GB start dates. Bad idea?

Sorry Marc if my post was a bit long. I get like that some times.

Doogs I agree with what you've said. I try to limit both the Group Builds I participate in and the number of builds I enter in to each build. For your Weathering GB, which I likewise think is off to a good start, I have two builds entered. But that isn't so difficult since both subjects are already put together, just need painting and weathering.

In the end I'd say the motivation is the most important factor. I think all 3 of your points above lead back to motivation. Every one struggles with motivation and inspiration. Having a subject and a model that you enjoy returning to on a nightly basis makes joining group builds such a good time. Also, seeing the other participant's work, and working on basically the same subject you are working on, is an additional motivator.

What gets me into trouble is when I join a group build as an excuse to start that kit....you know the kit I'm talking about. The one that's been sitting around, collecting dust. Some one presents a really cool idea and you're like,
yeah, awesome, I could totally build that thing that's been sitting there doing nothing for the past 2 years, yeah!
Then the group build starts and you suddenly remember why you hadn't started that kit on your own time....Happened to me with those two GB's I dropped last year.

oddmanrush, I agree with pretty much everything you've said! When I first started joining GBs, I way overcommitted. Now I try to limit myself to one build per GB I join...if I have time for more, awesome, but that way I don't feel like they're hanging over my head!

One thing I would say, regardless of start time, the vibe of the GB is IMO the most important thing, and something that's only partially within the mod's control. 

I think any GB's success depends on three factors:

1 - the moderator (IMO the least of the factors)...keeping the roster updated, keeping encouragement flowing, etc.

2 - the participants...a good group of motivated people can make even a dull topic an excellent GB

3 - the topic...I think there are some really great topics out there that just don't translate well into GBs. 

One issue I've picked up on in some GBs is people almost posting past each other. Often it's just because the kits they're building are so radically different, there's just nothing tying them together so it's hard to really learn and share anything.  Honestly I think my favorite GB to date has been the excellent NMF group...it's got all three factors going for it, and the technique-based topic automatically ties all the builds together. It was my inspiration for the weathering GB, which so far seems off to a pretty okay start.

oddmanrush

I try not to take GB's too seriously.

EXACTLY!

Now let me go back and read the rest of yoru post

I try not to take GB's too seriously.

When I first started frequently visiting this forum and participating in GB's I was a little intimidated. I viewed group builds almost like home work, like some school project that needed to be completed or I wouldn't get full credit, or fail the class, or something like that.

I understand how its nice to have a little regimentation but I don't think the dates should necessarily be strictly adhered to. I'm in Doogs' Weathering GB and I liked the way he let us begin at our own leisure, ahead of schedule. I also like builds with long build periods, a year is nice. Being a working man, with a wife and two kids at home its not often I get a lot of quality, lengthy build time.

I've completed about 4 GB's since I started. I'm involved in 3 right now, of which I'm running particularly late with one of them! Finish date is in April. I've also dropped out of 2 other builds as interest seemed to just die out, not only with me but with the other participants. Once that happens, its hard to stay motivated to finish.

There is sort of a thought process, at least for me, when it comes to group builds. I first think if I have any thing in my stash that meets the requirements. If not, I won't even bother. If I do, I try to gauge my interest in starting that particular build at that particular start time. I also try to see if I can squeeze it in with any other projects I've got going. The problem is, sometimes I miss judge my interest, especially if I have other GB's running at the same time...I tend to neglect what I don't find the most riveting. I'm sure you've heard the phrase, your eyes are bigger than your stomach? Well that applies to me and group builds.

In regard to start dates, I've noticed that you will always get a rash of people who say they are swamped, but they might be interested later. If you wait, you will get the same answers. A short period (maybe a month) to allow people to gather supplies, tie up loose ends and build a bit of anticipation seems to work pretty well. To a certain extent it seems like a much delayed start time just creates a false sense of  security, as does an extra long run times.

It is not at all a scientific study but it seems to me you see about the same completion rate whether you provide 3 months lead up, or 3 days, a 6 month run time or 1 year. You will always have people over schedule their time, and those who sign up never to be seen again.  

Personally I've come to appreciate short lead ups, those who sign up hopefully are still enthuiastic about the subject, sometimes a problem when there is a long delay. People are also less likely to forget they signed up or have gotten themselves into 5 more GBs in the interveining time.

I'm guilty of most these offenses myself, running at around 50% completion rate. It does seem like I'm more likely to finish a GB if I can jump in right away though.

I would be curious to see what the average completion rate is for GBs as a whole, I would guess it is only 30-40%. It seems like most see around 20-40% drop out up front (or just never start), with about 1/2 of those left actually finishing within the dates.     

