Discussion Why Do So Many Members Never Post? Let’s Talk!

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

so typical on forums one word "if" changes the entire meaning

the thing with build logs they add a whole lota time and work to a project which many builders are not willing to do. As for me i see the model i am building as a prop for the build log. The first thought is creating a build log the subject comes as secondary. Actually i do not build models for display i build them as a prototype proof of concept or to double check the drafting or as a prop for photography to be used in a build log. Over time i run out of room for all those models so i really do use them as kindling wood.
i know what some are thinking you go through all that building just to burn the model in the end. Yup it is the build i enjoy not so much the finish piece it is like spending days sculpting a piece then watch it melt away in the sun. For some artists it is the process of doing it

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

.. one of the reasons, perhaps?

but what % we may never know

 

[Roger Pellett]

A possibility:

Another forum silenced me for “discouraging novice modelers by promoting scratch building.”

Kits today range from maybe a low of $100 to beyond $1500 delivered to your door.

How many people upon joining SOS realize that building a ship model from a kit is beyond their financial means? Enjoying a handsome finished ship model posted on the forum may attract many, but how many want to plod through and comment on the details of the construction of a model that they can’t afford.

Roger

 

[Jimsky]

Another forum silenced me for “discouraging novice modelers by promoting scratch building.”

Kits today range from maybe a low of $100 to beyond $1500 delivered to your door.

How many people upon joining SOS realize that building a ship model from a kit is beyond their financial means? Enjoying a handsome finished ship model posted on the forum may attract many, but how many want to plod through and comment on the details of the construction of a model that they can’t afford.

Roger

Roger, touching the topic of kit versus scratch and their costs always stirs debate. Being this thread is not related to the cost, ... but if I may, I’d like to add a bit of perspective.

Our hobby is not the same as our activity on the forum. One can build quietly, with minimal resources, or even not build at all, yet still participate meaningfully by asking questions, offering encouragement, or sharing insights. SoS does not, and should not, measure participation by what’s on someone’s bench or by how much it costs to get it there.
Regarding scratch versus kit builds and their cost: yes, ship modeling can be expensive, just like many hobbies. But that doesn’t mean those who can’t afford a high-end kit, or who prefer scratch for creative or educational reasons, should feel discouraged or marginalized. Nor does it mean the forum should silence certain topics to avoid making others uncomfortable. That only narrows the conversation and excludes valid voices.

What you said about people being discouraged by what they can’t afford, well, I respectfully disagree. Many join SoS because they are inspired by what they see here and what others can do. The goal isn’t to create barriers, it’s to show that skill and passion can grow regardless of budget. A cardboard mock-up or balsa wood hull can carry just as much value here as a laser-cut luxury kit, if it comes with learning, effort, and shared experience.

So, rather than putting scratch building and affordability in the category of “discouraging,” let’s remember that the real discouragement comes from feeling like your contribution doesn’t matter. And that’s something SoS works hard to avoid.

 

[JohnK]

Love to see what other people are building but not always want to comment. At the present time I have stoped building the Black Pearl that I was working on, I'm about half way through, to help my son who is an architect.
I have spent several months constructing a couple of models for commissions he has. As 'one-offs' they are all scratch built so I realy am in awe of you guys who take the old ship plans as a starting point. I have just finished a model of a Cornish Victorian Mill which overlooks the sea. It was converted into a 3 bed house about 50 years ago. Now it has been remodeled into a 5/6 bed room luxury home and the water wheel has been incorporated into the internal living space, with the hope that the wheel can be restarted either by water, (the stream still flowes through the house) or by electric motor.
I enclosed photos of the model house made from 6mm MDF board set on a contrasting white landscape of 5mm Foam board. Also two photos of the original house.
I quote this episode as a example perhaps of other peoples interestes also in ship building but not always building ships; but always an interest in model building.

 

[Roger Pellett]

Jim,

I can’t help but feel that you missed my point.

First of all my post was not a scratch vs kit debate. I was silenced from another forum NOT SOS.

Second, if someone is building a $1000 kit and my budget is $300, while I can admire what the $1000 guy is doing what else is there to say other than “well done.” I suspect that many look at the post and keep going without comment.

Third construction techniques for these POB kits tend to repetitive. There are CA guys and NON CA guys!

