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New award holders...
staff_Jim
Staff MemberPublisher
KITMAKER NETWORK
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New Hampshire, United States
Joined: December 15, 2001
KitMaker: 12,571 posts
Armorama: 6,599 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 08:25 PM UTC
Some of you may be seeing a new award on your uniform...

I was getting rather glum while visiting another site which started up about a year ago now and has a good sized membership. And where as we were doing very well in the subject matter of this site a year ago, now we are lagging behind. Subtracting the "people equation" from this, I guess I get a bit depressed when people don't see this site for what it is, a tool. A very powerful tool for delivering content and ideas. Perhaps I am biased, but I don't believe there is a single military modeling subject this site cannot be the best on the Internet with. Certainly it would take time, effort, and a lot of work. But I know it can be done. Our present success is proof of it. Some of you (esspecially those on the staff) may think I am talking "at" you. I am not. Who I am talking to is the next guy (or gal) who decides to spend 100's of hours building a great site focused on some aspect of our hobby. I WANT YOU!! I have built this site for YOU! You want to build something...consider building it here. Armorama is not going anywhere. I am not waking up in 6 months and calling it quits. If I have my way I will be working on this as a hobby until I am old and gray (well already gray a bit). And for everyone reading this overly dramatic drivel...trust me when I say that this site will be here long after many others have had their data and communities wiped clean from their hard-drives.

And now back to why I started this damn post...

The following people I wanted to recognize for their special contributions to this site and their dedication to said future.

Ronny (Roadkill)
Danny (Eagle)
Jim (Guntruck)
Rowan (Merlin)
Scott (slodder)
Keith (KFMagee)
Toni (Envar)

Thanks for all their efforts in the past, present, and future. And to many others for whom without their contributions Armorama would not be here.

Thanks,
Jim
crossbow
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Antwerpen, Belgium
Joined: April 11, 2003
KitMaker: 1,387 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 08:36 PM UTC
Give those guys a drink

and don't forget yourself Jim . You are the one who started all this, my gratitude is endless.

Kris
Jurgen
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Limburg, Belgium
Joined: October 29, 2003
KitMaker: 651 posts
Armorama: 510 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 08:37 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Ronny (Roadkill)
Danny (Eagle)
Jim (Guntruck)
Rowan (Merlin)
Scott (slodder)
Keith (KFMagee)
Toni (Envar)

Thanks for all their efforts in the past, present, and future


Amen!
MrRoo
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Queensland, Australia
Joined: October 07, 2002
KitMaker: 3,856 posts
Armorama: 2,984 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 08:39 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Ronny (Roadkill)
Danny (Eagle)
Jim (Guntruck)
Rowan (Merlin)
Scott (slodder)
Keith (KFMagee)
Toni (Envar)

Thanks for all their efforts in the past, present, and future


Amen!


I agree too
greatbrit
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United Kingdom
Joined: May 14, 2003
KitMaker: 2,127 posts
Armorama: 1,217 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 09:25 PM UTC
well done to the guys!

cheers

joe
shonen_red
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Metro Manila, Philippines
Joined: February 20, 2003
KitMaker: 5,762 posts
Armorama: 2,283 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 10:28 PM UTC
Congratulation guys!! :-)
Graywolf
Staff MemberSenior Editor
HISTORICUS FORMA
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Izmir, Turkey / Türkçe
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 6,405 posts
Armorama: 1,850 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 12:09 AM UTC
congrats ALL..you all deserved that and congrats to Jim for appreciating good efforts .
drinks for Y'ALL
brandydoguk
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England - North, United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2002
KitMaker: 1,495 posts
Armorama: 234 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 01:09 AM UTC

Quoted Text

. And where as we were doing very well in the subject matter of this site a year ago, now we are lagging behind......for delivering content and ideas.


