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RONBO

IPMS/USA Member
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RONBO last won the day on January 4

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Profile Information

  • FirstName
    Ronald
  • LastName
    Thorne Jr
  • IPMS Number
    35738
  • Local Chapter
    IPMS Lakes Region
  • City
    Cedar Lake
  • State
    IN
  • Gender
    Not Telling
  • Location
    KTMF
  • Interests
    Long walks in the rain,Plastic glue fumes.Any Adult Drinks,Jail with my friends,Wondering how we got there in the first place,Fast cars & fast woman, Model Meetings every week,And to rule the world with an iron fist.

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  1. Don, I totally agree when IPMS goes to a professional event holder the size of the show will shrink but the increase in fees will or should cover expenses of the Convention. Over time the number of chapters will lessen more of doing more with less. Members, chapters will be reduced. I agree the Journal needs to go if its kept it should be digital. I and some others brought that up 10 yrs ago I saw back then what the cost for the Journal then shocked me for a dated and not at all time sensitive. I also understand we are beholden to volunteers. Modelers are notoriously frugal it will be interesting to see how that works out. Ron Thorne Jr. Head Bottle Washer
  2. I believe it is a generational thing. The National Convention has 3000 models entered then you have to consider how many modelers that equates to and I can't believe I'm about to say this The National Convention is for the entitled and my that I mean at the at average age of a member I'll be conservative here 50 yrs + and members of that age have the financial ability to attend. I was once a member of 8 IPMS clubs dues to local clubs was quite affordable some had none. Local members participate in local clubs come from a wide variety of financial levels. Now the younger generations behind us have a different outlook for their financial situation. They don't have the same opportunities the way that we had. And they have different priorities. That's life and how it it will be. To get younger people to enter a contest l have a few ideas but if we stay entrenched this will all go away within 20 yrs. I have previously brought up using the display only as beta test for a GSB contest offer a very small fee to enter the contest to least cover the tables for the host convention. Also not make it mandatory if members still want to display by all means let them. The GSB would be completely voluntary. This serves two purposes on someone who is on the fence entering may enter. And it may attract younger casual modelers. IPMS right now will always be what it is it won't change I'm ok with that but I will always to be positive and forward looking, thinking to bring idea's to the table. Because by 2044 IPMS Convention will be in a Hotel lobby in Chicago just like it started. I'm not pessimistic but it is what it is. I'm a realist. Why join IPMS old modelers join because that's what are generation does. The generations have changed it behooves us to at least make a careful thoughtful attempt to engage with other modelers. As a aside one thing that always made me enter a National Convention was the decal sheet and pay full boat was to register even tho I was not putting a model on the table. That was before they sold them thru vendor's at the contest. It was a perk to register in the contest. A exclusive if you may say. See everyone in Madison. Ron "Ronbo" Thorne Jr. Head Bottle Washer.
  3. To to add Dallas Convention also had busses to go to a local major hobby warehouse. So vendors in the Convention proper were slighted. I believe non members should pay a premium for access to vendors and the National Convention. And I might add tighter security to control that. I'd stand a post to help with that. Ron Thorne Jr. Head Bottle Washer.
  4. Gil, just some food for thought. Chattanooga was a perfect situation where the city Visitors and Convention bureau worked with the home club in a positive way. Mike Moore the Convention chairman worked with the convention center to bring our National Convention to Chattanooga years before IPMS actually chose Chattanooga to host in 2019. The Chattanooga club had outgrown their local event space they began looking for other places to hold their annual show they found the Chattanooga Convention Center was willing to work with them with a expectation that somewhere down the road that a National Convention would be held in Chattanooga. So low and behold the club were able to have their local shows at the Convention Center. This showed me a couple of things. Local clubs who wish to hold a National Convention should work directly with the City Convention and Visitors Centers. The second thing I learned is that once you have that relationship the hotels get the word that a major Convention is coming to town and may be more likely to work with the local chapter running the Convention. I personally one of my local clubs hosted a Regional by working with city visitors bureau of Ottawa IL 50 miles from where the home club meets. A vendor turned me on to the thought to having a Regional in Ottawa he happened to live there. He filled me that the town was looking for events in town. I made the trip with the club President and made a presentation to the local community leaders explained what IPMS is and what we do as holding a contest and would draw modelers from several States. They liked the presentation they asked us what we needed I told them we needed a place to hold the event then I was truly shocked the visitors committee offered us $750.00 to help find Convention space. Needless to say our club found a space. It was a simple but wonderful event. The Chattanooga Convention was a perfect storm of a local club working with the city to bring a National Convention to Tennessee. I'm sure that in my experience this Convention was the best experience for members of IPMS. A vendor room as large as a grocery store. Then a model room just as large and enough room for display only that equaled the contest area. The thing that made me happy was the award ceremony where every member who wished to attend was able to see everything no trying to steal a chair to sit in a hallway with a door cracked open to see who won what. So I don't know maybe build relationships with Visitor and Convention Centers in second and third tier cities and IPMS may gain a more favorable responses to hold a National Convention. I think it is worth exploring. I'm sure post Covid prices and inflation has effected costs. I have been to Nationals on the West coast and the Midwest the most affordable in my experience is the Midwest. The Mid South is also affordable. But going forward I think you will see that a split in the membership that cannot afford the travel and others that have no problem at all. That over time will affect attendance. Ron Ronbo Thorne Jr. Head Bottle Washer.
