Napoleonic Wargame Club (NWC)

Gentlemen Officers of the NWC:

Please allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Mark Jones. I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia with my wife of many years. I have three daughters and nine grandchildren. I am running for the position as President of our beloved club, and I need your vote.

To help you cast the best possible vote in the interest of our club, I will begin by telling you a little bit about me, summarizing my experience, capabilities and vision for our future. I will also post a copy of my club activity record and a few links to some of my forum entries. These will provide examples of my activity level within our club and hopefully give you a better understanding of me. You will not be obligated to simply take my word for it. I will conclude by summarizing my position at the end of this announcement.

I was born in Nashville, Tennessee (USA) in 1961. I have always been an avid reader of military history and very active in games of all kinds. I discovered wargaming in 1976 in the form of the many titles produced by Avalon Hill. Lacking opponents, and being extremely introverted, I played both sides of these games for several years. My hands down favorite game of this period was Squad Leader. Upon my entry into college in 1979, I discovered other wargamers with similar interests and actually started playing against live opponents. Upon graduation from college in 1984, I discovered Napoleonic miniatures in the back room of a fledgling gaming store. I became the 19th member of the Historical Miniature Gaming Society (HMGS) and collected and painted an extensive army of 15mm French Napoleonic Miniatures. I later served as the Club’s Vice President for seven years before being transferred with my job to Georgia. During my tenure with HMGS, the club grew to over 350 members and expanded into seven states. I am a structural engineer by training and an accomplished businessman, with extensive experience in running organizations and managing people.

The demands of my job, the relocation away from my club, and several other factors combined to essentially end my ability to spend the weekend playing miniatures with my buddies. Being utterly addicted to the games as I am, I turned to the only opponent readily available, my computer. I bought every Talonsoft title ever produced and played them all. Eventually, it got rather boring to utterly destroy the computer’s men, so I put my Battleground games away for a time, going back to them every so often as my gaming addiction still remained. It was not until about a year and a half ago that I stumbled upon the HPS titles and the little advertisement in the back for the Napoleonic Wargaming Club. I am deeply indebted to the person that placed that ad, for that is exactly what led me to this wonderful club, and the people I have grown to love. I really missed my gaming home in Tennessee. The NWC was nothing short of a Godsend for me. I must truly admit that I am greatly humbled that I was nominated to run this year for the Presidency of this club. I love this club more than you will ever know and I really appreciate each of you that has bothered to read this far. Unfortunately, there is still more to go. I hope you will bear with me a bit longer, because I do intend to honor my promise to tell you of my vision of the fine future that we can build together in the NWC.

I am:

• Active
• Involved
• Ready to Serve the NWC

I received my commission in the NWC on April 15, 2010. My battle record since that date currently stands at 13/0/2/0/1. I quickly rose to my present rank of Lt. Colonel by averaging more than one turn a day for over a year. I was promoted to Brigade Command upon achieving the rank of Major. I was also provided with the distinct honor of being appointed as the Staff Adjutant for my army. Since April 2010, I have entered 351 posts in our forums, many of them very elaborate, and hopefully humorous, stories. As the Staff Adjutant, I have written a new promotion document for every rank and customized it for three different nationalities. I was asked, and accepted, the role of playtesting new HPS titles and currently have three games, for which I receive no OBD credits, underway at the present time. I also have two games currently underway against two of the most formidable officers in our club. I organized a Brigade Challenge so that I could train some of my junior officers in the mechanics of campaign play. I also serve as a Trainer of new recruits. I am decidedly active and involved in this club.

I believe:

• Officers should be encouraged to be more active in all forums, not just the Opponent Finder when they need a game.
• Officers in charge of units have the responsibility to care for, and lead, their men.
• Websites should be regularly updated.
• The battle records of all officers should be visibly posted on the Club’s website.
• Promotions and medal awards should be timely.
• Public announcements should be regularly posted to recognize the individual achievements of our officers.

