Site Talk
Site announcements, comments, or feedback about the site.
Site announcements, comments, or feedback about the site.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Jim Starkweather
When to Reply
jasegreene
Joined: October 21, 2013
KitMaker: 751 posts
Armorama: 751 posts
Posted: Friday, July 19, 2019 - 04:43 PM UTC
I only really reply if I have something that can help in the contributing in the discussion,share a joke or a opinion.Other than that I don't post.
ctkwok
Joined: May 21, 2018
KitMaker: 197 posts
Armorama: 183 posts
Posted: Friday, July 19, 2019 - 04:57 PM UTC
I think there are going to be replies when hot new releases are reviewed and built as members are generally very excited, take that RFM Sherman for example. And I thought your Academy Stug IV which was reviewed quite fast after release got quite a few responses. And kits generally would get more response than AMs or accessories. I was excited to review new releases and I gave it a go to have quick turn around time hoping that would gather more responses.
yeahwiggie
Joined: March 24, 2006
KitMaker: 2,093 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Friday, July 19, 2019 - 10:09 PM UTC
I only recently returned to the forum after a prolonged absence and noticed the distinct drop in activity across the board.
I think people have been "facebook-ized", meaning they can't be bothered in replying, since it involves more activity then clickling "like". I also think many moved to facebookgroups, just for the sheer convenience; a quick look on the cellphone, a swipe, a "like" and done.
Social media are causing the demise of many a good forum in every branch of interest. And hopefully will the appaling actions of these social media mean that people turn their backs on those and return to forums. I did.....
I think people have been "facebook-ized", meaning they can't be bothered in replying, since it involves more activity then clickling "like". I also think many moved to facebookgroups, just for the sheer convenience; a quick look on the cellphone, a swipe, a "like" and done.
Social media are causing the demise of many a good forum in every branch of interest. And hopefully will the appaling actions of these social media mean that people turn their backs on those and return to forums. I did.....
Paulinsibculo
Joined: July 01, 2010
KitMaker: 1,322 posts
Armorama: 1,239 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 12:48 AM UTC
Dear Darren,
As stated by others, (local) FB fora may have taken away a part of the followers and responders.
For myself: just in case I got „stuck“ or need advice I ask, but also I do reply if I think I can contribute.
Maybe one of the reasons less obvious to all native English speaking guests, sometimes the use of typical US military slang or abbreviations makes reading less easier if you are not up to your nose into some matters or you are speaking English on another level.. This may therefore cause „ read, hardly understood, better no comment“ I guess.
But also uploading photos is rather complex. I have tried it a few times but than got stuck and (cowardly) gave up.
Nevertheless, I like this site. As a source of inspiration, help and enjoying other people‘s work in this hobby for individualists.
Beware! This is my frog vision, certainly not a Dutch helicopter view statement.
Enjoy your weekend
As stated by others, (local) FB fora may have taken away a part of the followers and responders.
For myself: just in case I got „stuck“ or need advice I ask, but also I do reply if I think I can contribute.
Maybe one of the reasons less obvious to all native English speaking guests, sometimes the use of typical US military slang or abbreviations makes reading less easier if you are not up to your nose into some matters or you are speaking English on another level.. This may therefore cause „ read, hardly understood, better no comment“ I guess.
But also uploading photos is rather complex. I have tried it a few times but than got stuck and (cowardly) gave up.
Nevertheless, I like this site. As a source of inspiration, help and enjoying other people‘s work in this hobby for individualists.
Beware! This is my frog vision, certainly not a Dutch helicopter view statement.
Enjoy your weekend
firstcircle
Joined: November 19, 2008
KitMaker: 2,249 posts
Armorama: 2,007 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 02:47 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I would like to know what makes the membership take the time to reply to news, reviews and feature posts. I ask as there has been a big drop off in those taking the time.. .
Darren, on this specific question, one of the things that changed on the site is the now default setting which now excludes comment threads in the forums. I'm not sure what the reason behind that change was, though I recall there has been some discussion before about where one accesses news, via the news section or via the forums, so perhaps that was part of it. I think that probably does nothing to encourage any responses to news, reviews and features because to see the discussion you'd have to visit the item rather than seeing in the forums. It seems to me to make sense that, even if that policy change is not reversed entirely, once an item has attracted one comment, then it would make sense for that thread to appear in the forum display by default.
I am aware that it is possible to turn the display of item threads as a personal preference, but firstly, many people won't, for whatever reason, choice or just not noticing, secondly, if you use browsers or settings that continually dump cookies etc, as many now do, any personal preference setting gets undone until you log back in.
