On Ignition:
It seems that some people in the Society for Creative Anachronism can't get it through their heads that two groups of people can't be good at the same thing and not hate eachother. Those two groups of people in this case are Fire and Steel, my performance troupe, and Ignition, a performance troupe led by another man named Khan (SCA name used here). BUT... The drama comes from a source completely outside of these two entities. I figure I'll address this drama, as if I've heard it, they've likely heard it too.
It's come to my attention by way of the same asshole quoted in my last Blog entry that APPARENTLY: I seem to think Ignition is stealing Fire and Steel's thunder. Ok, re-read that part. Again. Got it? You sure? Okay, read on: The Kingdom of An Tir is a HUGE place, spanning multiple states and last I heard, even part of Canuckistan. Given that both troupes really only ever overlap paths is at Seadog Nights (In other words, ONE event per year) one would think there's plenty enough thunder to go 'round, right? RIGHT? See, I thought you'd agree. I mean, we average four or five events per year. Ignition performs a lot more than we do. BUT-- Aside from Seadog, our paths don't intersect. So--- What thunder are they stealing, exactly? And who thought this up?
Second, it's also come to my attention by way of this same asshole that I think they're getting gigs that should be ours. All I can say to that is, "REALLY???" Seriously, let's look at the simple logistics of this issue: We're based in and around Portland, OR. They're based around Seattle, WA. Okay, now let's see here:
Here's a set of directions to a nightclub I found on Google, starting at my place (My address omitted):
1:
Start out going NORTHWEST on xxxxxxxx.0.8 mi
2:
Merge onto OR-217 N toward PORTLAND.2.2 mi
3:
Merge onto US-26 E toward PORTLAND.4.7 mi
4:
Merge onto I-405 N via the exit on the LEFT toward ST. HELENS/SEATTLE.2.3 mi
5:
Merge onto I-5 N toward SEATTLE (Crossing into WASHINGTON).168.2 mi
6:
Take the W SEATTLE BR/COLUMBIAN WAY exit, EXIT 163.0.1 mi
7:
Take the SPOKANE ST. ramp toward SAFECO FIELD.0.4 mi
8:
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto S SPOKANE ST.0.4 mi
9:
Turn RIGHT onto 1ST AVE S.1.0 mi
10:
End at 1950 1st Ave S Seattle, WA 98134-1406
B: 1950 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134-1406
Total Time: 3 hours 6 minutesTotal Distance: 180.15 miles
Now granted, this club was the FIRST result I could find using Google. I do not know if Ignition performs there. But pay special attention to the last line in the directions... Total time: 3 hours 6 minutes, Total distance: 180.15 miles. NOW-- Tell me WHAT exactly makes sense about me supposedly whining that they're taking shows from us? I mean, we'd spend about 300 dollars in gas money and fuel for the show, leaving little to nothing for profit... Plus spend six hours on the road to perform for one. In any scenario for a paid gig, you need to stay local or be willing to work for nothing when the cash totals out. Not logical by any means. So what shows, exactly, are they taking from us? And who thought THIS up?
Now, I can see where some may think I've said negative things about Ignition, but they're not, really. The following is an objective truth: They have PHENOMENAL teamwork-based acts, but they do need to work on developing more individual styles for acts where there is only one performer onstage. They practice together a lot, and this is not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination, but this can also lead to homogenization of styles. The opposite is true of Fire and Steel. We have some AWESOME individual performances, acts, and styles. Our teamwork-- not so much. We need to work on that, ourselves. It's going to be slow going, because we're scattered all over the place and don't get much opportunity to practice together. You see, just because you might hear about what I perceive to be one troupe's weakness... Does NOT mean that I am unaware that Fire and Steel, my own troupe, has its shortcomings as well. And if you ask me at any time, you will find I will outright tell you what our weaknesses are. I call them like I see them and tell it like it is. PERIOD.
Personally, I do believe that Ignition can and will learn to develop more individual styles for single member acts. I believe that both troupes have their strengths, and that these strengths happen to be the things that the other needs to work on. I believe that both troupes will get these things down, and that both troupes will be equally unstoppable. AND THERE WILL STILL BE ENOUGH THUNDER TO GO AROUND. If you think I've actually taken up arms against Ignition, you have another thing coming. For instance, Khan HIMSELF can tell you about Autumn War two years ago, when I stood in their encampment and freely handed out tips and information ranging from helping to keep your tools from fraying to useless bundles of Kevlar to which chemicals, when added to denatured alcohol, produce which colors. Does this sound like someone at odds with them? Likewise, he and I can both tell you about Seadog last year when he happened to have his leather repair kit onhand when I needed a rivet to fix a broken shackle strap. Does this sound like someone who hates me? Or has anything REMOTELY personal against me?
So bottom line: Here you have two troupes of performers, both of whom excel at fire performance. We're in competition, yes, but are we adversaries? I tend not to think so. You see, it just doesn't make any sense for there to be personal friction between the two groups, as we are too far apart, and are too different. Those who don't see it that way: All I can tell you is that I hope you eventually fall into the crack-- The one filled with people who ask why they HAVE to have a favorite and not just enjoy both troupes' shows.