Posting Phobia - Finished Models

CM05, thanks for sharing. I understand where your coming from and will not try to persuede you into doing something your not comfortable with. There is alot to be said for showing your work, you said you had to "figure it out", information like that is invaluable to beginners as well as old timers. I applaud you for your restraint at the show however that moment shouldn't define your enjoyment. If you want to show do so, if not no harm. When I show I have very low expectations so a "lose" really doesn't matter to me. If someone doesn't like my technique or subject oh well they see it once for a couple hours, I look at it for ALOT longer on my shelf. We all have kits we wish we had done differently. The great thing about this hobby is most of the time you can buy a new kit and try again, expand your skills and overhaul the one ya got, either way your the only one you have to please. FYI Idon't mind losing, helps me become a better modeler. Good Luck and maybe we'll see some of your work here.

Retired Air Force brat here, as well. I’m just getting back into the hobby myself.  I can understand being hesitant to show your work, given the quality of the work I’ve seen here. But in all honesty, I don’t think I’ve seen any negative criticism of any work thats been posted, just the helpful sort. I would got ahead and post some of your work and be pleasantly surprised at the feedback you receive. This seems to be a pretty friendly place. My $0.02 anyway. 

I'm sure your models are much nicer than you give yourself credit for. I don't go to shows or enter contests because I don't need the humiliation, but I do like to show stuff here in progress.

GMorrison

I'm sure your models are much nicer than you give yourself credit for. I don't go to shows or enter contests because I don't need the humiliation, but I do like to show stuff here in progress.

 

" I don't need the humiliation" I hear you.

Constructive criticism on a build in my opinion can only help us build better projects. I was very unsure when posting my original build several months back, but I recieved great supportive feedback, this helps me stay interested. This builds confidence and allows you to build on your skill's, in turn allowing you to support others.

My very first post of anything online, for me, was here at FSM. Even though I was using computers when the first Apple, Commodore and ZX Sinclair just hit the stores as a consumer device.

Don't be concerened about posting, it's not about the finish, its about the journey to the finish.

Show us your work.  It's all about the hobby.

CaddMann, if you show your builds to us, here in these forums, is entirely up to you. But I would like to encourage you to do so. It's not only good for us, because it's always good to see some nice models. It's also good for you. Here you can make new friends. Some people will like your builds, they will tell you so and it's a nice feeling. Some people won't like your builds. Those people tend to not say anything at all on these forums. But sometimes they, or even I will tell you what we don't like. That's even better for you - maybe the feeling isn't as nice, but you might learn something. I always try to make my criticism constructive - say what could be done better and how. You are a grown man - you know it's only a hobby and people have different tastes and different points of view - you basically can't please anybody - but that's not what these forums are for, anyhow. Hope to see some of your work - thanks in advance and have a nice day

Paweł

I go to shows whenever I can. I really don't care whether I win anything or not. I like to meet other modelers, talk with others I have met before, learn new techniques and how others are making out with new products. I like finding out how I can improve my skills. I have a good time wandering around the vendor tables. Don't buy much unless it is something I need or a kit that really interests me. 

As soon as I get one of the hosting sights working good for me, I'll start posting pics again. PB really messed me up. Love doing WIPs also.

Jim  

I’ve posted every single build on here including my first build after a forty year hiatus.  It was a Revell P-61 Black Widow.  I got nothing but positive feed back on that build and every build thereafter.  And I build at a tremendous rate.  lol!  

Fast foward to the present, I’ve been here for almost three years now, and as my anniversary build, I’m building a Monogram P-61 Black Widow just to compare the two as well as a celebratory build.  My builds are anything but perfect, in fact they are mediocre at best compared to other FSM Forum Members.  

Check out my Black Widow thread/post and you’ll see what I’m talking about.  In the beginning I posted here because I was severely injured at work, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) this is not only therapy for me but now I seriously enjoy the sharing and the fellowship it brings from all over the world.  These are tremendously fantastic people!  I’ve never met such human beings before and I’ve been all over the world.  

In summation, I now do this for fun and not to be criticized but to learn from everyone.  It’s ultimately up to you and it’s your decision to post your builds and we all respect that choice.  I wish you the best and good luck to you!

