XMTS Motto

[sporranlegionaire]

Although it can't be changed, I think it's unfortunate that the overall forum title 'X Marks The Scot' still refers primarily to an association with Scotland, even though it is then clarified that the forums are open to anyone.
When I first found it, just randomly thumbing through websites, I almost passed it by as being a Scottish based 'closed shop'. That is, until I spent a few minutes with it and got the full picture.
Trying to base a punchy, to the point, motto on something which is not necessarily one thing or another, but both, is, I think trying to cover too many angles.
I see Xmarks as being very much a source of company, learning, humour and socialising for the individual kiltwearer. Whether you are Scottish, Irish, Welsh or whatever is not an issue, though something to personally celebrate, as I would celebrate being English. There are no doubt many website communities devoted solely to a clan, which are not going to be interested in my membership propositioning.
Xmarks has evolved into a forum for those whose common connection is simply the choice of the kilt as a garment.
What I'm trying to say, and I'm sorry - my 'O' level pass in English Language was 45 years ago - is basically that saying 'X Marks The Scot', and then, in a motto, saying it isn't, is sort of confusing.
I don't know what the answer is, but it all seems a bit tenuous having to explain in a few-worded motto what the forum's title should be saying in the first place.
IMHO maybe a hold should be placed on a motto rather than rush into it with the heat and joy of the moment. If there are some here who have very real feelings about picking EXACTLY the right words - then this might remain a permanently uncomfortable issue.
When a commercial company chooses a motto or slogan, it's usually one which succinctly sums up that company's particular qualities or aims. In advertising we used to call slogans 'strap lines', I don't know where that definition comes from, but the strap line was usually the standard sign off on an advert or brochure. A sort of punctuation mark. 'Best by far.' (parcel couriers). 'Our skill is to thrill' (switchback innovators), etc. To the point. Punchy. Impressing. Summing up.
That's surely how we should be progressing.
I know Xmarks isn't a commercial venture, but I think in this day and age the same rules apply. A simple message that hits home instantly. Of course, translating it into Latin doesn't help any, and I'm not sure how Latin verbage actually marries up with someone who simply wants to wear a kilt.
As we are all individuals here, and not necessarily connected in any family way other than being a widely dispersed 'family' of internet acquaintances,
personally, I would be a lot happier if reference to blood, lineage or heritage was dropped for a start.
Sorry if this has been arduous to plough through.
I've said my bit, worthless or not. I'm just bothered that this is all being rushed through like a brilliantly pertinent motto is needed to be in the mail tomorrow for an impatient client...no fail.
Can't we ease back a little?

[Paul Henry]

a wonderful response, thank you sporranlegionaire.

I'm here on the site because I like kilts, I like reading about stories from fellow members around the world,even if I don't post that often myself.

To be honest I don't really see the value of a latin motto indeed I even have difficulty seeing why we should have any sort of "strap line". We all are different, not just in our approach to kilt wearing, so trying to encompass all of that in a pithy line seems at the least pointless and at the best a waste of time.

just my thoughts!

[Jerry]

I voted yes. Personally I do not see why it excludes those with Scottish heritage. I do have Scottish ancestry on both sides of my family and I have no problem with the motto as it is. However, I can offer a couple of modifications. One that I like is:

"Brothers by choice, not blood"

Of course some will say that it excludes the ladies of Xmarks.

Another would be:

"Together by choice, not blood"

Also, from what I've read, not all clan members were blood relatives. People married into clans, and some became members just by "swearing their allegiance to the clan cheif". Of course, we do not swear allegiance to Hank or his second in command, Mike. But, we do, much an the adopted members of clans did, agree to abide by the rules and ideals of this group.

[sjrapid]

It has been suggested in another Thread that we should adopt a motto to represent this great place and all our members who have made it such.

The phrase: “By Choice, Not Blood” , which in Latin would be “Per electum, non consanguinitam" has seemed popular.

Should we adopt this as the Motto for X Marks the Scot.com ?

