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I am of the opinion that membership in IPMS does not cause or facilitate the propensity of some of our fellow modelers to develop into butt-heads. Some independent modelers berate both AMPS and IPMS for being a litterbox of nit pickers, rivet counters, and BHs who look down upon all other modelers. I have found that being a member of a national organization such as IPMS does not cause, nor does it diminish BHS (Butt Head Syndrome).

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I did not mean to imply, nor do I think you inferred, that IPMS is the cause for the effect. It is more a result of the self-anointed gods of plastic who can be very visible (and audible) at, seemingly, every IPMS event and activity. Their impact can be disproportionate to their numbers. And, IMHO, they seem to aim at the new folks and, doing such, can become an off-putting introduction to the Society.

 

 

... It's the person, themselves, and their view of their significance to the modeling community that causes BHS. A cure is out of the question since the disease will flare up again even after the person in question receives a much deserved beat-down.

 

Absolutely. Spot on. Perfectly put. And you pointed out that it is not only their modeling skills and knowledge (which can be admirable and considerable) that are self-celebrated, but also their self-assurance that their position on everything -- IPMS politics, judging, contest categories, how the vendor room is run -- is the only possible position. I have noted that such are absolutely irrepressible. And legends in their own minds. I have jested that such could be burned at the stake and they would emerge, in flames, demanding that a vote be held to affirm their position on whatever got them to the top of the woodpile to begin with.

 

BTW, I have nobody on this forum in mind. Honest.

 

 

An option is to simply look at the BH, slowly shake your head, turn, and walk away while they are in mid-sentence. They won't notice because they don't care if you are listening or not. They are their own audience and won't notice your departure.

 

Usually works. Sometimes doesn't. Last two times I went to our local shop I was discussing various modeling trivia with a buddy and up came one of the local IPMS savants to interrupt, inject themselves into our conversation, and offer irrelevant information. We just moseyed on down the aisle. In similar situations, however, there was a price. The one ignored or dismissed can report that a failure to willingly engage was the result of anger or hostility.

 

I enjoy making some small contribution to IPMS, either as a member or as a participant at a local show or national convention. I enjoy listening to those who know far more than I about a modeling subject (and since I am not an expert on any subject so I get to listen a lot!) and I really enjoy attending demonstrations of modeling skills by those who are proficient. IPMS and AMPS have members who are genuine experts and my modeling has been improved by listening to them and by modeling (pardon the play on word) my own efforts after what they demonstrate.

 

In large, yes. IPMS does offer a world of modeling information and the opportunities to improve. However much one cares to improve. And usually by gracious people happy to share. However, I find that I am more and more selective about what shows I attend and to what extent I participate. I don't judge at regional shows like I did in the past and don't attend regional and local show as much as in the past. Being retired, I have more time -- and with kids out and on their own -- I have more disposable income to participate. But some of those off-putting folks, still around and still hyperactive, make it easier for me to decide to focus on the more enjoyable IPMS events -- and the more enjoyable portions of the events I do attend. I have a buddy who only attends shows out of our region ... where nobody knows him and where he can just enjoy the modeling. Right now, I think Columbia could be my only event for 2016. And Nats isn't a bad choice at all.

 

I agree with David when he says....just ask questions and join in and show us what your are building. Solid advice from Wee Davey.

 

I agree with what I said too.

Edited by Highlander
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David,

Let me clarify about one of the compromises you cite. You say that we have our convention in the summer to avoid peak season rates. That's not entirely true. The main reason is because that is when school is out and most members can take vacation to come to the show with a minimum of familial disruption. Just witness the discussion when the convention is held later in August and the people who's kids have to start back to school start to speak up.

 

I defer. As a member somewhere out in the wilds of the West, I don't have the insights that others do. What I have heard consistently is that summer in some humid, or not so humid (let's call it "dry heat"), inferno provides the optimal cost/schedule tradeoff. I understand the family consideration and it makes sense. I have a buddy, a school teacher, who missed Nats for years due to an early August school start date. He is retired now and as happy as can be since he can attend Nats.

 

I won't disagree with the fact that we have a high concentration of, for lack of a better term, special personality types, but that would be true in any organization that is specialist in nature. Some people may have no other way to feel like they belong or that what they know is valued and someone who devotes all their free time to counting the lock nuts on a 4-4-0 steam engine boiler door and making sure you know that he does, probably does not have the time nor desire to read "How to Make More Friends" or such books. I agree with Dick. Treat them like that uncle you only see once a year at the holidays who insists on laying out his entire political agenda for all within earshot to hear. You nod and walk away. They'll just turn and try to engage someone else within range.

 

Yes, indeed. As I noted with my reply to Sr Montgomery, there is some difference between the IPMS member who is supremely self-assured about models and the member who is supremely self-assured about all IPMS activities and operations -- ranging from the most mundane local club issues to the highest reaches of IPMS itself. The impact of these folks on newcomers to IPMS can be terminal. I just try to ask what the newcomers what they are are building and let them tell me what they want to know -- which usually requires a referral to someone who is competent.

Edited by Highlander
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I'm nodding my head in agreement..............and now off to the modeling workbench.

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"Just witness the discussion when the convention is held later in August and the people who's kids have to start back to school start to speak up."

 

That's nothin'. You want to start a flame war, just say the Nat's are being held over the fourth of July weekend. Oh, what colorful conversation we get then. :smiley14:

In another hobby (yes, I know, I'm a heretic) there are "conventions" being held on Father's Day weekend and ... get this ... Easter weekend. I'm not going to either.

