566 views and no comments,hidden message?

Welcome to FSM 

Been going that route for quite awhile, I stopped posting build logs here for that reason,lack of interest.

Unwelcome change,for sure!

Tojo72

Welcome to FSM 

Been going that route for quite awhile, I stopped posting build logs here for that reason,lack of interest.

 

Lots going on around home so not as active on here. This doctor, that doctor. Keeps me jumping. Life's a b***h when your our age. I would love to get my hands on the guy that said "These are our GOLDEN years". I'd ring his neck. 

Stay safe & Don't get old.

Jim 

I am 59 and had an Afib attack in Dec!Luckily no ill effects but it sure was a surprise!

I've experienced similar observations in the past. Not sure of the reasons lately. Most of my build logs only have less than a hand full of people who reply out of sometimes even thousands of views. I am long winded at times, so there's that (smile). I thought it was the subject, or my abilities, perhaps it was me (?). Then I thought it just may have nothing to do with me or my builds. Could be life happening with people and for whatever reason they look, appreciate it, and move on. 

Heck I found a long time ago that building for others, weather its a commission build, contests, or even for gaining approval from others was highly overated. I build now for my own satisfaction and to spend quality time with my son. I share here hoping for some kind of feedback, but if it does not come it will be at no cost to me and I moved on to the next one with no hurt feelings.  

I saw a message string nearly a year ago talking about this same thing and some people mentioned that if person "A" does not provide a positive comment on my build then I'm not going to remark on thiers. Then they talked about certian people posting thier builds but not responding to others. Not sure how they would know that or what was really meant by that remark. I thought the remarks rather childish and I did not respond after reading it, then moved on. 

I think this forum contains may different builders and personalities covering many different interests. Some are builders while others are viewers; some are researchers or intelllectuals while other buy and build the kits regardless of the accuracy. Some are relational while others are more quiet and behind the scenes. The number of people are the same number of skill abilities, interests, etc. While in many ways, that is what makes a good forum. But it could also be partially the reason why there are so many views and not a lot of responses. 

As far as your covered bridge, I'm not a railroader or building maker so I didn't look. Now that your brought it up I do like your method for the roof, very efficient with the craft materials. The final results after paint looks like it fit the part too. 

Ben

Eugene Rowe

I posted my scratch built covered bridge project and got over 500 views but no comments,hidden message that it was not a popular subject?

 

The message is, Location, Location, Location.

Much like the real estate world, where you post your build matters more than the quality of the work or the subject. The vast majority of forums here go unread by me on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

I mean, I don't click on the scratchbuilding forum at all.

I generally check armor, sci-fi, general and the ready room.

Many folks have posted "signs" in other forums directing others to their builds. Perhaps if you posted a message in "General", "Diorama", etc. you could have gotten more people to actually respond.

This forum also is home to a phenomenon I call "drive-by posting".

Someone posts a build and vanishes. They never interact with folks who ask questions and may only return months or years later to post another build.

"Drive by posting"

Thats a perfect description Rob,I like that.

Comments are nice, but I'm happy just taking views as an expression of interest in what I post.  Everybody has their own way of doing forums.

Yes I think you have valid points ,but I can't think of another forum section to put my covered bridge project....

Some really good points brought up to explain the phenomenon, and I think DRUMS01 came close to nailing it. Rob has a good point too, location. I stop by once every week or two and after hitting more on the front page I go to ships and armor and then I'm gone.

If a build catches my eye - I try and keep tabs and post encouragement but honestly me remembering to do so is pretty rare.

Seems my golden years are filled with me using more and more of my time to accomplish less and less.

Gene!

 Hey , listen, I look at it this way. If I post something and get no replies but lots of views, at least everyone knows I am Alive. If my posts fire up the imagination or help someone then all the better. Actually answering my posts would be icing on the cake. Perhaps simply, I am just too longwinded!( You kinda get that way) 80 yrs. old and no one to talk to about your hobby!

Keep in mind the age or generation viewing the posts. I know young folks live for what they refer to as likes...but my generation is not into "likes" at least that's my observation..if a youngish person posts something on a chat web site they are generally excited when people click on their posts and give them the satisfaction of knowing someone recognizes them. We as the vintage folks just don't Live like that. I suppose it's important to be recognized but here it's probably not going to happen.

i will post something that I have trouble with and appreciate a esponse that helps me with the problem I am having Even if it's just one reply. 
by the way I am a little over 75

Hi Eugene,

Please don't worry about it. Along with the positive comes the negative, and nobody deserves that.

You are pretty unique. I see you as someone who can model anything from electric guitars to stick and tissue aircraft of your own design.

I always enjoy your posts.

Bill

Thanks!I really appreciate it!I was concerned that I messed up my bridge but I think it came out exactly as I envisioned!I am a long term member of this forum and remember how plentiful responses to most people's threads were!I guess changes are inevitable!

