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Friday, July 28, 2023

Reporting from the Front: How Are Battle Reports Read?

Among the many cogitations I have on wargaming in general and blogging in particular, battle reporting comes up as a frequent subject in my ponderings.  I know, many more important topics to consider but I wander where my thoughts take me.

Having written many a battle report (the Labels section in the right sidebar shows nearly 300 Battle Reports to date) and read even more, I have plenty of data from which to work. 

Since blogging and the subset of battle reporting is an individually creative venture, I reckon there are as many forms and styles to writing battle reports as bloggers.  Given the frequency of my wargaming and the sheer number of battles chronicled, I have settled on a form and style that works for me.  I enjoy the process and the satisfaction that creating these little battle summaries offers.  As in most undertakings, there are costs and trade-offs.   Almost always, the chronicling of the battle report takes longer than actually playing the game.  Is this time well-spent?  Are battle reports interesting primarily to the players involved in the game?

The writing style that I most often fall into mirrors the writing of history as a prose narrative of events.  A broad-brush prose narrative, that is.  The focus emphasizes retelling a story, briefly, punctuated by supporting game photos.  Rules' mechanics are not often covered nor are specific details on dice rolled, probabilities needed, etc..  Again, this is personal choice since not all readers will be familiar with the rules in play.

So, what is the point?

Well, curiosity prompts me to ask how are battle reports read.  Now, I am interested in how a reader generally consumes and interacts with a battle report but I am specifically curious how my battle reports are read.  As a reader, is each battle report read completely, ignored, or does it fall somewhere in between?  Does this engagement depend upon the topic?  The big question is, are battle reports worth continuing?

To make submitting and collecting data easier, the following scale is provided from which to choose.  I appreciate any feedback received.  Please select the response that best matches your tendency in reading battle reports found on this blog.  Besides your selection, please add in any commentary and observations on the topic.

Here we go (and let's be honest)...
  1. Each battle report is read completely.  I hang on every word and photo to get a grasp of the game and its result.
  2. I read through the report but skim through the photos.
  3. I look at the photos but skim the battle account.
  4. I skim through both battle account and photos.
  5. I scroll through the battle report and read the wrap-up.  If it sounds interesting, I return for another pass through the report.
  6. I scroll through the battle report but stop to read the wrap-up.  
  7. I scroll through the battle report and move on.
  8. Battle reports?  There are battle reports?  
  9. Other.
Whatever your choice, do you read readers' commentaries?

Thank you.

95 comments:

  1. If honest, probably mostly 3 or 4 especially if it's a period I'm not that interested in. 1s are reserved for periods I have a real interest in, with the caveat of which rules are being played.....
    Those rules I personally dislike, I often give up part way through. This also occurs when it's clear the scenario writer has a poor grasp of either history and /or scenario balance. I have seen too many reports where it is clear from the outset one side has zero chance, due to the author's apparent lack of knowledge. A good example is a WW2 battle with the Germans fielding twice as many King Tigers as the total allied armour......no air rules and of course the Germans are elite.....
    I'm presently re-reading Parkman's Montcalm and Wolfe and have just read the chapter on Ticonderoga. Aside from the C19th prose, I have to say they did know how to write about battles back then.....
    Neil

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    1. Thanks, Neil. I asked for honesty and I appreciate yours! By necessity, I don’t think we can compare a carefully crafted, edited, and revised history book to a quickly written battle report. Do you expect such writing in a battle report? If so, my battle reports may drop to one per month and gaming likewise.

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    2. Jonathan, apples and oranges.....
      However, I do think wargames battle reports would benefit from a summary rather than blow-by-blow account; I'm not categorising or criticising yours here btw.
      I'm always reminded by the average wargame battle report of Rimmer from Red Dwarf (a UK sci-fi comedy - not sure if you're aware of the programme) relating his Risk games:
      https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/73377/arnold-rimmer-king-risk

      Neil

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    3. I am not familiar with Red Dwarf. I will give your link a read. Thank you.

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  2. Like Neil, I tend towards 3 or 4, unless it's an era I'm interested in. The current ACW period gracing your table for the last few months is one of those periods. Your reports on these games have garnered a #1. I read all of the comments, although I have not always commented myself, feeling I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. Just curious, does this muse have anything to do with our game yesterday?

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    1. Thanks, Vol! No, this has nothing to do with yesterday's game. Been thinking about this topic for a very long time and the comments received on battle reports in general. I have yet to download my photos and wondering how on earth I can put a positive spin on the debacle. Still, the game yesterday was great fun.

