discussion Burnout, are there two sides

[Robert1968]

Not quite sure where you are coming from on the 'post every part they stick on' bit. I post loads of pictures with a load of waffle about what I am doing but this isn't meant to be anything other than giving people an idea of how a kit goes together. Sometimes I am a bit disappointed when I see a great build of a kit I would like to have a go at but there is not much info about how it was put together. I for one would be just as happy reducing the number of posts if people don't want to see them, it would give me more time to build them lol
There is a 'Critique Corner' forum for people who want serious critique of their build. Posting in there does not mean that the model will get real constructive criticism as not everyone may feel that they are skilled enough to write such a thing. However, it does mean that anyone posting in that forum has to take the rough with the smooth. I seem to remember there was a similar discussion going on when this Critique Corner forum was originally set up.


The whole idea of a critique depends on quite a few things which can inhibit the quality of the critique. A badly written critique can come over as harsh and possibly cause offence. A good critique can only really be written by someone who has a good background in either the techniques used, the type represented by the model or is well read on the history of the period.


I could not write a good critique as I know little about anything. I wouldn't know if the colour was wrong, the air filters are the wrong period for the type of vehicle or what machine guns were used after 1944. Why don't I know this? Its simple, I don't really care. Sorry if that offends people but I only build models for the fun of modelling not for the research and history of it. That does not mean that I don't respect those that do know, in fact I really admire the knowledge that some people have, it amazes me how they can hold that sort of information.


It also doesn't mean that if someone with that knowledge politely pointed out I was doing something wrong that I would object to having it pointed out. That comes with the proviso that they are not offended if I thank them for their input then ignore it. It is my model and I will build it how I want to which may or may not include corrections to improve it if I feel like doing that.


I could write a critique based on whether I like what someone has done with a build and, if I do like what I see, I can honestly say that for me, it is a great build. This will not be based on accuracy as I probably wouldn't know. It will not be based on the technical ability of the modeller simply because it is unlikely that I would know what their skill level is so would not be in a position to judge it.


Given the above, there would be no inherent value to any critique I wrote but if I honestly like something and get the feeling that the modeller has had a good go at it then I will say so. If I don't like something but do not feel qualified to say why, what would be the point of me saying anything? The downside to saying that is that now, if I say nothing, people will assume I don't like it which may not be true, it could be I just missed it.


At the end of the day, apart from certain aspects of a build, it is all a matter of opinion. Yes, it is easier to say "Great job" than to say "what the hell is that". I don't believe that many people on here take every 'happy' comment seriously but if it encourages them to keep modelling then job done as far as I am concerned.


I certainly don't take every good comment as being gospel, I do know my own abilities and I know when I get it wrong. I, and very few others, build a perfect kit each time. I have never built a perfect kit but if I enjoyed them then I just smile at my mistakes and make a mental note to try not to do that again, but chances are I will. It is a much nicer environment when people maybe are a little overgenerous. Trouble is, now I have said that, nobody will believe me when I say "Great job" anymore.


There is, to me, more to being on a forum than the finesse of the modelling. Modelling for a lot of people is a very solitary hobby. Not all of us have access to, time for or ability to become part of their local modelling club. A forum can be the only social contact many of us have with other like minded people. I will be quite honest in that issues I have had in the past has made it very difficult if not impossible to take criticism at times when I have been on edge. In fact, I will be completely honest and say that I actually offended and upset a well respected member of this forum for saying something to try and help me along when I was in a state were I couldn't accept it. A shameful action on my part which I have regretted ever since. Thankfully that person has been the bigger man and has not held it against me.


So, it is not all about the level of modelling, for some it is much more than that, it is a social club. That does not mean that others are here for more than that, that they need to have real criticism to help them develop their skills. However, don't you think that people can learn and develop by example as much as direct constructive criticism? A ineffective critique can actually be a really negative thing whereas a over generous comment can just give the incentive to keep climbing that ladder.


