Schmitz

Yes, we're taking some steps in the right direction - but I was at the Chattanooga NCC meeting where getting those Gundam categories was fought tooth and nail - when as you say its the only part of the hobby that is growing. I was amazed when my 30 year old daughter who never had any interest in my modeling bought some pricey Gundam kits - because those are her childhood memories.

I've been spending a lot of time in the Facebook wastelands (moderating the IPMS group) and I see lots of the supposedly non-existent young modelers getting into the hobby; and they are running blogs and podcasts with huge followings and writing how-to books and inventing products - and they by-and-large don't think highly of IPMS. If we can make them welcome I think the organization has a future beyond my own 😉

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James, 5 years ago I would have done GSB, now I've lost my enthusiasm for that battle. Its more aimed at the next wave of modelers I see on Facebook who want to see judging embrace weathering, and new categories for sci-fi, and new stuff at the Nats. The younger crowd are just amazed IPMS leadership is so insulated from the membership.