This works for me, but should ideally be in Latin (or gaelic, if someone can provide a rendering) rather than the vernacular. I for one enjoy the conversational openers I get from the fact that people don't always instantly recognise the tartan I'm wearing, or know the latin or gaelic of a clan motto.

I don't see how allegiance can enter into it, we are in X Marks my choice and there is no Chief to swear allegiance to...

As other Gunns on XMTS will be aware, it is possible for a clan to exist and be recognised without a proven hereditary chief to whom you have to swear fealty.

The camaraderie we have with each other in the site that has brought us together and formed friendships provides a form of personal allegiance which goes beyond any feeling of mere duty.

Well said, Sir!

It's good to see all the differing opinions coming out in this series of threads. We may or may not be a clan, but we are definitely a rabble!

All the best

[Nick]

To be honest I don't really see the value of a latin motto

Quid quid latine dictum sit, altum videtur. Rident stolidi verba Latina!







(Anything said in Latin sounds profound. Fools laugh at the Latin language!)

I'm still learning Latin, so any accomplished Latinists, please forgive any incorrect declensions and conjugations.

I think Latin is an excellent choice for the motto, and even though not many people can read it, it does tie in with the spirit of inclusiveness we're trying to go for here. Latin was once the universal language of Europe, something many people understood even if they didn't understand the other's vernacular. There are people from all over the world on XMarks, some of whom do not speak English as a first language. That's just my thoughts on it. I think gaelic is a good choice, too, but I'm partial to Latin.

Vade in pace,
Nick

[Sean_the_Kilted]

Quite the spirited thread with a lot interesting ideas on both sides. I think the "By choice, Not Blood" is a decent motto that doesn't exclude anyone despite what some say, but I don't think we should have it as our motto. "By Choice, Not Blood" alludes to how we all joined X Marks, but nothing about what X Marks is about which is Kilts.I think that our motto should mention something about kilts. Here are a few suggestions that we could translate to latin or gaelic at some point:

In Kilted Fellowship (as someone else suggested)

Fellowship through Kilts or Worldwide Fellowship through Kilts

Freedom from Pants! or Freedom from Bifibrication!


On the funny side:

The Kilted Clan or The Clan that Actually Wears Kilts

Its not a Skirt!

Also can we have a new poll to include some of the other mottos people have suggested?

Finally, relax. There are a few people that seem to be taking things way too serious and/or literal. This is a fun forum. No need to get high blood presure over a motto.

[MACKAY]

I personally prefer the F-H.A.C.G.'s suggestion "In Kilts Fellowship." In my mind the motto is a reflection of the ‘clans’ personality and is almost the marquee of the group. I look at my own motto for Clan Mackay “Manu Forti” – or “With a Strong Hand”. What does this say about the Mackay’s? To me it says we a strong and steadfast clan, one that does not back down under the yoke of oppression, one that stands strong for each other in times of trouble and offers the impression and stature of strength and longevity. There are many other examples, and one of my favorites is “Touch not the cat without a glove” (not sure of the Latin) – This one really does not need an explanation!

The current suggestion of "By Choice, Not by Blood" to me is way too over the top for what we are. As has been eloquently articulated to a great degree, the suggested motto is too exclusionary and has significant political overtones INHO.

I voted NO.

[davedove]

"By Choice, not Blood" sounds a bit too defensive to me. To me it's saying, "We are too a clan!"

It would be better to have something more in line with what we are all about. I like "In Kilts, Fellowship" or even as mentioned in the other thread, simply "Freedom."

[Perldog007]

Xmarks is a community, or clan where membership is by choice, not blood.

I like the proposed motto. To me it does not detract from any ancestry. It says that I am a part of a community where diversity is valued, where what is on your mind means more than circumstances of Birth.

I respect the opposing views, but I like the proposed motto.

[MacWage]

Several Kilt related ideas:

"Kilts for Everyone"
(Problem-sounds like we are GIVING them away)
"KILTED"
-VERY simple
"I'm In a Kilt"-> state the obvious
"I love kilts"-> a bit childish, but HEY, it work for New York Ciity.
-Anyone can wear a kilt" or "ALL can kilt"

-ANY of the above could work well, esp. if in Latin.