"Making Modelling Fun Again"

Recently I received an email taking us to task for running an article that contained errors in construction as well as "wrong colours". Rather than replying directly to the author of the message, I decided that it would be best to present the criteria for an article to make it into Internet Modeler.

During the few trips I have made to model shows I have been amazed at both the good, and the 'bad' models on display. In the case of some of the latter I would be embarrased if it was my work ... BUT, and this is a big but. . . THE BUILDER WAS PROUD OF THEIR WORK and wanted to share it.

Some internet friends of mine are forever commenting on how superior certain model magazines are to others. I disagree with them, and find many of the ones that they rave about, seem to be very amatuerish to my mind. But again the builder is proud of his/her work and has no qualms about seeing it in print.

When Internet Modeler was formed, the question of motto came up, and our original senior editor, Tom Cleaver, came up with "Making Modelling Fun Again". At the time I thought that was pretty silly, but the more I reflect on it, the more I see that it is in fact a very good guide to live by. Think back to your childhood and building models. I'm pretty sure most of us can recall that it was quite common to build a kit in an afternoon - and that included painting and decaling. Return to 2003 and how many of us can say we can build anything in an afternoon? I can honestly admit that I have spent the last two years working on just three models – none of which are complete (granted one is an 8' wingspan biplane for a local airport, while the other are the ongoing Flower conversions) – yet the one thing that remains is my enjoyment of the process, and the satisfaction that comes with completing each stage.

All of this brings me back to the guiding principle of IM. If the builder is happy with the model, then we are pleased to show it. This allows for others to be inspired whatever their skill level to say "Hey! I can do that".

Bob Pearson