Just thought i would share some of my thoughts and feelings on some comments Vlad made. Vlads remarks are all very interesting, and valid. Not bad comments in any way, but well worth musing over. And i am sure most of us have thought the same at some time or another. This is in no way intended to be critical of Vlads comments, but more, i hope, a little bit of encouragement.
I thought it would be good to put this in a new thread so as not to send off topic Vlads UC and 6pdr thread.
And you are %100 definitely not talking arse Vlad
Over the years, i have visited (not always participated in) many forums. Now i am not going to be critical of any forums, some i like, some i don't. They are what they are and i figure if you don't like one, just go don't go there. Some are traffic heavy and some are quite slow.Vlad Seabrook-Smith wrote: I find that there is a distinct lack of traffic on the site and those that do use don't always interact, I'm just as guilty and would be the first to say so.
When i tell people about Plasticarmour, i honestly tell them that it not a big site and can be slow, but the feel of it, the atmosphere and the genuine people we have here really makes it quality. I know PA is only a small membership, and the core regulars are even smaller, but i really do prefer quality over quantity. Not that i am saying i would not like to see PA expand.
I too am guilty as charged of not always interacting. But sometimes people do like to just look. Check out the views against actual comments in most threads. I think a lot of people just like to look and learn. Don't ever think that because not too many commented on that cool little technique you posted that no one has learned from it. It would be nice to see more comments though (i shall endeavour to do my bit) even if it is just 'That looks really great!' I vaguely remember this topic coming up on Modelarmour once too.
I think the main driving force behind a modeling forum should be, as you say Vlad, 'a place to learn through discussion'. Probably a close second, or even equally, 'a place to show your work'. But, i am not a big fan (and this is my personal opinion) of those that come just to get their 'ego stroked'. I have seen on forums where comments are all about praise, but as soon as someone makes a critique, you can cut the air with a knife! I like to think here on PA critique and suggestions are taken quite well. After all, we are about discussion.Vlad Seabrook-Smith wrote: I feel forums should be not only a place to show your work and get your ego stroked but also a place to learn through discussion, I like to receive suggestions on how I can improve (completing projects more timely is one way ) painting and finishing for example is an arcane art for me and something I struggle with, which is why most of my projects stall at this hurdle.
Don't worry, painting and finishing are my biggest hurdles too!!
There are a few on this forum that have been associated with each other for a long time. I first met most of you when i joined Modelarmour over 7 years ago in Feburary 2009. Some of you were bumming around together before the Modelarmour days . And since then, as Vlad said, we have shared a lot of modeling and non modeling related issues and friendships have been formed. This really is the most decent modeling forum i have ever been associated with.Vlad Seabrook-Smith wrote: We on this forum have shared our builds and sometimes our lives away from the hobby for quite some years now and friendships have been born, so how about we get away from the platitudes a little, as we all know we are the puppies undercarriage and challenge each other a little more, apart from Gary who seem to be super human
Now as to platitudes, well, i had to google the meaning of that I can't say i find this forum boring, Raouls posts always make for entertaining reading Although i think you mean Vlad, that we just get in a routine of the same sort of comments? Are you suggesting, when you say challenge, that we make a bit more consrtuctive criticism and give improvement suggestions?
Would love to hear suggestions on ways we can challenge each other. It could be fun! I am not sure how we could ever give Gary a challenge though!?
So anyway, i toast all of you who make up this great place, and here is to many years of modeling ahead
And don't stop posting Vlad, you are too much our friend and very much appreciated around here