Why I still Blog after 16 years

This Blog, BigLee’s Miniature Adventures, recently turned sixteen years old, which is a slightly alarming number when you realise it means I’ve been writing about toy soldiers on the internet for well over a decade and a half. In that time, almost everything about how we use the internet has changed, and so has how we share our hobbies. I now spend far more of my creative energy making YouTube videos than writing long blog posts, yet the blog is still here, quietly ticking over in the background. That isn’t an accident. It’s a choice, and one I’ve become more certain about as the years go by.

When I first started blogging in 2009, it felt like everyone in the hobby had their own site. You could bounce from one wargaming blog to another for hours, discovering new projects, painting styles, obscure rule sets, and historical periods you’d never considered before. At its height, my own blogroll listed more than six hundred other wargaming blogs. It felt like a vast, friendly convention hall, where everyone had set up a table to show off what they were working on. There was a real sense of continuity too; you could follow someone’s hobby journey for years, watching their skills grow and their interests shift.

That world has undeniably thinned out. Many of those blogs have fallen silent, some have vanished entirely, and others are frozen in time, their last post dated years ago. Part of that is simply life getting in the way. Blogging takes time and energy, and hobbies are often the first thing to be squeezed when work, family, and other commitments pile up. But it’s also about the wider changes in how we use the internet. Social media and video platforms offer faster, easier ways to share content. You can post a picture to Facebook or Instagram and get instant feedback with almost no effort. Compared to that, writing, formatting, and maintaining a blog can feel like hard work. So why bother?

For me, the answer lies in what blogs offer that those faster platforms don’t. A blog is a personal space. It’s one person’s voice, one person’s journey, laid out over time. It allows for depth and reflection in a way that short posts and scrolling feeds rarely encourage. When I write a long article about a project, a rule set, or even the hobby itself, I know that anyone who reads it has chosen to slow down and engage with what I’m saying. The audience might be smaller, but it’s often more invested.

There’s also the matter of permanence. Social media is designed to move on quickly. Yesterday’s post is buried by today’s, and within a week it might as well not exist. A blog, on the other hand, builds an archive. Articles written years ago can still be found, read, and used. I regularly hear from people who’ve discovered an old tutorial, battle report, or opinion piece of mine and found it helpful long after it was written. That kind of longevity is something I value deeply. It feels like leaving behind a trail of breadcrumbs for fellow hobbyists to follow.

The blog is also a record of my own hobby life. When I look back through the archives, I see not just finished projects but abandoned ones, experiments that didn’t quite work, and ideas that evolved over time. I can watch my painting improve, my interests shift, and my understanding of the hobby deepen. It’s a bit like an old campaign journal: sometimes cringeworthy, often messy, but full of stories and memories that would otherwise be lost.

That doesn’t mean I’m stuck in the past. Moving into video creation has been a hugely positive change for me. It allows me to reach more people and have more immediate conversations. But the blog still plays a role in that wider creative ecosystem. It gives me space to expand on ideas, share extra images and resources, and host the kind of long-form writing that doesn’t always fit neatly into a video format. In that sense, it isn’t competing with YouTube; it’s complementing it.

Blogs may no longer be the fashionable centre of the internet, but they are far from obsolete. They’ve simply found a quieter, steadier place. For hobbyists who care about recording their work, sharing knowledge, and building something that lasts, blogging remains a powerful tool. Sixteen years on, BigLee’s Miniature Adventures is still doing exactly what I hoped it would when I first started: capturing my miniature adventures as they happen, one post at a time.

And as long as I’m painting, gaming, and thinking about this strange, wonderful hobby of ours, I don’t see any reason to stop.

Why I keep the same hobby resolutions

Every January brings the same familiar questions for tabletop wargamers and miniature painters: What do I want to achieve this year? How many miniatures will I paint? Will I actually play more games? And perhaps most importantly, will I still be saying the same things next January?

In this accompanying video, I take a relaxed and honest look at my New Year’s hobby resolutions for 2026, which, somewhat suspiciously, are almost identical to the ones I set last year. Not because I failed to keep them, but because they worked. Rather than chasing grand, unrealistic goals, I explain why I treat resolutions as a personal hobby mission statement — ambitious enough to be motivating, but realistic enough to survive contact with real life.

The video explores three core resolutions. First, painting more miniatures — not in terms of raw numbers, but by maintaining momentum, completing projects, and keeping the painting desk active throughout the year. Second, playing more tabletop wargames, supported by keeping a long-running Battle Log to track games played, outcomes, and trends. While 2025 was a strong year for wins, it didn’t include as many games as hoped, making this a key focus for the year ahead. Third, I talk about developing the YouTube channel itself, reflecting on the growth of the community, the importance of conversation and feedback, and plans to produce more battle reports and discussion-led content.

