I must say that the entire Gallery section is in need of a urgent update.
For starters, uploading pictures is completely different then on the rest of the kitmakers site. On Kitmakers, we just post links, in the gallery we actually upload pictures, which makes no sense.
I'm currently running out of space in my gallery. There is no way to delete old photos nor any way to increase gallery space that I can find.
Navigating through the Gallery is time consuming. Hence, I rarely go there other then to check a campaigns' finished entries. And post them there only because it's a requirement of every campaign. Personally, I don't see the point of even having it. You can post your finished models in the correct forums whenever you want to.
What Kitmakers really needs to address is the actual size of the pictures we post. They're far to small, especially when viewing pictures in the feature section. Just as an example, both ARC and LSP have full screen viewing, which is perfect for looking at detailed models.
As for the option of notifications, I subscribe to ever thread I'm interested in. It's a very convenient way to stay current on those threads you're interested in. In reality, I average maybe 6-12 email notifications on a given day. Keep in mind that you're only notified if someone posts, not just views.
Joel
General Aircraft
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Joel_W
Associate Editor
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
AeroScale: 7,410 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 02:09 AM UTC
drabslab
Joined: September 28, 2004
KitMaker: 2,186 posts
AeroScale: 1,587 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 04:03 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I must say that the entire Gallery section is in need of a urgent update.
It may be true that the gallery is totally outdated, the question is how to solve this, and the solution depends much more on how to protect best the community (staff and users) and the content, and far less on what the optimal technology is.
The development resources available to kitmaker will always be insufficient to make a product that can compete with what specialised sites are offering for e.g. picure upload or blogs.
The question is how important this is. in my view it is the combination of different content, and the focus on modelling that makes the site.
But I do admit that thinking about optimizing the kitmaker sites is a pleasant activity, and considering the many forum threads on this issue, I seem not to be the only one thinking this.
Joel_W
Associate EditorJoined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
AeroScale: 7,410 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 04:49 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI must say that the entire Gallery section is in need of a urgent update.
It may be true that the gallery is totally outdated, the question is how to solve this, and the solution depends much more on how to protect best the community (staff and users) and the content, and far less on what the optimal technology is.
The development resources available to kitmaker will always be insufficient to make a product that can compete with what specialised sites are offering for e.g. picure upload or blogs.
The question is how important this is. in my view it is the combination of different content, and the focus on modelling that makes the site.
But I do admit that thinking about optimizing the kitmaker sites is a pleasant activity, and considering the many forum threads on this issue, I seem not to be the only one thinking this.
I think it's safe to say that I'm a rather frequent poster, both of my work, and on blogs of others. Like I said, I never bother with the galleries. I post two pictures of my finished models so others curious can see them all in one place, and of course the two pictures required for the campaigns. But in all the time I've been here, I think I actually looked at 2 or 3 galleries of other members. Just to inconvenient. You can just go to their profile and then click on the links to any threads, features, etc.
Joel
SuperSandaas
Joined: October 23, 2012
KitMaker: 189 posts
AeroScale: 142 posts
Posted: Thursday, February 13, 2014 - 09:42 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The development resources available to kitmaker will always be insufficient to make a product that can compete with what specialised sites are offering for e.g. picure upload or blogs.
True but it should still be easy and self-explanatory where and how to upload *if* there it should still be offered as a part of the kitmaker community. Maybe the whole gallery-idea could be scrapped and instead "link to your gallery" should be a standard field in the signature. So could people use imgur, flikr or any other image-service they prefer.
Joel_W
Associate EditorJoined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
AeroScale: 7,410 posts
Posted: Thursday, February 13, 2014 - 01:41 PM UTC
Eirik, We already have to use a photo hosting service to post pictures in any of the forums. Only in the gallery section do we actually upload pictures. Judging by the number of posts newbies to Kitmaker make regarding the difficulties they have in uploading pictures, it would make so much more sense to use the same system for both.