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  3. For me it is #3. Generally, I fully read the intro and the summary, skim any the rest of the text and look at the pictures. Generally, if a photo really captures my attention I will focus more on the text that relates to that photo.

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    1. Thanks for your battle report reading insight! So, photos over text.

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  4. I tend to do it in stages, based upon how we were taught to 'read' history texts at 'A' level. So I will generally:

    - Start at a sort of 5. I'll read the intro, skim through the photos and text, then read the summary at the end.
    - Later having got the intro and summary sorted, I will do a 3.
    - Finally I will do a 2, plus re-read the summary at the end, as by now I will have a good idea of what has happened and why.
    - If the period in question is of little interest to me, then probably a 6 or 7.

    One thing that I try to do with my AAR's, is to do an overview of the table at the start of each Turn, taken from the same position so that the reader can hopefully get an idea of how things are unfolding. Then I will add in some detailed shots of the action where relevant.

    I used to spend a lot more time on writing them years ago compared to now, as I feel my time could be better spent doing other things, plus I'm not sure how interested readers are in them. Based upon my completely unscientific viewings of other Blogs, images of painted figures tend to get more hits and responses that AAR's.

    Finally I do read all ot the comments from other visitors to your Blog and to other Blogs too. The 'conversation' is part and parcel of the enjoyment IMHO.

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    1. I forgot to mention that I find it hard to orientate the picture of the action with its position on the board, due to the hexes, as they all look the same as it were. A non-hexed board I find much easier to follow, such as the big SYW battle you did a year or so ago. Hope this makes sense?

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    2. Thanks, Steve! All good feedback. Interesting that you find the hexes disorienting. I wonder if that is common? I will work on improving that facet of the battle account. Really useful critique!

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  5. I'm a "3", but that's because I'm superficial :) Great content as always, Jonathan! Regards, Dean

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    1. Very funny, Dean! At least you drop in, quickly read, and sometimes leave a comment!

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  6. Usually a 1 I like to look for ideas and how rules work even if it is a period I don’t game

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  7. I'm a 3 Jonathan. I'm in the 'picture worth a 1000 words' corner. Detailed battle reports, blow by blow and I glaze over quickly. I enjoy text and picture combo giving me a feel for how the game unfolded.

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    1. Thanks, David! Are my text/picture combo reports satisfactory or eye-glazing over?

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  8. To merit a close read, it probably needs at least two out of three of: 1) a period I'm interested in; 2) rules I'm familiar with; and 3) participants who I know. Anything else, I most likely skim and have a look at the pictures unless something particularly catches my attention.

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    1. Good feedback, Norman! Thank you and I appreciate seeing a comment from you.

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    2. Very similar in my own case, Jonathan. If it’s a period I’m super-keen on then it’s a 1.
      Less keen on the era, then it’s a 2,3,4 or maybe a 5. Occasionally 6 (!). …yeah, I know, how vague can I possibly get….🙃.
      I enjoy your blog very much, but my attention to the finer detail varies by period/subject matter.

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    3. Thanks, Martin! Now, I just need to figure out which periods interest you.

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  9. Depends on the time I have available and the period being played, so anywhere between 1 to 4. Mostly 1.

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    1. Excellent! When one follows many blogs, having time to properly devote to them all is a challenge. I know very well from experience. I appreciate when you find the time to visit and comment here.

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    2. It's a great blog to visit, always a good read on a variety of periods

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  10. relevant considerations by the author of the best battle reports I've read: https://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com/2022/04/how-i-write-chain-of-command-game-report.html

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    1. Thank you for the link! I agree that these are good considerations. From my position of game host umpiring a remote game with as many as a half-dozen remote players, stopping to take notes and specific photos is a luxury I do not have. Perhaps akin to "meatball" surgery, my battle reports are "meatball" battle reports. That is, they are constructed on the fly with what time and materials are readily at hand. Often, it is a difficult juggling act.

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    2. I was thinking less of the technical points made, & more the discussion of how to engage/inform a reader

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    3. I appreciate your clarification. Identify yourself!

