Duke's Acolyte Blog: 25/05/16

[DukeVan Acker]

Well, my (first) presentation on the Guild went off without a serious hitch at the International Scientific Conference on Cultural Group Behaviour : Historical Re-Enactment, Contemporary Paganism and Fantasy-Based Movements in Kaunas, Lithuania this week.  The presentation itself was nothing special (how much can you go over in a little more than 15 minutes?). However, it was the first time for me to present at a sociology conference (though I mainly focused on the educational aspects of the Guild), and it was refreshing to see a small, but dedicated group of eccentric academics more interested in topics like the reclamation of cultural identity through historical reenactments, Wiccan history and folk metal than about student motivation and the minutiae of language learning. 

Secondly, it gave me an opportunity to meet one of my dearest colleagues (and friends) within Second Life in the flesh, who spent nearly the entire time interpreting, babysitting and generally being the awesome person I have always know she was.  It's testament to the fact that friendships made within SL are certainly not limited to that platform. Unless you include my first trip to Japan back in 1995, this was hands down the best trip of my life.

First of all, some big thanks and some apologies.  Thank you so much to everyone who chatted with me about the Guild, including Grail, Flynt, Kali and of course our High Priestess Varahi, who graciously spent several hours with me chewing the fat.  I'd also like to thank Beeflin for allowing me to use one of his pics and showing me some old event calendars, and apologize to Lysana for having used the pic (on slide 12) without first having gotten expressed approval. I also give thanks to those I (anonymously) shared testimonials from (at the last minute) (on slide 20); they certainly provided an important, concrete example of how meaningful participation in the Guild is for many members. Finally, a big shout out (and hug) to Aleeri for introducing me to the Guild in the first place.

Anyway, I am still a little jetlagged at the moment and not exactly thinking clearly. If you have any questions, comments (or complaints) feel free to lay 'em on me. Very disappointed I missed Dee's Wo Men Dakai, but I hope she''ll understand.  

Duke

http://reenactment.vdu.lt/

http://tinyurl.com/jy3exr3

[Beeflin Grut]

Fascinating as always to see a structured presentation of one's own lifestyle! And what a well-researched presentation too.

[Lysana McMillan]

I appreciate your concern. I'm more than fine with my picture having been used in such an appropriate context. :)

[DukeVan Acker]

Thanks Lysana.  I appreciate your understanding.  :)