I wanna know why.......

What does it take to get stars on a build?

Some of our builds are way time intensive and original. Yet all the stars we see are a close group of friends. Ok, we are not all up to a specific par, but we all feel like we did something different. Not every contest builder deserves the utmost credit. Constantly everyday builders do new an unique things for their models. Still though, it is not recognized.

I know that everyone is not original and different, but we all try the same. When I joined this forum it was different. Originality prevailed and we all liked the builds we saw. It is not the same anymore.

Why are there so many builders that feel they are better? There are many on this site that are better, but there are also many who do not act like they are better. Still, there are so many who act like they are. There are so many people that try their best and never get recognized.

Why do certain mods act like jerks all of the time? I cannot believe how many mods treat new people like crap and say "did you not notice the search?". It blows my mind how many will attack new users. If you want this site to have user retention, then try and retain the new users!

What constitutes a mod anyway? I have always wondered this. Most mods say nothing constructive to help make new members feel good about themselves. Why do they always say "search". I am sure that some person somewhere said, "guess what, you are going to be a mod on a website. I hope you enjoy it cause it is such a wonderful thing. You can insult everyone and act like you have every answer available". "When in doubt say search for it".

Gets old way too quick.

How come there is always a close knit group of builders who care nothing else about other builds other than about their own? Yes, we all know you all are there.. We all watch your responses and wonder why?! You all get your stars and your support from each other, but what about the regular person?!?!?! Give the regular guy the credit for changing the norm. There are countless people on this site who do more than OOB.

Some people are not as grammatically as accurate as most but they try. Why would you want to cut these people down?! Seems idealistic to restrain some from enjoyment.

I am betting that this thread will be closed and or I will get banned. Seems that this is what will happen. If so, then I tried. I will copy everyone I Know before hand and make sure that they are aware of what I think. I am not wanting revolution, just change.

Mods need to recognize us all in a better way. Just stating "searching" does not help. We all know how to do that. If new members do not, then just accept the fact you have new users.

The Modeling aspect of Automotive Forums is about modeling, not criticism. The mods in here need to change this. Welcome new questions and do not challenge the repeated so much. Why hurt why you are here?!

I am not mad, I just wish you all were easier and more accepting.

yeah AF seems to have changed noticeably. I don't see some of the entertaining old users around anymore either

What does it take to get stars on a build?

Hi Jon
In the upper right corner it says rate this tread there you can rate it and then the stars come up.:icon16:
I found this when I had read this post so from now on I will be rating all the theads that I like and I have started with 2 already :D
So if everyone starts to do this we will have great feedback for our work

Johan

What caused this outburst? Anything specific that we can help with?

The stars on threads are voted by members, unfortunately there are some bad eggs who think it is funny to give out one star ratings. If I were you I'd just ignore them. I do when it happens to me. Besides, the number of stars or replies to a thread doesn't make that person a better modeler.

Mods are people - people act like jerks sometimes. :dunno: Although I personally don't think any of our current mods go out of their way to act like such. Believe me, in the past we have had some rogue mods on AF, they were eventually driven out.

The grammar thing is an annoyance, we've been over it many times and nobody ever convinced anybody of anything. Once it was written into the AF rules that correct English should be used (as much as individually possible considering background). I personally won't take the time to reply to a member that can't be bothered communicating effectively, they probably don't have the patience or attention to detail required to be a good modeler anyway. To repeat we are not talking about non-English speakers.

I guess it boils down to manners, people will treat you well if you do the same to them. I do understand your frustration we've all experienced similar feelings in the past.

I don't have the time to check out all the threads and builds I'd like to. Being stuck on a dial-up connection doesn't help. I have to pick and choose what I look at and that means only those subjects that are most interesting to me. Which unfortunately also means I'm missing out on a lot of excellent stuff...

What caused this outburst? Anything specific that we can help with?

The stars on threads are voted by members, unfortunately there are some bad eggs who think it is funny to give out one star ratings. If I were you I'd just ignore them. I do when it happens to me. Besides, the number of stars or replies to a thread doesn't make that person a better modeler.

Mods are people - people act like jerks sometimes. :dunno: Although I personally don't think any of our current mods go out of their way to act like such. Believe me, in the past we have had some rogue mods on AF, they were eventually driven out.

The grammar thing is an annoyance, we've been over it many times and nobody ever convinced anybody of anything. Once it was written into the AF rules that correct English should be used (as much as individually possible considering background). I personally won't take the time to reply to a member that can't be bothered communicating effectively, they probably don't have the patience or attention to detail required to be a good modeler anyway. To repeat we are not talking about non-English speakers.

I guess it boils down to manners, people will treat you well if you do the same to them. I do understand your frustration we've all experienced similar feelings in the past.

I don't have the time to check out all the threads and builds I'd like to. Being stuck on a dial-up connection doesn't help. I have to pick and choose what I look at and that means only those subjects that are most interesting to me. Which unfortunately also means I'm missing out on a lot of excellent stuff...

