Anyone else notice (2 Viewers)

[Rob]

That quite a few of the well known and long term members are no longer posting very often?. I won't name anyone out of respect for their privacy but it does appear quite a few are not posting a fraction of what they used to. I have had pm's telling me that some folk are just fed up with some of the sniping that's been going on and that they've pretty much moved on. I guess the rising cost of the hobby across the board has also contributed. I also guess that it's inevitable that peopl just move on or their hobby tastes change. Just wondered if anyone else has noticed this?

Rob

 

[Northgate Woods]

That quite a few of the well known and long term members are no longer posting very often?. I won't name anyone out of respect for their privacy but it does appear quite a few are not posting a fraction of what they used to. I have had pm's telling me that some folk are just fed up with some of the sniping that's been going on and that they've pretty much moved on. I guess the rising cost of the hobby across the board has also contributed. I also guess that it's inevitable that peopl just move on or their hobby tastes change. Just wondered if anyone else has noticed this?

Rob

Rob mate,
Never a truer word spoken. I had a month break a couple of weeks ago because I was sick'n'tired of the snipers coming onto my favourite sections of the Forum and being totally negative. Contructive cristism I can handle but total rubbish just wears you down. I do not post negative comments on sections I do like or collect and would ask others to do the same.
Love your post though cobber. Keep 'em coming.
Cheers from the Land Downunder, Howard:smile2:

 

[Jackaroo]

Rob mate,
Never a truer word spoken. I had a month break a couple of weeks ago because I was sick'n'tired of the snipers coming onto my favourite sections of the Forum and being totally negative. Contructive cristism I can handle but total rubbish just wears you down. I do not post negative comments on sections I do like or collect and would ask others to do the same.
Love your post though cobber. Keep 'em coming.
Cheers from the Land Downunder, Howard:smile2:

Fine words Howard, agree completely … it should be all about the fun & joy of collecting. Alby

 

[DMNamiot]

its been noticed by many of us and will be sorted out soon enough.

Dave

 

[Northgate Woods]

its been noticed by many of us and will be sorted out soon enough.

Dave

Dave mate,
Many thanks. I just love talking about TS and reading about what other are doing with their collections. Once again many thanks.
Cheers Howard

 

[Rob]

Guys just find the fun being beaten out of the forum most notably on the K&C area. We used to be able to come on here and chat about the product with no Constant and tedious veiled jibes regarding other producers, it just doesn't stop and for me is just ruining the enjoyment. I've stated dropping off posting a bit as there always seems to an argument or not so well hidden agenda. Very pleased with Dave's comments and hope it works out

Rob

 

[Mitch]

I noticed the britfarmer in the wonderful FL thread!! saying it has been going on for three years. Maybe some guys need to grow up rather than have moderators step in and, if its been going on that long then nothin g has worked.

All that will happen is draconian measures bans etc which, further restricts the discussion of sets when there are blatent errors or other issues that should be flagged up so, collectors do not regret purchases.

I was told there was a button to press if you feel something is a miss just use it and let those who oversee the site decide if its this baiting issue or acceptable critique. We don't live in a eutopian world so, why the hobby should be protected from comments about expensive products across the borad I can't understand. Take the rough with the smooth, thats life!!

If the critique upsets some then they should directly challenge the manufacturer to pull out their finger and research better to avoid mistakes.

We have just seen Al on the JJD thread bring up an issue on the maltese cross for a new WWI aircraft and, critique accepted and thanked for in a mature fashion. on the TG thread an issue about the florian geyer SS eagles looking like Heer was raised and, again, politely discussed and differences accepted in this issue. However, say anything about K&C or FL and all hell breaks out. Thats down in part to the personalities and their manner on those sites. stop defending manufacturers as if they were family, they are toy manufacturers and, can look after themsleves. They (all) are certainly not above critique and, I respectfully hope that moderators see the difference between saying a product is tripe for the sake and saying well that bit should not be there or, that was not even in theatre at that time.
Mitch

 

[jazzeum]

I've noticed it too Rob. This used to be an enjoyable place and living up to the motto that Shannon told me many years ago: a nice place to just discuss toy soldiers. It's ceased to be that. It seems to be a place just to criticize others and speak ill. There seem to be many cynics here. When I was a kid my uncle had a sign in his garage that said a cynic is a person who knows the price of everything but the value of nothing. We seems to have many cynics here, regrettably.

