Published with permission from Mike Movius, President,
gress.org. This survey was conceived as more of an informational instrument than one with serious overtones for CWRTs to heed. And yet, there are some interesting patterns that should be examined Overall, there were 195 total respondents. We did not seek to differentiate between members and their leaders. The completio rate was 77% and on average, it took respondents 4 minutes to complete.
This survey illustrates the ki of CWRT member who subscribes to Civil War publication I will attempt to describe him/h in broad terms: 1. A true reader—One who reads a majority of publica-
is paid, reads and enjoys ot er reading materials that ar described in the publication
CW N America’s Monthly Newspaper For Enthusiasts Civil War Publication Survey Survey Analysis 2. Most interested in lead- sharing their publications with ers, strategy and tactics, schools, teachers, or libraries campaigns, battles and It is up to us to take a stan skirmishes. for public history education. 3. Shares the reading material Although the school district with others including for the where we live will not allow betterment of the CWRT. Civil War material in their mid On the other hand, in a time there are other environments when most CWRT members de- where students are supported in cry the lack of American history their curiosity about the makin education in our public schools, of America by adults who undermost do not avail themselves of stand the value of history.
Answer Choices: Responses: Respondents: Yes 66.15% 129 No 33.85% 66 Total Respondents: 195
Our initial assumption was that many, if not most, CWRT members
Answer Choices: Responses: Respondents: Too expensive 25.00% 16 Not enough time to read 48.44% 31 Rather search my own topics 20.31% 13 Too many errors to take seriously 0.00% 0 Not familiar with CW magazines 15.63% 10 Other (please specify) 34.38% 22 Total Respondents: 64 Other Responses:
Gray are/were the gold standards for ACW magazines. • Too many of the same type of articles in mags. I choose on topics that I have an interest in. • Some lean way too far to one side of the war
• Most seem to rehash old stories • Get at store • Buy them off the rack • Topics too politically correct • Changes in editorial policies • Not enough value • Would rather read a Civil War book instead • Too many other interests • Have not seen Civil War magazines recently • Have not found one that consistently piques my interest
• Have many books and online sources to read • Blue & Gray ceased publica25 – American Battlefield Tru tion recently 47 – Advertiser Index • I have hundreds already. 14 – Black Powder White Smoke Now I go to the American 40 – Book Reviews Battlefield Trust or Emerging 17 – Central Virginia BT Civil War.
• Downsizing • I find I have so much that I lose interest
Q3: To which publications Answered: 122 Skipped: 73 Answer Choices: America’s Civil War American Digger American History The Artilleryman The Avalon Hill General Blue & Gray Cavalry Times Charge! Civil War Courier Civil War from A to Z Civil War Monitor Civil War Navy Civil War Quarterly Civil War Times Confederate Veteran De Bow’s Review Frank Leslie’s Illustrate The Gettysburg Harper’s Weekly History Leatherneck Military Heritage Military History Muzzleloading Artilleryma Naval History North & South North South Trader’s Civi On Point: Journal of Army Shipmate Smithsonian Southern Bivouac Southern Historical Socie Southern Partisan Taps United States Service Western & Eastern Treasur West Point Other (please specify)
Respon 39.34% 0.00% 4.92% 4.92% 0.00% 22.13% 0.00% 0.00% 3.28% 0.82% 48.36 9.84% 36.89% 1.64% 55.74% 4.92% 0.00% 0.82% 18.85% 0.82% 0.00% 0.00% 2.46% 4.10% 0.00% 2.46% 24.59% 4.10% 0.82% 0.82% 15.57% 0.00% 0.82% 0.82% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% .082% 20.49%