“Learning Lessons” (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,
Festive greetings to one and all… Over the last few days I’ve been pondering on a few points that have come up on the Forum and here’s my tuppence worth…

1.Enjoy the hobby… Don’t take it too seriously, it’s meant to be fun so… have fun with it!​

2. Don’t try to change other people’s opinions…. If they like certain things done in a certain way, so be it. Stay cool and move on… Enjoy what you do yourself.​

3.Try to avoid fights… Fights, as most of us know, are easy to start… difficult to finish! Some time back I used to get a kind of knee-jerk reaction if someone said or wrote something I did not like or felt was unfair to either K&C or myself.​

Now, when that happens, I still may get upset… I may even draft a reply… but then I’ll leave it on my desk overnight and look at it again the following morning… in the cold light of day.​

Sometimes I’ll think “maybe they’ve got a point” or “perhaps it’s better just to leave well alone”. The result is that 9 times out of 10 I tear up the reply and get back to work.​

My point is the internet provides instant “feedback” without always the opportunity to reflect and reconsider “what we are going to say” and “how we’re going to say it!”​

4.Don’t take ourselves too seriously!​

See points 1 and 2 plus try to remember “Toy Soldiers” or if you prefer “Military Miniatures” is more of an art than a science. Different makers have different viewpoints and very different criteria when it comes to STYLE…. SCALE…. DETAIL and a dozen other points of interest.​

In my humble opinion… keep the variety… celebrate the diversity… marvel at the amazing choices to select from. In short pick what you like, display it how you want it to look and play with it (or admire it) in any way you see fit.​

When I visit an Art Gallery I don’t expect every artist to follow the same style or share the same vision as every other artist… what I love and enjoy is the incredible breadth and scope of different interpretations… that’s what helps broaden the mind and expand your enjoyment and appreciation. Whether it be Titian, Tchaikovsky… or even Toy Soldiers!​

5.As Alex has stated….”Life is short”​

As tragic recent events have proved it can be all too short and it can be violently abbreviated when there are dangerous lunatics around with access to deadly weaponry. So, try and smile more often… think before you hit the keyboard… and have a little fun – but not at other’s expense and… “Stay Frosty!”​

All the best, happy collecting and happy New Year!​

Andy C.​

 

[villagehorse]

I often say "there by the grace of God go I", I am sure we are shaped by the influences around us and we get dealt good and bad cards and how we play the game that makes all the difference. Try to keep positive and make every day count and above all enjoy this hobby to the max. Easy said, cheers, Robin.

 

[waynepoo]

I say stop counting rivets and make more dios......simple and more fun......
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL.
Wayne.

 

[TomNT]

Good thread Andy and good post Robin. Having fun and enjoying this wonderful hobby no matter what brand you prefer is what it's all about!

Tom

 

[Mitch]

Perhaps if everyone accepted that people see the hobby differently and respect other opinions even though it goes against theirs then, it would be more fun. one mans meat is another's poison so, they say. I always say this forum was stated by the owners as being able to talk ''ALL'' things Toy soldiers and, that's what we do. if that's not fun for some they should with respect turn the other cheek
Mitch

I say stop counting rivets and make more dios......simple and more fun......
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL.
Wayne.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Hi Guys,
Festive greetings to one and all… Over the last few days I’ve been pondering on a few points that have come up on the Forum and here’s my tuppence worth…

1.Enjoy the hobby… Don’t take it too seriously, it’s meant to be fun so… have fun with it!​

2. Don’t try to change other people’s opinions…. If they like certain things done in a certain way, so be it. Stay cool and move on… Enjoy what you do yourself.​

3.Try to avoid fights… Fights, as most of us know, are easy to start… difficult to finish! Some time back I used to get a kind of knee-jerk reaction if someone said or wrote something I did not like or felt was unfair to either K&C or myself.​

Now, when that happens, I still may get upset… I may even draft a reply… but then I’ll leave it on my desk overnight and look at it again the following morning… in the cold light of day.​

Sometimes I’ll think “maybe they’ve got a point” or “perhaps it’s better just to leave well alone”. The result is that 9 times out of 10 I tear up the reply and get back to work.​

My point is the internet provides instant “feedback” without always the opportunity to reflect and reconsider “what we are going to say” and “how we’re going to say it!”​

4.Don’t take ourselves too seriously!​

See points 1 and 2 plus try to remember “Toy Soldiers” or if you prefer “Military Miniatures” is more of an art than a science. Different makers have different viewpoints and very different criteria when it comes to STYLE…. SCALE…. DETAIL and a dozen other points of interest.​

In my humble opinion… keep the variety… celebrate the diversity… marvel at the amazing choices to select from. In short pick what you like, display it how you want it to look and play with it (or admire it) in any way you see fit.​

When I visit an Art Gallery I don’t expect every artist to follow the same style or share the same vision as every other artist… what I love and enjoy is the incredible breadth and scope of different interpretations… that’s what helps broaden the mind and expand your enjoyment and appreciation. Whether it be Titian, Tchaikovsky… or even Toy Soldiers!​

5.As Alex has stated….”Life is short”​

As tragic recent events have proved it can be all too short and it can be violently abbreviated when there are dangerous lunatics around with access to deadly weaponry. So, try and smile more often… think before you hit the keyboard… and have a little fun – but not at other’s expense and… “Stay Frosty!”​

All the best, happy collecting and happy New Year!​

Andy C.​

In a nutshell, about as common sensical a post as I've seen on this forum . . . :wink2:

 

[bradleyl30]

A little restraint of tongue, pen... and keyboard go a long way!

