Great build gongs.

[eddiesolo]

Hi Guys.

I have just had a row over this site, not with another member on this site past or present, regarding the issue of great build medals been given out. I was at Person A's house with a friend and he was asking about model sites, of course I mentioned this one, as we were having a cuppa Person A browsed through it. Here is the argument.

Person A. "Why are you and others giving out great build medals when the piece of work does not justify it?"

Me: "What do you mean?"

Person A: "Well, some of the work on this site deserves it for the finish, expertise and skill. While others are just hand painted, very little skill, basic weathering."

Me: "Well not all modellers are proficient in using an AB or in various techniques and this site helps them along, I give a great build if I, personally think it deserves on."

This is where it got heated.

Person A: "Well that is why your site will never flourish with top end modellers."

Me: "Eh, we have a plethora (dazzle him with a big word me thought) of superb modellers that build outstanding items and they are always willing to share information with us less endowed in the modelling field."

Person A: "That is my point, why should your site have to put up with people who have basic skills or very little talent taking up the site with questions and rubbish, this stops top modellers from posting as they are pounced upon by silly people."

Me: "I think you are well off the mark here regarding this site, as far as I know, it has never been an elitist club for 'know-it-alls' and the cream of the modelling world. It is a learning forum so that people can understand techniques, getting the most out of themselves and their builds."

Person A: Snorts. "Well, it is a forum that I certainly will not be joining."

Me: "Good, you wouldn't be welcome, sup up we are going." (Of course anybody is welcome on this site, and it was just my parting shot as I was angry at the negativity and blinkered response.)

I once had this attitude on a different topic forum I used to go to. Of course we all want to get better in our builds but how the hell are you supposed to get better if you have elitist sites, clubs etc that just freeze newbies out or force them to leave. Besides even you just create blobs if you are having fun, does it really matter?

My boat club and here are just wonderful, don't you ever change, all are wonderful and helpful. From top to bottom all are welcome and all are valued.

Si

[Guest]

well said si!

[Alan 45]

I've seen quite a bit of this sort of attitude online so I don't go on , it's like anything in life you will always find a rivet counter who will put you down to massage their egos

I love this site and think it's the best one around

[PaulTRose]

well said indeed

t'internet is overflowing with forums full of talented people, where oneupmanship is rife, and the less able are treated with disdain

we all started out at the bottom, no one is instantly talented, takes a lot of hard work

ive always said i do this hobby for fun, and for myself, not others..........as long as you are happy with your work whats it matter what any one else thinks?.......and its people who are learning and wanting to improve that are the future of the hobby

as for the 'gongs'.........this is the only forum i go on that has this feature and i think its a great idea......sometimes its easier just to give an 'award' than type out a reply, sometimes just not in the mood but at least you can show your appreciation

[eddiesolo]

I've seen quite a bit of this sort of attitude online so I don't go on , it's like anything in life you will always find a rivet counter who will put you down to massage their egosI love this site and think it's the best one around

Totally in agreement. To the top modellers and rivet counters (by this I mean the people that will do their very best to achieve a 100% accurate model) on this site, I, and others, respect you for what you do as the work you produce is outstanding and a marvel to see, yet non, as far as I know, have ever looked down on a less proficient modeller or have ignored someone asking for advice, even if it repeated. To people like me and others who are doing the best we can, there is such a wealth of knowledge and friendliness that as Alan points out, this is the best forum by far.

Si

[Guest]

As somebody who hasn't got the money or space to have an airbrush, has just made a right mess of a kit by forgetting pastels will run if you varnish over them and generally makes other stupid mistakes I can definitely say this is the friendliest modelling site I've found. The skill range goes from basic to the quite scarily good in the case of the Skippers recent posts and I hope it stays that way. My other main hobby is cycling and the number of times people put down a new rider because their bike didn't cost £6k really makes me fed up and I'm glad there isn't the same attitude here.

[eddiesolo]

As somebody who hasn't got the money or space to have an airbrush, has just made a right mess of a kit by forgetting pastels will run if you varnish over them and generally makes other stupid mistakes I can definitely say this is the friendliest modelling site I've found. The skill range goes from basic to the quite scarily good in the case of the Skippers recent posts and I hope it stays that way. My other main hobby is cycling and the number of times people put down a new rider because their bike didn't cost £6k really makes me fed up and I'm glad there isn't the same attitude here.

Well said, showcasing and even pointing out the mistakes is something that helps us, this forum allows us to feel at ease regarding our own failures and to tell about them.

Si

[eddiesolo]

I just want to clarify that not all other forums are closed off to newbies or those lacking in talent and some of there members are very open and willing to respond and show people how to go about things. However, as has been highlighted by a few posts on here, there is a prevalent theme of, if you don't have the right kit, or are lacking in skill, then you are sidelined which does and is happening on all types of forums. Luckily not this one, down in part to great members and mods and of course John.

Si

[Alan 45]

Another reason I think this site is the best is that ( and this is a personal point of view ) the great modellers on here will give out a great build medal not only based on a really good finish but for the effort people have put into it

I'm a hairy stick chap and very basic one at that and my finish ranges between poor and good but not fantastic , people know that but still give out the support and tips to help you improve and I'm very grateful to everyone for that

[peterairfix]

well said si!

Here here, i agree totaly.

Peter t

[Guest]

So by his rationale, leading down that path, the only people that should be submitting photos are people "good enough" for the site? How are people who arent as good as the "elite" meant to develop? Bull...

Among other things, one of the draws to this site for me, are the various levels of talent and the opportunity to share skills I have learned as well as gain knowledge from the more experienced.

[eddiesolo]

Spot on Stuart, that is why I joined, there is an ecliptic mix of talent on this site, from novice to expert and such a wealth to learn from.

Attitudes in general are changing I think to the stigma of newbies but the elitist elements still over shadow. I for one love to look at the top modellers work, I know I may never reach that standard but it fires you up to want to try, that's why the top guys on here inspire, they are so giving in pictures, hints, how-too's etc that a novice can come onto this forum and delve straight in; not skitter around the edges unsure if they should ask a question or post an image.

Si

[Guest]

si! how about inviting your friend to show case one of his models for us look at, i promise tobe unbias and fair, he might learn something. or we might learn something.

martin.

[Guest]

si! how about inviting your friend to show case one of his models for us look at, i promise tobe unbias and fair, he might learn something. or we might learn something.martin.

Not, not!!!!

Better the Person A stay at home!!!

[eddiesolo]

si! how about inviting your friend to show case one of his models for us look at, i promise tobe unbias and fair, he might learn something. or we might learn something.martin.

No friend of mine Martin, just somebody a friend knows (same friend that wanted me to take the cannon vignette to that show, should have known better). I am going to keep my gob shut from now on, had a slating about my cannon vignette and then about the forum. As many folk on here have pointed out, it is for enjoyment purposes that we make models with an exceptional few going on to make a living out of it. Pity some folk seem to forget that view.

His attitude towards this site and probably others meant he looked down his nose at lesser beings, no great loss really, he just wound me up slagging of people like myself and others, there are many types of modellers, some with little room or funds, some with disabilities and some with a skill level that may not improve, doesn't mean they should be ignored and frowned upon for trying to do something, life is hard enough without some thoughtless jumped up idiots putting others down.

I very much doubt he would join, his models are outstanding but I get the feeling he would be out out of his element on here.

Si