Well said, Phil. :thumbsup:

@ Enzoenvy1 - Personally, I think the whole star thing is useless and doesn't mean one goddarn thing. Don't get so ambitious about it. I very rarely rate threads but that is not a reflection of my appreciation of a build/thread (when I do rate them, it's more for fun than anything).

Yes you are right, there are some groups of members who are closer to each other. But why do you think that is either bad or unnatural? Remember that some of these members have known each others for years and have developed private friendships and common interests - it is natural that they should "stick together" more than less. The same thing happens in any larger community such as the workplace or school.

The search function is there to be used. I personally think it appropriate and desirable to tell new members to use it right from the outset. Of course it should be done rather more politely than less but sometimes there is the "last straw that breaks the camel's back" ;)

Of course the search function absolutely has its strong limitations. IIRC you started a thread on airbrushes (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=713962) recently? How many people said "use google"? ;)

I TOTALLY agree with Phil on the grammar issue! 1000%!
I ignore threads where I see that the author cannot be bothered to write coherently and with capital letters.

On the "better than others" and "recognising others" issue. People are people :) Some have huge egos others are more modest.... c'est la vie you can't regulate it. Having said that, I don't think that it is a huge problem here on AF - or any forum actually. It happens sure, but why let it irritate you? Just enjoy your modelling ;)

Just so you don't think I am picking a fight with you at all, I can tell you honestly that I have asked all those questions you raised myself! (but not out loud) My reply above is just how I feel about it not how I think it should be.

EDIT: :lol:!! I see you got 5 stars for this thread - congratulations ;)

I ignore threads where I see that the author cannot be bothered to write coherently and with capital letters

ROFL, sure? :D :evillol:

Like Phil said I would know more about the thing that hurt you so deep, isn't the whole thing easyer? Do models, share those, keep encouragemets or criticism, improove your learning curve, feel fun, on topics or OT. I can't see issues on this.

I do miss the welcoming atmosphere when Jay and P-Man were active moderators.

I try to be supportive when I'm around. I also try to do what I can to help out. I still make myself available to those in need of my "moderating abilities" or whatever I can offer but I'm not around as much as I used to be because I'm simply not into building as much anymore. AF's not as much fun as it used to be for me. :2cents:

I try to be supportive when I'm around. I also try to do what I can to help out. I still make myself available to those in need of my "moderating abilities" or whatever I can offer but I'm not around as much as I used to be because I'm simply not into building as much anymore. AF's not as much fun as it used to be for me. :2cents:


This is a feeling I have as well, back in 2004/2005 and early 2006 there was so much going on up here, so many new builds, alot of really cool stuff to see, now and this goes for other model boards that I visit, there just isn't that much being done right now. I don't know if my tastes have changed or if the building community has changed, but its noticed here, and elsewhere. I've stopped posting my builds altogether on another board just because it has become an off topic board with very few models being built. Now I realize that there is not much OT stuff up here, there aren't as many putting the creativity into thier builds that was seen here in the past, and creativity in a build is what I like to see. Anyway I'll get off my rant, and i'll start at least rating threads, I know I should comment more on others builds, but my time is limited on how much I surf the boards. I want to see this board continue to grow, since its been my favorite for many years.


Gray

Don't worry about the stars, if anything I think they are an irrelevance. I never use them or look at them, and I'm sure I'm not alone either. I suspect there is a bit of friendly back-slapping going on with the star ratings, but at the end of the day, it doesn't actually mean a damn thing.

As for the mods, I have found the level of moderation on this forum to be a little higher than I'm comfortable with, and occasionally a bit aggressive too. My solution is to post my builds on other forums where I feel more comfortable about being outspoken, and restricting my participation here to viewing builds and helping out builders where possible. That way I feel I am not tacitly supporting the level of moderation here, which I personally feel is closer to censorship.

I must say that my comments do not apply to all moderators here, or all the time, just a couple of occasions that unfortunately left a bad impression on me.

I think over time a lot of the people that had made AF what it was in years past have moved on. I know old mods who don't build much anymore, some have gone off to create their own sites, others have just disappeared. That's just the nature of a place like this. I have to say, though, the longevity of members here is pretty tremendous. There will always be loads of people that come in, make a few dozen posts, then disappear. Others will stick to it for the long haul - but no one will be here forever.

Instead of complaining that the old, good members are gone and no one is being nice to new members, and no one is making a closely knit community, us relative newcomers, or relatively quiet members, could step up to the plate? I'm not trying to be argumentative, but this does seem to be one of those cases where it is something we, as just general members, can really change, as opposed to hoping someone will do it for us.

There will always be cliques around here, that's just the way it is. There's nothing that can be done about it, and I don't really feel like anything needs to be done about it. I've found most of the "cliques" here are pretty accepting. If you peruse threads made by them, and make the welcoming, good comments (the same ones you wish they would make in your thread, instead of the perceived shunning your thread), then they will more than likely make those comments in yours. Believe it!

