Back in the saddle again
Wow! I take a week off to hibernate and look what happens... The "Nuge" ignites a media firestorm by wearing a Confederate flag shirt at Gov. Rick Perry’s inaugural ball, some politician in South Carolina re-ignites the battle over the display of the Southern Cross on government buildings, The Museum of the Confederacy is touring Lexington and preparing to pack up and go, The Free Lance-Star debuts its new “narrow” format, and my oldest daughter “refuses” an invitation for me to speak to her school’s history class who have just started "Virginia in the Civil War." The horror…

It’s not all bad news though, Eric Wittenberg is being honored by the Gettysburg Foundation (congrats), I completed the design for South River Books’ Limited Edition “Lee The Christian Hero” booklet which is being sold to raise money for Lee’s Chapel, the entire photo lot (65+ B&W pics) for “The Southern Cross” is ready, Richard Williams has graciously agreed to write the Foreword for the book, Chaplain Alan Farley of the RMJC donated 5 period sermons to add to the devotional, the manuscript is in the proofing stage, I am really enjoying Eric’s “Rush’s Lancer’s” book AND I got gas yesterday next to the “General Lee” (although I too was horrified when a 60-something retired couple walked out of the station and got in the car). I guess both my daughter and I have a problem with “older” people not acting their age. Anyway, here’s some takes…

AMATEURS VS. ACADEMICS:
I noticed that there have been a lot of posts around the blogosphere in regards to the debate over amateur vs. academic historians. I am far from qualified to add anything of real “academic” value, but I will say this… some of the best things (IMO) whether they are literature, music, art, or film come from “amateurs.” That said I do sympathize with the academics when they say that there is something to be said about paying your dues, and having the pedigree behind the work. I’ll use my trade as an example:

I have 13+ years in the design field and I have been an Art Director for the last 7. I have the experience, awards, formal training, and the degree that says, “I know” what I am talking about. Therefore, people tend to take my insights a little more seriously when it comes to design. Now… this does not mean that I know it all, or that there are not people out there who are tremendously talented, and creative, who could “blow me out of the water.” It does mean that I have a certain level of respect in my field, and this allows me to “enter the argument” so-to-speak without needing to constantly “prove” myself. On the other hand, I have been a published writer for 10+ years, have no “formal” training, and constantly have to re-establish myself in order to get my foot in the door. Like many of us, I made my hobby – my side-job – and it has taken me years to build a decent reputation, portfolio, and resume that is required to publish material. Like so many of us, I really have two-trades now (which is a real pain at tax-time). – In one, I have the degree – in the other - I have the drive. So I can see BOTH sides to this debate – and I have enjoyed the work coming out of both camps. In the end, does it really matter? Good history and good narrative are what really counts, not matter who writes it.

BEST AND THE WORST:
The good people over at Civil War Interactive are having a “Best and Worst Generals Contest” and I really put a lot of thought into my entry. I won’t share any of the details yet, but I am VERY anxious to see the list that is compiled from the entries. These things are always open to debate, but also a lot of fun.

CONFEDERATE VETERAN
I may be late coming to the party on this one, but I just discovered (thanks to my father) a great website featuring “Excerpts from the Confederate Veteran 1893-1912.” According to the site’s introduction, “The CONFEDERATE VETERAN is intended as an organ of communication between Confederate soldiers and those who are interested in them and their affairs, and its purpose is to furnish a volume of in formation which will be acceptable to the public, even to those who fought on the other side. It will at once be sent to every Confederate Veteran organization in existence and the patronage of such bodies is earnestly sought. The commendation of the CONFEDERATE VETERAN from extremes of the South and from our friends at the North gives an immediate promise of usefulness and influence, which should enlist the pride of every Southerner and the respect of all others. The Confederate Veteran organizations are still active today of the descendents of those that belonged to the first camps formed.” It is a tremendous repository of transcripts and I could get lost in there for hours. Visit the website at: Confederate Veteran

That’s all for now.