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  11. As others have noted, there are at play that have a significant impact- first among them for me is time available, followed by interest/knowledge of the period, figure scale (if i see anyone post a 54mm report, I will give it attention), and rules (I often mention rules in my own reports, in case someone is looking for examples of a particular rule set. I know in my case, that is how I often decide to purchase a set as opposed to only reading reviews). So, for me, 5 is probably the default setting my brain is on, adjusting for the other factors. Which in the end means anywhere from 1 to 7, which is a completely unhelpful response!

    FWIW, a guaranteed read for me are reports of your games with others if I see they've posted about the same game. In that case, the odds greatly increase that I'm likely to read both accounts in detail - I enjoy seeing the overlap and the different impressions of the game, even if I don't know anything about the period (which is most periods if I'm being honest about everything).

    Also, while I might not read every battle report in detail, or at all even, your blog is one of the few where even if I don't read the post, I often will read the comments (Norm's is the other that comes to mind). You both have lively comments sections, and I enjoy reading what everyone shares about what they get from your posts.

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    1. With a rating of ‘1 to 7’ you are certainly covering the spectrum of options. Settling in at a ‘5’ seems a reasonable compromise and I will take that. At least you knew I write battle reports. I enjoy seeing battle accounts from different players’ perspectives too.

      I have long thought that the most interesting and thoughtful stuff happens in the commentary too. I like to think that I set the table for discussion and see what happens.

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  12. For me it is a bit of a mix of 1,3 and 5, depending on the time available and my interest in the period. Many a good idea can be gleaned from other people's games.

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    1. Thanks, Mark! Good ideas and enjoyable tales are generously given up by battle report authors.

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  13. Mostly it's 3 or 5. If the topic is mine, maybe 1. However, I agree with Steve about hexes - they are unusual for me.

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    1. Thanks, Valentine! I will work on a solution to make hex games more accessible.

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    2. Also, the Yushite figurines themselves are of great importance to me. The quality of the sculpture, painting, close-up photos. I can return to favorite views many times later. And one more thing... you need to take into account that not all of your subscribers are Anglo-Saxons and read the text in translation. Sincerely.

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    3. On the translation issue, what do you suggest?

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  14. Steve J pretty much covered it for me to, except that I don’t find hexes disorienting. These days I as often as not read blogs on my phone and sometimes flicking between text and pictures is a pain in the butt, but that’s my choice of tech.
    One other thing to add, is that when I read affects how much attention a post gets (yours or anyone else’s). If I’m tired it is harder to maintain interest.
    I’m rules agnostic when it comes to reading AARs. Unless the rules have an innovative mechanism, I’d rather read something that doesn’t let the rules intrude, unless it’s to say X had very bad luck with dice rolls.
    All the best
    Chris/Nundanket

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    1. Thanks for weighing in on your thoughts and preferences. I understand the hour of the day issue too. If initially too tired to read, I make a note to return to the BatRep.

      Like you, I prefer that rules’ mechanisms do not dominate the action and retelling of the battle.

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  15. Between 1 and 4 here depending on the time and or place I see the post and the period being played, though I go back to 1 most times. Your reports are succinct and aided by the photos convey the course of the game admirably. I also come back to the post to read other folks comments.

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    1. Thank you, Phil! Your comments always provide much encouragement.

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  16. A picture is worth a thousand words so it’s either 1 or 3 for me depending on available time and my mood! Other readers’ comments? Yes, definitely, I read most if not all. To me it’s one of the nicest facets of blogging - the interaction between fellow gamers from different countries all united under this wonderful common hobby.
    As for rules, I agree not going into detailed mechanics as readers might not be familiar with the set used. It also serves to avoid discussion on specific mechanics. This is not a bad thing per se, but gamers sometimes tend to get passionate on certain topics and discussions could go on and on and on……….

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    1. Thanks, Mike! Either a full read or a look at the photos and a skim of the text. Given time constraints we all suffer, a '3' is a reasonable solution. Happy to see that reader commentary draws your attention too. I am firmly in your camp. I agree that in most situations, the less said about the rules the better unless, of course, a reader asks a question. Your feedback always appreciated!

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  17. I start off at 3, and if it is an AAR that really grabs me then go back and reread it again. The ones that particularly interest me are those with new rulesets or periods that are topical for me, either because I have just painted an army of that era or am thinking about getting into a new ruleset or period. For example your ACW reports have taken on additional relevance for me and I have gone back and looked through a few as I am thinking about taking the plunge, especially as my lead pile is now looking dangerously low at around forty or fifty unpainted armies.