Everything that everyone else says here is probably also true, but what I said above was a deliberate policy change, so perhaps some analysis should be done to see if there is any linkage between that change and the reduction in the posts you are referring to.
You're probably now going to tell me that that analysis has been done and there is no link...
Bodeen
#026
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 04:02 AM UTC
I am on the Kitmaker network every day. I do reply to things that interest me. I also find it frustrating at how difficult it is to post pictures. I don't subscribe to a photo storage service. I still financially support this site.
brekinapez
Joined: July 26, 2013
KitMaker: 2,272 posts
Armorama: 1,860 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 04:26 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI would like to know what makes the membership take the time to reply to news, reviews and feature posts. I ask as there has been a big drop off in those taking the time.. .
Darren, on this specific question, one of the things that changed on the site is the now default setting which now excludes comment threads in the forums. I'm not sure what the reason behind that change was, though I recall there has been some discussion before about where one accesses news, via the news section or via the forums, so perhaps that was part of it. I think that probably does nothing to encourage any responses to news, reviews and features because to see the discussion you'd have to visit the item rather than seeing in the forums. It seems to me to make sense that, even if that policy change is not reversed entirely, once an item has attracted one comment, then it would make sense for that thread to appear in the forum display by default.
I am aware that it is possible to turn the display of item threads as a personal preference, but firstly, many people won't, for whatever reason, choice or just not noticing, secondly, if you use browsers or settings that continually dump cookies etc, as many now do, any personal preference setting gets undone until you log back in.
Everything that everyone else says here is probably also true, but what I said above was a deliberate policy change, so perhaps some analysis should be done to see if there is any linkage between that change and the reduction in the posts you are referring to.
You're probably now going to tell me that that analysis has been done and there is no link...
Not sure what you're talking about. My link to the site takes me straight to the forums, and I can see articles/reviews/news and the responses to them with all the other topics. No, you can't comment directly on the news item but comments made in the forums show up under the article once posted to the topic where the link is.
And as for cookies, you can create an exclusion list to save cookies for logins that you want to keep in most browsers so it won't dump the ones you actually can use.
firstcircle
Joined: November 19, 2008
KitMaker: 2,249 posts
Armorama: 2,007 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 04:35 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Not sure what you're talking about
If you look at the bar above the main forum it has this option:
☑️ Show Site Content Related Topics (off by default)
Yes, you can set cookie exceptions etc. virtually anything is possible, but what is possible and what people actually do are often very different.
In fact I have ticked that box before to Show Site Content Related Topics, and even though I am logged in, it's lost the setting. Anyway, the point is that such topics are just no longer always there for everyone, which is what used to be the case.
joepanzer
Joined: January 21, 2004
KitMaker: 803 posts
Armorama: 740 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 04:48 AM UTC
KitMaker is bookmarked here and at work. 4th thing I check every day. The only other modelling site I venture to is Scalemates, but usually just to try to find kit reviews (if they aren't on KMN).
As one of the LHGs (Long Hiatus Guys), I feel intimidated to comment. As if I'm still taking baby steps-learning great techniques from the folks on this site- so who am I to comment?
As one of the LHGs (Long Hiatus Guys), I feel intimidated to comment. As if I'm still taking baby steps-learning great techniques from the folks on this site- so who am I to comment?
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 05:49 AM UTC
Quoted Text
KitMaker is bookmarked here and at work. 4th thing I check every day. The only other modelling site I venture to is Scalemates, but usually just to try to find kit reviews (if they aren't on KMN).
As one of the LHGs (Long Hiatus Guys), I feel intimidated to comment. As if I'm still taking baby steps-learning great techniques from the folks on this site- so who am I to comment?
First of all, let me just say that no one should feel intimidated when they see some of the excellent work that is done by some "pretty experienced modelers" on this site. If anything, I should think that this excellent work could very well be looked upon as "a motivational-tool" in striving to improve one's own work.
Secondly, I've had a "hiatus" of over 2 years because of a lot of health-issues and since then, I've come back to ARMORAMA only to see that not much has changed. There are still some people here on this site that won't post a comment unless it is to deride or castigate someone over some little, niggling detail or comment. I think that this kind of thing puts a goodly number of people off to the point where they just don't want to even visit this site anymore. Sad, but it DOES happen.
I've had more than a few negative "comments", ("put-downs" actually), over my use of "caps" in my commentary. Well you know something..? TOO BAD! Those of you who don't like my use of "caps" can go chase yourselves around the "Maypole", or something!
