' Great Build ' awards, a good thing or ....

[Ian M]

Well it would seem to me that those that have replied agree that they should stay, which is a good thing. Maybe we should all consider how and when we award them. I often see them awarded part way through an Under Construction thread, which in my mind is wrong. If anything a like would be more in place. maybe its just me.

Can I ask that we all, myself included stop and think a second before hitting the button.

[Guest]

I think it is a great question. For myself I use a combination of the award button as well as comments. You can always write a comment without an award so it is certainly a flexible enough arrangement.

I also completely disagree with writing positive comments only and do not think that the addage of "If you haven't got anything good to say then say nothing" applies to this particular situation. If we all stick to that then we will learn very little about how to improve our modelling. The trick is of course to always have respect for the modeller and think of what you are saying and whether you would appreciate it being said about one of your own models. For me the idea is to always "Put a negative message across in a positive way". If you can get that right then we will be able to get some really useful feedback to help us improve what we build.

[tr1ckey66]

Can I ask that we all, myself included stop and think a second before hitting the button.

Sorry, I couldn't resist!

[Gern]

Interesting question Patrick. Do I answer it here or just use the 'clicky button' at the top?

It's the same question though isn't it?

I'd love to have time to comment on all the great builds we see here. I already spend a significant proportion of my modelling time on here rather than at my workbench. Much as I would like to spend longer here, sometimes the Great Build button is all I have time for so it's useful for me to be able to acknowledge someone's efforts simply and quickly.

[john i am]

Sorry, I couldn't resist!

Funny and brave at the same time

[The Migrant]

I'd love to have time to comment on all the great builds we see here. I already spend a significant proportion of my modelling time on here rather than at my workbench. Much as I would like to spend longer here, sometimes the Great Build button is all I have time for so it's useful for me to be able to acknowledge someone's efforts simply and quickly.

That's a good point, Dave.

[Guest]

For one any model we look at on here does not represent the model we look at at home on the shelf. Photography can be nice and it can be cruel and it depends on whose hand the camera is in. If we are honest we are not going to show a clip which shows the model not at its best.

Also on top of that some may like a showroom finished job. Others a weathered type where the artistry of the model maker shows thro.

On top of all that there are model makers who start and you have seen their progress and what they have put into their model and you reward that.

So to me it is an appreciation of the work put in by the model maker, independent of their skill, to enjoy what they are doing and get pleasure out of it and pass it on to the rest of us.

To sum up we are all at different levels appreciate different things but enjoy other peoples work. Most importantly to gain ideas and knowledge. Finally it would be daft to start a star system as this would deter model makers form showing their stuff.

Laurie

[eddiesolo]

One thing to add is that not all of us are into certain model genres-for instance me with figures and aircraft do not get along very well...they hate me in fact. But, I do love looking at what others do and admiring the time, skill and dedication to get the best they could from the build. I may not always comment but the great gong is another way that I can congratulate the builder.

Si

[dave]

I can agree with a lot of what has been said so far. It is nice to give and receive a great build, but I always try to write a comment as to what I like about it and anything I think that could be done to improve. Not often as there are many far better modellers than I on this site.

I really appreciate any positive criticism I receive as that helps me to improve.

[eddiesolo]

there are many far better modellers than I on this site.

Funny how we think that, I would love to build like you Dave, especially aircraft-no matter how hard I try just cannot get to grips with them properly.

Si

[Guest]

It would seem that the ayes have it!

The purpose of this thread was really to provoke some interesting opinions (done!) , and to see if we, perhaps, use the great build award too easily.

For those who support it, I can see your points of view. However, which is more motivational - someone clicking a button or taking the time to write something meaningful & helpful?

Also, whilst encouragement is an excellent thing, awarding a Great Build to a beginner might be counterproductive if they then think there's little need to improve.

Personally, I'd like to see more constructive comments, be they positive or negative. After all, by posting a build you're inviting comment & if therefore one should accept the good & the not-so-good.

Keeping quiet doesn't help anyone improve.

Thanks to everyone who voted & contributed so far

Patrick

[dave]

Funny how we think that, I would love to build like you Dave, especially aircraft-no matter how hard I try just cannot get to grips with them properly.Si

I think it's part of what drives us to improve, we are all our own worst critics

[Guest]

If you ask me, I think we should just let the 'gongers' gong and the critics criticize, I think equally of a great build notification and a nice comment, if that's what that individual wants to do, then shouldn't we just let it happen?

[Neil]

I agree with Patrick here, yes it is good to sometimes just click the build and some folks builds we don't have the superlatives to describe anyway, but maybe spending a bit of time with considered criticism would be good too, if we have the time - I'm as guilty as the next for clicking. Mind you I have yet to post any build shots - all you have seen from me is stash so I'm a find one to talk

[Guest]

And we should also just lean a tad bit more towards the comment side also, as we all like something to reply to after all