I came to the hobby independently as one of the many who found a Grant or Featherstone book in the library in the 1970s. Gaming was with schoolfriends. Did not join a club till early 1990s. Initial experience was that the club members were very absorbed in their own periods and not particularly welcome new members, but they did not stop us using the facilities for our own games. My attitude to potential new recruits is to ask them questions about their interests an point them to games I know might fit their needs. Never try to force someone to play your way!
Gotta admit, when I first looked into wargaming 10 or 15 years ago, my efforts were foiled just by the combination of my social awkwardness and the social awkwardness of the staff of the various stores I went into. I guess in a way I did, maybe unfairly, expect a [positive] "gatekeeper" to greet me and explain everything I needed to know. Content creators on UA-cam ended up properly explaining and introducing wargames to me, and that's directly what gave me the resolve to go out, buy some rules and miniatures, and get started in earnest.
But if they're welcoming gatekeepers, then they're not really gatekeepers, but rather hosts/hostesses welcoming guests. The trouble with guests is that they can trash the party, lower property values, and overstay their welcome. Manner maketh the wargamer.
I came across this fantastic hobby through my History teacher at High School, he ran an after school club. The only trouble was that I didn’t fully grasp on what Wargaming was back then. The other members were a bit off Standish with me, so only ever went to two of the sessions. The next time I encountered a “Gatekeeper” was at the Halifax Wargames Club, who welcomed me & my gaming buddy with open arms. So I’ve had a mixed bag of experiences over the years.
Came to the hobby at School with a number of friends in the 70’s, we were fortunate that my History Teacher was one of the old school gamers, Dave Millward, who used his own extensive collection to introduce us to a wide variety of periods, from 25mm to Micro, to RPG with his own Heroes ruleset. We then became regulars at his Birmingham Wargames club. He was most definitely an enabler, and a sad loss when he passed recently.
I held off for a while joining my local club as I was a bit worried about gate keepers. However, I should not have worried as they have gone out of their way to include me.
Once again some true, wise words. In most conventions everybody is welcome. Personally, I also find our social niche to be relatively tending and welcoming. The changes in social environment is also casting its shadows on us as we are a part of society, but so far this has only been noticeable in consumer behaviour. Our arms are still open... if they are not filled with packages. 😉 📦
I played flames of war with my good friend from Colorado over the Internet and I really enjoyed it. He said why don't you join a gaming club in the UK. After a search on the net I found a local club I sent them a message asking if I could attend one of there gaming evenings I had no response what so ever which put me off. After in forming my friend, he said try again which I did and found a fantastic club and guys who bent over backwards making me welcome . So you can say they have a great gamekeeper 😊
Like many, I got into wargaming in its' heyday of the 60s-70s when there were on such things as 'gatekeepers'. I have run into those who are pedantic about various aspects of the hobby, & those who are just out to encourage the newbie - avoid the former & embrace the latter. I have run into newbies who have had to be 'shown the door' due to their attitudes as well. Generally though, most wargamers are into it for the joy of the hobby, are about helping the newbie; just be careful not to overwhelm them with your enthusiasm & knowledge - let them discover the knowledge at their own pace. But there are some introspective types who just want to immerse themselves in their genre/period & ignore the newcomer, which is detrimental to the hobby
Having people whose whole vibe is to enthusiastically help newbies into the hobby is a welcome redefining of what gatekeeping is. The only utility for the negative variation of the term would be to filter out people who are actively and aggressively toxic and harmful to the hobby and player base(if the table-flipping slur enthusiast is sent packing, odds are that makes for a much happier environment for everyone who is there for the intended purpose: to have fun). I'm gonna have to alert other communities to this idea because it needs to spread, because its a good idea.
Agree. In an rpg club i was a member of there was a guy who ran an after school program for boys in the bad end of town, he did a lot of work for those kids and among others, invited them to see the club. Gave a really good vibe in the club and started a culture of inviting in new people and teaching them the basics.
