The format option idName of the formatter showlink say only that the name the parameter in the url which you need. The value of the id is always the rowid. In your example you use.
Not sure if you guys have solved this yet BUT I got it to send across the id of my choice by setting the json reader as follows.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.