I looked in to see the poll result. I am not sure what exactly I infer from it other than:
1. Lots of people claim never to have heard of them
2. Lots of people with no opinion seem to have too much time on their hands and vote in polls they can't possibly contribute too other than to say 'I don't know' or, make jokes about diapers
.
Clarence has stated his very personal point of view here and although I agree with all of it, it is HIS point of view.
William, I also agree with you about the majority being lurkers and also being able to make up their own minds. Why do I agree (besides the fact that you seem to be a logical and intelligent indvidual
) because I moderate THIS forum. We have 435 users, not all active but many more are active than not. Many log on very frequently but rarely post. We have a core of probably 30-40 fairly to very regular posters and a group of another 20-30 occasionaly posters. The forum is hit frequently and so I appreciate that not everyone wants to share their thoughts. Probably the same pattern as TMP although smaller group and much better behaved
The following info may be a useful summary for those interested:
1. R2E has now sold in excess of 800 copies
2. The distribution figures are not exact but over 50% of sales have gone overseas. I estimate about 150+ into the US.
3. R2E sales are split about 40:60 Direct:Retail/Distributors
4. The book continues to sell steadily and usually spikes after an article has appeared in a mag.
5. Of the people who have actually played the rules, more like them than dislike them.
6. They have received their most positive comments in relation to game 'feel' and outcome relative to perceptions of how Napoleonic battles should play out on the table top.
7. They are not everyone's cup of tea and were never intended to be. They are essentially, the house rulebook for the League of Gentlemen Wargamers, the men I chose to wargame with.
7. R2E was released within the same 3 month period as Lasalle, Napoleon and Black Powder. This was a coincidence. Clarence and I have neither the manpower,the commercial clout nor the ambition of Foundry or Warlord. Lasalle was relentlessly trailed and championed by Sam on TMP for months with a crusading zeal at whichI marvelled but felt disinclined to ape.
8. Lasalle seems to have been adopted mainly by 15mm and competition gamers or 15mm competition gamers. This is a very large catchment group. We deliberately choose NOT to include points driven Army Lists for R2E as I don't really like that kind of game. I have no problems with Lasalle (or any of the other rules) and have corresponded cordially with Sam. His approach on TMP was to be ubiquitous Clarence's and my own was rather invisible.
9. The R2E gaming days and weekenders have been the strongest endorsement of spreading the word. With Dave O'Brien's very able support we have 70% repeat attendance and a sort of viral effect with other gamers when attendees return home and spread the word. These will continue as long as people want to attend.
10. I have a failry bottomless well of enthusiasm to support gamers who want to use the rules. So, as long as the questions are constructive and relevant I (or Clarence or Dave or now Bob, Jim, Ray, Simon and several others) will actively provide interpretation and answers. This tells me that people are actually trying games.. in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Spain and of course the UK.
All to the good.
11. The rules are commercial successful. They generated capital for Clarence and I to fund the next project.. BLB2 and what lies beyond that.
I believe R2E will continue to sell. Lasalle is out of print and not to be reprinted. I conclude that Napoleon was not successful as the feedback seems to be universally poor and I have no opinion that I want to share on it.
Black Powder is a lovely book (or catalogue for the Perry's). It's appeal is wide and that is fine. It was never a competition between any of the sets.
There is a (mistaken) perception and in a few cases resentment here and there about the LoA and the games I run.
I am allegedly Elitist,
My games are not REAL wargames
The games and displays are excessive,
I produce eye candy (in the pejorative idiom).
etc etc...
Well, all I can say in response is ;these games ARE normal, for me. That is the stuff I've got play with. Anyone who has gamed with me knows that I don't suddenly produce the second XI and schlepp it on the table. So, CH and BH will I think survive the slings and arrows and move on to the next project without losing too much hair, sleep or weight (although I could do with shedding a couple of pounds
)