There is another side to this that, I think, never gets any press. Here are
some comments that represent lots of similar comments:
"I build my models for me because that is what I want... In
short I don't really need justification from others for what I built."
"I think most of us are very confortable with our abilities and choices, and we
don't need to have our egos stroked by winning contests or gaining NMRA
certificates."
I agree in part, but there is a whole different aspect to contests than trying
to win them. As many of you know, I make my living playing and teaching piano.
I have entered several competitions knowing I didn't have a chance of winning,
and I enter my students in competitions they don't have a chance of winning.
The point is that I and they bring a piece up to the highest standards we are
capable of achieving. The contest is just an artificial but helpful incentive,
not to mention a deadline. In addition, my students get feedback from some
highly qualified, highly respected musicians, which helps them focus on areas
where they can improve themselves as musicians.
Sam McCoy has written at least two editorials this year in the Dispatch that
touched on incentives to finish a project that had gotten stuck. I have lots of
things that are 90% done. A contest just might spur me to get to 100%. I've
entered models twice in NASG convention contests. Second place both times. That
just makes me want to do a better job next time. That's not ego, it's not "I
have to beat everybody else," it's not I need a certificate to stick in a
drawer. "Favorite model" contests and non-competitive displays are good in
themselves, but don't generate much helpful feedback. I greatly appreciate the
contest judges who take time to evaluate my model and write specific comments
that help me do better next time. That, for me, is the value of a competitive
contest.
Maybe if I ever finish this now burdensome PhD, I'll get my act together and
try to build a contest quality model.
-Michael Eldridge
-Seriously contemplating a layout restart
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