CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT

[Harry P.]

Now....are you suggesting that because someone has a little experience taking pictures they should NOT enter because they are disadvantaged?

What I'm saying is very simple: In a model contest where the judging is done via photos and not by looking at the actual model, the entrant will be judged in two ways: by the quality of the model, and the quality (or lack thereof) of the photos. That's the stumbling block... the models are not only being judged on their own merits, but by the quality of the photos (by necessity) and whatever detail the photos may or may not provide due to bad lighting, poor focus, bad angles, etc. So it's not just your modeling skills that are being judged, but also your photography skills as they relate to your being able to show your model in the best possible light. I understand that it's not a photography contest, but when a photo is all the judge has to go by, the relative quality of that photo compared to others entrants' photos will play a big part in the judging. There's no way for the judge to get around that.

The only way a "photos only" contest could avoid the problem of differing photo quality playing a part in the judging would be if all the photos were taken by the same person with the same camera and under the same exact conditions.

You can't assume that all the entrants will have equal abilities as photographers... that's just not possible. Of course, minor differences in photo quality probably won't make a difference, but there is a very real possibility that an otherwise excellent model could be "outperformed" by an inferior model due to differing photo quality. It's inevitable that some entrants are going to think that maybe they didn't win, not because their model wasn't good enough, but maybe because their photos weren't as good as the other guy's.

Think of it this way: suppose you were judging a model contest in person... some of the models were on tables in a well-lit room where you could get up close and give the model a real good going over... but some other models were in a dimly lit room and you could only judge them from a distance of ten feet. Are all the models being judged under the same conditions? No. Same problem with judging models based on photos taken by different people with different levels of photographic skill.

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

Hey Virgil

Don't let the naysayers ruin this,I think it is a cool idea

John

[Harry P.]

Hey Virgil

Don't let the naysayers ruin this,I think it is a cool idea

John

I'm not saying the contest is a bad idea... just pointing out the inherent problems with a "photo only" format.

I hope they have a huge turnout! $500 is a nice prize!

[Dr. Cranky]

Now, now, fellas, listen this was done in the spirit of fun and because I thought it'd be a neat idea for at least three modelers to have a little bit more spending case for their hobby during the holidays, AND walk away with what I hopes turns out to be a nifty trophy. It was done to have fun.

J. Sauber, like I said before, I have seen your work and I believe you build one heck of a model and you can represent it in the best light with your pics. Obviously, you are not really tickled or challenged by this contest, which is fine. What I am saying to you is that perhaps the next one will interest you and you will enter.

The 2 dozen or so modelers who will enter this contest are really doing it, I hope, for the challenge and the fun of it.

Our judge knows what he is doing and he will make his decision based on all sorts of things about the model, not just the way it was photographed.

This contest does two important things: it keeps people building and it keeps what they build at home without having to send it or take it some place else.

I hope this helps.

[Harry P.]

Jairus is just cranky 'cuz he's 50...

[Jairus]

... and that much closer to the Senior dinner at Denny's! Don't forget that.....

[Harry P.]

... and that much closer to the Senior dinner at Denny's! Don't forget that.....

Here's a little somethin' that'll make you feel a lot better about 50:

I'll be 53 tomorrow!!!

Helloooooo, AARP!

[Dr. Cranky]

Harry, AARP begins at 50, my friend. You could have been cashing in on all the early bird specials 3 years ago!!!

Hey, if I drop dead overnight, have a great birthday!!!

[Dr. Cranky]

What I really meant to say is that if I am still alive by tomorrow, I will be here to wish you a happy birthday.

[Harry P.]

What I really meant to say is that if I am still alive by tomorrow, I will be here to wish you a happy birthday.

Got a rough night planned???

[Dr. Cranky]

Yes, indeed. I am going to juggle a lit torch, a bowling ball and a chainsaw that's on!!!

[Harry P.]

Good luck with that, stumpy!

[Dr. Cranky]

Hey, Harry, I survived. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY!!!

Hoping you get lots of goodies and early bird special gift certificates!!!

[camaroman]

Hey, Harry, I survived. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY!!!

Hoping you get lots of goodies and early bird special gift certificates!!!

Let me add my Happie Bird day!!! wish since you seem to have forgotten to inform the forum of this...

just kiddin', you did not show on the birthday list...

