conolly is credited with describing the pan-European struggle for supremacy as The Great Game. From the time he first used it in 1829 to the vast destruction of the War To End All Wars uniforms, tactics and even countries has changed dramatically.
My notes in this piece are based on a time period around the mid 1870s and are heavily influenced by British military traditions. Since Caledon is the old name for Scotland that’s always been my starting point, but there is plenty of scope for diversity.
The basic structure for military units is as follows:
Private/Trooper
Corporal Usually in charge of a Section or approximately 8 soldiers
Sergeant Usually in 2nd in charge of a Platoon or approximately 10 soldiers
Sergeant-Major
Colour Sergeant
Lieutenant Usually in charge of a Platoon or approximately 10 soldiers
Captain
Major Usually in charge of a Company or approximately 100-200 soldiers
Colonel Usually in charge of a Regiment or approximately 2-3 thousand soldiers
Brigadier Usually in charge of a Brigade or approximately 3-5 thousand soldiers
Major-General
Lieutenant General
Field Marshall
Colour Sergeants were originally responsible for protecting Ensigns (which was a rank) who were in turn charged with carrying the Ensign (the Battle Flag, which gave its name to the rank). The flag was also known as the regiment’s Colours, hence the title of Colour Sergeant.
Uniforms
Originally rank insignia were worn on the collar. The newly created rank of Second Lieutenant, replacing the rank of Ensign that was abolished in 1871, originally had no rank marking. Lieutenants had a single star (or “pip”) and Captains had two.
In 1880 the British army changed its system and insignia were now worn on shoulder boards. In 1902 another raft of changes went through the services moving rank insignia from the shoulders to the cuffs and giving 2nd Lieutenants a single star. Both Lieutenants and Captains were given an additional star at this time increasing theirs to 2 and 3 respectively.
Purchasing a commission
The purchase of a commission varied depending on both the rank and the prestige of the regiment being sought. The more prestigious ranks commanding higher premiums. Being cashiered was considered a grave punishment, as the officer would lose the right to resell the commission he held. Officers’ ranks could be purchased up to the rank of Colonel. Promotion to ranks above Colonel needed a service history and favour from within. The purchasing of commissions was abolished in 1871.
Addressing a superior
As a matter of military courtesy, when speaking to a superior there are two differing forms of address, based on whether the superior is a non-commissioned or a commissioned officer. When addressing a non-commissioned officer, a positive response to a command from a Sergeant Major would be "Yes, Sergeant Major!" The proper positive response to the same command from a Lieutenant would be "Yes, sir!" or "Yes sir, Lieutenant!" The supposed difference between a non-commissioned officer and an officer is that of education, which is equated with social status as well as working class. When a non-commissioned officer receives the response "Yes, sir!" to a command, he is more apt than not to remind the soldier that he, the non-commissioned officer, is a "working man, not an officer.”
Saluting
While there are numerous theories about the development of the salute, the modern one appears to have started in the 18th century as noted by this extract from the Royal Scots Standing Orders of 1762: ‘as nothing disfigures the hats or dirties the lace worn more than taking off the hats, the men for the future are only to raise the back of their hands to them (hats) with a brisk motion when they pass an officer’.
Saluting should be undertaken intelligently and only when headdress is worn. Salutes should not be attempted in places where the presence of crowds or where the distance from the officer makes it impracticable to salute. All soldiers should salute with the right hand unless physically unable to do so, in which case they are to salute with the left hand. The junior member is to salute first and the senior member is to return the compliment.
Saluting ladies
All too often, the courtesy that should be extended to ladies is neglected. Proper military etiquette would dictate that any soldier or officer encountering a lady should touch the brim of his hat in the manner of a salute, or remove his cover in her presence. It is not necessary to exchange greetings or comments with the lady, but acknowledgement of the presence of those of the fairer sex to whom respect and admiration are due, without regard to their station in life. There is some dispute as to whether it is appropriate to greet ladies unknown to one, as it is improper for ladies to greet those strange to the lady unless requiring aid of some sort from anyone at hand. Of course many of the more Adventuress types of ladies will often introduce themselves directly without waiting for a mutual acquaintance.
The listing of ranks with titles
Should you be in the position to require to show a full formal rank and title it should be done in the following manner:
Your rank, Name (inclusive of title if applicable), and any post-nominals.
For example:
Colonel, George Featherington, Marquess of Vulgaria, NFI, WTF
or
Major, Dame Cybil Cruft, OMG
Remember that post-nominals are different to academic abbreviations. Post-nominals are always capitalized and written without full stops between the letters and should never be used in conjunction with Academic titles and degrees.
A Post Script to the first post.
It’s been brought to my attention that there may be some confusion as to what a Governor might be. To an American a Governor is a head of an individual State. To those brought up within the Commonwealth countries a Governor is a representative of the Monarch, while the head of an individual State or Province is a Premier. A Governor General (Similar in position to a Viceroy or a Lord Lieutenant) is one where a number of States have joined together to form a larger body, such as modern day Canada or Australia, though individual States will still retain own Governors.
Friday, 18 May 2007
The Battle of Victoria City
Further to the heartwrenching pictures here about the vicious attack on Victoria City, special intelligence have obtained footage of the attack.
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Etiquette for the uninitiated
Styles and Titles. First in a series
Living in a 19th century world such as Caledon comes with a mix of blessings and hazards all their own. In what I hope will be a series of ongoing entries, I am going to spend some time looking at a variety of etiquette questions.
