Encouraging New Blood into the Hobbie. (2 Viewers)

[TomNT]

Lads I must confess my spelling is rubbish at the best of times.......especially after a couple of large glasses of peach cider on a sticky Auckland afternoon...{eek3}:tongue::wink2:

Goodness me Toddy, you’re a connoisseur (here comes Jack with the English correction {sm2}{eek3}:rolleyes2 with the drop mate! How about a couple of long necks instead!{sm3}

Tom

 

[Desertkiwi]

Goodness me Toddy, you’re a connoisseur (here comes Jack with the English correction {sm2}{eek3}:rolleyes2 with the drop mate! How about a couple of long necks instead!{sm3}

Tom

It's thirsty work watching the Mrs's roasting a nice wee rack of lamb mate.....now that I've seen those two 'big boys' I wouldn't mind wetting me whistle with a couple of VB's{sm4}:wink2:

 

[TomNT]

It's thirsty work watching the Mrs's roasting a nice wee rack of lamb mate.....now that I've seen those two 'big boys' I wouldn't mind wetting me whistle with a couple of VB's{sm4}:wink2:

Mmmm, rack of lamb , Toddy, you're a tease! Where can i find a missus like that!

Tom

 

[glossman]

This interesting thread by Desertkiwi addresses an important issue about encouraging newcomers into the hobby. It should be important not only to manufacturers and dealers, but to collectors as well. It is we, the collectors who keep the hobby alive with our enjoyment, enthusiasm and of course, our investment.

In order for newcomers to enter the hobby and stay in for the long term, we should advise a low cost entry level with plastic sets/figures and other relatively less costly sets/figures. The idea is to get the newbies hooked to the hobby. I am sure opinions will differ on how to do this and I must confess I am not sure of the best way to achieve this. There is a much greater chance of getting interested if the newbies collect as a network of friends with a common interest in Military History. Perhaps, it might help to start up toy soldier collecting clubs for juniors/beginners with a variety of monthly activities to keep the interest alive.

Alternatively, if a newcomer prefers larger metal figures, the Delprado figures at USD $12.99 are a relatively less costly option compared to the high end matte manufacturers. A good range to get started on is the "Soldiers of the 20th Century”.

Raymond

 

[The Military Workshop]

Well, if you are always right, how about going back to my thread on German aircrew and offering some help!!{sm4}{sm4}

Jack,
Being right does not necessarily equal being helpful.

However ...........................You do know that people in Toddy's line of work (or ex !!!) are always helpful{sm4}.

Brett

 

[TomNT]

Jack,
Being right does not necessarily equal being helpful.

However ...........................You do know that people in Toddy's line of work (or ex !!!) are always helpful{sm4}.

Brett

Yes, handing out speeding fines is always helpful!!!^&grin

Tom

 

[Jack]

This interesting thread by Desertkiwi addresses an important issue about encouraging newcomers into the hobby. It should be important not only to manufacturers and dealers, but to collectors as well. It is we, the collectors who keep the hobby alive with our enjoyment, enthusiasm and of course, our investment.

In order for newcomers to enter the hobby and stay in for the long term, we should advise a low cost entry level with plastic sets/figures and other relatively less costly sets/figures. The idea is to get the newbies hooked to the hobby. I am sure opinions will differ on how to do this and I must confess I am not sure of the best way to achieve this. There is a much greater chance of getting interested if the newbies collect as a network of friends with a common interest in Military History. Perhaps, it might help to start up toy soldier collecting clubs for juniors/beginners with a variety of monthly activities to keep the interest alive.

Alternatively, if a newcomer prefers larger metal figures, the Delprado figures at USD $12.99 are a relatively less costly option compared to the high end matte manufacturers. A good range to get started on is the "Soldiers of the 20th Century”.

Raymond

I am one of those people who was introduced to the hobby by a friend and I have loved every minute. As I said in another thread, the more collectors, the better it is for everyone - more choice, more competition and the opportunity for manufacturers to journey along the 'road not taken' and surprise us with something quite different.

 

[TomNT]

I am one of those people who was introduced to the hobby by a friend and I have loved every minute. As I said in another thread, the more collectors, the better it is for everyone - more choice, more competition and the opportunity for manufacturers to journey along the 'road not taken' and surprise us with something quite different.

Yes, WW1 German aircrew!:rolleyes2:{sm4}

Tom

 

[The Military Workshop]

Yes, handing out speeding fines is always helpful!!!^&grin

Tom

I must admit I was never that helpful^&grin. Never did like the traffic side of things.

 

[Desertkiwi]

Yes, handing out speeding fines is always helpful!!!^&grin

Tom

Yes I've found ticket writing will never quite win you first prize on a popularity competition.....:tongue::wink2:

 

[Desertkiwi]

Mmmm, rack of lamb , Toddy, you're a tease! Where can i find a missus like that!

