Minnesota Military Figure Society

Location: Minnesota Military Figure Society

Discussion: MMFS meetings

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Japanesearmor	MMFS meetings Jul 22 2010, 9:11 AM EDT As a long time member of the MMFS I'm thrilled with the turnout over the last six months. There was a time back in the mid 90s when we were lucky to have 6 people show up. With so many coming now I guess I would like to ask what others deem as important for the meetings? Business only? Show & Tell? Demos/presentations? Also considering the 'Figure' in our title, how relevant now are the figure part to our club? If it is still strong is there any interest in sponsoring Shep Paine and his figure painting seminar one last time before he retires? Post reply 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you? Keyword tags: None
mwjacques	1. RE: MMFS meetings Jul 22 2010, 1:25 PM EDT One option to the meeting format would be simillar to that used by TCAH: - Introduce visitors/new members - Show and Tell (aka "On the Table") - upcoming events or demo/presentation (if demo is a short one) - Break - Old business - New Business - Demo/presentation (if long) One thing that is important: if we advertise the meeting to start at 7:30, let's start the meeting at 7:30, not 8:00 or 8:30 like some months. As far as the Figure component, I have no problem with a balance in the discussions/demos/presentations. While I do appreciate quality figure work (Mike, Jim, Scott, Merrill, etc.), I readily acknowledge that I have attained a general mediocre threshold in painting figures and do not have a problem with that. If we could get Shep to do a seminar one more time that would be awesome. Thats my 2 cents worth! Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
ScottNicely	2. RE: MMFS meetings Jul 23 2010, 5:28 PM EDT Mark's reply sounds good to me. I know we have a slight lack of interest in people providing demos. What if we asked what people want to see for demos and then match a presenter to the demo. Also I have had this idea for a club build that utilizes everyones skills and interests and could get more models into the display out in the lobby. The Idea is a diorama in which everyone participating builds what they like to build but the hard part is tying it together in a cohesive diorama. Still thinking it through but a group build with someone giving a demo on the kit and how they build parts or all of it could be cool. Post reply 3 out of 3 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
mwjacques	3. RE: MMFS meetings Jul 23 2010, 7:11 PM EDT I like the idea of a true group build (which, unfortunately, probably gives the idea the kiss of death). The kicker is going to be the build scale (1:48, 1:35, etc.) more than the subject or theme. Keep those great ideas coming Scott! Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
ed1961o-k	4. RE: MMFS meetings Jul 24 2010, 1:09 AM EDT We really should start the meeting close to 7:30. It would be great to hear about what people bring in. As long as they don't go on and on for more than 15 minutes. If we don't get any demos soon maybe we could just ask people to bring in any kits that you are working on and we can see some works in progress. Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
ed1961o-k	5. RE: MMFS meetings Jul 24 2010, 1:16 AM EDT Looking at the members on this site, maybe another demo on the site would be good. I know we are busy with summer work to be done. But I noticed a good number of new members since May on this web-site. Let's get more photos down loaded and activity going. Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
TimStreeter	6. RE: MMFS meetings Jul 31 2010, 5:30 PM EDT "I like the idea of a true group build (which, unfortunately, probably gives the idea the kiss of death). The kicker is going to be the build scale (1:48, 1:35, etc.) more than the subject or theme. Keep those great ideas coming Scott!" I likely would not participate in a group build. I'm involved in way too many "group builds" (i.e., teams and committees) at work. Getting back into modeling way back when was and is the antidote: my work, at my pace, on my terms. And dioramas in particular are too personalized of a vision (residue of my artsy fartsy days in theater). But I'm more than happy to offer an objective eye if one is needed or reference help. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
TimStreeter	7. RE: MMFS meetings Jul 31 2010, 5:35 PM EDT I'd echo what Mark says. I think now that we have some identifiable leadership hopefully we can have more consistent structure to the meetings and they will start promptly. I think we could accomplish a lot more quickly if we start on time. I really liked the camera setup Mike used for one of his demos that enabled us to watch it on the screen. That was much easier than trying to gather around a table. I wonder if we could rig a video camera up to do the same thing--as well as film the demo to post here on the site. It would be nice to have a video library of demos. Post reply 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
