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Maksim MoshkovAdministrator of ArtOfWar.ru.
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- The Genesis of ArtOfWar.ru
- Birth and Evolution (1998-2004)
- Legacy and Collective Stewardship (2005-Present)
- Mission and Values
- Impact and Recognition
- International Counterparts
- War-Stories.com: http://www.war-stories.com/
- Community and Content
- Recommendations and Resources
- Growth and Future Plans
The Genesis of ArtOfWar.ru
In the late 1990s, Afghan war veteran Vladimir Grigoriev embarked on a mission to create a digital archive of Afghanistan-related content. Driven by the void he found when searching for information about the conflict online, Grigoriev established the "Afghan War" website, sharing photographs, articles, and his own personal narratives.
Birth and Evolution (1998-2004)
Formally launched in 1998, ArtOfWar.ru initially focused on Afghanistan but soon expanded to encompass other war zones. In 2000, the literature about war was designated as a separate category, giving birth to the "Artofwar" concept as it is known today. Autobiographical accounts and fictional works by both veterans and non-participants began to shape the site's content.
In 2004, under the leadership of system administrator Maxim Moshkov, ArtOfWar.ru transitioned to a self-managed platform, empowering authors to take ownership of their content. This decentralized approach led to a surge in contributions and solidified the site's focus on facilitating authorial expression.
Legacy and Collective Stewardship (2005-Present)
Following the untimely passing of Grigoriev in 2005, ArtOfWar.ru has been guided by a collective of active contributors who share the responsibility of managing the site. This collective approach has maintained the site's mission and ensured the preservation of its vast archive of war-related literature.
Mission and Values
ArtOfWar.ru's primary mission is to provide a platform for veterans of local wars and conflicts to share their experiences and perspectives. They believe that writing about their wartime experiences can be a therapeutic way to process their memories and contribute to collective historical understanding.
The site also extends an invitation to non-veterans whose lives or works have been shaped by war-torn regions or the study of conflicts. By embracing diverse voices and perspectives, ArtOfWar.ru aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of war.
Impact and Recognition
ArtOfWar.ru has gained considerable recognition within the Russian internet community, receiving praise from readers for its unique content and its role in fostering a dialogue about war and its aftermath. The site's influence has extended beyond Russia, attracting readers from around the world who seek authentic accounts of war experiences.
International Counterparts
While no other project perfectly mirrors ArtOfWar.ru's specific combination of format and ethos, several international initiatives share similar goals. Notable examples include:
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): https://www.iava.org/
War-Stories.com: http://www.war-stories.com/
Vietnam Veterans Home Page: http://www.vietvet.org/Design and Promotion
ArtOfWar.ru's design has remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1998. The site's iconic logo, header, and homepage layout have become synonymous with its brand. Moshkov attributes his conservative approach to the site's history and the belief that the current design effectively meets its purpose.
Minimal promotional efforts have been undertaken to increase ArtOfWar.ru's visibility. A listing in Rambler's Top 100 search engine and a link on Moshkov's own library website have contributed to the site's organic growth.
Community and Content
ArtOfWar.ru is supported by a dedicated team of approximately 10-15 active members who manage the site's technical infrastructure and resolve administrative issues. Additionally, the site hosts several subprojects with their own moderators.
A community of over 300 registered authors actively contributes to the site's content. Approximately 150 authors regularly visit and update their sections, sharing a wide array of literary works, memoirs, and reflections on war and its impact.
Recommendations and Resources
For readers new to ArtOfWar.ru, Moshkov recommends starting with the "Top 40" list of most highly rated works: http://artofwar.ru/rating/top40/. The site's homepage also features a comprehensive categorization system that helps users navigate by conflict and region.
To further explore military history and literature, Moshkov suggests visiting Oleg Rubis's "Militera" project (http://militera.lib.ru), which hosts an extensive digital library of war-related publications.
Growth and Future Plans
ArtOfWar.ru has experienced consistent growth, with approximately 30-40 new works added each week. The site actively encourages contributions from both veterans and non-veterans who wish to share their perspectives on war and its aftermath.
Looking ahead, ArtOfWar.ru plans to continue expanding its content, fostering its author community, and exploring new avenues for engagement. The site's leaders believe that ongoing growth is essential for preserving and sharing the invaluable stories of those who have experienced war firsthand.
