Diorama "Ukraine, Summer 1943"

But....you still mistake that my posting is all about my support of MM and it is not. My posts are about how you and others treat certain forum members. Its that simple, and really, it is that simple.  If you really want the whole thing to die  then how about you and the others drop the distasteful comments that seem to be impossible to leave out and simply post the honest criticism as you say and try to treat fellow forum members with a little bit of respect. How is that asking the impossible?

Jester,

Your undying support of MM is admirable.  However, you are the one who is continuing this tread as you keep bringing up names and calling us all toxic posters and spewing nonsense, etc.  If you want this issue to end, how about letting it go.  We did agree to disagree, but you keep dragging it out.  Just face that things are not going to change here no matter how much you continue to crusade about it.  There are two schools of thought on the forums here and they will not change as you have a couple differnt types of modelers who are set in their ways.  Just like in all other areas of life, you can't like everyone or every situation, but you can learn to live with them.  Let it go.

I do remember that instance actually. And I totally disagree with the "it has to remain secret" type attitude. I am glad however that he did come back and share the technique here in the forums. And I dont particulary like his cherry picking replies however I cant say that I blame him for ignoring and not replying to the posts with the smart a** comments.

And as far as his personal deallings with his builders go, how is that absolutely any of your concern Al? IMO your sticking your nose into business that concerns neither these forums nor yourself. Just exaclty how much detail of these dealings do you actually even know about for fact, not assumption. You would paint a picture that MM has some kind of sweat shop in his basement and AI and Joh are a couple of 8 and 9 year olds working 24/7 all the while being geeked up on some drug to keep them going . As far as I'm concerned, god please let there be someone there to help me out when I'm about to lose my home and my family is fixing to be out on the streets because from my understanding, those were the terms of MM and AI's "deal".

The most toxic posters on this board are the ones like yourself, Gino, and others who are constantly scanning for new MM threads so you can spew your nonsense. The post is no longer about helping others and pointing out flaws for others to not when you inject this personall nonsense about your perception of MM's contracts with his builders whatever they are. I see several people posting about how much they appreciate the comments about innaccuracies or improper time frame for the titles his work and I too appreciate these things as I don't have the vast knowledge that Gino and others have. But that is not the problem here. The problem here is all the other pointless junk that gets posted along with those criticisms. It helps noone and nothing. Its is in itself a "toxic" poison here. These threads devolve in "nasty fests" due to stupid comments like..

"Well, that and his Tony Soprano style indenturing of his debtors then telling us he was going to cut off AI as a contractor because the loan was paid back. "

I, too, remember that water debacle. Showed the guy's true colors. Well, that and his Tony Soprano style indenturing of his debtors then telling us he was going to cut off AI as a contractor because the loan was paid back.  In my opinion, he is the most toxic poster on these boards when you consider how often his threads devolve into these nasty fests.

I remember that exact instance, and was thinking about it last night, actually. Boy, he took some serious flak for that, too. As I recall, he did come back with the technique used, eventually. But, it was his initial lack of interest in sharing that set everyone off. It may have been Doog that sent a bazooka round up his rear end.

There was a period of time, around then, that he started posting his own builds- yes, MM does (did) attempt modeling. I absolutely recall the extremely positive, supportive tone the community immediately afforded him, once he posted his own works.

Jester75

 I am certain that if you look back through his posts that on more than several occassions he has thanked someone for thier criticism and stated that he would pass that on to his builders. The difference is that those people he did acknowledge posted "constructive" criticism.

Hey Jester,

In the spirit of my worth, I just wanted to explain why I got off the 'MM Defense Team', because truth be told, I used to be right where you are.

About two or three years ago, MM posted a bunch of dios (go figure).  I can't recall which one of his builders did them, but one or two of them had some really impressive water effects (maybe surf or a waterfall or something - I can't recall exactly and don't have the inclination to search it out).  Anyways, I posted that I was really impressed by the water and would really like to know how his builder had accomplished it.

MM's reply was that the technique must remain a secret and that to give it away would dimish the 'impact' of his purchases, or some such BS.  (Again, I don't recall his exact words, but you get the point).  That attitude did it for me.  If nothing else, it showed how he views this forum - not as a community where people help each other out and exchange ideas, but as a showplace for him to get his props for displaying other people's work...

Model Maniac

Thanks a lot for your kind comments here, Jester75, zokissima, iraqiwildman and bbrowniii! I really appreciate them!

rtfoe, I have never stopped posting here. As far as I can remember, every new diorama, every new page, was posted here. You want Change? Go to Obama!

