My own first message, with a question

[andyh]

Hello: I am 26 and my father and I are history buffs--probably nothing unusual here. I have been reading posts from the archives of this site for months now and bringing them to my attention of my dad, which usually means reading them out loud, as his eyes are bad and he is far from internet-savvy.

I guess I'm worried that I'm not knowledgable enough about history to hold my own here. Are most of the people who post at least history grad students? That's the impression I get. I was an English major and my dad Physics, but we both read a lot of history for our own enjoyment and discussion--mostly American, but any kind, really. I guess I, for one, am tired of wading around in the shallow end of the conversation pool while I work up the money to go to grad school, trying to talk about a relatively obscure historical topic with friends or girlfriends and getting nothing much in return. I'm interested in what I've learned from this site (trivia I've been filled in on, new takes on historical figures and events, books it's pointed me toward) and I just don't want to get torn apart if I mess up a fact.

My big question, though, is: What are some of the What-If issues that have been beaten to death, the ones that the really good people have already chewed over a hundred times and now mark you as a total amateur? I'm about to post one about Johnston never being wounded during the Civil War and how that would have affected the outcome, and i hope nobody sighs too loudly; Hey, I haven't heard it discussed!

Anyway, thanks everybody for some great discussions. I'm sure lots of people are like me and enjoy them without ever chiming in.

[Straha]

IF you have a new take on something don't worry about it. I'm working on a CSA ATL that even though its a tired and true areaof AH I bring sometihng new to it with my departures from the norm.

[Justin Pickard]

The general user-makeup of this board is a combination of complete amateurs, sci-fi buffs, a bunch of students from various stages, and the odd bona fide intellectual. Either way, I don't think that lack of historical knowledge is much of a problem. If you make an obvious error, someone will generally call you on it in as constructive a way as possible.

Done to death:- CSA wins American Civil War, Britain wins American War of Independence, Central Powers win WW1, Nazis crush Europe beneath their steel fist, Communism fails, British Empire lasts forever.

But, even having said that these have been "done to death", there is still plenty of room for manouvre, with new takes on old themes more than welcome.

[Chingo360]

Hey welcome! I am still in school (15) and like to post on this site, also luakel is 14 and is a fairly prominent member on this site, just come on in

[IronYuppie]

Anyone house broken is welcome, and if you're not....well...just stand on the paper.
IY starts dealing down sheets of newspaper.

[Diamond]

First, welcome to the board.

Second, don't worry about your knowledge level. There actually aren't (as far as I know) very many bona fide history professors or professional students here. Many, maybe most, of us are self-taught, and pretty voracious readers. And this site is a great knowledge-booster. 99% of the members will let you know if you're dropping the ball in an area of your TL and tell you how you might make it better.

Just post away, and take things with a grain of salt. Don't take the word of a supposed 'expert' on faith - everybody makes mistakes sometimes. And the people that act like dicks? Just torment them mercilessly. We do.

[Chingo360]

Are there any History Profesors here?

[andyh]

Thank you! Very good to hear on all counts, especially that everyone is still willing to discuss the tired areas of alternate history (like the CSA winning the Civil War), AND that there aren't that many full professors posting on here. It sounds like everyone contributes their knowledge and that's what serves as the official fact check.

Also nice to see an active discussion board. So often you have to wait months before you check back and get a proper response.

Anyway, many thanks to everybody.

[Chingo360]

Ok, well enjoy your stay on the board, youll like it once you get to know everyone

[Gedca]

Originally Posted by Chingo360

Are there any History Profesors here?

I don't believe so. No one has ever mentioned being one to my knowledge. However, given that, oh let's say 2/3, of us are students there may be a few future history professors here.

[Faeelin]

Originally Posted by andyh

I just don't want to get torn apart if I mess up a fact.

Nope.

I will personally tear you apart and drink from your skull if you believe the South didn't secede over slavery, though.

(Actually, it's a rather poor cup; the liquid spills out).

Welcome aboard.

[jolo]

Welcome on board.

If you really want to be taken apart, post a Sea Lion thread. Other possibilities have been mentioned before.

Once you have a reputation in this regard, you can be sure that people will nitpick on every small mistake you make - and sometimes even if there are none...

[Chingo360]

well that was a one time member, he hasnt been on in awhile