Tom

I'm sure we could spare ya a couple of Kiwi-Shelia's Tom if you're up for it{eek3}:tongue:

 

[Desertkiwi]

This interesting thread by Desertkiwi addresses an important issue about encouraging newcomers into the hobby. It should be important not only to manufacturers and dealers, but to collectors as well. It is we, the collectors who keep the hobby alive with our enjoyment, enthusiasm and of course, our investment.

In order for newcomers to enter the hobby and stay in for the long term, we should advise a low cost entry level with plastic sets/figures and other relatively less costly sets/figures. The idea is to get the newbies hooked to the hobby. I am sure opinions will differ on how to do this and I must confess I am not sure of the best way to achieve this. There is a much greater chance of getting interested if the newbies collect as a network of friends with a common interest in Military History. Perhaps, it might help to start up toy soldier collecting clubs for juniors/beginners with a variety of monthly activities to keep the interest alive.

Alternatively, if a newcomer prefers larger metal figures, the Delprado figures at USD $12.99 are a relatively less costly option compared to the high end matte manufacturers. A good range to get started on is the "Soldiers of the 20th Century”.

Raymond

Nice sentiments there Raymond, yeah I'd agree it is in many ways up to collectors & enthusiasts like us to keep the hobby alive and kicking. I really like the idea of collector's clubs too, however they can be a lot of work, just to keep them going.

Cheers.

PS. Wayne mate, you'll be pleased to see I did managed to remember to use a 'Y' this time instead of a 'ie' with my spelling of hobby, I can't guarantee however it won't happen again, especially after consuming Cider......or VB^&grin

 

[TomNT]

I'm sure we could spare ya a couple of Kiwi-Shelia's Tom if you're up for it{eek3}:tongue:

As long as they are not covered in wool Toddy, im in! :wink2:{sm3}

Tom

 

[glossman]

Nice sentiments there Raymond, yeah I'd agree it is in many ways up to collectors & enthusiasts like us to keep the hobby alive and kicking. I really like the idea of collector's clubs too, however they can be a lot of work, just to keep them going.

Cheers.

PS. Wayne mate, you'll be pleased to see I did managed to remember to use a 'Y' this time instead of a 'ie' with my spelling of hobby, I can't guarantee however it won't happen again, especially after consuming Cider......or VB^&grin

Thanks, my pleasure and all for the "Hobbie".....^&grin.

I should have added that my points were directed primarily at young newcomers eg: teenagers still dependent on their parents for finances and young people just starting out with limited disposable income.

There is no hard and fast rule on the cost entry level for newcomers. A newcomer of any age with a larger amount of disposable income can come in at a higher cost entry level and go straight to connoisseur figure if he so wishes.

That said, it is important for a newcomer to know what he is collecting and hence my reference to Military History. As an example: if a newcomer is knowledgeable about the Battle of Waterloo, he would find collecting more meaningful as he would be familiar with the various regiments and personalites involved. On a personal level, I find it very difficult and meaningless to collect figures of campaigns/battles that I have little knowledge of.

Raymond

 

[Desertkiwi]

Thanks, my pleasure and all for the "Hobbie".....^&grin.

I should have added that my points were directed primarily at young newcomers eg: teenagers still dependent on their parents for finances and young people just starting out with limited disposable income.

There is no hard and fast rule on the cost entry level for newcomers. A newcomer of any age with a larger amount of disposable income can come in at a higher cost entry level and go straight to connoisseur figure if he so wishes.

That said, it is important for a newcomer to know what he is collecting and hence my reference to Military History. As an example: if a newcomer is knowledgeable about the Battle of Waterloo, he would find collecting more meaningful as he would be familiar with the various regiments and personalites involved. On a personal level, I find it very difficult and meaningless to collect figures of campaigns/battles that I have little knowledge of.

Raymond

Yeah I'd agree Raymond, I certainly find my interest in military history corresponds with my TS collecting and vice versa. For example, I remember discovering the 'Sharpe' series of books by Bernard Cornwell many moons ago. These books lead me to taking a much greater interest in the Napoleonic Wars and eventually to collecting a few Napoleonic figures.^&grin

 

[jazzeum]

I'd agree that collecting a certain range of figures can lead to an interest in reading about the period. That is how I became interested in the North African campaign. I have also become interested in figures from the Crimean conflict and the Anglo Zulu War and I expect this to lead to a reading interest in those conflicts and periods of history.

 

[TomB]

I'd agree that collecting a certain range of figures can lead to an interest in reading about the period. That is how I became interested in the North African campaign. I have also become interested in figures from the Crimean conflict and the Anglo Zulu War and I expect this to lead to a reading interest in those conflicts and periods of history.