Just as a point of clarity, my comments should be considered neutral at best.  I wouldn't be getting all excited about them being 'kind'.

'You want Change?  Go to Obama!' 

That's great, MM.   Just freakin' great...  It is also at the root of just about every problem people have with you on this site. 

Thanks a lot for your kind comments here, Jester75, zokissima, iraqiwildman and bbrowniii! I really appreciate them!

rtfoe, I have never stopped posting here. As far as I can remember, every new diorama, every new page, was posted here. You want Change? Go to Obama!

Hi Guys,

I've found out that MM has posted on the local forum back here and recieved very little replies of an average of 2 per post. He has since stopped posting for the last 3 years. Only 3 post recieved more than 3 replies, his first, somewhere in the middle where a forumer expressed interest and started posting references for him to follow and then there is the last posting where a newbie highjacked the post resulting in everyone being more interested in the newbie until the moderator(probably someone who knows MM) politely asked that we take it somewhere else. That's when MM stopped posting.

Hi Phaisal, you're the same MM right? You sure picked a hot spot to post your stuff. These guys here don't mince their words. They say it as it is, not like back home where we keep our comments close to our heart for fear of rocking the boat.

Sorry lar brother, they're the same builds. I guess it's the best your guys can do after all the advise. Keep posting though as some may like it and might find some good in it. Who knows, Joh, Tuk or AI might just come out with a technic that could blow our minds.

I'll compliment when I see change. Others may be cruel to be kind.

Cheers,

Richard.

I am in Zokissima's camp - I know what to expect when I see a MM thread.  I also give him credit - the guy takes a pounding in here, but he keeps on posting "his" work.  But I also certainly don't have an issue with comments like Gino's.  They are born out of YEARS of frustration with MM and his general unwillingness to participate in the forum beyond posting his latest purchase and acknowledging the 'attaboys'.

I do have to admit, however, that I have seen a few recent posts where MM has reached out to people with advice, so again, I'll give him credit for that.  It would just be nice to see his cherry-picking of replies stop.  If people offer him honest critique and advice, a little acknowledgement would go a long way.

I am glad he is posting something. good or bad.

Please keep the post coming and I will keep looking and commenting, good or bad.

That's the whole idea of these forums.

Mic

 

defcon1:

 

 

 Like always, MM gives AI multiple kits for a dio blindly.  AI builds everything in the box even though it doesn't go well together.

 

 

Yeah but, again, this bothers US more than it does Model Maniac. Personally, I'm every bit as entertained by the banter back and forth as I would be if the dios were superb. It's good stuff!

 

Actually, to be honest, these threads are getting tiresome. As you so pointed out, MM has been posting on this site for a long time, a heck of a lot longer that you've been here, that's for sure. But even you, never mind the older members, know exactly what they're going to get as soon as the thread is opened.

Personally, I give him much credit for creating the traffic that he does. What I've seen on this forum of late is a few 'key' players that will get much traffic in their threads, while most others are pretty barren. And MM's threads, without fail, just generate lots of views, and lots of comments. I think its one of those ritual hazings on this site, people just like to nitpick, but I don't quite get why; as stated, he's been doing the same thing for a while, why the heck would he change it now, and by following that logic, why would we expect him to?

IMO, if it were myself, I'd be laughing my butt off at some of the comments in this thread.

I'll just leave it at we agree to disagree.  We see things totally differently and always will.  So be it.  I'll continue to post my critiques and opinions.  You can continue to blindly support whoever you want.

No, I'm not missing the point Gino, you are my friend. On one hand you say you post the issues with his builds to help future modelers not make the mistakes that he makes. I totally and 100% agree with this. If you can fill up three pages of posts with bulletted problems with MM's "builders" builds (and often this is quite possible), then by all means do so.

On the other hand you end every post with the same senseless junk....

"Same old crap, blah blah blah.."

or

"Stock figures in stock poses straight out of the box with no imagination or creativity".

Now thinking about just those 2 types of replies, does that really help the new guy coming here who has built that stock OOB model or built those figures in the stock poses because that is all he knows?? No way!! If nothing else you and others are turning those guys away from posting here. And that is understandable. Who wants to be posting stuff on here with the chance or earning some of the comments you guys make??

