Dakimbrell
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If most of the OOB categories were eliminated, those categories could be changed to allow a broader range of entries. Dak
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While this is basically true, the reality is often in favor of more and nicer detail. Most people want to do the nicest model they can and that means picking a "better" kit to start with. This is precisely my point; things have changed and the original intent is no longer valid. Certainly, beautiful kits can be trashed and poor kits turned into fine art, but it all rests on the skill of the builder. That is true in every category. I think the OOB categories no longer reflect the changing modeling scene. People are wanting to do scenes which contain more than allowed in the main categories and not so much that they are strong dioramas. Dak
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I don't know, with most modern kits available, it seems to be more of a case of picking a well detailed model, than actually doing a superb job. Would a Lindberg Ju-88 stand a chance against a modern version? Yes, I there is always a chance, but realistically? I find I build almost exclusively OOB these days because the kits have almost everything I need. My two winners at Chattanooga were virtually OOB. But, would not newer categories also attract entries? There are a lot of people doing vignettes with no clear category for them. You either build bare bones or risk ending up in dioramas. From what I saw this year, some distinct vignette categories would see a lot of entries. Hard to prove. Hard to disprove. True, just picking a well detailed kit doesn't mean you are automatically going to win, but if you are a competent builder, it does give you an edge. Except every one else is also using something similar, so the category is rarely more than just another subject category. Dak
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When Out-Of-The-Box was started in the late 1970s, there were a lot of kits that needed work to be competitive, so it made sense to have way for those who just wanted to do a nice looking model without having to super detail a kit, to compete. However, it is now 40 years on and the quality of kits has dramatically changed. So, I have to think we are perhaps past the point where OOB serves a true purpose. I now hear people talking about picking a well detailed kit for the OOB category and I never see anyone doing old Aurora kits OOB. Perhaps it would be better to dump OOB categories and change those to categories like a true vignette category. Dak
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Of course, this only reflects part of the reality. Some, like myself, attend only every couple of years. Location also changes the people who attend. For example, I plan on going to San Marcos because it is relatively close. My pount being that while the attendance at a specific National may be only a fourth of the membership, those who actually attend the events may be a good bit more, when viewed as part of a big picture. Dak
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Perhaps, but a vast majority of the membership, I imagine, have not been judges at the National level. It is not so much an attitude as perspective. If you judge as many contests as I have, you develop an understanding for the methodology involved. Those who have never judged have lots of ideas about how things should work. However, they do not realize some things have been tried in the past, or always grasp the logistics involved in implementing a new method. This does not mean they are wrong, just hat there is a bigger picture which needs to be considered. Trying to change the judging methods for the National are tricky and risky. If done wrong, it costs the host chapter both reputation and money. The contest is critical to a National convention. If it goes well, many other problems can be forgiven. When you have a category with 30 or more very good entries and must pick only 3 as winners, you start wishing more awards were available. Dak
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It does put things in context. The whole thing should be of interest to all members. However, having not done judging at a National limits your perspective. Dak
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Have you been a National judge?
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Not always the case. Some are very good, and some are also rans. And the opinion of the judges is just that, an opinion and you will find disagreement on some winners every year. And just because the model won in one contest, doesn't mean it would win in another. Did you compete this year? Dak
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LOL Obviously, you've never competed under such a system. In fact, I have found both the AMPS and MMSI systems to be tougher than the IPMS system. In the IPMS system, all you have to be is better than the other stuff on the table. With the others, you have to be good, period. Yes, I agree the original question was not phrased well. Too many people have a different concept of what the GSB system would entail. Much more detail is needed to get an accurate response. Dak
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I am constantly amazed with the number of people who have no confidence in their abilities. I have no problem going head to head with the top builders. Granted, I prefer not to compete against a master scratch builder, but beyond that, I’ll play with the masters. Dak
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Lets be clear, the skill level format is totally based on what level the entrant wants to do. The Idea is to allow newbies to enter without having to compete with the super builders. There is no restriction on them from doing so, if they wish. There are many extremely talented first time contest entrants. (Am I the only one who has noticed as the number of entries goes up and the categories stay the same, the percentage of winners goes down? Last year, it was 1 in 4; this year 1in 5.) Dak
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The skill level contest design I have proposed addresses almost all of the issues noted above. There would be no need to track winners any more than we do now. Dak
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It’s not that the minds are made up, but that many have been dealing with the same questions for forty years. Dak
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No. Any changes if any would be years down the road. Currently, the GSB system has not been used on a contest the size of an IPMS National. There are many logistical problems to work out. Dak