This isn’t a productivity lecture or a motivational speech filled with unrealistic promises. Instead, it’s a friendly, inclusive hobby conversation aimed at historical wargamers, miniature painters, and tabletop gamers who want to enjoy their hobby more consistently without turning it into a source of guilt or pressure.

If you’ve ever set hobby goals with the best intentions only to abandon them by February, this video offers a more forgiving, sustainable approach — one that values enjoyment, progress, and community over perfection.

Happy Christmas

Every December, as the paint dries a little slower and the dice start behaving like they’ve had too much mulled wine, I like to pause and look back at the year we’ve shared as a wargaming community. This year’s Christmas message on Miniature Adventures TV is something truly special, because 2025 has been one of the most exciting and transformative years the channel has ever had, with subscribers nearly doubling in a year. An extraordinary surge made possible entirely by the enthusiasm and encouragement of hobbyists who enjoy the same mix of history, painting, modelling and tabletop gaming that brings this whole channel to life.

In the video, I take time to reflect on how this growth happened, from posting far more content, such as YouTube Shorts, to engaging with the lively comments and conversations that follow each upload. The best part of the year hasn’t just been the numbers, though; it’s been the collaborations, friendships and shared hobby moments that emerged from meeting viewers, creators and fellow enthusiasts across the UK. That sense of community has given the channel more energy than ever.

2025 has also been packed with unforgettable milestones from the UK historical wargaming scene. Salute was as vast and inspiring as ever, overflowing with demo games, new miniatures, and painters who make the rest of us question whether we’re using the same brushes. Partizan continued its reputation for stunning, historically rich layouts that spark ideas for whole new projects. Warfare grew once again, filling Farnborough with gamers, clubs and creators showing what makes the hobby so vibrant. New releases, updated rulebooks and an influx of new players made 2025 feel like a golden year, full of momentum.

This video also looks forward to 2026, where even more shows, collaborations and video projects are planned. Next weekend, I will be undertaking my annual ritual of discussing New Year's resolutions and laying down my own ones for the new year. But as we wrap up this year, the message is simple: thank you. Your support makes everything possible. Here’s to a joyful Christmas and a new year full of paint, dice, terrain and tabletop adventures.

Where have all the Reserves gone?

In real battles, commanders lived and died by how they handled their reserves. Keeping fresh troops back for the right moment could turn defeat into victory. But on the tabletop? That art of patience seems to vanish. Most wargamers throw everything into the fight from the very first turn — every battalion advancing, every gun firing, and every cavalry squadron charging. So why do we rarely see players holding reserves in historical wargames?

In this video, I take a conversational look at the many reasons behind this curious phenomenon. From the way rule systems are designed to the psychology of the players and even the structure of a typical gaming evening, there are lots of small pressures that all push us toward full commitment. Many rules reward aggression, not restraint. Time constraints mean we’re trying to compress a full day’s battle into just a few hours. And most scenarios start with both armies already facing each other across a narrow table, leaving little room for strategic depth or delay.

There’s also something cultural at play. Over time, wargamers have developed habits and conventions about what a “normal” game looks like — and that often means everything gets used right away. After all, if you’ve spent hours painting your miniatures, why leave them sitting at the back while the rest of your force is fighting?

The video explores whether this tendency is a flaw or simply part of the hobby’s fun. Maybe we lose a touch of realism when we ignore reserves, but we gain fast-paced action, cinematic spectacle, and lots of dice rolling. Still, for those who enjoy experimenting with tactics, deliberately holding something back can add a new layer of strategy — and maybe even give you a taste of what real commanders faced on the battlefield.

NEVER paint your last miniature

Every wargamer, painter, or tabletop enthusiast knows that moment — you walk past a trade stand, spot a shiny new box of figures, and your rational brain simply shuts down. “I need that,” you tell yourself. “For the next project. For the collection. For... reasons.” And just like that, another addition joins your ever-growing Lead Mountain.

In my latest YouTube video, I take a humorous (and painfully honest) look at this very real phenomenon: Shinyitus. It’s that uncontrollable urge to start new projects, buy more miniatures than you’ll ever paint, and somehow justify it all as “essential hobby investment.”

From the ghosts of unfinished armies to the sacred rule of never painting your last miniature, the video dives into why so many of us can’t stop collecting — and why that might not be such a bad thing. For many of us, the mountain of unpainted figures isn’t a source of guilt; it’s a source of joy, potential, and motivation.

I share my own story of purging (and inevitably restocking) my collection, as well as the self-deprecating truth that no amount of maturity can cure Shinyitus. Whether you’re into historical wargames, fantasy battles, or just miniature painting, this is one video every hobbyist will relate to.

Watch the full episode, join the comments, and tell me: how bad is your case of Shinyitus?

