The Forum as History

[Barrett]

Forumvolk: Mark this date on your calendars, because it's an important occasion. With the appearance of Frank Olynyk's major contributions (victories credited to German aircraft under the D-VII thread, and his essay on crediting victories by each nation), Scott's brainchild has taken two giant steps toward maturity. Folks, this is Serious Stuff--the type of info that previously was unavailable even to most researchers with letters behind their names. Please be advised that we're now a whole lot richer in scholastically useful material than we were yesterday.
Naturally, that's in no way to insinuate that we're any less inclined to indulge in cyberranting, cyberraving, or just plain cyberoratory. (To paraphrse "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance's" frontier editor, "This is the internet, sir, and when fact becomes legend, we argue about both!")
It's gonna be a great 1999. Hope to see more of you at the Champlin Fighter Museum in February.

[Billy_Bishop]

I just read Frank's contribution to The Aerodrome. I have to say I'm very impressed. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

VBR,

Al Lowe

[Barrett]

Al: me, too. With the depth and variety of material already here (Mr. Skeet's essay on RFC flight training alone is notable) I think the forum may attract other serious folks. The Over The Front crowd has a great deal to offer, and I hope that more of them will get on line.
As Orville told Wilbur: the sky's the limit!

[stephen]

Brilliant stuff, and a big thank you to Frank and Scott for taking the time to put it up here.

Funny how WWI aviation stuff has flourished at particular times. During the 30's there was an abundance of material, followed by another boom in the 60's. Then during the 70's and early 80's you couldn't find anything on the topic to save your life. Now we are seeing a revival of interest on the topic, resulting in (or resulting from?) a plethora of new titles, researchers and documentation. Guys, we are in a new golden age for WWI aviation, and you'd better be buying up these titles as soon as they come out. They'll soon be gone and we'll hit a low ebb in the cycle again. Besides, this is the excuse I'm using with my wife, and it works great.

Gentlemen I agree, this is excellent stuff!

This is the kind of history we new to the forum are looking for. Thanks to Frank Olynyk for excellent work !!!

[Barrett]

Yo, Frank: now that you have our undivided attention, what're you gonna do for an encore?
Wait! Don't tell me! I couldn't stand the suspense...