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Recommending Someone for an Award: Difference between revisions

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*** Don't have to be a member of the Order
*** Don't have to be a member of the Order
*** Don't need to have any awards yourself.
*** Don't need to have any awards yourself.
*** Usually better *not* to recommend your own spouse for an Order: look better if you can get a third party to do so
** Know what you're recommending them for
** Know what you're recommending them for
*** If you're not a member, good idea to talk to someone who is
*** If you're not a member, good idea to talk to someone who is

Revision as of 13:14, 16 December 2009

(NOTE: this page is intended to become a full discussion of how to make a good recommendation, to be linked from the main EK website. Justin and Caitlin are organizing it; please speak with them before changing anything. Initially, we are brainstorming the outline, before we begin wordsmithing.)

  • Summary first
    • Clear, brief, unthreatening -- make sure the length of the rest isn't too intimidating
    • Below is the full details
  • Deciding to make a recommendation
    • Anyone can recommend anybody for anything
      • Don't have to be a member of the Order
      • Don't need to have any awards yourself.
      • Usually better *not* to recommend your own spouse for an Order: look better if you can get a third party to do so
    • Know what you're recommending them for
      • If you're not a member, good idea to talk to someone who is
      • Link here to info about Awards (Jessa's page, Law)
    • Recommending too early can hurt someone's chances
      • Creates a mindset of "not appropriate"
    • Check the OP, and make sure they don't already have it
      • Pointer to the OP
    • If they have a Peer, usually best to check with them first
    • Lead time
      • Typical awards (such as AoAs): at least 6-8 weeks
      • Polling orders: minimum several months
  • How to write a good recommendation letter
    • Who to write to -- Crowns, esp Prince and Princess
    • What goes into the letter
      • Your own contact info (at least a good email address), for later followup if necessary
      • SCA and mundane names
      • SCA and mundane locations
      • What you're recommending them for
      • Reasons why you think they are appropriate
      • Peerages: PLQs
      • Suggestions for good events where they are likely to be, if you have any
        • Esp good for AoAs
        • See above about lead times!
        • Remember, needs to be an RP, so there is a court to do it in
    • Don't necessarily include a huge resume. Do summarize.
      • Typically a couple of paragraphs for AoA, up to a page for a Peerage
      • More than a page, and their eyes will glaze over
      • Focus particularly on stuff that is relevant to the award in question, if relevant
      • Can include other Good Stuff, but don't overdo it
    • Target audience
      • May be sent to Order, so don't assume only Crown will read it!
    • Don't be defensive
      • If there have been past issues that you think are now resolved, mention that, but don't dwell
    • Don't exaggerate, and make sure your information is correct
      • Often reflects poorly on the candidate if the recommendation turns out to be overblown
  • What happens next
    • Awards: up to Crown
    • Polling orders: sent to them, often unedited
    • If they get it, you may wind up needing to help set it up
    • If it *doesn't* happen, don't harp
      • If polling order, see if member can give broad strokes about where they could use improvement (don't ask for details!)
      • Even worse than recommending too early, can ingrain the notion that this candidate isn't suitable
      • Usually best to encourage candidate in the appropriate direction, and wait a year or so before trying again.