    I suppose one of the other considerations of AARs is who they are actually written for. While the casual reader may draw inspiration from what others are doing, I think it is a great thing for the participants of a game to go back over and reminisce as to what happened. My ancient group must play twenty plus games a year and most of them have drifted off into distant memory. It always makes me laugh when one of us says something like "Do you remember the time when such and such happened", only for the others to look blankly at them. Every time someone suggests taking a few pictures of games for posterity though there are normally cries to just get on with it. From the perspective of being able to recall past glories and exciting games for the participants alone I think AARs are therefore worthwhile.

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    1. A rating of '3' seems to be a default for many who have joined the conversation, thus far. I agree that photos may trump text but, for me, a photo without context is not as meaningful. I tend to get bored quickly looking at game photos without a text to drive the narrative.

      You ask a good question. To whom do we write our battle reports? I reckon that answer is personal and every writer has their own motivation. Chronicling past battlefield deeds is a good reason to press on with this time-honored tradition.

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    2. I'm sorry but I can't get past the phrase" lead pile getting low, only forty or fifty unpainted armies "! I might have ten , at a push but fifty? Wow!
      Best Iain

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    3. Yeah, I stumbled on that revelation too.

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  18. I do read all your battle reports. I've always enjoyed reading about other folk's games. I do agree though that just seeing a huge number of pics of a game with no narrative of what is happening, I skim thru those pretty fast.

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    1. Thanks! I may not know who you are but we are in agreement that photos need some narrative!

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    2. Oh I forgot - I read the comments sections always. And also should have identified myself.

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  19. Hey Jon. As you are asking specifically about YOUR reports, I would say I am between 1 and 2. Hanging on every word is a bit of an overstatement, but I definitely always read your reports in totality. If anything, it's the photos I look at quickly and skim over some!
    This is a tribute to your reporting style and the narrative flow of the prose. I do see other reports that seem to go on for many thousands of words and unless it's a blog I regularly visit, I normally don't persevere with those.
    I don't know what my own style is...mainly, I think, it's just a series of images (probably far too many given how I treat other people's images!) with a brief one liner under each. I suppose sometimes I do over explain the mechanics...probably when I like how they work and want to share them with the group.
    Finally, I hope this research is not prompted by a nascent idea of quitting battke reporting .... We don't want any of that kind of talk!

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    1. Thanks, Keith! For some, unknown reason your post went straight into SPAM. Very odd. Usually you skate right on through any barriers.

      Very good to see you cluster around a ‘1’ or ‘2’ in the battle report reading. I appreciate that very much. Sometimes the comments on battle report posts make me wonder if the narratives are actually read.

      I appreciate your support and encouragement. Like you, if the reports are too long, I may give up reading it.

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    2. Hmmm - I was going to ask if you had upgraded your operating system or something Jon, as I had LOTS of trouble both publishing this comment (I did not think it had actually worked) as well as trying to reply to one of your comments on my blog. All the attempts were using my 10–15-year-old iPad on a very old OS - often, I get a message from a website I am trying to visit, saying my OS is no longer supported - so I am guessing that was the issue here!
      This reply is using a laptop of about half the age and, as far as I know, on the latest OS, so it seems to work, albeit starting the thing up can be a bit frustrating as it takes a couple of minutes get going after I log in!

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    3. This comment of yours came through with no issue.

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  20. I tend to be a 1 , unless I lose interest in which case I'll skim and look at yhe pictures, but mostly a 1 definitely on Norms and yours as they're clear with enough information but not too much! Norm has a bit more specific rules details which I always find interesting even if it's a period I'm not super interested. I like a report that gives me a general idea and feel without excessive minutiae, although I'm always interested in rules comparisons as like John above I'm as likely to be influenced by a blog to get a rule set as a magazine article, possibly more so, another area Norm scores highly for me, I like to read the comments as it feels as if we are all part of the conversation which I think is positive and occasionally I've got more out of the comments than the original post! My battle reports sre I'm afraid fast and dirty affairs rapidly thrown together but trying to get the essence of the game, sorry for rambling on but please continue to post your AARS!
    Best Iain

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    1. No need to apologize. This was an excellent ramble and a useful critique too! Thank you!

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  21. If the period interests me I'll read through all the text and look at all the pictures; for other reports I'm more a 3 or 4, although even then if it somehow grabs me I'll delve deeper into it. I like your reports for their detail and many pictures, and can appreciate that they take a lot of effort. I think it's worth it but I don't have to make all that effort! I'm sorry I don't often comment these days but I do lurk a lot and do always look at whatever you post, however cursorily in some cases...

