It always seems that the long winter months allows us to slip away from the hobby, keeping our focus on the other things in our lives that take so much of our free time. Once again this year, the winter doldrums have effected me so. After Advance the Colors, my gaming focus has been nearly non-existent, a fact which has been reflected in the lack of direction that our chapter has had of late. But with my recent trip to Coldwars, it is now time to re-energize my gaming energies and help establish some direction for our chapter. This column will address some current issues, both local and nationwide, that have been cropping up lately.

ADVANCE THE COLORS '97

Hmmm...this may not be the best topic to start with, but one that is the most pressing at this time. I have received many, many comments about last year's production, and I must say that the majority of comments have been very positive. Personally, I thought that the Radisson was a great venue for us, although there are some shortcomings as well. Downtown Dayton is not the most hopping place on a fall weekend, as most local eateries and pubs close rather early. However, there are respectable establishments within a few blocks that are open, we just didn't look ahead to make these places known for the gamers in attendance. Now that we have finalized the deal to use the Radisson again this year, we will produce materials that will educate everyone on where to go for a meal, a brew, or a place to stay.

Speaking of the venue, I am a little upset with the recent comments made by Richard Hartley in the current (as of May 1st) regional newsletter of the ancients society that Rich is a big part of. To paraphrase, he basically stated that he made the BOD aware in a letter addressed to me that the Radisson would not be a suitable location for our convention, and that he would not be organizing a DBM tournament if we did hold it there. He also stated that I didn't respond to his letter. Hmmm...normally I wouldn't care about a such a facetious comment, but Rich decided to make this a public topic, and therefore I must respond.

First, if Rich would care to remember, I called him the day I received that letter and went over his concerns point by point. I still have my phone bill for that month showing my long-distance call to him if further verification is needed. I realized that the lighting and tables in that part of the facility were not conducive to gaming, and Rich has a reason for concern. However, since only a few of us decided to do all the work in finding a spot which was cost effective and generally workable to the convention's needs, then Mr. Hartley has no right to complain that we (the BOD) decided that for at least this year we must utilize the Radisson again. Since the beginning of this chapter we have asked for the members to get involved.

Fortunately, Rich has been one to promote HMGS as well as historical gaming in general by his efforts in running games and tournaments. But it also seems that Rich, along with many of you, feel that the BOD is also responsible in serving a dual purpose by performing as the convention staff as well. I personally would like to get away from this line of thinking, but again this year it seems that a lot of my free time will be taken up in trying to put on the best possible show for the rest of you to enjoy. The last two years I have spent working the con, running a game, and being berated at the front desk because I didn't take care of the membership forms correctly, although I thought a completed form with someone's membership dues should have been good enough. By the way, at the last two cons, I played in one game, total. Sheesh, I thought that this was my hobby, but at times it feels more like work, yet I am not being paid.

Again, I feel that the Radisson is our best choice for '97, considering the cost of other venues across the region. We will try to address any concerns the best we can, but unless those who have complaints are willing to pitch in and help, we will be limited on the number of improvements we can undertake. One thing that I have learned, there is a lot of work involved in organizing a convention, and we are but a handful who worked on the '96 version. As our membership grows, so should the support we receive from the members. Sometimes all we need is someone to distribute flyers at their local shops. I hope that a few more of you will step up and lend a hand.

NEWSLETTER

Speaking of lending a hand ... Mr. O'Leary has done a great job in making the effort to put out a newsletter which I believe all of you enjoy. Well, once again, we need to have some more involvement from our membership to continue the success that the newsletter has had so far. There are a few of you who have supported The Herald regularly, and you contributions have been greatly appreciated. However, again, with an ever-growing membership base, we should have more of you becoming involved. I understand that work and family commitments are higher priorities in life, and that no one is making any money being involved with Great Lakes (at least I have yet to receive any kickbacks!), but to take a few minutes to put together an article for your fellow gamers is not asking so much.

ORIGINS '97

Hmmm...here's an interesting topic. There is no doubt that the historical gaming side of this convention needs help. There is also no doubt that Origins is not a gamer-friendly convention for us historical types. This year we have made a bit of a push to establish some highly pleasing events to hopefully draw some crossover gamers. These include WWII events by Craig Lechner, Brian O'Leary, Matt Davidson, and Ray Garbee. All of these events will be very pleasing to the eye, which should draw attention to our part of the hobby. Even I will be running an ACW event! All of these games will be ran on Saturday. Also, and more importantly, Pete Panzeri and Chris von Fahnestock have been very active in gathering more historical gamemasters for Origins. If I understand correctly, the HMGS events will be held in a separate room that will be controlled by historical gamers.