 

[Rob]

Yep this is not about the freedom to critique at all, that's to be welcomed. No it's the childish, tedious attempts to bait and plant an obvious message in a thread that someone has the perfect right to do so with out the pig ignorant attempts to derail it through spite or jealousy. I now do exactly what Mitch says and hit the flag button, still this may not needed much longer, changes are afoot I understand, and if that means individuals get bans that's all for the better, the majority have the right to talk in peace, that's what the forum is for.

Rob

 

[VIRIATO]

Haven't noticed anything special, probably I just don't pay attention to such negative stuff or am shorter on forum time...^&grin.
That said, balanced respectful criticism of any manufacturer is part of any discussion in any thread, the Forum would be much poorer without it, let people express their views anywhere unless they are being offensive (and even there it's probably not worth it to reply sometimes...) . Mitch has put it down pretty well in my view. Beware of exaggerated PC.

IMHO,
Paulo

 

[jazzeum]

It's not the constructive criticism that anyone has -- or could have -- an issue with but the cynical, caustic, scarcastic and snide comments that are made, designed to infuriate or annnoy and then the feigned innocence when called to account.

I've been guilty of overly criticizing a certain range that I don't care for but have made a concerted effort to avoid discussing it. If we all tried a little harder or hit the delete button before hitting the send button, this would be a much better place.

 

[UKReb]

Valid post Rob I too tired of the verbal scraps and hardly disguised slights on an ever growing number of threads awhile back and took a self-imposed sabbatical from the forum for eight months. To be honest I only came back due to the likes of your goodself; Kevin; James; Simon; Alan and the rest of the Brit Froggers who continually boned me about it at the London shows we attended last year. Having said that there are only about a dozen guys on this forum who have ever regularly conversed with me in the four years I've been a member and a few of them don't post comments anymore.. Never understood that really on an open forum-Guess it must be me.

I do enjoy this hobby immensely and the associated military history. I very much like to see members collections and dios regardless of whether I collect that era or not.-Afterall none of us can collect everything that impresses us especially with continual rising costs and the current economic climate.

I have deliberately restricted myself now to just a couple of threads to post on as I have given up posting any pictures/comments on the K&C board as it's absolutely pointless unless you are a WWII collector. But I have never criticised any of their products-I have no need to as I have collected every ACW & Alamo figure they have ever released. Just a shame nobody on here ever wants to discuss them.

As far as sniping at their's or any other manufacturer's product I am reminded of the old adage:-

"Pedantry runs on the fuel of self-applause".

Reb

 

[Currahee Chris]

there's absolutely nothing wrong with taking some time off this forum. I do it all the time. It's not the nexus of the toy soldier world.

I can't stress it enough, make liberal use of the IGNORE function- that's what it's there for. I know I am not going to change my views on anything really and there are some people- I guess my list of "usual suspects" who push my buttons- simply because their views are different than mine- that's fine. At the same time, I'd really rather not read their posts as I know, depending on my mood, it will trigger a response from me as I staunchly defend my views. At the end of the day, this forum, contrary to some peoples beliefs, is sponsored by a business concern and you play by their rules. I believe that by "ignoring" certain folks on here, I am able to keep myself in line and use the forum to enhance my enjoyment of the hobby.

Still, there are several outstanding threads alive and well on this forum- lot's of great discussions about the new releases, the Mosquitoville was a classic, MD's painted kits and Rodrigo's latest projects are favorites of mine- just take the time to find them- they are out there. Several of us who have been online here for several years know which ones are going to stir the pot- don't get baited by em.

