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

Don Good’s model above:

First of all well done!!

This is exactly the kind of model that interest’s me. It has no cannons or fancy decorations but is a wonderful example of the way that everyday people made a living from the water, and an illustration of the way that the builder transformed his research into an interesting model.

I must admit that when I open SOS I seldom read build logs for POB kit HMS Victories, Bounties, Etc. I am NOT criticizing those who build these kits, they simply do not interest me and I have little advice to offer as I have never built a POB kit. Builders of these are enjoying a different branch of model ship building than me. I do try to answer all questions when I believe that I have something worthwhile to add.

Roger
 
Jimsky said:
That's a great question, Zarthabad, and one I’ve thought about myself.

I truly believe there's always value in a build log, even if the kit has been built a hundred times before. Why? Because you haven’t built it yet. Your approach, your observations, your challenges, and your solutions are unique, and that makes your log worthwhile. We learn from each other! :)
Every builder sees and experiences the process differently. What might seem routine to a veteran could be a revelation to someone just starting. And sometimes, it’s not about a groundbreaking technique, it’s about sharing the journey, building community, and encouraging others along the way. ;)
Another big advantage, if you ever hit a snag or make a mistake, posting a log makes it much easier for others to spot it and offer helpful advice before it becomes a bigger problem. Also, you never know who might stumble upon your log at just the right time. That one photo or comment you share could be the spark that keeps someone else going.

So yes, log away, even if it’s a well-worn path. It’s still your voyage, and we’d be lucky to come aboard.
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Well, after such a beautifully-said and well spoken encouragement, I am converted.
I’ll get started on a Lobster Smack build log.

Thanks Jimsky and Stevinne for sharing your perspectives.

To your point, I was mildly annoyed that I got the lobster smack kit that has large boards instead of planks for the hull, and wish I had had the same idea as Mauri Zio - who made planks out of the boards. T’will be for next time.

Also, the original question of this thread was clearly worth asking - I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s take and seeing a few people post for the first time.
 
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I fall in the inactive category, and I'm really sorry. I've been absorbing new techniques and information since I got here. I'm still working on the San Francisco II at the ratlines stage on the upper masts. Had a couple of surgeries on my right hand (dominant hand), elbow, and shoulder over the last few months which stopped all work but basic plastic kits. My Great-Great-Uncle got my Father interested in model ships and he built scratch models for commission (wish I had more Pic's of them to share) and that's how I got interested. Alas, my Father passed before I could glean all of his expertise. I'm going to post a couple of pic's of model's I still have here and one I repaired for my Sister. And I will Post a couple of the pictures I have of My very first Wood Ship KIT "H.M.S. Endeavour. LOL, I'll even post a couple of crowded plastic model assemblies I have, and I promise as soon as I start working again on "San Francisco II" there will be pics of my final progress. The Half hulls I can't identify, and the repaired ship is the "Newsboy".

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Over did it yesterday pulling weeds!! Can't sleep. Just lurking and having a great time learning from you all!!! Thanks for all your posts!!

Dave
 
Well, I must admit that I've been reading SOS almost daily for the past two years but never got around to registering. I visit MSW, SOS and PaperModeler everyday. I don't feel that any of them are the 'perfect' place for me but they all have attributes that I like. I'm on my third build log on MSW--only because I came across that community before the others. But since I'm concentrating on card modeling there's not a lot of feedback. Frequently, I'll cross post the log to PM. But ship modelers are certainly a minority over there so there's not a lot of feedback either. Now that I'm registered here at SOS, maybe I'll cross post here, too, but I suspect It would be about the same experience. Granted, there's a great deal of knowledge at each forum. But I feel that I have to cast a wide net to find the information I'm seeking or a kindred soul. It's often a matter of how much 'bandwidth' I want to devote to the community/build log aspect of my projects instead of actually building.

I also have to admit that most of my forum visiting is via my phone or tablet. I simply despise trying to type on those devices. So even when I'm motivated to respond to someone else's post, by the time I get to an actual keyboard (sometimes days later) I've forgotten or the thread has moved on to where my comments are no longer helpful. So... I lurk and absorb... like an old sponge.
 
jsk said:
Well, I must admit that I've been reading SOS almost daily for the past two years but never got around to registering. I visit MSW, SOS and PaperModeler everyday. I don't feel that any of them are the 'perfect' place for me but they all have attributes that I like. I'm on my third build log on MSW--only because I came across that community before the others. But since I'm concentrating on card modeling there's not a lot of feedback. Frequently, I'll cross post the log to PM. But ship modelers are certainly a minority over there so there's not a lot of feedback either. Now that I'm registered here at SOS, maybe I'll cross post here, too, but I suspect It would be about the same experience. Granted, there's a great deal of knowledge at each forum. But I feel that I have to cast a wide net to find the information I'm seeking or a kindred soul. It's often a matter of how much 'bandwidth' I want to devote to the community/build log aspect of my projects instead of actually building.

I also have to admit that most of my forum visiting is via my phone or tablet. I simply despise trying to type on those devices. So even when I'm motivated to respond to someone else's post, by the time I get to an actual keyboard (sometimes days later) I've forgotten or the thread has moved on to where my comments are no longer helpful. So... I lurk and absorb... like an old sponge.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts so honestly, Jeff. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of reflection into how you engage with the modeling community, and that’s valuable.
Your point about splitting time between multiple forums and choosing where to invest your energy is completely valid. Still, even if it’s just a small cross-post now and then, your card modeling work could be a welcome addition here at SoS. Many of us are curious about different mediums and techniques, and your experience might be the inspiration or information someone else was looking for.

