About The Diplomatic Pouch

Welcome to the 32nd issue of the Zine. Although I was a couple of weeks late getting this published, the Pouch staff is right on target to deliver its first, complete year's worth of issues since 1999.

While this issue is short [normal for a retreat phase], we have two new challenges and a nice group of articles, including contributions from two new authors -- Nathan Barnes and Alexander Woo. Hardly Zine newbies, Mr. Brandon Clarke, David Cohen, and Baron Powell also pay a visit. Take a look at what the Fall 2002 Retreat Issue has instore for you.

Announcements:

Incase you didn't hear, the winners of the 2002 Hobby Awards have been announced! Jim Burgess and the rest of the Hobby Awards Committee have been busy engraving plaques, licking stamps and spreading the word. Special honor is paid to the first Lifetime Achievement award winner, Richard Sharp, for thirty years of devotion, contribution and self-sacrafice to the dip community. On the same thread, after a long hiatus, Robert Lesco has gotten the Marco Poll back on track with this year's nominations and winners. Please take a moment to congratulate all of the hobby winners for a job well done.

In other news, time is running out for World Master's Email Tournament registration! Teams and individual players alike are encouraged to sign up and join what may possibly be the biggest email tournament ever.

What about face-to-face? Okay, well, what if I told you pre-registration for World DipCon XIII is now available on a mail-in basis. At the link provided, you'll find a print/fill-in/mail form that will pre-register you for GenghisCon and WDC Denver. As an added bonus, "As you'll see when you get to the pre-registration form, if you send it in by 30 November, your total cost is ONLY THIRTY DOLLARS!! That's a tremendous discount, and one that is being given ONLY TO WDC ATTENDEES! Be sure to take advantage of this!!! Pre-register NOW! Don't delay!" -- Manus Hand

F2002R Overview:

As mentioned, Retreat Issues are notoriously short and to the point. This issue touches on pervasive meta-gaming attitudes, philosophy, and strategies centred around FtF and email tournaments alike. Speaking of tournaments, many players are going to wish they had read this issue before attending all the mid-year tourneys.

Incase you haven't noticed, many of the articles featured in the F2002M, F2002R and W2002A issues will provide crucial tips on how to win World Dip Con in Denver. I'll bet you Belgium other players are reading these articles and gearing up for the biggest contest of the year. Plan to attend because you won't want to miss it. Hope to see you there mates!  
 

Enjoy The Pouch,
-Edward Hawthorne-
Zine Editor
(edward@diplom.org)