The only real gripe I have with AF right now is: I'm sick of f#$%*&g Ferraris!

:D

I think Willimo expressed himself as eloquently as usual and not surprisingly, I find myself agreeing with him (OMG! Does that make us a clique? :lol: - uff! no, it's OK, he didn't post in my M1 thread :frown:)

Forums evolve, people come and go. Let everyone enjoy it in their own way and "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" (or something like that)

OK, I will ask one question out loud.

What is the point of an inactive moderator? Isn't that a contradiction in terms?

I see a list of moderators at the bottom of the page but I also guess that most moderating is done by three/four max? Or is that an erroneous perception on my part?

I ask the question out of idle curiosity - not to be antagonistic.

The only real gripe I have with AF right now is: I'm sick of f#$%*&g Ferraris!

ROFL Willimo, just ban Tang, I knowed that for next year he would do the same for the 61° anniversary LOL!!!!!!

I guess almost 100% of the issues here with "heavy moderating hand" born from OT in the general section or misunderstanding with new members (that unread FAQ): I have to say that mod. team allow we (ever) to do our fun border line gags, without break balls and, sometime, joining the games: really in full honesty I don't feel the problem. I feel the atmosphere fun since it "is" the friends I made here, some old knowed from other boards, some new day by day.

The only real gripe I have with AF right now is: I'm sick of f#$%*&g Ferraris! LOL!!!

Well, as far as the star rating, I think it's rather silly too. But hey it's all of AF, so I don't think that's gonna change any time soon.

And I'm sorry to all who have trouble with this, but I can't STAND people who won't make the effort in spelling and grammar. I've seen a LOT of people on this forum who don't even have English as a first language, who make the effort to sound coherent and understandable--that's really all I care about. This isn't a chat, it's a forum, you have PLENTY of time to spell check and proof read. Just my two cents.

As far as mods acting like jerks, I admit in a few of my threads I've had one or two of the mods post a condescending or snide reply... usually along the lines of how I can't really ask questions or make mistakes because I run a hobby business and must somehow be perfect.... maybe they're just having a bad day, or have trouble wording things nicely, but that's their prerogative, they're mods, what can you do.

In the end, you build for YOU, not anyone else. This forum should be about helping others improve as modelers though, and if you can't take CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, then you shouldn't be here. When I posted my completed Buick and Chevy station wagons, most of the replies were "great work" or "you could improve this or that, and I really like this aspect..." One guy unfortunately decided to reply to the thread by dumping all over the cars, saying they were crap and "why would anyone build a model of this"... and the other members of the forum rallied and basically told him to STFU.

Voicing your opinions is one thing, dumping on something is another entirely. In the end, we need to respect each other for the WORK we do, not the subject matter. I think those lifted gangster cars with 24" wheels look absolutely RETARDED and I would never build one for myself--but I can respect the work that my fellow modelers put into them, and reply as such.

I find myself having a hard time reading through these long posts, so I just will keep it short.

First of all; agree with most on the stars (it's obsolete and ridiculous if nobody uses that stuff)

Secondly; Mods on AF; some are there, lurking and acting retro-actively banning and deleting threads, while some are actively using the message boards as normal members too. I prefer the latter, but we need both, IMHO

But, here's the thing, while we have lots of friendly modelers, keeping things here, I have to agree with the fact that some comments and such are being done in a really harsh and unproductive manner, mostly towards newbies.

Lastly, let's face it; if AF doesn't allow use of tags - given the nature of the database-board; it's difficult to search. It's just not easy to search quickly...

My two cents.

don't bother reading, i agree with all the above :)

I must add to my earlier post: I still check the boards regularly but as long as things are going pretty much alright, then I try not to interfere; if I sense that my presence is needed then I make my presence felt but I try my best do do things in a manner that works for the whole AF building community. There are other things in life that get my boxers in a bunch but I refuse to let them interfere with what I do here. :) Oh, personally, I think I've rated about 5 threads total since I've become a member. :dunno: Go figure :p

Hey. :wave: I just sit at the back of the room by the coffee and donuts.

There's donuts!?

Not anymore. Did you want some? Oops!

Well, I am not banned (yet). lol When I wrote this I understood that there would be a vast amount of response. This was not an "outburst" either. I just hate to see what has become of this good forum over the years.

What started this? Well I will tell you. In the spirit of celebrating our independence yesterday I wrote a GENERAL POST TOPIC saying happy 4th to ALL OF YOU MODELERS!!! To most that would mean to ALL OF THE MODELERS! Wait, I forgot when I wrote that I wanted it to be put into a general forum including off topic stuff. Silly me, I should have just posted there so all of us MODELERS could never see it!!!!! This is what sparked my anger. I have seen this happen too many times and the (same) mods continue to act like this to everyone.