As soon as there's a whiff of interest, nerds can sometimes inundate a newcomer with a barrage of questions and unsolicited advice. There might not have been an intention to close the gate there - quite the opposite! - but it still makes the hobby seem way more intimidating and involved than it needs to be. Like, "You've painted a space marine? How cute! When you're ready for a real game, you should definitely try De Bellis Snobis Complexitus. Just make sure you paint the cufflinks right!" Of course, that enthusiasm is usually fabulous otherwise ^_^
I suspect that those who would wish to gatekeep do so to give themselves a sense of power, we need mentors and conduits to bring anyone into the hobby.
Definitely. We can all enjoy the hobby, promote our ideas, share advice and make recommendations but we should never make the assumption that our way is the only correct way of enjoying the hobby. Just because I've been gaming for over 40 years doesn't mean my style of wargaming is any better or worse than any other old Grognard or newbie.
This is really funny as never saw myself as anything negative as a gatekeeper. To me a gatekeeper is someone who holds the door open and not shut. I have learned something today... i suppose i think of gateway games showing a way into the hobby, therefore tge gatekeeper provides said games. To be fair i have met people who have told me i had the wrong colour blue on some 6mm French. I classed them as an annoying Pain in the A**e. 😂
Back in a club i played in there was a story about a buy who had shown up and refused to play another player whos army was not painted all the way through. The guy had left and never came back, when i joined a decade later that story would still be told at the Christmas party.
I think the best way to go about it is not to treat what you like as universal, but instead network in the hobby space to learn about different groups and see what do they enjoy. This way if you find somebody who is courious about the hobby but maybe does not like mass battles like you, you can direct that person to a group dealing in skirmish games. Maybe somedoby has limited space so you can give advice on systems that work with smaller tables and unit counts. And then maybe somebody will do the same for you.
Every time a gamer says "no thank you" to a game, they have done some gatekeeping, or try to correct or influence someone. The issue with Gatekeepers is that they have two jobs. One is to mind the health of the game community, but another is to open the gates for newcomers and give instructions and guide the new ones. Not just set boundaries, but also inform of norms and what to expect and what is polite.
Well said! Why not welcome and encourage interested parties into the hobby and provide any guidance or help they might need to rope 'em in? They used to call that "Elmering" in the amateur radio (HAM) hobby.
Are there really that many gatekeepers around? There may be some on discussion boards arguing what colours and how many stripes and buttons a figure should have but I have never come across one in person. And there are societies like the SOA (Society of Ancients) that argue historical points and there are probably others for different eras/wargame periods. Obviously, this can be bewildering for a new comer and seem confrontational and off-putting. Are these gatekeepers prevent inclusion more anecdotal than reality these days?
When thinking back I have not witnessed a situation where some one have been gatekept out of the hobby, since I started out in late 80s. Closest thing was a hand full who ran a campaign and did not want more players. Unfortunately i have seen a situation where i wished we had gatekept. Activists overran a club, some of them even started squatting there, and treated people horrible. We lost a few grognards when it was finally over. People might have had some mental problems, and had visited the club for decades. Was never the same afterwards.
@sumerandaccad halfway homeless youths who wanted to protest against anything, so they can have communism, instead of doing something useful and get real change.
I don't think that keeping the gates completely open at all times is a good idea for the hobby. By all means welcome newcomers to the hobby, but that shouldn't come at the cost of letting the bad actors in as well to potentially cause harm to hobbyists and to the hobby.
I guess a start to define a wargames club, is to define who wargamers think they are on the social scale. There are rule snobs, painting standard snobs, even miniature company snobs. Pick through that lot first.
No to any barriers when I start to game. And most of your subject matter creating labels is also anti to getting new player to join in. Trying to create a 'category' for players is also a product of social media.
Agree. But often think the biggest barrier is people not knowing the hobby is out there. In the nineties there was this day were all the clubs of area would set up shop in a sports arena and children from the local schools would pass by. It was mostly sports, but my gaming club was there aswell and every year we would have a new member or two.
I came to the hobby independently as one of the many who found a Grant or Featherstone book in the library in the 1970s. Gaming was with schoolfriends. Did not join a club till early 1990s. Initial experience was that the club members were very absorbed in their own periods and not particularly welcome new members, but they did not stop us using the facilities for our own games. My attitude to potential new recruits is to ask them questions about their interests an point them to games I know might fit their needs. Never try to force someone to play your way!
