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Discussion Why Do So Many Members Never Post? Let’s Talk!
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2020
- Messages
- 21
- Points
- 48
Hi
I'm a fairly new member, when I started my first build, The Mary Rose and then HMS Warrior I'd look at other build logs and was really quite overawed by the skill of some of the builders! I really didn't feel like uploading too many photo's showing off my amateurism and mistakes! I still don't know how some of you manage to finish rigging so perfectly! I also see discussions of various machine tools used to produce beautifully detailed sub structures while I battle away with my two sizes of craft knife and think that's all way beyond me.
I'm also an occasional builder, mostly over the winter months.
I try and add thanks to other builders when I follow their build logs for ideas, but perhaps I should throw caution to the wind and put more of my photos up. I have the RCMP St Roch hull completed so when I start to fit her out in the autumn I will make the effort to get involved
John
I'm a fairly new member, when I started my first build, The Mary Rose and then HMS Warrior I'd look at other build logs and was really quite overawed by the skill of some of the builders! I really didn't feel like uploading too many photo's showing off my amateurism and mistakes! I still don't know how some of you manage to finish rigging so perfectly! I also see discussions of various machine tools used to produce beautifully detailed sub structures while I battle away with my two sizes of craft knife and think that's all way beyond me.
I'm also an occasional builder, mostly over the winter months.
I try and add thanks to other builders when I follow their build logs for ideas, but perhaps I should throw caution to the wind and put more of my photos up. I have the RCMP St Roch hull completed so when I start to fit her out in the autumn I will make the effort to get involved
John
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Some people post in both languages, using google translator or other translator. If it doesn't translate right, someone who speaks your language can often help.
Vic
The primary language can definitely be a barrier sometimes, but you are right; having someone who speaks the same language can really help. Some members post in both languages using Google Translate or other online translators or tools. If the translation isn’t perfect, there’s often someone around who can assist with clarifying.
— Your advice, Vic, is spot on!
All can say is that because I post and I ask questions, I learn more from others. I've made my share of mistakes, but I learn from them. After get to know and start to trust the judgment of individuals by looking at their logs and comments on others' logs, I ask them specifically using their user name either on my own log or theirs or via personal message (the letter box at the top of the screen). And I don't get particularly embarrassed about comments. Most of the people here are very helpful. And you can take or leave their suggestions. It's your model, not theirs.
Vic
Vic
I completely agree; Direct Messages are a great way to get help, especially if you’re shy or hesitant to ask publicly. But they do limit you to just one perspective. Posting questions in the general help section or on your build log invites a broader range of ideas and advice, which, a times, can be invaluable.
Your approach of building trust by following others’ logs and then reaching out personally is a smart way to learn and grow here. And you’re right, most members are very supportive, and ultimately, it’s your model, you are the Captain, and your choice how to use the suggestions. Well said!
Long time lurker here.
Honestly don't know why I never posted, let alone introduce myself.
Been a long time kit builder who started out on an Artesania Swift pilot boat with free tools that was offered by Model Expo in the mid 80's (that's 1980's... I'm currently 65 now). I was hooked and still am building kits that I snatched up during their mad sales... $99 dollars for the Amsterdams, $79 for the Hellens and Bensersiels... and many many kits that I couldn't pass up at the time during the late 80's and 90's.
(and currently can't pass up to this day when they nearly go half price on new Billings, Midwest etc.)
Lately I've been into tugs and traditional fishing vessels. But I have built several period sailing ships from Mamoli, Arsetania etc.
Anyway, I'm from NJ.
Back in the day, I had visited the Model Expo store when they were in NJ (Fairlawn?) and then they moved on RT46. I think I had met one of the owners there before the store went over to MT Poccono in PA. Missed the brick and mortar stores as they had some good prebuilt display models, I always took the time to admire them. Learned a lot just by examining the way the models were build...the hand rails etc...
