Besides being the first issue of our FIFTH YEAR of publishing the NEW Courier this issue introduces a new theme year (The Sudan, very ably edited by Lynn Bodin) and two new period editors: Paul Koch, author of ON TO RICHMOND is the new ACW editor and Walter Simon edits the new Skirmish Wargame Section. With this issue we are dropping the issue dates as they confuse because of our uneven publishing times. Watch the volume numbers - they will tell you which issue this is.
THE SKIRMISH WARGAMING SECTION
Over the last few years a growing interest in simpler, yet realistic miniature rules; the economics of figure prices; and cross-fertilization from the role playing side of the hobby has spurred an enormous increase in "one figure equals one man" gaming. This skirmish gaming "genre", if you will, really encompasses any game where each figure is mounted on its own base and of commands with fewer units, be they 8 to 10 figures or two to three 20 man units.
In recognition of this growing interest, The Courier plans to devote a section each issue to Skirmish Gaming. Initially the section will be 10 to 12 pages (plus advts.) and will grow or decrease depending on reader interest and participation. The section is meant to include much rules discussion of skirmish gaming) and experimentation with novel approaches to rules.
Editor Walter Simon, is well known for his "off the mainstream" movement and casualty determination systems. He welcomes your comments, ideas and criticism. This section, more than any other in the magazine, requires your participation. You will note that room is being made in this new sectionl for HISTORICAL ROLE PLAYING games as well - let's hear from you on this subject.
The Skirmish Gaming Section is also an experiment to discover a way of eventually increasing the frequency of The Courier. As an entire 16 page "signature" (read section, includes ads) prepared entirely by its editor it frees me from 16/52 of the work of each issue. If our experiment works well, we'll do the same with Napoleonics or perhaps with the theme section. This in turn means that in one year for the same amount of work on my part we will have some 200+ extra pages - a minimum of 4 extra issues per year. It would take very little extra effort then to go monthly!! But that is all in the future and only if this all works out.
The Courier is and intends to remain "North America's Foremost Miniatures Magazine". To do so we feel that it is important to explore the new areas interest to Historical Gamers.
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