In 1977 I was contacted by the Hobby Trade Publication "Craft, Model & Hobby Industry" who asked me if I would be interested in writing a monthly column. I was given  literary freedom to write what I pleased as long as it was aimed towards convincing companies to advertise in the magazine and to show retailers (hobby and department stores) why they should stock Wargaming, Boardgaming and Military Miniatures products. In June of 1977 my first column premiered and this section quickly grew to become a large part of the magazine with numerous advertisers. In my editorial column I attempted to teach retailers what this hobby was all about. I provided them with ideas on how to market the hobby to their customers, how to get the customers into their store, and how to get their customers involved in store activities. I suggested things like competitions and meetings in the store where likeminded individuals could meet and exchange ideas. Over the course of these few years, Wargaming, Boardgaming, and the Military Miniatures hobby became a multi-million dollar industry (remember this is 1970’s money) and the hobby was finally accepted by the Hobby Industry Association as a legitimate hobby.