I Read It Somewhere

Welcome fellow Forumites!

Mmmm...this may be a touchy subject! Over the years, like many enthusiasts of historical aircraft, I have collected numerous publications. What amazes me is some reference books are exceptionally good and have been thoroughly researched by their authors, for instance the excellent book 'Under the Guns of the Red Baron'. Unfortunately, there are a number of books available which are simply re-hashes of previous publications, and the information is prone to being incorrect: it's unfortunate that some Publishers allow books to get through 'the net' with incorrect information. I've always found that you can't beat books which are recommended by fellow enthusiasts.

Personally, since I joined the Forum, I've found this site to be an invaluable source of information. The help I've had from the 'Models' section has been unbelievable, with many Forumites sending me personal e-mails offering assistance and advice. On the other sections, it's so great for us to debate and have friendly disagreements about aircraft performance, fighting abilities and, most importantly of all, the much-debated colour schemes! It's only by 'arguing' amongst ourselves which enables us to eventually get a clear and accurate record of the first air war.

Best Wishes to All, kenderoz. *;D

kenderoz-

Whole heartedly agree! Having done a bit of research and publishing, I have mulled over the problem of countering myth and legend to a great extent. That someone chimes in with a well intentioned, but grossly ill informed comment prefaced by " I got a book that says..." often sends chills down my spine. Not that I'm such an expert, but I ,like many others have taken the time to research a few areas of great personal interest, going beyond the usual sources to really dig into a matter , search out reliable sources, come to some startling (if not generally accepted)conclusions, and then trying to walk the knife edge of telling others what I've learned, without coming accross as a pomass ass. I have not always succeeded!
Something I've come to appreciate is that I was once the fellow with the prefaced statement, and that eagerness counts for something. That I am the same fellow in areas outside my own interest. And even then my position shouldn't be written in stone and should be able to accept new information readily if substantiated in a reasonable manner.
Books, inparticular reference works, are like people. We have to learn which ones to listen to, or to trust. To judge charactor by demeanor. and like life, it sometimes takes a bit of time and $ to determine who's blowing smoke up your...!! It is obviouse that many books were written just to make a buck, as you say rehashing previous materials, pehaps even adding to the myth (think of the profound effect this has next time you hear "I have a book..."). When a good one DOES come along (book or person), it shines like a jewel.
Charlie