Modelers who are not part of the Computer age

[Tony N]

This weekend I met a car modeler who doesn't use a computer. He is around 60 years old and missed the computer age, so no internet, no on line hobby stores and no great modeling web site like this. His granddaughters knew that I have a large collect of model cars because my wife was their daycare provider, any way, he was looking for people to put in a 1/25 garage he is building. So I sold him a Fujimi mechanics set.

I am getting close to 60, but I have worked in Silicon Valley all my adult life. A lot of people who didn't work in the high tech world and who are around my age or older may have no interest in the internet because they didn't start when they were younger and see no need for it. My first thought was how does someone find model cars to build. We had both gone to the same hobby store before it close and Walmart doesn't carry them any more. So if you don't go in with your wife to Michaels you would never know they sold models car there. I have a strong felling that a large group of young model car builders from the 1960's would still be building models now if they could find them. I have seen ads for models in a couple of magazines with an internet address and maybe a mailing address. But not in Rod and Custom or Hot Rod, these are the magazines I grew up with. I know if models were easier to find they would sell a lot more of them, which means more new models for me to buy and build.

TonyN

[Foxer]

I'm 6 years older than him, but I used my first computer in 1964 and never stopped. I'm NOT in the computer industry, though .. it was just used in college for engineering exercises. Still, A hobby shop here, and way out in the boonies, gets me all I need for models and supplies. If I wasn't online it would be a vast resource for everything I needed. Granted, there aren't many left like this but it IS possible to model without a connection ... just glad I don't have to do it!

[mrknowetall]

I've met a few modelers that aren't "connected" in any way, and they seem happy enough. And some of them aren't all that old.

[Harry P.]

If you're happy without internet, more power to ya. But I can't imagine a world without ebay!

[mrknowetall]

I can't imagine no Internet in my life. Between eBay, Amazon and a host of forums similar to this one, I can entertain myself (and empty my wallet). All good!

BTW, I ain't no spring chicken. I basically taught myself how to use a computer in the nineties (using an ancient Gateway PC a relative gave me). Same for digital photography.

Edited June 4, 2013 by mrknowetall

[AzTom]

Without the internet I would have time to build something

There are far more people out there NOT on the internet than most think.

[Harry P.]

As of June 2012... percentage of people who are internet connected:

Africa: 16%

Asia: 28%

Europe: 62%

Middle East: 40%

North America: 79%

Latin America: 43%

Australia: 68%

Worldwide: 34%

[Rob Hall]

I couldn't imagine not being on the internet. Not just because my career depends on access to it. Without the internet, would I be using 'stamps' and 'envelopes' to pay bills? Writing paper letters? Using a 'phonebook'? Do a job search? So much of day-to-day life today is conducted online.. it would be like living in the past. Sounds scary. I've been using computers for 30 years and online for over 25 (had CompuServe back in the day).

As far as older folks and the internet, my sister is in her 50s and uses an iPad and a laptop, online all the time. My older brother (63) has zero internet access (used to have a PC and dialup for a few years back in the dialup era) but he's kind of a hermit out in the sticks...

Edited June 4, 2013 by Rob Hall

[Lunajammer]

Sadly, those who are not computer literate will be left behind because our society is not considerate or patient of those who are not "connected."

Tony, your friend isn't connected because he's intimidated by the technology and doesn't feel he needs it because he's gotten by without it. I've known many like him. But like my acquaintances, he may be a good case for someone to take the time to slowly introduce him to the benefits. Someone who will take the time to show him computers with patience and clarity. Like all of us, once he discovers the new world, his preconceived biases may change and he can discover the benefits on his own.

The force feeding of technology is what some older folks resist, and sometimes I don't blame them.

[charlie8575]

Hmmm...

I still pay my bills with a check usually (I like the paper trail).

I still send letters and cards quite a bit.

I still like the phone book because I can usually get what I need quicker without having to contend with banner ads and all that stuff.

And, during my periodic down-turns, I'll have a week or more without Internet access at home. I actually rather enjoy the peace and quiet and find my productivity otherwise soaring.

The Internet is a mixed bag. There are a lot of good things about it, some things that are a wash and some that aren't good. I worry about the loss of true intellectual prowess and researching skills. The ability to do things well without the aid (or minimal aid) of a computer. We've become too accustomed to the easy way out. And while that's not always bad either, following the path of least resistance without any variation will result in stunting of some kind. The question is when will it become most apparent.

Charlie Larkin

[Jantrix]

My folks are 70 and have really embraced the internet over the years. My mom is very active on Facebook of late as she has discovered it as a fantastic way to stay in contact with her very large family. It did take some convincing though.

