That our title system is as badly bent as it is and that we are starting to
look like the
boyscouts with merit badges, belts, baldrics and scarves, irks me a little.
While we
are getting so much better in so many areas with better research and more
period
items, our awards remain less period and they keep breeding.
<p>
What little bits I have control over, I try to keep as period as possible.
If I take an
apprentice, we have a contract and I follow that.  I do not give a green
belt.  When my
apprentice has mastered the basics and has reached the point that they are
researching
and starting to create their own works and start to teach others the basics,
I promote
them to Journeyman, particularly if they have done an initial masterwork.
<p>
I prefer to be slightly early rather than too late. Someone who feels that
it is slightly early
is often revitalized and tries to live up to the award, but if you are much
too late often the
person is slightly burnt out and does not appreciate it as much.  Better
late than never
though.