Toshi

CaddMan,

Everything stated before me is 100% true. I am completely new to modeling, and been in these forums for almost 2 years now. My first build I not only posted it, but I did a work in progress (WiP) to gain as much feedback and insight from the members as possible. What I got was overwhelming...tons of tips, suggestions, ideas and a lot of kind words.

Everyone in here is here for numerous reason....for the most part it is because of their love for this hobby. EVERYONE has gone out of their way to help me, teach me and just to bounce ideas off each other. Because of these individuals I will be apart of this group as long as the forums are here. Truely, a wonderful group of people that I call friends!

I hope one day you will take the "leap of faith" and post your work....you will be amazed by the response.

I build models and I don’t care what anyone’s says about my finished kit. It’s all about the feeling of satisfaction you’ve completed your kit. If you’re happy with it, who cares what others think.

You should have seen my first "actual" glue together kit.

The year was 1972..... Disco was in it's infancy.... and bell bottoms were all the rage.

A 6 year old Little Timmy (little little Timmy) had just spent his entire allowance on an AMT 1956 Ford victoria 3-n-1 (I built the drag version)  and proceded to make the biggest mess of a car you could possebly imagine!  I painted it in three different color's of blue.... none of which complemented each other..... ALL BY BRUSH! I didnt know what a spray can was untill I was 10. In an attempt to "hide" the mass of blobby Blue I took some binder re-enforcement ring's..... painted each one a different color... and stuck them all over the freash paint.

It looked like my car had crashed into a truck loaded with "Froot Loops "!

I showed this mess to anybody who couldn't run away !!!!

The point of all this is..... It does'nt matter what you're modle look's like......

As long as YOU like it...... every one else can go eat dirt !!!

One thing to keep in mind, regarding posting your work...

There's always going to be others with far less experience, that may be able to learn something from you....there's also going to be others with more experience/better build quality that can still learn something from you. Being "self taught", you may have another way of dealing with an issue that someone else hasn't figured out. It could be something that comes very simple to you, but not everybody thinks the same way!

We are our own worst critics.

Many of us also build paper models, or wood, or metal, etc.  I don't care what the materials are- just the question, "is this the best material for my project?"

Your modeling probably won't suffer for lack of posting pictures.  There is some enjoyment when your pictures receive good feedback after posting, but it is not as important as being in a club.

I doubt if I could list all the techniques I have either learned or improved upon by talking to my fellow modelers, or seeing demonstrations at meetings or contests.  And, being in a club, you will likely be aware of all the contests coming up in your area.  Contests, like racing with horses, improves the breed.  I have been a modeler for over seventy years now, and have seen tremendous advances in building techniques during that period.  I would say attending contests has been the most important influence in building up my modeling techniques. Even if you do not enter, just looking at the models entered, and studying the award winners, will show you what is possible (far more in viewing them yourself than by seeing pictures of them in magazines or online). 

If you decide to start posting photos, fine.  But do join a club.  I guarantee in a couple of years you will feel no regrets with the effort of driving to club meetings and contests.

Dont sweat posting photos of your models,no one will trash them.If you want the foru,m members to suggest advice or helpful hints to improve your models they will be happy to do so. This is a very supportive forum so have no fear!

I agree with all that has been said above.  I am extremely sensitive to criticism, but posted anyway.  I have been on the forum for about a year, and have received some very helpful constructive criticism, and I welcome it.  Some of it has been about technique, and some has been from very knowledgable members regarding the subject that they simply know more about than I do.

The first model I posted was a mess.  I got some positive comments and some constructive suggestions.  At no point did I feel belittled.  

My next project was better, and due mainly to the fine folks on this forum.  There are few people in my "real" world that care to see my work.  None of them can help me get better.  This forum has been an incredibly positive experience.  We get to share a hobby with others who also enjoy it.  I mean to say, the folks here "get it".  I truly value this.

I do hope someday you will be able to post a finished model, but if not, hey, that is OK.  Keep coming to the forum and sharing your experiences.  Plastaholics need to stick together.

As Pawel would say, have a nice day.

D

Recently had a rather lengthy comment about this elsewhere.  

No one, and I mean no one, should ever feel they cannot post their work regardless if it is their first model or their latest.  Every member here has the absolute right to post their work, no exception.  With the massive swing from those posting their first works to those posting their latest competition/submission piece, all should be made to feel encouraged to show what they have done.  By the same token those who post should be allowed to feel they can post what they build and either receive encouragement and if they request it, even some instruction.  Our world has become such that at times that aspect is lost.  