I am a firm believer in the importance of the club’s forums. Many officers visit the Opponent Finder when seeking a game, which is utilizing this forum for its intended purpose, but only a handful regularly visit the Rhine Tavern and fewer still post there. I see the Rhine Tavern as serving as the tabletop where I used to gather to play miniatures. It is a place of camaraderie, a place to form friendships and bonds with your fellow officers, and a place of information and amusement. It is undoubtedly my favorite tavern in the world. I am there every day and very glad that Helga still lets me in. I have started making announcements for officers receiving promotions and medals for my army. I really think these should be made by the honored officer’s immediate superior as a token of respect and care for his subordinate, but until that becomes a reality, I will continue to make these announcements as I do believe the timely recognition of these accomplishments is important. It is my further belief that all officers in brigade, division, corps and army commands should actively lead, and be very involved with the men under their command.

I encourage:

• Tournaments specifically tailored for new, junior officers where no veterans are allowed.
• Tournaments that are open to all officers, regardless of rank and experience.
• Guards tournaments for our most experienced, and very best, players.
• A formal package to all officers to explain and stimulate forum participation.
• Active involvement of all officers in club activities and forums.

I love to see our junior officers grow in courage, experience and ability. I embrace their accomplishments and revel in their development. I would like to see us have some tournaments specifically geared to our junior officers where they can participate against one another and hone their skills, while preparing for future challenges with more experienced officers. I propose a formal, introductory package that is well written, explains the workings of our various forums, and enthusiastically encourages officer participation. A club is only vibrant if its members are active and involved.

As Club President, I will do the following:

• Regularly check the forum boards - I currently visit the forum approximately 10+ times per day.
• Regularly update the DoR System for registering battles – I will keep the system current to within 1 to 2 days.
• Create a public posting of all officers battle records – This will be generated from our DoR System, readily accessible to all officers in our club, and updated monthly.
• Actively seek new members using my prior gaming connections to HMGS.
• Initiate tournaments for our junior officers, ones for the general membership, and one for our Guards Officers.
• Strongly press for regular updates to all of our websites – Many of these websites are maintained by individual army commanders and their respective chiefs of staff.
• Encourage active leadership for all officers of brigade level and above – The officers having command responsibilities should take an active role in the welfare of their subordinates.
• Act as the board administrator for the forum boards.
• Act as chief spokesman for the Cabinet.
• Make the Cabinet more accessible to all members through the establishment of a Cabinet Suggestions Forum.
• Issue an Input Survey upon election to actively solicit input from the membership as to what you really want concerning our club.
• Establish a system to encourage and reward authorship of game guides, unit and leader histories, modding, tournament organization and participation.
• Investigate the membership’s interest in the reestablishment of a regular newsletter and implement it if so desired by the membership.
• Coordinate all club activities.
• Settle any disagreements among Cabinet members.
• Set agenda for all Cabinet meetings.
• Decide when a Cabinet discussion is concluded, call for and count all votes.
• Always lead by example while never forgetting that I work for you - I believe the President of this club serves the membership above all else. It is a post of servitude and trust, and should be executed and handled as such.
• Retain an open mind about all options to provide for the advancement of our club.
• Maintain an open door policy for all members – I will always be available to listen and respond to the needs of the members of this club. As I said, I work for you.

My individual battle/activity record:

Napoleonic Wargames Club
History of Mark Jones
Current status

• Name: Mark Jones
• Email: mark.jones@neel-schaffer.com
• Registered since: 2010-04-15 22:20:20
• Last login: 2011-08-11 19:53:14
• Coalition side, Anglo-Allied Army
• Assigned to Hanover brigade, Anglo-Allied Coalition Army
• Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Anglo-Allied Army
• Role: Anglo-Allied Administrator
• 463 OBD points and 26 VP (13/0/2/0/1)
• Status: Active

2011-07-12 21:54:39 by Marco Bijl
• Gained 30 OBD points (463 total).

2011-07-08 09:27:52 by Dominik Derwiński
• Role changed to Anglo-Allied Administrator.

2011-06-11 03:54:38 by John Corbin
• Draw in S2011M0024 after 20 turns of Maneuver game using Napoleon's Russian Campaign (HPS).
• Gained 10 OBD points (433 total).
• Gained 1 Draw (2 total).

2011-04-12 16:11:13 by Marco Bijl
• Gained 15 OBD points (423 total).

2011-04-12 15:20:37 by Marco Bijl
• Gained 5 OBD points (408 total).