Joel
Joel
cliffnetherlands
Joined: September 25, 2013
KitMaker: 86 posts
AeroScale: 83 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 - 07:16 PM UTC
Reading this topic through isn;t really encouraging. I joined aeroscale because i wanted to learn new skills. I am already a member of the dutch "modelbrouwers". But i noticed there was a certain set of "rules" how to build an airplane there. Certain "traditions" that develop over time when a group builds together a long period. But i am sure that there are more ways of doing stuff. when you are open for them. I decided that an oversea's forum would be the best them. See how others solved problems. Work with weathering. Achieve there end looks. And i did already pick up a couple of new tricks that i really like. 'Cause they soot the style i am developing towards.
Now at modelbrouwers the best way to learn new stuff is by setting up a building blog. And just show what your doing. I will have no problem at all admitting i am just a mediocre builder at the moment. I'm on my second kit using an airbrush. My 6th kit althogether since restarting in the hobby. So a build blog of mine won't be a "A standard/wowwie/look what he is doing" thing. Far from it. A lot goes wrong. :-). I normally tend to show does mistakes. For entertainment AND learning purposes
I was kinda hoping that people would pick up on these mistakes, comment on them. Give me feedback. So i would get better. At the moment i'm not even sure what kinda blog to write. What people would like to read and see..and what not.
It's a shame really. Cause teh forum on itself is nice. And i like the feel of it. I also think the mods are doing a good job.
maybe reactions will pick up when i deliver my first finished kit here. I hope so. At the moment i'm not really encouraged to start a new build log when i start a new project. I am still thinking what to do. Be stubborn,and just do it anyway. Maybe join on a campaign, so i get to know some more members like that. I'll see.
I realise that this post of mine is not high on solutions. In the end i just wanted to get the wee bit disappointed feeling i had off my chest i think.
Now at modelbrouwers the best way to learn new stuff is by setting up a building blog. And just show what your doing. I will have no problem at all admitting i am just a mediocre builder at the moment. I'm on my second kit using an airbrush. My 6th kit althogether since restarting in the hobby. So a build blog of mine won't be a "A standard/wowwie/look what he is doing" thing. Far from it. A lot goes wrong. :-). I normally tend to show does mistakes. For entertainment AND learning purposes
I was kinda hoping that people would pick up on these mistakes, comment on them. Give me feedback. So i would get better. At the moment i'm not even sure what kinda blog to write. What people would like to read and see..and what not.
It's a shame really. Cause teh forum on itself is nice. And i like the feel of it. I also think the mods are doing a good job.
maybe reactions will pick up when i deliver my first finished kit here. I hope so. At the moment i'm not really encouraged to start a new build log when i start a new project. I am still thinking what to do. Be stubborn,and just do it anyway. Maybe join on a campaign, so i get to know some more members like that. I'll see.
I realise that this post of mine is not high on solutions. In the end i just wanted to get the wee bit disappointed feeling i had off my chest i think.
drabslab
Joined: September 28, 2004
KitMaker: 2,186 posts
AeroScale: 1,587 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 - 10:52 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Reading this topic through isn;t really encouraging. I joined aeroscale because i wanted to learn new skills. I am already a member of the dutch "modelbrouwers". But i noticed there was a certain set of "rules" how to build an airplane there. Certain "traditions" that develop over time when a group builds together a long period. But i am sure that there are more ways of doing stuff. when you are open for them. I decided that an oversea's forum would be the best them. See how others solved problems. Work with weathering. Achieve there end looks. And i did already pick up a couple of new tricks that i really like. 'Cause they soot the style i am developing towards.
Now at modelbrouwers the best way to learn new stuff is by setting up a building blog. And just show what your doing. I will have no problem at all admitting i am just a mediocre builder at the moment. I'm on my second kit using an airbrush. My 6th kit althogether since restarting in the hobby. So a build blog of mine won't be a "A standard/wowwie/look what he is doing" thing. Far from it. A lot goes wrong. :-). I normally tend to show does mistakes. For entertainment AND learning purposes
I was kinda hoping that people would pick up on these mistakes, comment on them. Give me feedback. So i would get better. At the moment i'm not even sure what kinda blog to write. What people would like to read and see..and what not.
