The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

[Mississippian]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

I have thought for a long time that while the fourm was a nice place, the cwreenactors page itself had a lot of wasted potential. When you type "Civil War Reenacting" into Google it is the very first link to show up. I think the page could be better served as less a forum and more as a portal for newbies into our hobby. At the moment it has no news, no links, no event info, no basic hobby info. I think a better page set up could help grow the hobby. I would gladly write content (like a FAQ) for it if someone format it for the website.

Will MacDonald

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

Luke,

Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." If you see there is a need for something, step up and make it happen!

Is there a piece of gear that you think is particularly good? Post a review.

Think we need to take time for "Camp of Instruction" type events? Organize one.

I mean this sincerely and as an encouragement. Folks like Craig and Ms. Lawson step up and step in when they see a need. Same goes for guys like Anders, Tipton, and Woodburn. We've lost a lot of leaders in this hobby over the last decade who are no longer active... O'Bierne and Calloway come to mind. This hobby is and has always been driven by people who thought "Wouldn't it be cool if we...", then made it happen.

If you have ideas and enthusiasm, you can make great things happen.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

Hallo!

Often times, we do not appreciate what we have, until it is... lost and gone.

Curt

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

Thoughts:

-Facebook is great for organization of events, but poor for research. We NEED AC for that.
-The App for AC would be the direction to go it- make it like a "specialty Facebook" platform accessible from a mobile phone
-I think Szabo's business model is not focused-enough. Anything goes will net anything under the sun (for some, that is ok), but more importantly, I'm not sure he is effectively marketing his forum for its strengths and what it brings to the hobby.
-Provided AC stays focused and small (and if going paid-only, private membership will do that, I am all for it), we should be good here

Just a few suggestions... Happy Friday- Johnny

[Spinster]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

QUOTE=Mississippian;248705]I have thought for a long time that while the fourm was a nice place, the cwreenactors page itself had a lot of wasted potential. When you type "Civil War Reenacting" into Google it is the very first link to show up. I think the page could be better served as less a forum and more as a portal for newbies into our hobby. At the moment it has no news, no links, no event info, no basic hobby info. I think a better page set up could help grow the hobby. I would gladly write content (like a FAQ) for it if someone format it for the website.

Will MacDonald[/QUOTE]


Lovely idea Willie Mac.

But the best I am capable of doing for any good idea is to pin it to the top of the page.

One notes that all the young turks who know how to format such things, get creative with web pages, set up running advertising, and all that cool stuff are Over Here, and have been focusing on This effort for years. Bob has not gone for the outside advertising thing because he can't get it set up and running.

This hobby cycles--folks are in it about 5 years, and either move to a deeper level (like here) or move out to something else. Bob Szabo's provides that open door that lets new folks in. While the AC is now somewhat kinder and gentler, for years the beginning reenactor was not welcome here, and Bob Szabo's was the place where beginners were helped along. The side effect of that was that committed researchers, writers, and administrators moved right on to more sophisticated forums as well, rather than dealing with the daily grind of why stainless steel canteens are stupid.

We don't have volunteers that know how to reformat webpages and do the other technical things required to undergird the place financially.

Johnny wishes for the AC to stay focused and small. In order for that to happen, somebody has to be the buffer for those entering the hobby. For those with a long memory, there was a time when a long outage on Szabos caused a huge influx of beginner reenactors to the AC, and that influx diluted the focus to the point that it took some time to regain it.

Somebody has to be that buffer, that teaches at the beginner level. Its either Szabos or Common Ground. Szabo's comes up on a search engine every time. The financial undergirding is not there without an advertising base or a small committed group of supporters. We do not have sufficient technical staff to implement either one.

[Bill Cross]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

This is really sad news. And it's not like a lot of $$$ is being asked (Bob says his bandwidth costs him $90/month). That's not even tips for some of the folks I know in private equity.

Szabo's was my "gateway drug" to campaigning. I would've been laughed off the AC back when I started with all the dumb-ass questions I needed answered (or thought I needed, LOL). Facebook is GREAT for units like the CVGs: my son, Peter, is on their page and is an on-and-off member of the band. Once the Rowdy Pards fade away, he'll likely end up with them. But FB is about communicating RIGHT NOW, not planning long term or, God forbid, discussing whether a particular piece of gear is authentic and accurate.

Moderators are a God-send to the Internet world. If you don't think so, PM me or Ross L. and we'll tell you stories about the bad old days over on Szabo's when food fights would break out in a matter of minutes.

