This post has come about because of a fairly good-natured discussion I have been taking part in in a couple of different places simultaneously. Recently (well, within the last few years), it has become apparent that there is a fairly vocal section of the hobby (I hope it's only a tiny, (though noisy) minority!) who seem to have nothing good to say about anything to do with the hobby. Everything seems to be fair game, and it seems to be a sort of 'open season' for vilifying everything - ranges of figures, rule sets, painting styles - you name it, and someone will have a go at it, and usually in the most vindictive terms - talk about venting your spleen. And it's almost never of the "I don't like...", sort, it's nearly always of the "That xxx is really awful." variety. You don't have to look far down the forums on, for example, The Miniatures Page, to see far too many examples of the sort of thing I mean.
I've been on the receiving end of it since starting to use the Army Painter 'Quick Shade' - some folks have openly told me that my figures look awful (fine, they're my figures, I like them & I don't need you to like them). Others have criticised me for paying 'over the odds' for the Army Painter 'Dip' (it's my money isn't it? So why does what I do with it matter to you? What business is it of yours how I spend my cash?). Some have, bizarrely, said my figures looked awful, and then added that I must have used Photoshop on the pictures to give the impression of such smooth shading (so do you hate them or not? Make your mind up! And I wish I was that good with Photoshop!).
At times I've wondered why these people are in the hobby at all, if the only 'pleasure' they get out of it is to 'rubbish' other people's efforts.
For me, this is a hobby, pure and simple. I take part in it to relax, and to have fun. I enjoy modelling and painting. I enjoy reading about history and archaeology. I enjoy playing games with my toys. I enjoy sharing my love of the hobby via this website, and through meeting other wargamers at shows.
It actually makes no difference to me if someone dislikes my 'take' on the hobby: this is my hobby, not their hobby. I don't really care if they don't like it. It is a hobby. It isn't a matter of life or death. It won't stop global warming, and it won't cure brain tumours. It's just an enjoyable pastime, to be savoured by each individual in a way that suits him (or her!). So why be so critical?
Being positive about the hobby is, I suspect, much more enjoyable, and much more fruitful. I try to be positive. I take an active part in forums which promote a positive view of the hobby - like 'The Guild' (most of the Guild forums are only open to members, so unless you're a member you'll only see the 'tip of the iceberg' if you click the link). There is a sort of rule on the Guild (I don't know if it's written down anywhere) that you always say positive things about others' efforts - even when they're asking advice on how to improve. It's a great place to hang out! Most folks are into 20mm, and WW2 is a particular favourite, but there's all sorts of other stuff too - there's even some idiot who keeps posting pictures of 'dipped' 28mm Romans.
All of us have different opinions on different aspects of the hobby. That variety has always been one of this hobby's great strengths - and helps to drive it forward into new territory - each of us doing new things and learning new stuff from each other. Instead of slagging off those who hold different opinions to us, let's celebrate the fact that we are all different, and use the differences in a positive way - as a means of enriching our experience of the hobby.
It has to be said: I enjoy receiving praise. It makes me feel good when one of my readers drops a comment along the lines of "I love those figures." It inspires me to get the box of lead out, dust off the paintbrushes and try to do at least as good a job on the next unit. It also inspires me to respond - even if only to say thank you - but more likely to expand a bit on 'thank you' and 'chatter'. And before we know it, we've both made another friend.
On the other hand, if someone makes a negative comment - "Those figures look awful" (it hasn't happened here, but I've had a right slagging in one or two other places), well, fine. What's the aim behind the comment - to make me feel bad - or to make me 'change my ways' and paint my figures by some 'approved' method? Sure as eggs is eggs, it isn't going to stop me or change me - see above, it's my hobby, not his and I'll pursue it to my satisfaction, thank you very much. But I'm sure as heck not going to respond positively to that guy: he's left me nothing to say, other than to be rude back (and that's not my way, so most likely I'll just ignore him completely). As far as he's concerned, my figures are rubbish. No dialogue, end of story, goodnight. Where's the good in that? Does it help either of us enjoy the hobby more?
It's not a big hobby - there aren't all that many of us. We all need all the friends we can get. And we stand more chance of attracting 'new blood' if we're friendly and encouraging than if we come across as rude and critical. So get out there and say nice things! Go on - and wish 'em a Happy Christmas too!
I'd just like to thank all those who read this blog, and particularly those who say such kind things to me (both here in cyberspace and in person), for their support and friendship. It really does make the hobby much more enjoyable for me. God bless you, one and all.