Eaglecash867

Comments are nice, but I'm happy just taking views as an expression of interest in what I post.  Everybody has their own way of doing forums.

 

I think this is a good point. It seems to me that lots of posts on our forums don't get views, especially right away, and just because your post isn't getting comments doesn't mean people don't appreciate it! I'm personally more of a silent appreciator (ie leaving a like when possible/applicable). I don't often comment unless I have something pressing to say or a comment/compliment that adds to the conversation. I'm sure many modelers feel the same!

Have to disagree,a forum is about communication,how about if an artist does a painting,a woodworker completes a piece,any craftsman you can think of presents his work to his friends and family,they visit,look at it,and walk away without commenting,how would you feel? Probably not too good.

How about the Ready Room,that's where banter takes place,someone posts a funny,an interesting article,an experience,those are usually greeted without much feedback too.Back and forth makes a forum,not just looking or lurking.

Not encouraging folks to ditch this place,it has been my hangout since 2003,but if you want to see a busy,friendly, proactive forum,come see Modelerssocialclub, also the Kitmaker Network.

I am not privy to forum traffic or active membership numbers, but I firmly believe that views counter is not a real indicator of actual human views and is inflated by bots or internet archivers. 

This is a purely anecdotal instance, but I have made ice breaker posts in the General Modeling subforum like what subjects do you want made which will reflect dozens of views within a couple hours, and yet if the post gets more than two responses within 24 hours it is a surprise to me.  I find it hard to believe that if there was as much actual human traffic as the views number indicates, that there is otherwise so little substantive activity anywhere else like in the GB forum.

Perhaps I am wrong, and there realy are thousands of lurkers hanging out and visiting each week, I just wish they would chime in and help revitilize the site.

Never thought it could be bot activity,but it is an interesting concept for sure!

Tojo72

"Drive by posting"

Thats a perfect description Rob,I like that.

 

Yeah, this forum has a unique phenomenon where a few folks will post a build, not engage with anyone who replies and is never seen again or might return in a few years.

I find it odd; why join a forum where the membership often have a back and forth discussion, but never enter into discussions with the community?

Yes that is quite strange  

Rob Gronovius

 

 

Tojo72

"Drive by posting"

Thats a perfect description Rob,I like that.

 

 

 

 

Yeah, this forum has a unique phenomenon where a few folks will post a build, not engage with anyone who replies and is never seen again or might return in a few years.

I find it odd; why join a forum where the membership often have a back and forth discussion, but never enter into discussions with the community?

 

A rather annoying habit by those who partake in that sort of posting. Its good manners of the original poster to at least acknoweldge those who take the time and effort to provide any sort of comment of feedback on a post.

Must of been a year or so ago I dropped out. Walked into my work space and just couldn't continue. Hit a wall,burnout,whatever. Had nothing to do with views or comments or life getting in the way. Having restarted and getting back in the swing of things I thought I'd add my two cents.

I think all the opinions expressed in these response have some validity to them,and I recognize myself in some of the characterizations. I am more of a viewer and I view basically what I am interested in. There are only so many P-51'S, Tigers,and Enterprises that can capture ones interest. I'll leave a comment on what catches my eye,but to be honest, I've never seen a bad build posted on this site. Having done this for a few years now I still am inadaquately experienced to add any real substantive contribution to help improve ones build.

On the contrary,I rely on the responses given to certain topics relatable to me by my betters to over come obstacles or problems that arise,gather new resources or learn information pertaining to my interests.I don't " follow " anyone in particular but there are certain members here that I rely on for their perspective and knowledge,some for their humor and some because of their work. I post what I build and start another one, if it gets a comment I'll always acknowledge the poster for taking the time and answer any questions I can,if it gets a view, I hope you liked it.

I guess not many people in this day and age are into building bridges anymore.

I'll get my hat & coat...

Yes!not much call for it nowadays.

Eugene Rowe

Yes!not much call for it nowadays.

 

Not much call for them these days, but they are badly needed more than ever.

Build your bridges Eugene.  If you get enjoyment from them, that is all that matters.  Others will follow, in time.

Real G

I guess not many people in this day and age are into building bridges anymore.

I'll get my hat & coat...

 

I wasn't denigrating bridges or any other objects built in this fashion. I personally feel that scratch builders deserve their own magazine and forums. It's an art form well above my abilities. 

templar1099

 

 

Real G

I guess not many people in this day and age are into building bridges anymore.

I'll get my hat & coat...

 

 

 

 

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I wasn't denigrating bridges or any other objects built in this fashion. I personally feel that scratch builders deserve their own magazine and forums. It's an art form well above my abilities. 

 

 

 

Not a dig on you Templar.  I was just commenting on the current zeitgeist.