[Cynnabar] The Campaign to End Name Uniqueness

[Shoshana Jackson]

Greetings, all!

Per the meeting minutes:  Campaign to End Name Uniqueness
Our Herald says that SCA-wide, members are being asked to allow other 
people with similar persona names to register that similar name.  More 
discussion to follow.

There is a push with some of the senior Heralds both within (and without?) the College of Arms to get rid of the SCA registration custom that a name must be substantially different (both in sound AND appearance) from any other registered name in order to be "clear of conflict." Example: a person could not register the name "Jehan Smythe" because it would be too similar in pronunciation and spelling to "John Smith," if that were already registered.

While this appeals to our modern sense of individuality and has many supporters who say names OUGHT to be unique to avoid confusion in places like the lists or or at court or on award scrolls, this goes against historic accuracy - there were MANY "John Smith" variations even within one town!  This SCA-imposed uniqueness makes it so people cannot (necessarily) register a name that is both a) the name they want and b) historically accurate.

More information can be found here: http://medievalscotland.org/sca/cenu.shtml

This project is entirely VOLUNTARY.  The SCA at large does not mandate that anyone allow Permission to Conflict with a registered name.  I, personally, very much believe in this project as I think name uniqueness is silly.  To that end, I will be contacting as many people as I can find (realizing that some have moved out of our borders) from the Cynnabar OP and requesting a Blanket Permission to Conflict form be sent in to the College of Heralds.  (It is also attached, if some of you want to get right on this!)

Again, this project is VOLUNTARY and anyone has the right to preserve the uniqueness of your name.  I urge you, however, before you decide, please read the material at the above link.

I am open to any questions, comments or concerns you may have.

Yours, in service to a slightly more historically accurate dream-
  Chaya-Simcha

 
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The pure righteous people do not complain against wickedness but add righteousness. They do not complain against disbelief but add faith. They do not complain against ignorance but add wisdom.

-Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook 



      
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