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    1. Thanks, David, for adding in your thoughts! One day, I will return to your most favorited period of 18th Century warfare. Coming in at a '3' or '4' is good enough. There is never a compulsion to comment but I enjoy seeing your avatar pop up in the comments section.

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  22. Hi Jonathan, for survey purposes I am a 3 mostly.

    You do write very well so the text is easy to read but I do agree with Steve J that a photo of the board from the same angle at the start of each turn makes things easier to follow.
    But in the end I think you should write how you please as you are the one putting in all the effort and none of us are paying you 😊
    Thanks for all the effort you put into your blog.

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    1. Much appreciated, Ben. For remote games, I try to take an overhead screenshot at the beginning of each turn but rarely use it in the write-up. I will try to include these overview photos more frequently.

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  23. Usually a 5 old fruit, but since I’ve usually played in the more recent games it’s become a 1 as I anxiously scan the text for a favourable mention. Lol

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    1. Thanks, JBM! I guess I need to name-drop more often!

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  24. If the game takes place in a genre/period/setting that I like, and/or is a game in the style and/or scope that I like, and I have time, I'm likely a 1.

    If any of the above parameters aren't met, then I'm closer to a 3, though I will sometimes get caught up in the thing, an read it through anyway.

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    1. Thank you, Sir! I need to work on drawing you from a '3' to a '1' when it is not your favorite period.

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  25. 1, but I find a lot of the photo's on battle reports on the web are just close ups or no actual discussion of what's happening...or WHY. Why did they send the cav to the right flank? Why attack that building? Why have X unit in Y position in Z army list? I wish I could read more that described the tactical and stratagic thinking.

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    1. Good point on wanting to know the reason why. In many of my remote games, I am simply the facilitator, figure mover, and adjudicator. My battle reports from these games present a broad overview of the battle. Hopefully, without bias and without interjecting what I would have done differently. Since I am no mind reader, I leave it to the players, themselves, to discuss tactical and strategic motivations.

      In games where I am an active participant, I will attempt to work these motivations into the narrative.

      I appreciate your feedback. Now, how about letting us know who you are?

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  26. Great post Jonathan

    I reckon I am probably a 3, although sometimes I read the summary to see what the result was.

    When I do a report I think I focus most on describing the actual event - especially as I love to choose slightly obscure clashes to recreate on the table! I am well aware that most people will just scroll through the photos which is why I always caption them so the game can be read a bit like a comic strip. I am not a rules guy but I always include any special mechanics and the forces used just in case anyone wants to give the game a try or use it as a base from which to write their own scenario.

    That's the beauty of this hobby - there is so much freedom in how we go about it.

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    1. Thanks, Oli! You are in good company at a '3'.

      Your battle reports are much more than a simple accounting of the battle. Your entries are long-form articles themselves with a battle account included. You do provide the necessary ingredients to replicate the battle on the table. With some players in my games wanting to have limited intelligence, I tend to refrain from publishing scenario details for these larger, multiplayer, remote games. That way, my games can be repeatable without loss of mystery.

      Your comprehensive battle reports are at a much different level than my more rapid fire accounts.

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  27. An interesting post that covers a question that must be important to every blogger and subconsciously applies to every reader / consumer / blogger.

    I do a lot of coverage of other peoples blogs and would put myself in the 3 - 5 group. One issue is that even before you you open up the computer / pad / phone, you likely already have more reading material across the board than you can cope with.

    Therefore for a careful read and possibly a re-read or revisit, the topic has to press the right button. This is even before we get started.

    Every blogger is writing about something that is special to them and hoping that an audience or slice of audience feels the same way, but on its own, that is not enough. Volume is competing with time, attention and interest.

    For me, I think the most successful AAR reporting from the Palouse blog comes when the text is embedded in the pictures. The text becomes relevant to the photo and the limited space begs for concise reporting (says he - yes, I get the irony in that observation :-)).

    But I realise that this is perhaps the most time consuming way to present a blog and bloggers time is already an under-appreciated facet of the internet.

    My own blogging style ebbs too and fro, but currently, I like to open with discussion about the situation, the rules, the pros and cons of the game. As I am often dealing with boardgames that can be quite different from each other, this has its own value to some, but will make others yawn.

    I have come to understand that if using this template, then there is not enough space left for a detailed replay …. And do people really want that.

