"A Worldwide wargaming club directory on TMP? Is it time?" Topic

We all see the occasional TMP topic about clubs, events, conventions, game AAR's etc…throughout the world of TMP. Maybe it is time to create a TMP centric board with search ability to find and provide informational links for all these clubs. This information should be clearly marked on the main TMP panel at left. Maybe with a "flashing light and club count on database" for a few month to draw the TMP visitors to this new feature and encourage use.

Would TMP be nudged to create this specific board with search ability to find club information by geographic regions?

Information would only last on the TMP site for 1 year. Just before the expiration date… a email could be sent to the club contact to renew twice. This keeps the proposed database updated on a regular basis. Information changes and updating can be done by the named contact, a secondary contact (named) and TMP of course.

Information should include:

Required information fields:
Assigned by TMP a group or club ID # code * (AMER0020 for American #20. TMP should be #1 of course…)
Name of club or group
Town or city location, state and country (to sort location information database)
Periods of interest (example…. ancients, FOW, napoleonic etc). Several can be chosen.
Scale of miniatures (15mm, 25/28mm etc) used
Rules played, published and the classic home/club written
Contact name by given TMP ID name
Contact information such as Telephone #, email address and Blog site address

Optional information fields:
Language(s) spoken
Facebook or other social media types if available
Club facilities
Club requirements etc if any
Club dues. I assume a gamer guest would have any dues/fees waived
Other information
Maybe a picture or two of sample games, club meeting or direct links to such material

*The assigned TMP identifying number could be used by any TMP posting club member to mark his TMP post with the "club number hallmark" thus providing a single information link on TMP for visiting TMP guests/members and the club.

Looking on the TMP message boards….you can see 11 or more specific regional boards….. Swedish, Spanish, Italian, New Zealand, German, Dutch-Beligan, French, Canadian, British, Australian, American…..

One big advantage… traveling TMP gamers can link up with fellow TMP gamers in distant lands….

Only time will tell if this or similar idea takes root. There are similar sites on the web…. but TMP may be a good centric site to house this information and ease of access.
I do note the TMP "Player Finder and Member location" links on TMP…. but are they really as useful as a true club directory with information on the clubs.

WR

link

There's already a far more effective directory of wargaming clubs online

google.com

Not being silly, but why re-invent the wheel and take on what could be just an unnecessary burden for the TMP code base?

I don't want the gub'mint (or TMP) assigning me a number!!! :-p

M73,
True…. you can Google… but a high percentage of clubs are not found on Google. Mine of over 30 years (20+ members) isn't listed unless you know the name. Many clubs don't have the terms of "Wargaming", "Historical" etc in their title so a Google search is useless.

TMP has already a player finder source…. but that doesn't give you club information, what they play, rules, meeting times if scheduled…. basic information.

PWR
Just a value to ease search functions. It can be the TMP member's name too. It is simply a linking function on TMP I suggested. Current TMP names are filed in Alpha order which is a form of numbering…. A to Z (26 numbers ).

Should note just 8 lines below this TMP post there is a request for clubs in Atlanta GA. They appear so regular on TMP posts. That is the direct reason why a centric source on TMP would help. More club information can lead to more gamers at conventions and the local clubs…which empowers all of us.

Sure, why not? Seriously, I come here as a hub for information. I get what I want without all the extra crud from a Google search. Gives another reason to come to TMP first.

I would also like to see the manufacturer and retailer lists updated…. ;-)

How many globe trotting TMPers are there?

And how many of them would want to wargame whilst on their travels?

Now I stand behind no-one in my love of the noble art of wargaming, but after pUtting myself in the tender hands of Quantas for a 10 hour flight to Shanghai and a couple of Faculty meetings, with much sipping of green tea, frankly I'm much more interested in getting back to my hotel and rapidly getting on the outside of a ice cold Gin 'n Tonic….

Well there you go! Learn something every day!

I am with those who use to or do travel quite a bit. Between now and Christmas I will be in Illinois, North Carolina (already checked it with Hobbit and the Saturday gamers), Maryland and Pa. I have used the clubs list on HMGS website often, and regularly. It is great for those of us who move around and travel and attend conventions around the country and the World.

VR
James Mattes

I think its nice just to see where gamers are located. It couldn't hurt to have a resource. I asked the Editor for a calendar of events linked to TMP. A club directory would also be nice to have, but then again I would not be the one to spend time on it either.

yes

May it could be just adding your clubs web site to a list under country

link