I did not want to label any people in particular so I shall not. The ones that have responded are ones that I respect and this is why I respect them. There are countless great people that actively participate on this forum. There are also many that should not bother participating because of there inabilities to be human it seems. Some people here feel that because of where they happen to be in life they are justified for being arrogant and all knowing. Not in my book people. I don't care if you are a NASA engineer and can build a 1/24th working carburetor. I don't care if you know how to make 1/43 pneumatic tires that you can air up. I also don't care for condescensions of any type from these people. You don't know me from Adam and never will. You don't know if the guy you are typing to works for Scuderia Ferrari?! It still happens and that will never change as this is an online forum. Everyone has something to say, even a guy who goes by Enzoenvy.

Guys and gals, the stars topic was brought up because of curiosity. I am in no way jealous of anyone or anything. I am not insecure and need justification from people on the internet over 34 countries. My bringing up of that topic was out of interests as to why the same people always get stars. Until about 12 minutes ago I never knew that you can vote on a thread. Now that I know this I am not changed. I guess I could have "searched" for that topic before.

As for the proper use of language and typing, I am on the boat. But, the human element needs to be considered. It is 2007 and the internet is not for 27 year old men with money and a 14.4 dial up connection. There are 12 year old users all over. Heck, I could be 12 for all you people know. Fortunately I am 14, lol (14 - 15 years ago). We all have different type sets and skills with a keyboard. Not everyone uses Firefox to have words spell checked for them. By the way, Firefox is great for all of you IE believers. Try it out here (http://www.firefox2008.com/us/). There are European members who don't exactly correlate to English that easily. Should I tell them to get a translator or learn English better? That is not productive support. We are all human and always learning from one another. Give each other a break every now and again. Make people want to come back to this forum. From what I see, this hobby isn't exactly booming. Keep retention here!

I know my words fall on deaf ears. That is the nature of a forum. In the end I build for myself. I just want others to see what has happened or why I did this or so on and so forth. Most of us do like to see that we have responses to our builds. Most of us do feel more accepted when others comment on our labors. Keep that feeling going. Keep mods that are useless and bored with this site away. Greet new members who may have a bad looking car. If they stay around for 4 years they will be 200% better. Why would they want to stay around if their first post is greeted with "you need to search".

This is why I wrote this after a great day of BBQing and friends. I came home and saw my post moved.

Nice read, good insights...

And now let's have a group hug?

H&K - Oli

What do you like more? A better English or ever more jobs and experiment? Anyway from long time I decided to leave my English improove by itself, and spend my time modelling. Also the Phil's phrase that who don't care to spell a perfect English don't care his builds deatil, well honestly I unlike those, so who have a poor English have a little d##k (ROFL) and so for all life's things?

I guess we're free, here, to offer what we want and we can, the feedback would be a right judge.

The only real gripe I have with AF right now is: I'm sick of f#$%*&g Ferraris!

:D

You're right Will, I have to take responsibility for this case. I'm not intended to hold a groupbuild that makes our forum filled with certain kind of cars, I know there should be enough space for other cars, that's an important part of our hobby. I thought of that at the very beginning and discussed with some friends about it, but finally I decided to set a non-limited rule, and now I found that it was wrong. I'm sorry for this. So the entering will be closed after July. And I promise there won't be any groupbuild for ferraris held by me until the 70th anniversary~ :lol: I know you guys need time to get cured from the red fever lol~~~

Don't worry Tang, it's not down to you ;)

Ferrari's always were and always will be a very popular subject matter - until they start making more Aston Martin kits that is! :D

This is TinkyWinky hugging everyone a big Teletubby "bye bye" - see y'all in 2 weeks.

PS Jay - save me a donut!!!! ;)

Well, I am not banned (yet). lol When I wrote this I understood that there would be a vast amount of response. This was not an "outburst" either. I just hate to see what has become of this good forum over the years.

What started this? Well I will tell you. In the spirit of celebrating our independence yesterday I wrote a GENERAL POST TOPIC saying happy 4th to ALL OF YOU MODELERS!!! To most that would mean to ALL OF THE MODELERS! Wait, I forgot when I wrote that I wanted it to be put into a general forum including off topic stuff. Silly me, I should have just posted there so all of us MODELERS could never see it!!!!! This is what sparked my anger. I have seen this happen too many times and the (same) mods continue to act like this to everyone.


Ya, I noticed that too and wondered why it was moved. I'm not sure which mod did it, but I have a FEELING it was one who wasn't a Modeling regular. We have our own little close-knit community here in the Modeling section, but other mods sometimes don't acknowledge that. Personally, I don't read a single other section in AF at all.

EnzoEnvy, this thread is totally appropriate and I support you on it. I didn't even see the thread you made yesterday so I can't comment on it. Sorry dude. :sunglasse

Good insights. My two cents: is there a better forum out there? I haven't come across one yet. As far as I know, this is the most comprehensive, active car modeling board on the internet.

Good insights. My two cents: is there a better forum out there? I haven't come across one yet. As far as I know, this is the most comprehensive, active car modeling board on the internet.

In terms of moderators needlessly butting in and or alturing threads,,, yes there are better.

