One man's opinion.
Hi All,
I've been a member of both of these communities for awhile now and have been increasingly annoyed by how things are handled in addition to an apparent lack of relevance to my hobby needs.
The Oldhammer Community, perhaps because of it's size, has become a major bitchfest. I've done my best to just ignore the posts I find irritating and focus on the aspects I like, but I'm beginning to feel like it's not worth it. Rules seem to be arbitrarily enforced and appear to be targeting U.S. members for harsh penalties for "infractions". If it really is just a club for people who live within driving distance of Nottingham, then just say so. I can get shitty, underexposed, blurry pictures of minis elsewhere on the internet. Also, if moderating the group just gets your knickers in a bunch, stop doing it.
The Oldhammer Trading Company also serves little to no purpose for me. Due to the time difference I miss many of the offers and International shipping being what it is the cost is becoming not worth it, if sellers even will ship overseas. Also people tend to constantly ask for ID's and valuation instead of apparently doing any research. So it has me asking, what value does this group offer me?
That being said, I am a member of several Facebook Oldhammer groups that I really enjoy.
Oldhammer in the New World
Citadel Fans
The Bazaar of Crooked Wonders
The Emporium of Rogue Dreams
Herohammer International
Da Oldhamma' Boyz
All places with no drama, clear and fair enforcement of rules and just zero asshattery.
I unfollowed The Oldhammer Trading Company yesterday, but I'm trying to decide if I should just completely quit both groups. The amount that they annoy me is far outweighing the positives.
I'm sure many will respond "don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out", and perhaps rightfully so. I just had to vent on this issue because it's been bothering me for awhile.
Another blog by a guy who came up in the 80's playing RPG's, Wargames and some miniatures.
Sean, just bid farewell to the pompous arses! Not worth getting steamed over what amounts to sad little people who have the smallest smidgeon of power/control and turn into a crazy mo'fo. The hobby is about fun and relaxation after all.
ReplyDeleteWell said DGG. I think you're right.
DeleteWell said Sean...I for one have enjoyed not having to deal with all the BS but it's not like I had a choice in the matter. LOL
ReplyDeleteYeah, what happened to you, followed by the AoS bashing and defending has really soured that group for me. And now this crap.
DeleteIt's a sad fact of our hobby that socially awkward, ostracised teenagers gravitate towards our hobby due to it's escapism. These people then grow up to become socially awkward, ostracised adults who have access to the internet where their poor social skills are displayed for all to see.
ReplyDeleteGood news is there are groups out there you have found more agreeable to your tastes.
I go to BOYL and put whatever the fuck I want on the table and then display my inappropriate social behaviour if anyone says anything ;0)
I like the cut of your jib riot ville! Yeah it seems that people who left the hobby because of others ruining it for them are now making the rules that ruin it for others. I find myself having always been too nerdy for the jocks and too jocky for the nerds. It makes me want to curb stomp somebody. Perhaps more metaphorically than actually, as I like not being in prison.
DeleteI found myself in the same sort of hinterland. I was a kid who liked books growing up in one the roughest areas of East London so never fitted in. I only returned to the hobby of my youth after I got wrecked in an MMA fight in my late 30's and had to stop fighting.
DeleteI got cured of wanting to be a fighter by having my fibula fractured by one of Cung Le's fighters at a tournament in 1995 or 1996. Now I just train to make the asshole that forces me to fight him instantly regret it.
DeleteWell, "empty vessels make the most noise". I imagine that there are many decent members of he communities that you mention, but maybe they are drowned out by a few loudmouths? If so then can you simply filter or block certain individuals or just steer clear of some threads and enjoy the rest?
ReplyDeleteHi Hugh. Yes many decent members, but also a a fair amount of noise and drama. It's also at least one of the moderators. I just quit both as I can get what I need from the other groups I mentioned
DeleteIt does sound like a group you can do without, after all do we really need hassle in what is meant to be a hobby ?
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky in that there are a lot of other groups out there (unlike in the zombie gaming community) that seem far more amiable.
Hi Zabadak. Yeah being in a niche within a niche an force you to have to get along. I think the main thing is that you can't take on a leadership role and then complain about how thankless that role is therefore somehow justifying being a git.
Deletehi Sean i do visit the oldhammer f/b quite a lot mostly just to look at pretty pictures of painted minis i do agree there is a lot of general asshattery(gotta remember that term by the way).but i kinda look at it as if some folk are dick heads just ignore them and they will go away anyways dont let it take the enjoyment out off what you do .just my thoughts an certainly no offence intended to anybody .kat
ReplyDeleteHi Kat, I was trying to ignore what I didn't like and enjoy the pictures of minis. A lot of the people I like already cross post on some of those other groups I mentioned above, so I just figured it was time to cut bait and reduce the chatter. Enjoy the hobby your way and I'll see you on the interwebs.
Deletetotally understand mate stay in touch .kat
DeleteLife is too short to spend time not enjoying. Better quit the groups that do not bring positive feedback. And it seems you are following enough groups to fulfill your oldhammer needs. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Cedric, thanks for commenting. Yeah, I just quit them and I don't miss them at all. Hope all is well with you. I'll try to check in on your blog. It's been awhile.
DeleteI've remained a member of both groups, but unfollowed them early this year, so none of the posts show up in my FB feed. Both groups have become obnoxious to me for various reasons. Oldhammer in the New World seems a much more relaxed group, focused on those who enjoy painting and playing rather than pedantery, elitism, and the monetary value of toy soldiers.
ReplyDeleteHi 023, yeah I tried unfollowing OTC and it seemed like posts still came through. I've been brutal with unfollowing friends and relatives this year. There's only so much Tea Party bullshit I can stand before you're cut off. If all I see is stuff that makes me angry, time to thin the herd as it were. And yeah, the New World is way more laid back and positive.
DeleteWell said. I'm a fellow North American and echo your sentiments about OTC. Made me mad to see the kind of garbage posted there. But happy to have discovered your blog
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony, you should try Citadel Fans on Facebook. Mostly North Americans and reasonable prices. Also consider joining Oldhammer in the New World on Facebook, they are super laid back as a group and the driving force behind me getting more involved in the hobby.
DeleteThanks Arthur1981, I forget all of the things specifically that made me leave the Oldhammer Community four years ago, but honestly I don't really have a lot of use for the Oldhammer themed groups on Facebook anymore. I still look at pictures of nicely painted miniatures but I stay out of all the unnecessary drama.
ReplyDelete