    My approach to the second half of the post is to tell the tale of the whole game, but to do it by highlighting certain notable moments of play and these might often example particular points of the rules / system.

    Either way, I suspect that my posts are still too log and that most readers to my site would be in the 3 category or disappear after reading the first paragraph, but these days, I am okay with that, I feel that my articles are broad enough that different folk are taking different parts out of it.

    The important thing is to be comfortable with that. My next post is already written up and scheduled to be posted Sunday morning to give me change to get some photos done.

    it is more of an information post and it opens recognising that most folk will not be interested and invites them NOT to feel any compulsion to comment.

    I am probably more comfortable than ever that I can do what I do and I do it as a sort of general information service without needing recognition, though as some kind folk have already mentioned, the blog does tend to attract another level of commentary that become interesting in its own right.

    I suspect that with your level of activity with zoom at a high level, that much of your content is to recognise and support those gamers who have given of their time to join your table and yours is an accurate account with them in mind.

    It is likely the case that each repeat game is of particular interest to those who played, but I wonder whether the wider audience loses some interest as a battle gets it fourth reporting, though some readers do like ‘compare’ posts.

    You are also an avid supporter of other peoples blogs and it seen only natural that that is reciprocated - though it still as you rightly ask, begs the question as to what level do they interact with your content.

    Sorry for the length of this reply. :-)

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    1. Thanks, Norm! You always offer up a very informative response. Your writing reminds me of the old series of early, Zork computer text games with Max Verbosity always engaged.

      You and I have been at this long enough to realize that blog content sustainability and engagement requires the blogger to settle into a pattern that works for the author and, as you say, is "comfortable".

      I tried embedding text descriptions within photos for a while as an experiment. That direction was shelved (never say never again) since I was introducing typos into the text as permanent fixtures and it takes a lot longer. Interesting that you recommend this approach yet do not do it yourself!

      As for the Law of Diminishing Returns regarding scenario replays, I get that. Some enjoy seeing a scenario repeated; others do not. That is OK and I am comfortable with this direction even if commentary drops off precipitously.

      I offered up this informal survey as a means to gauge battle report engagement. If most readers prefer a photo montage only, well, that may be a path I take.

      Thanks again for taking time to respond. Always much appreciated.

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  28. I think '5' is my most common approach but all of the options between 1 and 7 get applied sometimes. I honestly think I am a more important factor in this than you - it mostly reflects how busy/pre-occupied I am, I think. The period and suchlike maybe make a bit of a difference, but nothing that even approaches a rule. In more general terms, I actually like battle reports that dig into the probabilities and rules optimizations and suchlike; I like battle reports when the battle is part of a campaign; I like battle reports which are historical refights or (up to a point) refights of iconic wargames scenarios - a game is the meeting point of players, rules, scenario and history, so I like it when the relationship of those things is teased out.

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    1. Hitting a '5' is really a reasonable target. A quick skim through the battle report with a pause at the end for the conclusion is often enough to determine if the report is worth your time especially when time is at a premium.

      I enjoy discussing probabilities and optimization too but not everyone does. These statistical diversions can bog down a battle report or have it lose its way. I am happy to discuss statistics, mathematical optimization, and probabilities with anyone, any time!

      I prefer historical refights but seldom conduct any campaigns. On a game as a meeting point, one facet I enjoy seeing teased out is a battle report from different player perspectives. Not everyone experiences battle in the same way.

      Your comments much appreciated!

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  29. Like everyone, it depends. I'd say most reports I do read the whole thing and check out all the pictures. If it is a period I'm not very interested in or not very visually appealing, then skimming becomes the mode.

    I write plenty of battle repost myself, and can attest that they can be quite time consuming. I will do a blow bt blow account for new rules, otherwise the narrative largely follows the pictures. Some games, some creative writing comes into the narrative. :-)

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    1. Peter, as in many things, the answer is often, “it depends.” I am no different.

      Writing battle reports can consume a lot of time. Do you ever wonder if they are worth the effort? Especially in light of creating your long, multi-part blow-by-blow accounts. You make stuff up?

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  30. A combination of 2, 4 and 5 Jonathan. I think that it would be fair to say that if the battle is in a period of interest then I am more likely to tend towards a 1. I am more likely to skim photos as I often find it difficult to see how they relate to the narrative unless there are some arrows etc on the image to highlight the movements, charges and melees.
    I should also add that I have limited how many blogs I regularly view otherwise I would never actually engage in the hobby on a painting and gaming level.
    I enjoy a strong narrative approach to the reports. However, I do derive a lot of pleasure out of people commenting on the game's mechanics. Though I understand how the latter is can be more time consuming.