Seems I'm doing the same thing here on Ships of Scale...reading, looking and learning. There is so much to learn from other ship builders.
Currently I'm working on a Midwest Lobster boat that I purchased on sale a few months ago. Good kit, but I cut the basswood boards that were intended for the hull into planks and well...planked it instead. Also used my own veneer strips for the deck planking, as I just could never pencil mark decking for the life of me.
Ahw shoot...now you got me yapping.
I just want to say you guys here are awesome, and I've picked up on more than a few tricks from your builds that have made my hobby more enjoyable and fun. Like I said, I'm 65, still working and have no plans of retiring from work as believe it or not, that's where I have been building my models for quite some time... on breaks, lunches and free time ( i get in early, sometimes allowing me an hour or so before morning call).
Honestly don't know why I never posted, let alone introduce myself.
Been a long time kit builder who started out on an Artesania Swift pilot boat with free tools that was offered by Model Expo in the mid 80's (that's 1980's... I'm currently 65 now). I was hooked and still am building kits that I snatched up during their mad sales... $99 dollars for the Amsterdams, $79 for the Hellens and Bensersiels... and many many kits that I couldn't pass up at the time during the late 80's and 90's.
(and currently can't pass up to this day when they nearly go half price on new Billings, Midwest etc.)
Lately I've been into tugs and traditional fishing vessels. But I have built several period sailing ships from Mamoli, Arsetania etc.
Anyway, I'm from NJ.
Back in the day, I had visited the Model Expo store when they were in NJ (Fairlawn?) and then they moved on RT46. I think I had met one of the owners there before the store went over to MT Poccono in PA. Missed the brick and mortar stores as they had some good prebuilt display models, I always took the time to admire them. Learned a lot just by examining the way the models were build...the hand rails etc...
Seems I'm doing the same thing here on Ships of Scale...reading, looking and learning. There is so much to learn from other ship builders.
Currently I'm working on a Midwest Lobster boat that I purchased on sale a few months ago. Good kit, but I cut the basswood boards that were intended for the hull into planks and well...planked it instead. Also used my own veneer strips for the deck planking, as I just could never pencil mark decking for the life of me.
Ahw shoot...now you got me yapping.
I just want to say you guys here are awesome, and I've picked up on more than a few tricks from your builds that have made my hobby more enjoyable and fun. Like I said, I'm 65, still working and have no plans of retiring from work as believe it or not, that's where I have been building my models for quite some time... on breaks, lunches and free time ( i get in early, sometimes allowing me an hour or so before morning call).
- Joined
- May 11, 2025
- Messages
- 17
- Points
- 48
Like Roger above, I'm land locked in middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro! I just retired a month ago, trying to sell the current home for better digs in N.E. TN. Have projects to do but decided to do a ship in a bottle from Amati to keep the mess down and can still be ready for showings! No local ship clubs for miles!
I was a surgical RN for 25 years and can hunt and peck on the computer pretty well but not something I enjoy! Have been very involved in Model railroading and the NMRA, including clubs, conventions etc. I know something about clubs and organizations both local and national, the pluses and minuses!
Ship modeling is a different bird!!! The so-called beginner kits guarantee failure! The instructions fail to mention anything about help from the forums, or the bearding line and a host of other important details. Just glue the skeleton together, add the first planking and your efforts are rewarded with the trash can!!
As a newbie coming into this hobby, I at least had my train background to help me navigate the sea of confusion and poor guidance from the kit instructions!
When I found the Forums I at least there was hope again!!
Unfortunately, some of the same things that plague the train world are here too! Elitism, snobbery, and the like, that doesn't welcome new blood to the hobby. The forums can help to change that but you have to make an effort and get involved. Maybe start a local club etc. Those folks that want to remain lone wolfs can do so but are still welcome to come along for the journey!! Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet!
This time I'm going to ignore the negative and enjoy the sharing and comradery! Afterall there is a lot to learn!!
Maybe not the response you expected but there it is!
