Getting More folks interested.

I am a very outgoing person, so I always talk to a fellow modeler.

I've been doing this for decades.  I'm a friendly guy, I've worked part time in model shops, I'm president of an IPMS  chapter.  Recently we've been meeting at my home for meetings.  COVID has forced us to do ZOOM meetings.  I talk to other members when I see them at stores.  I do enjoy modeling alone and the quite time I have alone.  I know a bunch of modelers from the several clubs I have been in.  That pretty sums it up.

If I see someone browsing the models, it's usually quite easy to strike up a conversation, especially if they show an interest in the same subject I tend to favor (aircraft of all types). On a recent trip to HL for paint, there was a young man, about 12 I'd say, with his rather attractive mother, perusing the aircraft models.  I could not help but overhear some of their conversation, and politely mentioned some of the tips and tricks I've learned. (very little compared to some of the master modelers here!)  Anyway, between chatting with the lad, and his very attractive, ostensibly single (no ring) mom, it made a rather blah trip to HL very enjoyable.

I honestly don't talk to anyone and keep my head down. Not because I'm not friendly, I generally don't trust people. It takes me awhile to consider someone a non stranger. Spending a decent amount of time downtown Chicago, on trains and in train stations, living in the wrong part of town; I've found that many times someone out of the blue who wants to chat is a scammer of sorts. I avoid it. That's why I like the forum. 

I can tell you i do not miss going out. 

T e d

I smile and am friendly, but don't normally start a conversation. One exception though was when I overheard the mother of a *** decrying the fact that model kits were still being sold and at outrageous prices - when nobody with any sense still built them. I looked up, cleared my throat, and said, "Well, I'm a retired executive and have built models all my life. How can I help change your mind?" She looked stunned, gabbed the boy, and hurried off. Some folks just don't like having their mental models disturbed.

For me it depends, for instance...

- if it is a mom and dad are with thier son picking out his first model I would not want to ruin the moment; then I just look out the corner of my eye and smile (unless they ask me a question about modeling).

- Likewise if it is a person that thinks very high of himself, boasting about how good they are and tells everyone that they have done everything just a little better than everyone else, I tend to leave them alone, give them space and I move on.

- With that said, if there just two of us looking at similar items I will start a little conversation and see where it goes with thier modeling and try to determine if either of us could assist the other (tips, ideas, etc.). I have actually come across some nice people and really good model information this way (deals, ideas, sales, clubs, estate sales of models, etc.).

- One time a very nice 25 yr old woman asked me about the whole modeling thing because she wanted to get a gift for her nephew who I found out was into model aircraft. After finding out more particulars I recommended several at different price points. She left happy and a couple months later saw her in the model isle again. She told me that the model was a perfect choice and she was getting him another. She asked me about hobby clubs (like IPMS) in the area and I referred her to the central Ohio Eddie Rickenbacker chapter of the IMPS along with another smaller club in Lancaster (Ohio). Her nephew is 13 and really likes modeling.

I guess for me it depends on the person or situation...

Ben

As I have stated on a different thread, I left the club scene a number of years ago and have been a solitary modeller ever since. I have to travel for 4 hours to the States capital to reach a decent hobby shop. I'm not good in crowds and apart from a small group of close mates, I usually keep to myself. I prefer shopping on line and have been quite comfortable relying on magazines and other publications for inspiration. Although I was out of the hobby for some years it didn't stop me buying kits and magazines. So in reality joining the forums was a big step for me and I'm glad I did. I did not know what to expect, but I have found them friendly and helpful and it has allowed me to re-engage with other modellers.

So Tanker-Builder, it was these forums that got me more involved. 

I don't do well in crowds either...actually causes me physical pain...hard to describe.  I'm not crabby though, and I'm courteous, it just wears me out that's all.  I buy all of my models and supplies on-line one way or another, including lots of "vintage" modeling stuff from Ebay.  I have a hobby shop fairly close by, but it doesn't seem to be kept up all that well, and they always seem to be out of everything I go in there to buy.

I'm the same way at work.  Courteous and have been known to occasionally join in on social interactions.  But, most of the time, give me a sick plane to fix and I'm a happy camper.  My brain's just wired differently I guess.

I do like the interactions on forums though.  I like to see how others solve some of the puzzles that we all deal with when pursuing our hobby.

I'm not big on small talk and avoid crowds so I usually don't have much interaction with other customers at HL.

The one event that stands out was a rather attractive 40 something woman asking me if I knew the difference between 2 brands of kits. I gave her my opinion and went on my way. Walking out to the car I see a twin to my ride parked across the aisle. It belonged to the lady I saw in the kit aisle. We had a long conversation about our cars. Ended up trading phone numbers.

I used to take the train to downtown Chicago also. I would HATE when some one sat next to me and started talking to me. I fixed that problem by sitting in the single seats on the upper level. Same thing on an airplane. Do not talk to me if I don't know you.