The Strategy Gaming Society is the best-kept secret in the Hobby. And that has got to change. The Post Office seems to have dropped a beat when delivering my column last month.

I usually would not put anything in this column that is not Hobby related. But I have had some personal issues come up recently that have consumed all my discretionary time. That is why I owe so many of you letters. As I reclaim my identity from its thief, I will work down the correspondence pile and each of you waiting on me will receive a reply. Thank you for your patience.

Last month Membership Secretary Tibbetts attended John Kranz’s MonsterCon/ConSimWorld Expo in Tempe, Arizona. I sent along some door prizes and other support in the Society’s name. The end result is that John is very grateful for our efforts and the SGS picked up a lot of good will. The attendees of ConSimWorld are a very dedicated group (who else would spend a week in 110 degree heat and travel from as far away as New Zealand in order to play board wargames). I will be at work in the coming months to translate that good will into a few memberships.

We have also sent door prizes and recruitment materials to George Sauer, whose CABS group is running the War Room at this year’s Origins Convention in Columbus Ohio. I hope to have a report on how this was received in the next month’s column. I feel that by extending support to game conventions, the Society’s level of visibility in the hobby is raised. This should lead to more members.

On the subject of new members, how many of you have taken advantage of the Society’s recruitment bonus program? For each year of new membership you bring in, your own membership is extended by one month. To inspire an evangelical spirit,

I am announcing the following competition: The member responsible for the most new (at least five) regular Society Members between now and December 31 of this year will receive a grand prize package of at least three games. The exact titles being given away are still being negotiated by me, but be rest assured that at least three games will be awarded.

In addition, every member who brings in five or more regular new members will receive a prize of at least one game, probably a copy of Smithereens by XTR (I will try to have an alternative choice available for those who have a copy of this title already.) Please send the recruit information to me at 896 West San Fernando Street, San Jose CA. I will remit all dues payments to George after I credit you with the recruit. If you send the information to George and do not let me know, your recognition may be delayed. Prizes will be mailed as soon as you reach five new regular members. The Grand Prize will be mailed not later than January 31, 2004. Good luck, and I hope that I will have to mail one hundred prizes. As always, if there is any issue that you feel needs to be brought to the attention of the President, please do not hesitate to contact me. I promise to give any and all such issues my best possible efforts.