Ahoy, mates!
Your opinion matters!!!
Our new MSW survey asks "What should the Staff of MSW be working on more?", and the door is wide open here, as this is YOUR website, and we need your input to help make it the best experience, all around. . .if you don''t see something listed in the poll, then mention it here, and lets have a discussion about it!

Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!
~Gunny

Good point there, Mark!
Let's see....

Skipper

Attracting more modelers definitely.

hey all,

I would have to agree, attracting more peeps to the modeling scene is a good thing and you go about that by taking part in the local clubs and going to shows and pressing flesh. As to the web site I think the staff is doing a pretty fair job. There are some parts of the site that are a bit stagnate and I think to have a good site that will attract and keep people you have to show activity. I'm in a few sites and I think there is nothing worse than a site that doesn't have active members.

We can't make our members post because a good part of the members are lurkers that want some advice and will look for info that has already been answered and posted. This site has some great staff that is always on and I think that’s the secret to a good site. Gunny has been asking for people to help run some threads and that’s a great idea. There are members that are forum rats that love to post and talk so I'm sure they will get things going.

Activity is the key. The contest are great because everyone likes to get a prize from time to time but what got me to join was the activity of the staff and the campaigns. Campaigns give people a goal for their build and if we have one or two campaigns going at any given time and staffers posting thing to generate activity then the site will grow and keep growing.

Apologies if my ramble was confusing but I really like this site and all the peeps here, so if I can help I'll do it whole hearted.

Hey Frank, no apologies necessary, mate...you have some good points, for sure...there's no way to tell if the staff is doing any good without feedback from the site members, and hopefully, we can keep the ball rolling with this thread to gain some good, constructive discussion of the matters at hand.
Thanks for the comments thus far!
Cheers,
~Gunny

Building more models.
I must agree with the others. I think you guys are doing a fine job as is.

I’ld say keep doing as you are and try bringing in new members.
With the setup here getting new content is as much a job for the members (By submitting content) as it is for the staff. So by increasing the membership we’re increasing the number of sources to get new content. (And all content is good. weather its reviews, features, news, ext.)

I am still having trouble finding things. Just today I tried and failed to find a comment that I had made. I looked in my locker-my posts. I Googled it three or four ways, including by my handle (my 63 posts retuned 200 hits). I even looked in many forum pages where I thought it might be buried. Previously, I had searched for the clothes pin article that inspired the ones that I came up with, with no luck. I don’t know enough about how things are filed to be able to retrieve them I guess. Perhaps a Help Find It section could be created, where users can post what they are looking for and replies include not just where it is, but the method used to locate it (both on site or web respectively). This would round up all these questions into one file, where they now festoon the boards. In a related note, the picture galleries are categorized, but not indexed very well or at all. I think that this may be something that the original posters and perhaps even trusty viewers may be able to do some thing about – not that I know how- but I would certainly be willing to pitch in as I explore.

More “How To”, “How I” and Works in progress, start to finish- maybe a blogs?
There’s a million ways to skin a cat and I want to see them all. Even the ones that don’t work well, or at all. I find it a great source of inspiration.

The tools and supply sections have a lot of potential. I have seen forum posts about scarless mats. Would say fiskars like a link or a hyperlink at each mention? At any rate, any and every product or service mentioned on the site should be offered an opportunity (¢) for a link and/or an “available at” and listed in the appropriate section.

With the price of wood strips being so high, I have been looking at table saws. For me this would be a major purchase. I looked high and low, from $200 minnie table saws all the way up to industrial cabinet saws and laser cutters (and services) that if you have to ask, then you can’t afford. Then there is a Dremel “Saw Attachment” does it even work? I still am not sure if any will work for me or be cost effective for my use. Maybe even a review / comparison
– The international Modeling Tools and Supply Test Bench.