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    1. Thanks, Richard! With several responses suggesting a tendency toward ‘5’, I need to work on strengthening my end game wrap-up. Usually, by the time I finish off the actual battle account, I am exhausted. The resulting summary can be shallow. A stronger summary may prompt more readers to back track and try again from the top.

      Limiting the number of blogs followed is a reasonable direction to take especially if this activity is interfering with actual Wargaming. Still, hard to cut back on this for me. I have been reading many of these blogs for years and feel a binding, unwritten social contract exists to keep at it. Besides, I enjoy seeing what these bloggers are tackling in their hobby lives. It is always a juggling act for time.

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  31. Another interesting post, as indicated by the number and variety of responses, and replies to those responses.

    Approximately 300 reports is an impressive total. Given your experience with and passion for data and its analysis, it is somewhat surprising that you do not have an exact figure. (There's a "counterargument" which might suggest that around 300 pieces of evidence is not really enough from which to draw conclusions or ideas.)

    With regard to battle reports, I wonder if you are aware of this post from another accomplished blogger: https://prufrockian-gleanings.blogspot.com/2018/09/a-taxonomy-of-battle-reports.html

    It's a list that I have often referenced and thought about. I have thought about drafting a related list, exploring why one writes reports.

    Sorry that I have not weighed in with a specific answer to your question re the number scale.

    With respect to your "big question," it seems that it could be interpreted as rhetorical. Are you really going to consider the responses and voting. from others? Isn't this "big question" one that you have to answer, or are the only one who can come up with an answer? Related to this, have you noticed any change or evolution in your format and style of writing and posting reports? Have you considered revamping your approach and trying something completely different, something "outside the box" and so, outside your comfort zone?

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    1. Excellent critique my unnamed friend! Really, you ought to identify yourself. From your prose, I have a hunch who lurks behind the cloak of anonymity.

      My report count at around 300 was an estimate based upon the count shown in the labels sidebar. There are reports that were never published and some may have been misclassified.

      I vaguely recall Aaron's piece. Sure enough. Looking at it again, I actually commented on it too. Where do my BatReps fall? Perhaps all over the place!

      I labeled this post as "Ramblings" for a reason. I am still gathering data as I sit on the fence as to the role of battle reports in our hobby and if mine contribute to the body at all. Collecting the artifacts, editing, and writing each battle report is a time-consuming undertaking. Taking this this informal poll helps to gauge interest and any modicum of value. My hobby time could be reallocated more effectively as a result. Of course, I must answer the question myself. Few activities develop in isolation. Should writing a battle report and chronicling the game be reward enough? Yes, it is. If they are continued, it may be useful to adapt and adjust to readership preferences too.

      Has my reporting style evolved over time? Certainly. It meanders quite a bit too. As for trying something completely different, did you miss my battle report written entirely as poetry?

      Again, thoughtful critique. Keep 'em coming but don't remain a stranger.

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  32. Whoa, late to the party I see. I was away with the family for the weekend. I know I’m not really late to anything but as your number 2 commentator I felt I had to explain… 😊
    So really? Honestly? 6.5 I really do not enjoy blog battle reports. It’s one of the few things that youtube does better. I get that they take forever and are hard to write (which is why I don’t do them), so I always say something nice in the comments. I do tend to read the comments kinda. I do read the set up for the scenario (if there is one) because I like scenario design., otherwise I just look at the pictures which I do like (who doesn’t like a handsome miniature game?) and maybe read a sentence or two, but otherwise, that’s it. This is mainly because most AARs I read / skim do not provide nearly enough detail to show me what actually happened during the game. Which is honestly really only achieved by showing a top down view of the table with units labeled and a bunch of arrows. Pics of a section of a battlefield are pretty but usually without context, so are just static photos. Even when people (like you) show a good set up with areas labeled and units labeled and write out who is who as deployed; once it’s turn 3 all that is lost in my mind, and I doubt anyone scrolls back to re-orientate. I don’t. So folks will show a great looking pic and say “General Ney advances toward to ridge where the enemy awaits!” and I think “what ridge? “ “Whose Ney?” And I usually cannot tell which is side is which from the pictures. I can for ACW and WWII. But Naps? Ancients? ECW? No idea who is who. And people usually don’t go through the trouble of labeling each picture; that would be a lot of editing. And I actually do like hearing about the game mechanics when they are mentioned.
    Some people really do go into the effort to do all that but I don’t see why. They’ll get the same response from ‘the readership’ if they spent 20 hours writing the ARR or 2 hours. And honestly unless its a ruleset or genre I’m interested in I don’t wanna read a super detailed report anyway, and I’ll skim it.
    Really I just read it enough to find something nice to say; and look at the choice pictures.
    Like everyone, involvement increases when ‘relevant to my interests’; genre I like, people I like, bloggers I like, etc..
    This is ALL personal preferences of course and I should not be taken seriously. My game reports follow my preferences and are usually a short bit about the set up, 3-4 short paragraphs that are honestly more about the people playing or stupid jokes than about the actual game, and some pretty pictures. More than that even I am bored with it and I’m the one that experienced it.
    I don’t want to be discouraging for you or anyone. Plus AARs are kinda a staple of the ‘lookit’ posts we all do. I rather have an AAR from my favorite bloggers than nothing. It’s kinda one of the ways we all stay in touch.
    Hopefully that made some sort of sense.

