and he muses -
You describe an ideal web site in an ideal world. What religious
group isn't convinced that their beliefs are not the purest?
Similarly, doesn't the scale modeler look down his nose at the
Hi-Rail or Flyer operator?
The point of the fable was not to imply that 'Pinky' was indeed
perfect, but rather to show that narrowing of interest can be as
limiting as it is non-productive. 'Pinky' was no more or less a
better modeler than anyone else - he just thought he was.
Whether an individual or a group of individuals start an exclusive
site (such as what has been proposed) the same stratifying, codifying
and of course bickering will eventually rear its head. The only
difference being the fewer members will be less tolerant.
Becoming a scale enthusiast shouldn't be considered the ultimate goal
for an S Gauger. Bernie Thomas was a good example. He converted Flyer
not only to show what could be done but also to keep the project
within the grasp of the "lesser modelers", something 'Pinky' would
not do. But Bernie enjoyed what he did and worked within the system
(and what was available) to foster good fellowship as well as a
presentable model. By today's standard and especially those proposed
by an all exclusive site, Bernie (or some incarnate) would not
qualify for membership.
While the fable may be flawed or appear to poke fun at the many
special interests, it did have a meaning and that was to show how
purism is self defeating. I would hazard a guess that 'Pinky' would
eventually eliminate himself from the list for some failing to
conform to the strictest adherence to scale. Perhaps it was his ill
advised modeling of Gilbert's famous Erector Tower (or maybe he was
allergic to white chocolate)!
Raleigh in perfect Maine
At 11:17 AM 12/28/2007, Bob Werre wrote:
>Raleigh,
>
>The fallacy of your fable is that your character gradually eliminates
>the lesser modelers. Unless I'm getting the wrong jest of this idea,
>this site would be to gather modelers together. Although it would be a
>scale site, nobody would be eliminated due to rail size, coupler size,
>race or religion. I would see it as gentle encouragement to the scale
>side--much like Bernie Thomas did in his AF to scale conversions in the
>old Herald. Being the internet is somewhat anonymous who would know (or
>care for that matter) if the subscribers were rivet counters, 3 railers
>or Baptist's.
>
>Bob Werre
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