Collecting a certain range of figures can lead to an interest in reading about the period.....correct......people read about history...see the pictures etc but dont realize that TS collections bring History to life,,,,,,The biggest problem facing this Hobby is it 's low profile...and the lack of TS shops...I think someone suggest a TS Club....that is fine,,but if they keep to themselves they aint much use...but if they could used their various collections and manpower to put on displays at shopping center's..Library's ( Books..History etc)...and even work in a history lesson at the odd school...... I know...fine in theory....but you have to advertise ....word of mouth dont work too good with TS......But...lack of advertising is only part of the problem,,price...lack of shops to browse the product and many other things combine to keep TS almost a secret society,,,,I dont know the answer...,cheers TomB

 

[Mitch]

I know lots of people who have very extensive libraries in terms of history books but, have no interest in toys soldiers so, the link of bringing history to life is tenuous for me. Toy soldiers may bring history to life for some but, there are as many different reasons for collecting as there are collectors.

people will either want to collect or not nothing you can do will make them collect if they don't wish to. I don't even think the chain of causation that most on here have followed from plastics through models and then metal exists today in the modern multi media world people grow up in.

I hear manufacturers saying they want to attract children and some do some things some just pay lip service and, in a way I can't blame them why spend time and money attracting a demographic that cannot afford what you are selling. This hobby is for adults with money

Britain's have been going for many, many years and the toy soldier hobby has evolved over the years without much problem and, will after all of us have died. So, its not a worry or concern and, I bet in a way as adults with cash keep spending it does not really worry manufacturers either. Just a topic of chat for some collectors which to varying degree's has probably been repeated over the last few hundred years
Mitch

 

[Desertkiwi]

I know lots of people who have very extensive libraries in terms of history books but, have no interest in toys soldiers so, the link of bringing history to life is tenuous for me. Toy soldiers may bring history to life for some but, there are as many different reasons for collecting as there are collectors.

people will either want to collect or not nothing you can do will make them collect if they don't wish to. I don't even think the chain of causation that most on here have followed from plastics through models and then metal exists today in the modern multi media world people grow up in.

I hear manufacturers saying they want to attract children and some do some things some just pay lip service and, in a way I can't blame them why spend time and money attracting a demographic that cannot afford what you are selling. This hobby is for adults with money

Britain's have been going for many, many years and the toy soldier hobby has evolved over the years without much problem and, will after all of us have died. So, its not a worry or concern and, I bet in a way as adults with cash keep spending it does not really worry manufacturers either. Just a topic of chat for some collectors which to varying degree's has probably been repeated over the last few hundred years
Mitch

I kind of think you're missing the 'guts' of the thread Mitch, it's all about discussing ways of encouraging interested people into the hobby, regardless of age.

You're absolutely right you're never going to make people collect if they don't want to or have no interest in the subject, but then i don't think anyone is suggesting that.......certainly not on this thread, that I'm aware of ??

I must say too, that I totally disagree 100%, that the hobby is for adults with money. I can only presume you are referring to the top end of the market, regardless there are a ton of cheaper options out there for those of us (including children) with 'light' wallets.

Also I can think of many companies that carter to the lower end of the market.....Airfix products are a great example. 'Conte' too has done wonderful things with their plastic & metal ranges over the years.

Without companies such as these and the likes of K&C, CS and so many many others, the hobby simply wouldn't have evolved to where it currently is now. To assume that the hobby will just 'tick over' on it's own accord, with little problem and without much input from collectors or manufacturers, is in my opinion very shortsighted to say the least.

 

[TomB]

I kind of think you're missing the 'guts' of the thread Mitch, it's all about discussing ways of encouraging interested people into the hobby, regardless of age.

You're absolutely right you're never going to make people collect if they don't want to or have no interest in the subject, but then i don't think anyone is suggesting that.......certainly not on this thread, that I'm aware of ??

I must say too, that I totally disagree 100%, that the hobby is for adults with money. I can only presume you are referring to the top end of the market, regardless there are a ton of cheaper options out there for those of us (including children) with 'light' wallets.

Also I can think of many companies that carter to the lower end of the market.....Airfix products are a great example. 'Conte' too has done wonderful things with their plastic & metal ranges over the years.

Without companies such as these and the likes of K&C, CS and so many many others, the hobby simply wouldn't have evolved to where it currently is now. To assume that the hobby will just 'tick over' on it's own accord, with little problem and without much input from collectors or manufacturers, is in my opinion very shortsighted to say the least.

Agree,,,,,a neg attitude does not encourage anyone to collect TS....cheers TomB