Plastic be Damned! Why Metal Miniatures are Best

For many tabletop and historical wargamers, the choice between metal, plastic, and resin miniatures isn’t just about materials — it’s about identity, history, and how we connect to the hobby. In my latest YouTube video, I explore why I remain so devoted to metal miniatures, even when logic, cost, and convenience might suggest otherwise.

There’s something deeply satisfying about the solid weight of a metal figure. That little “clink” when you drop it on the table, the way it feels between your fingers — it has substance and presence. Plastic may be lighter and resin may hold crisper detail, but metal just feels right. It’s a sensory connection that taps into decades of wargaming heritage, reminding us of those first armies we assembled, often with a tube of superglue and a healthy dose of swearing.

Of course, there’s more to it than nostalgia. Metal figures are durable, easy to strip and repaint, and often outlive the rulesets they were made for. They connect us to a craft tradition where sculptors and casters worked by hand, long before CAD and injection moulding transformed the industry.

But times are changing. Commodity prices mean metal casting is more expensive than ever, and the tooling and production efficiencies of plastic make it the logical choice for most manufacturers. Resin, too, has revolutionised what’s possible for small-scale producers. I’m realistic enough to know that metal may eventually become a thing of the past — but while I still can, I’ll be buying it.

If you’re a tabletop wargamer, painter, or hobbyist with a soft spot for the old days (or if you’re just curious about why anyone would still pay more for metal figures), this is a conversation worth joining.

Keywords: metal miniatures, tabletop wargaming, historical wargaming, miniature painting, pewter soldiers, resin miniatures, plastic miniatures, hobby talk, wargaming nostalgia, wargaming discussion

Interview with me on Pazoot Wargaming

Ray and I hit the road and headed down to Dover for what turned out to be an absolutely fantastic day of gaming, filming, and hobby chat with Paul from @Pazoot-Wargaming. If you’ve watched Paul’s channel, you’ll know how full of energy and enthusiasm he is about all things tabletop — and meeting him in person was every bit as fun as we’d hoped. From the moment we arrived, the welcome was warm, the tea was flowing, and the conversation quickly turned to miniatures, rulesets, and all the strange and wonderful stories that come with this hobby of ours.

Between filming and gaming, Paul made sure we were extremely well looked after — let’s just say the food was far too good to resist! All in all, it was a perfect wargaming day — great company, great games, and plenty of laughs. Huge thanks to Paul for hosting us!

#BoltAction #Wargaming #Miniatures #TabletopGaming

Is Big Wargaming Changing?

The tabletop wargaming hobby is full of exciting variety right now. On one side, we’ve got the traditionalists who love the sight of two massive 28mm armies clashing across a six-by-four table. On the other, we’ve got innovations that are changing how people collect, paint, and play. The real question is, can we identify the “weathervane products” that point the way toward the future of the hobby?

A weathervane product isn’t necessarily the biggest or most profitable release of the year. Instead, it’s the kind of product that shifts expectations, inspires imitation, and shows us which direction the wind is blowing. In my latest YouTube video, I take a closer look at several examples that I think are acting as true signposts for where wargaming is heading.

Games Workshop’s skirmish titles like Kill Team and Warcry prove that accessibility and narrative-driven play are here to stay. Warlord Games’ Epic Battles line shows how even large-scale historical games are moving toward affordability and practicality. The rise of 3D printing subscription services decentralises production, allowing hobbyists to personalise their armies in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Hybrid boardgame-wargames, such as Marvel Crisis Protocol and Star Wars: Shatterpoint, are attracting completely new audiences through popular IPs. And digital tools, from army builders to campaign apps, are transforming how players engage with the hobby on and off the table.

These products don’t replace the old ways. Big armies, physical books, and traditional clubs are still thriving. But they do point toward a future where the hobby is more accessible, more diverse, and more flexible than ever before.

So what do you think are the real weathervane products of today? Do you agree with my analysis, or do you see other trends leading the way? Watch the video and join the conversation.

The SHOCKING TRUTH of our Cursed Dice: A Wargamer’s Tale of Betrayal

Every wargamer has lived it. That fateful roll of the dice where probability takes a holiday and betrayal becomes inevitable. Whether you’re storming the beaches, charging with cavalry, or just trying to pass the simplest morale check in the world, those plastic cubes have a way of laughing at us when it matters most.

In my latest video, I tackle the age-old truth: our dice hate us. This isn’t just superstition. It’s a lived experience, backed by decades of disasters. I’ll share some of the classic coping strategies gamers have used to deal with cursed dice — from fiery executions and hammer-smash justice, to melting them in ovens (toxic fumes optional) and my personal favourite: the ritual sacrifice. Because nothing says “behave” like destroying a bad die in full view of its brethren.