You and others also say that MM's builders builds havent improved at all. I remember almost all the builds he use to post had the shiney "Armor'All'd" tires or the flat coat sprayed all over the windshields. Looking at his newer stuff, you dont see that quite as much anymore. I am certain that if you look back through his posts that on more than several occassions he has thanked someone for thier criticism and stated that he would pass that on to his builders. The difference is that those people he did acknowledge posted "constructive" criticism. Your type of criticism in his threads are more like destructive criticism. You can't change what someone does with your advice, all you can do is give it and it ends there.....

I'm not sure of this and it is solely my opinon, but I honestly think and interpret from yours and others posts that you folks have something personal against MM. I think you are all very disrespectful towards him and not one time have I ever read a disrespectful or rude comment from AI.

Sorry but this is just my and this is precisely the type of thing that detracts from these forums...

Well, guess there is no need to post anything that is built stock OOB on this forum as it doesn't warrant a response because there was no scratchbuilding or aftermarket used. And my little panzer sitting on a piece of cloth in a photobooth definitely tells no story so why bother right??

No, you are missing the point.  He isn't looking for honest comments on the qualityof the build, the layout, finish, etc. as you are.  He is looking for the standard "Wow, those are great, the best ____ (fill in the blank) I have ever seen, excellent job" BS.  They are not great, excellent, not in any way a diorama.  So why comment when it is not the "atta boy" he is looking for?  The other option is to give the constructive comments for the others on here so they can learn and improve from them.  There is no hope the models he pays his indentured survents to built will imporove.  Others can learn from them though.

EasyMike

Model Maniac:

...I wonder why another dio built by AI and posted at the same time has not gotten any reply yet. This one:  /forums/t/130832.aspx...

 

Stock figures in stock poses; no story.  What is there to reply to?

Well, guess there is no need to post anything that is built stock OOB on this forum as it doesn't warrant a response because there was no scratchbuilding or aftermarket used. And my little panzer sitting on a piece of cloth in a photobooth definitely tells no story so why bother right??

Model Maniac

...I wonder why another dio built by AI and posted at the same time has not gotten any reply yet. This one:  /forums/t/130832.aspx...

 

Stock figures in stock poses; no story.  What is there to reply to?

Agreed, iraqi

they sent hm out there to check for snipers

Mic

"Chill out and let the guy build his diorama they way he wants to. This is supposed to to a FUN hobby."

Model Maniac has LOTS of fun- collecting models. Built by others, he showcases them. Lots of people like the builds, and this arrangement works for him. Model Maniac has been doing this long enough to know the drill: posting the builds here means that folks in the forum are gonna comment, good and bad.

What I find to be a shame is that Art Instructor's work seems to reflect that he has long ago lost his love for modeling. Whether that's true or not is beside the point. In my opinion, he does have modeling skills but, unfortunately, his apparent indentured servitude prohibits him from slowing down, using common sense, researching for accuracy, adhering to basic composition aspects, etc. MM dumps a palette's worth of model boxes in Art Instructor's "lap", and AI must complete them. When that stack is finished, in comes another palette. This much has been confirmed by Model Maniac himself.

On the other hand, the debates these dios always generate provides a lot of useful info to those of us on the sidelines.I didn't know anything about that mine. I woulda guessed it was a monkey wrench, or something else equally WRONG

Steve

Well, I give him 6-7 boxes to build at a time and it's a never ending job as you said. But I have never set any timeframe. It's all up to HIM how long each batch will take. May be 2 weeks, 2 months or even more. I have no problem with that. AI is not my only modelers. There are 4 more working for mem, no timeframe is set. There's one who's been building my IJN Battleship "Matsu" 1:350 full options since 1 April last year and still not finished. That's OK with me, I've never called him to ask about its progress at all!

bbrowniii

 

iraqiwildman:

 

Chill out and let the guy build his diorama they way he wants to. This is supposed to to a FUN hobby.

 

 

You are, of course, correct IWM.  And, I'll give Model Maniac plenty of credit.  He obviously enjoys the models that he has in his collection and, despite taking some lumps, he continues to share his (purchased) works on this site.  So, for that, Kudos to him...

Thanks so much for giving me some credit. I look only at the bright sight of the world and I have so much immunity. There are roads ahead and sometime there are pebbles in my shoes. That's not much of a problem becauser I usually don't walk. I go anywhere by bike and this's my new one I bought last month:

total american patriot

very nice! this dio has a lot of depth to it

Many thanks for your kind words, T.A.P.

