Thread: Saturday Night Social

Dang! I keep missing this kinda stuff. So, I'll try to make it to tomorrow's! Look for a blonde elf named Maquesta, a Gondorian named Tassolahoff, or a pale-eyed hobbit named Dayflower!

I'll be on any of those....but probably Tas.


~Tourmalien Bracegirdle

Ah, something has come up and I can't go. Maybe next Saturday.


~Tourmalien Bracegirdle

Greetings!

Location: The Prancing Pony in Bree!
Time: 8 PM EST

This week, we shall be meeting at the Prancing Pony! It's sure to be noisy, so you may have to yell a bit. And watch out for those shady folks in the corners. And the table next to you. But, hey! It's a pub! What good pub doesn't have shady people. Be sure to bring your silvers (Butterbur deserves a tip for all his hard work...), and be ready to drink hardy and maybe dance on tables (If the hobbits can do it, so can the elves. And dwarves. And the men-folk too.). Just...make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. We don't want any muggings happening. Unless by "getting mugged" you mean drinking contests or...well, getting drunk.
Anyways! See you all there!

The Farmers Faire is coming to a close! Lets have one last hurrah there!

Location: the Green Dragon (Shire, Bywater)
Time: 8 pm EST

Another pub! More drinking! Let us celebrate the last bit of the festival together, merry and cheerful!

Hope to see you all there! Thank you!

Hello again!

Location: Duillond Festival Pavilion (NOT the gardens. The pavilion is where you would find the festival dance leader and rewards vendors)
Time: 8 PM est

It's nice to be outside, isn't it? And what with summer winding down, we should get all the sunshine we can get!

Can't wait to see you all there!

So, after some thought, I've come to realize that we never actually really explained what the Saturday Night Social really is!
So, here's a rundown for any folks who would be interested in participating, but aren't really sure:

1. The SNS is a friendly, social environment, focused on light to medium roleplay, but inclusive of heavier rpers as well. We prefer to stay in character ourselves at the Social, as it seems to make it more fun, and allows a pleasant mix of silliness, action, and story to occur. We don't have a particular story line playing out at each event, it is simply a group of people coming together to have fun. Some players do choose to act out parts of their own stories, but it is not mandatory you come equipped with a full character bio, plot, and complete sense of who your character is.

2. That being said, we do not tolerate harassment, bullying, ect. Do not hide behind the "OH OH THAT WAS IC THAT'S MY CHARACTER." There is a difference between being in character and being an &&&.

3. If you aren't sure where to start, a simple "Hello" is a good place! We're all nice people, I swear! If you are new to rp, don't worry! All skill levels are welcome. Everyone has to start somewhere. We are more than happy to help you if you have any questions.

Again, feel free to contact your friendly, neighborhood Marauder for any more information regarding the Social. We hope to see you there!

Are wargs welcome?

<gigglegrowls>

I like warg puppies. They are so fluffy! <3

Er...wargs are welcome...just under a few stipulations, most notably no maiming, eating, disemboweling, ect.

Greetings!

Location: The Floating Log Inn, in Frogmorton, Shire (if that is the wrong town, I'm sorry!)
Time: 8 PM EST

Summer festivities are starting back up, so join us for a pint and a song or two, some stories, and loads of fun!

Can't wait to see you all there! Thank you, and cheers!

Hello again!

Tonight, we shall be meeting in the Front Hall of Thorins Hall (the giant open area before the great statue, in between the AH and the Vaults). The place is nice and echo-y, so warm up those singing voices! As usual, we will be meeting at 8pm EST.

Remember! The festival is still in full swing, so grab that gear while you can!

Hope to see you all there! Thanks!

-----
Have a question? Comment? Just want to give some general feedback about the social? Feel free to drop me, Belcaelaraen, a tell or some mail in game, or leave your comment here. We always are looking for ways to improve the social and to make it grow into something all of Imladris knows about and enjoys!

Originally Posted by Belcaelaraen

Hello again!

Tonight, we shall be meeting in the Front Hall of Thorins Hall (the giant open area before the great statue, in between the AH and the Vaults). The place is nice and echo-y, so warm up those singing voices! As usual, we will be meeting at 8pm EST.

Remember! The festival is still in full swing, so grab that gear while you can!

Hope to see you all there! Thanks!

-----
Have a question? Comment? Just want to give some general feedback about the social? Feel free to drop me, Belcaelaraen, a tell or some mail in game, or leave your comment here. We always are looking for ways to improve the social and to make it grow into something all of Imladris knows about and enjoys!

Ways to improve...

- Having the host arrive on time, not 30 minutes late

- Having the host stick around for more than 15 minutes

- If there's a theme of some sort -- the music/singing part -- then play that up. I had my character on with his lute, with plans to perform. Instead, it felt as if the SNS was more of a chore for you.. perhaps there was something else going on IRL for you tonight, but then at least send a tell to the few who did show up and let us know 'Hey, something came up, sorry, I have to go'.

