For this issue I decided to take a look at a few of the very many newsletters that are available to interested gamers. These newsletters range in size from a couple of pages of club news to 20 page mini-magazines complete with advertising. In general the standard of writing and the quality of the articles and information given in these newsletters is extremely high. Most of them are produced on a shoestring and the originators are happy if they manage to break-even on the deal. Considering the amount of effort involved in producing even a small newsletter, no one is ever going to get rich putting out these things. Subscribers receive what is often a very high quality product at minimal cost.
Wargamers Information (Published irregularly-$3 for 12 issues, $6 for 25 issues) Flying Buffalo, POB 1467, Scottsdale AZ 85258.
For the past year or so Rick Loomis, who edits their newsletter, has been amusing himself by taking potshots at TSR. Some other people have been amused; some have not (most noticeably TSR in the person of Gary Gygax). Wargamers Information exists to provide some news of the hobby, provide reviews of new game releases and to plug Flying Buffalo stuff. As is right and proper (since it puts it out) it also provides a forum for Rick to engage in Dragon baiting. Altogether the newsletter is very entertaining, written in lively style with a lot of convention and tournament news interposed with game reviews (not all Flying Buffalo). W.I. usually runs to 4 or 5 double- sided pages.
Seven Years War Association Newsletter (Published irregularly $5 for 1 year-4 or 5 issues) William B. Protz, 5690 West Glenbrook Rd., Brown Deer WI 53223.
Dedicated to the Seven Years War period, this digest sized newsletter is well known to SYW buffs for the quality of its articles. The latest issue (December 1983) contains a first hand account of the battle of Zorndorf, a description of Spanish Army organization circa 1750, Seven Years War unit organization, descriptions and discussions of a couple of rules sets as well as association events and other news of interest.
The newsletter reminds me a bit of Empires, Eagles and Lions, and that's high praise indeed.
Midwest Warganters Association Newsletter (Published Bimonthly-no subscription information) Hal Thinglum, 3533 West 218th Street, Matteson I L 60443.
This regional (rather than period club orientated) newsletter contains much that is of interest to the general gamer. As an example, the Jan uary- February issue has articles on The Texas War of Independance, adapting CLS for the American Civil War, a skirmish scenario for the French and Indian Wars and a battle report using the On To Richmond rule set. In addition there is an interview with Rich Smethurst of Rai Partha, a local wargame club news column and a news and review section. The writing style is, once again, entertaining and the content is of high quality. The newsletter runs to about 20 full size, double-sided pages.
RECEIVED FOR REVIEW
Apart from the items already mentioned in this column, the COURIER Dispatch has received the following items for review.
Military Modelling - December 1983 ' January 1984,- Arquebusier - Issue 6, 1983; The General - Volume 20, No. 3; Savage & Soldier - General - Volume 20, No. 3; Savage & Soldier - Volume XV No. 3, July-September 1983; Wargamers Digest - Volume 11 No's. 1 & 2; P.W. Review - December 1983, January 1984; Miniature Wargames - No. 81- The Heliograph - No. 13; Dreadnought Newsletter - No. 3.
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