If someone wants to post a new Victory build that’s fine. From a personal standpoint these posts can keep the builder going over the long haul. And finally, the kit building arm of these forums is alive and well with the majority of posts involving kits and in some cases new offers rapidly selling out.

Roger

 

[Jimsky]

Jim,

I can’t help but feel that you missed my point.

First of all my post was not a scratch vs kit debate. I was silenced from another forum NOT SOS.

Second, if someone is building a $1000 kit and my budget is $300, while I can admire what the $1000 guy is doing what else is there to say other than “well done.” I suspect that many look at the post and keep going without comment.

Third construction techniques for these POB kits tend to repetitive. There are CA guys and NON CA guys!

If someone wants to post a new Victory build that’s fine. From a personal standpoint these posts can keep the builder going over the long haul. And finally, the kit building arm of these forums is alive and well with the majority of posts involving kits and in some cases new offers rapidly selling out.

Roger

Hi Roger,
Thanks for clarifying your post, and I do appreciate your points. I never intended to misrepresent what you said, but I do want to mention something I’ve observed. I truly wish I were wrong, but across several threads and discussions, I’ve noticed you often bring up the contrast between the cost of kits and scratch building. It seems to be a recurring theme in your contributions, and perhaps that’s why I may interpret your comments through that lens, even if it wasn’t the main focus this time.

That said, I fully agree that admiration and encouragement are often the best responses when someone’s working well beyond our own budget or skill level. It’s part of what makes this hobby and community so varied and interesting, different approaches, tools, and yes, budgets too. Your comment about Victory builds, keeping builders going, hits the nail on the head. Motivation is often just as important as materials.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Conversations like these are what make forums worth visiting.

 

[GaryA]

.. one of the reasons, perhaps?

but what % we may never know

Dave, what you do with your models is up to you, but I think I know that with your expertise and knowledge, you are a very capable person in this hobby we all belong to, and I would know if I had a problem, there are others like yourself that we could turn to for help. By posting something on the Forum in regards to help, you will be surprised who will help you out.
The main thing is do not be afraid to ask, I would say, is the key.

 

[Fever 4 the Sea]

I’ve noticed over time that quite a few folks register here, but never post—or maybe only write one or two messages and then go quiet.
I understand that not everyone wants to jump right in, and that’s perfectly okay, but I’m genuinely curious: What keeps new members from posting more? Is it nerves? Not sure where to start? Concern about experience level? Language? Something else?

No pressure at all, but if you’re reading this and haven’t said much (or anything), this is your invitation to chime in. Even a “Hi, I’m here” is enough to get going. We all started somewhere, and we’re glad you’re here.

I was really looking forward to building my Revell 1/96 scale Cutty Sark and even bought the wood blocks set for it. Then I had to put the kit in storage because I was packing to move. I'm moved now but still have a lot of stuff including the Cutty Sark kit in storage. This weekend I was at the Not So Local Hobby Shop and bought the Airfix large scale Vasa and H.M.S. Victory kits as well as the REevell 1/50 scale Viking ship.

As to why some others don't post or stop posting their builds. Perhaps they look at others builds here and then fear that their own build doesn't measure up.

Cheers

 

[Jimsky]

As to why some others don't post or stop posting their builds. Perhaps they look at others builds here and then fear that their own build doesn't measure up.

Absolutely, and that’s a very real response.
But here’s the thing: every single build adds value, not just the perfect ones. In fact, many members (especially those just getting started or tackling new techniques) learn more from honest, in-progress builds that include struggles, missteps, and workarounds. When someone only sees polished results, they might think that’s the standard, but the real magic often lies in the journey, not just the destination.

So if someone hesitates to post because they feel their work doesn’t “measure up,” I’d say this: your build might be exactly what someone else needs to see. Not to compare, but to relate, to learn from, and to feel encouraged.

Sharing your progress, questions, or challenges doesn’t make you “less than” - it makes you part of the community.

 

[Pio]

Entschuldigen Sie, ich gehöre auch zu den Hauptlesern dieses Forums. Ich bewundere Sie und lese und lerne gerne von Ihnen, aber ich kann nicht in einer anderen Sprache schreiben. Deutsch ist meine Muttersprache. Und ehrlich gesagt kann ich auch nicht besonders gut schreiben, mir fehlen oft die richtigen Worte. Aber ich bitte Sie alle, einfach so gut wie möglich weiterzumachen, mit aufrichtiger Zuneigung ... Pio.

