I'd like to take the time to remind everyone that the special issue on innovations in wargaming will be published in the next issue, March-April, 1986 with a deadline on article submissions of February 1st, 1986. Please don't let the title discourage you from submitting something for publication. Listed below are some possible topics which I feel would be acceptable: utilization of role-playing techniques in historical wargaming; discussions of current rules concepts encompassing movement, fire, morale, and melee; the construction and use of terrain/tables; scenario design; the concepts of general orders and command control; the eternal problem of hidden movement; theorical discussions concerning our hobby; designing and conducting/taking part in campaigns; solo wargaming; wargaming via the mail; future directions our hobby may take; etc. Please do not feel limited by the above suggestions, if you are unsure about a particular topic, either drop me a line or just go ahead and write it. Sometime ago in MWAN I mentioned the fact that there are so many new releases of fine figures that it is amazing. Every month seems to bring a new release by and existing company or the appearance of a new company. Are we indeed growing in numbers as a hobby or are we all purchasing more figures on a consistent basis? My wife would attest to the fact that I, for one, am doing my best to support the industry! Sometimes I wonder about the above; how can a hobby of limited numbers support all of the figure companies currently producing these great lines? The situation reminds me of what happened during the early 70's prior to the advent of fantasy: it seemed as though there was a multitude of historical lines and the introduction of fantasy gaming, in my opinion, decreased those historical lines to some degree. No one could have predicted fantasy gaming in the early 70's just as we can't say for sure if something new will come along in several years to "check" the outpouring of historical figures. It just seems likely that the market will be over-saturated at its present growth rate. If anyone else has any thoughts on the subject, I'd be glad to print them. Does it seem to you that our hobby is experiencing a return to simplistic rules frameworks or is it just in the midwest we are seeing this phenomenon? Accompanying the simple rules upsurge seems to be a more laid back, roll lots of dice, let's have a good time the hell with the quest for absolute historical accuracy, it's only a game, write your own rules, type of approach. I, for one, am glad to see this happening. Any other impressions? Please take note of several new advertisers in MWAN as well as the addition of four more pages made possible only through the support of all advertisers. Since subscriptions cover only 60% of my costs, you would not be seeing MWAN in its present format and length without its advertisers. Consider supporting them and kindly mention MWAN when you do so. This issue also contains a new column, "Tales From A Goldfish Bowl" by Greg Novak of Champaign, Illinois. Greg has been a frequent contributor to MWAN for several years and decided to accept an offer of a regular column. Sometime ago in MWAN, I mentioned Greg's group and stated that they had so many good ideas concerning historical wargaming with miniatures that they resembled a "think-tank", thus, the reason for the title of his column. Greg has carte blanche regarding the content and I am sure you will continue to enjoy his writing. I would like to request that those of you who write to me concerning issues raised in MWAN inform me whether or not your input can be printed in MWAN. It will save me postage as I do not print anything without the individual's permission. I trust you will have nice holiday season. Thank you for your continued support of MWAN. Back to MWAN #19 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 1986 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com