2011-03-11 19:38:53 by Marco Bijl
• Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

2011-03-06 01:07:55 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2011F0007 after 15 turns of Fight game using Campaign Waterloo (HPS 1.03).
• Gained 18 OBD points (403 total).
• Gained 2 VP (26 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (13 total).

2011-03-05 12:25:56 by John Corbin
• Major Defeat in S2010F0117 after 29 turns of Fight game using Campaign Austerlitz (HPS 1.01a).
• Gained 26 OBD points (385 total).
• Gained 1 Major Defeat (1 total).

2011-02-07 11:19:05 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0188 after 12 turns of Fight game using Campaign Austerlitz (HPS 1.01a).
• Gained 15 OBD points (359 total).
• Gained 2 VP (24 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (12 total).

2011-02-07 11:18:49 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0189 after 11 turns of Fight game using Campaign Austerlitz (HPS 1.01a).
• Gained 14 OBD points (344 total).
• Gained 2 VP (22 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (11 total).

2010-12-08 22:55:13 by Marco Bijl
• Assigned to Hanover brigade.

2010-12-08 19:09:39 by Marco Bijl
• Promoted to the rank of Major.

2010-12-03 02:35:42 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in M2010F0011 after 180 turns of Fight game using Campaign Waterloo (HPS 1.03).
• Gained 183 OBD points (330 total).
• Gained 2 VP (20 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (10 total).

2010-11-24 00:12:29 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0179 after 5 turns of Fight game using Napoleon's Russian Campaign (HPS 1.06).
• Gained 8 OBD points (147 total).
• Gained 2 VP (18 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (9 total).

2010-11-24 00:12:11 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0178 after 4 turns of Fight game using Napoleon's Russian Campaign (HPS 1.06).
• Gained 7 OBD points (139 total).
• Gained 2 VP (16 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (8 total).

2010-10-30 00:04:59 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0093 after 18 turns of Fight game using Napoleon's Russian Campaign (HPS 1.06).
• Gained 21 OBD points (132 total).
• Gained 2 VP (14 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (7 total).

2010-09-27 14:59:49 by Marco Bijl
• Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

2010-09-25 11:25:29 by John Corbin
• Draw in M2010F0006 after 12 turns of Fight game using Campaign Wagram (HPS 1.08).
• Gained 12 OBD points (111 total).
• Gained 1 Draw (1 total).

2010-09-19 23:00:22 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in M2010F0004 after 12 turns of Fight game using Campaign Austerlitz (HPS 1.01a).
• Gained 15 OBD points (99 total).
• Gained 2 VP (12 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (6 total).

2010-09-13 22:49:44 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0089 after 11 turns of Fight game using Campaign Austerlitz (HPS 1.01a).
• Gained 14 OBD points (84 total).
• Gained 2 VP (10 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (5 total).

2010-08-10 18:46:43 by Marco Bijl
• Promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

2010-07-25 01:01:11 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0047 after 23 turns of Fight game using Campaign Waterloo (HPS 1.03).
• Gained 26 OBD points (70 total).
• Gained 2 VP (8 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (4 total).

2010-07-20 13:28:03 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0085 after 9 turns of Fight game using Campaign Waterloo (HPS 1.03).
• Gained 12 OBD points (44 total).
• Gained 2 VP (6 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (3 total).

2010-07-20 13:27:46 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0086 after 8 turns of Fight game using Campaign Waterloo (HPS 1.03).
• Gained 11 OBD points (32 total).
• Gained 2 VP (4 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (2 total).

2010-07-20 13:26:39 by John Corbin
• Major Victory in S2010F0090 after 8 turns of Fight game using Campaign Waterloo (HPS 1.03).
• Gained 11 OBD points (21 total).
• Gained 2 VP (2 total).
• Gained 1 Major Victory (1 total).

2010-05-15 00:25:51 by John Corbin
• Draw in S2010T0001 after 10 turns of Training game using Battleground Waterloo (Talonsoft).
• Gained 5 OBD points (10 total).

2010-05-01 10:34:47 by Dominik Derwiński
• Name: Mark Jones.
• Email: mark.jones@neel-schaffer.com.
• Assigned to Coalition side.
• Assigned to Anglo-Allied Army.
• Assigned to Field Jagercompany.
• Registered under the rank of Ensign.
• Seniority: 0.
• Role: Officer.
• OBD points: 5.
• Status: Active.