Excuse me, I'm also one of the main readers of this forum. I admire SoS and enjoy reading and learning from SoS, but I can't write in any other language. German is my native language. And to be honest, I'm not a particularly good writer either; I often find myself at a loss for the right words. But I ask all of you to just continue as best you can, with sincere affection... Pio.

 

[Vfordyce]

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.

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These are amazing!

 

[Vfordyce]

Entschuldigen Sie, ich gehöre auch zu den Hauptlesern dieses Forums. Ich bewundere Sie und lese und lerne gerne von Ihnen, aber ich kann nicht in einer anderen Sprache schreiben. Deutsch ist meine Muttersprache. Und ehrlich gesagt kann ich auch nicht besonders gut schreiben, mir fehlen oft die richtigen Worte. Aber ich bitte Sie alle, einfach so gut wie möglich weiterzumachen, mit aufrichtiger Zuneigung ... Pio.

Excuse me, I'm also one of the main readers of this forum. I admire SoS and enjoy reading and learning from SoS, but I can't write in any other language. German is my native language. And to be honest, I'm not a particularly good writer either; I often find myself at a loss for the right words. But I ask all of you to just continue as best you can, with sincere affection... Pio.

Some of us do understand German, but the rest of us appreciate the attempt at translation. Ihre Übersetzung ist gut.

 

[Micky h]

I’ve noticed over time that quite a few folks register here, but never post—or maybe only write one or two messages and then go quiet.
I understand that not everyone wants to jump right in, and that’s perfectly okay, but I’m genuinely curious: What keeps new members from posting more? Is it nerves? Not sure where to start? Concern about experience level? Language? Something else?

No pressure at all, but if you’re reading this and haven’t said much (or anything), this is your invitation to chime in. Even a “Hi, I’m here” is enough to get going. We all started somewhere, and we’re glad you’re here.

Why?
I have been on outside for sometime.
Learning many techniques. Following logs
A great site
I am not a team player or a clubby person
Happy with my own company
So I enjoy dipping in without commitment

 

[Kurt Konrath]

I agree with Jimsky, as I don't always get my work on models and build logs posted, but I do enjoy reading and learning new methods and offer learning new terms for what we are doing, and the how and why things were built in the good old days of sailing ships.

I do like to follow what others are doing to see where can I improve my skills to make my work in future better.

And I like saying "great job" as people who think they aren't doing great work, need encouragement.

 

[DerekC62]

These are amazing!

Thank you very much

 

[Mike C.]

I love reading all the posts and build logs. I have several grandchildren and they take most of my time. I am teaching them ship building skills as my oldest grandson is building the "Armed Virginia Sloop" as his first build. My second grandson is building an 19th century western prisoner wagon. Plus I an continuing a 30 year old build of the HMS Prince by Amati.
So long story short, I'm too busy to contribute much currently, but hope to reply/post more in the future.

Please know that I love SOS and reading thru the posts. I appreciate all the people who do take the time to post and KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
You are appreciated,

Mike

 

[Vfordyce]

I love reading all the posts and build logs. I have several grandchildren and they take most of my time. I am teaching them ship building skills as my oldest grandson is building the "Armed Virginia Sloop" as his first build. My second grandson is building an 19th century western prisoner wagon. Plus I an continuing a 30 year old build of the HMS Prince by Amati.
So long story short, I'm too busy to contribute much currently, but hope to reply/post more in the future.

Please know that I love SOS and reading thru the posts. I appreciate all the people who do take the time to post and KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
You are appreciated,

Mike

Great post!

 

[Mikael Gbg]

to learn more and be able to start building again

 

[CPORoss]

As a relative newbie here, I will say that very few days so by that I don't check in to see what's going on and how builds are going. I don't post much for a couple of probably lame reasons.

1. I really don't build tall ships. Although I have a Swift that I've been trying to build for years, and a Halcon still in the packing. Since I don't build the same as most of you, I just don't have the questions to ask generally. But one of these days I aspire to build a few tall ships.
2. I'm building scratch 20th century US DDs. There is rigging, but not the same volume or type as most of the builds I read about here.
3. As to posting build logs....I am at best glacial slow! The ice caps are returning faster than I build.

Bruce