Happy New Year everyone!

 

[Cyber Field Marshall]

Some good points by Andy. {bravo}}

1.Enjoy the hobby… Don’t take it too seriously, it’s meant to be fun so… have fun with it!

For me this forum simply adds to my enjoyment of my hobby by giving me greater insights into whats going on from a variety of perspectives, in particular I like the displays of others collections/dioramas.
I don’t take it too seriously ( rivet counting, scale issue, dioramas, getting personal with people I don't even know!

2. Don’t try to change other people’s opinions…. If they like certain things done in a certain way, so be it. Stay cool and move on… Enjoy what you do yourself.
3.Try to avoid fights… Fights, as most of us know, are easy to start… difficult to finish! Some time back I used to get a kind of knee-jerk reaction if someone said or wrote something I did not like or felt was unfair to either K&C or myself.

I've rarely argued with others points of view. I simply respect them and add things if I agree or as my mother would say if I don’t have anything nice to say say nothing at all, this avoids fights.

4.Don’t take ourselves too seriously!

I don’t take myself or the hobby too seriously ( rivet counting, scale issue, dioramas etc etc ). Frankly there are too many "experts" who like hearing themselves type….I could really do without you but as this is a public forum one must take it all in, luckily we are moderated and follow a gentlemanly set of rules to conduct ourselves. I've had some success with using the option to not hear certain members posts but sometimes it makes certain threads hard too follow.

“Toy Soldiers” or if you prefer “Military Miniatures” is more of an art than a science. Different makers have different viewpoints and very different criteria when it comes to STYLE…. SCALE…. DETAIL and a dozen other points of interest. In my humble opinion… keep the variety… celebrate the diversity… marvel at the amazing choices to select from. In short pick what you like, display it how you want it to look and play with it (or admire it) in any way you see fit.

I love variety. As such my interest in historical periods and the way many of the manufacturers represent it I enjoy the diversity. This generally keeps me out of trouble with the "...mine is better than yours arguments..."

My final points are I believe it boils down to what you use this forum for and what you want to get out of it. Some like the historical content, some prefer the rivet counting, some like the social friendship that develop, some like debating etc etc. and its all good. As a long time poster and member I can honestly say I sincerely miss many of the posters who don't regularly frequent this forum anymore for a variety of issues, your postings are missed. Peace and tolerance to all and have a Happy New Year. :smile2:

 

[waynepoo]

Wayne.......:wink2:

 

[Panzer ace]

Too many good points to hit them all. I read the forum to see what other collectors are up too etc, not to argue or have my mind changed. I welcome everyone's ideas and input. What do I care what you like and don't like? There is no way to factually back up a like or dislike that is based on opinion, no matter what forum you are on.

Eithe way, we are lucky to have Andy and other leaders of the industry on this forum.

 

[Rob]

Lots and lots of great points from lots of folk on this thread. I think I've learned a lot this year from the forum . I've learned that however many friends you have there will always be some that dislike you and your opinions for no other reason than jealousy and spite. I've learned to not worry about the aforementioned views because this hobby and this forum is full of good people quite a few of whom have become good friends as the years go by. The three yearly meet ups in London have become highlights of the collecting year and 2013 will see friends I've never met from the US and Australia join us in London for what should be a memorable get together.

Someone once sang accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, and that's what I now do on the forum, encourage the former and ignore/erase the later. It makes for an all round far more enjoyable forum experience{bravo}} ( thanks to Shannon and Pete for introducing the technology to do this{bravo}})

My sincere wishes to friends and collectors for a wonderful 2013, hope its your best year yet

Rob

 

[PanzerAce1944]

I say stop counting rivets and make more dios......simple and more fun......
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL.
Wayne.

Could not agree more nor have said it any better :salute::

 

[h.hammer]

Andy stated a philosophy of "toy collecting" that I hope will be a New Years resolution for many.
It couldn't have been stated more clearly and to the point
This a hobby, not a profession
A hobby brings you pleasure not grief
Those who collect toy soldiers for other reasons ought to take a hard look at why they collect these toys?
To echo Andy's sentiments,let's remember we are only "passing through" and life is too fragile and uncertain to waste time on a hobby ,other than for the enjoyment it gives you and the friends with whom you share the hobby.
If someone disagrees, perhaps stamp collecting or coin collecting would be a more soothing remedy
Happy New Year to all
Harvey

 

[Isandlwana]

So here’s the thing. Zulu was the film that set me on my course of learning about military history. It was and will forever remain the catalyst. Visually it is stunning. The glorious technicolour is spellbinding. From the vibrant scarlet tunics to the bluest of skies, it is truly a carnival of colour. Yet from a historical perspective it is an unadulterated piece of pap, laden with the inaccuracies only Hollywood can engender and no doubt encourage. A clear irony in all of this.

However, you can own the DVD of Zulu for less than a chocolate bar. Therefore I for one can happily overlook all that is wrong with the film, and in particular the historical and continuity mishaps. But, and here’s the rub; if a Toy Soldier manufacturer wants to try and sell something that costs over 100 times what it costs to buy Zulu from ebay and in so doing also fails to deliver in terms of accuracy, then I think we have every right to make a bit of a silly old fuss. Just my opinion of course and this isn't directed solely at K&C.

PS. I counted the rivets on JJD's Whippet and they were spot on.