 

And, in yet another hobby (OK, you can burn me), astronomy, things are much simpler. Things are available when the sky and weather make them available.

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A thought for all to consider....

 

I'd venture that MOST of the time, especially at local and regional shows, most of those "odd personalities" are NOT even IPMS members, and also many of them not even members of a local club! The Nats is probably the only show where the proportion of actual members to attendees would bear out that assumption.

 

The down side to the reputation IPMS has is that people just assume that guys who spout off like experts, or criticize models on the table, are "IPMS types". The sad part is that there's enough truth in that reputation, built mainly in decades past, that we'll probably never be able to live it down or convince many people otherwise.......and it's one of the largest obstacles to getting more people to join.

 

GIL :smiley16:

Edited by ghodges
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Gil is right. I make it a point, when my local non-IPMS compadres begin to rant about how an IPMS guy was being a jerk at the local show, I always ask them to identify said Butt-Head, and I often get to reply that "Joe ButtHead" is not an IPMS member. (I've been around for a while and have some knowledge as to who is, or isn't a member. And when in doubt, I go ask Sr. ButtHead if he is a member."

 

 

Unfortunately, there are times when said Butt Head is a well known self indulgent, ego-centric, self aggrandizing, self promoting, "Eggspurt"..........and they are also an IPMS member. My reply is then, "Yes, he is an IPMS member but he does not represent IPMS. As a society we subscribe to other principles and practices.......every organization has members like him....unfortunate, but true."

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I've been to quite a few local ipms shows and one nationals. I've never had anyone walk up to my builds and say how bad they were. I've only met encouraging people so far. The only time that I was berated was when started this thread. A very friendly man told me all the things I did wrong, but he's from New York so I'll forgive him. :) I'm very much a satisfied "customer" in ipms and plan on enjoying it for many years to come.

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I am the bogey-man from New York who "berated you." For the record, I have never bashed someone's model to their face, so don't tar me with that broad brush. However, after 20 or more years of listening to IPMS members on this forum- and to the best of my knowledge, you do have to be a member of IPMS to post on this forum- belittle, complain, criticize, whine, p____ and moan about the good faith efforts of an all volunteer leadership to put on conventions, publish a journal, maintain this forum and manage our financial affairs, I'm a more than little fed up! This is the factual, ugly side of our membership. Where is my journal? Why hasn't registration opened? Where is my T shirt? Why can't the National be in my backyard every year? Why are the awards so cheap? Why did you hold this Regional in the middle of nowhere? Why do I have to buy a banquet ticket to get a good seat and why isn't the food better? Why do we have to have a banquet at all? Shall I go on?

 

Yeah! I'm from New York, but that is not what causes me aggravation when once again, apparently , I repeat, apparently, yet another IPMS member mocks the efforts of hard working volunteers to try to keep us entertained, at the cost of their sweat, their financial risk and their modeling time. I was brought up and educated to inform myself before commenting or criicizing. I was also expected to discipline myself to be respectful of those who endeavor to undertake tasks I am too lazy or incompetent to undertake myself! A mere glance at the list of Life Members is a litany of those who have devoted countless hours to the Society. The paltry turn-out for candidates for our elected office is eclipsed in shame only by the even more pathetic voting record of the rank and file membership. Both are a humbling reminder of how few people keep the organization on it's feet. So show them a little respect and be cautious of making them the butt of a bad joke!

 

I seek not your forgiveness. I allowed that I may have misunderstood what was meant to be a joke. Your dearth of clarity creates the quagmire into which anyone- writer or reader- may be entrapped when we rely on social media instead of "plain speaking and clear understanding." Nick Filippone P. S. I wil buy a beer at the Nationals for the first person who posts what that quote is from and who speaks it. Good luck!

 

 

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Kaspar Gutman on the Maltese Falcon. I love a dark porter. I do understand your frustration. I should have researched my facts before I started this thread. However if no one asked questions this forum will go away quickly.

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Brian: one of the fondest parts of being an IPMS member is attending the Nats, meeting people and making friends, seeing awe inspiring models, and building those memories. Local and Regional shows are also fun, but are more hit and miss as to how well organized they are and how much they have to offer outside of the vendors and contest. There's also something to be said for being able to gather together in a somewhat relaxed manner for 2-4 days instead of the rushed 1-2 days available to the smaller shows.

 

Not everyone can participate in the NATs as often as others of us, but I highly recommend you try to make every one that your time and budget will allow. The good parts far out weigh the bad parts, especially after you get a few under your belt and know what to expect, where to go when, and how to get involved as more than a spectator. Hope to see ya in the bar sometime!

 

GIL :smiley16:

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One day show, two day regional, a Nats....................they are all fun and well worth the time and treasure to attend. Of all the contests I've had the pleasure to attend only one is no longer on my list of "gotta goes".

I've seen some shows, including a Nats or two that rather "blew up" in the host's face and these problems were imminently avoidable and self-inflicted. I've seen some shows that were executed smoothly, with no noticeable glitches. Often I go to shows without an entry just because it's fun to help judge, survey the goodies on the vendor tables, and see modelers I have known for a number of years and to chat a bit.

 

Go to the show(s). Lend a hand to the hosts. Walk away from the trolls. Enjoy the roadtrip!

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Brian Miller! Well done! How can you not like a guy with in-depth knowledge of such a classic film? ( And he isn't even from New York.) I look forward to paying this debt! Dark Porter it is! Look me up at Columbia. Regards, Nick

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