I'm not sure what you mean here Jim. Do you mean articles and reviews or simply forum content? If it is articles and reviews I must say that it can be a bit of a downer when articles are submitted and nothing is heard of again. If they are not of a good enough quality then shouldn't there be some feedback as to why they are not used? I would imagine most of us are not experienced in producing written articles and the stuff I've submitted may not quite be right but some explanation as to what is wrong with them would surely be an encouragement to improve and do more? Just a thought.
jimbrae
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Provincia de Lugo, Spain / España
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 01:24 AM UTC
I couldn't agree more...these (and several others!) deserve a special mention. Unfortunately, it's the usual 'rule of life' that a handful work for the apathetic majority. I also have to say that when someone tries to do something positive for the site (like the above mentioned gentlemen) there are always the usual malcontents muttering in the background. The content IS GOOD although there is always room for improvement. If I was you Jim, I would be quietly satisfied rather than depressed. ..just my two centavos....Jim
Halfyank
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Colorado, United States
Joined: February 01, 2003
KitMaker: 5,221 posts
Armorama: 1,245 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 01:27 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Ronny (Roadkill)
Danny (Eagle)
Jim (Guntruck)
Rowan (Merlin)
Scott (slodder)
Keith (KFMagee)
Toni (Envar)


Yes, thanks and congratulations to these seven great guys. But, as Jim also said,

Quoted Text

And to many others for whom without their contributions Armorama would not be here.


I think most everybody here deserves a great big pat on the back for making this the very BEST modeling site on the web. Recently I started hanging out a bit at another modeling forum. At least it's supposed to be for modeling. Since there I've noticed a bit of back biting, people being argumentative just to be argumentative, and generally not as friendly or as helpful as I've come to expect from Armorama. I really have been spoiled here. Thanks go to everybody, to Jim, the above seven guys,and everybody else here for keeping this site going, and keeping people coming back.




slodder
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: February 22, 2002
KitMaker: 11,718 posts
Armorama: 7,138 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 01:42 AM UTC
Blush ..... Wow, Jim thank you very much for the vote of confidence.

Quoted Text


Ronny (Roadkill)
Danny (Eagle)
Jim (Guntruck)
Rowan (Merlin)
Keith (KFMagee)
Toni (Envar)

Congratulations -guys way to go.
kkeefe
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Massachusetts, United States
Joined: May 12, 2002
KitMaker: 1,416 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 02:22 AM UTC
Congrats to all and ROCK ON!
FAUST
#130
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Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Joined: June 07, 2002
KitMaker: 8,797 posts
Armorama: 4,190 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 02:33 AM UTC
Ola People

A big Hooray to all of you. The medals couldn`t go to better places wear them with pride

cardinal
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Visayas, Philippines
Joined: October 05, 2003
KitMaker: 1,008 posts
Armorama: 469 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 02:38 AM UTC
Congratulations guys!!!!
GunTruck
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California, United States
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 02:55 AM UTC
Jim - you know I'm here and always will be for this Site. I couldn't add anymore to what Jim said - other than I'm thrilled that so many great members have come to Armorama. It seems like there are second and now third "generations" of members who keep adding spice to the mix - like a good southern Gumbo.

Everyone knows Gumbo only gets better with time...

Gunnie
GunTruck
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California, United States
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 04:30 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

. And where as we were doing very well in the subject matter of this site a year ago, now we are lagging behind......for delivering content and ideas.


I'm not sure what you mean here Jim. Do you mean articles and reviews or simply forum content? If it is articles and reviews I must say that it can be a bit of a downer when articles are submitted and nothing is heard of again. If they are not of a good enough quality then shouldn't there be some feedback as to why they are not used? I would imagine most of us are not experienced in producing written articles and the stuff I've submitted may not quite be right but some explanation as to what is wrong with them would surely be an encouragement to improve and do more? Just a thought.


At the risk of speaking for Jim out of turn - You did ask "Jim"

We could really use the News, Articles (all kinds - tips, research, photo essays, show coverage, etc), and New Kit Reviews.

Our Forum structure and participation is great. We've got a great Gallery. But, what many continue to say is that Armorama is not the place they go daily to "find out what's going on" in our hobby. For the first couple of years we've paid very close attention to building the membership base and providing a Forum for them to interact in and develop tools to enhance that experience. Much progress has been made and much will happen in the future.

Where we're not as advanced is in providing what a lot of members seek - the "real time" stuff of our hobby world. I know it is a downer when an item or material is submitted - but we can't make it appear instantly. It's a downer for us too behind the scenes because we want to get it out as fast as you want it out.

