New FSM column

I'd go with the Group Builds, their are several, I've an idea for a GB that I'm fine tuning.

Rob.

So your a bias to the Armor guys huh..........Thats better for me, I am an Armor guy!

Duke Maddog had some pretty good ideas.

And concerning you post above, What if all currenct and future Group Builds wrote a little story behind the GB. For instance, I started the D-Day GB, so i would write a little
piece explaining the rules, Why we are building the certain topic, the Number of people involved, and of course- if the comlum goes out right after the GB is over, a picture of the best model from the build.


oh ya and if there is a picture of the best model built on the forums in the certain time period, dont forget about us kids! I havent been modelling for very long so maybe the best model, and the best junior model (17 and under)

QUOTE: Originally posted by M1abramsRules doing a profile of the GB's would be hard to do as this column would probably have to be written months in advance

You are correct, there is some lead time req'd. Lawrence could tell you about how much.

They could consider a mention of GB's that would be starting around the time the magazine was available. Showcasing the results of a few GB's isn't a bad idea either.

In regards to a dedicated forum magazine...I agree, it's a nice idea, but I don't think the staff would be able to devote time to it. They're already on a tight schedule between the magazine and the website. Now if someone here was interested in working on something like this...I would recommend shooting off a message to Lawrence to discuss it further.

Something to consider, in regards to the Group Builds. Once a Group Build is completed, it would be great if someone who was active in it would write something up highlighting the GB.

doing a profile of the GB's would be hard to do as this column would probably have to be written months in advance

"STOP THE PRESSES", these are all teriffic ideas, maybe we could start our own forum magazine. seriously, I like the idea of doing a profile on one of our members each month. each of you has something that we all see as special. it also shows the diversity of the people who enjoy modelling. this is a good idea David. semper fi, mike

I agree. I love this idea. I'd like to see photos and mini profiles of some of the modelers; maybe a subsection called "Forum Modeler of the Month". It can show the person's picture, a picture or two of some of their builds, and their Profile info, along with a little short bio.

I like the idea of "Forum Tip of the Month" as well

Another subsection can show "Models Completed this Month" showing pics of the best of the builds completed in each category that month and by whom.

Another section can be a description of some of the Works in Progress being featured that month on the Forums, by whom, and their progress to date. Pictures would be nice here, but in the interest of space, it isn't necessary. Just enough info to wet the appetite and give someone a small push to try loggin in to see what's happening.

And finally, another section choosing the the most Active Group Build in each category and publishing a Progress Report on how it's going. Nothing long and fancy, just something simple, enough info to wet the appetite enough for someone to log in and see what's going on.

Well, these ideas should fill up a page. I'm looking forward to seeing the new column!

I like the idea of doing something with the group builds, emphasising the fun elemnt, the variety of groups, the knowledge being passed around the group, photos, techniques etc, etc.

LOL!! The goal is to increase the readership, not lose it in a single issue. Geez...

Why not start off with a full-page picture of David Voss??
After all that's been in great demand
Paul

Why box yourself into one specific format. The staff could just pick and choose the month's column based on something that strikes there fancy on this forum. Maybe one month an interesting topic, one month some profiles of some members, one month a poll result, etc. The end result would be an increased intereast in the forum (is that even possible???).

Just an Idea.

QUOTE: Originally posted by rebelreenactor ...David Voss could Judge them?

I appreciate it, but I'm just a programmer.
(w/ a bias for the dark side)

THeres some good stuff here, I do belive however that, there should be pics of some of the models on here, have you seen Ausfs, i think Early production, Tiger I, It is Incredible.
Maybe we could have contests, like everybody who wants to can sumbmit a pic of a model that they have recently built and then You or David Voss could Judge them?

Also, maybe a little section that lists whats going on (like discussions) from each modelling subject.
(i.e. Armor, Dioramas, aircraft)
My last input would be that, there should be more than one tip, maybe 3 or 4.

THats jus my
Cant wait to see how it turns out.

Hey, we've debated some great issues in this forum. How about featuring highlights from some of those debates? "Are we glorifying war?" "Are Aztec airbrushes any good?" "Is there too much WWII stuff in FSM?" Etc.

I would simply look for the threads that really sparkle and publish excerpts in the magazine.

Regards,

Good idea!

I suppose a "hot forums topics" column is the most obvious, where the "hot" topics on the forums for that month can be summarized.

How much space are we talking about here?

hhhmmmmmmmmmm......lemme see
group build stuff ?
pics ?
personalities that frequent this mad forum world ?
an overall flavour of what's been hot in the forum ?
modeller's profile ?......(i 2nd Mr. Raymounts cool idea)

this hobby is as diverse in personalities and subect matter as is the geographical locations of its enthusiasts.......
yet so connected because of this forum..........
can 36,000+ members take over the world ?
what fun you're gonna have Mr. Hansen

Lawrence, you must have some sort of idea about what it is you want to accomplish - what were you driving at?
Maybe a "great value of the month" from a retailer, a great idea or thought from a post, or an outstanding or significant kit release.

Stay away from being serious, keep it humorous and light sided. Maybe something similar to Bill Scheft's column in Sports Illustrated.

Why not have the forum members nominate a build from each of the forums then vote on one from each? That way a consensus would pick the favorite builds. Or you could take it one step more and have every one vote for one pic, but then you wuld have people voting for their favorite subject not just the best build. Couple this with a couple of tips and a forum member bio and you'll have the beginnings of a decent page.

Cool idea, I'll have to put my thinking cap on.

I agree: they should have a pic or 2 from the forum!!

bob has some great ideas. the only thing i would add is print some pics of these fantastic builds. some of them really should be showcased on a bigger stage. just my two cents.

joe

Maybe you could put in a small section on the page just listing the Group Builds that are currently in progress on the web site. No details - just a single line for each one. Would certainly draw people in to this magical site if they saw something that took their interest from the many and varied subjects being modelled. Also could have a 'tip of the month' drawn from the forums - maybe have a separate thread for this so that all posts for tips are kept together. Each month, one tip is selected to appear in the mag. And how about maybe a small "modellers profile'" each month. Just a paragraph on someone from the Forums - basic profile, small photo, modelling interests, etc. This would certainly put a human face to the page.

I am sure there will be lots of suggestions on what I think is a great idea!

Bob

Might be able to pick a certain topic and print the different ideas that we all come with that in a round about way come back to accomplishing the same thing.