More viewers and members. Get the word out. Do advertisers have links back to Kitmaker? Can manufacturers, distributors include the web address in their printing? Something like “For tips and advice see Kitmaker at www.” How about retailers, perhaps an exchange- an add on the site for X number of visitors to the site from your area equals X number of Kitmaker ad stickers or receipts in your store. Even if the retailer doesn’t have a web site an add page for them can be displayed.

I think that that is enough of my manic rambling, unless you want to purchase more…
Yes, I do have more.

Naw, man, not rambling. . .good points, and just what I want to hear. . .your thoughts and ideas, my friend. . .thanks!
~Gunny

All good points indeed. Feedback and fresh ideas are what will help us grow.

~Gator

Hmmm...eight votes....c'mon, mates, need your feedback here!
~Gunny

Mark, the question is "What should the Staff of MSW be working on more?", well the staff is beyond any reproach, it is doing an outstanding job on all fronts - everything the staff could do -news, history points (outstanding job is being done here), the staff is doing it.

The problem is that i can see history, plenty of jokes, of video or picture links, but i don't see much MODELS. Just have a look at the 20 last past threads in the forums and count the ones which are actually about touching bits of plastic...
And even as far as plastic goes I would say that these past weeks has been outstanding with Rui's boats as well as Kenny's Sturmboot between very few others...

I voted on Tuesday, just after this poll was launched. At the time I hadn't thought to comment on my election... but here are my humble thoughts...

I think that as a former sub-set of Armorama, you have been fighting the stigma of being "just a part of Armorama" since inception - yes, take it from me, I know about this. What you need to do is establish yourselves with the model boat community as MSW, and not as Armorama's naval yard. In order to do this, you need to do as my buddy JB says - you need attract new members. By that I mean new members to KitMaker/MSW. I'm sorry to say this but cross-genre modellers/KitMaker members don't count. What you need are hard-core ship modellers, and those that aspire to be hard-core. What you need to do is attract specialists. You already have a few here I see from my more than occassional visits.

So perhaps the question is how will you attract those modellers?

Well I suppose firstly by being HC yourselves. You appear to be succeeding there.
IMO the second way would be so publish more articles i.e. features, SBSs, walkarounds (perhaps float arounds in this case ) - and this is where my vote went.
You already have plenty of news. You appear to have a more or less constant flow of reviews - but more is always welcome

To summarize... you need fresh blood... and more specialized content

My 0.02ZAR

Rudi

p.s. Mark that content wink is for you, mate. Let me know how it's going with the... ahem... content nudge nudge wink wink

Tarok,

Yes fresh blood...mmmmmmmm..... OPPs got off on a wrong thought..LOL!
We do need more peeps because that means more ideas and all around better time for everyone. I almost was one of those cross-forum people. I went to the armor section and bought a tank in the trade forum, after I got it there just wasn't special excitement for me with that kit, now its collecting dust. So what I'm trying to ramble on about is I am a HC in training. Lets get the party started and build some ships. I'll post pics later tonight of my progress.

Maybe we could have a boat/ship trade forum. I could use some extra railings and doors for my 1/426 USS Arizona, I can trade a char b1 bis for it....hint,hint,hint,hint,hint,hint,

As a new member I was drawn here by the need for help as I started to want to do a bit more than glue a kit together. I dont have the time to join a club - keeping a job down and raising a 4 yr old takes plenty of time.
This seems almost like a club and I enjoy reading the posts and the chat.

One thing does slightly put me off (wrong term but right sort of idea) is that to a novice like me it's quite intimidating to see how good, experienced and knowledgeable all the regular posters are. Everybody is very friendly and very helpful and I enjoy all the posts but I think some people might be reticent to do more than read posts for fear of showing up their inexperience.

Maybe I'm talking rubbish, and I sure dont know what you would do about it anyway. After all there's not much point in asking people for help who don't have the skills and experience.

