Frustrated wannabe roman

[sophus_tree]

I have found that sometimes it is better to visit several local groups. In fact, the whole, "I'm a member of this group" mentality may keep you from doing what you want to do.

I know this excellent point has already been remarked upon, but I want to add my support to it.

I have recently come to realize how limiting it can be to get sucked into the perspective of relating to this hobby in terms of belonging to a single group. It can make the whole thing about politics, and create a complicated social atmosphere which overwhelms the joy of the task which brings us all together.

I recommend building individual relationships with people who you enjoy spending time with and who are willing to help you. I can't stress enough--for me--the value of having a face-to-face relationship with someone willing to talk you through the first steps which can seem so daunting (but need not be).

When I got started I was petrified of doing something "wrong" and I did plenty wrong. But we all do. The real test of a relationship worth nurturing is how corrective feedback is given.

The best corrective feedback I ever got was from Legio IX's Doug Mather. I showed up here with (what I now know was) an atrocious kit, and his response was "Hey, nice gear! I have some ideas about how we can make it even better!"

This was great on at least two levels. First, it appreciated my effort as a beginner, and second it included an offer of collaboration embedded in the compliment. The "we" made all the difference for me, in terms of motivation.

Motivation to keep learning comes from three sources: one's experience of (1) competence, (2) autonomy, and (3) connection to others.

Build individual relationships (either face to face or online) which nurture your own experience of these three things, and you'll be in this hobby for the long haul!

-MSS