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    1. Stew, you made perfect sense, clearly, and you are never late to the party. I reckon you wanted to put the exclamation point to the end of the discussion.

      Your reply leaves little doubt to where you stand on battle reports. No doubt! Although we enter into a quasi-social contract with blog interaction, no one should ever feel compelled to comment just as a courtesy. Watch my comment count plummet now!

      Now, every time you comment on a battle report, I will wonder...

      Thanks for your honesty and insights. Aways appreciated.

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    2. knew I should said NOTHIN. Now every comment I write is gonna be suspect....😊

      I wouldn't exactly call them 'courtesy comments,' though that does have a nice ring to it, lets just say there are only certain parts of an ARR that I actually focus on. But mostly I am still down with people sharing their enjoyment and enthusiasm with this little hobby by sharing the games we play together. 😁

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    3. Stew, only comments on BatReps will be scrutinized in this manner...

      Taken from my bio byline,
      It is not enough to accomplish. You must share those accomplishments.
      This is what we do through our blogging.

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    4. I know Jon is keen on promoting a blogger community and, in a community, you do tend to exchange chit chat, not just have deep analytical conversations. So, to be positive, "courtesy posts" are about strengthening community relations and, therefore a "good thing".

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    5. I agree, Anthony! Good but not required.

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  33. I'm a 1 if the setting interests me; since I'm interested in a lot of different periods and settings, that means most of the time. Sometimes I'm a 2 or 3, depending on how good the writing or pictures are.

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    1. I like seeing a '1'! If you are new here, please look back through recent BatReps and let me know if you find anything of interest and of acceptable quality.
      Please identify yourself.

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  34. Normally a 1, sometimes a 2, I prefer the words though I realise it can take a long time to write up. The pictures can be difficult to tie into the action, especially for unfamiliar/similar troops which way are we looking? which side is which? etc. However, even without context, it is great to see pictures of games and link them to the obvious enthusiasm. John

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    1. Thanks, John! I like to see someone preferring the written word and to see you actually read the entire battle report. Super!

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  35. As usual I'm very VERY late to this conversation... I'm somewhere between 1 and 2. I usually read your battle reports fully although there may be occasions when I skim a little bit (like when I'm reading them at work and pretending I'm working!). The same can't be said for other blogs batreps though. It all depends on the writing ability of the author, and the quality of the photo's. Your's are some of the best and deserve the time and attention, but sadly not every blogger has your penmanship.

    I follow a lot of blogs (400+ at last count) and I couldn't possibly read every word of every post published. Not if I want time to do any painting and gaming myself! So I have a core set of must read blogs, which I follow religiously, and the rest I scan for interesting content when I get time. Your blog is on the former list of course. 😉

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    1. Hi Lee! You are never too late to join into the conversation. I appreciate your very kind and encouraging comments. Thank you!

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  36. I range from studying the report like a religious document to barely skimming thrugh it, depending on how much it matches my interests and preference, and depending on available time.

    That may not sound very encouraging, but I hope you continue to write reports, as you write some darned good stuff, and I probably miss out on a bunch more good stuff here, due to the narowness of my interests.

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    1. Thanks! Hopefully, I will publish something of interest to you occasionally? Have you considered expanding your interests?

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