TimStreeter	8. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such Jul 31 2010, 5:40 PM EDT Forgot to address this part of Mike's questions.... Yes, it would be great to get Shep Paine if we can. I've not seen a demo from him. Another good thing to video tape if we could. As far as figures go, I really appreciate the work I see (all styles and scales) from members and aspire to their levels. From a marketing standpoint, I think the club name presents a very narrowed view of the borad range of interests of members and thay may work against us from a promotional standpoint with the public more than with fellow modelers, but I didn't join the club for many years because I thought it was primarily figure-oriented and that's not where the focus of my efforts were. Post reply 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
761stTanker	9. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such Jul 31 2010, 10:41 PM EDT I seem to remember a spirited debate about the club name the last time I was active 4 years ago. If I recall, there was an effort to come up with a new logo that represented different aspects of the club while still retaining the name but I don't know what happened with that. In any case, I believe that Tim may have a point from a purely promotional standpoint. But being a bit of an "old timer" myself (originally joined in back in '86...spotty attendance through the years notwithstanding!), I can understand the urge to retain the name since it has so much history for this club. However, might we consider something along the lines of "Minnesota Military Figure and Model Society" or ...Military Figure and Miniature Society"? I guess what I'm suggesting is that if a name change actually WERE on the table (and I'm not saying it is, just going with the idea), I'd be for retaining the "Military Figure" part and adding on whatever is deemed appropriate to represent the other interests of the club. Post reply 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
761stTanker	10. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such Jul 31 2010, 10:48 PM EDT As for meetings I say we start on time, get business out the way as quickly as possible and then get on to demos and/or show-and-tell. It ain't exactly rocket science... After all these years and several opportunities, I have yet to meet Shep Paine...the man I credit with inspiring my modeling efforts and who's first edition of "How to Build Dioramas" is STILL in my "go too" stack of books for almost any project I consider. The cover's falling off and the thing is WELL worn from years of turning its pages. It's probably my most hallowed tome of modeling information. Would I like to have Shep come for a demo? You bet your ass I would! Post reply 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
mwjacques	11. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such Aug 1 2010, 1:22 PM EDT \| Post edited: Aug 1 2010, 1:22 PM EDT I agree with Tim that the use of the camera was a great aid with Mike's demo, because it allowed us to see what was going on. Most digital cameras have video capability (at least my Olympus that I got from work does) that can be relayed via cable (or by wireless - if you are COOL like Sean) to a pc. I also like the idea of appending to the name to reflect the broad range of interests/skills of the members. I think "Minnesota Military Figure and Miniatures Society" has a nice cache (a nice ring) to it. Its kind of amusing that the guy who is bringing up the figure aspect of the club (here and at the meetings) routinely brings in the most armor/soft-skin models to the meetings (irony?) - I digress, sorry. Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
Japanesearmor	12. RE: MMFS meetings-group build Aug 1 2010, 6:25 PM EDT \| Post edited: Aug 1 2010, 6:25 PM EDT Interesting idea but I wonder how practical. You have seen the results of our 38(t) build for AMPS. Maybe if it was something for the display case that could be an ongoing project maybe that would work. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Japanesearmor	13. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such Aug 1 2010, 6:31 PM EDT \| Post edited: Aug 1 2010, 6:31 PM EDT The club has struggled with its name since the early 1990s. As you put on the home page the club started around 1973 or so (actually I believe later than that). Originally the club was made up of individuals that wanted to paint figures for military wargaming. In the early 1980s the stand alone metal collector figures was the driving force. About the time Merrill came on board in the late 1980s the 'old guard' was changing and that was the source of the club becoming more diverse in its modeling. Several times at meetings in the 1990s the idea of changing the club name to reflect its diversity has been brought up but has always gone back to the original title. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Japanesearmor	14. RE: MMFS meetings -- Aug 1 2010, 6:40 PM EDT \| Post edited: Aug 1 2010, 6:40 PM EDT Don, as you recall the debate of the club's name has been going on for well over a decade (maybe even 2). making the title longer probably isn't such a great idea (KISS). Over the years I recall the one I thought worked best was 'Minnesota Model and Figure Society', This kept the same letters (MMFS) and broadened the aspect of a diverse group of subjects. Only problem is that it seemed more like a talent agency title than a miniatures club. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Japanesearmor	15. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such Aug 1 2010, 6:53 PM EDT \| Post edited: Aug 1 2010, 6:53 PM EDT Mark, I bring up the fact about the 'figures' because it is the history and roots of the club. Strange how you make a remark about what I bring to meetings. 