It's a shame really. Cause teh forum on itself is nice. And i like the feel of it. I also think the mods are doing a good job.
maybe reactions will pick up when i deliver my first finished kit here. I hope so. At the moment i'm not really encouraged to start a new build log when i start a new project. I am still thinking what to do. Be stubborn,and just do it anyway. Maybe join on a campaign, so i get to know some more members like that. I'll see.
I realise that this post of mine is not high on solutions. In the end i just wanted to get the wee bit disappointed feeling i had off my chest i think.
Please don't be discouraged by the comments on this thread that apear to be negative and demotivating.
The reality is that aeroscale (and kitmaker in general) is one of the bets modelling sites around and this is because of the great work of the staff, and because there is a community that contributes, but sometimes also criticises the site itself. I am convinced that this friendly stream of comments has been vital for the continuous improvement of the site.
As for what you need to do, weel, you are a free person (luckily) and can decide for yourself. Based on what you wwrite above, I would advise you to enlist for a campaign. It puts some pressure to make progress in the build and makes it a bit easier to ask qustions, share mistakes and learn from other campaign members.
Don't shy away because you are not an "expert" superbuilder yet. Most of us are not expert superbuilders either. Just read the feature on Drabslab AFB I recently posted and you will know that I am no expert superbuilder either but I still contribute
But joining aeroscale a few years ago was the single best thing that happened to my modelling experience. I have, over a few years, learned an awfull lot, not as a sudden big bang, but at a steady pace nevertheless.
And don't worry about what people want to read or see either. All content is welcome!
Joel_W
Associate EditorJoined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
AeroScale: 7,410 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 06:01 AM UTC
Cliff,
One of the points I read often here, and on the few other modeling sites that I frequent, is the hesitation factor to post a build blog, especially if they feel that they are just average modelers at best, or beginner/returnees, who are having issues with the basics.
That's exactly why you should blog your builds. They don't have to be super detailed, blow by blow blogs. Just post with pictures the successful steps and those that gave you trouble in a logical progression to the conclusion of your build, as well as issues that you struggled with. Simply just ask that very question in your blog, or even in a separate post. I still do that, and I've always gotten answers.
Like so many things in modeling, there is usually more then one way to do things. What one person prefers with weathering, others don't, and prefer a different look. Procedures vary from one person to the next, but that's half the fun. Try them out, and find the ones that you like.
Every single one of us have had builds end up on the Self of Doom. It's just the nature of the beast. Some of us even go past that and the model ends up in the circular storage bin.
The real fun of being a member here, is being active. Post your thoughts and post your work. You'll make friends as others get familiar with seeing you around. Joining a campaign that interests you is a really great way to get use to participating, and showing your work.
Just remember that this is a hobby to enjoy, learn and have fun, not a vocation.
Joel
One of the points I read often here, and on the few other modeling sites that I frequent, is the hesitation factor to post a build blog, especially if they feel that they are just average modelers at best, or beginner/returnees, who are having issues with the basics.
That's exactly why you should blog your builds. They don't have to be super detailed, blow by blow blogs. Just post with pictures the successful steps and those that gave you trouble in a logical progression to the conclusion of your build, as well as issues that you struggled with. Simply just ask that very question in your blog, or even in a separate post. I still do that, and I've always gotten answers.
Like so many things in modeling, there is usually more then one way to do things. What one person prefers with weathering, others don't, and prefer a different look. Procedures vary from one person to the next, but that's half the fun. Try them out, and find the ones that you like.
Every single one of us have had builds end up on the Self of Doom. It's just the nature of the beast. Some of us even go past that and the model ends up in the circular storage bin.
The real fun of being a member here, is being active. Post your thoughts and post your work. You'll make friends as others get familiar with seeing you around. Joining a campaign that interests you is a really great way to get use to participating, and showing your work.
Just remember that this is a hobby to enjoy, learn and have fun, not a vocation.
