random thoughts.

[kennb]

I am not sure where this is to be posted but here goes anyway. Many people have been following my attempts over the years knowing that I work with a few files and an exxacto knife. I don't have a lot of tools to work with and a very limited budget so some things I want to do I just go with what I have. I am not a great modeler but hash together some creditable models upon occasion. Recently I have posted a few things that some people have found imperfections with and maybe a better part is available to use. True,,,,,but when I post a wish list to get those parts and I am offered things other than the wish list those parts are not gotten so I have to deal with what I have. Most of my recent builds are done with glue bombs and dollar store rattle cans for paint...........the best I can afford.

The point I am trying to make is that if you think you can do better with what I have then don't bitch...............................prove it. A lot of great models are shown here and some dogs.but I don't see anyone complaining about the outcome. People do the best they can with what they have....and why tear into someones hard work anyway...what does it prove, nothing.

I will continue with a few builds posting as I go, if you don't like what I do don't bother telling me, I know all too well what the short comings are. If you think I am doing a creditable model let me know. Nothing grinds worse than posting and getting ignored. I have a small following that feels that I do decent work, and will continue, albeit very limited way posting my work.

If there is someone that can help setting up a decent web site to show my models it would be nice since everything I do is not posted and less will be from here on it. I will post only a limited amount or work as long as it is appreciated. My completed projects will not be shown under glass anymore.The last one has been deleted since no one thought it was worthy of being posted.

My 56 Buick Centurion has been canceled because when I post in the trades list for things I needed I got replies for everything but what was on the list, Hence the project is tabled.

I do find this the best of the forums and enjoy most of the people here. I would also like to be able to get to some shows but when I ask about them on the show page my requests draw no comments, I am trying to find shows in the twin-cities but they seem to be non existent and the local shows are very small and once a year....maybe 5 or 6 people enter.

Thank you for letting me spout off and if the post is deleted by the administrators I will understand, enuff said.


KennB

[Harry P.]

Sounds to me like you're saying "either say nice things about the models I post or be quiet." Am I reading you correctly?

If so, that's not how a forum works. You post your work for the public to see, and you will get comments from the public... some supportive, some critical.

This doesn't apply only to you specifically, it applies to everyone who posts their work on a public forum: If you can't handle (or don't want) any comments criticizing your work, do not post your work.

[kennb]

then delete me and all my posts if you think I am being unduly critical of some peoples comment...I will leave the forum if that is what people want,,,,,,,being critical is fine but unduly mean is beyond that,,,,,

[imarriedawitch]

I think maybe he's saying some consideration should be given to how the build was completed. That only looking at the final result doesn't reflect that perhaps it was created despite limitations whether they be physical or financial etc. The final product doesn't tell the whole story or put it into context. Don't have to be here long to come to the realization that this is the last place to look for consideration.

[Harry P.]

I think maybe he's saying some consideration should be given to how the build was completed. That only looking at the final result doesn't reflect that perhaps it was created despite limitations whether they be physical or financial etc. The final product doesn't tell the whole story or put it into context. Don't have to be here long to come to the realization that this is the last place to look for consideration.

The problem is, everyone has their own set of limitations. whether it's lack of skill, lack of money, a physical limitation, etc. How are we supposed to enforce some sort of "acceptable" level of criticism that's different for everyone depending on their own personal situation? The answer, of course, is that's impossible.

Like I said, if you can't handle criticism from the public, don't post your models for the public to see. I don't say that to be mean, I say it because it's just the way it is. If all we allow here is pats on the back and comments like "awesome build," then the whole point and meaning of a public forum is lost.

[Harry P.]

then delete me and all my posts if you think I am being unduly critical of some peoples comment...I will leave the forum if that is what people want,,,,

Nobody has ever said they want you to leave the forum. It sounds like you are the one that wants to leave the forum, and it also sounds like you're feeling sorry for yourself. Like i said in my previous comment, we all have limitations of one kind or another.

If you want to leave the forum, of course that's your choice. But don't make it sound like people here chased you off somehow, because that is not the case.

[Ramfins59]

There have been comments made in other threads more or less stating "if you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything." Obviously no one likes to hear negative comments about their work, but if those comments are made in a constructive fashion, without being rude or malicious, then so be it. This, and other public forums, is not the place to come if you are a thin-skinned type who can't take criticism about your work.

I personally think that Ken does fantastic work and is extremely talented as a modeler with scratchbuilding skills that I only wish I had. I can agree with his point that was made about listing things wanted or needed to trade for, and having responses from people who want what you have, but don't have what you want and I also find that to be very annoying. However I guess that will not change.

