Fragmented forum...?

[Ian M]

Before I write anything else I would just like to point out that this is my opinion and is in no way meant as a dig at any members.

After a super human effort (if I say so myself) Last year I got the forum reorganised and reduced some of the misplaced posts into what was accepted as a neater easier forum.

However, of late I have noticed that some members are posting a build thread but instead of keeping the thread 'alive' just post the progress. However issues they come across under the build get placed all over the shop. For example. Fred Bloggs, makes an Under Construction thread of his latest project. All well and good.

He hits a problem with the paint, so opens a thread in the painting section. Fair enough..?

He cant find the correct glue for a part. He starts another thread in another section.

He needs help with weathering, Opens another thread.

His problems solved, he carried on building and posts the progress in the build thread.

I feel this results in a rather flat build thread where a lot of people might actually be missing out on a lot of tips and tricks.

Also the build sections suffer while the chat sections thrive.

Is it just me or would it be better to keep all the aspects of a build that is being shown under construction and use the various chat sections for the builds you are not featuring.

One last thing. People often say that they have tried the search but could not find anything...

Have you had a good look at the way some of the threads are titled?

Under some very obscure titles are in fact some very helpful threads. Can we try to be a bit more "On subject with out thread titles?

Faithfully

The grumpy Admin bloke

[Guest]

I don't want to look like an opportunist, but it's a good point Ian!

On my last "under construction build" I keep all the questions and suggestions there, and personally, I think is much better for the modeler that, want or search, information of an specific model.

[Guest]

I hadn't noticed until you've mentioned it Ian, but I think you are right. I know my build threads do tend to be on the slow side , but I do try to keep any questions/advice I ask for kept on the same thread. Its going to be down to individuals personal preferences, some may prefer to see specific questions put in the relevant section?

Cheers, Andrew

[Guest]

Perhaps a better way would be to temporarily change the build thread title, or add to it highlighting the need for help?

It could be changed back once the issue is solved. Keeping all the issues within the thread would give a more comprehensive overview of how the kit came together & possibly save other builds from encountering the same problems.

[flyjoe180]

I think just ask the questions inside your build thread. Those interested in that type of build will see it and help. The search function works and is helpful. Use the advanced settings, they will help you find information that would be contained within a build thread if you use sensible search criteria. I for one don't pay any attention to the sections as such, I look at my recent posts and therefore I see everything that has happened since my last visit. If there is an unanswered question I can help with I will put my two cents in. As Ian says it keeps it tidy and in one place.

[Guest]

Perhaps a better way would be to temporarily change the build thread title, or add to it highlighting the need for help?It could be changed back once the issue is solved. Keeping all the issues within the thread would give a more comprehensive overview of how the kit came together & possibly save other builds from encountering the same problems.

Agree Patrick. If you need help and ask in the build thread only those watching the build will reply rather than it being open to the full forum. Your method kills two birds etc.

Laurie

[Guest]

I think I have kept all my questions in my build threads as my memory is awful and if I put them anywhere else I would forget where I put it, so wouldn't read the answers anyway.

[Guest]

Let me play the devils advocate. If you have a painting issue and open up a thread in the painting section you are getting your issues in front of more eyes than you would if you'd just put it into the build thread. You have modelers that are not following the build but do check the painting chit chat that can offer their insights. You are limiting your possibilities in my opinion. I do think it's the builders responsibility to update the issue in the build portion once he/she decides on the route they chose to fix their problem. Maybe I'm missing something but this makes sense to me. Opinions?

Ray

[Guest]

I agree with Ray.

If i had a painting query, my first port of call would be the painting section to look for the answer.

How woukd someone even know where to start or look in the under construction section.

[Guest]

An alternative.

If you have a build section story going but want information on a specific item.

Then start a thread on that item. Think that is most important as not only to get max coverage for the person posing the problem but also for all the forum to see the answers.

Then when the specific item comes up in the build section the author should than leave an address to that thread. That then satisfies all matters. I think.

Laurie

[spanner570]

Whilst I see Ian's point, I have to agree with Laurie and Ray

.

If the question from the builder is contained in the build thread, then only folks watching the build will see it. Not only will other members not see (and possibly help) the thread builder's 'problem', it only reaches a relatively small percentage. Thus depriving him of maximum coverage in his quest......

Also, as has been written, modellers not following the build will miss out on any potential good advise.

Ron

[Gern]

We can't let the mods do all the work for us. If we do have questions/information/tips about our builds that we want to put in specific topics, couldn't we include links in both threads to tie them together as it were?

[Ian M]

So it would seem that the best solution could be:

If in an underconstruction thread, you hit a bump and need help, Raise the question in the build thread. Make a new thread in the relevant chat section with the question and then link the two. This would give the build thread continuity, and as has been rightly pointed out, brought before the wider audience of the entire forum. Easy.

Can we figure out how to do it...

There hs been some very helpful feedback here. Thank you.

So if i try to keep my low profile, can we all try to make a more information full build thread and if questions relevant to the build are raised other places, Include a link to and from the relevant threads...

Ian Mmmmm

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

I'm guilty of starting different threads purely because like others have said not everyone reads a build thread, if its about paint like my Aston I will open it in the paint section, if its weather, in the weathering section, I'm sorry but that's how I see a forum working, its a good idea though to link in my build as a reference and will do this in future.

Adrian

[Alan 45]

Only thing is Ian not everyone goes into an under construction thread so what you might want to know might get missed by the person who might be able to help if you post it in the under construction thread.