My first foray into the subject is forms of address or "styles". Most people, assuming you can tell the sex of the addressee from their name or their physical characteristics (and it's not always easy, especially with tinies), can work out the basic forms of Mister (Mr.) and what seems to have become the default address for the fairer sex of Miss. On occasion there are those who will let you know that they are in fact a Missus (Mrs.).
It's when we move on to other styles of address that things start to become less clear for many. I will stay away from the intricacies of courtesy titles and members of religious orders and just look at the broader usage.
Recently there were three new initiates into the rank of Knight, which again raised the issue of how they should properly be addressed. Knights are addressed as "Sir" (or in the case of a lady "Dame") followed by their first name. They should never be addressed using their last name unless it is used in addition to the first name. For example the proper mode of address would be Sir Telamachus or Sir Telamachus Dean, NOT Sir Dean.
"Lady" is always a difficult one for use of either first or last name as the style depends on the reason for the title. A Marchioness, Countess, Viscountess or Baroness should properly be addressed as "Lady" followed by the Placename (e.g. Baroness Bardhaven should properly be addressed as Lady Bardhaven rather than Lady Collingwood). The wife of a Knight or a Baronet would be addressed with "Lady" followed by the surname of her husband. Whereas if the lady is the daughter of a noble then the style of "Lady" followed by her first name should be used, with a "The" added for the eldest daughter (eg. The Lady Sarah).
"Lord" is another style that covers a multitude of titles: Marquess (or Marquis for French and American readers, or Margrave for Germans), Earl (the equivalent of a Count), Viscount and Baron are all addressed as "Lord [placename]". Baronets are addressed as Sir as, even though the title is hereditary, they're not considered a peer.
Dukes and Duchesses should be addressed as "Your Grace" if you aren't a peer yourself, or as "Duke [placename]" if you are a peer. The placename can also help distinguishwhich end of the sandwich which of the Duchesses or Dukes you are referring to if there is more than one present at the time.
Another Title to be aware of around Caledon is Vicereine. A Vicereine is the female form of a Viceroy and a representative of the ruler (usually a King, though in our case the Guvnah). A Viceroy should be addressed as Your Excellency.
Recent interaction with Neualtenburg has raised the question the form of address for the Kaiserin. Suggestions of Teutonic Hussy and Pointy Hatted Goblin aside, she should formally be referred to as "Your Imperial Majesty" though I am still awaiting confirmation on this. Oddly my letters not been responded to. Perhaps she's tied up with other things.
Oh and lastly, The Guvnah of Caledon should properly be addressed as Des (or Desmond) though he will usually reply with "Gah! IM storm!" or something of the equivalent.
Living in a 19th century world such as Caledon comes with a mix of blessings and hazards all their own. In what I hope will be a series of ongoing entries, I am going to spend some time looking at a variety of etiquette questions.
My first foray into the subject is forms of address or "styles". Most people, assuming you can tell the sex of the addressee from their name or their physical characteristics (and it's not always easy, especially with tinies), can work out the basic forms of Mister (Mr.) and what seems to have become the default address for the fairer sex of Miss. On occasion there are those who will let you know that they are in fact a Missus (Mrs.).
It's when we move on to other styles of address that things start to become less clear for many. I will stay away from the intricacies of courtesy titles and members of religious orders and just look at the broader usage.
Recently there were three new initiates into the rank of Knight, which again raised the issue of how they should properly be addressed. Knights are addressed as "Sir" (or in the case of a lady "Dame") followed by their first name. They should never be addressed using their last name unless it is used in addition to the first name. For example the proper mode of address would be Sir Telamachus or Sir Telamachus Dean, NOT Sir Dean.
"Lady" is always a difficult one for use of either first or last name as the style depends on the reason for the title. A Marchioness, Countess, Viscountess or Baroness should properly be addressed as "Lady" followed by the Placename (e.g. Baroness Bardhaven should properly be addressed as Lady Bardhaven rather than Lady Collingwood). The wife of a Knight or a Baronet would be addressed with "Lady" followed by the surname of her husband. Whereas if the lady is the daughter of a noble then the style of "Lady" followed by her first name should be used, with a "The" added for the eldest daughter (eg. The Lady Sarah).
"Lord" is another style that covers a multitude of titles: Marquess (or Marquis for French and American readers, or Margrave for Germans), Earl (the equivalent of a Count), Viscount and Baron are all addressed as "Lord [placename]". Baronets are addressed as Sir as, even though the title is hereditary, they're not considered a peer.
Dukes and Duchesses should be addressed as "Your Grace" if you aren't a peer yourself, or as "Duke [placename]" if you are a peer. The placename can also help distinguish
Another Title to be aware of around Caledon is Vicereine. A Vicereine is the female form of a Viceroy and a representative of the ruler (usually a King, though in our case the Guvnah). A Viceroy should be addressed as Your Excellency.
Recent interaction with Neualtenburg has raised the question the form of address for the Kaiserin. Suggestions of Teutonic Hussy and Pointy Hatted Goblin aside, she should formally be referred to as "Your Imperial Majesty" though I am still awaiting confirmation on this. Oddly my letters not been responded to. Perhaps she's tied up with other things.
Oh and lastly, The Guvnah of Caledon should properly be addressed as Des (or Desmond) though he will usually reply with "Gah! IM storm!" or something of the equivalent.
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