Frenchie
01-26-2007, 02:30 AM
I just answered an e-mail where I was asked my opinion on the dreaded "authenticity" question. It so happened that my muse had just stumbled in, a bit déshabillé and tipsy as usual, but she was here on my shoulder and I let her guide my clumsy thoughts and fingers. Now she's gently snoring against my ear and I'm trying not to wake her. Herewith the result, in part:
If I'm reading you right, my take on it isn't likely to make you happy. I'm "progressive". I believe in accurately-made uniforms, accoutrements, weapons, drill, tactics, etc. I believe in constantly researching and improving everything about the hobby. I disapprove of civilians on the company street, women in the ranks and generally anything that can't be at least plausibly explained or is absolutely necessary for health reasons. That's why I'm not actively in the field any more, I no longer can do what a Regular Army private did. I'm putting together a civilian outfit and these [items my correspondent had just sent to me] have made a big improvement in it.
If you keep pushing the envelope, you get rid of the unmotivated and get the people who stay up and moving. You get closer to the way things really were. No, of course you can't really get close, but you can try, and that's what "progressive" is about. I can't keep trying as a soldier, but civilian is vastly larger in scope and I have immense room to improve.
Well, now I'm on your "hobby-destroying hardcore" list. I don't belong there and neither does 99% of everyone else on it.
Stop fearing change. Life is change. Change is painful. Life is painful. You either let the pain come in whatever form it takes, or you choose the form it takes. Choose life.
And take care of yourself, my friend. I do hope we meet some day, I'd be delighted to take your hand and pass a few pleasant moments together.
If I'm reading you right, my take on it isn't likely to make you happy. I'm "progressive". I believe in accurately-made uniforms, accoutrements, weapons, drill, tactics, etc. I believe in constantly researching and improving everything about the hobby. I disapprove of civilians on the company street, women in the ranks and generally anything that can't be at least plausibly explained or is absolutely necessary for health reasons. That's why I'm not actively in the field any more, I no longer can do what a Regular Army private did. I'm putting together a civilian outfit and these [items my correspondent had just sent to me] have made a big improvement in it.
If you keep pushing the envelope, you get rid of the unmotivated and get the people who stay up and moving. You get closer to the way things really were. No, of course you can't really get close, but you can try, and that's what "progressive" is about. I can't keep trying as a soldier, but civilian is vastly larger in scope and I have immense room to improve.
Well, now I'm on your "hobby-destroying hardcore" list. I don't belong there and neither does 99% of everyone else on it.
Stop fearing change. Life is change. Change is painful. Life is painful. You either let the pain come in whatever form it takes, or you choose the form it takes. Choose life.
And take care of yourself, my friend. I do hope we meet some day, I'd be delighted to take your hand and pass a few pleasant moments together.