I too have had this happen and don't understand why a moderator finds that it needs to happen. I have an idea who might have done it and will say it is one of the only mods I've seen giving people a hard time about where they post their topics and or the classic line "use the search". Also one of the few mods that has not posted something in this thread.

I'm one of those people that is guilty of spelling errors and for that I'm sorry, I thought it more important to contribute they to get hung up on spelling mistakes.

Icon Modeler

I think I can go on the record here to say that as far as the good english/bad english thing is concerned: that does NOT apply to non-native speakers! There is a huge difference between using english the best you can to aid communication; and using english the worst you possibly can as an impediment to communication because you don't care. In fact, we infrequently have the gross misuses of language as compared to the past. While we do get the occasional IM speak with all the shortcuts and horrible syntax, this, I don't think, is a significant problem here.

Also, I'm going on the record to say even if I tire of Ferraris (don't slap me but they are far from my favorite cars), some of the most fantastic builds here are precipitating out of the Ferrari Group Build. I'm enjoying the modeling immensely! Don't worry over my silly joke.

I'm one of those people that is guilty of spelling errors and for that I'm sorry, I thought it more important to contribute they to get hung up on spelling mistakes.

Icon Modeler

I think everyone makes spelling errors from time to time, plus that's what Edit is for :grinno:

Its the people who do not even attempt proper grammar and punctuation that infuriate people. If guys whose first language isn't English can take the time to do it then why shouldn't we?

However to those people complaining of their models being criticised; if you can't take criticism, don't post your models on a public forum. :uhoh:

Cheers

Farrokh

In terms of moderators needlessly butting in and or alturing threads,,, yes there are better.

I too have had this happen and don't understand why a moderator finds that it needs to happen. I have an idea who might have done it and will say it is one of the only mods I've seen giving people a hard time about where they post their topics and or the classic line "use the search". Also one of the few mods that has not posted something in this thread.


Icon Modeler

I have a really good idea also. Like I mentioned before; the mods that have concern and who have taken the time to read this are the ones that make me understand why they are mods.

I also want to make it clear that I am not insulting a single person that is not of American soil. Put me into an Italian forum and I would flop too. I was speaking of all people in general.

Yes, this happens to be the largest sight on the web for this particular hobby. There are others though. I can go on record stating that the mods on other sites (that I have recently joined) have never been rude from what I have seen. I have even had conversations with them as the topic permits. That to me is what mods should do for their site. I love AF still though as there is too much to learn and a lot of great people to stop me from returning.

Hello folks.

A: Yes I'm still alive (so sorry to disappoint you, RallyRaider) and trying to be up on the boards as much as possible (even taking pictures of my current builds to post) but as far as my recent "inactivity", I have a very good reason: a fiancee!

Truth be told, guys, she gets first dibs on my time, even if y'all were here first.

B: AF is fickle. I've always known this, which is why when I post pictures of an old IMSA Mustang out of a Monogram kit or a 1970's Indy car I'm working on, I don't expect too much of a reaction. But, quite honestly, why worry? It's your model. I do criticize other builders on a close-scrutiny level. I freely admit to that, but I also like to think I offer the necessary advice on how to correct things I've seen wrong.

Criticism is a modeling tool. Like all tools, it can be used improperly to the detriment of a model. I'll tell you all right now, there's nothing in the world that's about to stop me from pointing out mold lines, sprue nibs, sink marks, injector pin marks, runs, and brush strokes because this is all Fundamental Modeling.

Been out of touch all day so this thread makes for some very interesting, and more importantly, enlightening reading.

There are some valid and good points brought up here and for those of you that have brought them up in a constructive manner, I thank you. Those of you that like to use threads like this as your opportunity to sling mud, thanks too.

I will admit there are days I let my personal life frustrations be reflected in my interactions here, I apologise for that. Fortunately there are members like Stevenski, Andy and Gio who have taken the time to get to know me and have the decency to send me a 'gentle reminder' of things at times :)

Maybe it's about time I found my way back to the root of what brought me to AF, scale modelling, and forget about the trivialities of all the other things going on.

Thanks Enzoenvy for starting and thread which has created a good discussion :)

Been out of touch all day so this thread makes for some very interesting, and more importantly, enlightening reading.

There are some valid and good points brought up here and for those of you that have brought them up in a constructive manner, I thank you. Those of you that like to use threads like this as your opportunity to sling mud, thanks too.

I will admit there are days I let my personal life frustrations be reflected in my interactions here, I apologise for that. Fortunately there are members like Stevenski, Andy and Gio who have taken the time to get to know me and have the decency to send me a 'gentle reminder' of things at times :)

Maybe it's about time I found my way back to the root of what brought me to AF, scale modelling, and forget about the trivialities of all the other things going on.