  5. Gil, I put my name in for consideration for the pending R5 coordinator opening. I rather be a part of the Society for as long as I can. I realized that I can offer something rather than yelling from the sidelines. The last 5 months I really thought it was time just to let my membership lapse. But following this thread has made me reconsider that. I wish you luck in your possible E- board appointment. We have to in it to win it. I can hear Bruno yelling at me as I type. But with you and some like minded members I think and hope that this ship can be righted. Let's get thru Madison and reset this abomination and put the train back on the track. Then we will see how this will go. I willing and somewhat able to make a difference on a local level. Time to think about local chapters to stay in the Society there has been rumblings about tagging out and at my age I can be a Walmart greeter for IPMS. Ron Ronbo Thorne Jr. Head Bottle Washer.
  6. Let the 123 contest continue there will always be a chase for baubles and if that's defines you as a modeler good for you. But if IPMS wants any chance of the Society going another 50 yrs. The Society has to find a way for the casual modeler hopefully a younger modeler who might find a GSB more palatable to compete in and improve their own modelling skills. I believe that both contests can co-exist it won't be overnight we can't upset the old bulls. I think as the Society ages out the cut throat contest will winnow down. And the younger modelers could hopefully fill the gaps. Personally I think younger modelers aren't that enamored with a 123 contest and I could be totally wrong but I also believe that a GSB contest with feedback will get future members into the Society. But whoever's going be on a E-board should have a vision on the future if this Society is to continue for another 50 yrs. As for me in 20 yrs I will be 81 well past my prime to do anything modeling related. The 2030 report has some good points and some that needs fine tuning. The time was 10yrs ago but if we do nothing that to me a total disrespect to the Society. As to Madison I just received a e-mail asking to volunteer to be a judging the contest the I have judged in a only 3 National Conventions always as OJT so I will opt out on the 30 yrs of judging model contests I have a lot to offer but being a 3rd wheel on a judging team to me personally a waste of my talents I'm sure I can be more productive in other areas of the National. Ron Ronbo Thorne Jr. Head Bottle Washer.
  7. I would assume non members and members see the cost of attending a National Convention somewhat prohibitive unless it's in their backyard. Facebook is easy access to interact with the modeling community and most modelers are of the casual type. Most casual modelers aren't interested in a cut throat type of contest. IPMS is not available to many casual modelers. Most can build models without a organized society. IMPS offers nothing but a magazine that is dated by the time that's its printed. In this day and age the internet is for better or worse is a source of real time information. Most casual modelers could care less spending money other than spending money for their next kit and building it the way they like. As for the IPMS webpage on facebook it's a outlet to speak about the hobby and show their models. IPMS should leave the site as is but IPMS should understand that everyone has a opinion some valid and some not so much. It's electronic either. Some good points and some very horrible but it serves as a window to what is happening in the modeling world. As to getting non members to join the society that's like flipping a coin. 50-50 at best. Perceived value is in the eyes of the beholder. A magazine and a union of like minded people seems to me a very hard sell to a individual solitary hobby. I think in the future the leadership of this organization will have to incentivize the casual modeler in some form to increase membership. I'd be damned if I know what that would be. I have ideas but I'll keep those to myself for the time being until this current situation resolves itself. Ron Thorne Jr. Head Bottle Washer.
  8. This right here was what was needed 10 yrs ago. But I have to laugh just a bit because by 2030 I will be 67 yrs old just not what I remotely thought my retired life would be involved in. So very absolutely correct with the generational divide. Finding any way to interact with the younger generation will be a positive for the Society it will definitely possibly be a different look to the the current IPMS but in order for this Society to move forward this report is absolutely essential. Personally I look forward to seeing how this changes the look of IPMS the first time in decades that I feel comfortable with the vision going forward. Now to try to find technically astute and socially engaging especially to younger potential future members but that is years down the line. Changes in small steps will lessen the shock that the current membership will definitely experience. I might like to suggest that speaking to the juniors entered in contests local regional and the National to see what engages them to build and enter our contests. To get a better understanding of what makes this hobby tics for them. Most I think do it because a parent has encouraged them. Also 20-30 yrs old modelers may have some insights that may be useful to the Society. Now my efforts will be used to make the Madison show a successful show. I hope to see everyone who made comments on this thread there. I'll buy a round of your favorite Adult drink. Ron Thorne Jr Head Bottle Washer.