25 years ago I would be ridiculed for bring armor models because this was a figure club. Now I get ridiculed for pointing out the background of the club while I still bring armor models. The document camera I borrowed from work. I'm not sure how much they cost but if we 1)have the funds and 2) have continued interest in having modeling demos maybe we could purchase one for the club. As far as the name of the club goes, this isn't the first time the topic has come up. See the post given to Tim's message. Strange how some 15 plus years ago I suggested making the club name different to show more diversity and now I seem to be a lone voice pointing out the historical roots and the 'figure' in the title name. Hypocritical or irony, you choose. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
TimStreeter	16. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such Aug 1 2010, 11:56 PM EDT Clubs evolve, unless they hold themselves rigidly to rules and traditions. This club doesn't seem to be too big on rules and it's focus has broadened over the years to accommodate the interests of the body of members. We don't have many traditions, per se. There was a page on the old club website about the club's history, and it was empty. So the club's original identity does not seem to have the support one would expect if it was of consequence to the members. It's really up up to those who model figures to step up and promote that aspect of the club more, such as getting more figures here on the site, posting figure related tips, etc. Nature abhors a vacuum. :-) When the club decided last summer to put on the show, I raised the question about the name and logo in case there was any desire to make any alterations before we began to promote the club and show in earnest. Mike, you mentioned that the topic had been discussed a couple years before and we didn't need to address it again. So we went forward, and we invested in signage for the show and subsequent uses. Of course, that doesn't mean we can't consider changing the name. We would just have to eat those costs. Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
Japanesearmor	17. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such and club name Aug 2 2010, 1:57 AM EDT \| Post edited: Aug 2 2010, 1:57 AM EDT Tim, Maybe I'm the only one that sees value in the tradition of the name of the club. Only Gary Anderson has been a member longer than myself. I guess I'm just rehashing memories of this same discussion that has transpired so many times in the past. A lot of emotions and energy was spent only to have kept it the same. I mentioned 20 years ago that a more diverse, more encompassing and broader name for the club would be better for PR only to seem to stir up division within the clubs members. Maybe it is time to bring the idea up again this time with less emotion and division. As you mentioned we do have financial investment in the name. If changing the name of the club brings in substantial new members and all the current members have a sense of pride and ownership in a new name the cost we incurred in the past would not have been ill spent but just an evolution of the organization. Maybe this is a topic that could be 'new business' for our next meeting. Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
761stTanker	18. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such and club name Aug 2 2010, 5:49 PM EDT \| Post edited: Aug 2 2010, 5:49 PM EDT I agree that a civil discussion under New Business at the meeting would be a good start. I hadn't thought about the recent investment in signage so that adds a bit of a twist. However, if the idea is to attract a larger crowd I think a name "augmentation" bears further discussion. While on the one hand it would be great to keep the same initials and something simple (KISS), a name that clearly encompasses what the club is all about NOW as opposed to what it was THEN could be a real boon for recruitment. Tim's comment about those who model figures doing some promotion of that aspect of the hobby raises the question about who exactly ARE the figure modelers in the club these days? Right off the bat I think about Gary, Chris, Scott and Jim, but I've been away so long I'm hard pressed to think of any others at the moment (if there are others). Maybe taking stock of the current makeup of the membership would be in order just to see if the current name is even still relevant? Post reply 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
mwjacques	19. RE: MMFS meetings -- About figures and such Aug 7 2010, 10:48 AM EDT \| Post edited: Aug 8 2010, 6:48 PM EDT Mike, I was just teasing you about the figures stuff. Sheesh! All that aside, this thread is providing a great discussion of the history of the club that until now has only been alluded to as comments during the meetings and was only covered in a light synopsis. I agree with Tim's comment refering to the seeming lack of a documented club history. For a club that has been around for 40years (+ or -), that is rather odd, considering the oft repeated claims of "When I first joined..." or "This club started as...". This club does have a heritage to be proud of, so lets document it! Post reply 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?

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