Gotta admit, when I first looked into wargaming 10 or 15 years ago, my efforts were foiled just by the combination of my social awkwardness and the social awkwardness of the staff of the various stores I went into. I guess in a way I did, maybe unfairly, expect a [positive] "gatekeeper" to greet me and explain everything I needed to know. Content creators on UA-cam ended up properly explaining and introducing wargames to me, and that's directly what gave me the resolve to go out, buy some rules and miniatures, and get started in earnest.
But if they're welcoming gatekeepers, then they're not really gatekeepers, but rather hosts/hostesses welcoming guests. The trouble with guests is that they can trash the party, lower property values, and overstay their welcome. Manner maketh the wargamer.
I seen get the feeling you have worked your way onto the committee.
I came across this fantastic hobby through my History teacher at High School, he ran an after school club. The only trouble was that I didn’t fully grasp on what Wargaming was back then. The other members were a bit off Standish with me, so only ever went to two of the sessions. The next time I encountered a “Gatekeeper” was at the Halifax Wargames Club, who welcomed me & my gaming buddy with open arms. So I’ve had a mixed bag of experiences over the years.
Came to the hobby at School with a number of friends in the 70’s, we were fortunate that my History Teacher was one of the old school gamers, Dave Millward, who used his own extensive collection to introduce us to a wide variety of periods, from 25mm to Micro, to RPG with his own Heroes ruleset. We then became regulars at his Birmingham Wargames club. He was most definitely an enabler, and a sad loss when he passed recently.
I held off for a while joining my local club as I was a bit worried about gate keepers. However, I should not have worried as they have gone out of their way to include me.
Once again some true, wise words. In most conventions everybody is welcome. Personally, I also find our social niche to be relatively tending and welcoming.
The changes in social environment is also casting its shadows on us as we are a part of society, but so far this has only been noticeable in consumer behaviour. Our arms are still open... if they are not filled with packages. 😉 📦
Thought you sounded under the weather. Feel better soon!
When I came to the hobby, 1972, there was not such a thing as gatekeepers, Not until Ghostbusters came out had I heard the phrase!
I played flames of war with my good friend from Colorado over the Internet and I really enjoyed it. He said why don't you join a gaming club in the UK. After a search on the net I found a local club I sent them a message asking if I could attend one of there gaming evenings I had no response what so ever which put me off.
After in forming my friend, he said try again which I did and found a fantastic club and guys who bent over backwards making me welcome . So you can say they have a great gamekeeper 😊
Like many, I got into wargaming in its' heyday of the 60s-70s when there were on such things as 'gatekeepers'. I have run into those who are pedantic about various aspects of the hobby, & those who are just out to encourage the newbie - avoid the former & embrace the latter. I have run into newbies who have had to be 'shown the door' due to their attitudes as well. Generally though, most wargamers are into it for the joy of the hobby, are about helping the newbie; just be careful not to overwhelm them with your enthusiasm & knowledge - let them discover the knowledge at their own pace.
But there are some introspective types who just want to immerse themselves in their genre/period & ignore the newcomer, which is detrimental to the hobby
Having people whose whole vibe is to enthusiastically help newbies into the hobby is a welcome redefining of what gatekeeping is. The only utility for the negative variation of the term would be to filter out people who are actively and aggressively toxic and harmful to the hobby and player base(if the table-flipping slur enthusiast is sent packing, odds are that makes for a much happier environment for everyone who is there for the intended purpose: to have fun). I'm gonna have to alert other communities to this idea because it needs to spread, because its a good idea.
Agree. In an rpg club i was a member of there was a guy who ran an after school program for boys in the bad end of town, he did a lot of work for those kids and among others, invited them to see the club. Gave a really good vibe in the club and started a culture of inviting in new people and teaching them the basics.
Great video! I’ve been paining IG and hobbying for years but never joined a group. Should nite the bullet one of these days. Thanks pal
As soon as there's a whiff of interest, nerds can sometimes inundate a newcomer with a barrage of questions and unsolicited advice. There might not have been an intention to close the gate there - quite the opposite! - but it still makes the hobby seem way more intimidating and involved than it needs to be. Like, "You've painted a space marine? How cute! When you're ready for a real game, you should definitely try De Bellis Snobis Complexitus. Just make sure you paint the cufflinks right!"