Traffic is down across ALL forums (I am an active model builder as Rodman will attest, and the forum I "work" for has seen traffic plummet). Perhaps an app would be helpful, but what would it "app"? What is it can be conveyed on a smart phone other than announcements?

The thing that makes this forum valuable is time: we can look at something and think about it.

If Szabo's goes, it's bad news for all of us.

[Marine Mike]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

Each got their place. I like Forums for the search ability and hope for their survival. I like fazespook (yes that's intentional) for the things it does well. I like a library of dead trees. I like Kindle for allowing me to carry Alfred Thayer Mahan's 'The Influence of Sea Power Upon History in a more convenient carrying size.

[maillemaker]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

Bob Szabo's provides that open door that lets new folks in. While the AC is now somewhat kinder and gentler, for years the beginning reenactor was not welcome here, and Bob Szabo's was the place where beginners were helped along.

Yup. When new people ask basic questions and what you throw in their face is, "Go use the SEARCH function!", your web site will become a static collection of archived research, except for every once and a while when veterans want to get into a discussion about the carbon content in nails from horse shoes in the eastern theater after 1863. People will go to facebook because it encourages interaction with more immediacy than traditional forums.

Additionally, and importantly, you can more easily limit the people you want to hear from on facebook. It's hard to ignore people you don't like on forums. Even if the forum software supports an "ignore" function, people will often quote the person you are ignoring, and thus you end up having to deal with their crap anyway. On facebook it's pretty easy to block out people you don't like.

Steve

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

Yup. When new people ask basic questions and what you throw in their face is, "Go use the SEARCH function!", your web site will become a static collection of archived research, except for every once and a while when veterans want to get into a discussion about the carbon content in nails from horse shoes in the eastern theater after 1863.

- "The AC was not founded with the beginner in mind." You are right, sir. But think on it a different way: On the converse side of this, how did that reaction from forum members happen? Because of elitism? Possibly, yes, sometimes. But also MANY people try to abuse the AC forum and its members' generosity. It is natural for people to get jaded and lash-out. Not right, but natural. We all {mods and users alike) need to bear the intent of all communication in mind when responding to such interactions. Govern yourself accordingly, especially as a mod or high-profile hobby member that represents the forum or certain aspects of the hobby in the eyes of the public. We are all eccentrics on here, some play well with others and others do not... and that is ok. ;)

People will go to facebook because it encourages interaction with more immediacy than traditional forums.

- Yes. I agree. This is the reason why social media is kicking the rear of traditional, thread-based forums like AC and Szabo all-around. People naturally want instant gratification to their serious and not-so-serious questions. This is a selfish time we have entered into with the internet regarding research in many ways and in some ways not.

Additionally, and importantly, you can more easily limit the people you want to hear from on facebook. It's hard to ignore people you don't like on forums. Even if the forum software supports an "ignore" function, people will often quote the person you are ignoring, and thus you end up having to deal with their crap anyway. On facebook it's pretty easy to block out people you don't like.

- Yes, true. It is also harder to research on as well as easy to ignore other points-of-view and leads on research just because you don't like the person saying them. There is a downside to that feature of "Ignore".

What if we did a crowdfunding campaign in order to raise money to get AC upgraded and build an app? Eric, how much would that cost? It would be a SHAME to lose this forum and all of the research it holds.

[BradAguila]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

I'll admit that I didn't use this forum much in the past year or so, but there is an inherent value in it. The problem with FB groups is that people ask extremely simple questions, basically asking others to do the Google search for them. Here, there's an unspoken expectation that you put at least a little effort into it. Also, on the forums you don't have people posting pictures of themselves and asking for tips. Either it's a very beginner impression in which they clearly didn't even attempt to do any research, or guys looking for an ego trip/boost and posting an image of them in a kit that is clearly correct, then asking for "help."

Brad Aguila

[csuniforms]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

Being an "old timer"--- B.C.---Before Computers I don't have an opinion one way or the other about Facebook vs. AC or twitter or APS, when it comes to Civil War studies. I have a cell phone, but never carry it. The only time I use it is to get directions to somewhere-- and that works great!-- I would state the this "younger" generation does have a tendency to want instant information--now!--on anything-- and in their heads, believe if they twitter or put it on Facebook the entire World population will see it and applaud their post...or strive to answer them.

