Whether I'm posting it, or I'm reading it, I think I prefer the pre-constructed build threads.
Although the "post as you go" threads sometime provide some interesting new build information, IMHO too often they spend a lot of time on steps that are of little interest to me as a reader. For example, if I were posting a build of an original design, as a reader, would you really care how I decided what my fin shape would be? I tend to think that if you were actually interested in building my design, you would only be interested in the final fin pattern, right?
...Snippy snippy...
Since with an original design I may be deciding things as I go along, I would rather not waste people's time with false starts and mistakes. So if I take all the pics as I build and only post the ones that are pertinent to the final product. And in addition, if I am really going outside the box with my design, I want to make sure it is a reliable flyer before I commit to an online audience.
I don't think there's a right or wrong, and I appreciate this point of view. However, let me offer a different viewpoint to some of the comments above.
I joined TRF a bit more than 3 years ago, I think, and have been voraciously reading up on all things LPR and some things MPR. Build threads were an invaluable resource early on and continue to be one of my favorite features of the forum. However, for me, a lot of the interest isn't just the "what" and the "how" but rather the "why." I greatly enjoy reading as people debate "this way or that way, because of...". And, if someone makes a mistake and posts about it, I learn HUGELY from it. So, if I make a mistake in a build, and have to correct it, I usually post what lead to the problem, the impact of the problem, and the resolution of the problem. I really like learning from other people's logic, in design and fixing problems. And there have been times when people have offered good advice when I was debating which route to take, which helped me improve the final model.
Also, I assume I'll have a readership that is a mix of newby, experienced, and expert folks. The expert folks probably skip through most of my threads because there is probably relatively little to learn. They might go straight to the final product, and offer congratulations, condolences, or sage advice, always appreciated. Others earlier on the learning curve may be interested in how I [insert trivial step here].
I don't really care how fast or slow a build goes... or whether there's some interesting commentary or science fiction along with the build. Individual character is amusing to me in these threads, and since I'm not on some schedule to "get through" a thread, I'm content to take "all at once" threads at my own pace, or patiently wait on an extended build.
This is just how I see it, though I definitely agree with the others who commented on their appreciation for all who take the trouble to post. Those efforts are a big part of the community spirit that makes TRF great.
Marc
aul T