Thanks Enzoenvy for starting and thread which has created a good discussion :)

Cheers, sir. :cheers:

Cheers, sir. :cheers: lol.

just some additional info for those that don't know.
Currently, AF is having some database issues caused mainly by the sheer size of the site. As such, the mods have been having problems trying to do even the most simple of mod related tasks. It is in the best interest of the site, until the problems are resolved, to prevent what might be "pointless" posting and excessive number of uneccessary threads.

Now bear in mind that this is a general thing and not neccessarily related to any of the things mentioned in this thread so far but i thought you should know about it and why certain thread posting policies are the way they are.
We aren't deliberately going out to ruin your fun but it is important to remember that this isn't a chat room and AF does have a PM function.

Using it helps keep the boards clean for easier searching.

Jon, I can understand why your 4th of July post was moved to COT. Surely you should be able to see that it was in reality off topic, so that was the best place for it to be posted. Imagine where it could lead - What to MODELLER's think about stem cell research? MODELER's unite against George Bush!!! And what would you Americans make of it if we Aussies and English started our own little commentary about the latest Ashes series?

In the past it was suggested that Car Modelling could have it's own OT forum. Given the furore over the segregation that we introduced last year I don't think that would be too well received.

EDIT: And regarding the search function. It really doesn't function too well these days, so what are newbies to do except ask eons-old questions anew?

LOL Phil it have now some politics implication :D, it's a chance that simply we can't lost, MODELLERS WILL CHANGE THIS WORLD, 'cos modelling is spirituality :D

ok seem silly but think a bit deeply at it ;)

http://www.ecoapuano.it/Peace1.jpg



Phil for president!

Phil I'm helpful to waste half of my modelling tme to share brochures if it would be helpful to change the world ;) :D

hey: I'm not joking!

This is my first blog website i've ever participated in. My first time here was confussing. I was looking through how to search for things or how to post messages up. With well over 200 comments posted I still dont know how to do certain things such as posting pictures in your signature area or below your I.D. Late last year I bearly figured out how post pictures on here and take a look at when I joined this website.:grinno: There's a whole lot to look through on here that you cannot expect everyone to go through every single thing. I bet most sign up and want to participate in the threads right away rather than first look through all the "read here first before posting" threads. We're all like that, its normal. You can be at a store or restaurant and post a "pull door" sign and you'll be shocked at how many people try to push the door open.:lol: No one reads signs.

This website has so much to look through that when I was new here I reactivated a thread that was like 2 or 3 years old. I had no idea that was forbidden and I got a private message from a moderator asking me to stop. I was clueless about what was going on. Who do I ask :dunno: what this message from the "moderator" was about? I dont know anyone.:frown: So I ignored it and posted in another old thread. The same moderator wrote me this time mentioning if I continue I would get banned from the website. Being a new member and being new at posting messages/blogs I had no idea what a "moderator" was and I thought I was getting cyber-pushed around by someone on here. I gave that person a good piece of my mind but my settings were set so that I cannot send/recieve e-mails so the message could not get delivered. Imagine what would have happened if it did. To this day I still remember who that moderator is and steer clear from replying to messages he posts on thread. Only a punk greats any newb that way before finding out exactly why he's reactivating old threads.

I now know better to do some sort of a search before I ask questions on here and give as many details when I have problems. But it might not cross the minds of the new members to give us as much info to help us help them with their problems. I do think it sucks when I see someone with 3,4,5 messages posted asking a question and someone simply replying "search button". I've sent private messages to a couple people with hopes it could help them resolve their problems. I've answered the same question over and over. It's redundant but I dont see it as annoying. I guess because I was in their shoes one time before. I guess its also because I believe people sign up to this website to make friends that share the same hobby and for help. If they knew they'd get treated on here the way a little brother gets treated by the annoyed older brother then I bet some people might not join. But you know what, I've noticed the same on other websites. Pardon me if I step out of bounds but I feel layitlow.com is worse. I joined that site not too long ago because the modelers on there seem to focus more on lowrider modeling than anything else. I thought I could get help with my lowrider models but i've just found more wise ass answers from people on there than anything else. I think they're less tolerant there than they are here. I will cancel my account once I finish the two lowriders Im working on.

I've also added an additional hobby. I've recently started building R/C cars and joined a website strictly focused on R/Cs alone. I know next to nothing about that hobby and asked how they carbon fiber the hoods on the body. "Wont the dark gun metals and blacks mess up the look of the lighter colored body?" No answer. Perhaps because its the 4th and everyone's out popping the M80's. Perhaps they're also tired of answering the same question. Well the search engine didnt help answer all my questions, thats why I'm asking. And i'm sorry if my question might seem redundant. I'm new to the hobby and am just doing whats normal, search and ask questions. If that site turns out to be as friendly as layitlow then I'll just leave that site too. I mean, why have all these passwords and I.D.s lying around if you dont like the website? It's bad enough our lives now revolve around PCs and passwords, so why keep these if we dont lvisiting the site? But you know what, all these sites are the same. If I go to another R/C site i'll just find the same. Crazy cause I was thinking of the exact same thing earlier today Enzoenvy1.