It's going to take a shift in our efforts and the way we go about doing things to improve this area of the Site. No excuses - just give us all a chance to work out a system and methodology that works for all.

I think that's something Jim wants us to work out and get better at!

Gunnie
animal
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Joined: December 15, 2002
KitMaker: 4,503 posts
Armorama: 3,159 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 04:34 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Everyone knows Gumbo only gets better with time...

Gunnie
You know that is very true. My hearty congrats to all. This site has come a long way in a short time and I too believe it when Jim says that we will be here long after a lot of the other sites are long forgotten. Three cheers to all
PLMP110
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Alabama, United States
Joined: September 26, 2002
KitMaker: 1,318 posts
Armorama: 837 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 05:17 AM UTC
Congrats to the mentioned and a pat on the back to everyone here. What makes this great is the people. Good, friendly people with an enormous knowledge base and incredible modeling skills to boot. I'm glad Amorama is what it is and proud to be associated with it.

Patrick
animal
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Joined: December 15, 2002
KitMaker: 4,503 posts
Armorama: 3,159 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 05:30 AM UTC
I have been thinking about what has been said on this site and I have come to the realization that we don't have the cloak and dagger mentality that a lot of craftsmen have. I can remember when I was a young boy when I would spend time with my Grandfather and we would visit some of his old friends. While visiting them I would notice that they would cover their work so it could not be seen(my Grandfather was a Gunsmith). My Grandfather would tell me that a true craftsman would be happy to share the work with those in the same field. On this site we have that same attitude here also. We have an abundance of talented people who have no problem in sharing their knowledge with all who ask. On other sites I have seen this is not always the case. It is the attitude of the general membership and the leadership we have here that makes this site what it is today. I have heard on other sites that we a "Childish" because we have Handles and a rank system. To me it sounds like they are jealous for not thinking of this idea first. We have a colorful forum and it is the reason I believe that we are growing. Even the individuals who called us "childish admitted that we have the friendliest and helpful site on the web. Long live Armorama!
brandydoguk
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England - North, United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2002
KitMaker: 1,495 posts
Armorama: 234 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 05:34 AM UTC

Quoted Text


But, what many continue to say is that Armorama is not the place they go daily to "find out what's going on" in our hobby...... Where we're not as advanced is in providing what a lot of members seek - the "real time" stuff of our hobby world. I know it is a downer when an item or material is submitted - but we can't make it appear instantly. It's a downer for us too behind the scenes because we want to get it out as fast as you want it out.


Gunnie


Gunnie, my previous comments were not in any way meant as a criticism of anyone who works behind the scenes. I was simply trying to clarify what Jim was getting at. Is it more reviews/articles that are wanted or some other form of input? What do you mean by "real time" stuff? My comment about my articles not appearing were simply to ask if it is some other form of input that is wanted instead? I have no worries whether anything I submit is used or not, I can put them on the A-UK site myself anyway, I just don't want to waste my or anyone else's time if my submissions are not what is required and to find out exactly what Jim is asking for.
Tin_Can
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Florida, United States
Joined: January 26, 2002
KitMaker: 1,560 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 05:36 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


Quoted Text

. And where as we were doing very well in the subject matter of this site a year ago, now we are lagging behind......for delivering content and ideas.


I'm not sure what you mean here Jim. Do you mean articles and reviews or simply forum content? If it is articles and reviews I must say that it can be a bit of a downer when articles are submitted and nothing is heard of again. If they are not of a good enough quality then shouldn't there be some feedback as to why they are not used? I would imagine most of us are not experienced in producing written articles and the stuff I've submitted may not quite be right but some explanation as to what is wrong with them would surely be an encouragement to improve and do more? Just a thought.


At the risk of speaking for Jim out of turn - You did ask "Jim"

We could really use the News, Articles (all kinds - tips, research, photo essays, show coverage, etc), and New Kit Reviews.

Our Forum structure and participation is great. We've got a great Gallery. But, what many continue to say is that Armorama is not the place they go daily to "find out what's going on" in our hobby. For the first couple of years we've paid very close attention to building the membership base and providing a Forum for them to interact in and develop tools to enhance that experience. Much progress has been made and much will happen in the future.