Dave Lynam
I was a surgical RN for 25 years and can hunt and peck on the computer pretty well but not something I enjoy! Have been very involved in Model railroading and the NMRA, including clubs, conventions etc. I know something about clubs and organizations both local and national, the pluses and minuses!
Ship modeling is a different bird!!! The so-called beginner kits guarantee failure! The instructions fail to mention anything about help from the forums, or the bearding line and a host of other important details. Just glue the skeleton together, add the first planking and your efforts are rewarded with the trash can!!
As a newbie coming into this hobby, I at least had my train background to help me navigate the sea of confusion and poor guidance from the kit instructions!
When I found the Forums I at least there was hope again!!
Unfortunately, some of the same things that plague the train world are here too! Elitism, snobbery, and the like, that doesn't welcome new blood to the hobby. The forums can help to change that but you have to make an effort and get involved. Maybe start a local club etc. Those folks that want to remain lone wolfs can do so but are still welcome to come along for the journey!! Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet!
This time I'm going to ignore the negative and enjoy the sharing and comradery! Afterall there is a lot to learn!!
Maybe not the response you expected but there it is!
Dave Lynam
Although there is a small degree of elitism and snobbery here on SOS, it does not come close to other sites, treated like the second coming and whatever they says is taken as the gospel. There are many builders on another site with skills that are beyond amazing but stay out of the limelight and only give advice or opinions when asked. On this site, like many others there will always be the few that believe they are superior to others and crave the adoration and accolades from fellow members (justified or not) and will often correct, criticize, and hi-jack the post to further their own project or opinions. That may be part of the reason new members and even long time members only post a couple of times and then seem to vanish, as they feel their budding skills are being mocked and dismissed. Some deal with these people, but many just stop trying and move on to other sites or hobbies.
You raise some valid concerns, and it’s important to acknowledge that every forum, regardless of size or focus, can have moments where some personalities come across too strongly or unintentionally discourage others. We are here to stop immediately! But I believe the heart of SoS lies in its many members who are welcoming, supportive, and eager to help fellow builders grow, no matter their skill level.
Yes, a few may occasionally steer discussions a bit off course or come across as overly confident, but I’ve found that the majority are here to share, learn, and connect. The key is encouraging a culture where kindness, humility, and constructive feedback guide our conversations. We all started somewhere, and it’s that shared passion that keeps the hobby alive and our community strong.
Let’s keep making this a place where everyone feels safe to post, ask, and grow, without judgment.
I believe a lot of people with their build logs do show their mistakes. Seeing how people overcome them is one of the keys to learning how to progress in this wonderful hobby. In my latest build I made a major error in not realizing that the 2 inner walls of the Constitution gun deck were not thee same and then having the gunport completely out of alignment when I placed the outer walls up. Figuring out how to correct that was time intensive and just one way of handling it. I hope others learn from my mistakes. (I edited on a warning at the section where the inner walls were put up so others would not make this error.)
So please show your errors and mistakes so others can learn from them!
Rob
Just chiming in. I'm an 87 y old who started this hobby after retiring at age 80. I have learned a lot and keep learning from the posts, but having limited skills I don't feel I have much to contribute. When I have posted a question the generous responses are always impressive. I love this forum and it's international and apolitical culture of inclusiveness. Thanks to all who have helped me.
In my case I feel I don't have much to add to the discussions.
I'm really here to learn and get my creative juices flowing again.
I built wooden ship kits in my late teens and early 20s - some inherited from a family friend - and I'm eager to jump back in and complete some kits that have been sitting idle for decades.
But a lot of my hobby time for the last 20 years or so has been as a builder and painter of resin busts and figures from 1/6 scale to 1:1 scale and I've been trying to perfect those skills.
I'm really here to learn and get my creative juices flowing again.
I built wooden ship kits in my late teens and early 20s - some inherited from a family friend - and I'm eager to jump back in and complete some kits that have been sitting idle for decades.
