I've got something to say about contests that ya'll need to hear.

[energon]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

Well, I wasn't saying it was a child's hobby either. But the more and younger kids that we get into the hobby, the more chance of its success later. Like all things it goes through cycles though. We're seeing an upward trend in the industry after a bit of a dearth in the late 90s. I know what's true for me and modelers I know in person and maybe most people here: we were into models at a young age, but lacked the patience and skill, took a break, and came back to it as adults. I would think the percentage of modelers who started as complete 100% n00bs as adults is a lot smaller. Maybe that's just me.

I've had a couple of people say it's a childish hobby--I just ignore them. Their loss.

I couldn't agree more. Most people who are in the hobby, started at a young age. Maybe what we built back then wasn't very good, but as our skills developed we got better. Sure there might be some people out there who think it's a hobby for kids, but there's also people out there who don't like the music I listen to, the car I drive, etc. etc. etc. There's obviously plenty of us who are in this hobby so who cares what those few people think. Every one's entitled to their own opinions.

[lemansnut]

It's very obvious from the look on his face that he's very excited and proud of his accomplishment. If he can convey that excitement to a few of his friends and get someone else involved in the hobby, that's what we need to keep growing.

Mike

[lumpulus]

Ahh, my pet peeve at contests...giving every kid a trophy or certificate just for showing up. I think this is a bad thing to do, as down the road when "real life" sets in, it's a rude awakening for some.

I think the best way to get kids in the hobby is hosting a Make n' take, something my club does at least once or twice a year. If the kid likes it, he'll keep going, if they don't it's off to somehting else, no harm done.

If you give a kid an award for building a lousy model, he will continue to build lousy models....if you reward the good builds, then the others will think, "hey, I have to build better to get an award.", and then their skill set goes up.

It's EZ to spot the former "everyone gets an award when they were young" builders at contest...they're the ones that can't understand why they didn't win something even though their piece is a "piece of"

[MR2_Lancer]

Originally Posted by lumpulus

Ahh, my pet peeve at contests...giving every kid a trophy or certificate just for showing up. I think this is a bad thing to do, as down the road when "real life" sets in, it's a rude awakening for some.

I think the best way to get kids in the hobby is hosting a Make n' take, something my club does at least once or twice a year. If the kid likes it, he'll keep going, if they don't it's off to somehting else, no harm done.

If you give a kid an award for building a lousy model, he will continue to build lousy models....if you reward the good builds, then the others will think, "hey, I have to build better to get an award.", and then their skill set goes up.

It's EZ to spot the former "everyone gets an award when they were young" builders at contest...they're the ones that can't understand why they didn't win something even though their piece is a "piece of"

This is one of my pet peeves. You dont even see the kids model, and you automatically assume its lousy? Its common in every sport or competition of any kind for younger kids to get some sort of award, but I highly doubt all three of his trophies are just for "showing up." Modeling isnt about the competition, and if you think it is, your in it for the wrong reason. I could give a care less if I dont win any trophies. I model for myself, not judges, and not other people.

[360spider]

Great job! Way to go. Smiles on their faces are just priceless.

Andy, in regards to your comments, I just want to ask you one question - do you have kids of your own?
If you do, how old, and do they build?

[lumpulus]

Originally Posted by MR2_Lancer

This is one of my pet peeves. You dont even see the kids model, and you automatically assume its lousy? Its common in every sport or competition of any kind for younger kids to get some sort of award, but I highly doubt all three of his trophies are just for "showing up." Modeling isnt about the competition, and if you think it is, your in it for the wrong reason. I could give a care less if I dont win any trophies. I model for myself, not judges, and not other people.

I wasn't talking about the kids in the pictures, I was talking in general.
I realize it's common for younger kids to get an award....I'm saying it doesn't help anything. That kind of thing belongs in the Special Olympics, not a model competition.

As for me, I don't compete much anymore, and while I agree with you that you should model for yourself and nothing else, the shows I do go to are called contests or competitions, and I for one am happier if I go home with a 1st place than I am with a 3rd, but it's not the end of the world if I leave with nothing...you still get to see other modeler's work, and meet new people.

If you reward mediocrity, that's what you'll get.

[Spike2933]

I build models for the pure enjoyment of trying to recapture cars from real life in motorsports and look at them and see how the race car has evolved.

not every kit is a skill 3 level. thats what the Revell-Snaptite's are for. they are cheap and kids who earn their allowances can buy them. you don't see a kid making a Tamiya, Studio 27, Renaissance, Leman Miniature, etc... kit. they are cheap Revell, monogram, AMT kits.

some of you guys take modeling to the extreme. I for one don't think I will ever get there because I don't have the kind of money for it. but you guys get the cars so accurate its unbelievable its crazy.

I also don't think a kid has the mentality to see stuff that are cheap perfect for models, like wires and cigarette foil.

Its good to see kids have a hobby and they enjoy doing it. its not like modeling is only for experts