Is the hobby?

[Alex]

well, for what its worth (and I know I am talking to reenactors who have been doing this far longer than I have, and who know a shedload more about it too).
/referring back to the thread/
1. I'd like to see more private battles. I think thats where we really should focus things on, and the public shows should be just a continuation of it in a way. I wouldn't like reenacting to become a travelling cricus for the general public, there has to be some grit in there to make it all work.
But yes, the focus is nowadays on shows, and I reckon that's because thats where the money is, and also where stuff has a focus and is decently managed. Maybe we should ask money from the kent shows NOT to do a kick ass battle in july, and use that money for a kick ass private battle in september?
2. the displays are incredible. and I can't wait to see what you guys are gonna have this year. One thing I will ad though is that for the shows it needs audience involvement to make it work, something rare, but that has been talked about elsewhere on this forum
3. elitist? I dont think so. its more accessible than ever. really; if someone doesnt want to pay a few hundred quid for their hobby ...
4. I have noticed a lot of groups run like businesses. thats up to them. I think people make things complicated sometimes

just my thoughts on jon's thread I am optimistic about this hobby and think its only going to grow and grow ... now, where is that paintbrush I need to do up my shed ...

[axis sally]

I am optimistic about this hobby

So am I , as WW II reenactment is fairly new in Germany and thus one has to be optimistic and an idealist.

At the moment the "hard work" is laying the foundation for future generations reenactors over here. Only recently I found out how difficult it can be to get relevant paperwork from the authorities. Bill is organizing a remembrance walk with his DCLI and as the Tommies want to carry their deacts this time, getting in contact with the Polizeibehörde was a must....a long time of corresponding and visiting the man in charge, but after all this effort, well we got it in writing, that weapons deactivated under the German law can be carried on public roads. Might seem to be trivial to you, but a big step forward for WW II reencting in Germany ( just wonder how the authorities would have reacted, if German uniforms would be worn?).


Liebe Grüße,
Beate

[Hoffman Grink]

The hobby is changing and rapidly. Bill wouldn't recognise what we do now today.
In five years even, we have come on leaps and bounds but there has been a price to pay.
We have moved from being a binch of "mates" who meet at wekends adn dress up in varying degrees of military uniform to "mess about and play with guns".
We have become organised, insured groups of friends who have a uniform standard and dress code. we organise shows and meets and we attend these having bought, built or borrowed massive amounts of equipment that we research and know all about.

Groups in the main have evolved from loosely associatied individuals to Constituted, insured clubs with committees (groan) rules, codes of conduct etc. We observe Health and Safety and incoroprate loads of regualtions etc. into what we do that we never even dreamed of 5 years ago and they weren't invented 10 years ago!!!!!

Firearms are better controlled. Pyrotechnics are bought not built. People usually get themselves properly trained to operate pyro and the effects are more professional.

This is the crux of the matter. The hobby has become more professional. Presentation is better. Shows are more specialised. The game and the standards have been raised.

The price we paid for all this? In a sense, less fun although I hasten to add the fun now is different - as Schafer about the buzz of riding in a Jagdpanther..... no one can say that wasn't fun!!!!!! Definitely less freedom but that's in verything isn't it? More back biting which I am sure you will agree has always been there. But when groups undertake a project that can cost them thousands, they don't want some erk getting hold of the idea and doing it crap for a couple of hundred..... the public see the difference and it lessens the impact.....

Competition. There are more groups out there and they are competing for less and less venues.

I dont' want to be Uncle Doom and Gloom..... This is the best hobby ever. In the UK we do it better than anyone. There are more periods re-enacted here and I put that down to our particular society and what it allows, so we must be doing something right....... WWII in the spotlight - We have some of the best groups in the World, best vehicles, best venues, best vendors and best people. So I think it will keep changing and with the help of those who unofficially steer it, will keep changing for the better.

What we do need and it will come is a united body that we can all belong to which will legitimise us further (we are already legitimised it's just that numpties can still exist) and safeguard us..... Quite how that will happen I honestly don't know.... but eventually it will..... and then we will be unstoppable.

[Schäfer]

I hasten to add the fun now is different - as Schafer about the buzz of riding in a Jagdpanther..... no one can say that wasn't fun!!!!!!

You mean like this, Paul?

[Hoffman Grink]

Now THAT is fun!!!!!

[jimmyvonk]

Schäfer is that excited that that's not actually an MG34 poking through the glasis plate...

You mean like this, Paul?

[Wilder Feger]

It's very odd that the same things you mention are happening over there are also happening down in my neck of the woods. There was a time when I first entered the hobby that we had something on almost every weekend through our 'season'. A good mix of private battles and living histories. We had a few dead years recently where there was next to nothing, but fortunately things seems to be looking up again. There are not as many things on the docket, but it's better than it was in the past few years. We've lost some old events, but seem to have gained some brand new ones. This is why I don't lose hope... seems just about everything in life 'trends'.