But a lot of my hobby time for the last 20 years or so has been as a builder and painter of resin busts and figures from 1/6 scale to 1:1 scale and I've been trying to perfect those skills.
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2022
- Messages
- 84
- Points
- 78
I hope this doesn't turn out to be too much of a ramble, but the topic is of great interest to me.
I've been a member of this forum for about 2.5 years and had made use of the forum for a number of years before that. I am also a member of MSW (since 2013). One of the reasons I joined SOS is that I had a specific question that I wanted to ask one of your members - Dave Stevens - and yes he responded almost immediately! I learn a great deal from both SOS and MSW, but here like there it took a long time to become engaged. It took until 2022 before I felt confident enough in my work and started my first build log on MSW. I now have close to 10 logs on that site. At the same time, I rarely post on other individual's forums - I need to change that! A main reason I started my first forum on MSW was to provide me with impetus to make steady progress on a particular model's progress. I also felt that my skills had finally developed to a point that I was not ashamed of putting my work on display. I had no expectations as to what, if any, feedback I would receive as the build went along. Frankly I became a bit indebted to fellow modelers that provided positive feedback, encouragement, and guidance. This has held true for all my other build logs. Now I feel that I could have made better progress if I had started a build log earlier in my involvement with wooden ship models.
So why haven't I started a forum on SOS? Probably laziness would be the top reason - I've become comfortable with working on the MSW site and I have some difficulty with change. But this is really a bad reason since my decision is shutting me out of potentially positive relationships here on SOS. It is clear to me that, while there is a non-trivial overlap of memberships between SOS and MSW, there are numerous individuals that spent the majority of their time on one site vs the other. I don't know why this is, but I suspect it is partially an effect of contrasting organizational views on piracy / copyright violations associated with model kits and published plans / monographs of ships. Unfortunately, MSW guidelines make it challenging for someone to have dual membership and to take full advantage of SOS. It is disappointing that in essence, one essentially needs to chose to be in one space or the other. Some may chose to 'lurk' here so they are not banned there.
I do have a model that is rising to the top of my to do list: Lumberyard's Rattlesnake. I had my (adult) kids and my daughter-in-law go through all of my stash and each pick a model that they would like me to build for them. My son picked Rattlesnake, his wife Model Shipway's Ben Lapham, and my daughter Occre's HMS Terror. Since my son picked first - a couple years ago - his goes first! Since Dave Stevens is a big part of this site, I have always felt that a log for the Harold Hahn Rattlesnake belongs here. It might still be a couple of years, but it will be here for sure!
Finally, I see there are basically two types of posts that one can make on a site like this - posts about work that you are doing and posts on other individuals work. I find it easier to post on what I am doing; i.e., on my own work. I have much more difficulty posting on the logs of others. While I have completed well over a dozen wooden ship models, often I still feel that I do not have the 'expertise' to provide feedback / guidance to others. I need to get over that! I need to give words of encouragement that will help others, much like others have helped me whether they are master builders or novices. Unfortunately, my professional career had been that of a mathematics professor and pretty much only provided advice where I knew what I was talking about (or thought I did!). But the truth of the matter is that I have received helpful comments from so many people at so many levels and perhaps I also can share my limited knowledge and insights with others. They, like me, just need to always evaluate the comment before acting on it.
Enough everyone that read this far of my post is saying, so I better quit writing. Before, signing off - Thank You to those that run this site and those that have posted here, I do find your contributions highly worthwhile!