RUMBLINGS FROM THE PERIPHERY

Another touchy subject. I have heard, rather indirectly, about a few members who are displeased with the lack of activity by Great Lakes in their areas. This is very interesting, to say the least. One Michigan member has even inquired over the Internet about how to start a chapter of HMGS! Funny, funny! Although Brian has touched on this and other subjects in the last newsletter, it appears to me that there are some very simple facts that need to be pointed out, again.

First, we have gamedays in Columbus and Dayton because that is where we have had members volunteer to organize those events. If I don't live in Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Indiana, it is rather hard for me to organize gamedays in those areas. I'm not even sure if some of the hobby shops in those states even have gaming tables! Remember also, HMGS is not a gaming group, we exist to promote historical miniatures gaming. Unlike many of the other chapters, we do try to establish gaming group type activities as we feel that this does help promote the hobby, as well as try to get hobby shops to support us as well. The East chapter has only begun this line of thinking, and they have far more members, money, and influence than our chapter! We would love to have more shops from across the region honor a discount for our members, as well as having gamedays in places other than Ohio. Is there anyone out there who can go to their local shop and do a little work for our chapter? By the way, Eric Adamaszek deserves a huge thank you for getting the gamedays in Columbus rolling in a very efficient manner, without Eric I'm not sure who else would have made the time. Thanks, Eric, and all of you game-masters who have done this for HMGS.

Two, I would love to have a second convention in another part of our region to gather together those gamers who cannot make it to Advance the Colors. However, again, I, nor does any member of the Board live in those areas. We cannot organize a convention in an area we know very little about. Although we could help with the monetary aspects of a convention, as well as contacting dealers and advertising the event, we need to have someone in the area of the con to do the face-to-face things that we cannot do! We hold Advance the Colors in Dayton because the majority of our members live between Cincinnati and Columbus. There is another side to this story: the Michigan gamers put on quite a few historical mini-conventions throughout the year. Although I have asked those Michigan gamers that I know to supply me with the dates of these conventions so that we (i.e.-Great Lakes) can go and participate (i.e.play in their games), I have yet to receive anything about these cons. I also do not think it would be correct for Great Lakes to run a convention in Michigan that may conflict from these well-established conventions. I do think that Great Lakes could help advertise, run games if needed, and generally turn out at the gate. But until we receive some kind of word from the Wolverine State, there is not a lot we can do. I think that holding a con in the Toledo or Cleveland area would be the best direction for Great Lakes. We would be advancing our own colors in a different part of the region, without infringing on any other conventions that currently exist. But we need to have someone in those areas step up and accept some responsibility.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

I better be careful what I say here, as our newsletter does go out to all the chapters. But I have never been known for tact....

To be quite honest, I'm not sure why the National BOD exists. Oh, the basic concept is wonderful, and they really could help all the chapters, but they have done nothing for our chapter, except to approve us as an actual part of HMGS. Oh, sure, I keep hearing about the things that they plan to do, but where is the result of their meetings? And why do they ask to have one dollar from each chapter for each member in the chapter? Do we see a national newsletter, or even an article from the NBOD for inclusion into our newsletter? Nope. Do we see them establishing boundaries for all the chapters? Nope. How about a national membership list so that gamers who move around regularly can find other gamers in their new locales? Nope. How about coordinating the HMGS conventions across the country so we don't step on each other (thank you very much, Mr. Giglio, as Fall-In "falls in" on us)? Nope.

Hmmm...they have our money and don't do anything. Is the NBOD a reflection of our national government? Tax us and give us nothing to show for our hard earned dollars. Didn't we have a revolution based on this premise? And yes, I have written to more than one individual on the NBOD addressing these concerns and have received not one reply for my efforts. Maybe if I was president of the East chapter, they might listen to the $60,000 bank account, but for little Great Lakes, well, I guess we don't carry that kind of clout.

My solution? Either get together and implement these wonderful ideas before the end of the year, or disband altogether. Let us keep our money for our chapter, or give us something tangible. I advise each and every member of each and every chapter to start raising a little cane with their NBOD representative and demand that something be done.

CONCLUSION

Now that I have stepped on many toes, I want to make clear that my intentions are for the betterment of HMGS. Those of you who know me realize that I have no monetary interests attached, and know that I enjoy meeting new people and bringing them together to share our hobby. I do this because I want to, and that after all the work that the BOD has put into Great Lakes I feel that we can't let our efforts be in vain.

Face it, all of us have a group of guys that we game with, because we have similar interests, hygiene habits, and like to play with little toys. None of us has to do anything beyond that little circle. But if you want HMGS, and Great Lakes in particular, to be successful, to provide a voice, then all of you need to make a little time and help. It IS a volunteer organization, so volunteer already!