Here's an update on back issues of Autoduel Quarterly. Currently, only issues 2/4 and 3/1 are available. All the others are out of print. Now that the Uncle Albert's 2035 Catalog has reprinted all the old weapons and gadgets from out-of-print issues, I wonder how much demand there now is for the old issues. Lots of people wanted us to reprint the old ADQs, but I have a feeling that it was mostly to get hold of the Uncle Albert stats. Now that they're available again, do you still want to see reprints of the early ADQs? Or a "Best Of" ADQ? I'd like to hear some feedback on this.
Which brings me to my next point - writing letters. I get lots of letters from ADQ readers and Car Wars fans. Bunches, as a matter of fact. If I were to answer everyone, I would spend half my time doing nothing else. Not to mention that we'd go broke on postage. Not only am I going crazy, but I'm afraid a number of readers are being disappointed by the lack of a response from our office. I certainly want to apologize to anyone who has been offended by a late or non-existent return letter, but I hope you understand our problem. To set the record straight, we cannot answer a letter that does not include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. If you do include a SASE, I will definitely answer your letter - but it may take a while. There is a very depressingly high stack of mail on my desk already, but it's been put aside while I do other things (like get a magazine out). Please have patience - all things come to those who wait.
Someone who's likely to be more faithful in answering your letter is Daniel Baker of Australia. He wrote recently to tell us of his Australian friends, the Autoduel Slayers. He writes, "We are interested in corresponding with any American Car Wars addicts as there aren't many of us in Geelong. Would it be possible to publish my address in an issue of Autoduel Quarterly with a note relaying my availability as a pen pal? The Slayers would be most grateful for your assistance." Can do, Daniel. The address is Daniel Baker, 14 Noble St., Newton, GEELONG, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA 3220. A first-class letter to Down Under costs 44c, so you'll need an extra stamp - but it could be interesting, and who knows, you might learn something.
This issue has quite a few interesting features. Everybody's favourite salesman, Uncle Albert, tells all in his first major interview printed anywhere. We have some excellent fiction by John Nowak, chronicling the further adventures of Justin Bialy; four new mini-scenarios that are quick to set up and fun to play; notes on the new Deluxe Car Wars; and some strategy advice for the poor, beleaguered cycle gang member. Plus, of course, all our regular features.
For those of you lucky enough to have been spared contact with any BLUD members, the group bills itself as an "autoduelling alternative" to what they see as "stuffy and restrictive" AADA regulations. Most of the regulations they take issue with involve safety of non-combatants and fairness of competition. It is no coincidence that most of the BLUD leadership has been barred from AADA competition for flagrant violation of these same rules.
Since their inception in 2033, BLUD had been content to hold their own events away from the public eye. The prizes were never more than a cheap trophy and "bragging rights," and the duels were usually held in abandoned towns or deserted stretches of highway. They've been the object of a TV coverage boycott since February of 2034, when a Remington Network newscopter was shot down trying to get tape of a BLUD event outside of Topeka, Kansas.
But their low-profile days seem to be over. AADA chapters in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas have reported harassment of members by duellists flying BLUD colors. So far, it's been nothing more serious than "snipe-and-run" attacks, but the situation seems to be deteriorating. Many BLUD chapters have formed alliances with outlaw groups and cycle gangs, providing BLUD groups "free passage" through dangerous territory and ready-made hideouts. What the cycle gangs get in this arrangement is not clear, except maybe an opportunity to help make trouble.
BLUD groups are also stirring up other types of trouble, trying to recruit members at AADA meetings, causing trouble in the stands at AADA events, and other such hooliganism. They have worked particularly hard to exploit long-standing rivalries between AADA groups, and have used lies, rumours, and distortions to cause friction in the ranks. The rumour from Garfield County about that club changing affiliation from the AADA to BLUD is a prime example.
So, AADA members are encouraged to stand together and to be on watch for attacks from vehicles flying the BLUD colors - orange and black. This is sure to get worse before it gets better, so watch future issues of ADQ for more on the escalating tensions.
That's it for this issue. Watch yourself, but Keep On Duellin'!
--Scott D. Haring