Group Build Questions

I'm no expert in this area by any means; however, I know that a lot of the GB's that I've been a part of will allow a crossover, as long is it is no more than about 20% complete. My personal feeling is that if there is a build going on that fits into a catagory that corresponds to the build I am doing, then why not? It's a lot easier, and possibly cheaper to submit WIP's for builds to more than one if possible. I can't recall many GB's where they dont allow crossovers, and I'm not sure that GB would get much activity. Thats just my opinion.

As for suggesting a GB topic, I think lots of people do this, since they would like to build something, and see what others can contribute. I know I like to participate in GB's but I just dont have the time personally to run the darn things. Life doesnt always let me play nice all the time.

I've been in quite a few. It's my favorite part of the forum.

If a Forum doesn't allow crossovers, it simply means that the host wants to have everyone start and end together. It gets everyone a little more in sync, at least in theory. As opposed to posting a completed model from another GB as the first time entry, where others didn't get to share in the build as it progressed.

Absolutely it's fine to suggest to others ideas for GB's, for the reasons given above. Hosting a GB is hard work- I wouldn't do it. A successful host needs to basicaly respond to every post, or at least do so collectively every day or so. Sometimes life gets in the way, so unless you have a LOT of time, it's not a good idea to try. And I spend too much time on line anyways.

If one of them says no crossovers, then of course it means just for that GB. But of course it would mean you could not enter that GB if you plan on putting it in another. The no crossovers rule is less common than it used to be, but I have and do put it in, such as in the 1946 GB, partly to try and encourage people to do WiP threads instead and share with a wider audience.

It was not that long ago that GB's were almost taking over, for which i take a part of the responsibility. People often entered one build in several GB's thereby shareing it with the same people, and the armour and aircraft sections suffered accordingly. I have used the no crossovers rule on a number of GB's and not seen them suffer for it. And on occasions, it has been for some more about collecting badges rather than sharing with the widest audience possible.

The number one rule in my book, is if you enter it, then dang well finish it.

GMorrison

The number one rule in my book, is if you enter it, then dang well finish it.

 

And thats one of the problems with haveing so many GB's.

Moff, i wrote this long post a couple of eyars ago as we had a lot of new members asking about GB's. I have since trimmed the opening post down a bit as its no longer relevant. But hopfully you might find it useful.

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/29/t/154045.aspx

On crossovers personally I've got mixed feelings on that.

On the plus side it allows more GBs to exist when one model can fit into several GBs. I mean people can only build so many models. I would go so far as to say crossovers help the more obscure GB subjects survive.

On the negative side it seems like it results in less participation within individual GBs because many participants are spread thin over several GBs (I know I have been guilty of this). Instead of one very detailed post, you tend to get multiple short copy and paste posts.

It also results in a lot of duplication as you see the same posts in multiple group builds and occasionally also a WIP under the appropriate topic. This in itself isn't really a problem, but can result in lower quality posts compared to a single detailed WIP type thread.

As to the second, suggestion a topic, but not hosting it. I think there is some expectation that people host topics that they suggest, but a lack of time is certainly understandable. A GB can run anywhere from a few months to a year or more, so much more of a commitment than just building a model for the GB and then going on your way. Ultimately someone has to host a GB, and if the person that agrees to host is willing to run one that was suggested by another, then I see no harm. I've seen many posts over the years where people have just thrown out ideas, I've never seen anyone get bent out of shape over it, and frequently seen people step up and run with an idea another suggested.

I would suggest that those with limited time to host, consider short GBs rather than just abdicate hosting to others. Nothing wrong with a 2 month GB.

Sure it won't bring in the same number of people as a 6 or 12 month GB, but it may see a similar number cross the finish line as those who sign up will probably be more focused. Lots of people sign up for long GBs thinking that of course they will find the time in 12 months, then they actually find they don't. 

Aaronw

 

I would suggest that those with limited time to host, consider short GBs rather than just abdicate hosting to others.

Nothing wrong with a 2 month GB.Sure it won't bring in the same number of people as a 6 or 12 month GB, but it may see a similar number cross the finish line as those who sign up will probably be more focused. Lots of people sign up for long GBs thinking that of course they will find the time in 12 months, then they actually find they don't. 

 

Bish

Moff, one idea to consider if you have a GB idea but think you don't have a lot of time is to recruit a co host.

 

And could someone define "crossover" for me? I assumed it just meant signing one (unfinished) model up for more than one GB, but you seem to have a different definition.

jelliott523

I can't recall many GB's where they dont allow crossovers, and I'm not sure that GB would get much activity. Thats just my opinion.

 

I don't see any GBs here with much activity. Too darn many... I personally don't like crossovers. I find it somewhat like cheating, and if you are following one GB and then see there's a new post on another, and go look at it and realize its the same person posting up the same thing, its irritating.

Moff

 

Bish

Moff, one idea to consider if you have a GB idea but think you don't have a lot of time is to recruit a co host.

 

 

 

 

How does the distribution of labor go with something like that?

 

 

The way i normally do it is one hosts the GB, in other words, puts up the opening post withe the rusles etc. The co host does the roster. Of course, the host can't edit the roster, but if the co host runs into issues, the host can add any changes to his opening post. The 1945 GB is a good example.

It would all depend on what issues you think you might run into before you consider if you are able to run a GB. If you just think you might have work issues during teh Gb which might last a short period, then a co host is a good idea. If you think you might be going away for 6 months, then i would consider if now is a good time for a GB at all.

But hosting a GB is really not that bad. As long as your able to get on the site at least every 2 days, then your fine.I am able to get on every day and once found myself hosting 4 GB's at the same time. Given how often you post, i don't think you have any problems on that count.

Moff

And could someone define "crossover" for me? I assumed it just meant signing one (unfinished) model up for more than one GB, but you seem to have a different definition.

 

That is indeed what a crossover is, commiting to build one kit for 2 or more GB's.

Nathan T

 

jelliott523

I can't recall many GB's where they dont allow crossovers, and I'm not sure that GB would get much activity. Thats just my opinion.

 

 

 

 

I don't see any GBs here with much activity. Too darn many... I personally don't like crossovers. I find it somewhat like cheating, and if you are following one GB and then see there's a new post on another, and go look at it and realize its the same person posting up the same thing, its irritating.

 

Agred on all counts there. But the number of GB's does seem to be going down at last.

Oh my god, not another Group Build thread! ....

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the doog

Oh my god, not another Group Build thread! ....

 

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O come on Karl, you know you love it

firstly MOFF how is the JS-3 kit? i may have to get one for a local AMPS group build.

i too am guilty of getting into too many GBs but, looking at my stash, it's obvious how my interests shift. i am also quilty of not finishing as many as i enter. i think i will do fewer GBs in 2016 (famous last words) and fewer crossover builds because, as has been said, it either gets repetative or you end up ignoring one. My exception would be a large model, as in LARGE. like the russian SMERCH.

as for hosting JIBBER and i are co hosting a couple. i have hosted my first 2, one went well one kinda faded. he asked if i wanted to co-host a RR GB so we are oing one.  i do the initial entry so i can update the first entry roster and pics. Terry does the feelers and probably more of the comments on the ongoing builds than i do. I make the badges too, using suggestions from folks. i will make badges for GBs i am not in because it keeps my gfx skills up.

usually generic rules and we recommend posting not only in the GB but starting a post in the appropraite forum(s). for example Terry and i have feelers out for a DINOSAUR GB  and will recommend posting in FIGURES and, if doing a diorama also in DIORAMA. 

just my $.02 USD adjusted for inflation. Happy Thanksgiving.