We still have the old "stalwarts" who let any derogatory commentary slide off their backs, and that's a good thing. But this hobby site should be a place to have fun and not a place to have a "pecking party", as is always seen on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
Having said that, I hope that "we" can keep the "negative-personalities" with their bad vibes at bay.
By the way, let me just say that my "Panzer-Clique" comments should be taken with a wee-grain of salt...
Charlie-66
#186
Joined: May 24, 2006
KitMaker: 771 posts
Armorama: 750 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 06:17 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I wish to make clear I am not trying to have a dig at anyone either specifically or generally. I am trying to get an idea of what it is the membership wants or needs in order to participate in written form. I have been trying to add videos to some of my reviews of late hoping that it may attract further interest with no effect.
I understand that time of year, subjects and time period dictate what you even look at on the network and accept that, but through the feedback I get here, try to add more of what it takes for members to type a comment or reply beyond the obvious.
Darren, I took no offense, and for my part will try to be more involved as opposed to being a "lurker"
CMOT
Editor-in-Chief
Joined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 07:17 AM UTC
What I want is to provide the viewer with what they are after within my abilities and so encourage their participation. The posts in this thread are understandable and most of you are people who are regular posters. What I would like to see is members willing to ask questions and add comments that add to the content or generate further questions. I say this as 'WoW and Great' while nice to receive do not further a subject.
I am also aware that some posts take threads in strange directions and some write replies in an aggressive or derogatory manner. It is my belief that in many cases that the lack of face to face comments means that at times we can all write in a confrontational manner even if that is not the intent. Also some at times deliberately bait others and it is a choice in many cases if you play or not; I would suggest that like me when a post gets your back up walk away and check it later as you can often be more constructive or just ignore the comment.
I should also add that I had not considered those whose first language is not English and I have made a habit of trying to use words in reviews I write to make the reader think. I will reconsider this with that English subject in mind in order to make it easier for second language speakers to follow.
I am also aware that some posts take threads in strange directions and some write replies in an aggressive or derogatory manner. It is my belief that in many cases that the lack of face to face comments means that at times we can all write in a confrontational manner even if that is not the intent. Also some at times deliberately bait others and it is a choice in many cases if you play or not; I would suggest that like me when a post gets your back up walk away and check it later as you can often be more constructive or just ignore the comment.
I should also add that I had not considered those whose first language is not English and I have made a habit of trying to use words in reviews I write to make the reader think. I will reconsider this with that English subject in mind in order to make it easier for second language speakers to follow.
Tank1812
Joined: April 29, 2014
KitMaker: 1,112 posts
Armorama: 886 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 10:49 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I would like to know what makes the membership take the time to reply to news, reviews and feature posts. I ask as there has been a big drop off in those taking the time to reply to a post and while staff take it on the chin the members who have taken the time to write a review or provide a feature think "What's the point". The result of this is a drop off in the number of members willing to send articles in and so making you all poorer.
Highly subjective as has this is a hobby and everyone is looking for something different. To me if you write an article or review, it should be because you want to give something to the community, not the “fame”, interactive of the review/article. A say that because what I have seen is that most people will not comment when doing something right/correct but make a mistake of some kind and you will have lots of feedback. The hobby aspect may also come into play when someone posts a read something, today the posting might not have any meaning or help but 3 yrs from now that same review/article might have great value. Similar to regular posts I think most people but a clock on how long a post was last used and if that time has passed they won’t post.
Secondarily I think there has been a drop off of forum participation across the hobby community because lives are busier, so some are unplugging more time on forums is less time on the bench, for some these forums are their bench, they cannot/don’t build anymore but forum interaction is how they enjoy the hobby.
My $0.02.....which gets you nothing.
barkingdigger
Associate Editor#013
Joined: June 20, 2008
KitMaker: 3,981 posts
Armorama: 3,403 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 03:12 AM UTC
Hi Darren, Looks like I took my time replying! (See what I did there? 
) I agree with the others that it is a complex mix including folks not having as much quality time to go around, not having anything useful to add, and a general malaise. I personally don't do social media (FaceAche and Twitspace) so don't have that excuse, but often when I surf here it is in the dregs of my working day, and unless a post really needs my input I'll just passively read without replying due to general lethargy. I don't like "cheerleader" posts either, so unless I have something useful to add I see no reason to just say "Ooh that looks nice". And of course sometimes I find others have already added what I would have, leaving me nothing new to say!
But the one thing I think needs addressed is the regular flame-wars between some of our veteran pugilists - these no doubt poison the atmosphere for others, and I'm far more likely to stand in silence as I watch the fight unfold because trying to interfere with useful posts can be a waste of time. Trouble is, to correct this requires more proactive policing by moderators, with offending posts either censored or removed - that can be quite a workload.
