When do you stop building for yourself & start building for the hobby?

[martinfan5]

I know many very good builders who left the boards because of constant "Rainbows & Unicorns" comments being the only thing that is allowed to be posted. There is a well know forum (predates this one) that used to be THE place to go for the model car hobby new, builders, tips, etc. It literally took hours to go thru the new content that was posted daily. Now 10 minutes & you're done with the new content for the day & at least 75% of that content would be better posted on Facebook than a model car forum. Did criticizing work make people leave? No it was the constant praise for unworthy builds, the bashing of those who pointed out defects trying to help builders improve. Saying that someone will leave the boards because of criticism is almost as ludicrous as saying the model companies will stop making models if we say anything uncomplimentary about their products.

The "unicorns and rainbows" mentality is rampant on most model car groups on FaceBook,

The hobby is many different things to everyone, and what I have been noticing, is the whole point of the hobby is lost to many, to spend time doing something you enjoy, it is just mind boggling that how something as simple as building scale models for Relaxation(which is what most people are doing it for) creates so much drama. It doesnt matter what side of the fence you are on, the other side is doing it wrong.

Now, for the disclaimer, I am not saying this is fact, just my observation from spending time on forums and Facebook model groups.

Edited November 14, 2014 by martinfan5

[J Morrison]

If I should ever become so self centered, righteous, and arrogant as to think that when I build a model it is so well executed that the entire hobby is somehow better for witnessing its existance please someone call my doctor and have my medication adjusted.

This is about the most asinine topic as has ever been started. Flame on, trolls.

Another one of the responses that lack any thought, the name calling response. Lovely. Your reading comprehension is a little lacking also. At NO point did I say I was talking about MY models. I am no where near that level but would love to have my abilities reach that point sometime.

[kalbert]

So what kind of responses were you expecting to get?

[Greg Pugh]

BTW I'm not leading a brigade (I think you probably meant crusade) against "famous" builders.

No, I meant brigade. I'll put my own words in my mouth, thanks.

This is dumb. I usually don't get caught up in these sorts of threads but this one somehow sucked me in. Kevin (kalbert) said it best. This is one of the most asinine topics I've seen in a LONG time. This is unconstructive and it's just begging for a fight. I'm out. You all have fun.

[2whl]

I am no where near that level but would love to have my abilities reach that point sometime.

Then maybe instead of spending ALL night beating this topic to death.....you would be better off at the bench working on those abilities

[J Morrison]

So what kind of responses were you expecting to get?

I was hoping for better thought out responses, however I should have seen the old standbys coming. They are the blanket replies to every post that doesn't follow the mindless praise everyone here only wants to hear.

[kalbert]

Maybe a better thought out topic would be awarded higher quality replies?

[bobthehobbyguy]

Well I have to say this thread has been entertaining. I'm empressed 35 replies and counting. Glad to see I'm the only one that doesn't buy into the higher standard BS.

As has been said this is a hobby. We build for our own pleasure in most cases although there may be other motivations. If (we) lose sight of that then we need to find something else to do with our time.

<edited in missing word>

Edited November 14, 2014 by bobthehobbyguy

[J Morrison]

Maybe a better thought out topic would be awarded higher quality replies?

First this is a totally valid topic, a moderator even stated that thru PM. Secondly no, any topic that questions anything about the hobby, hobbyists, model companies, etc will always be met with the same tired replies from people who can't post an intelligent rebuttal when faced with facts and logic. Happens every time, don't know why I thought/hoped this would be any different.

[J Morrison]

Well I have to say this thread has been entertaining. I'm empressed 35 replies and counting. Glad to see I'm the only one that doesn't buy into the higher standard BS.

As has been said this is a hobby. We build for our own pleasure in most cases although there may be other motivations. If lose sight of that then we need to find something else to do with our time.

empressed...wow Anyway, why does anyone who wants more out of the hobby automatically vilified? Why do you think someone who builds to a higher standard doesn't get pleasure doing that?

[J Morrison]

Then maybe instead of spending ALL night beating this topic to death.....you would be better off at the bench working on those abilities

Hmmm, so I can't ask if someone should up their skills being "famous" ,for lack of a better term, with out getting crucified, but you can basically tell me to get off the internet & work on a model. Hypocrisy, yet another one of the old stand by replies. You guys are knockin 'em down one by one. Good job.

[kalbert]

And I thought I would find topics here that discussed modeling techniques and achievements. Silly me, its the same tired pseudo philosophical pot stirring topic that goes on for pages and pages with non sequitur statements used to passive aggressively degrade members who don't strive to be nationally worshiped model gods.

[kalbert]

But it has been validated by a moderator. Clap clap clap!Mods here are never opinionated or fan the flames of absurd topics.

[Art Anderson]

I would like the forum's opinion on this subject.

When does someone become so popular in the hobby that they can no longer cut corners & "build for themselves" and have to take it to the next level. Whether that means learning & properly displaying mechanicals or take a step back & execute ALL the details properly instead of just 90%-ing details for the sake of them being on the model. What is the opinion of the board?"

I build what I build, the way I want to build it, for me and me alone. If you mean that by adding all manner of detail just to please and astonish others, I've never done that--I'm the first critic any of my models has to face, period.

Art

[highway]

Well I have to say this thread has been entertaining. I'm empressed 35 replies and counting. Glad to see I'm the only one that doesn't buy into the higher standard BS.

