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Well, at the time they were presented, they were shown as something that could possibly be produced later on, which does not entice people to voice their opinion as much. And secondly, that was a long time ago, and Ben as well as others have raised the bar of our expectations.
Ben wasn't always the most receptive of sculptor when it came to feedback and suggestions either, and even if I DO like his production, I can clearly remember a time when his attitude was a bit dismissive of other producers, and sometime of suggestions, even when voiced by many people. It does not entice people to feedback.
Then, there are some more general aspects to this. I did plan to get some cybershadows from the first time I saw them; but it is true that after seeing the excellent production from deacon/onslaught, as well as Ben improvement over time, they now seem to be a bit lacking. I didn't realise some of the things that could be better before some other people pointed at them (Glyng was spot on I think, and his advices were very precise and specific, which makes the most helpful critics I think). I am of the opinion that it is better to voice any quibble as early as possible and get a better miniature in the end; Now before the production is set is the last possible time; definitely not "early", but possibly "still early enough"
Something else; in some cases, I see things I don't like (I never liked the cybershadow Heavy Ordinance Conveyors design, even if If I love the track units), but when I said it, it got washed in people general approval of any new 6mm miniatures, so I switch to the "not interested" mode, and just plan not to get the miniature. Then it is only normal that I don't go on contradicting the people who will actually get it.
As a personal note, I never understood why the lancastrian got their triangle tail fin; I think something closer to the original would have been more coherent and just plain better. But since I have FW models for all my imperial navy and plan to track down original FW bombers, I never voiced my opinion since the most important thing is that the people who want them are satisfied. I sometime think I should have said what I had to say anyway.
We are a community, and it is a blessing but also a curse. When a critic is voiced, there are always people who feel it as negative, and since enthusiasm is "de rigueur" since we all know each others and are very glad to see any 6mm development, it takes some persistence and a willingness to get bashed for unsuportivness to get feedback across. I think the great success of onslaught is for a large part due to the very open way he discusses his plan, alter his designs, and listen for feedback. It all makes for better miniatures and lines in the end. I allow myself to be a critic, and sometime even a bit harsh, because I have probably bought more miniature from Ben than from anyone else in the business, and have been conversing with him for a long time. He also knows how much I like his work in general, and I think (hope ?) that it won't hurt.
The balance between a listening attitude, a creator inspiration and his own preferences is certainly quite a thin line to find and follow.
Your last message feels to me like we somehow should just shut up now since we didn't speak earlier. Well, for one guy who write on a forum, there are 5 who don't. For example, I know the french community is not too hot on the cybershadows infantry either; most seem to like the concept but feel like they are now used to better implementation. If the minis get better, Ben will get more customers; we're not trying to insult him, we're trying to help. Pinpointing what works and what doesn't isn't always easy; the more opinions the better.
I will get cybershadows anyway. But if I can get better ones, it's a win, and if Ben can sell more of them, it's a win too.
Last edited by Athmospheric on Fri Nov 22, 2013 7:18 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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