Joel
cliffnetherlands
Joined: September 25, 2013
KitMaker: 86 posts
AeroScale: 83 posts
Posted: Saturday, March 08, 2014 - 12:11 AM UTC
Thanks Joel and Dragslab for your responses.
I agree with both of you that it's a great learning tool to post a build blog. Especially for re-starters or beginners. It's the fastest way to learn.
I personally have no problems posting my mistakes. Written AND with pictures. First of they are normally funny 'been there-done that' moments for experienced builders. Also they are a bit of warning for others that didn't do it before.
For me..Well they show where i am as a builder. And that will give you guys a opportunity to give me advice, based on what you can see. Rather then gueswork.
I'll just continue writing those blogs. And join a campaign in the near future. I have to say i also like to write. Make a bit of a story out of it.
Now back to the desk. I have a supermarine "night"fire i have to repaint..(talking about mistakes..
)
I agree with both of you that it's a great learning tool to post a build blog. Especially for re-starters or beginners. It's the fastest way to learn.
I personally have no problems posting my mistakes. Written AND with pictures. First of they are normally funny 'been there-done that' moments for experienced builders. Also they are a bit of warning for others that didn't do it before.
For me..Well they show where i am as a builder. And that will give you guys a opportunity to give me advice, based on what you can see. Rather then gueswork.
I'll just continue writing those blogs. And join a campaign in the near future. I have to say i also like to write. Make a bit of a story out of it.
Now back to the desk. I have a supermarine "night"fire i have to repaint..(talking about mistakes..
)
AirLedge
Joined: July 26, 2007
KitMaker: 292 posts
AeroScale: 265 posts
Posted: Saturday, March 08, 2014 - 09:01 AM UTC
Hi Cliff,
I'm just echoing some of the others words of wisdom here but don't worry about any negativity on aeroscale. I've been a member for a few years and I honestly can't recall ever seeing a negative comment on a build . This is one of the most supportive sites out there so you've come to the right place, please post. Can't wait to see your builds...
I'm just echoing some of the others words of wisdom here but don't worry about any negativity on aeroscale. I've been a member for a few years and I honestly can't recall ever seeing a negative comment on a build . This is one of the most supportive sites out there so you've come to the right place, please post. Can't wait to see your builds...
Merlin
Senior Editor
#017
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Saturday, March 08, 2014 - 09:27 AM UTC
Hi Cliff
I'll definitely echo Michael because if we have a reputation, it's as one of the friendliest and most constructive modelling forums. Our members may be a little shy of posting at times, but thanks to the wonderful groundwork laid in the early days by Bryan when we were still a small part of the original Armorama, we are thankfully largely free of the negative sniping that afflicts too much of our hobby.
All the best
Rowan
I'll definitely echo Michael because if we have a reputation, it's as one of the friendliest and most constructive modelling forums. Our members may be a little shy of posting at times, but thanks to the wonderful groundwork laid in the early days by Bryan when we were still a small part of the original Armorama, we are thankfully largely free of the negative sniping that afflicts too much of our hobby.
All the best
Rowan
amegan
#243
Joined: March 21, 2008
KitMaker: 996 posts
AeroScale: 915 posts
Posted: Saturday, March 08, 2014 - 10:17 AM UTC
I wouldn't worry about negativity, the problem is the rest of us noticing your blog and commenting, there is so much on the site I suspect no one spots everything. Don't be discouraged if no one spots your blog. The one way they will is by entering a campaign, all the campaign members will watch the campaign regularly, comment is guaranteed.
Joel_W
Associate EditorJoined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
AeroScale: 7,410 posts
Posted: Saturday, March 08, 2014 - 10:45 AM UTC
Cliff,
I usually judge how successful my build blogs are by the number of views it gets over the course of the build. My P-61 has over 9,500 but just 137 posts, half of which are mine. If you ask questions in your blog, you'll get responses. It's always worked for me, and it will work for you.
Joel
I usually judge how successful my build blogs are by the number of views it gets over the course of the build. My P-61 has over 9,500 but just 137 posts, half of which are mine. If you ask questions in your blog, you'll get responses. It's always worked for me, and it will work for you.
Joel
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