Page 1 of 1

Article in the local paper written by one of the photographe

Posted: 10 Jul 2009, 12:40
by NIN
http://allehanda.se/opinion/ordetfritt/1.1185203

Feel free to translate it into english.

People like make it possible to have so many players attending Berget.

Posted: 10 Jul 2009, 13:07
by Tystnad
Translation:
Allehanda wrote:Positively surprised by the "fakewar"

What kind of foolishness is this? How come grown up people do this?
What is it exactly theyre doing? Why wargames?

Those are roughly the thoughts I had, but I decided to try and
find out more about it all.

I grabbed my camera, drove out to the SafeZone by "brukshundsklubben".
I met up with a couple of the organizers and asked about the possibilities
to participate in the "excercises".

I was very well recieved and were immediately given access to the whole
Game area and all Bases.

I got to borrow a yellow vest and a pair of protective goggles. A map
of where the factions had made camp. Then, all I had to do was to get in there.

A week after following the game and the players, Im still exhausted and
overwhelmed by all the fantastic things Ive encountered.

I've met and talked to people from 20, maybe 30, different countries.
Everyone, with no exception, have been really friendly, extremely happy
and pleased with the game.

I've asked a lot of questions about why you do this and what its really
all about. Since then, I've also found a bunch of websites and done my
own homework.

All I can say is, it's amazing. 1400 people play different roles in a
gigantic movieset. Some go into their roles completely for the upcoming
72 hours. I think this is the most important thing for most of them.

Then theres the whole thing about the military and the combat. What I've
found on this, is that its a lot like skydivers, formula 1-drivers and
similar things; they do it for the adrenalinerush. Well, I'd say they got
their kicks.

I even got into a couple fights myself, and it was a really tense and
cool experience.

All of this - 1400 players from almost 40 countries, in an area just shy
of 2 kilometers away from my home.

I dont think you could possibly imagine how much fun theyve had. Never in
my 58-year old life have I met så many happy, friendly and satisfied people.
They simply had an awesome time.

From the USA, Canada and Alaska i the west, to Vladivostok in Russia and the
Philippines in the east, contestants came to tiny Härnösand to participate
in the roleplay. Almost every country in Europa had participants. Try to find
one single reason to why any of these countries should spend parts of their
vacations and a whole lot of money in Härnösand. Go on, do it.

For me its obvious; I welcome every single participant back. Next time, I will
be more well prepared. I really look forward to meeting the first participant
from Japan.

To the organizers; Congratulations - Youve done an amazing job. All of you are
kind people and great rolemodels for Härnösand. I really, really wish you the
best of luck in the future.

Gunnar Forsström

Posted: 10 Jul 2009, 14:01
by Parzi
Nice article :P

I can feel the love :oops:

Good job!

Posted: 10 Jul 2009, 14:57
by Bulow
Congratulations thats a good PR

Posted: 10 Jul 2009, 16:22
by [JH]crazydog
We need more articels like this, great respect to the author

Posted: 10 Jul 2009, 17:00
by WhiteAce
If Allowed I'll send this article on to some Dutch newspapers... I'll ask gunnar for permission :D

Some real good PR indeed :D

Posted: 10 Jul 2009, 17:39
by motorhead
That's one nice writeup! :)

Posted: 13 Jul 2009, 17:43
by plastic_axe
i had a chat with this guy at the beer party.
very nice and seemed to love the whole game experience.

Posted: 14 Jul 2009, 03:04
by Lesjak
send this article to germany...

Posted: 14 Jul 2009, 03:18
by Geboren
Haha please also to switzerland :D

Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 00:07
by Lopho
I'm glad You like the article I made in our local newspaper.
Feel free to use it everywhere You want.

I have more good things to say, but there was no space.

I wish You all welcome back next year or whenever You want.

Lopho = Gunnar
:)

Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 21:12
by Shooter
It was nice having you around as a "war correspondent" just too bad we in the NATO-team couldn't provide some escort since we were needed elsewhere. :D