[Gort]

In keeping with the “two sides to every coin” theorem, I’d like to know where you stand on the following issue:

How critical should our model criticisms be?

On the one side, some of us attack models and/or manufacturers with relish (not the savory condiment kind). If a model appears ugly, inaccurate or otherwise unworthy, we appoint ourselves judge, jury and hangman; we rip the poor thing apart with gusto, blow torch it into oblivion, verbally melt into a puddle of molten hell from whence it’ll never rise. All the while feeling completely justified despite the gnawing doubts and misgivings this inflicts in others who like the model. This is a forum after all, and everybody’s welcome to his opinion no matter how offensive. You don’t have to like or even agree with him, but that's the way it is, Bruddah!

On the opposite end, some of us would rather avoid vitriol. If a member doesn’t like a model, that’s fine. But abandoning balanced, reasoned criticism for bloodthirsty, savage attack smacks of a darker agenda—the brutalizing of people’s sensibilities. It's downright inconsiderate!

And then there’s the middle ground which maintains that, hey ... everybody calm down. If you don’t like a model, say so, and do tell us why. But please, temper your remarks; you might even preface your commentary with “In my humble opinion ...” And you ninnies who cringe when somebody criticizes your favorite model, for Pete’s sake don’t get offended. You don’t have to embrace what he says, anymore than he has to accept your appraisal. You can always disagree. So get a life!

My take ...

I land in the middle somewhere. On occasion I’ve lambasted IXO models knowing full well other members love them. I’ve verbally mutilated a certain Corgi He-111(among other models), thinking I’ve served the ends of justice. On the other hand, I recoil when somebody shreds Gaincorp Su-33s or 21st Century 1/32 warbirds or Witty F-16s (among others). I’ve actually wondered at my own stupidity for buying them after reading some of these rants.

But in the end I’ve concluded that we all have unique points of view. This is a forum, after all, and if we can’t share our likes and dislikes, what’s the point? We have the right to disagree with whomever we wish whenever we wish. The trick is in deflating some of our negativity. Perhaps when we absolutely hate a model, when we’d just as soon pitch it over a cliff to its doom, we should take a deep breath, smile, and objectively—not subjectively—review its weaknesses.

Anyway, what’s your take?

[Shawn 507]

I know I dont like certian subjects. But I don't recall slamming a diecast plane outright. I couldn't comment on the correct rendering of any diecast plane, my primary interest is in armor. And armor is where I'd be more critical. With planes, hey if it looks good and is fairly accurate I'm in. Still not buying a Corgi Mustang though. But I do have the inaccurate FM-2 Wildcats from Dragon.

[leeG]

Since we are trying to positively influence the manufacturers, praise to criticism should be on the order of 10 to 1. Tell them what we like ten time more often than we tell them what we don't to keep them doing what like. Everyone loves to hear what they are doing right. Then when we do have a particular issue, our positive criticism will have more of an impact.

[Shawn 507]

I don't get that at all. If they want critiques give it to them. Why church it up? Don't take it personally, take it professionally. Thats the problem with the world, noone can take the truth up front. It has to be sweetened.
If everyone is thinking alike, noone is thinking! Where is the purple dinasour?

[leeG]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

I don't get that at all. If they want critiques give it to them. Why church it up? Don't take it personally, take it professionally. Thats the problem with the world, noone can take the truth up front. It has to be sweetened.
If everyone is thinking alike, noone is thinking! Where is the purple dinasour?

A big part of critiques is what is RIGHT. We tend to focus on what is wrong. I see a lot more good stuff than bad, but I hear all about the bad, very little about the good. Purple diansour? No, just good communications and respect, of which there is less and less these days.

[Shawn 507]

A good critique would include both good and bad, three up and three down for example. I'll check the blocks on the good, but I'd definately want to know what needs to be fixed. You can't fix it if people surronding you don't want to talk about the bad. It is simply feedback, how you take it is another thing all together.
HM seems to roll well with both the positive and negative responses. And its the critical eye that helps HM and us get what we both want. Some other firms could learn much from this!

Yes sir the Titanic is a mighty fine ship, very luxurious, pride of the fleet. There is the matter of the small leak though.

[leeG]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Yes sir the Titanic is a mighty fine ship, very luxurious, pride of the fleet. There is the matter of the small leak though.

Can I get some ice for my drink, Capitan?

[stalag8611]

All things considered, THM forum contributors are reasonably restrained when compared to the loonies across the pond. True enough, there some real dogs out there and deserve the thrashing they get. IXO probably leads the parade; however, there are some IXOs that are well done, especially considering they may be the only game in town for some aircraft. I NEVER buy a die cast model based on what I read here, especially from one or two over-the-top posters. Some of this type expect thousand dollar perfection for two cents on the dollar. I suggest they grow-up or switch to collecting quilts. Another suggestion: For those Corgi-Dragon Wings et al bashers-be careful, you may get what you wish for; i.e., one less die cast manufaturer.

[Epapazian]

At this point, it looks like Dragon is gone for sure but a badly pummeled Corgi is springing up from the bloodied mat at the count of nine.

[91ken]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

At this point, it looks like Dragon is gone for sure but a badly pummeled Corgi is springing up from the bloodied mat at the count of nine.

Do you mean just their aircraft line or the company as a whole?