Well thats my two penny (cents for you ex-colonnials ) worth

strokkur,

Ex-colonial???? LOL!! Sorry I just thought that was a funny word, coffee talking again. My problem is I don't have lots of expeiance but I am a forum rat as some of you know. This site is great and I do try to help when I can. The staffies are great but I'm sure they get tired of my rambilings from time to time.

I agree wholeheartedly the staff are great, it just makes me think twice about showing one of my hacks in the company of works like Gators Sturmboot or JBA's works of art. Luckily I'm quite thick skinned so I'll keep updating my pt-boat pics anyway, but I bet there are people out there that think twice.

as for the colonnial thing, you realise we British are confident that you didnt really win the war of independance and we will welcome you back into the fold once you realise this.

Sam,

I was in the same boat (pun intended) as you are when I found MSW. My skills as a builder are owed to guys like Gunny and Skipper, to name a few. I say post away, regardless of what you feel about your kits. The guys here are the most helpful and easy going modelers that you will find anywhere on the net.
I've told Gunny on several occasions that there is no place like MSW. It's home, family. Help and a pat on the back is just a keystroke away, my friend. I've learned that a lot of what I thought were "advanced" techniques were really not that hard to do.
Shoot, I'm attempting large scale water on my sturmboot for the first time ever! I know if I get in a jam, the guys here will help. All I have to do is ask.

We've got a great thing here, we just need to spread the word.

You're right and everybody has been very helpful and downright friendly, I'm really glad I joined.
Just something to think about really if we are looking to entice more people in. We want them to post and join in, thats the fun of this sort of thing.

Well... I think I should say something now...

I have read and understand most of your "complaints and cryes" and I must say that I feel like most of you!
I would love to have features published everyday, reviews, and MOD's... But as you should realise, I (and Mark and Kenny) can't produce all the features (and reviews and MOD's...)!
We are a community, and if everyone of you submit your work, and your writing than we would have more content - if we have more new content, more members (read FRESH BLOOD) will appear and this is a cicle..
The staff has started something that could be controvertial... a online contest! Ship Of The Quarter was made mainly to spyce up your builds and the chance for you to get something more than a ribbon, as you get when you acomplish the goal of a campaign! Were we successfull with this? Don't know yet, but I must admit I was a little bit disapointed with the amount of entries...

My point here is:
Don't receive only - give a little bit also, even if it is only a dozen of pictures of your lates production!

Thanks for supporting MSW
Skipper

Yes, now that's what I'm talkin' about...we're all discussing one of my favorite things (and my entire reasoning for drumming this poll up )...How to make OUR website better, and to grow in a positive direction...like I said earlier, crewmembers, this is YOUR website too, and can only be what we all put into it.

So, basically, if you want to see more models here (and we all know, as ship builders, exactly how long it takes some times for a good build to come together), send us your photos! I know that you are all building something all the time (that's what we modelers do, now, isn't it? ), so if we all submit a MOD feature, then by-golly-by-gum, we're gonna see some models now, won't we?

Wanna see more step-by-step features? Well then, you know that super cool technique that you use to reproduce the look of rust and weathering on your builds that everyone admires so much?...share it with your crew-mates in a step-by-step feature!

Like the Skipper has just said, more enticing content=more members...and we do need ALL of your help, if we want this to work...do you like our community that we have built here so far? (and I REALLY do ), then lend a hand, give up some work (it can be VERY contagious and quite fun), and share your stuff with us! No need to be shy about it...and if you're not sure how to, then just ASK! I'm an e-mail, pm, or a SKYPE call away, at any time, and would be MORE than happy to help you out!!!!
Thanks for all of the constructive comments and discussion thus far, and for contributing to the discussion, one and all...lets keep it going!
~Mark

The biggest porblem I see here is the propensity of the members to insulate themselves. Most of the threads here consist of a few people (call them regulars) discussing amongst themselves inside information. That's all well and good, but there are others that wish to be part of the discussion but feel as if they are intruding upon a discussion they aren't invted to. It's not the fault of the staff here, but it is intimidating to those who aren't part of the internal discussions.