This really sucked tonight, I'm sad to say. There have been some great SNS gatherings in the past, and there have even been little ones that have been made fun, but really, I felt as if there's a lack of caring about it on the side of the hosting party. If you're bored with it, that's fine, then end it instead of having people look forward to it only to be completely let down after planning to attend. If it was an IRL issue, then just a simple "I gtg, sorry, RL issues' would be really appreciated.

I've tried to participate even when there were very few people who would come some weeks, but I will tell you that this has really put me - and a number of members of the kin I'm in - off on the idea of attending in the future.

There is a difference between bashing and constructive criticism. Bel asked for constructive criticism in this thread. You answer with insults and offensive language. I haven't even seen you at the SNS in a long time, so I am not quite sure why you feel the need to jump in at this point to drag the discussion into such a direction.

I don't really want to continue a discussion on this level... I am not quite sure what exactly the problem is, or why you are so offended. I'm rather sad that an event I have always enjoyed is ending like this, but after this, I'm not feeling much desire to stay up until 2am my time just to make it to the SNS anymore.

Just going to throw a random thought in there - does anyone want people around that regard homosexual attendees as irritating or bothersome? Probably not. If people "refuse to come back because of it", then that's their problem and they're responsible for the attendance drop.

And on a not entirely unrelated note, Skalanis - for someone who isn't "unfriendly against gays", you're pretty good at dishing out out the blame. Besides, remarking that your sister is lesbian doesn't make your previous comment any less offensive.

That being said, I agree with Esteiel. You have single-handedly dragged this discussion down to a level of personal offence for no apparent reason. And an unwelcoming atmosphere isn't really going to fix the problem.

Alrighty folks.
So, being as whenever I ask for feedback, I get none, I haven't been watching this thread. Obviously I was wrong, and should have been paying more attention.

So. Here we go.

First off, I would like to apologize that the quality of the SNS has been lacking. It's very difficult to run an event that (once) was (what I would assume, correct me if I am wrong) one of the favorites on the server kind of by yourself. I am not going to lie, the Marauders have been very quiet lately, with few showing up. I try to come up with new and exciting locations, and I try to come up with fun things to do, but my brain is tired and uncreative, and focused on a few other things, therefore resulting in lackluster...er...ness. Forgive me if this sounds like an excuse, but it's the truth. I am not the greatest rp-er, it's very difficult for me to just jump in and go for it.

Second, I can offer only an excuse for my appearance this past social, I was home and using my brothers computer, thus had to wait for his okay, and could not stay very long. I do try to stay as long as possible, but sometimes that isn't very long. I realize that that is not good hosting behavior, but such is life. I am not the perfect rp-er, I am not the perfect leader, I am not the perfect host, I am not the perfect player. I ask for your understanding, as I am sure we all have times where we just cannot do whatever it is we set out to do, for whatever reason, be it simple or complex.

We truly are trying our hardest to make the SNS into something fun and enjoyable for all.

Now, let me say this: I am only getting bits and pieces of this thread. I feel as though parts are missing, so I do not have the full picture. But! It stops. Things were said, I was too late to try to cool tempers, words were twisted, and characters deleted. But, it stops.

THAT BEING SAID:

The Saturday Night Social is CANCELLED FOR THE NEXT THREE WEEKS.

In that time, I will attempt to come up with a plan for the social, as it seems to be going downhill. And perhaps this is simply the end of it. I hope not, as I enjoy it as much as you.

Again, please offer constructive criticism, yada yada yada, and so it goes.
Things I do not need:
-Suggestions about a new start time. We tried 7, people didn't show up until 8, we tried 9 people said it was too late, the time isn't going to please anyone. I mean, it's even kind of inconvenient for me. But for right now, that's not the top of my priority list.
-I KNOW THAT I SHOW UP LATE. I KNOW THAT I DON'T STAY VERY LONG. I HATE THAT IN MYSELF OKAY.

Things I do need:
-Ideas for how to make the SNS go more smoothly
-If people would be interested in some sort of a permanent location
-Themes
-Location ideas

I really want to make this work. Truly, I do. I love the SNS, it's one of the major reasons why I started trying to rp on LOTRO, it's pretty much the only way I made friends. I don't want to see it go by the wayside.

I feel like I am rambling now. I feel like I am coming up with 1000 excuses, but none of them are good enough. I suppose all I want to get across is that I am one person. I am a very tired, singular person. And I am trying my best. I truly am. And I realize that it's not good enough as it is. But I need people to cool their jets. I'm sorry that things aren't perfect. I'm still working out the kinks and all that.

Bah, now I am rambling.

But I do care. I care so very, very, very, insanely much.

Just as a clarifier:

THE SOCIAL IS CANCELLED FOR THE NEXT THREE WEEKS.
THIS MEANS IT SHALL BE RESUMING ON SEPTEMBER THE 29TH.

I for one would like to compliment bel for working hard at bringing us the SNS by herself practically, She is doing a fantastic job getting the SNS to what is is. I also have to point out, bel is a busy person, you cannot expect everything out of her, after all this is a >GAME< not a second job, so if you would please give her a encouraging word when you see her next at the socials that would be nice. ^_^

-Gonneth Richmond.

