New portal for hobbyists

[Bob Cleek]

But you do raise a very valuable (no pun intended) point... there is an abundance of folks who pilfer free models from sites and then try to repost them elsewhere to profit from them (or print them and try to sell them). It's an unscrupulous practice, but one we see played out continuously.

And this by those who would build a kit and tell people they "built it themselves" comes as a surprise to you?

 

[Van]

Because I have conversations on other forums as well and the first message does feel controversial I'd like to add some more info.

Let me introduce myself then, I've created ION Model brand from basically all aspects: ionmodel.com. Adding to that I work as UX/UI designer with 10+ experience in this field. I came up with idea of creating portal/marketplace dedicated for modelers due lack of such place.
It has more shape than just an idea but I'd like to gather some info what can be improved/added.

I also understand it looks suspicious when a new member is posting such content. It's because my modeling and scale modeling knowledge is gathered from FB and YT and friends, so I have not much time left to be active on forums.

I was curious and went to look at ionmodel.com Google says it doesn't support a secure connection. True?

 

[Signet]

And this by those who would build a kit and tell people they "built it themselves" comes as a surprise to you?

After spending a year or more and thousands of hours on a kit, I certainly will claim that I built it myself! Just like kit-building, scratch-building can vary greatly in complexity as well as number of purchased items. Many scratch-builders will still use commercially available guns and other items, while others wouldn't even think of buying blocks. Thank goodness we can all co-exist (usually) and learn from each other (always).

 

[dockattner]

Oh look... another kit versus scratch building off-topic comment... How tiresome.

Don't let them get under your skin, Signet. They play one note all day long and call it music...

 

[Signet]

Oh look... another kit versus scratch building off-topic comment... How tiresome.

Don't let them get under your skin, Signet. They play one note all day long and call it music...

Yeah. I bet they don't even grow their own pear trees. ;-)
(Said in jest - I have the utmost respect for those scratch-building the wonderful models we see here. I just can't do it.)

 

[Bob Cleek]

After spending a year or more and thousands of hours on a kit, I certainly will claim that I built it myself! Just like kit-building, scratch-building can vary greatly in complexity as well as number of purchased items. Many scratch-builders will still use commercially available guns and other items, while others wouldn't even think of buying blocks. Thank goodness we can all co-exist (usually) and learn from each other (always).

It's not about comparisons between people. It's about models. As you confirmed, of course you will claim that you built it yourself, as my post suggested. That said, completing the assembly of a kit is a significant accomplishment. It takes care, attention, and dedication. Kits aren't built, of course, though. Kits are assembled, but there's nothing wrong with that. The only thing that matters in the end is how good the model is when it's finished being put together. A ship model is a ship model is a ship model. It doesn't matter if it's assembled out of a box or built from scratch.