While we cannot compete with FB for instant news and rapid chat, I see our strength as being a sort of library of useful info. I can come here and find a review that's a decade old, but addresses the kit I'm interested in - try that on the "constant now" of FB! Same goes for useful discussions about kits, paint, or real-life prototypes that can be found when searching the archive of our Forums.
) I agree with the others that it is a complex mix including folks not having as much quality time to go around, not having anything useful to add, and a general malaise. I personally don't do social media (FaceAche and Twitspace) so don't have that excuse, but often when I surf here it is in the dregs of my working day, and unless a post really needs my input I'll just passively read without replying due to general lethargy. I don't like "cheerleader" posts either, so unless I have something useful to add I see no reason to just say "Ooh that looks nice". And of course sometimes I find others have already added what I would have, leaving me nothing new to say!But the one thing I think needs addressed is the regular flame-wars between some of our veteran pugilists - these no doubt poison the atmosphere for others, and I'm far more likely to stand in silence as I watch the fight unfold because trying to interfere with useful posts can be a waste of time. Trouble is, to correct this requires more proactive policing by moderators, with offending posts either censored or removed - that can be quite a workload.
While we cannot compete with FB for instant news and rapid chat, I see our strength as being a sort of library of useful info. I can come here and find a review that's a decade old, but addresses the kit I'm interested in - try that on the "constant now" of FB! Same goes for useful discussions about kits, paint, or real-life prototypes that can be found when searching the archive of our Forums.
Lakota
#123
Joined: November 17, 2008
KitMaker: 1,202 posts
Armorama: 635 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 05:30 AM UTC
Quoted Text
For me it's generally the things/genres I have an immmediate interest in as I don't have anywhere near enough time to go through everything I'd like to... But today is day 1 of holidays so hopefully I will have some more me time😉
Sometimes I don't really have much more to add and don't like just adding a comment for the sake of it.
HTH
P
Same here. Also, I don't feel like an expert so I've never done a blog, review or feature. I do enjoy this site and it is my main "Go To". I don't like FB and haven't been on it for years. I could add a simple "Thanks" for those doing the work and will try to remember in the future.
Much knowledge and camaraderie here. I'll try to step up to the plate and contribute more as I've been a member for quite a number of years. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Take care,
Don "Lakota"
ctkwok
Joined: May 21, 2018
KitMaker: 197 posts
Armorama: 183 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 10:11 AM UTC
There is no drop off in the interest level of the hobby... Things just have moved on to FB groups like everyone said, and I was in a number of them last year. You can see that lots of young folks are entering the hobby and old timers were reenergized to restart. In fact I did a U-turn and came back to contribute to old school modeling sites like Armorama because the large number of new people means questions are always repetitive, it gets boring fast. The lack of content that can be kept around means someone is always repeatedly answering the same questions, same arguments, argh... I wanted to throw up the 60th time the "stash" thread came about. That Godhand thread we had, was done to death. For me it's not even about skipping things I'm not interested in, it was the huge noise to signal ratio makes it a complete time sink to get anything half interesting to talk about.
The lower volume here doesn't bother me, I know everyone here have tons of experience and discussions are high quality. Improving the interactivity of this site would definitely help, but as busy as Jim is it probably isn't going to happen.
I'm also on Missing Lynx which through the platform Tapatalk is easier to manage content and images. But the conversation volume isn't that much higher.
The lower volume here doesn't bother me, I know everyone here have tons of experience and discussions are high quality. Improving the interactivity of this site would definitely help, but as busy as Jim is it probably isn't going to happen.
I'm also on Missing Lynx which through the platform Tapatalk is easier to manage content and images. But the conversation volume isn't that much higher.
tangodown
#494
Joined: August 08, 2018
KitMaker: 213 posts
Armorama: 198 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 10:16 AM UTC
I respond to the things that interest me. I like lots of other things that I see on the site but not enough to respond. Throw a like button into the post and you get tonnes more validation and acknowledgment that your content is being appreciated.
obg153
Joined: April 07, 2009
KitMaker: 1,063 posts
Armorama: 1,049 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 12:52 PM UTC
Several mentions of FB & Twit as a possible factor. Well it may seem hard-headed or a denial of current trends, but I refuse to use either. I occasionally browse thru other sites, but I stop here nearly every day, and it has been my go-to site ever since I joined. I could list a number of reasons why, but it would likely take up too much space. Among the top reasons is the ability to "talk" with other people who share this hobby. I'll post or reply to the things I find interesting. When I do, I believe it to be both courteous & respectful to do so in written form. Putting a "like" button would be a mistake imho.
