The Little World

Or ” Like my model or I’ll kill myself…”.

When mothers put their children into Bonny Baby contests they are asking to be hurt…because not all babies are bonny – and only one in any group will be bonniest. All the rest will be second-rate – and their mothers will be secretly hurt to discover this.

Likewise for the modelling contest – the model is put in for the judges to praise or condemn – and the builder can be equally hurt if there is criticism. Bonny baby indeed.

What, then of the modeller who opens themselves to the scrutiny and free comment of a group of other modellers on an internet forum? Unlike the BB contest or the scale model expo, the internet judging can be from around the world and the commenters can be as rude and as anonymous as they like. There is no holding anyone to account on the net.

The modeller may put forward the best that they can do, but they are assured that someone – somewhere – will think themselves clever to treat it with contempt. The moderators of the groups always say that this sort of comment is not tolerated, but they they tolerate it nevertheless. It is such an evanescent thing – comes and goes in a moment – that no amount of policing will make any difference.

What to do? Well, consider, if you are a member of the group, what it is you actually hope to get out of your participation. If it is a glimpse of other lives and other skills, this is a perfect venue. Again, if you need cogent advice on a technical subject, it will often come free. However, remember that some advice is worth every penny you don’t pay for it.

If you just want a pat on the back, reach around behind you.