Bel, dear friend,

You are a wonderful player, leader, RPer, and feather-tosser. I know, from very brief experience, how hard it is to make the SNS a success - it is impossible to please everyone, and I know you do try your best to do so. I've noticed your creative ideas for your Socials and applaud the thought, energy and enthusiasm you've put into it!

For thread posters, I'll kindly suggest the guideline, "public praise, private criticism" to keep things constructive. I am sorry I've missed the SNS' myself lately; my RP skills are not what they should be, but I did meet some wonderful friends via past Socials, as I am sure many others have done. <shout out to all my RP friends, you rock!>

In short, I hope things will work out, and everyone will feel welcome and have fun at future SNS' as they have in the past. Meanwhile, Bel, thank you for all that you do.

<HUGS>
- Ningannel
/feathers tosses feathers to lighten Bel's heart

Well said, Gonneth and Ning.

Like Ning, I've also been away for a while (school. Agh.), and I'm well aware that Bel's pretty much been running the show by herself. Kudos to her for doing so. I hope that this break will lead to even better socials, and I hope to be there to assist next time and the times after. Seriously, Bel, let me know if I need to get online ASAP and give you a hand.

/hug Belcaelaraen

~Lenira

Bel and Skalanis are both lovely people in my book, and I think you both do a fantastic job as kin leaders and social hosts...

The SNS events are good when everyone gets involved and interacts with one another in a creative way. The hosts job is to get it off the ground, and that's really it. I've never gone to one and felt like I had less fun because the host wasn't acting like my freakin' court jester. If people are bored after that point it's because they're boring people.

I've been trying to get my own kin off the ground in terms of social events, but I am also incredibly busy with IRL stuff so it's been difficult. Maybe we can cooperate on something some time. I'm sure Darkside and Darkwood could come up with something great... and presumably dark.


(Im gay too and I don't PDA everything that moves because that is not cute. It would be kind of annoying if anyone of any orientation did little other than bat eyelashes and cuddle at each other all sparkly day, dontcha think?
I sure do. So unless somebody got all Westboro Baptist on y'all... please stop complaining, sit your asses down and ess-tee-eff-yoo.

/constructive_criticism)

Wrangling it back to relevant topics, not that bringing up posts and pointing fingers isn't relevant at all oh no!

I would like (not that I am some big kin leader of respect and renown) if people would try. TRY. to keep this from getting out of hand (well more then it already has) ON this thread. If you have a personal problem, stop. STOP posting it here/bringing it back up.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying I know the whole story or I have a right to tell you what to do. I am just giving a passionate plea to keep this place (the posts) relevant, and I cannot stress this enough, HELPFUL to bel. (in suggestions and helpful criticisms. Treat her like a person not a punching bag.)

Again, this is a video game, if bel has to work like it's a second job, then why is she doing it? Please take the drama some place else. If you have personal problems work it out in a less public place.

Now don't go posting "Oh but skal did it..." please don't. Thank you.

-Gonneth a concerned citizen

I haven't been following this thread for a while, because when the event moved to 7 I was no longer able to attend. I missed a lot, seemingly, as Samwise said to Frodo.

One suggestion I made some time ago was having some "guest host" nights with events hosted by other kinships or groups. This might take a bit of the pressure off the Marauders (whose commitment I appreciate!) and add some variety to the event and bring in some new faces.

In general, let me know if I can be any help.

Originally Posted by iorviel

One suggestion I made some time ago was having some "guest host" nights with events hosted by other kinships or groups. This might take a bit of the pressure off the Marauders (whose commitment I appreciate!) and add some variety to the event and bring in some new faces.

This is a really good idea, and one I had entertained a few times. At the very least, I would like to set up something of a "safety net" of people who we can ask to help host, so if no Marauders can make it that night, there will be someone there to "host."
But, yes. Thank you for the suggestion, it's a great one!

We regret to inform you that the Saturday Night Social is hereby cancelled until further notice.

We (the officers of the Darkwood Marauders) have been discussing plans for some time, and have all come to a single, unanimous conclusion: We can't. We are all very busy, and cannot put in the time we would like to in order to create a Social that we are proud of. It comes down to that. While we wish we could, as we all love the social with our full hearts, we just do not have the time to make it into the wonderful event we know we can.

Please know that this decision was a tough one, and we did not make it lightly. Whenever we get things more under control, as (I'm sure you all know and live by this rule) IRL comes first, we shall (once again) begin discussion of the SNS. But for now, the tent is coming down, the food is being put away, and the fires put out.

Thank you all for a wonderful time, and we hope to see you around! Be well, work hard, and keep in touch.

-Belcaelaraen Thelos

Is anyone pining because the SNS is temporarily out of commission? The Tarciryan Knights are having our second anniversary celebration next weekend and are hosting a scavenger hunt open to the entire server. Come in character if you please, and bring a friend as your teammate! See the main thread here on the server forum:

http://forums.lotro.com/showthread.p...29-open-to-all!