But the real meat of the video is in the stories. My own dice disasters are legendary in our group, the Posties Rejects. I relive the infamous Battle of Hal, a catastrophe so bad it still makes my fellow gamers wince. I recall the time I accidentally ended my wife’s RPG career with one bad roll in Call of Cthulhu. And I share how my children discovered — the hard way — that the dice curse is hereditary.

For miniature painters, tabletop generals, and anyone who loves the hobby, this video is part confessional, part comedy, and part therapy session. Because in the end, wargaming isn’t just about winning or losing. It’s about the stories we tell afterwards. And let’s be honest: the best stories are always the ones where the dice utterly betrayed us.

So grab your dice bag, take a deep breath, and join me as we laugh (and cry) at the cruel, hilarious fate that unites every wargamer: rolling ones when it matters most.

Revisiting The Battle of Hal (A YouTube Short)

The now infamous Battle of Hal started as a simple What-If engagement. What if Napoleon had won at Waterloo, could the allies have held him at Wellington's fallback position between the town of Hal and Brussels? In this game, the answer was a resounding, yes! Watch as the greatest and most complete cavalry rout in the history of wargaming took place in Posties Rejects' shed of war.

Are YOU a button counter?

Are you a button counter? In this video, we dive into one of the most debated topics in historical miniature painting and miniature wargaming—accuracy vs. artistic freedom. Are you the kind of wargamer who counts every button, or do you prefer a more relaxed approach when painting your historical miniatures?

We explore the pros and cons of striving for strict historical accuracy in your miniature painting and how it affects gameplay, immersion, and enjoyment in tabletop wargaming. Whether you're painting Napoleonic uniforms down to the last stitch or just want your army to look good on the battlefield, this discussion is for you.

How to protect your miniatures during transport

How to protect your miniatures when you transport them from one location to another? 

This week I discuss the options available when you want to take your miniature armies out on the road, to a show, convention, tournament or even just to a friend's house. The last thing you want is for your miniature works of art to be damaged in transit. So here are a few tips on transporting your troops safely from A to B, and back again.

The Fighting Retreat

This week I discuss the Art of the Fighting Retreat in tabletop wargames. Some rules have mechanisms that allow this, others don't, and sometimes this reflects the historical period those rules are designed for. But I also suggest how to introduce suitable rules into your existing games to make the fighting retreat a feature of your games.

Apologies: Once again I forgot to post my video from Sunday... my schedule has been shot all to hell this week and future disruption is likely, but I'll do my best to keep a basic schedule if possible. 

Terrain maketh the Wargame

Handmade or shop-bought wargame terrain turns a flat table into a landscape worth fighting over. This week I discuss my love of making terrain. I ask, have you ever made or used a piece of terrain that has changed the course of a wargame? 

 

Sound Effects: Using music to enhance your games

Can adding music and sound effects improve your tabletop wargaming experience?

 

Creative Distractions: Blogger, Vlogger, Wargamer

Am I a blogger who wargames, or a Wargamer who blogs? I've touched on this subject before but decided to discuss it in more detail today (I've had a couple of questions about this). I am happy with the mix of gaming and content creation that is 'My Hobby', but I am aware that I could game more if I wasn't writing blog posts or scripts for YouTube. However, I think the benefits of the social interactions from blogging and vlogging far outweigh the impact on gaming time.

Command Tensions: When sub-commanders go rogue

How do you deal with the tensions of command in multiplayer wargames? When there are two or more players per side, is it more difficult to execute a cohesive strategy than if you played one one-on-one? There are no court martials around the game table, so how can the army commander bring order when his subcommanders go rogue? 

A Changing Hobby? Small Skirmish Games vs Big Battles

Is the Tabletop Wargaming Hobby shifting away from Big Battles towards small skirmish games? This subject arose during last week's SALUTE 51 and was even discussed in at least one of the panel sessions. But is the hobby changing, or is it just that this type of large trade show attracts companies that want to demo their new game-in-a-box?

Rules Review: The 1879 Anglo-Zulu War by Richard Tory

Just because a set of wargame rules are old and complicated does not mean they have no value. 'The 1879 Zulu War' by Richard Tory is over 40 years old but Is still a fascinating and useful reference book with plenty of data and ideas in it that can be worked into your own rules. If nothing else it is a very interesting read and shows just how far rules design has come in four decades. 

 

SALUTE 51: Full Photo Report

SALUTE 51 was another fantastic expo for the wargaming hobby in all its forms. Games big and small, from fantasy to historical and Sci-Fi were on display at the 2024 show. Here is a quick photo report of the games from the premier wargames event in the UK.

Salute 2024, or Salute 51, takes place in the Excel exhibition venue in London Docklands, a fifteen-minute drive from my home. I attended with a camera in hand as always and shot hundreds of pictures. This is a huge event, and getting around the nearly 100 games and several hundred traders in just seven hours is a challenge.