Lately, I've been tempted to take positions in the forums that might seem extreme to some people. In most cases, I've refrained from commenting, because I'm very aware of how easily things can be taken out of context or misunderstood in the virtual world.

So, I decided to use this page to establish some basis on which people can weigh my opinions and judge me as they may.

I'm intelligent, fairly well educated, and I've been around for a while. I'm usually fair and reasonable, but I can also be a bit of an arsehole when I feel strongly about something. Occasionally, my sense of humour can be a little different and that has caused the odd misunderstanding.

I strongly believe in "The Most Important Rule!". To my mind, common sense and the "rules as intended" are more important than the "rules as written".

Despite the shortcomings in the 40K system, I think there's something about two finished armies fighting over detailed terrain that elevates the game above the most beautifully rendered video game, or the most accurate board game. That's why I play 40K more often than Dawn of War orSquad Leader.

I think everyone should paint their miniatures. I understand it takes time - in 10 years I've collected 4,000 points of Blood Angels and still only painted about 2,000 points - but I only play the painted stuff. I wouldn't refuse to play someone with an unpainted army they're just starting out with, but I would expect to see some progress the next time they want to play.

I think one proxy miniature in a 1500 point army is reasonable, entire units less so.