Customizing forum?

[TheObsoleteMan]

Do customizers really want to do "how to" stuff? I mean isn't their general intent to get business for themselves and not divulge their secrets? I think a customizing forum would rock, but I think it would be more for customizers to get business more than to present tutorials on stuff. I really don't know though, just thinking out loud.

I've seen some pretty good tutorials pop up over at onesixthwarriors from time to time, so there are at least some folks out there willing to share their secrets.

 

[Wor-Gar]

Do customizers really want to do "how to" stuff? I mean isn't their general intent to get business for themselves and not divulge their secrets? I think a customizing forum would rock, but I think it would be more for customizers to get business more than to present tutorials on stuff. I really don't know though, just thinking out loud.

True, a lot of "secrets" probably won't get divulged...but then again, if the secret is something like the exact ratio of mixing a flesh tone I doubt a lot of people would actually try to paint their own figures. I mean, just because you know the ingredients doesn't mean you can accomplish the task. It's like the difference between someone writing and someone writing well...there's no secret to give away. Some people just have an innate knack. So many "secrets" that do come out really mean nothing if you can't apply the technique with the skill required of it. So I think most people's secrets are safe with them.

However, it is true that the site or forum or section will undoubtedly become a sales tool for many customizers. Understandably so, as there isn't much of a way to advertise skills like this to the specific audience.

If Dave does a forum for this, he should definitely include a separate "Commission" section -- both buyers and artists will want that.

 

[King Darkness]

True, a lot of "secrets" probably won't get divulged...but then again, if the secret is something like the exact ratio of mixing a flesh tone I doubt a lot of people would actually try to paint their own figures. I mean, just because you know the ingredients doesn't mean you can accomplish the task. It's like the difference between someone writing and someone writing well...there's no secret to give away. Some people just have an innate knack. So many "secrets" that do come out really mean nothing if you can't apply the technique with the skill required of it. So I think most people's secrets are safe with them.

That makes perfect sense.

 

[DarkArtist81]

True, a lot of "secrets" probably won't get divulged...but then again, if the secret is something like the exact ratio of mixing a flesh tone I doubt a lot of people would actually try to paint their own figures. I mean, just because you know the ingredients doesn't mean you can accomplish the task. It's like the difference between someone writing and someone writing well...there's no secret to give away. Some people just have an innate knack. So many "secrets" that do come out really mean nothing if you can't apply the technique with the skill required of it. So I think most people's secrets are safe with them.

However, it is true that the site or forum or section will undoubtedly become a sales tool for many customizers. Understandably so, as there isn't much of a way to advertise skills like this to the specific audience.

If Dave does a forum for this, he should definitely include a separate "Commission" section -- both buyers and artists will want that.

Well said man... and exactly right as well. "How To?" bits are always ok really, and you can only give away technique or color choices, brush choices, etc.... Real skill comes from within and cannot really be taught.

I think it would be great to have a place like that though, I know I would be there all the time.

 

[Buttmunch]

I'm fine with the way it is now. No need for a seperate website, but maybe just another forum section. Like the WTB and FS of the commerce section. Maybe a Gallery/Artist, How-To/Help, and works-in-progress/commission sections?

We have some great customizers here, but I don't think there are really enough of them here to warrent an entirely new message board for them. I think that would really split us apart than help. It would be like Sweeney Todd having his "barber" shop across the street from Mrs. Lovett's Pie Shop instead of above it. It just wouldn't work as well.

While I like the idea of expanding and seperating, I feel like if we had the choice, there would be a seperate forum for each license, and seperate sections for each type of prodcut.

 

[Mooncat]

In this Forum

A stickied locked list of recommended "photogallery" websites where images can be stored. With tutorials on how to link and display them on this website (moderated)

(No more

)

also in this forum a locked stickied list of "Sideshow Customisers" and links to their individual threads/websites (moderated)

Id say 1 other forum "Custom Q & A"

within that a locked stickied list of "How to's" and links to the individual threads (moderated)


Thats all I feel would be needed, I dont want to be sent away
All though I love Josh, Les and Glenn and all the boys and gals in this forum . . .
I dont want to be bannished to a deserted forum with them
I do like to venture out under the cover of darkness into those hotbed forums like
Starwars (and poke chavez and collector freak with a blunt stick and run off)
Keeps life on the freaks board interesting
Id ask for moderators for this and a Q and A forum - Id straight off the bat nominate
Darkartist81 and figuremaster_les (hurricane as well but I dont think he has got the time to spend moderating)
cause I think they spend the most time on here are courteaous, talented and knowledgable but obviously subject to them wanting it !

 

[icruise]

This section of the board hasn't really intended as I'd first invisioned it. I'd thought people would post their individual figures rather than having a single thread for everything they're working on. But it's fine this way.

I prefer it this way, since it's easier for the customizers themselves to manage, and it allows you to see everything that other people have done, going back years in some cases.

But it did raise a couple of questions - would it be better served to just have a seperate true gallery, with nothing but pics and then a forum for How-to, etc.?

