Frequently Asked Questions for SCA-GARB subscribers:

1. What is SCA-garb?

SCA-garb is a listserv (e-mail discussion group) for those interested in studying, designing, creating, wearing or just talking about clothing for the Medieval and Renaissance periods, particularly as that applies to the Society for Creative Anachronism. Many subscribers never post, but the list can provide sources, opinions, general or specific help.
2. How can I subscribe/unsubscribe?

You have three choices: by e-mail, through the listowner, or via the SCA-garb archive web page.
a) by e-mail: To join the SCA-garb list, send e-mail to: listserv@list.uvm.edu and put the subscribe command as the first line of your message along with the list name and your first and last name. Some examples: sub sca-garb Henry Somebody, sub sca-garb Joan A. R. Person, sub sca-garb T. Lee III
To leave the sca-garb list, send e-mail to: listserv@list.uvm.edu and out the signoff command as the first line of your message along with the name of the list. You do not need to include your name. Example: signoff sca-garb
b) Email directly to Gwenllyan@aol.com. If you're asking to subscribe, please include a name with your request. For unsubscribe, only the email address is needed. Please note: You do NOT have to use your real name to subscribe. Your persona name will also work, as will nicknames.
c) via the web page Go to http://list.uvm.edu/archives/sca-garb.html Click on "Join or leave the list (or change settings)". Follow the instructions.
3. Does SCA-garb have a website?

It certainly does. The page is maintained by one of our members, and the site is at http://sca-garb.freeservers.com/ This site contains lists, links, biographies, sources, member articles, garb-related humor, photos and more. (page is always under construction, and frequently updated.)
4. Do you need to be an experienced sewer for this discussion?

Absolutely not. This is an excellent place to ask your first-time questions, get pointers for your first garb, and find out what to wear (and what NOT to wear) to Wars or other events. There's something for everyone here, and even if you never post a message to the list you're bound to come up with something useful somewhere along the line.
5. Is there anything restricted from this list?

We do not discuss costuming from time periods beyond the SCA parameters (i.e., American Civil War or French Revolution). In general, the timeframe is 600-1600CE. We do not discuss costuming for movies like Titanic or Star Wars, nor do we discuss costuming for specific activities, such as flamenco or ballroom dancing. If a member needs such assistance, they may be referred to the historical costume list, or may ask for information to be sent to them privately. We also ask that Off-Topic posts be limited or taken to private discussion. Also, please do not flame other posters. If you have a problem with someone's comments, especially if they are off-topic comments, take your rebuttal PRIVATELY, not on the list.
6. What things ARE discussed?

Everything from fabric choices to construction methods to sources for materials. We discuss sewing machines, leather sources, websites, costuming books- the range is fairly broad even within the SCA garb main topic. If it's related to garb, its design or construction (and that includes some parts of armoring as well), it's appropriate to the list. DO ask whatever you need to related to garb, be it construction, fabrics, general info, research - don't be afraid to post. No question is silly or insignificant.
7. Where are the archives for SCA-garb?

Archives of messages sent after Feb 1, 1999 can be found at: http://list.uvm.edu/archives/sca-garb.html
8. Is there anything I should do if I'm going to be away from home for a while and unable to read mail?

If it's only a day or two there should be no problem. Setting the list to digest mode will help keep your mailbox from filling up as well. If you're going to be away a week or more, it would be best to unsubscribe, then re-subscribe when you return. You can read all the posts you missed by accessing the archives. By unsubscribing, you avoid getting a full mailbox (which generates an error message for each post to the listowner), or from being automatically removed by the list auto-monitor.

Please note: if error messages are generated by your server because your mailbox is full or your account shows as inactive, you may be auto-deleted from the list. There may be no message of such deletion sent to you. To get back on the list, just follow the regular subscription instructions.

9. How do I get the messages as a digest or change other settings?

Go to http://list.uvm.edu/archives/sca-garb.html Click on "Join or leave the list (or change settings)" Choose the settings you wish to change.
10. PLEASE "Don'ts"-
• PLEASE DON'T SEND MESSAGES TO THE LIST IN "MULTI-PART MIME FORMAT" OR HTML.

If you're not sure if you are, or if you need help in correcting the posting format, you MAY ask the list members for off-list help.
• PLEASE DON'T ATTACH PHOTOS OR FILES OF ANY KIND TO GENERAL LIST POSTINGS.

Those on digest, without attached-file capability, or with limited email capacity will get a massive chunk of coding they can't read, or may even get their email system frozen up.
• PLEASE DON'T send the "me too" replies to the list at large.

If someone offers to send a file or information to those who request it, please reply ONLY to the poster.
• PLEASE DON'T quote ALL of a post you're replying to unless you are answering many parts of it. Just cut and paste, or quote, the relevant section.
• PLEASE DON'T forward all of an email that's been forwarded multiple times.

Just copy the actual message and whatever is needed to show the origin.
• PLEASE DON'T take any personal affronts to general postings.

If you have been offended by a poster's remarks, please make a POLITE response to that person, not to the whole list.
• PLEASE DON'T send replies to those asking for private response to the list, especially if the request has been cross-posted or forwarded from another source.

In many cases the original requester's email addy will be in the post to our list, and a list response won't get to the original requestor.
11. Matters of courtesy:
• PLEASE remember to change the subject line of your reply or new post when you change to a new subject.
• PLEASE remember to sign your posts (making it easier to remember who asked what)
• PLEASE make your subject line specific to the actual topic when you reply to something that was in a digest version.
12. How can I learn more about the SCA?
The main SCA web site, with links to regional sites and many resources, is at: http://www.sca.org

SCA-Garb FAQ courtesy of the listowner, Lady Gwenllyan verch Morgan.

Lady Nastasiia Ivanova Medvedeva
Webmistress