I think this dio has been quite successful looking at the number of replies (20 something). I wonder why another dio built by AI and posted at the same time has not gotten any reply yet. This one:

/forums/t/130832.aspx

defcon1

 

ajlafleche:

 

 

Better question: Why is the guy at the end of the pier carrying a magnetic anti-tank mine?

 

 

 

AI built the figures OOB and per the instructions as always.  I don't think there's anything wrong with carrying an AT magnetic mine in his hand in a pier or a bridge anyway.  How do you depict a soldier just carrying it?  He can't  stick in his boots like a stick grenade. He can't put in his pocket.  I have seen soldiers carrying teller mines and panzerfaust in their hands during manuever. I don't think there's a vehicle following them all the time just to carry all this "disposable" weapons.

Thanks for supporting me in this matter, defcon1! As I said, nothing's wrong with that.

iraqiwildman

I thought the one is mad and pointing at the other, because he brought a mine to go fishing and not a fishing pole. 

That's one possibility. You have good imagination. ;-)

maxfax

Great job! Very realistic looking. I can imagine any number of things that could be going on..

Rob

Thanks so much for your kind compliments, Rob!

defcon1

 

 Like always, MM gives AI multiple kits for a dio blindly.  AI builds everything in the box even though it doesn't go well together.

Yeah but, again, this bothers US more than it does Model Maniac. Personally, I'm every bit as entertained by the banter back and forth as I would be if the dios were superb. It's good stuff!

bbrowniii

Defcon1

You're right, there is nothing 'wrong' with carrying that weapon on a bridge or anywhere.  The only 'problem' is that there is no coherent story.  WHY is he carrying it?  As Al said, in its truest form, a dio should tell a story, but this one doesn't.  To me, this is a display of a couple of kits, not a dio.

But, as Iraqiwildman reminds us, hey, if MM is happy with his purchase, more power to him and thanks for sharing it.  Hope he passes on some of the feedback to AI...

I don't think the issue is "why is he carrying it". The problem I see is what the soldiers are doing or about to do and the tank is buttoned up for some reason. They are looking across the river.  It doesn't make any sense.  Honestly, the whole dio is a mess. Two models, the tank and soldiers doesn't go together. Both are in different places. Like always, MM gives AI multiple kits for a dio blindly.  AI builds everything in the box even though it doesn't go well together.

defcon1

 I don't think there's anything wrong with carrying an AT magnetic mine in his hand in a pier or a bridge anyway.  How do you depict a soldier just carrying it?  He can't  stick in his boots like a stick grenade. He can't put in his pocket.  I have seen soldiers carrying teller mines and panzerfaust in their hands during manuever. I don't think there's a vehicle following them all the time just to carry all this "disposable" weapons.

Defcon1

You're right, there is nothing 'wrong' with carrying that weapon on a bridge or anywhere.  The only 'problem' is that there is no coherent story.  WHY is he carrying it?  As Al said, in its truest form, a dio should tell a story, but this one doesn't.  To me, this is a display of a couple of kits, not a dio.

But, as Iraqiwildman reminds us, hey, if MM is happy with his purchase, more power to him and thanks for sharing it.  Hope he passes on some of the feedback to AI...

iraqiwildman

Chill out and let the guy build his diorama they way he wants to. This is supposed to to a FUN hobby.

You are, of course, correct IWM.  And, I'll give Model Maniac plenty of credit.  He obviously enjoys the models that he has in his collection and, despite taking some lumps, he continues to share his (purchased) works on this site.  So, for that, Kudos to him...

"Chill out and let the guy build his diorama they way he wants to. This is supposed to to a FUN hobby."

Model Maniac has LOTS of fun- collecting models. Built by others, he showcases them. Lots of people like the builds, and this arrangement works for him. Model Maniac has been doing this long enough to know the drill: posting the builds here means that folks in the forum are gonna comment, good and bad.

What I find to be a shame is that Art Instructor's work seems to reflect that he has long ago lost his love for modeling. Whether that's true or not is beside the point. In my opinion, he does have modeling skills but, unfortunately, his apparent indentured servitude prohibits him from slowing down, using common sense, researching for accuracy, adhering to basic composition aspects, etc. MM dumps a palette's worth of model boxes in Art Instructor's "lap", and AI must complete them. When that stack is finished, in comes another palette. This much has been confirmed by Model Maniac himself.

On the other hand, the debates these dios always generate provides a lot of useful info to those of us on the sidelines.I didn't know anything about that mine. I woulda guessed it was a monkey wrench, or something else equally WRONG

Steve