 

[Louis Badolato]

As one of the members who finds himself posting far less often than he used to, but still enjoys the friendships and comradary fostered by this foruim, I agree with Rob and Brad. The baiting and abusive comments from certain members of this forum have made me ignore quite a few threads. Any time the arguments get heated on the subject of the merits of one manufacturer vs another, I just tune out. I enjoy and collect many manufacturers, and can appreciate the artistry of those manufacturers I don't choose to collect. I am not terribly interested in being beaten over the head with vitriolic comments by "true believers" of one manufacturer or another who cannot be happy unless they convince me and anyone else that our money is wasted unless we spend it all on their favorite manufacturer's products.

What the "true believers" don't understand is some art afficionados like DaVinci, others like Rembrandt. There is room in the Metropolitan Museum of Art for works by both of these artists, and dozens of other artists, all of whom have their followers. Similarly, there is room in the collections of members of this forum for glossy and or matt toy soldiers from all of the magnificent manufacturers who have threads and sub-forums on this forum. I may primarily collect King & Country (probably 70% of my collection), but I also appreciate the merits of, and collect, Honour Bound, Figarti, John Jenkins Designs, Thomas Gunn, Chas. Stadden, First Legion and Lesinski among the other matt manufacturers, as well as Heco, A.W. Military Figures, Trophy, Imperial, Four Feathers, Britains and Tommy Atkins among the glossy manufacturers. I don't presume to look down on any collector who doesn't choose to collect one or all of these manufacturers, or prefers some other I didn't mention.

There is no room on this forum, in my humble opinion, for abusive commentary from individuals who cannot appreciate that people may have different taste (or budgets) than them in collecting Toy Soldiers. The fact that these "true believers" have effectively driven many members, including manufacturers like Andy Neilson of K&C and Rick Wang from Figarti away from regularly posting on the forum is a loss for all of us.

 

[Rob]

Bob, it's a pleasure to have you among us again mate, I know many UK and US froggers will be pleased to see you back. You are one of the guys who it's always a pleasure to talk to and your dio's are second to none. In fact your type of posts are what this forum should be about, historical discussion and the sharing of the hobby through collections and displays.

I honestly don't get where the constant sniping comes from, I can only imagine it's jealousy, which is odd because if the product the sniper is SO fond is that good, why feel the need to snipe at others, unless of course they are not really sure perhaps??. Anyway it's good to hear something is going to be done about it.

And Bob, with my new found interest in the ACW if you should feel like revisiting the K&C threads, I'm in! Doesn't just have to be WW2!

Rob

Valid post Rob I too tired of the verbal scraps and hardly disguised slights on an ever growing number of threads awhile back and took a self-imposed sabbatical from the forum for eight months. To be honest I only came back due to the likes of your goodself; Kevin; James; Simon; Alan and the rest of the Brit Froggers who continually boned me about it at the London shows we attended last year. Having said that there are only about a dozen guys on this forum who have ever regularly conversed with me in the four years I've been a member and a few of them don't post comments anymore.. Never understood that really on an open forum-Guess it must be me.

I do enjoy this hobby immensely and the associated military history. I very much like to see members collections and dios regardless of whether I collect that era or not.-Afterall none of us can collect everything that impresses us especially with continual rising costs and the current economic climate.

I have deliberately restricted myself now to just a couple of threads to post on as I have given up posting any pictures/comments on the K&C board as it's absolutely pointless unless you are a WWII collector. But I have never criticised any of their products-I have no need to as I have collected every ACW & Alamo figure they have ever released. Just a shame nobody on here ever wants to discuss them.

As far as sniping at their's or any other manufacturer's product I am reminded of the old adage:-

"Pedantry runs on the fuel of self-applause".

