Start of a new season

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

Since this is the beginning of a new season of this little hobby I want to throw out this question to everyone. What changes would you like to see within your area to make the hobby better this year? (Please don't respond with rude or hateful comments and I ask that if you do have constructive criticism be respcetful. As my momma always said if you can't be nice don't say anything at all. Mods: if you feel this thread may get out of hand please lock it and let me know)

Here locally I would like to see more infantry show up at events. It seems as though lately everyone has either "jined the cavalry" or belongs to artillery. I am no university educated history scholar but didn't the infantries of both armies make up the greater number of men?I know that the cavalry and artillery both make for an exciting show but are we really be true to history?

Speaking of history,I know I am not anywhere near the caliber of living historian as many belonging to this forum are but I have lately been setting small goals to improve my portrayal each time I step onto the field. When I first started I was the epuipment junkie. There was always some little trinket that I saw and just had to have but once I got it it would just sit in a box somewhere taking up space and adding extra weight. I have started to scale down what I bring each time I go to an event and understand where I was going wrong before. I would like to thank the fine folks on this forum for helping me just by having the many discussions on here for people like me to follow.

[flattop32355]

As a mainstream reenactor, I'd like to see more of us learn bugle calls and field craft skills, for starters.

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

Very good points. At the Tannehill,Al event a couple of years ago we had a very good drummer and the Confederate infantry fired on the beat of the drum. I,like you, wish more folks with that kind of talent,be it bugle or drum, would make more events.

[Forrestcavalryman]

Personally, I'd like to see less use of modern horse tack in the cavalry. Not everyone can afford the high-end stuff; but there are patterns out there that can be used, and period civilian bits can be as low as $20.

[reddcorp]

In scripted battle reenactments, I would like to see everyone stick to the scenarios and no freelancing. And I would like to go the entire reenacting season without having to see any nutjobs make solo suicide charges: those things look pretty stupid.

A. Redd

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

AMEN! That whole "we're gonna re-write history" stuff burns me up too.

[Rob Weaver]

More infantry. More infantry and, uh, more infantry. :)
Obvious children off the field unless they are functional musicians. (I used to be one about a million years ago.)
Casualties. I'm tired of hearing the old "How come you guys shot at each other for 15 minutes and only 2 guys got hit?" from spectators.

[Pete K]

How about everyone knowing his place. Your best friend from High School 30 years ago might be the comapny"captain" and you are a private. You aren't best friends on the field. He is an officer, you an enlistee. Once you are back in the car on the Interstate you are buddies. At the event don't just pop into officers country unless you have real business there, and officers you aren't enlisted men. just my .02

[Shortround]

Dear Lord, may this reenactment not turn into a cluster foxtrot. Please keep the rain from the reenactors. May you guide my driving so the trip will be safe from accidents and free from breakdowns. Please keep me safe so I can return to work on Monday and avoid my supervisor's wraith for engaging in a off-beat hobby. Grant my wife the patience for putting up with my occasional weirdness. We ask this in your Holy Name. Amen.

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

Amen and amen!

[Rob Weaver]

Amen! Preach it, Brother!!

[Pete K]

and please try to keep gasoline prices under $4.00/gallon, if you would ,please!

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

Don't see that one happening anytime soon!