Wow, great read MR CHATO.:sunglasse

This has some really well explained things that I for instance don't ever think about.

I agree on many things, you have kept it open and pretty clear in your explanation.

On one thing I disagree, tho; I don't think first time log-onners will start to post right away? You want to check out your surroundings, just like before going into an appartment. You want to know the neighbourhood, the customs, more or less see what people are like just by observation. I think you'd be surprised at how many 'lurkers' there are, just observing and being a passive member, because of a lack of time or interest or things to add.

This being said, I agree on your tirade about bad moderating. There will always be 'some' mistakes when working with moderators, it's a normal thing. Most of the time it's harmless, some other time the moderator would have to reply quickly just because it's another annoying thread on the same subject, over and over again... :shakehead :shakehead :shakehead :shakehead

I remember some of my stupid threads back in the day vividly :) :naughty:

But to be honest, referring to the search gets annoying, and moderators often dont have lots of patience. Some more then others, naturally.

But on the whole, I must agree, the athmosphere might be a little tense out here, as most of us are active members and have a sence of community, but hey doesn't that make af great?


Compared to other forums, this one is atleast active, has expertise and has great members... and talent, let's be happy it's not as bad as in other countries

Love and Peace, Y'All !:smooch: :smooch: :smooch: :smooch: :smooch: :smooch: :smooch: :smooch:

I did not want to label any people in particular so I shall not.
What's up with this?

Does it do us any good here at all to get huffy and go on about "those anonymous people who've pissed me off", and complain about it here so we all have to guess? If it's just one or a few people doing one or a few actions that are really getting under your skin, why not address those specific people and actions?

Is it perhaps because this is too public a place to call people out??

Then take it offline! That's what the PM function is for. If one mod or member is doing something that bothers you, let that individual know. But a long nonspecific rant about how someone keeps doing something doesn't really address your grievance, does it? Sure, we get 3-5 pages of other people venting their own nonspecific complaints about nonspecific people, and maybe some people (the already nice ones :rolleyes:) are reminded that it would be cool if everyone were nicer. If this is what makes you feel better, then it's probably fine every once in a while. But has anything really been done about the issue? If you really would be happier if you no longer saw the things that really bug you, then address those things with those individuals.

This is my first blog website i've ever participated in.

this is not a blog.

also, let's while we're at it, ignore the simple fact that there are three stickied threads with big red "important" in their title. One is even titled: "Important: NEW TO THE AF MODELLING FORUM? PLEASE READ THIS FIRST".

this is not a blog.

also, let's while we're at it, ignore the simple fact that there are three stickied threads with big red "important" in their title. One is even titled: "Important: NEW TO THE AF MODELLING FORUM? PLEASE READ THIS FIRST".

I NEVER read any of those threads, I came here for the modeling not your red tape. Another perfect example of a mod pointing out something that doesn't need to be said.

Icon Modeler

then perhaps you shouldn't have clicked the "I Agree" button when you signed up then?
:dunno:

What's up with this?

Does it do us any good here at all to get huffy and go on about "those anonymous people who've pissed me off", and complain about it here so we all have to guess? If it's just one or a few people doing one or a few actions that are really getting under your skin, why not address those specific people and actions?

Is it perhaps because this is too public a place to call people out??

Then take it offline! That's what the PM function is for. If one mod or member is doing something that bothers you, let that individual know. But a long nonspecific rant about how someone keeps doing something doesn't really address your grievance, does it? Sure, we get 3-5 pages of other people venting their own nonspecific complaints about nonspecific people, and maybe some people (the already nice ones :rolleyes:) are reminded that it would be cool if everyone were nicer. If this is what makes you feel better, then it's probably fine every once in a while. But has anything really been done about the issue? If you really would be happier if you no longer saw the things that really bug you, then address those things with those individuals.

Case in point.

I do not need to single out the people that I have issues with on a public forum. It is rude and not needed to reduce the morale of those who might like the people. This also gets out in the open what I know others are feeling and have felt.

Am I to just send a pm to someone and expect them to say that they understand and will change?! That doesn't happen because too many people get on the defensive. Besides, this was not about "a long nonspecific rant about how someone keeps doing something", that "doesn't really address your grievance". This was my way of stating how I feel about the site as of recent. If my "rant" is so unspecific then why have there been so many replies that mainly stay on topic?! Look how many replies have been made by the mods and how many of those mods are not even taking the defensive! That was all I was after.

I have been wanting to say something for a long time as I have noticed more and more. This is an online place to share your models and experiences with those said models. AF is not somewhere to go and have people degrade your visits. There should be no reason why anyone ever should treat you poorly on a site that they help support. Isn't the whole point of a website to create a community that everyone wants to return to and help grow constructively?! I am not trying to undermine anyone or create an uprising on the site. I love this site. If I can't speak out in public about it then what is the point of a public forum? :runaround:

This is an online place to share your models and experiences with those said models.