Reb

 

[Currahee Chris]

And Bob, with my new found interest in the ACW........

yeah, I've been meaning to address that with you kind sir- the ACW isn't the way to go- the war was fought over here!! As such a staunch English Patriot- rightly so- I would think the Roman invasion of Britain would be a more suitable second front- tons and tons of heroic Britons from times long ago just await your discovery- don't settle for the ACW- GO ROMAN OR GO HOME!! {sm4}{sm4}

 

[Rob]

yeah, I've been meaning to address that with you kind sir- the ACW isn't the way to go- the war was fought over here!! As such a staunch English Patriot- rightly so- I would think the Roman invasion of Britain would be a more suitable second front- tons and tons of heroic Britons from times long ago just await your discovery- don't settle for the ACW- GO ROMAN OR GO HOME!! {sm4}{sm4}

^&grin

You want me to leave! What happened to the UK/US special relationship!^&grin

I'm hooked on the ACW I'm afraid, it has always been my ' sleeper' interest as it were, it was always there but WW2 kept it hidden, but from the very first time I saw Bobs ACW dio's I knew it was only a matter of time!

As for everyone making Romans , yes they are tempting, I live just up the road from St Albans where Boudica had a Roman barbecue, they say if you take a shovel and start digging in ' Snorbs' as we call it, you soon come across ashes and charcoal from her little visit to the town!

Rob

 

[Mitch]

Its interesting though to look in after one year to see many of the so called seniour members now saying its not fun and others are spoiling it for them. New Buzz words like''fun'' ''cynics'' etc are all flooding out but, I have seen very cynical posts and rather nasty comments from senior members from spoiling, quite deliberately, threads to some of the more childish and sarcastic comments from members during the Haig threads etc.

This certainly seems to be turning into a issue where the usual suspects for me, who have bemoaned anything tiresome, boring, or not worthy in their opinion to be discussed on this forum are now rallying to make an issue that the forum is not fun. Its a two way street and everyone has played a part in the way the forum has progressed not, the apparant usual suspects.

I see one person finding much fault with a certain manufacturer recently now, back on board and full of praise to the point one would need an endoscopy to hear fully what they are saying!!! How does one moderate for the fickle???

I would again say that much of the debates that have gone on recently have been about errors, pricing, damage which, derive from manufacturers. do they get heated? yes but, we can only discuss whats in front of us, pure and simple.

I hope moderation is fair as, I smell a witch hunt. Things will only improve IMO when everyone realises they are no more important than the next on here. It goes those who own then the mods and then everyone else at the same level. people take this far too seriously thats the real problem IMO.
Mitch

 

[lancer]

yeah, I've been meaning to address that with you kind sir- the ACW isn't the way to go- the war was fought over here!! As such a staunch English Patriot- rightly so- I would think the Roman invasion of Britain would be a more suitable second front- tons and tons of heroic Britons from times long ago just await your discovery- don't settle for the ACW- GO ROMAN OR GO HOME!! {sm4}{sm4}

Bran Mak Morn (courtesy of RE Howard) rules Pictdom! Drive the Romans into the sea.^&grin -- Al

 

[Rob]

Thing is Mitch you may be missing the point. There is a complete difference between heated debate about say a criticism or complaint, they have always happened and a vital part of the forum, but that is a world away from an agenda of snide remarks designed only to annoy people and cause bad feeling. In these cases I am totally supportive of strong moderator action, because it's those ' agenda' posts that spoil the thread and stop the legitimate debate you are talking about. The fact is that someone who is an unashamed flag waver for another producer should not be allowed to spoil the enjoyment of others because they (in their own producers forum area ) wish to discuss their product. As I said elsewhere it's pig ignorance, spite and jealousy and unless the mods take action people will be driven from the forum and the discussions you are talking about simply will not happen and it will just be ra ra.

I understand what you are saying Mitch, and I want to see debate and criticism where needed, but we need to differentiate between that and spoiling tactics.

Rob