The Art of Question of the Week

The Art of Question of the Week

The Art of Question of the Week
by Jökull Gíslason

It’s hard to believe that its been more than four years since I started the Question of the Week (QOTW); and has come a very long way since its humble beginnings. The idea behind the concepts was to present the Flames Of War rules  in a context so that the users on the forum could gain a better understanding.

The first questions were relatively simple but slowly the QOTW has evolved into what you see now. A multiple choice question has proven the most effect method of achieving goal I had in mind when I started the QOTW.  Today, the weekly question includes a historical photo that connects to the question and the answer is given after a week of its original posting. Karl Benisch and I now present the QOFT on alternate weeks now and thanks to its popularity I have since become a Flames Of War play tester; leading the play test group Einherjar in Iceland.

Many of you have noticed a welcome addition to the QOTW; these new contributions come from our Belgian colleague, Claeys Dieder. Claeys has been altering famous World War Two propaganda posters to be QOTW themed. I was so impressed but his efforts that I thought I’d share his creations with you.
Below: The original poster.
Below: After the QOTW-themed alterations.
The Art of Question of the Week The Art of Question of the Week
The first poster Claeys re-designed was based on a famous rationing poster from 1943; depicting a GI drinking coffee from his canteen cup. Government-sponsored adverts, radio shows, pamphlets as well as poster campaigns such as this one, urged the American people to comply. This design became so popular that it was reprinted in several larger sizes and with slightly different headlines.  Now it’s propose is to inspire Flames Of War players to become more familiar with the rules with the help of the QOTW. Learning is its own reward says it all in my opinion.
Below: The original poster. Below: After the QOTW-themed alterations.
The Art of Question of the Week The Art of Question of the Week
The next two posters are also from 1943; and were made to encourage the people on the home front to get behind the war effort. Both depicted soldiers leading from the front in an attempt to encourage the folks back at home to do their part. For the QOTW purposes it was easy to convert them to encourage players to do their best to help their miniatures fight.
Below: The original poster. Below: After the QOTW-themed alterations.
The Art of Question of the Week The Art of Question of the Week
However, a 1942 government survey of the American public revealed that the poster was often misunderstood. Many people perceived the stylised German helmet as the Liberty Bell, while some factory workers mistakenly believed he to be the boss. Because of this type of issue, the U.S. Office of War Information was created in June 1942 to review and approve the design and distribution of government war posters. We decided to use this sinister character as a reminder that other players may have a better knowledge of the rules than you.
Below: The original poster. Below: After the QOTW-themed alterations.
The Art of Question of the Week The Art of Question of the Week
I want to thank Claeys Dieder for his efforts and encourage you to do a quick search on the web of various World War Two propaganda posters.  If you have a good idea please send it with the poster or a link to the poster, you can find my e-mail address under every QOTW.

At the same time I also like to encourage you check out the QOTW every week and maybe you might learn a thing or two like:

•    Can artillery bombard after digging in? (QOTW 31).
•    Does infantry have to test for motivation when attacking bailed out tanks? (QOTW29).
•    How do you work out mixed bombardments? (QOTW 8).


The answers may surprise you. These and all the third edition questions have been compiled here for your enjoyment:

View the compiled list of third edition QOTWs here...

And remember, learning is its own reward.

~ Jökull.