[cobraman]

I for one do not mind when one of my builds get a responce that points out something wrong or that could have been done better. None of my builds have ever been perfect nor will they. I learn from some of the less than positive comments and makes me think and want to do a better job. Not everyone like the same things and for the most part any "negitive" comments I have received have been in a very nice polite way. How it is presented is what makes the difference. Don't post if you have thin skin.

[imarriedawitch]

Uninformed comments aren't helpful. If you knew someone was hearing impaired would you suggest they pay more attention to what you're saying?

I don't think anyone wants it to be pats on the back or nothing but the comments should be relevant to the builder and not to some ideal we have in our head. If I'm not familiar with the builder, or have an understanding just where he's coming from and can compare this build to previous work from him then maybe this is a build I shouldn't be commenting on.

[Lunajammer]

Kenn, I urge you not to leave the forum! I'm one of your fans and delight in seeing what you do. I also urge you to continue posting photos and accept what comes, good or bad, for what it's worth. The critiques I've seen have been specific, non-insulting and valid. But they in no way define the overall scope of your projects.

The thing is, your construction skills are beyond what many of us can do. So it's a given, perhaps unspoken, that your work is superb and fascinating. The critiques have been for areas in which we'd like to see you grow (we all have them). Please don't take them as indictments against your entire effort. Comments are not currency with good ones making you rich and bad ones making you poor. They're just opinions from strangers that count for as much or as little as you let them.

There are a lot of silent viewers, (and I may be one) learning and being inspired by your posts.

[Casey]

I would also like to be able to get to some shows but when I ask about them on the show page my requests draw no comments, I am trying to find shows in the twin-cities but they seem to be non existent and the local shows are very small and once a year....maybe 5 or 6 people enter.

The NNL North is held every year, and I guarantee there will be more than six people there. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=71686

As for receiving replies, it's totally hit and miss. You tend to build some very out-of-the-box projects (your scratchbuilt motorcycle comes to mind), Ken, so most times I suspect people are unsure of what to say, so they say nothing. That shouldn't stop you from sharing your work, as just because people don't post any replies, doesn't mean they aren't watching.

You have to build for you, and if others enjoy what you build, great. If not, no biggie, you already have the satisfaction of doing what makes you happy.

I did see a few of your posts were edited/deleted, but wasn't sure why. If there's something you or anyone else feels is inappropriate, please PM me and I will take a look.

[Tom Geiger]

Why do these threads go downhill fast?

Ken, I thought things were going along fine. I was completely enjoying your thread on the '56 Corvette Impala, and like most folks here I was both amazed and in awe of your talent and quick progress. I believe many of us would be happy to buy a resin copy of this work. That was our enthusiasm with comments that were aimed at having you fix minor things we all saw, in the hopes of you improving the model while you were still at a stage where it could be done easily. In fact, reading back to your exchanges with these folks, it seemed you were on board and working towards making the model better.

I was also looking forward to your 56 Buick Centurion build. Considering what you've done with the Impala, you have the credibility that I know you can pull this one off too. I also just saw that the Plymouth Belmont show car is going up for auction and the first thing I thought of was that this would be another great project for you.

There are many guys like you who do great work with little. Joe Cavorley comes to mind. He was a great commercial truck modeler who was disabled and died over 10 years ago. Joe built some terrific models, some of which are in the International Model Car Builders Museum, from scraps and old built ups people had given him. It was all in the level of skill he had developed, that he said he'd rather make a broom that went on a truck than buy a resin one. I too, build with simple tools. I don't use a Dremel or airbrush. Like you, I use hand tools and spray cans. I just like it that way.

As for the "Trading Post" on this board, I think a lot of us haven't been able to get what we have requested there. While the majority of folks on the board have good intentions, there are 'serial traders' who are looking to be ahead and on top of a deal. Back when I was looking for an early Chevette, I posted and some who will remain nameless wanted me to trade him my complete unbuilt later model Chevette kit for a broken promo body he had of the earlier car. Of course I declined.

And then there's folks like me who, seeing the work you do, would be happy to send you the parts needed for absolutely free just to see them incorporated into one of your builds! Heck, I'd open a new kit to help you.

With posting, the response you get is pretty darn random. I post on a couple boards, and sometimes I get great response, other times none at all. I'll sometimes post the same post on two boards, I'll get no response on one and resounding response on the other. The next time it will be reversed. Don't let it get to you.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Kenn, I urge you not to leave the forum! I'm one of your fans and delight in seeing what you do. I also urge you to continue posting photos and accept what comes, good or bad, for what it's worth. The critiques I've seen have been specific, non-insulting and valid. But they in no way define the overall scope of your projects.