As for typing on phones or tablets, yes, that’s a struggle many can relate to (I do). But even a short note of appreciation or a small update can go a long way in building connections. Lurking and learning are fine, but don’t hesitate to chime in when it suits you. You might be surprised at how warmly your contributions are received, even if few and far between.
 
This is a great forum and if people drop in to just pick up ideas without actually posting I am okay with that.

I have been a member for some time and the truly miraculous thing is that it is still a friendly site with no snipers or self-appointed 'experts'. For that we should be truly thankful and I hope it never changes.
 
Dave Stevens (Lumberyard) said:
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.
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Dave, here's a link to my Instagram page ( https://www.instagram.com/derekc0131/ )where I've posted many - but not all - of the projects I've completed in the last four or five years. I'm also a member of "The Clubhouse" modelling forum (https://www.theclubhouse1.net/ ) that covers a wide range of model building topics (diorama, historical miniatures, vehicles, etc.).
 
Graham said:
This is a great forum and if people drop in to just pick up ideas without actually posting I am okay with that.

I have been a member for some time and the truly miraculous thing is that it is still a friendly site with no snipers or self-appointed 'experts'. For that we should be truly thankful and I hope it never changes.
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You're absolutely right, Graham, no one should ever feel pressured to post. If someone finds value in quietly learning and gathering ideas here, that's perfectly fine. What matters most is that SoS remains a welcoming, respectful place where everyone, whether they speak up often or not, feels at home.

And yes, the friendly atmosphere here is something special. It's a rare thing online, and preserving that sense of camaraderie is something we all contribute to, just by being kind, curious, and supportive, whether we're posting daily or just reading along.
 
Usually by the time I read posts there are responses from the usual responders, so I see no point in restating what has already been said multiple times.
 
A Thought About Forum Membership and Participation

I've been wondering for quite a long time about something that might seem simple on the surface but is actually a bit curious when you stop to think about it. Our forum is quite open, I mean you don’t need to register just to browse and learn. Guests can read through build logs, tutorials, general discussions, and practically the whole ship. The only things off-limits are posting/replying and viewing images in full size (and let’s be honest, squinting at thumbnails is no way to admire a fine stern gallery). And yet, many folks go ahead and register… and then vanish into the mist like a ghost ship. No posts, no comment, not/or even just quiet observation.

So I’m left wondering: what motivates someone to go through the effort of signing up if they don’t plan to participate? Is it to bookmark threads? Access larger images? Maybe it’s like joining a gym, you feel better just knowing you have the option, even if you never quite make it to the treadmill.
Even if you're just exploring the decks in silence, that’s still part of the journey. But if you’re already aboard, don’t be shy about waving from the deck once in a while. You never know who’ll wave back.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Why do you think folks sign up and then stay silent? And if you were once among them, what changed your course?


Fair winds and following seas,
 
Hello,
Just to add some points:
At first: dońt speake if you can ´t add something what is worth to read. I am at home working on small, maybe easy models (at an sample: mini Bluenose from Amati). Here a lot of specialists building very sophisticated models like „Bluenose“ from ZHL. What should I say to them? Sorry for that but I am looking to them with big eyes. And yes: I am learning from them - sorry for that.
Just some other points: yes - also in times of Google Interpreter and DeepL - language and region could be an point ( looking at the first response in this discussion - not so easy to understand for an foreigner). Different brands of tools, different wood …
So: I am very glad to be in this group.
Vrry best regards - Otto
 
The only things off-limits are posting/replying and viewing images in full size (and let’s be honest, squinting at thumbnails is no way to admire a fine stern gallery).

i know for a fact customers who buy timbering sets of Hahn Ships come here to view his models and research and the build logs. They have no interest in saying anything they sign up to view images and that's it.
So if jacking up the membership number is NOT the goal here then why not allow guests to see full images? If the goal is to get the general public interested than why hide the images as a small thumbnail ?
 
Dave Stevens (Lumberyard) said:
i know for a fact customers who buy timbering sets of Hahn Ships come here to view his models and research and the build logs. They have no interest in saying anything they sign up to view images and that's it.
So if jacking up the membership number is NOT the goal here then why not allow guests to see full images? If the goal is to get the general public interested than why hide the images as a small thumbnail ?
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You're right. Dave, some folks register just to view images or gather information silently, and that's perfectly okay. But just to set the record straight, SoS isn't chasing membership numbers like a scoreboard. We're not trying to “jack up” stats, and there's no master plan to convert every visitor into a daily poster.
The image visibility policy (where full-size images require a login) isn’t about exclusivity, it’s a practical decision. It helps:
  • Reduce server load from casual web crawlers
  • Encourage a basic level of engagement (like creating an account)
  • Protect members’ privacy and work, since photos are part of personal logs, having them hidden from full public view gives builders more comfort posting their detailed work.
And for many of us, simply knowing who's in the audience, even silently, is part of maintaining the community feel. So no, we’re not gatekeeping or hiding the treasure chest, we’re just trying to keep the ship tidy and the crew accounted for. ;)
 
You're right. Dave, some folks register just to view images or gather information silently, and that's perfectly okay. But just to set the record straight, SoS isn't chasing membership numbers like a scoreboard. We're not trying to “jack up” stats,

and that is why i used capitals NOT the goal ok i see the IF which i should of stated a fact and not the "if"

So if jacking up the membership number is NOT the goal here
 
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  • Reduce server load from casual web crawlers
i don't know how that works but to me logic suggests if the full size is on the server why does it create a bigger load when viewed by web crawlers. But ok i will take your worrd for it.
 
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