I personally don't see any problem with the way things are done now, but if people are having too much trouble wading through the comments on people's threads to get to the "meat" then you could have a separate thread or forum that is only for showcasing pictures of pieces that customizers are particularly proud of. But again, you'd probably have to make a separate feedback thread for people to post comments in, and that just makes things more confusing.

Also looking around the web, there are a few different types of 1/6th sites, but none devoted to just 1/6th customizing. There's some on MWD (Men With Dolls) and on One Sixth Warrior, but no where where it all comes together. Would a seperate forum just for customizing - be it 1/6th or Tonner, be of interest?

I'd certainly be interested, but I'm not sure there is enough demand to make up an entire new site.

 

[pixletwin]

I think its an OK idea.

I like to only have One Stop for everything I am interested in though. I vote to keep it here.

 

[ProgMatinee]

Show your Shelves is for pics of your collection. A dedicated custom Gallery would be just for customs. And there could be pics in the how-to threads, but there would also be a place people could go if they just wanted to look at new customs. Perhaps with a link to the thread talking about it.

I think that sounds a bit redundant. The first post of the thread could be pictures and the "how-to" then people can discuss, ask questions, etc.

I don't think it needs multiple threads or sections. There just needs to be a more concerted effort from people not to post useless smileys and such spam, etc that bogs down conversation. People can use the thread rating system or something to post approval of a custom instead of posting .

If they have more to add than that, then post.

I think creating a new forum might be cool to really centralize customizers of all tyoe of skill. I think you'd get a lot of new people, as you said, the old ladies with dolls and stuff, and I think that would be cool. Honestly, I can't see those people coming here to deal with the bickering and goofaffing that occurs in the rest of the site.

With a new site comes a different culture of its own.

If you create a new site I say keep the custom gallery here too though because I'm sure many here like to see stuff, but don't want to go to a new site.

If you don't open a new site, I recommend expanding the current forum.

 

[Les Walker]

Mixed feelings.

On the one hand, I like it the way it is. I have one primary thread for my work, and in Collections, one primary thread for my stuff.
I occasionally post a thread in the area where some new project would get the most views.

Also, I have considered starting a whole new 2008 FML Customs thread, so mine is not so darn huge anymore, but other than that, I like the site structure as is.

I have my own website, albeit a bit old hat, and due for a renovation soon, but I like having that as my true home base, and the threads here as my posting for the members here, and my collection one, as just that.

I feel that there have been too many specialty posts and threads of one figure or whatnot. We have all done that. It's hard not to want everyone to see your newest work, and a whole new forum would accommodate that, but I am only for it, if it is linked to here, so the members can easily go and see what is going on there.

As for any of us Cutsoms guys' posts being potential ads for our work, well, hard to defend, 'cause that is true, as I for one practically depend on this work for my livilhood, (as in, IT IS NOT JUST A SIDEBAR HOBBY FOR ME), but...I also don't like the notion of members feeling assaulted by something I have done or repainted either. It's a thin line to walk.

Most customizers are what I was when I started, just guys that get figures and make them their own, and make wholenew originals. It seems to have become a large pocket sidebar of the toy industry and this site a real wellspring of members who want improved or alternate or totally new and unproduced figures.

In some ways, I think all custom figures should be listed in customs, not as much in General or wherever, which should cover officially released toys from companies, so as to keep the site medium clear from the customs angle.
But, the Customs area should at least be clearly expanded to account for all those custom heads, Batman or other type character figures, and whole limited lines of customs made especially for the collectors that inhabit this locale.

I've always felt that this site was supposed to be Sideshow first, Hot Toys and Medicom and all the others second, and customs a sidebar. And it is. I think.
Yet, due to the increasing demand by the slowly market developed perfectionism of the collectors, due to improved merchandise from the companies themselves, AND, the improvements made available by some of us customs makers, the collectors have begun to have more say in what the finished product they buy from companies, namely Sideshow, can be for themselves.
Gone are the days of the majority of the masses just being satisfied with only an out of box product. Although, there remains a purist faction that will always have a good point in defending that approach to their collecting.

It is a dilemma for the site, but maybe not an overwhelming one.

I would support whatever comes of a "move" but I do prefer it centrallized. Of course. I benefit from this area. But, I think many of the members do also. By keeping it here, they are not obliged to hunt the net for other sites (even if well linked) and see what is there, then come back here, and post, blah blah...and on it will split...and might get rather complicated.

If the existing Customs area can be simplified a bit, and new threads be more rigidly organized, so that member galleries, these seeming in demand "How To's" and any other aspect of the customs area be made more easily accessable, then I think all problems would be solved without a seperate site.



But, again, I would support whatever comes. I repect the members here, even those I don't co-collect with, and so want what is in the best interest of everyone.
I think Simplicity is the answer. Just not sure what that is. Yet.



I know this is a lot of post and opinion, but I had to say some of it just to feed the conversation.

Good luck Dave and let me know what you need from me. I hope we can simplify all this for everyone where all members benefit best.

 

[ProgMatinee]

Even though I've never bought from a customizer and don't really plan to, I don't think customizers advertising to sell is a problem. Its cool to know what services are out there.