Yes.
So share more and chat less.
In my opinion, this is pretty much the same debate as to when to criticise and the pointlessness of "good job" posts.
If people policed their own posting habits more, the mods wouldn't be so "visible"

I NEVER read any of those threads, I came here for the modeling not your red tape. Another perfect example of a mod pointing out something that doesn't need to be said.

Icon Modeler
It's not red tape; those threads are there for a very good reason. If more people read them then perhaps a lot of the perceived "problems" that exist would cease to become a reality and we could all share our models as planned by the creator of AF.

I NEVER read any of those threads, I came here for the modeling not your red tape. Another perfect example of a mod pointing out something that doesn't need to be said.

Icon Modeler

Frankly mate, if that is your attitude then you have no right to complain. You say you are here for the modelling but statements like those above make it sound like you are looking for a fight.

Does anyone else find it ironic that, at a site about model building, a thread bitching/debating/dialouging about threads gets more attention than many of the WIPs and completed models?

I am sure this forum life cylce is repeated over and over again:

1) Someone does a google search about modeling

2) After filtering out the porn sites (OK maybe checking a few) they arrive at this site

3) User registers at site to see completed models

4) By looking at the WIPs and completed models, user learns new techniques and information about modeling

5) User asks questions. User's models improve and AF becomes a reference for future modeling

6) User posts first WIP or completed model to some fanfare and starts contributing

7) User gets caught up in forum nuiances, and/or gets bored with modeling

8) User stops visiting site or returns less frequently

When I first joined this site, I figured there was one master model builder who built the models on the boxes and that it was impossible to make one that good. Now I look at models on the boxes and notice mold lines, gaps wrong or bad detail paint, etc. I think I can now produce a model as good or better than many of those shown on the boxes. AF is truly a great resource.

Unfortunately, it seems that this forum now only rewards your work if you are part of a particular group, use CF decals or scratch build. Some people build box stock and don't like CF decals. Does that mean those threads should go unnoticed? I personally have started looking at other areas that I don't usually visit and have seen some fantastic models and learned some great things.

I, too, am annoyed with the prototypical "search" reply. I think the search function can be pretty useless at times. Try searching for BMW Z3 and you'll see what I mean. Some old threads contain great information. I'm just now building models that some modelers built 5 or 10 years ago. I've never understood why thread necro is so bad?

One of the most amusing aspects is when people offer up all the advice in the world, have a critical eye and a sharp tounge, but have never actually posted any of their own work. That's kind of like being a "real estate expert" and renting. :grinyes:

It would be great to see some of the older forum members posting more work again. Some of my favorite models are done by members who don't post much any more, especially in the WIP or completed section. Of course life gets in the way and I understand that. What a waste when members don't post because of the politics of the forum.

LETS BUILD MODELS

Oh, and how do I get into the "cool" group? More CF? Scratchbuild something? :icon16:

Does anyone else find it ironic that, at a site about model building, a thread bitching/debating/dialouging about threads gets more attention than many of the WIPs and completed models?

I am sure this forum life cylce is repeated over and over again:

1) Someone does a google search about modeling

2) After filtering out the porn sites (OK maybe checking a few) they arrive at this site

3) User registers at site to see completed models

4) By looking at the WIPs and completed models, user learns new techniques and information about modeling

5) User asks questions. User's models improve and AF becomes a reference for future modeling

6) User posts first WIP or completed model to some fanfare and starts contributing

7) User gets caught up in forum nuiances, and/or gets bored with modeling

8) User stops visiting site or returns less frequently

When I first joined this site, I figured there was one master model builder who built the models on the boxes and that it was impossible to make one that good. Now I look at models on the boxes and notice mold lines, gaps wrong or bad detail paint, etc. I think I can now produce a model as good or better than many of those shown on the boxes. AF is truly a great resource.

Unfortunately, it seems that this forum now only rewards your work if you are part of a particular group, use CF decals or scratch build. Some people build box stock and don't like CF decals. Does that mean those threads should go unnoticed? I personally have started looking at other areas that I don't usually visit and have seen some fantastic models and learned some great things.

I, too, am annoyed with the prototypical "search" reply. I think the search function can be pretty useless at times. Try searching for BMW Z3 and you'll see what I mean. Some old threads contain great information. I'm just now building models that some modelers built 5 or 10 years ago. I've never understood why thread necro is so bad?

One of the most amusing aspects is when people offer up all the advice in the world, have a critical eye and a sharp tounge, but have never actually posted any of their own work. That's kind of like being a "real estate expert" and renting. :grinyes:

It would be great to see some of the older forum members posting more work again. Some of my favorite models are done by members who don't post much any more, especially in the WIP or completed section. Of course life gets in the way and I understand that. What a waste when members don't post because of the politics of the forum.

LET'S BUILD MODELS

Oh, and how do I get into the "cool" group? More CF? Scratchbuild something? :icon16:


That was very insightful and well-written!! That automatically puts you into the "cool group" as far as I'm concerned! :grinyes: :sunglasse