deerstalker36
Joined: May 16, 2010
KitMaker: 232 posts
Armorama: 218 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 09:49 PM UTC
my $0.02, or 2p worth depending on where you are...
i tend to be a stalker, i love reading the builds on here, but only occasionally comment when i think i can add value. i do use the dreaded book of faces for some of the groups on there.
i'll subscribe to posts that interest me on here and they tend to be my go to ones when here
this is still an excellent site, even if just for stalking
i tend to be a stalker, i love reading the builds on here, but only occasionally comment when i think i can add value. i do use the dreaded book of faces for some of the groups on there.
i'll subscribe to posts that interest me on here and they tend to be my go to ones when here
this is still an excellent site, even if just for stalking
vettejack
Joined: November 23, 2012
KitMaker: 1,277 posts
Armorama: 1,254 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 01:00 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I am also aware that some posts take threads in strange directions and some write replies in an aggressive or derogatory manner. It is my belief that in many cases that the lack of face to face comments means that at times we can all write in a confrontational manner even if that is not the intent. Also some at times deliberately bait others and it is a choice in many cases if you play or not; I would suggest that like me when a post gets your back up walk away and check it later as you can often be more constructive or just ignore the comment.
As mentioned some time ago, this part of your statement is why I posted a review only one time, and will be only the one time. I don't care to be excoriated to a degree of offensiveness that exceeds normal boundaries of fair criticism. There a couple of well known individuals on this site that are infamously members of that sort. While I eagerly look at this site for tips and accurate kit details that (faithfully, along with fair representation) dictates that a kit is worth purchasing, that is as far as it goes for me.
Bravo1102
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
Armorama: 2,497 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 02:32 AM UTC
Forgive me if I come off as pedantic, but it is a documented fact that communication without body language and facial expression will often be misread. The most innocent of statements will be interpreted completely different from the writer's intention.
That's why online one needs a shaker of salt to add the pinch when something sounds off or hostile.
And then there is my problem with always having my tongue in my cheek and not taking things so seriously that I'm always a smart guy. Just slap me up the side of the head and that should knock my tiny piece of brain back into place.
That's why online one needs a shaker of salt to add the pinch when something sounds off or hostile.
And then there is my problem with always having my tongue in my cheek and not taking things so seriously that I'm always a smart guy. Just slap me up the side of the head and that should knock my tiny piece of brain back into place.
CMOT
Editor-in-ChiefJoined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 02:55 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI am also aware that some posts take threads in strange directions and some write replies in an aggressive or derogatory manner. It is my belief that in many cases that the lack of face to face comments means that at times we can all write in a confrontational manner even if that is not the intent. Also some at times deliberately bait others and it is a choice in many cases if you play or not; I would suggest that like me when a post gets your back up walk away and check it later as you can often be more constructive or just ignore the comment.
As mentioned some time ago, this part of your statement is why I posted a review only one time, and will be only the one time. I don't care to be excoriated to a degree of offensiveness that exceeds normal boundaries of fair criticism. There a couple of well known individuals on this site that are infamously members of that sort. While I eagerly look at this site for tips and accurate kit details that (faithfully, along with fair representation) dictates that a kit is worth purchasing, that is as far as it goes for me.
John: I am sorry that comments about the wording or statements you made has made you make this decision as I enjoyed the review.
CMOT
Editor-in-ChiefJoined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 02:58 AM UTC
I want to say that I have bumped heads with people here both in public and private. Some posts have even made me hover over the ban button, but I go away and come back calmer and can then usually ignore the comments. I suppose it may be because I remember Gary's time here and anyone who has been around long enough will know who I am talking about and inwardly cringe.
alanmac
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 3,033 posts
Armorama: 2,953 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 03:18 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I suppose it may be because I remember Gary's time here and anyone who has been around long enough will know who I am talking about and inwardly cringe.
Participates over on Missing Lynx and the behaviour hasn't changed, sad to say...if we are talking Mr O....
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 08:06 AM UTC
I check my Armorama account multiple times a day, sometimes dozens of times. I eagerily await new threads in my areas of interest and try to contribute when and wherever possible.
I have not started any large scale (no pun intended) project articles of late simply because no inspirational projects have come my way. However I am just as motivated and interested in contributing to this site as ever. Additionally I recently became a KitMaker subscriber.
I have not started any large scale (no pun intended) project articles of late simply because no inspirational projects have come my way. However I am just as motivated and interested in contributing to this site as ever. Additionally I recently became a KitMaker subscriber.
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