Richard Bartrop Posted May 29, 2016 Author Share Posted May 29, 2016 (edited) Seems to me, the whole point of entering a contest is to put your stuff up against all the others to be judged, and then find out who the "winners" are.I wonder, then, why there so many people who enter contests, yet claim they don't care if they win.If you don't care about winning... why do you enter contests? It's almost as if they are embarrassed by the fact that they like to compete against others.I don't think the point was that competing is bad, or that you shouldn't want to win. Of course winning feels great, and I'll even say that competition can be constructive if it motivates you to up your game. However, there are always a few people who take things too far, and if not winning is making you throw fits, then maybe you show step back a bit, and think about what you're doing. Edited May 29, 2016 by Richard Bartrop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 I'm with Harry here, I compete in events because it's hoped by me that I'll win something. Otherwise, I doubt I'd bother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 We had an interesting experience here a few years back. An older (50's) gent, entered his son''s model (in absentia) in the junior category, and it won first place. It was discovered during the event, that he (the father) had actually built the model himself. When it was suggested that he relinquish the award, he threw a fit, claiming that the model was built for his son, so naturally should be entered in the junior category. After relinquishing the award, he proclaimed that we were all a bunch of idiots, and that he'd never return again. We were heartbroken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nacho Z Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 (edited) (Sorry guys, it looks like I screwed up the multiple quote feature. I'm not retyping all of this.)It looks like Harry and Richard have summed up my feelings on this subject. I think the intent of the "letter" was a commentary on poor losers. The thread immediately took a turn to the negative about competing in general. I see nothing wrong with model contests, competing and hoping your entry places or wins. I very seriously doubt that out of 100 entrants at a model contest, 95 of them do not care if they place or win. The point of the "letter" was to point out the poor losers at any contest. When I drive several hours to a model contest, I have several things I would like to do at the contest. I would like to pick up a few models and supplies, I would like to catch up with my modeling buddies and shoot the breeze and at the end of the day, I would like to have my name called when the awards are given. I'm not sure when that became taboo. I like placing and/or winning. I always have. I probably always will. If I don't place or win, do I have a meltdown? Nope. I go out of my way to congratulate the people who did place or win. Am I disappointed? More often than not. However, I get just as happy to see my buddies do well. I have been beat by friends and am genuinely happy for them.Although I understand the basic gist of when folks say "I build for myself and not others, I don't need their approval", I don't fully understand it. Would it be safe to say that when they finish a model they do not show it to others? Do they not share their models on various boards? Because if they do, (and this is only an assumption), they are looking for, at the very least, a positive comment. I have never met a person who did not appreciate a compliment from others.I get that not everyone feels the need to win, win, win or get 1000 attaboys on their model posts, but why the need to put down the people who do like to compete and win?, (poor losers, tantrum throwers, pissers & moaners aside). Edited May 29, 2016 by Nacho Z Quotes missing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinfan5 Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 Although I understand the basic gist of when folks say "I build for myself and not others, I don't need their approval", I don't fully understand it. Would it be safe to say that when they finish a model they do not show it to others? Do they not share their models on various boards? Because if they do, (and this is only an assumption), they are looking for, at the very least, a positive comment. I have never met a person who did not appreciate a compliment from others. I really do build for myself, yes, I post my work on model forums and Facebook, but I am not posting them so I can get the warm and fuzzy "good job" comments, I like to share what I build with other builders, and if they like what I do, than thats just letting me have my cake and ice cream too. I really dont want or need any validation for me or my models. But of course, its nice when other builders like your work, and its rewarding to get those "good job" comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nacho Z Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 Jonathan, you will always get those "good job" comments from me. You are a prolific builder and I really enjoy seeing the wide variety of subjects you build. It doesn't hurt that you do nice clean work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinfan5 Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 Thank you very much John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eshaver Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 Before 2000, my health still allowed me to maintain a "Show vehicle " , well showable anyway . I met the "Trophy hounds , I still see them at Cruise in's as I seldom can make shows any longer . The thing that bothered me the most was the fact how they used to on an on about how "THEY ' did so an so when it was Grunts like us who did the physical labor . Where's my trophy fella ?As for model shows , what I see is mostly club judges awarding trophy awards to their "Buddies " so as to have sponsorship the next year . I made it clear in 2002 I would NEVER EVER judge another I P M S show as long as I live . I have maintained that promise and I have sworn off several shows as a result of politics too . If an exhibit of mine wins , I want it because I truly deserved it , PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamsuperdan Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 I've entered carshows many times, and have walked away with trophies and plaques. I don't go to win, I go to hang out with friends and talk cars for a day, and let people see what kind of wacky stuff I've got. Having said that, it does feel pretty good to have your work recognized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordRodnKustom Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 (edited) Been there and had a whole attic full of trophies. I showed my Fox Mustang everywhere from MCA Grand Nationals to local "charity" type shows and also judged quite a few shows. That said, I'll say I have indeed seen the behavior described in the op's posted link as well as a lot more not covered here. Some people take this stuff very seriously, just human nature and comes with the territory. Most shows offer a copy of a participants judging sheet so they can see where their vehicle fell short. Some take it as constructive criticism, dig deeper to present a better prepared vehicle the next time, them some just prefer to take the other route and blame anyone they can for their failures. Just the way of the world. Edited May 30, 2016 by FordRodnKustom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vamach1 Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) I have to hand it to some people - they want a trophy so bad they arrive at a show an hour before cars are allowed to park on the show field and they sit by their car all day and only get up to go vote (usually before the registration even closes) and maybe go to the bathroom. They might have a car they have owned for decades and have spent many hours working on or they may have gone to a dealer and bought a brand new car that wil compete against the aforementioned classic. I personally believe any car less than five years old should not be allowed in a show that does not distinguish whether you have a Model T or Ford GT. In judged shows I've seen brand new cars compete against older ones and that does make any sense to me. Edited June 4, 2016 by vamach1 typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Geiger Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 It's pretty much been said here. The guy who has made winning at all costs his goal has really screwed himself. He spends the day fretting and worrying. He looks over every new entry arriving as a threat. And after spending the day with his nerves in a knot, he has a more than even chance that he will leave all ticked off and swearing at the world. Is that how you want to spend a Saturday? No need to punish this kind of guy, he's already done it to himself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aztec Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 IMO, whether at a full sized car show or a model car show, if you are there with the intent to win a trophy...... you are missing the point entirely. Yup - I agree. Hi Chris, sent you a PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantrix Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 This letter is well done but frankly it will fall on deaf ears. People that are "trophy hunters" are just wired that way, and they cannot imagine doing something for any other reason than to compete. In the modeling world I've only met one guy like that and he just didn't get it. After the awards he dragged the judges back to his models demanding to know why his models didn't win. He even went so far as to drag the contest organizer over to complain. I tried talking to him after, to smooth the ruffled feathers, and he told me point blank, "Listen, the only reason I build is to compete." At that point I realized we were on two different planets on the subject of models and left him alone to pack. If you are wondering if there is a guy like this at your show, most likely he's the guy who brings the same models to the shows over and over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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