As long as the printing and distribution processes are on schedule, this issue of "Battlefields" will reach you at the prescribed time. There hasn't been much opportunity for feedback from No. 7 but we have had a little - mostly positive, I'm relieved to say. We have a pretty broad spectrum of periods covered by the scenarios, from early 18th C to late 409th C, plus our usual Wargames Forum and Fields of Battle features and lots more. When he sent me the Space Marines scenario, Derek Henderson included another based on his "Bottle" rules (for a later issue). He pointed out that we published these rules in issue 2 and, again, in the last issue and questioned: "...slight boo-boo there or was it so good it was repeated?" Absolutely right, Derek, got it in one! (Cheeky b )

I have before me two issues of a bi-monthly American wargames magazine (MidWest Wargamer's Association Newsletter or "MWAN") that retails at $7 -just under a fiver on direct exchange rate - has almost 200 pages and the appearance of a paperback novel. The tone of the content reminds me a lot of Don Featherstone's "Wargamers' Newsletter" which I read avidly from the time I started (1971) until it stopped publication in the eighties. It is a very "personal" approach that is taken by both publications, with descriptions of wargames fought by the writers and reviews of figures in abundance. Reports on conventions, painting and modelling tips and a host of rules discussion add to the interest and there is a plethora of useful ads. (especially if you live in the 'States). If you can get hold of a copy - and I am sure Caliver Books will be happy to oblige - dip-in.

This all gave me food for thought: with a population a fraction of the size of America's, we have been wellserved by our magazines (even if they are a bit late now and again!) who must strive to keep their heads above water with a limited purchaser base. On this subject, I was sorry to hear of the demise of Practical Wargamer recently. I know they were a competitor, but the hobby needs the mags to thrive so that, among other things, our figures suppliers and publishers, etc. can reach their consumers. Apart from going out and spending your cash, you can contribute by writing to us on any relevant subject you like - how much you love or hate us, how the author of last issue's Wargames Forum has got it all wrong, or pick holes in the historical fact of the scenarios (if you can find any - our contributors are careful types). This is the life blood of the hobby.

To keep "BATTLEFIELDS" as fresh as possible, I am considering various new ingredients, one of which could be to cover board and computer wargames. Would anyone out there like to offer some well-chosen words on something they have played recently and would any manufacturers like to offer review copies for us to assess? Additionally some reviews on figures, rules, terrain, buildings, etc. could occasionally get included. I won't have time to do all the reviews myself, so volunteers one pace forward! One area I am uncertain about is wargame reports. I have read some dire examples and they seem to me to be of interest only to those who played the game; but occasionally a nugget of gold appears in the dross so, if you think you have what it takes, I'm willing to read what you write (even if we don't publish it!).

That about covers it, as the actress said to the bishop, looking sadly at a thimble.

Send all US submissions of scenarios, etc., ONLY to our US Editor: Bob Giglio, E-mail: ECWCaptain@aol.com. The same format applies for US submissions - either a diskette with the article/scenario in "txt" (Text Only) file format, or a typed article via regular mail. Maps and any photographs must be sent via regular mail. Maps should ideally be on paper that fits the size of map, and clearly drawn, and please include the title of the article on the map as well. Include a self-addressed enveloped with full postage if you want the diskette and/or maps or photographs returned.