Also, as is being mentioned in another thread, a lack of information about new kits being posted here is harming the increase of membership here. This was posted nearly two weeks ago on another website, and has yet to be mentioned here:

http://www.hlj.com/hlj_gallery2/v/shs2007/naval/Naval+album+-+12.jpg.html

[url] http://www.hlj.com/hlj_gallery2/v/shs2007/naval/Naval+album+-+12.jpg.html/url]

This is the long awaited Aoshima Chokai, yet in another thread about cruisers, a poster laments the lack of information and pictures of this kit. This is not meant to be a critical statement about the staff, but there is a lot of information covered on other sites which is more current and topical than is even hinted at here.

If the members of this site wish this site to be more relevant, than it would be incumbent upon the staff to become more aware of the new kits appearing. Also, there are a lot of resin kits in various scales and of various nationalities that are not mentioned here. Here's a 1/700 scale kit just released:

http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~yumematu/charles-martel.htm

http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~yumematu/charles-martel.htm

This kit has been mentioned on a couple of sites, but not here. Here's another that was just released this month:

http://www.commanderseries.com/pages/sangamon.html

http://www.commanderseries.com/pages/sangamon.html

The point I'd like to make is that to be relevant also means to be current, and as long as a site like this discusses 30 year old kits in great depth, and doesn't do the same for new kits, the site will remain an eclectic collection of a few contributors making most of the posts. This is not meant to be a slam on those few either. If a site wants to expand, it needs new contributors who want to participate with new information, new kits, new pictures, etc. The key is "new". The staff should task itself with the discovery of what is new, and make people want to come and see what is new. If current information about models is provided, more interest will follow.

Hi 1.90E_31

I have to agree and disagree with you on your comments (not necessarely in this order)... well, I'll explain!

I have to fully agree with you on the fact that probably will make more hits in MSW (or any other model related website) is NEWS and if possible... with PHOTOS and REVIEWS (inbox or built).
Modeling guys just love to know about what is going to be released and than complaint because it's not now that they have made their favorite model - maybe next year!
I also like to know what's going on, but with the exception of the cottage industries (like Ironshipwrights) where your know who you are aiming at, and your models do not cost US$10.00, your websites are always updated, while with few exceptions, most of major plastic model manufacturers are not - and I am opening my umbrella over the News guys here! I know that they were not SHIP MODELERS initially, they just got hooked and I also know that they will develop more skills and tricks to keep the news section working in a much better way! Communication is the trick (Manufacturer/Distributor -> News Desk -> Manufacturer/Distributor).
We are still a young community, and we DO NOT WANT TO COPY other ship model reference communities the news that are posted there (like modelwarships.com, a well established community) - you should give time to make contacts and to manufacturers to start to give credit to MSW too. When this happens, we will roll very, very smooth, either in news and the other aspects of our hobby - and for me, this is still a hobby, is made when I have spare time, and because, most of all, it gives me pleasure and fun! When this feeling stops, I will choose another hobby

The posts and threads issue:
My guess, and this happened to me, is that the worst part, is to post the first time! The members here are friendly and with a few exceptions during the five years I am an active members here, no one will be pushed back!
So, I would say, post - ask - criticise - answer a "dumm" question!!!
We have a full spectrum of modelers, from young to old, from newbies in the hobby, to returners and old salty dogs.... a lot of nationalities, with all trying to type their best english (like me!) and sometimes this may cause some confusion or misunderstanding...

Well, I think I was able to express my feelings about your comments - and please remember, that this is not personnal!
Best regards from Lisbon,
Rui Matos (aka skipper)

Rui,

Thank you for your response. It was very informative, and not personal at all. However, I do wish to take issue with a few of the things you have said, since I read them as justification for not making changes rather than constructive improvement that may or may not work.

