Hobbyist or Modeler?

In the early days of online model USENET messages, there was this highly-skilled (but lacking in social skills) modeler who made working submarine models from scratch. He was also a very good sci-fi modeler who worked from scratch as well.

He enjoyed trolling the old rec.models.scale site calling all of us "kit assemblers". Since he scratchbuilt his models, they were the only "true"models. All we did was assemble plastic kits.

Me, I'm just a simple modeler who builds for relaxation and enjoyment as well as trying to replicate equipment I serve on or have crewed in the past.

For those who are interested, here are some of his outstanding builds, but be advised, he is not the most pleasant person to read.

http://culttvman.com/scratchbuilding.html

Hmmm, I find that interesting, a "hobbyist" is a jack of all trades, master of none. Story of my life You you consider yourself a "Modeler" as it fots more precisely with what we do in this hobby and that is what makes thissuch a great hobby too!!

I have no specific area of interest when building, I pretty much build what I like but, if it flies, then I kinda lean more towards that more than other things.

Mr. Mott 

Both terms are acceptable, although I prefer the term "modeler" to that of "hobbyist" simply because it is more precise and descriptive of what we do. Hobbyist sounds too much like a jack of all trades, master of none.

I too build for relaxation (and frustration), keeping the "gray-matter" working through problem-solving, and for the shear satisfaction of watching a project come to life. I have interests beyond modeling in the genres I typically build - predominantly WWII military subjects and Sci-Fi - and scale modeling serves to enhance and compliment these interests.