I've been a member of this forum for about 2.5 years and had made use of the forum for a number of years before that. I am also a member of MSW (since 2013). One of the reasons I joined SOS is that I had a specific question that I wanted to ask one of your members - Dave Stevens - and yes he responded almost immediately! I learn a great deal from both SOS and MSW, but here like there it took a long time to become engaged. It took until 2022 before I felt confident enough in my work and started my first build log on MSW. I now have close to 10 logs on that site. At the same time, I rarely post on other individual's forums - I need to change that! A main reason I started my first forum on MSW was to provide me with impetus to make steady progress on a particular model's progress. I also felt that my skills had finally developed to a point that I was not ashamed of putting my work on display. I had no expectations as to what, if any, feedback I would receive as the build went along. Frankly I became a bit indebted to fellow modelers that provided positive feedback, encouragement, and guidance. This has held true for all my other build logs. Now I feel that I could have made better progress if I had started a build log earlier in my involvement with wooden ship models.
So why haven't I started a forum on SOS? Probably laziness would be the top reason - I've become comfortable with working on the MSW site and I have some difficulty with change. But this is really a bad reason since my decision is shutting me out of potentially positive relationships here on SOS. It is clear to me that, while there is a non-trivial overlap of memberships between SOS and MSW, there are numerous individuals that spent the majority of their time on one site vs the other. I don't know why this is, but I suspect it is partially an effect of contrasting organizational views on piracy / copyright violations associated with model kits and published plans / monographs of ships. Unfortunately, MSW guidelines make it challenging for someone to have dual membership and to take full advantage of SOS. It is disappointing that in essence, one essentially needs to chose to be in one space or the other. Some may chose to 'lurk' here so they are not banned there.
I do have a model that is rising to the top of my to do list: Lumberyard's Rattlesnake. I had my (adult) kids and my daughter-in-law go through all of my stash and each pick a model that they would like me to build for them. My son picked Rattlesnake, his wife Model Shipway's Ben Lapham, and my daughter Occre's HMS Terror. Since my son picked first - a couple years ago - his goes first! Since Dave Stevens is a big part of this site, I have always felt that a log for the Harold Hahn Rattlesnake belongs here. It might still be a couple of years, but it will be here for sure!
Finally, I see there are basically two types of posts that one can make on a site like this - posts about work that you are doing and posts on other individuals work. I find it easier to post on what I am doing; i.e., on my own work. I have much more difficulty posting on the logs of others. While I have completed well over a dozen wooden ship models, often I still feel that I do not have the 'expertise' to provide feedback / guidance to others. I need to get over that! I need to give words of encouragement that will help others, much like others have helped me whether they are master builders or novices. Unfortunately, my professional career had been that of a mathematics professor and pretty much only provided advice where I knew what I was talking about (or thought I did!). But the truth of the matter is that I have received helpful comments from so many people at so many levels and perhaps I also can share my limited knowledge and insights with others. They, like me, just need to always evaluate the comment before acting on it.
Enough everyone that read this far of my post is saying, so I better quit writing. Before, signing off - Thank You to those that run this site and those that have posted here, I do find your contributions highly worthwhile!
Hi JimHaha, that well could be the case! I have to admit, your theory is pretty solid. Whacked knuckles, glued fingers, and mysterious X-Acto scars seem to be part of the shipwright’s initiation ritual. If that’s what’s stopping folks from typing, we might need to start a support group: MWBHA, “Modelers with Bandaged Hands Anonymous.”
Still, all joking aside, I hope they know they’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and those little accidents usually mean you're doing the real thing. So maybe once the glue dries and the Band-Aids come off, they’ll feel ready to say hello.
I have the system set up whereby I recieve an email with "Last week's most popular topics" on Sunday morning. I generally have a coffee and a quick squiz through each post and respond to those which strike my interest. I look forard to this every week and it doesnt consume a great deal of time.
Perhaps send out a general email to all on how to set this up and see if responses increase?
I have the same alert system set up and it helps me find topics of interest quickly.
- Joined
- May 8, 2024
- Messages
- 33
- Points
- 48
For myself, I would agree with smonsa: "For myself, I often don’t have something that contributes to the conversation" and and don't want to consume the bandwidth without purpose. I am feeling like a sponge soaking up all the valuable information contributed. But when I have something worthwhile to post, I surely will.
Hi all. A little ironic perhaps that my first post is to explain why I don't post.