[JunkPile]

As of June 2012... percentage of people who are internet connected:

Africa: 16%

Asia: 28%

Europe: 62%

Middle East: 40%

North America: 79%

Latin America: 43%

Australia: 68%

Worldwide: 34%

Let me guess...This info came from the internet?

[Ramfins59]

As Tony N. stated above,model cars used to be in the 1;1 car magazines like Rod & Custom, Custom Rodder and Street Rodder. Those magazines opted to drop their model car sections because they felt that the page and a half or so that the model cars took up would be better used by another page and a half of advertising.... I don't subscribe to any of those mags any more because they're like getting a catalog in the mail every month. It's all about the advertising revenue, just like any magazine.

[Harry P.]

Let me guess...This info came from the internet?

Of course!

[Harry P.]

The Internet is a mixed bag. There are a lot of good things about it, some things that are a wash and some that aren't good. I worry about the loss of true intellectual prowess and researching skills. The ability to do things well without the aid (or minimal aid) of a computer.

I wonder if you would have felt the same way if you lived back in the days when printed books first began to become commonplace. People no longer had to rely on "lore" or information passed down from generation to generation; they now could find information, entertainment and enlightenment in books. Books facilitated the spread of knowledge, and yes, some books contained false information and outright lies... but books revolutionized civilization.

Oral/person-to-person transmission of information... books.

Books... internet.

[Rob Hall]

Sadly, those who are not computer literate will be left behind because our society is not considerate or patient of those who are not "connected."

They are kind of like the Amish. Here but not here. The Amish are still living in the 17th century, people w/o computer literacy and access are still living in the 20th century. Just the way it is...

Edited June 4, 2013 by Rob Hall

[Eshaver]

Well, I REFUSE to have any dealings with EVIL BAY or it's sleazy cousin KRAK LIST ! I go to shows to buy what I'm looking for as per "New " kits . As for my supplies , shoot , I have a doll house store across town and there is a Michael's sort of close by . Our last remaining Hobby store is selling out . That leaves a Hobby Town and I certainly don't even consider that place credible . I get by ok .

[Foxer]

My Mom is 92 years old and we just got her a place in a nursing home, in good health but needs care to get meds right. Her first request, actually, DEMAND, was her computer! I got her a new one as she still had XT on old one so it's a laptop with WIN8! First win8 lesson was today so we'll see what email brings from her! Her first question was "how do I get on the internet?".

Edited June 5, 2013 by Foxer

[Rob Hall]

My Mom is 92 years old and we just got her a place in a nursing home, in good health but needs care to get meds right. First request, actually, DEMAND, was her computer! I got here a new one as she still had XT on old one so it's a laptop with WIN8! First win8 lesson was today so we'll see what email brings from her! Her first question was "how do I get on the internet?".

That's very cool..I wish I could get my Mom online. I call her every week, but would love to be able to email her photos and notes... my Mom is 82 and healthy and feisty, but 1500 miles away...

[Tom Geiger]

Like most here have stated, I cannot imagine my life without my computer and the Internet. It's just made everything so easy.. need info... anything from model car research to looking up a local restaurant... just a few clicks away.

This hobby has flourished due to the Internet. Guys who have no local model club or sources, can find it here. Research used to be going to your club meeting and asking. Someone would say they'd look it up and bring the book to the next meeting. So you were waiting a month.. then he'd show up empty handed. He forgot! Now, you just post on a message board. Whether you need some reference shots, data or even a part for a rare old kit, you'll have it in a half hour.

As far as those who have chosen not to participate. Some don't because of fear, masking it with indignation that they'll never go on the evil Internet. I've seen some of these guys converted, once they see everything that is here, and are coached as to how easy it all really is. Between my two clubs, there are a few guys not on the Internet. Two of them are in their 50s, and are now just getting into it. One is an older fellow with bad eyesight.

My clubs were late to convert over to all electronic newsletters, because we wanted to accommodate those few guys, Once we saw many other clubs going electronic, we did too, but the newsletter editors still mail out a few paper copies to these long time members. Should we in the future? Or is it just tough luck? Heck, companies don't accept paper job applications any more, even for minimum wage jobs. The other side of it is that we were paying a fortune between printing and postage. The Tri-State Scale Model Car Club hasn't charged dues in the last two years due to the savings of going electronic.

And for NNL East, we used to print up a fairly comprehensive 4 page flyer that went out to our mailing list. Still our phones would ring off the hook during 'show season' with all kinds of questions, requests for turn by turn directions, etc. Now we mail out a simple postcard directing folks to go to our website. The cost is maybe 25% of what we spent previously. And due to the website we get very few phone calls. The website answers most questions. We put on the card that we will provide a paper flyer to those who can't access the website. We mail out less than 5 of those against our post card mailing of over 1500 cards. So most people are on board.

