What do YOU like and dislike about forums and interactions with fellow collectors?

[eugenevh]

I realize we are all different, with different values and world views.

One thing (I think) we definitely DO share is a a love of aviation and collecting models of airplanes which have some meaning to us.

Thus, in order to understand fellow collectors, I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread where we can discuss our "likes" and "dislikes" about our interaction with other collectors.
I don't intend (nor want) this to become a fighting or mud-slinging match.

There is (or should be) no RIGHT or WRONG here - just a discussion about how YOU see things.

Naturally - this thread might become split into different threads, because these threads do tend to 'evolve'. So feel free to start similar or other threads where points can be discussed in more depth.

The goal here is to make everyone see that others have different criteria and to foster a sense of understanding.

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[eugenevh]

Ok to kick things off, here is a couple of points which makes me sometimes think "WHY"

One thing which I find 'interesting' is the matter of model moulds for instance.

One example:
So the Inflight 200 (Aviation 200) 737 mould is not the best, but show me how many African registered 737 models have been released by manufacturers other than Inflight in 200 Scale?
There is the Herpa Kulula Flying 101 model which indeed is very nice. So if I didn't buy the IF 737 models, then I would have had one 737 in 200 scale (in my criteria).
In 400 scale, take the BlueBox L1011 models too. It is virtually the only ones available.

In my view, if I can make out it is a B737-200, then that is fine with me. I am not going to count how many windows are on the model etc.
If that is so important to people, then commissioned models is maybe the better way to go?
Do I want the models to be as accurate as possible? Certainly!
But I do realize that NOTHING on earth is perfect. The "real 1:1" models sometimes have dents and patches and scratched/faded paint etc etc.

I still have my Matchbox models from my youth.
They surely are nowhere close to the models I am collecting now, but they still give me joy, and I can still tell a 747-200 from a -300 and -400.
But I do see that the L1011 looks different than a DC10, even with those inaccurate models.
Bottom line, they make me happy to look at as they remind me of a special time in my life and how I saw aviation then.

I simply don't have the talent nor the funds to build or commission a perfect model, so I decided to be happy with whatever I can lay my hands on. That is life. You make the best of what you can get. Make lemonade from lemons.

The "purests" would most likely have had a stroke somewhere in those paragraphs. Take a valium ;-)


Another train of though I had is this:
If you have ONE great model, then it is easy to point to it and show its wonders.
If you have two, it becomes a bit more difficult. As there surely can only be one which is THE BEST?
If you have 10 great models, then the each one seems to diminish a little in its 'wow' factor.
If you have 100 models, then the 'great' one's soon disappear amongst the other 'so-so' models.
So, if you have only 'great' models, then they seem to lose their grandeur and just becomes one of the models.

I was thinking that if I should display a hundred models in shelves, then people viewing it will probably only look at the mass of different models and colours. I wager a BET that absolutely NO one will focus enough and say "Wow, THAT one is CRAP" The good and bad just blend into one huge group.

So, how important is it to have a great mould or the absolute correct livery if you are going to display the model amongst possibly hundreds of other mass produced models?

[FireAngelZero]

Like: The many informative posts that are made at least on a daily basis by users.The fact that new models are usually posted pretty much the same day they are released.
The database is large and easy to navigate as long as all of the parameters of the models are correct.

Dislike: Aside from a few hardcore users this forum really lacks in activity. During the weekends it seems like there are 3-5 posts but during the week it's almost a ghost town in the forums, some forums haven't been updated in months...

[JAL1628]

The database is fantastic, I use it fairly regularly.

I don't care much for discussions about "accuracy".. As some of you know, I work in business development for a prime mfg. sub for a couple very large aerospace OEMs.. After staring at tedious engineering prints all day, the LAST thing I want to do is ruin my hobby by contemplating the accuracy of the models.

I'd like to see/hear more planespotting stories, trip reports, photographs, model wish lists, polls, and aviation history.

I promise to do my part and post more photos of my dioramas here soon, I've been doing a lot of that lately.

[eugenevh]

Yes FireAngelZero, I agree. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here who just need the right opportunity to contribute their considerable knowledge. And yes, DIMA seems a bit lacking in activity. As long as we can keep it to aviation related subjects and not political discussions.

And JAL1628, your photos and dioramas would be most welcome. And you are preaching to the choir (in my case) regarding the absolute accuracy some demands. I realize these are just representations of the real thing. In my mind I see them for what they are and that gives me so much more enjoyment than sitting and thinking about the 'faults' some reported. That sure does take away much of the enjoyment. I don't care about the faults. If people want perfect, then looking at the 1:1 model is the only way as that would be the only perfect representation. The cost of models would be out of most peoples financial ability. Just look at the cost of those so-called Herpa Premiums. Really! For a model aircraft.

Good to have some discussion going here.

[AvGeek]

Dislike: Aside from a few hardcore users this forum really lacks in activity. During the weekends it seems like there are 3-5 posts but during the week it's almost a ghost town in the forums, some forums haven't been updated in months...

I agree, makes me wonder what's the use of posting. I hate talking to myself.

The database is nice, but that seems to be the only reason for people to come here. Yet, you will see the same usernames on other sites with broken databases posting almost daily.

My conclusion, this site is only being USED.

[fleetlordatvar]

Agree ... they seem to have a chip on their shoulder about one of the owners of this site. I can't believe w/ the subjective censorship they tolerate @ DA.C❗
I also realized how personal the hardcore take many comments, this was shocking to me. I realized later this is typical for hardcore ppl of any forum, the unnecessary drama is repulsive to normal collector

[AvGeek]

Oh yes... yet his database is good enough for them. I've been a ''babysitter'' on a few sites (not related to this hobby), but that site is the worst I have seen.

[fleetlordatvar]

REALLY, i not have much experience... kind good that is one of the worst places