Not a member. Never have been and never will be. Went to a few meetings in Ca. Was told that because I wasn’t a member, I couldn’t talk about a new kit that was fixing to come out (Monogram F-106 if I remember correctly) Then I had to sit through an hour and a half of “discussion” about how to reprimand a member who had missed to many meetings, then was asked to leave the room while they voted on said member. When I was told to come back into the room I was told to sit in the back and not to talk. All in all a very shabby experience. I saw one guy leave nearly in tears when a kit he had brought was absolutely ripped in front of him, his crime? he did a what if model. So no I probably wouldn’t attend another meeting.
Roadkill,
Needless to say, if your example was the only type of “club” that I had access to, I would not have joined either their organization or IPMS. That IS NOT a modeling club…it’s a…well, since this is a family site, I’ll leave it at that.
Our modeling club is small, with only about 20 members. Of those, about half are members of the national organization. There is abosolutely no difference between those who are and those who are not national members. Everyone is an equal! Well, except for the club president, but we elected him. I would be the first person to walk out the door if anyone tried to strong-arm people in the way you’ve described.
My advice would be to check out some other clubs in your area (if available) so you have a broader example to draw from.
As far as IPMS politics putting people off, this has been going on as long as there have been national organizations of any kind. However, there is nothing that says that any member HAS to get involved in the politics of IPMS. About 9 out of every 10 members just do the same things we do here…builds models, talks about them online, and has fun. They don’t care about politics and never get involved in that side of the organization.
Take care and enjoy modeling,
Interesting to read the comments about the North Texas IPMS chapters. Glad to know it’s not just me. I went to two meetings and played invisible man. Nobody talked to me, and when I tried to talk to them, they scurried away to talk to someone more familiar. There was one person who was friendly - another outsider. We both agreed that the second meeting would be our last. That was years ago; maybe things have improved.
Actually, I would enjoy getting together with people who build models for fun.
I was a national member for a few years until I went overseas and let my membership lapse. Now that I’m back I have toyed with the idea of rejoining - the Journal is not bad - but I’m in no hurry.
…for the most part ChemMan…it was clubbing as usual when i left Dallas in '99…i’d never been to a meeting but, when a groupfrom that club frequented a LHS…for the most part they were polite but, abnormally opinionated regarding “their” chapter…pretty stuck on themselves…it just gave me an uncomfortable feeling…individually each was more than pleasant and aimiable… and they did do a good regional contest and show…just a shame as a group they tried to exist outside of the mainstream…
oh well…
sure wish there was some sort of loose collection of modellers over here…[:(]
Only one branch in my city and the meetings are on the other side of town, racing/rally cars are not greatly enthused over and I also do most of my building in 43rd. However if I wasn’t away from home so much (generally 3-4 nights per week) I would probably join just to learn different techniques and ways of doing things eg weathering
Isn’t it sad that when we try to organize a group to make something positive, we get caught up in issues that are more “personality” oriented rather than focusing on the art itself. I think the philosophy of the FSM forums is the way to go. No matter what the skill level of modelers, when they post thier work, we give em an “atta boy”. IPMS chapters should work the same way. We all strive for acceptance and praise from our peers in this life. One certainly doesn"t join a group like IPMS to be chastised and belittled. If an individual is proud enough to put thier work in front of the world to be judged, then that very act should be respected, and feelings should be protected. In competition, “winning” is everything. I don’t feel that we should be gaged by whom some “judge” thinks is the best. I feel that good work should be recognized and shared. I don’t have a problem with competitions, but, they should be structured taking into consideration ones experience, resources and age.
Steve
Hear Here crockett…
The IPMSs’ of all strata should read this thread…
ty for Joe for a great idea.