The first is the reluctance to "copy" information about new releases. There is a thread on the main board that bemoans the lack of information on the Aoshima kit of the Chokai. Even though this information is out there and readily available, this specific poster is unaware of it. This could mean a reliance on one source for his information, which in this case would be MSW. If that's the case, it would be incumbent on the staff to provide this information for the readers, even if it means that information is posted on other sites. The news of the DML BHR has been on SteelNavy for months, but it was also posted here, so that could be considered "copying". My point is this. Yes, there may be a duplication of effort, but this is for the benefit of the posters here who don't go to other sites, which then makes MSW more informative, which them makes MSW a regular place for modelers to come to.

Second, the cottage industries should be very important to this site, because that's where most of the new releases are coming from. Look at the 1/700 scale market for example. For every one new plastic injection kit that comes out, there might be up to 10 new resin kits that come out. Look at what Combrig, Battlefleet, Loose Cannon, L'Arsenal, PitRoad, etc. have done in comparison to the Trumpeters and Revells of the world. True that they cost more, but these manufacturers depend on modelers for their sales. Modelers would come to this site if there was information that they wanted. However, if a question's asked about a resin kit or manufacturer, and nobody can give an answer, and there's no relevant information present, that person will go somewhere that there is that information. It's true that the resin companies know who their clientel is, but there are always new people who discover the resin medium, find a kit they want to get, and get it. If MSW was the source of that discovery, the manufacturers will come to MSW.

Also, just because a resin model costs more than a plastic model, that shouldn't be a reason for exclusion from this site. Consider this. You purchase the upcoming Trumpeter Massachusets kit for $125.00. You buy a photoetch set from GMM for, say $45.00. Then, because you don't like the gun barrels, you replace them with turned brass ones for $50.00. The Trumpeter kit's found to be inaccurate in certain places, but Yankee Modelworks has a resin upgrade set fixing those areas, and you buy that for, say $95.00. You're now up to $305.00, and that's really close to the cost of the resin version. All this to say that resin isn't as costly as one might think, since getting to the resin kit level in cost is pretty easy to do.

Third, and this is not meant to be personal, but sometimes you have to operate outside a zone of comfort to make the changes you want to. Making changes will be hard, and they will be scary. The staff may want to consider being more agressive in finding out information, and rather than waiting for people to come to them, they should go to the manufacturers. They should go to the cottage industries. They should go to the aftermarket producers. If the staff generates the news, rather than wait for it to be presented to them, this will provide for a more dynamic source of information. In turn, this would generate more interest in MSW, and so on. Look at the sites that are more information driven and see what makes them that. That's the way to increase the influence and participation in this site.

Good points again, mates, and I really do appreciate the constructive comments...BUT, alas, I can't be everywhere, my friends....I monitor over 280 websites daily, as well as receive good tips and news from many "insides" within the biz, and quite often, I'm just not there at the right time...this is a busy site, with more going on than most of you see, and now with Kenny Loup on as Newswriter, hopefully with the expansion of the team we can have more coverage.

I knew about Aoshima's Chokai, as the news was out about four months ago (truly is OLD news)
https://modelshipwrights.kitmaker.net/forums/94086&page=1
but, good images just weren't available at the time, so that's where she stayed...unfortunately, I don't have an "in" at Aoshima (but would sure like to...anybody else have one? )

As I said before, I just can't be everywhere, all the time, that's why I have in my sig line, a request to EVERYBODY, for news, AND a link for how to do so...it's quite simple...if you got a lead, pass it on to one of the news team...I'm available by pm, e-mail, and SKYPE.

If you want to see something that's not being shown here, mates, then let me know about it! That's why I posted this survey...Get off yer duff and become a part of the website more, people!
Thanks again for all of the feedback!
Cheers,
~Gunny

Ahoy mates.

As Gunny has said many times, this is your website. If you hear about a new kit, then let us know through the News link on the top menu. You can also do this by clicking on my banner in my signature.

~Gator