  9. Gil, just to reply on some of your thoughts and or positions. #1 The current E-board board got cought holding the bag due to past E-boards hiding all of the things we are seeing now by being not transparent. Also past E-boards chose the path of least resistance. Silence on not so favorable things that should have brought into the light. Truth good or bad should be in the light. All the past sins just cought up to the current E-board. #2. Rob Booth as Secretary in most organizations the secretary records meeting minutes on what transpired for the record. His input as I see it he has a vote. And now voting I was pleased to see a up and down vote the the Journal nice to see that it's a very small step in the transparency front also as a member it will help form a opinion on how I decide to vote on future E-boards. Just jumping out a limb here the two no votes cought my attention in a positive way. #3 I think the NCC is dead until the members decide what the National organization and the National contest will change into. Honorable Men and Women will step up to make sure Madison will be a successful National will it be the same as before absolutely not. I have hope that the contest changes over time because if we continue do do what this organization in the past IPMS will wither on the vine we will all die out. #4 IPMS needs more than a tune up. We need a true forward looking E-board. One that will looks outside to see what is truly happening in the modeling world and engages with thoughts and processes that may beneficial to IPMS at the very least to keep IPMS relevant to the world. Let's take the I in IPMS and truly make International. Right now foreign modelers look at IPMS and laugh or Wiskey Tango Foxtrot. If there's not a massive change over a relatively short time IPMS is doing to blow up like a Ford Pinto. I may be just too late. I hope not but I have hope Ron Thorne Jr Head Bottle Washer.
  10. 2 more E-board Resignations no ejector seats on a sinking ship. The announcement leaves me less than confident that IPMS can continue as a viable organization plugging holes adhominem won't cut it. It's sad that all of this could have been avoided a decade ago. The mantra of " We always done it this way." Really doesn't work for 50 yrs. For the history folks among us we are currently viewing the end of the Roman empire. Just a different type of empire. The president's statement leaves me less optimistic and somewhat less than truthful sort of like your urinating on my leg and telling me it's raining. I have no confidence in this E-board except for the DLC and one of the current resignations. In defense of the current E-board they got cought holding the bag just their dumb luck it had to happen to somebody. Well so much for the complaining. I do have some suggestions #1. A total rewrite of the Constitution one that doesn't favor the E-board running roughshod without checks and balances. #2. Quit printing the Journal go digital ASAP. I know members treat it like some holy book. The Journal is disimanated by members and non members on the web. Unless you want to add a large legal team everytime it shows up on the internet it will be a big expense and waste of time. #3. Please remember that all politics are local if IPMS wants to standardize contests to match the National Convention it just won't work. If a club wants to run a contest using GSB for the love of all thing holy let them unless the E-board wants to stand a post and work the local contest. Chapters know what works for them. The chapters are responsible to their own treasury for meeting places and have a contest and pay to be a certified club in the national organization. Just remember a home run in Wrigley Field is different from a home run in Yankee Stadium. Local clubs know they're customers. Better than any National board I do hope that IPMS goes forward but as of now you cannot even find a gear. Backwards you've been there. Find first gear in the 21st century it's different and will be scary and will take time that I'm not sure that you have. We're getting older. IPMS is not a attractive side gig at our age. Leave it to the young I'm sure IPMS will change I hope to be around long enough to see it. If the young do anything at all. I sure hope so. Ronbo Ron Thorne Jr. Head Bottle Washer.
  11. Andrew, Gil. It's very hard to take what the Editor says if he wasn't even at the event. It all amounts to he said she said. But I'll defend his right to say what his take on the situation. But I will say to little and too late. IPMS better get their minds wrapped around the social media is here to stay. IPMS is living in a vacuum. Editorials go to members and members post or share these on social media and non members alike. The whole world wide modeling community reads and passes on what is printed in the Journal. The membership will suffer over the continued conflict with IPMS. Editorials like this do nothing to help at all. Just my 2 cents. Ron Thorne Jr Head bottle Washer.
  12. Gil it might be a situation that he's getting out voted by the others on the E-board just my supposition. It's my understanding the if votes are tied he has the deciding vote. I may be way off base. But that's my understanding at this point in time. It will take at least till the end of current terms of office are expired to see any meaningful changes made. I also wish to point out that I don't think the entire E- board has a agenda but if the team can't or won't work together meaningful progress won't be made. I'm a eternal optimist good men and women will step up to help Madison and future Nationals. I'm of the thought that I can agree to disagree and move on to the greater and better things. It will be a hard road but I have faith and hope and looking for some charity. Ron Thorne Jr.
  13. Gil, I applaud your sentiments this resignation if true should have happened after the Journal incident. The damage is already done. Can't put the toothpaste back in the tube. I personally don't like the man but sending him back into a den of snakes won't change a darn thing. Also if the premise of your letter is true we're damned if we do or don't. I'm sure his intentions were good but he underestimated his abilities to lead. And the others on the board I'm not sure if he picked his team or not. Better to work with the devil you know than not. I do think Mr.Lockhart should personally apology to the judging corp. I also apologize for calling half of the modeling world Freeloaders. Ingernance shouldn't ever be an excuse as President of the Society. Please let Dave go back modeling he doesn't need the hassle. He had his at bat he went down swinging. No shame just right the wrongs and move on. The Society will have to deal with what is left. IPMS USA will survive tho it's very time limited in my opinion. Ron Thorne Jr. Head bottle Washer.
  14. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Ron Thorne Jr.
  15. Italeri has the same truck for considerably less money take a look at Ebay RONBO
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