I'm for stricter standards AND including goofy EU costumes. Before you start scratching you head in confusion, let me explain:
I've been thinking about all these issues off and on for some time now- here are my ideas of how to make the 501st as all-inclusive as it can be while at the same time maintaining strict standards. I'd like to get Dean and Skaught's thoughts on this too- they may know reasons that these ideas wouldn't work.
Open membership to everyone who has a Star Wars costume- EU, comics, video games, custom Mandos, etc. HOWEVER, everyone should be made aware up front that only cannon costumes will be allowed at formal events: Parades, hospital visits, theater appearances, LFL events, etc. Granted, there would be very few events left that wouldn't be formal (right now only cons come to mind), but that's how it has to be. Those with the non-cannon costumes could attend the events with just a 501st shirt, etc., perhaps in another capacity- helping others with their costumes, etc. Which brings me to my next thought...
Open membership to anyone who can contribute to Star Wars costuming- not just folks who can WEAR a costume. There are plenty of people out there with costuming skills, but can't (or SHOULDN'T- you know what I mean) be wearing a given SW costume. These folks could be included under some other designation- 'costumers', or 'costume assistants', etc. Haven't we all needed an 'assistant' at some event putting ourselves together? The membership criteria could be to show proof of something you have made that fits the genre. Some of these folks would probably even be interested in putting together a 'kit' for the garrison or squad that would be brought to events- the kit would include parts and supplies needed for emergency repairs, etc. I have acted in this capacity for movie and tv productions as well as Disney costume events, and it can be just as fun as being in costume.
Opening the membership like this would also allow the 501st to include those who are still working on their costumes- a great many people want to get in specifically to access the resource of experienced members so they can complete their own costumes. For those working toward a completed costume, there could be a different designation such as 'trainee', 'recruit', etc. Again, there would have to be some criteria for membership that demonstrates a relevant skill in costuming.
It seems to me this could aleviate the charade of people throwing together a shoddy costume just to gain entry- I think this is where a lot of the Nike-wearing custom Mandolorians and the like come from.
I began thinking about this concept over the past few years while building costumes for Disney's Star Wars Weekends (as well as fans)- during this time I have had scant time to actually put on a costume myself and participate, even though I have maintained my 501st membership. I building Star Wars costumes year-round and was essentially contributing to 501st events without actually 'trooping'. Although I missed wearing the costumes myself, there is also something to be said for having somebody else wear what you make- being able to actually see your work in action when its finished. I started to think there were others who could vaulable assets to the 501st in the same way.
This kind of thing also relfects how other organizations work- take the Boy Scouts for instance- there are plenty of 'members' of the organization who are not 'boy scouts' themselves; parents, volunteers, paid employees of the national organization, etc. They are all heavily involved in the organization in some sort of supporting role without being a 'scout' themselves.
Maybe I'm way off base here; maybe some of these things are being done alread; maybe there are reasons it wouldn't work. I'd like to hear some feedback.
Mark
TK 0001