Honestly if you feel hesitant to show your work, pick a few members that seem friendly and show them your work privately.  I am sure you will be encouraged to show it publicly but it can be a start for you.

Joe

I completely understand your phobia, but I would be surprised if anyone on this site, in seeing photos of your builds, would have anything but positive comments.  The folks who post on this site are fellow modelers, we have all struggled at one point or another with what we build, and we all likely want some affirmation on our work.  But I find feedback to be a motivating factor that gets me beyond any fear of criticism (and regarding criticism, I am a Texas Aggie, and as such, one must have thick skin to be an Aggie, given our love-hate relationships with other Texas schools).

If you ever decide to post photos of your builds, I expect you'll like the feedback you get.

People on this forum are really well mannered. I forget that, and random searches for subjects that plop me down in other forums can be pretty hair raisng.

littletimmy

You should have seen my first "actual" glue together kit.

The year was 1972..... Disco was in it's infancy.... and bell bottoms were all the rage.

A 6 year old Little Timmy (little little Timmy) had just spent his entire allowance on an AMT 1956 Ford victoria 3-n-1 (I built the drag version)  and proceded to make the biggest mess of a car you could possebly imagine!  I painted it in three different color's of blue.... none of which complemented each other..... ALL BY BRUSH! I didnt know what a spray can was untill I was 10. In an attempt to "hide" the mass of blobby Blue I took some binder re-enforcement ring's..... painted each one a different color... and stuck them all over the freash paint.

It looked like my car had crashed into a truck loaded with "Froot Loops "!

I showed this mess to anybody who couldn't run away !!!!

The point of all this is..... It does'nt matter what you're modle look's like......

As long as YOU like it...... every one else can go eat dirt !!!

 

Can't remember what kind of car my first model kit was, it was a Christmas present when I was 9-10ish but it was cast in pink.  Couldn't afford paint.  Glue all over it.  I remember for some reason i had to take part of the sprue and use as an axle.  Glued it to the chassis and glued the wheels to the axle/sprue.  I left it on the living room floor and my oldest sister came in carrying a bag of groceries and didn't see it and stepped on it.  Broke it to a million pieces.

Yes we all have gluebomb storie from the before time but thankfully we are all much better now.It is cool to take a box full of parts and make a unified whole model from them.Very satisfying, 

I want to thank each and everyone of you for answering my post with class and dignity as fellow modelers whose goal in this forum is to uplift the spirits as well as the ability to inspire myself as well as others to greater feats in this great hobby.

THANK YOU!!!

I feel I have a better understanding about posting my projects whether I feel it's worthy or not.  It's just like Templar1099 stated, "We are our own worst critic."  So very true.

I will start posting just a soon as I figure out how to do it. I know there is a discussion about what photo sharing websites to use and which is best, so I will refer to that for help.

Thanks again for the input.

Cool!I look forward to seeing pics of your models!

Hi,

Your post has gotten me thinking about some of my own issues.  In general, since I re-started building models again a few years ago I'm not fully sure that I can say that I have ever fully "finished" any of them.  Even my most completed models still kind of sit missing a few pieces etc. 

I suspect that this has a bit to do with conserns about whether things have turned out as I had hoped or whether I currently have the skills to do the last few parts.

For me especially, I have a fear/reluctance/phobia ablout photo etch, and my 1/400 scale model of the Battleship Potemkin has probably been sitting for 4-5 years waiting for me to get up the nerve to try and add some generic railing that I have bought for it, and then add some rigging and other details.

In general I guess though, its a lot like what others have said here; we tend to be our own harshest critics.

Overall though I have found everyone on this site to be very welcoming and supportive of everyone who posts, (and right now its the only board that I post to because of the supportive nature of the people here).

As such I'm sure we all would be happy to see your work.

Pat

philo426

Cool!I look forward to seeing pics of your models!

 

X2, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you run into a roadblock, we all do, and someone here generally will have a way around it. 

Had not done any modeling for 40+ years, and the folks on here have kindly driven my abilities upwards, not great leaps by any means, but their help and advice is timeless.