The thing is, your construction skills are beyond what many of us can do. So it's a given, perhaps unspoken, that your work is superb and fascinating. The critiques have been for areas in which we'd like to see you grow (we all have them). Please don't take them as indictments against your entire effort. Comments are not currency with good ones making you rich and bad ones making you poor. They're just opinions from strangers that count for as much or as little as you let them.

There are a lot of silent viewers, (and I may be one) learning and being inspired by your posts.

...what he said. Your scratchbuilding is always fascinating and inspiring to watch...

[kennb]

thank you for the comments,,,,,both good and others,,,,,,,I will leave it at that and go forward...................................

[Erik Smith]

Remember who you build for - yourself.

It's not easy building models and documenting the process and posting on forums - both from the perspective of the time involved but also the inherent human factor. It's easy to see and remember critical posts and forget complimentary ones - human nature.

[philo426]

Yeah don't be thin skinned.People will point out flaws and /or inaccuracies in your builds from time to time.As long as it is done a respecful and with helpful intent than you should carefully consider whether the crticism has merit.plus you know you are free to disregard any or all crtisim if you feel it is not valid or the member misunderstood the intent of the builder.Snarky and or trollish comments will be taken care of swiftly by the Harry and the other mods be rest assured of that!

[Joker]

It'll be a sad day when another styrene chopper leaves because of trolls.

I for one, will miss your skill and posts.

[blunc]

I too would be disappointed if you decided to quit posting your work and leave the forum.

[High octane]

Remember who you build for - yourself.

It's not easy building models and documenting the process and posting on forums - both from the perspective of the time involved but also the inherent human factor. It's easy to see and remember critical posts and forget complimentary ones - human nature.

Well said, remember who you build for - yourself. I think I have plenty of trophies from years back for my model car building and they're in a box in the crawl space. I do build for myself and I enjoy this forum as well as others. I also enjoy being in model car clubs as well. Yeah, I'm havin' fun and I enjoy the hobby.

[PappyD340]

Ken, I also think you build great stuff I have seen severel of your builds, and have seen the comments posted and the pros far outweigh the cons, as Harry said we all have different skill levels and financial restraints and physical limitations, so just keep doing what your doing Ken with what you got and let the negative stuff just roll off your back, as long as your satisfied and feel good about a build that's all that matters. Keep them builds coming!!

[Guest]

Keep posting my friend, your work is a ok!

[Skydime]

Kenn, I just wanted to let you know that I have been in a similar situation. I had someone come into my office and smash every single model car I had...not once, but twice! I lost about a total of 50-60 cars from all that. I wanted Harry and Gregg to just cancel my membership to the forum because didn't even want to think about building models anymore because of what I thought would happen to them.

Gregg and Harry were both good enough to give me that light kick in the butt I needed to continue. I am still greatful for that. Don't let things discourage you.

Believe it or not, a lot of us look at tons of builds and just don't comment. It's not necessarily because we have nothing good to say or that we think someone does bad work. Sometimes we just aren't in a posting mood. That's not your fault and there is nothing that you have done wrong for that to happen. Heck, I think I maybe got 8 or 9 comments on my first under glass. But, when I see a tons more have viewed it, that's still encouraging for me. So, do what you do, don't worry about neh sayers, and just take any comments and criticisms as an attempt to help or with a grain of salt...which ever keeps you going.

And one final comment here. Don't ever get caught up in a drama thread. I have only took a stance on one dramatic thread the entire time I have been here. And that's just because the OP CLEARLY got flamed for an innocent comment and link to an article. The truth be known, unless I am referring to something they said, or I have a personal standout in my mind of someone, I hardly even notice most names when I post. For all I know, I could have told two people that absolutely cannot stand each other that I have liked one of their builds. I don't stand on both sides of the fence, I just don't care about the fence.

Edited September 27, 2013 by Skydime

[philo426]

Hey sky,who would go to your office and smash your models?Was it a home office or at work?

[Tom Geiger]

Hey sky,who would go to your office and smash your models?Was it a home office or at work?

Yea, there must be an interesting story there.

I know that one of my club members built a pickup truck for his sister with her company logos on it. It was stolen from her desk at work!

Edited September 27, 2013 by Tom Geiger

[Skydime]

I appreciate the concern but, it's a matter I don't like to talk about too much. I will tell you it is my home office. A computer monitor and couple older cell phones got done the same way in the mix. I just figured I needed to share a few encouraging words here from my personal experience. Hopefully the concerned responses will help show Kenn how much we really care on here.

Edited September 27, 2013 by Skydime