[Jantrix]

For those who have a serious mad-on about the no-shiney paint rule need to do a bit of Googlish research on suede rods. There are a whole lot more options than just primer grey, flat black and red oxide.

[Dr. Cranky]

Thanks, Jantrix. It's true. The magazines are also a good resource for inspiration!!!

[RyanSilva]

For those who have a serious mad-on about the no-shiny paint rule need to do a bit of Googlish research on suede rods. There are a whole lot more options than just primer grey, flat black and red oxide.

Well said buddy.

I'm doing this contest not for the money although it is a nice prize to sweeten the pot! But I'm doing it more or less to get me out of a building slump, and to see some good model builders building together. So far I have not seen a "build off" or "eContest" with a very large turnout since the Post Apocalyptic build off, This one is already getting a dozen folks and more coming.

No gloss is what makes Cranky's contest unique. For folks who Have not ventured into the land of rust, flats and suede, Try to try it out, you might see some fun in it.

[LUKE'57]

All right guys, since anything that I would build is gonna wind up looking like a stealth 'shine runner or a ready to paint race car in primer, I think I have found my niche in this contest. Instead of building one of the afore mentioned rides, I'd like, instead, to voluteer to help anyone who has trouble with their photography.

What I'm proposing is that anyone who is intered in the contest can e-mail me a picture representative of whatever is giving them trouble when photographing their entries and I will try to come up with a simple solution to getting the photo fixed on the reshoot.

It's not that hard when someone tells you exactly what to do to fix a certain problem and in almost 35 years of model photography there ain't that many mistakes I haven't made. And when I say simple, I mean very specific and easy to do fixes for whatever ails your entry.

Not trying to be a know it all or "expert" , just trying to help ya'll find that level playing field.

[Jairus]

Well, now how about that Harry. Someone willing to help out the poor and destitute photographer take better photos of their entry. Is this a great hobby or what!?!?

Hey Jay... better get in line!

Luke, you are a prince among thieves! Thanks.

[Harry P.]

Well, now how about that Harry. Someone willing to help out the poor and destitute photographer take better photos of their entry.

There's a big difference between a poor and destitute photographer (no money) and a poor photographer (no talent!)

[curt raitz]

Virgil

thanx for puttin' this contest out there

my photography ain't the best, but i'm working on it...dang 'white balance' anyhow

I just joined the model builders forum and plan on entering the contest

would do it even if 1st place was a hardy handshake and a thank you!

now gotta dig thru my stash to find a model to build

curt

[Alyn]

I think your contest is great, Virgil. I'm trying to talk myself into signing up as well and have already signed up on the forum. Like many others, I take a fair amount of time on a build, so that's the factor I'm hung up on.

But I'm not in the least suggesting the time line should be changed. I've never understood why people complain so much about rules. You've got guys complaining about the time limit, the paint style, the period of eligibility, the photographic component, and who knows what else. These are the very things that make this contest interesting. If you can't take a good picture, don't sign up. If flat or satin paint is too much of a challenge, don't sign up. Sit back and watch some interesting builds play out. Take it in as a positive contribution to the hobby and enjoy it.

Putting the money up is a notable gesture. Whether we participate or spectate, you've given us the option to do either or both.

Thanks!

[E St. Kruiser50]

WAIT A MINUTE - NO SHINEY PAINT

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO A CAR WITHOUT SHINEY PAINT

ARE THEY REALLY DONE WHEN THEY'RE NOT SHINEY ?????

Edited November 7, 2009 by Treehugger Dave

[Dr. Cranky]

My advice to those of you who would like to enter is to do so soon, although you have until the beginning of December to get your fee in . . . and I hope you've got your build in mind already, getting the parts, etc . . . .

Mitchum, thanks for the offer. If someone takes you up on it then they can work out the details with you as to when to get their vehicle over to you.

Hoping more people will change their mind. It's just for the fun of it, folks, and besides you know you spend ten dollars easily on practically anything . . .

I've seen you at the Walgreens buying lots of nail polish!!!

[LUKE'57]

Hey Virg, they don't have to get them over to me (although I would be more than happy to shoot pics for anyone), just a sample of the pictures to let me know what kind of problems they are having with their photography. Sorry if I confused anyone.