As has been said this is a hobby. We build for our own pleasure in most cases although there may be other motivations. If (we) lose sight of that then we need to find something else to do with our time.

<edited in missing word>

empressed...wow Anyway, why does anyone who wants more out of the hobby automatically vilified? Why do you think someone who builds to a higher standard doesn't get pleasure doing that?

Yes, Jonathon, I agree with you 100%, and as I said in a previous post, I'm my own worst critic? WHY??? It's because I ENJOY building each model to a higher standard than the last. I could be perfectly happy doing what I did when I started building 30 years ago and glue stuff together, but I don't. I enjoy challenging myself. I have never had my work published in a magazine, have competed and won many contests, and still strive for more improvement and more challenging builds. That is just like the Ford big rig I posted earlier, it had been a dream of mine for years to build, and only felt my skills had progressed well enough to attempt it only 5 years ago. I can guarantee that the next one will be built to even a higher standard!

[bobthehobbyguy]

The only time somebody gets vilified is when they are imposing their standards on somebody else.

Never said that somebody can't get enjoyment to building to a higher standard.

Its amazing how you think you have all the answers JM.

[J Morrison]

And I thought I would find topics here that discussed modeling techniques and achievements. Silly me, its the same tired pseudo philosophical pot stirring topic that goes on for pages and pages with non sequitur statements used to passive aggressively degrade members who don't strive to be nationally worshiped model gods.

You REALLY need to work on your reading comprehension. First passive aggressive is coming from your side of the discussion. Secondly I'm NOT saying anyone should strive to be a "nationally worshiped model god". I'm talking about builders who already ARE nationally recognized.

[J Morrison]

I build what I build, the way I want to build it, for me and me alone. If you mean that by adding all manner of detail just to please and astonish others, I've never done that--I'm the first critic any of my models has to face, period.

Art

You were not one of the builders I was thinking about or referencing Art

Edited November 14, 2014 by J Morrison

[J Morrison]

How about this twist of the original question.

Should builds that have obvious short comings be highlighted so often by the magazines? I'm not talking little issues like firing order either.

[J Morrison]

The only time somebody gets vilified is when they are imposing their standards on somebody else.

Never said that somebody can't get enjoyment to building to a higher standard.

Its amazing how you think you have all the answers JM.

I respectfully disagree. It never fails, when someone posts about a mistake a builder made or problems with a kit or manufacturer they get vilified. The only people who impose their standards are the ones who tell others they are rivet counters, or should be happy with what the manufacturers put out without questioning them.

Edited November 14, 2014 by J Morrison

[Casey]

execute ALL the details properly

Do you feel a perfect model is or should be the ultimate goal for every builder, Jonathon?

When does someone become so popular in the hobby that they can no longer cut corners & "build for themselves" and have to take it to the next level.

Why do you feel a person is compelled to increase the accuracy of his/her work based on how much public recognition that person's work receives? Your question seems to be based upon the presumption that there is an involuntary burden automatically placed upon a builder once he/she reaches a certain level of notoriety, and that builder is compelled to increase the quality of their work as viewed and judged through other people's eyes. I'm not sure how you are quantifying the amount or level of popularity which would qualify such a builder for inclusion of exclusion in this compulsion, but it's also just as possible such threshold may not exist.

I can think of one person in particular who fits your idea to a tee, but I think the desire to achieve a level of quality greater than any one else's is something which varies from person to person, rather than being universal, and may not even exist in the truly humble person.

[Casey]

You were not one of the builders I was thinking about or referencing Art

He never implied he was, and your specific response to Art while intentionally excluding others who replied in a similar manner does not speak well of your ability to be objective. Art was stating his opinion in response to your request for discussion-- exactly what you requested.

[J Morrison]

He never implied he was. He was stating his opinion in response to your request for discussion, so you have to allow all members the right to reply if you truly want to discuss things.

I understand that, was just telling him I wasn't speaking about him. Just like I said I wasn't speaking about myself or most of the hobbyists in general.

[J Morrison]

Do you feel a perfect model is or should be the ultimate goal for every builder, Jonathon?

Why do you feel a person is compelled to increase the accuracy of his/her work based on how much public recognition that person's work receives? Your question seems to be based upon the presumption that there is an involuntary burden automatically placed upon a builder once he/she reaches a certain level of notoriety, and that builder is compelled to increase the quality of their work as viewed and judged through other people's eyes. I'm not sure how you are quantifying the amount or level of popularity which would qualify such a builder for inclusion of exclusion in this compulsion, but it's also just as possible such threshold may not exist.

I can think of one person in particular who fits your idea to a tee, but I think the desire to achieve a level of quality greater than any one else's is something which varies from person to person, rather than being universal, and may not even exist in the truly humble person.

No I don't think a perfect model, unattainable by the way, should be every builders goal.

Maybe it isn't the fault of the builder as much as it is the publications and forums. There have been several builders who have been featured in the "One Great Model" spread that had glaring errors. Should those builds continue to be shown as the standard builders should strive for? Again I am NOT talking about minor errors like proper firing order. I'm talking improper fitting parts. Prototypically incorrect mechanicals, out of scale details, etc

[vintagedragcrazy]

I know some of the really good modelers out there and they are good people who build the way they like and do it well I have built lots of models and won lots of trophy's and just decided that I only want to build for myself anymore. As far as being popular I'm fine where I'm at and don't really care who likes me for how great of a model I build I would rather they like me for being me. As far as I can see this guy probably doesn't even build models just looking to cause trouble that's my opinion.

Vince