[WEIRDWOLF]

As far as the new HS (Hammer Sc........) game goes I would guess that it will be just what it is. I doubt very much that we will ever see individual teams or different bases. It is what it is. I might be completely wrong but I think it is geared for the nostalgic collectors. The Tweak will have a complete review of the game in the Winter edition.

As to the vision of where this hobby goes, Roo pretty much said it. It will never be at the same level that the PS XBox world is. It is just simply not geared for the generation of kids that is out there. For every 100 kids you show this game to only a few will actually ever play with it beyond the initial fascination. However, I believe that we can bring this hobby up to the level that model railroading (name a bookstore that doesn't have copies of Model Railroader magazine in it) and rc cars and planes has achieved and maybe close to the level of miniature wargaming.

I often think about what it takes to promote this game we love. I look at Warhammer and other games that play with miniatures and kids have no problem setting these up play after play. They seem to have patience for that but not for Miniature Football. Part of the answer could be in the rules and realism. I think the MPFL takes the game to a more strategic oriented level and could be the groundwork (I say groundwork because it is at a level almost too advanced for a startup piece for the average kid) for a packaged version that kids could grasp. I also believe that our hobby needs a set packaged game that includes the afore mentioned more realistic working rules, a production large field that works, Jennings style prepainted NFL or NCAA figures and a McFarlane style attitude towards creating new collectors side pieces that can be played with. A display in every Game Shop and Toys R Us with individual figures sold separately to add to the collection. It is hard to believe that with the popularity of the NFL and football in general that someone with the cash hasn't developed this already. It looks like a healthy dollar that could be plucked by someone with the drive.

Ultimately, re-education is the key. That is part of the goal along with supporting the active hobbyists with how do I paint better, how do I play better, what is new with the hobby, what events are going on, etc. that the MFCA has in place. Things like painting contests that raise the realism quotient, the United Way event planned for Canton that places the game positvely in front of kids, demos at schools, professionally produced reading materials and DVD's, a nationally competitive system that gives the coaches a place to take their skills once they leave the comfort of their home environments and a magazine that goes beyond our membership and into the stores will play into bringing it to a higher level.

The MFCA as yet, has done little in the education arena but we are still laying the groundwork for the associaition itself and that work will lead to the development of the educational side. Eventually I see start up kits for leagues with brochures with fill in the blank info specific to your league, banners, posters, beginners DVD's that give good intros to the game followed by advance DVD's (more refined version of The Coaches Series already available) that keep them coming back for more and so much more that hasn't even been concieved yet.

These are not jmy ideas but things I have gleaned from the you guys (some of it word for word-Thanks Tom) through the years. All of this has been said before in one form or another but it is going to take time, lots of it and ultimately someone with money and vision to create a new era in Miniature Football.