The 30 OBD points was my reward for participating in the Club’s 2011 Tournament and contributing 4 Major Victories to the cause. The 20 OBD points are for staff work that included the rewriting of all promotion documents for each of three nationalities, making announcements for all officers in the forum, checking officer records for medal eligibility, designing a spreadsheet for my Army’s C-in-C to assess Guard eligibilities, researching officer records and providing my C-in-C with a list of Guard qualified officers, etc.

Two of my numerous forum posts can be viewed here:

http://wargame.ch/board/nwc/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11328
http://wargame.ch/board/nwc/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11255

Now even I must admit that this announcement was rather long, but I am not lacking in words, enthusiasm and energy when it comes to something I love as much as I do the NWC. I do appreciate your bearing with me to the end. The NWC is the only gaming club in which I am involved, so my attention will never be divided. I will focus all of my efforts and energy here. I am active, involved and ready to serve the NWC as your President in the coming year.
I would be honored if you would cast your vote for me in September.

With Sincere Appreciation,
Mark

Nice speech, but real candidates promise to buy each member a new game title.

Monsieur it would be nice to see new blood in the office if I might add that you open up other nationalities into the Army system. Such As Italy and Spain to name a few. I second the motion for your office bon chance.

Congralutations Colonel Jones a fine speech. I look forward to your opponents response.
I am impressed by this candidate sirs despite his poor choice of uniform.
Salute!

_________________
Marechal Knox

Prince d'Austerlitz et Comte d'Argentan
Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur

"What is history but a fable agreed upon"

Legion Hanovrienne
Raised on 13 April 1804 with three infantry battalions and a regiment of Chasseurs a Cheval of three squadrons.

You have my vote Mark. Hands down. No other candidate offers what you do. I know that you will do a good job when you win.

_________________


Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Prinz Peters von Dennewitz

3. Husaren-Regiment, Reserve-Kavallerie, Preußischen Armee-Korps

Honarary CO of Garde-Ulanen Regiment, Garde-Grenadier Kavallerie

NWC Founding Member

For Club Games: I prefer the Single Phase mode of play. I prefer to play with the following options OFF:

MDF, VP4LC, NRO, MTD, CMR, PR, MIM, NDM, OMR (ver 4.07)

Monsieur about your record of playing seems you play short games and Waterloo why is that are you not a big game player??? 1806 awaits you mon ami!

Good speech Mark, well detailed plans.

Question time:

How do you see some of these changes unfolding, do you see the Cabinet mandating things to commanders or more of it providing guidance and letting the individual commanders do the decision making?

I am curious as to how you will encoruage, even reward, the upkeep of websites, which is a huge issue in the Club?

_________________
Generalfeldmarschall Scott Kronprinz "Vorwärts" Ludwig von Preußen
Kommandeur des Königlich-Preußischen Armee-Korps
Chief of Staff (CoS) of the Allied Coalition
Allied Coalition Webmaster & Club Website Support

Colonel Jones,

Please explain in detail how you will complete your following statements:

• Strongly press for regular updates to all of our websites – Many of these websites are maintained by individual army commanders and their respective chiefs of staff.
• Encourage active leadership for all officers of brigade level and above – The officers having command responsibilities should take an active role in the welfare of their subordinates.


Being a new member of the club, I have only seen a small group of members involved in communicating through the forums. How many active members does the club really have and could you describe what an active member is?

Thank you.

I second your motion for leaders (Brig. and up) to communicate via email to their subordinates. That is def. lacking in the club.

_________________


Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Prinz Peters von Dennewitz

3. Husaren-Regiment, Reserve-Kavallerie, Preußischen Armee-Korps

Honarary CO of Garde-Ulanen Regiment, Garde-Grenadier Kavallerie

NWC Founding Member

For Club Games: I prefer the Single Phase mode of play. I prefer to play with the following options OFF:

MDF, VP4LC, NRO, MTD, CMR, PR, MIM, NDM, OMR (ver 4.07)

Monsieur we talk to our commanders in the muster roll! What other kind of commutation are you talking about. We in the French Armee also most play our Commander in at lest one game! My commander is also on my face book. Now my new commander ??????

Only one commander ever communicated to me on a regular basis and that was Chuck Jenson. In the old days of the earlier version of the French army there was more banter but never an invite to an MP game, questions about things, etc.

