As you can see, MWAN has undergone a major transformation as regards the manner in which it is being printed as it has gone from mimeograph form to off-set. Having this newsletter professionally printed was something I had previously considered, however, I was never able to find a printer willing to do the job for a price I felt I could afford. However, since the special issue came out in March of this year, MWAN has grown nearly 300% and the task of mimeographing became so time consuming that it required nearly forth hours, not including typing time. At about the same time, I took a part-time job within my profession, Speech-Language Pathology, which grew from five hours a week to a present 30-35 hours and that fact has been the prime motivation behind the product you see before you. With a 70-75 hour work week, editing tow professional newsletters in addition to MWAN, and having only Sundays off, I did not think it was possible to continue MWAN in a mimeographed form.
There exist many advantages to the changes I have made; I will have more time since I only need to type, collate, staple, and stuff envelopes; MWAN will be visually more attractive, and, perhaps as a result, ore marketable to potential subscribers, hobby stores, and advertisers; more words can be printed with the 32 pages due to the fact that everything is typed on 8½" x 14" paper before being reduced to the size you see; and, I will be able to print maps, black and white maps, black and white line drawings, and dependent upon finances, back and white photos.
And obvious disadvantage is that the cost of professional printing is twice as expensive as mimeographing. I am there fore increasing the cost of a subscription to $7.00, a regrettable, though necessary measure which will become effective with any new subscriptions. A second disadvantage is that it will no longer be possible, at least until MWAN gets in the red, to publish mammoth special issues although MWAN will continue the special issue topic idea.
I am very pleased with the above changes and anxious to see them underway. Even though I have a backlog of articles, I encourage readers to submit additional material as it allows for a better mixture within individual issues. In the future please include maps drawn in black and white, drawings, etc.,, as well as perhaps articles on uniform information complete with black and white illustrations. Cartoons relating to wargaming would also be appropriate. I have a feeling I will need more articles to fill up the extra space which will be available by typing the originals on larger sized paper.
If you are aware of any gamers who might be interested in subscribing, hobby stores who may be willing to have MWAN on their shelves, or potential advertisers, please let me know their names and addresses. At this point, MWAN could greatly use the added support.
Speaking of support, you will notice and ad in this issue from Todd Fisher, the organizer, along with Ken Kaufman, of LITTLE WARS, the wargaming convention devoted entirely to historical miniatures. Held in Chicago the last two springs, it has been very successful and as frequently is the case, the work was carried out primarily by Todd and Ken. Everyone enjoys conventions although very few gamers realize the work that goes on behind the scenes to create a good time for us. I sincerely hope that you will contact Todd and volunteer to help with the next LITTLE WARS effort. If you do not live within the Chicagoland area, I am sure there are others organizing conventions within your own areas who could use your assistance. Give them a call and volunteer some time. Our hobby will be the better for your assistance.
You will also notice, in the HMGS-Midwest column, that the HISTORICAL MINIATURES GAMING SOCIETY-MIDWEST, an off-shoot of the HMGS-EAST group manned by Wally Simon, Pat Condray, and Bob Coggins, is looking for members. Formed for the purpose of furthering the cause of historical miniatures and supporting conventions in the midwest, it will not set the world on fire, but it hopefully will result in helping our hobby to grow a little more. Please consider joining and taking part!
Last, but not least, I would like to thank John Bulter of the Legionnaire, a mail-order book dealer (823 Central Ave., Wilmette, Illinois, 60091), for his kindness in making address labels for me. Appreciation is also extended to Kathy Cunningham, a co-worker, for her assistance and advice in selecting type size for the title and column headings. Please remember that you would not be seeing MWAN in this form if it were not for the advertisers who are supporting this publication through their ads, so please give them your support when possible. I trust that you will continue to enjoy MWAN!!!
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© Copyright 1997 Hal Thinglum
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