--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On Apr 7, 2006, at 9:48 AM, markmeredith2002 wrote: > > > Those full-time in the tmo definitely honor the titles, though I don't > > consider that insane. My main problem here is that MMY is still > > giving out aristocratic titles and positions of authority to people > > based on their financial contributions, which has been ongoing since > > the 108 days. I'm all for recognizing people who contribute to > > whatever cause, but I think basing a spiritual mov't so much on money > > all these yrs has undermined the heart value of the rank and file. > > > It's interesting that you mention this, the thought just struck me > that this type of thing is going on constantly in the west, it's just > that most probably never aware of it. I'm referring to the buying of > titles. It's actually quite a big business. What it usually involves > is giving money to some foreign ruler, most who no longer rule a > country or are simply members of royal families. If you pay enough > money they will give you a title. This will authorize you to be able > to wear certain regalia, add certain titles to your name, etc. And > every now and then you can pay money to hang with various royals. > > It's also popular in Neo-Templar circles where you pay money to enter > some religious order. > > It's quite expensive, but some people are really into it, holding > fancy parties where they congregate and act like they're actually > royalty. > > It just dawned on me that this is basically the same scam. I always > knew it was a scam, but this puts it in perspective.
While I agree, I might point out that the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) is a real bargain if what you want is a fancy title. All you do is make up your own, make sure that the name could have existed during the time period and geographical location your persona lived in but didn't actually exist (in other words, you can't use the names of real historical characters), and voila, you're Lord Whatever of Wherever. You can choose your own costume, too. Most of the crowns one sees in SCA gatherings are *much* nicer and more tasteful than the TMO Burger King crowns. And all in all, this is just good fantasy fun, more so because at the end of the weekend or whatever, you just go home and resume your real life don't have to pretend any more. Unlike the rajas, who are stuck with pretending that their version of fancy titles and dressup *are* real life. :-) ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/UlWolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