Where we're not as advanced is in providing what a lot of members seek - the "real time" stuff of our hobby world. I know it is a downer when an item or material is submitted - but we can't make it appear instantly. It's a downer for us too behind the scenes because we want to get it out as fast as you want it out.

It's going to take a shift in our efforts and the way we go about doing things to improve this area of the Site. No excuses - just give us all a chance to work out a system and methodology that works for all.

I think that's something Jim wants us to work out and get better at!

Gunnie


First of all, congragulations to all those recognized. You have helped make the site what it is today.

Second, I totally concur with Gunnies comments.
GunTruck
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California, United States
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 06:41 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


But, what many continue to say is that Armorama is not the place they go daily to "find out what's going on" in our hobby...... Where we're not as advanced is in providing what a lot of members seek - the "real time" stuff of our hobby world. I know it is a downer when an item or material is submitted - but we can't make it appear instantly. It's a downer for us too behind the scenes because we want to get it out as fast as you want it out.


Gunnie


Gunnie, my previous comments were not in any way meant as a criticism of anyone who works behind the scenes. I was simply trying to clarify what Jim was getting at. Is it more reviews/articles that are wanted or some other form of input? What do you mean by "real time" stuff? My comment about my articles not appearing were simply to ask if it is some other form of input that is wanted instead? I have no worries whether anything I submit is used or not, I can put them on the A-UK site myself anyway, I just don't want to waste my or anyone else's time if my submissions are not what is required and to find out exactly what Jim is asking for.


No offense taken Martin - I was just trying to answer your question. For example:

"Real Time" = News (Local & International Model Events, Chapter Happenings, Show Reports, Photo Logs, Museum Tours, Local Guys Done Good)

New Kits & New Kit Reviews (First Looks, Build Ups, Hints & Tips)

Kit Reviews & Articles (How To, Dioramas, Aircraft, Spacecraft, Figures, Ships, Oldies But Goodies)

What I was trying to relate is that all of the above are a part of the "real time" information aspect of our hobby that is currently fed by magazines and other sites around the 'Net. The present goal here at Armorama is to not only gather and present this type of information - but to do it in a timely manner so that it's relevant to you as a member.

A submission is never a waste, and we're working hard to setup the system so that it is moved through the pipeline and presented faster for all to share. Please keep submitting through Armorama UK - but feel good that efforts are working at the main site to improve in that area.

Gunnie
Eagle
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Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Joined: May 22, 2002
KitMaker: 4,082 posts
Armorama: 1,993 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 06:57 AM UTC
Geez.... I'm honoured (or is it honored ).....

Well what can I say.. I had a great time over here since the first time I logged in and I still enjoy every minute of my visits.

Ok, we may not have the hottest news so far (we'll get that in time), but we have an awesome community over here. Members who are willing to share advice and members that aren't afraid to ask for it..... A wonderful group of people ! Theirs is the glory !

Like I said when I started this post, I'm honored.

Thanks Jim and all users aboard this great vessel that is steaming towards top-quality..... it might take us some time, but we'll get there !
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 06:57 AM UTC
As an "Editor-at-Large", if I see waiting content, I always let it sit to give the subject editors and assistant editors a chance to approve it. If the same submission is there for what I consider to be a lengthy period of time (no true definition in my mind), I then peruse the submission, make any necessary edits and approve it. I definitely don't want to prematurely approve an article that a subject editor is currently working on.

My guidance to the rank and file who wish to submit content is to print out their article and read it aloud or have a friend/spouse read it. If you don't have anyone close at hand to proof read it for you, copy/paste it to a PM or e-mail it to one of the editors (or a friend) and ask them to proof read it for you. Once an editor has looked at it and knows the article is being submitted, they can look for it and the approval process will be quicker. Also PMing the editor and giving them a heads uo will help as well.
scoccia
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Milano, Italy
Joined: September 02, 2002
KitMaker: 2,606 posts
Armorama: 1,721 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 08:48 AM UTC
Bravissimi!!! Well deserved!!!
 _GOTOTOP