Of course, that enthusiasm is usually fabulous otherwise ^_^
I suspect that those who would wish to gatekeep do so to give themselves a sense of power, we need mentors and conduits to bring anyone into the hobby.
No to gate keeping, freedom to discover the hobby for yourself is the most important aspect. And most enjoyable one too.
Open the gates! 👏
Definitely. We can all enjoy the hobby, promote our ideas, share advice and make recommendations but we should never make the assumption that our way is the only correct way of enjoying the hobby. Just because I've been gaming for over 40 years doesn't mean my style of wargaming is any better or worse than any other old Grognard or newbie.
@@MiniatureAdventuresTV 💯 Hear, hear!
This is really funny as never saw myself as anything negative as a gatekeeper. To me a gatekeeper is someone who holds the door open and not shut. I have learned something today... i suppose i think of gateway games showing a way into the hobby, therefore tge gatekeeper provides said games. To be fair i have met people who have told me i had the wrong colour blue on some 6mm French. I classed them as an annoying Pain in the A**e. 😂
Back in a club i played in there was a story about a buy who had shown up and refused to play another player whos army was not painted all the way through. The guy had left and never came back, when i joined a decade later that story would still be told at the Christmas party.
I think the best way to go about it is not to treat what you like as universal, but instead network in the hobby space to learn about different groups and see what do they enjoy. This way if you find somebody who is courious about the hobby but maybe does not like mass battles like you, you can direct that person to a group dealing in skirmish games. Maybe somedoby has limited space so you can give advice on systems that work with smaller tables and unit counts. And then maybe somebody will do the same for you.
Every time a gamer says "no thank you" to a game, they have done some gatekeeping, or try to correct or influence someone.
The issue with Gatekeepers is that they have two jobs. One is to mind the health of the game community, but another is to open the gates for newcomers and give instructions and guide the new ones. Not just set boundaries, but also inform of norms and what to expect and what is polite.
Well said! Why not welcome and encourage interested parties into the hobby and provide any guidance or help they might need to rope 'em in? They used to call that "Elmering" in the amateur radio (HAM) hobby.
Well said, and get well soon! :)
Are there really that many gatekeepers around? There may be some on discussion boards arguing what colours and how many stripes and buttons a figure should have but I have never come across one in person. And there are societies like the SOA (Society of Ancients) that argue historical points and there are probably others for different eras/wargame periods. Obviously, this can be bewildering for a new comer and seem confrontational and off-putting. Are these gatekeepers prevent inclusion more anecdotal than reality these days?
When thinking back I have not witnessed a situation where some one have been gatekept out of the hobby, since I started out in late 80s. Closest thing was a hand full who ran a campaign and did not want more players.
Unfortunately i have seen a situation where i wished we had gatekept. Activists overran a club, some of them even started squatting there, and treated people horrible. We lost a few grognards when it was finally over. People might have had some mental problems, and had visited the club for decades. Was never the same afterwards.
@@andersand6576 What kind of activists?
@sumerandaccad halfway homeless youths who wanted to protest against anything, so they can have communism, instead of doing something useful and get real change.
Amen to that.
Be a guide as you open gates
I don't think that keeping the gates completely open at all times is a good idea for the hobby. By all means welcome newcomers to the hobby, but that shouldn't come at the cost of letting the bad actors in as well to potentially cause harm to hobbyists and to the hobby.
I guess a start to define a wargames club, is to define who wargamers think they are on the social scale. There are rule snobs, painting standard snobs, even miniature company snobs. Pick through that lot first.
No to any barriers when I start to game. And most of your subject matter creating labels is also anti to getting new player to join in. Trying to create a 'category' for players is also a product of social media.
Agree. But often think the biggest barrier is people not knowing the hobby is out there. In the nineties there was this day were all the clubs of area would set up shop in a sports arena and children from the local schools would pass by. It was mostly sports, but my gaming club was there aswell and every year we would have a new member or two.