I just get the idea that the middle managers in the club expect the CinCs and army leaders to do all of the communicating.

The brigade and division leaders are perfectly placed to be the guys who communicate on more of a regular basis. It really makes a difference to a new member if these level leaders send out more emails. Just to their immediate command.

Musters are a mandatory thing and good and well. But involving your unit (like Mark Jones does) is really beneficial to all of the members.

The forum is ok but emails work best. They are more direct and private too.

_________________


Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Prinz Peters von Dennewitz

3. Husaren-Regiment, Reserve-Kavallerie, Preußischen Armee-Korps

Honarary CO of Garde-Ulanen Regiment, Garde-Grenadier Kavallerie

NWC Founding Member

For Club Games: I prefer the Single Phase mode of play. I prefer to play with the following options OFF:

MDF, VP4LC, NRO, MTD, CMR, PR, MIM, NDM, OMR (ver 4.07)

When a commander tells a member of his unit that this is the best move in a game that member is no longer playing but he is being coach which to me is not right. Coaching is wrong so if a commander does that he is doing his officers a disservice. In many mpg I notice that some members wanted to be Lee or Grant but they had members of their teams who were Sickles. Talking to members though e-mails is getting personal but if the commander is getting up a MP team I see no problem. Coaching to win is by any means necessary!

Thanks for the questions, Scott. I will be glad to answer them as best I can.

How do you see some of these changes unfolding, do you see the Cabinet mandating things to commanders or more of it providing guidance and letting the individual commanders do the decision making?

I definitely do not envision the Cabinet mandating anything to the Army Commanders. In my view, the Cabinet would provide guidance for our Club and the Army Commanders would duly consider the Cabinet’s input before making the actual decisions for their respective armies. I see effective change occurring as a result of active involvement, good communication and a liberal application of teamwork. The Cabinet should guide the club, the Army Commanders should guide their armies, and both should congenially work together for the betterment of the whole.

I am curious as to how you will encoruage, even reward, the upkeep of websites, which is a huge issue in the Club?

I will be glad to give you an overview of what I am thinking in this regard, but the actual system will need to be a collaborative effort between the Cabinet, all Army Commanders and all Webmasters. We can work out the finer details together assuming I am elected to the post.

I think there are several key aspects to the overall success and prosperity of our club. The regular maintenance of our websites is one of the more crucial areas that needs to be improved. New members will frequently visit our websites in eager anticipation of the posting of their new rank, new medal or new command status. It is extremely disheartening, and decidedly bad for their morale, when they have achieved some accomplishment for which they are proud, only to be forced to wait for long periods of time before their achievement is publically recognized. This sends a message of indifference and causes frustration and discontent, often leading to the attitude of “Why bother?” which is a precursor to a loss of interest in our club. Under the current system, our website administrators are awarded 20, 30 and even 50 OBD points each month to keep our websites up to date. A healthy incentive to be sure, but the problem really lies in the accountability. Our website administrators are awarded these points every month regardless of whether or not the websites receive timely updates. I would suggest some changes to our current system to make it more effective. Here are some ideas to be used as a starting point:

• The Cabinet should discuss and determine a reasonable number of Administrative (OBD) Points to be awarded for the maintenance of our various websites. It is important to note that the two overall army commanders are members of our Cabinet and will have direct input into this issue. As the amount of work required to maintain each website varies, so should the Administrative Points associated with the assigned task. This will establish a reward system that is fair and consistent throughout our club.

• The Cabinet will be responsible for regularly monitoring the websites to ensure that they are being kept current. The respective Army Commanders and their Staff Officers will be responsible for the monthly award of the Administrative Points. If the website in question has not been updated, no Administrative Points will be awarded for that month.

• The Cabinet should publically recognize the most active Webmaster in the forum every quarter.

• The Cabinet should establish a series of special medals to be awarded once a year to the most active webmaster. These would be in increasing grades of prestige with the advancement occurring on each successive award. Bonus Administrative Points could accompany this medal award as an additional reward for a job well performed.

• Regular communication should occur between the Cabinet members and the Webmasters to constantly reinforce the fact that their efforts, and their persons, are truly appreciated. They should never be taken for granted. This applies to all members of our club as well, not simply our Webmasters.