The Civil War and the AC--participation is down and I doubt if we will ever see again a response like we had in the 80's and 90's where we put 25,000 plus re-enactors on the field-- had a sea of sutler tents at every event-- saw the likes of Charlie Childs, Trans-Mississippi Depot, Waldren, and others of their ilk who researched and studied CW material culture without the aid of computers or the internet. Brought the Hobby to an apex of authenticity, to the point where many now scratch their heads and wonder--"where do we go from here?" and "Do I want to go with it?"

I will state that sites like the AC are necessary and needed-- as is SZABO's-- and all the others on the Net. It gets folks interested. And, though the number of participants has dropped-- those that are left will carry on I am sure... The public is still enthralled at the site of CW soldiers in uniform marching or camping. 95% of them cant tell a Yankee from an Alabamian--that's your job to point it out--- Our new goal is preservation and education along with some great events in the future-- every day some youngster gets excited about the Civil War and wants to know everything all at one time!!!! The AC supplies that link-- keep it going!!!

CSuniforms
Tom Arliskas

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

The Civil War and the AC--participation is down and I doubt if we will ever see again a response like we had in the 80's and 90's where we put 25,000 plus re-enactors on the field-- had a sea of sutler tents at every event-- saw the likes of Charlie Childs, Trans-Mississippi Depot, Waldren, and others of their ilk who researched and studied CW material culture without the aid of computers or the internet. Brought the Hobby to an apex of authenticity, to the point where many now scratch their heads and wonder--"where do we go from here?" and "Do I want to go with it?"

Tom Arliskas

Tom- Being 17+ years in the hobby now myself, I remember bigger mainstream events. I think much of what you speak of is the fact there is less expendable income in our pockets to do this glorious hobby with these days. The economy has taken its hit upon us all in the hobby, making the reenactor choose in either doing other eras or just participating in AmCiv and not the buying of quality gear or organizing events. 'Tis a dark time indeed these 150ths... ;)

[SCTiger]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

In terms of organization, the AC was never beat and was always described as the "ticket master" for authentic minded events. Many of the people that joined the AC years ago did so because they wanted a sensible place to discuss how to improve the "impression" without interference from some who felt that any attempt to improve the Civil War hobby was a threat. On other mainstream forums we could not attempt any discussion without trolls attacking the research or accusing the innovators of trying to ruin the hobby,.
I remember several discussions that would explode on both AC and the CWR forums. The uptick was that we could have some influence on the other side with this cross discussion.

The AC forum influence has larger than what the members appreciate. Historians and reenactors from other eras often refer to it. Citing research or making announcements on social media is like shouting at a busy airport, you might reach a lot of people but, you don't zero in on the people you want.

[csuniforms]

Re: The Future of "Civil War Reenactors" Forum

Tom- Being 17+ years in the hobby now myself, I remember bigger mainstream events. I think much of what you speak of is the fact there is less expendable income in our pockets to do this glorious hobby with these days. The economy has taken its hit upon us all in the hobby, making the reenactor choose in either doing other eras or just participating in AmCiv and not the buying of quality gear or organizing events. 'Tis a dark time indeed these 150ths... ;)

Money$$$$ and Time; tick-tick-tick and the economy. If I think back, how was I able to purchase all those CW guns, books, antiques, uniforms and do all that traveling. Well, gas was under a $1 a gallon back then and we traveled with four guys in a car and split the gas. The average motel room was $40 and we all slept in the same room and split that too. Powder was under $6 a pound, caps were cheap-- and you could buy a repro firearm for $200 to $400 and an original for $500-$700!! That is how we did it! And we were dedicated and loved it! Still do today!!

The 150th!? I and probably all of us were expecting more from our Governments State and Local-- It never happened-- We had no funds to start a Commemorative Committee in Wisconsin and in many States the same thing happened. I attended CW presentation on remembering the 100th Anniversary--- behind the scenes-- it was stated a lot of CW thoughts and feelings by some of the Southern States caused a lot of embarrassing situations for the Politicians in 1961 [specifics I will not get into]. So the 150th came and many remembered what happened the last time, so dropped out from fear. Washington is going through a phase of, "War and the military is bad" syndrome and did not want to spend any monies$$ for any big special activities at the National Parks. The Media dropped the ball altogether, but we did have some great 150th Scenarios, Gettysburg 150 it was huge!! The schools have changed their curriculums too in many States and devote little time today to studying American History and the Civil War. The urchins are not taught Civil War like we were 50 years ago!! Time marches on and we had some really great decades since 1961 in Civil War activities and study. It will continue, but I believe the "Happy Days" of the 1970's thru the 1990's are gone and will not return soon.

CSuniforms
Tom Arliskas