Monthly Cover Announcement

[Eric Tipton]

Everyone:

As those who know me well already know, I have been reducing my responsibilities in reenacting. I don't plan on attending any events in 2010 and beyond that, we will see.

As a part of this, I have resigned my position doing the monthly cover. I talked to Paul about it a couple of days ago and it was decided that the cover will be discontinued until he and Justin get a chance to talk about that and other things on the site over the next couple of days.

I greatly appreciate those who have participated every month for the past five years. However we got there, we produced some excellent images to put on the "front door" of the site over the years. The goal was to show people who visited the site the excellence that exists in authentic reenacting. To that end, all of you should congratulate yourselves for representing us well.

Thanks again everyone. It was a lot of fun.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Announcement About the Monthly Cover - From Eric

Sure doesn't seem like it's been 5 years.

[Eric Tipton]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Michael:

Hard to believe. We did the first one in September 2004.

http://www.bummers09.com/AC-Covers.html

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Thanks for your efforts during all those years, Eric.

[musketbal]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Eric,
Your abilities and hard work has time and time again shown through each month. You have been a fair voice of reason and has been very much appreciated.

Sincerely,
A. Brent Conner
Crisfield, Maryland

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Eric,

I'm sad to hear you won't be doing the covers any more. You did a great job on them and they added a great welcome focal point to the home page. I always looked forward to seeing a new cover each month and hope we'll find someone to carry your torch forward. Even more so, I'm sad to hear you won't be at any events this year and don't know when you'll be at another. I hope to see you in the field again.

[Justin Morris]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Thanks Eric for all your time with the AC. I know its a pain and a thankless job. But for once, thank you and hope to see you soon.

Justin

[paulcalloway]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Eric - you've done a terrific job around here from day 1 and I appreciate all the time and effort you've lent to this site. The monthly cover contest was your brainchild and you executed it faithfully. Your work in the events folder has been appreciated as well.

I really think the best course of action is to give it a break for awhile. Perhaps we'll find someone else willing to take on that task - but not right away.

Thanks again Eric - and enjoy your family! Nothing is more important than that.

[Drygoods]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Mr. Tipton,
I'm sure that your talents will be missed by many here. You've helped me a few times fix my avatar, and answer other questions, and I cannot say how much I appreciated it then, and still do today. It may sound silly to say, but it is quite true that little things mean a lot, and I know that I'm not the only person you've helped over these past five years, so let me say thank you not only for myself, but for the many quiet people.
May you have many blessings with whatever future path life takes you. God Bless.:D

[Kace]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Eric:

The covers have been great and your efforts appreciated. You will me missed. Your presence in the field will also be missed. You did a great job at Bummers.

Kace

[jwoodli]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

The covers always inspired me to try to better my impression... and that has meant a lot.

[dedogtent]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Eric,

I still remember the weekend we met at the McDowell event many years ago. I don't even remember the year now but I remember the fun we had including the 'Campaign Pizza' and the buzz that caused for many years. It was great, you have served the hobby very well my friend. Take care and I wish you the best of luck in all you do in the future. I will continue with the 2nd Delaware until my star fades out, I hope a few more years.

[csabugler]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Eric,
Having no intention to demean the efforts you have put forth into so many fine covers, I feel I would be perpetrating an injustice to not voice the opinion that losing you from this hobby is a far greater calamity than the loss of the future covers.
We are not "close" , so I do not know the circumstances of your retirement from the field. I hope all is well and wish you the very best. You will be missed.

Your Humble Pard
Pete the Bugler

[Eric Tipton]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

I appreciate that Pete. It means a lot coming from you. I want to thank others who have written me privately as well. Some of the responses have really touched my heart.

To be honest, I am just flat burned out on reenacting. It didn't happen all of the sudden. I went through a divorce (and re-marriage) partially because of the time I was spending on this hobby. I wasn't the first and certainly won't be the last for sure.

When our son Alex was born in 2008, my priorities obviously changed for the better. Now, I feel it is best to step back from all of my hobby responsibilities and take this year to see how things go. You won't see me selling all of my gear or anything like that real soon, but right now, I just no longer enjoy it, which is why I got into it in the first place.... and it is unfair to everyone, especially my friends who still enjoy it to subject them to that state of mind.

That is pretty much it.

[Becky Morgan]

Re: Monthly Cover Announcement

Your son will only be little once. The battlefields have been here since the 1860s. I think you have your priorities straight.

Thanks for the thought-provoking covers, and enjoy your family!