I feel that there is a place for well written critiques and I am sure if people want them then there are people on this forum who are knowledgeable and skilled enough to write them but, sadly, I am not one of them.

I have to agree with you Graham


Spot on


Kind regards


Robert

 

[spanner570]

I'm sorry to say this will be my first and last post. Good luck to all in your hobby, I will look elsewhere for inspiration.

That's a shame........ !

 

[Guest]

The way I see it is simple! When we were at school if our teacher asked what is 10x10 and we said 110 the teacher wouldn't say correct! They would help us understand what the right answer was and in turn it helps us for the rest of our lives! Same principle as modelling. I have learned a hell of a lot from here and if I have questions I PM the modeller. In saying that No I don't want to see a picture of a part before and after it has been primed and personally I would like to thank kpnuts for having the balls to finally bring this subject up.

 

[eddiesolo]

Firstly it isn't anything to do with your work, not just Ken's but all folks builds. I think times change, people have other things, work, house, garden etc. With the nice weather...yeah, right...trying to break through folk tend to slow down in modelling and commenting. I am the same, I love Ken's work and all the build threads and finished work. I may not always comment but I do look.


If you want critique or help, ask for it or slap it into the correct section or PM a member who did something you're interested in.


All forums are the same, they go through ups and downs, it isn't anything personal.


I love you guys...keep smiling and build when you want and post what you want.

 

[Guest]

I'm sorry to have offended you spats that was not my intention and I certainly did not call anyone names nor did I say I was not interested in anyone's work, what I was actually saying was people are probably getting bored of MY posts I post a lot of pictures as I build, although it's not happened on here it has on other forums I am on where no one even looks at what I've posted, and I think that's what has happened, people have become bored of my posts. I don't intend for that to happen on here (my favourite forum)so am taking action to stop it. I started this thread to see if anyone else thought of this as well. As I said sorry to have offended you.

You certainly didn't offend me Ken, and personally I love following your builds, if I don't comment about them it isn't because I'm bored, its because like I said befire, I often only comment if I feel I have something to add.


Keep posting ya builds mate, I'd hate for you to stop.


Cheers, Andrew

 

[Guest]

I apologise Ken if it was yourself that you were going on about but it did not say or insinuate that in the post as you were doing it a third person context.


I have now broke my promise of only doing one post so I suppose I might as well hang about around here learning and admiring your works.


Thanks again for the PM no hard feeling.


Dave

 

[eddiesolo]

I apologise Ken if it was yourself that you were going on about but it did not say or insinuate that in the post as you were doing it a third person context.
I have now broke my promise of only doing one post so I suppose I might as well hang about around here learning and admiring your works.


Thanks again for the PM no hard feeling.


Dave

Nice one Dave, sometimes thing get read wrong or taken wrong, difficult when just reading and not face to face. 99% of the time is isn't meant how it is supposed to be.


Hope you find what you want and can incorporate into your RC helicopters.

 

[Guest]

I apologise Ken if it was yourself that you were going on about but it did not say or insinuate that in the post as you were doing it a third person context.
I have now broke my promise of only doing one post so I suppose I might as well hang about around here learning and admiring your works.


Thanks again for the PM no hard feeling.


Dave

You will get used to the fact that some of us are completely bonkers and the rest, well, they are getting there. You will get used to us mate so stick around, it's a laugh as well as modelling

 

[stona]

When I post a WIP thread I don't post pictures of every part I attach to the model, which would be pointless and boring, even to me. I try to show the major phases of construction and, more importantly, draw attention to any issues with the kit, good or bad. In doing so I hope to be useful to anyone else who might fancy having a go at the same kit and provide a bit of entertainment for others. This is a hobby and it's supposed to be fun.


I will always give an honest opinion of a kit from the point of view of an experienced, average, model builder. Nobody gives me free kits or free anything else! If, in my opinion, it's sh*t, I'll say so and if it's brilliant I'll say so too. I understand that as I make mostly large scale aircraft, my builds might hold no interest for some members of the forum, and I would hardly expect them to comment. In fact I don't expect anyone to comment, but it is always nice to know that people are watching and are interested.


