HEAR NO EVIL, SAY NO EVIL, SEE NO EVIL
Cute little picture isn’t it. We have all seen something like this either using monkeys, frogs, or whatever. This one however fits us the best. The smiley face; we all like to use the smiley face in our posts right. Upon reflection this cute little picture illustrates a rather disturbing trend in our society toward apathy that is even penetrating our hobby. The little cartoon is an illustration of thought progression. Notice how each smiley is indeed smiling. This is important! Let’s go through them shall we and apply them to ourselves. The first little guy is happy and feels really good about himself, but has shut out any other thoughts that might upset his little world. Ignorance is bliss. The second is really happy with himself because he is not saying anything that might offend someone. Besides if they want to put the drive sprocket where the idler should be that’s ok. It’s not my place to upset someone’s little world. The last little guy is probably the most dangerous because he has shut out the truth and refused to speak the truth so much that he happily doesn’t know the difference anymore.
On Modelers Alliance we have gone out of our way to stamp out trollish behavior, but in our campaign against negativity have we gone too far? This past weekend I found myself unable to tell a fellow member, when asked, what he needed to do better for fear of offending him. Things like maybe you should do some panel shading, or maybe some dry brushing. Sorry Joe! Is it offensive to try and help someone by pointing out something they could do better? Are we so wrapped up in our cocoons of self-superiority that we are offended when someone is just trying to help? I say instead of posting a smiley let’s do a little more talking. If we see something we like say so and likewise if we have suggestions say so. Just remember, as I was reminded the other day, “He means well”
Thoughts?
Terry

Cute little picture isn’t it. We have all seen something like this either using monkeys, frogs, or whatever. This one however fits us the best. The smiley face; we all like to use the smiley face in our posts right. Upon reflection this cute little picture illustrates a rather disturbing trend in our society toward apathy that is even penetrating our hobby. The little cartoon is an illustration of thought progression. Notice how each smiley is indeed smiling. This is important! Let’s go through them shall we and apply them to ourselves. The first little guy is happy and feels really good about himself, but has shut out any other thoughts that might upset his little world. Ignorance is bliss. The second is really happy with himself because he is not saying anything that might offend someone. Besides if they want to put the drive sprocket where the idler should be that’s ok. It’s not my place to upset someone’s little world. The last little guy is probably the most dangerous because he has shut out the truth and refused to speak the truth so much that he happily doesn’t know the difference anymore.
On Modelers Alliance we have gone out of our way to stamp out trollish behavior, but in our campaign against negativity have we gone too far? This past weekend I found myself unable to tell a fellow member, when asked, what he needed to do better for fear of offending him. Things like maybe you should do some panel shading, or maybe some dry brushing. Sorry Joe! Is it offensive to try and help someone by pointing out something they could do better? Are we so wrapped up in our cocoons of self-superiority that we are offended when someone is just trying to help? I say instead of posting a smiley let’s do a little more talking. If we see something we like say so and likewise if we have suggestions say so. Just remember, as I was reminded the other day, “He means well”
Thoughts?
Terry