I still work fulltime and have a small block land to maintain, so my time for hobbies is limited. I am looking forward to retiring in 4 years time, and hope to get into modelling when I get there.
I have a short attention span, and wide interests, so I'm interested in many modelling subjects, and therefore "watch" a few forums and read a variety of magazine, books etc.
I really enjoy seeing the content on this forum, it's certainly one of my favourites and I look forward to the weekly updates.
I'd like to not stick to one genre, so making models of a train, a boat, a plane, a building, etc., come to mind. However, I get hung up on scale; I'm like it all to "fit together" on display. This is an argument for my head later
(I have developed a weird scale obsession, currently bouncing between 1/12th and 1/32nd scales)
In the meantime, I gather tools to set myself up for that day when my time is my own, and during the day, I work at a dam, so my thoughts often drift to making a model sail boat, a "Spray" to put out on the storage.
To some all this up - I don't post because I have nothing to contribute to any discussion, and I'm in awe of the content that those who do post.
Kind regards,
Michael
NSW
Australia
I still work fulltime and have a small block land to maintain, so my time for hobbies is limited. I am looking forward to retiring in 4 years time, and hope to get into modelling when I get there.
I have a short attention span, and wide interests, so I'm interested in many modelling subjects, and therefore "watch" a few forums and read a variety of magazine, books etc.
I really enjoy seeing the content on this forum, it's certainly one of my favourites and I look forward to the weekly updates.
I'd like to not stick to one genre, so making models of a train, a boat, a plane, a building, etc., come to mind. However, I get hung up on scale; I'm like it all to "fit together" on display. This is an argument for my head later
(I have developed a weird scale obsession, currently bouncing between 1/12th and 1/32nd scales)In the meantime, I gather tools to set myself up for that day when my time is my own, and during the day, I work at a dam, so my thoughts often drift to making a model sail boat, a "Spray" to put out on the storage.
To some all this up - I don't post because I have nothing to contribute to any discussion, and I'm in awe of the content that those who do post.
Kind regards,
Michael
NSW
Australia
Hey Jim, Awesome and thank you for the reference links. I try to remember but the trick is to remember not to forget the bits I usually forget.Thank you for such an honest and heartfelt reply! Just saying “wow, that’s fantastic” is more than enough - we all started somewhere, and many of us still feel the same way when we see others’ work. You don’t need technical terms or fancy tools to be part of the conversation, your enthusiasm already adds value. And trust me, you’re not alone in the “mangle and destroy” phase - we’ve all been there!
Here are some online resources to learn the nautical terminology. These resources should provide a solid foundation in nautical terminology, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of ship modeling and sailing discussions.
Glossary of Nautical Terms and Abbreviations
See here for a comprehensive glossary of nautical terms, abbreviations and expressions.www.nomadsailing.co.uk
50 Nautical, Sailing & Boat Terms for Beginners - Boatsetter
Boating has its own vocabulary and if you’re going to be spending time on the water, you should understand a few basic boat terms. Knowing these will makewww.boatsetter.com
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2016
- Messages
- 6,217
- Points
- 728
there is a lot of talent among the membership besides model ship building so maybe we should expand beyond just model ships and have a build log catagory for everything else.
many different hobbies tend to overlap so if we expand then those who feel they have nothing to add to model ship now can contribute what they do know.
Derekc62 said In my case I feel I don't have much to add to the discussions. perhaps for model ship building but oh my god what you do is amazing. i would like to know more. i paint airbrush and rattle can art when the urge hits me, i do steampunk and cyberpunk art.
many different hobbies tend to overlap so if we expand then those who feel they have nothing to add to model ship now can contribute what they do know.
Derekc62 said In my case I feel I don't have much to add to the discussions. perhaps for model ship building but oh my god what you do is amazing. i would like to know more. i paint airbrush and rattle can art when the urge hits me, i do steampunk and cyberpunk art.