In these troubled times of pandemics, political upheaval and social unrest, I think it's even more improtant that when we talk, play or communicate over social media, we try to be nice.
All of us can get caught up in the moment. If we see something we think is unjust, it can be a natural reaction to push back. But especially over the internet, meaning and intent can be lost. I've taken a step back from tweeting so much other than expressly on hobby matters. My ongoing motto, for my gaming and my podcast is simple, 'play nice'.
There was a recent thread where a complaint was made about the endless commercialisation of the hobby. So, a company that sells a basing kit comprising of 3 paints, a large bottle of wash, sand, static grass, PVA glue and instructions for just over £20, recieved criticism (and some support...) for over pricing the materials.
Now, my initial reaction was anger. The premise was that such a product would put someone off the hobby. My retort was that we don't point fingers at Mercedes for selling a car that is expensive because a new driver can't afford it. Also, any quick Google search will thow up loads of basing ideas for beginners through to hobby veterans. I choose to use the basing system because it gives quick, but more importantly excellent results.
Now I've had a love hate relationship with basing for as long as I can remember. But this basing system has given me a way of basing that I am very happy with. But why people feel the need to criticise a company for producing this product is beyond me. However, I have now said my piece. I am going to abide by the mantra of 'play nice' from now on.
Hobby wise, our household is at the end of a period of decorating and shifting around. My hobby bunker has become the place to store anything that needs keeping out of the way, from wardrobes to boxes to bedding to curtains. So hobby time is limited, as is space. My hobby area has shrunk down to about a 2 foot square area on my table.
Still, I have now finished my Irregular Miniatures 6mm Crimean project for the Battle of the Alma. I say finished. I still need to build the battlefield, but more of that in another post. And, a project is of course never finished. After the Alma, it's onto Balaclava...and we all know what that means!