[Tom Geiger]

but smart enough not to bid on the high price models on Ebay or the other dealers.

Greed has made this Hobby of ours, a place for really greedy people, I good to the Local Hobby Shop, and I know that I'm not going to walk out of there bo-legged, but to see some of the prices on Ebay and others, soetimes I wish that I didn't have a Computer, that's my quarter, bye guy's!

eBay has actually driven DOWN the price of collectibles overall. The fact that so much is so readily available, and competition, has made it easier to find specific collectibles. Once you realize that the same kits are going to reappear every other week, you bid accordingly. It may take you a while to be the high bidder at your price, but it will eventually happen. We all have many models that we would never have found in the old way of going to swap meets.

And when you see a high price posted on eBay, that doesn't mean anything but someone wishing to sell it for that much. There are dealers listing fairly common kits for $100-200, but they're not sold because nobody is biting at those prices. The free market will always sort those out.

For instance, I've been looking for an early Chevette model. There's one for sale on eBay right now for $90. It's been there for months. I have a search agent for "Chevette" that emails me of a new one available about once a week. I missed out on one that went for $45 a few weeks ago. I was one bid away from the one that sold for $28 this week. And I'll keep plugging and eventually will get one around $20. It becomes a game. But the lesson here is not to believe the high prices!

Edited June 4, 2013 by Tom Geiger

[Rob Hall]

eBay is great...I've been a happy user for nearly 16 years (started on it in 1997). It's long been my go-to resource for old kits...some new ones also, as well as resin parts, etc. Way more selection than I'd find at the local kit swap meet (which is only a few times a year) and it's open 24/7..

Edited June 4, 2013 by Rob Hall

[niteowl7710]

My parents are the ying & yang of technology...

My dad who turns 66 this month use the internet and all of that for work, and while he has a personal e-mail address I can't ever recall a time where I've ever seen (or heard about) him surfing the net from home, and I don't believe I've ever gotten an e-mail from him. He has no need for Facebook or any of that.

My mom who just turned 65 has a desktop, a laptop, and a Kindle Fire. She's addicted to FB, she's an eBay Power Seller, and it's rare to not see her attached to either her Kindle or her smart phone doing Lord knows what. She's worse than my 11 year old daughter.

Go back in time 20 years and we had gotten our first Windows computer (ahh Windows 3.1) and AOL, so they've had technology/internet since they were in their 40's. There's no viable reason why any baby boomer isn't connected to the internet in someway unless they've just stuck their fingers in their ears and went "lalalala can't hear you, LALALALALA CAN'T HEEEEEEEAR YOU" whenever the subject was brought up. As others have mentioned most every job requires some form of electronic communications for the past decade.

It's one thing to be around retirement age and have no need for any type of social media, but it's hard to imagine not having some sort of free e-mail (Yahoo, GMail, their ISP, etc) and at least being able to seek out information on the hobby - be it here, or Revell's website, or online stores.

[mrknowetall]

eBay has actually driven DOWN the price of collectibles overall. The fact that so much is so readily available, and competition, has made it easier to find specific collectibles. Once you realize that the same kits are going to reappear every other week, you bid accordingly. It may take you a while to be the high bidder at your price, but it will eventually happen. We all have many models that we would never have found in the old way of going to swap meets.

And when you see a high price posted on eBay, that doesn't mean anything but someone wishing to sell it for that much. There are dealers listing fairly common kits for $100-200, but they're not sold because nobody is biting at those prices. The free market will always sort those out.

For instance, I've been looking for an early Chevette model. There's one for sale on eBay right now for $90. It's been there for months. I have a search agent for "Chevette" that emails me of a new one available about once a week. I missed out on one that went for $45 a few weeks ago. I was one bid away from the one that sold for $28 this week. And I'll keep plugging and eventually will get one around $20. It becomes a game. But the lesson here is not to believe the high prices!

Good points made here, particularly as regards eBay. Some eBay sellers will deal with you off eBay if their auctions tank. Believe me, I've done it more than once.

[Harry P.]

As far as those who have chosen not to participate. Some don't because of fear, masking it with indignation that they'll never go on the evil Internet.

A very astute observation. Exactly right... many people who condemn the "evils" of the internet, ebay, etc. are actually doing so to mask their own fear or lack of knowledge. Much easier to act indignant and write off something as "evil" than to try and learn how to use it.