Well said Arki.  I've have run 2 GBs 1 with a 38% completion and the other with 55%.  i think there might be 2 that I signed up for and never did anything.  Sorry to those mods out there.

the whole idea is to have a good time and pick up info along the way.  So starting whenever you can is fine I think since the players will be checking in and participating even if they are not building yet.  And the start date can still be used by those that need that place holder in their heads so they can plan the build strategies.

Ditto Arki. I've been around for awhile and wouldn't try to set up a GB until I retire. I've seen a couple dozen from the inside out, and the key is the host. And God save him, it's a lot of work. Some like Daywalker just seem to do it as a second nature, but they respond to most posts, even a half dozen or so a day. Imagine that.

So, if the host is gonna do that, the participants have to honor that commitment.

Start dates are a good idea to set out a little bit. There's just that build up, foreplay if you will. But a horse will turn in the gate after a minute.

Hey, the Felixstowe is out, I've found the brass Lewis guns and eventually found the Windsock publication under a stack of magazines. Damn if I can find those woodgraain decals though. I want to GO!!!

Whether a GB starts now or in the future has no bearing on the number of completions in a GB.  I've participated in a fair number of GB's in the time I've been here, and aside from major life issues there is one simple reason why guys don't complete GB's.  Can't manage themselves. 

If a guy signs up for a GB, it's up to him to manage his modeling workload to hit the start date regardless if it's now or later.  If a guy signs up for a GB, it's up to him to manage his modeling workload to hit the end date.  If they have too many builds going, don't sign up.  If life is throwing a curve ball, don't sign up.  There will be another GB down the road.

Wingy you've seen it, Bondo you've seen, I've seen it.  Guys who forget they signed up for the GB (particularly on year long GB's).  Guys who dither endlessly about what to build instead of just picking something and building it.  Guys who overcommit to GB's and put themselves into a self-induced paralysis attempting to keep up.  If a GB gets 25% completion, that's a lucky achievement.

As a GB mod, it can be frustrating.  I know, I've been there.

Stick to your guns.  Those who sign up have to manage themselves.

P.S. Yes, I know it's just a hobby.  But I'm a big believer in seeing something through, regardles of what it is.

Sorry marc. I suggest you move up the start date considerably. It is fun to have a starting gun though. I think this is a nice group, and it is better to have a smaller group that start and finish than a big long list who don't. I have little idea how that is pulled off, but it looks like it's working. And like Rudd sez, some can't start right away.

But i can!!!!

Marc, I wouldn't be able to jump into your GB probably for at least another 1-2 months, unless you allowed cross-overs. I'm working on my WnW Pfalz right now over on Doogs Weathering GB and I'm not too keen on starting another WnW kit just yet - want to do this one justice first, both for the kit and the GB it's entered in.

To answer your question though, if there's a bunch of fellas ready to get started, I see no harm in getting the ball rolling earlier.

bondoman

Either way. I get more concerned with end dates. I am so slow that the kits worth more than I paid even before I start.

No question about that.

Marc I'd just say that maybe it cuts down on the no. of folks who sign up and then don't come to the party.

Sorry bondo... which "it"?  The "it" with a set satrt date or the "it" that says if oyur reado-GO!

Now I'm the kind of guy who really has no interest in what other folks do or don't do per se,

Me neither

 Better to have it the way your WW1 GB is going.

Sorry man but I am being very thick today... which way?

Either way. I get more concerned with end dates. I am so slow that the kits worth more than I paid even before I start.

Marc I'd just say that maybe it cuts down on the no. of folks who sign up and then don't come to the party. Now I'm the kind of guy who really has no interest in what other folks do or don't do per se, but I've been in quite a few GB's where a brigade sign up and a couple guys finish. Better to have it the way your WW1 GB is going.

Hans von Hammer

Start dates aren't a problem for me... Finish dates are...

!!! I like a target to shoot for, even if I don't actually make it. I don't think anyone has ever been kicked out for a date infringement...

wing_nut

I kinda wanna start my Albatros

I'll join in if you kick the start date up. Got a 109E-7 in paint right now, a Mosquito for the NF GB just about to kick off, and then I've got a bit of a hole until the Way Too Many Props GB kicks off.

The Pup scares the crap out of me...but the only way to get comfortable building WWI planes is to build them, right?

Hans, was not trying to call you out or anything like that.  But it did make me think.  I kinda wanna start my Albatros

Disregard that last.. Apparently, I ain't all that good with start dates either...

Start dates aren't a problem for me... Finish dates are...

The way I see it, it's to give people a head's up/plan their build calendar/give everyone time to get the kits/AM/decals/etc that they need.

That said, my Weathering GB had an arbitrary start date of 2/1 and we started probably 2.5 weeks early...