The only thing I don't want to see is any type of division between the amateurs and the pros, ie I hope people don't knock someones custom repaint because its not as good as such and such's... or worse, if the professional posts his/hers in the amateurs' thread to trump it or something like that, but I'm sure thats an extreme example never to happen. Just saying.

 

[Les Walker]

Even though I've never bought from a customizer and don't really plan to, I don't think customizers advertising to sell is a problem. Its cool to know what services are out there.

The only thing I don't want to see is any type of division between the amateurs and the pros, ie I hope people don't knock someones custom repaint because its not as good as such and such's... or worse, if the professional posts his/hers in the amateurs' thread to trump it or something like that, but I'm sure thats an extreme example never to happen. Just saying.

I would consider such a post, rude.

Speaking for myself...
I personally relish ALL customs, and always try to promote those whose work I respect, be they amatuer, or pro.

If I am designated a "pro", then it is part of my job to promote enthusiasm in someone that is starting out. I can't always promote skill, since that is learned, but I always try to help them to keep going and make what they want.

Of course, I would never intentionally denegrate anyone's work, in fact, I don't even like when someone posts a link to a custom selling on Ebay for example, just to mock or make fun of it. I respect that that person thinks their work is worthy, and worth posting and am always saddened by any denegration. We all do our best. And sometimes, even those without a lot of experience, often capture something in their work that us PROS, forget, FUN! I always respond to that. Skills can come later with the doing.

I agree that any custom area, be it this one, or any seperate site, have no sense of seperation. That is a very good point. ALL customs interest me. All. I am always proud to post my respects to anyone's efforts, no matter how new they are to the hobby. This is my favorite pastime, so I welcome all who would try. And it would work best in a place where you don't fear comparison or ridicule based on your personal level of development.

Ultimately, it's about sharing.

 

[TheObsoleteMan]

The more I think about, the more I think a seperate site probably isn't such a great idea. The customs forum is part of the heart of this board, creating an entirely seperate site could potentially weaken the customs section on this board and the board in general.

 

[Rogue Trooper]

I like the idea of keeping it here, this place has got everything i want as its so diverse.
Don't like the idea of a seperate true gallery, they've got one of those at OSW and when you see a custom you like there no story about how it came together or where they got the idea, which i always find interesting.

 

[Cocoboloboy]

The more I think about, the more I think a seperate site probably isn't such a great idea. The customs forum is part of the heart of this board, creating an entirely seperate site could potentially weaken the customs section on this board and the board in general.

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. I like and visit other forums but this one is an entirely different animal alltogether and it's due in part to the mass of talent that posts thier custom work and tips. Anything that takes away from that part of this community would be a shame.

I also agree with pix, a one stop site like this is better.

 

[Captain Faramir]

Maybe you could just star a new section, like how you have "Art Show," Custom Gallery,", etc, only have it be just to display the figures themselves, while this one is kept for all the questions, how-to, progress shots, etc. In other words, one for finished works where we can just browse all the stuff, and one for all the technical and progress stuff.

Just a thought.

 

[Darklord Dave]

Do customizers really want to do "how to" stuff? I mean isn't their general intent to get business for themselves and not divulge their secrets? I think a customizing forum would rock, but I think it would be more for customizers to get business more than to present tutorials on stuff. I really don't know though, just thinking out loud.

Actually the customizing community has always been more about sharing techniques than anything else. When I was big into it I did tutorials and many others have done the same. The attitude is more of "how can I do it," rather than "where can I buy it."

 

[Darklord Dave]

Perhaps I'm just on a customizing kick - since I broke half my Harry Potter busts, I'm jonzing to customize the heads into 1/6 figures.

But to expand on my idea for a completely customizing forum - it could include not just 1/6 but fashion dolls, such as Barbie and Tonner and the fully plastic figures as well. There was a recent tutorial on resizing cast parts that was designed for the little plastic men, but is of enormous significance for 1/6 collectors too.

So this new forum that I'm thinking about wouldn't cannibalize on this forum, it would be attractive to many people who've never considered Sideshow product. But it's probably too much work.

At any rate I do think that I need to create a Customizing section and take this forum out of Galleries and put it in there. Then we could have a "how-to" forum - kind of what they have at theclubhouse.

 

[Kabukiman]

Dave - I think you nailed it when you said "it would be attractive to many people who've never considered Sideshow product." I think the majority of people here wouldn't check it out much, but it would attract new users.

I can't believe more of the customizers aren't getting behind this. I'm picturing something like "The RPF" but for figures.

Maybe, like you, I've just been bitten by the bug. I found a local shop that is kit-basher heaven and I'm really looking to get into some customizing; so my view might be slanted a bit.

 

[DarkArtist81]

I know that I love this site and how it has been put together but would welcome a sister site that was devoted to kit bashes and customs in general. This place has really been ground zero for me, and had it not been for Dave putting it together I probably would NEVER have painted or customized on my own.

Scary thought I know, but I really owe it to Dave and to Mikey for getting me curious about this hobby. I found the site via SSC and saw Mikey's work... started on my own... and now it's ancient history. This place has MADE my custom career.

And if a new site could do things like that for other collectors of whatever product... I support it 100%. Especially if I still have Uncle Dave's original sandbox to play in here.