I always look at models posted by members which fall outside my area of interest and am usually pleasantly surprised by the skill and imagination of the various members efforts.


When I look at other people's models I will make a general comment, always looking for something positive and encouraging to say. If I can't do that I won't say anything. As Graham says, a forum is a social site for like minded people and nobody comes here to get slagged off in a pointless and unnecessary way. If somebody asks for an opinion on some specific feature of a model, colour, etc. and I feel qualified to help then I will.


Luckily the membership here generally follows these sort of unwritten rules and unpleasant exchanges, toy throwing ,etc. are mercifully rare.


Cheers


Steve

 

[grumpa]

I dunno...I kinda liked the little "views" thingy, it was always a little shot in the arm to see your latest post get x-amount of attention, even when only the sound of crickets can be heard from the


comment corner. "Vanity"?...nah...even Rover likes to get his ear scratched now and then.. .............Jim

 

[grumpa]

I'm sorry to say this will be my first and last post.
I have just found this forum as I am interested in getting into plastic scale modelling as a help to my main interest of Scale RC Helicopters.


On the RC Heli forums I frequent no one is lambasted because they post a lot about a build they are doing and most are encouraged to post more.


In my opinion if you are not interested in commenting on a build or in giving help or CC don't read it and don't get involved.Don't start name calling just because it has no interest to yourself (aimed at OP).


Good luck to all in your hobby, I will look elsewhere for inspiration.

Obviously you don't know the folks on this forum and your prejudgment of us is misplaced.


These are the most encouraging and kindest people you will find in this genre of forums, welcoming to all and newbie friendly in the extreme.


Everyone has a different slant on how they like to participate, weather it's posting every little bit of progress, only posting completed builds and everything in between.


Sure every now and then opinions may get misconstrued and some folks may get a bit carried away with the amount of postings of any particular project (myself included) but what harm is done really?


None that I can discern. As far as giving advise I tend to shy away a bit as everyone takes things different plus the printed word can often be misjudged.


Whenever a newbie signs up I always say "if I can be of any help just ask" If no one asks, I offer no advice...as simple as that.......Jim


PS...Maybe certain of us should offer advice in a PM, this way none would feel their undies are on display to the entire forum......just a thought....Oh and.....BRING BACK "VIEWS"!

 

[Guest]

I like reading posts and seeing the pics of builds.


If somebody asks what could have been done better then we probably get some different answers showing that we all have different views which can be interesting.


For me if the builder has enjoyed the build then that is all that is important. If the tracks on the tank look really bad or there are gaping seams on an aircraft then providing the builder enjoyed the time spent and found it relaxing and will buy more kits then that is what the hobby should be about.


I enjoy this site and it is a shame if a poster above decided it was not for him but that is his opinion and we are all different.


My main hobby is model rail but I do like building other models and the fact that they are far from perfect is fine as I had fun with the build and can pick up tips from the guys and gals on this site.

 

[flyjoe180]

Meanwhile I'm having a ball getting back to the bench at long last. Reading peoples' build progress reports kept my modelling habit alive and interested

 

[Bigfoot57]

My thoughts on this with my own type of attempting scratch building was I was posting too many times on little parts which with careful thought could have been combined into say a section completed which you can then add additional comment if it warrants it so this is how I will now continue

 

[dave]

The step by step build threads can be really helpful if you are planning to build the same kit, you can see in advance where the problems lie and hopefully how to work around issues. It also helps to see how someone tackled weathering etc, so I can learn from it for my next build.

 

[PaulTRose]

i enjoy reading other peoples build threads but tend to find when its gets very picture heavy i ignore it........too many pics and i get 'bored' for want of a better word


myself i tend to skimp on build threads.........mainly cos of the same reason....dont see the point of posting pics of each tiny advance.............but also cos im more interested in the building than taking pics lol lol.........by the time i remember ive normally made some decent progress