IPMS - still worthy?

[SimonR2800]

As a former member [quite a few years ago now] is IPMS worth rejoining? I'd value honest opinions on this subject.

Thanks.

[RobBye]

My local chapter could certainly benefit from an infusion of youth. Not much going on there.

Online communities lessen the need for local groups, and, based only on what I've seen locally, IPMS seems more for those who still aren't convinced this "internet thing" is really going to catch on.

[Lee]

As a former member [quite a few years ago now] is IPMS worth rejoining? I'd value honest opinions on this subject.

Thanks.

I joined when I first got back not the hobby, but there really is no point unless you're going to go to the local meetings. I went to mine and got totally shunned and made to feel as if I shouldn't be there!

[chops1sc]

We have a couple groups in my area that have nice turn outs with their meetings. I plan on joining the local group this year. I enjoy the interaction with real faces and the variety of work. I attended my first meeting 2 years ago and won their monthly contest!

[SimonR2800]

As a former member [quite a few years ago now] is IPMS worth rejoining? I'd value honest opinions on this subject.

Thanks.

I joined when I first got back not the hobby, but there really is no point unless you're going to go to the local meetings. I went to mine and got totally shunned and made to feel as if I shouldn't be there!

I know the feeling. That's partly why I left and my interest in the hobby began to wane as a result. Having a young family at the time helped to seal the deal.

I asked in the hope that that sort of thing didn't go on anymore. And of course I'm sure that not every local group is like that, but it makes you wonder and puts yiu off. :/

Thanks for your input.

[SimonR2800]

We have a couple groups in my area that have nice turn outs with their meetings. I plan on joining the local group this year. I enjoy the interaction with real faces and the variety of work. I attended my first meeting 2 years ago and won their monthly contest!

Nice one!

[SimonR2800]

My local chapter could certainly benefit from an infusion of youth. Not much going on there.

Online communities lessen the need for local groups, and, based only on what I've seen locally, IPMS seems more for those who still aren't convinced this "internet thing" is really going to catch on.

That depends on how you gauge youth. LOL

I'm 48 but I feel young at heart.

I see what you mean about the "internet thing."

Perhaps I'm better off staying away and just stumping up the £10 entry fee for Telford every year...

Thanks.

[RobBye]

That depends on how you gauge youth. LOL

The average age for members of my local IPMS chapter has to be somewhere in the 60's.

[GangsterNo1]

This thread mirrors a post on the Facebook page, and interestingly enough the response is the same: that local clubs seem to be the home of old farts who aren't very welcoming or sociable.

I'm technically on my way to being an old fart, at 47, but I'm pretty gregarious and always up for talking to people. I'm the only person I know 'in real life' who builds models so this community is my only real place to meet like minded people.

I've been thinking about this a lot in the run up to the IPMS Telford show. Last year I wondered around for a few hours on my own and the only people I spoke to were Paul and the gang on the Ultimate stall. I'd love to have a bunch of guys to wonder around with, discuss modelling and generally have a laugh but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. If anyone is up for meeting at Telford then I'm up for it too. Also, if anyone from the Manchester area wants a lift then that would be cool too. I'll even share the music choice on the journey!

[digger303]

I would if the pond wasn't too wide

[SimonR2800]

This thread mirrors a post on the Facebook page, and interestingly enough the response is the same: that local clubs seem to be the home of old farts who aren't very welcoming or sociable.

I'm technically on my way to being an old fart, at 47, but I'm pretty gregarious and always up for talking to people. I'm the only person I know 'in real life' who builds models so this community is my only real place to meet like minded people.

I've been thinking about this a lot in the run up to the IPMS Telford show. Last year I wondered around for a few hours on my own and the only people I spoke to were Paul and the gang on the Ultimate stall. I'd love to have a bunch of guys to wonder around with, discuss modelling and generally have a laugh but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. If anyone is up for meeting at Telford then I'm up for it too. Also, if anyone from the Manchester area wants a lift then that would be cool too. I'll even share the music choice on the journey!

If I make Telford this year, I'll let you know (awaiting the nod for the day off). Working on the railway I get free travel, so I'll meet you there; again if I get the day off. Nowts certain.