While I do agree, I also think that abandoning it altogether is not really the solution. It is what we make of it, and seeing a larger number of the old guard gradually have waning activity, while others have left altogether - as understandable as that is - only assists in the shifting patterns of the board. Perhaps it is just a 'new wave' and the discussions and interactions of the past are just changing times, but I miss a lot of the old focus. Anyway, it is neither here nor there, nor is this topic the most relevant place to mention it, I just think we have to contribute our own positivity to support what we like on the forum. If people give up on discussing certain topics, those are the ones that will fall by the wayside, to be replaced by [blank].

Yet when people try to actually discuss real topics and not just post "sick toy" "great release" "cool photo" they are criticized... People say this thread has been "ruined" simply because people want to discuss things in the community for a page or two, then they spend two more pages criticzing the criticizers. I am here to discuss all matters related to toys not just the new hot release. I dont want to continue the conversation about the pus event however and im not trying to keep it going with this post, because i dont want to argue, theres many thin s i could say based on others responses here but whats the point? Its just funny that after people are called out for discussing something in the community people are complaining no one discusses anything...

I think Josh has a pretty good point, too. He's right, in my opinion, that all topics should be welcomed and discussed openly, but I also think it depends on how they're discussed. Constructively is one thing, but it's another to just rant because you weren't invited to the gig or didn't get your hands on something. As far as I'm concerned, Josh, if you've got some thoughts, lay 'em out on the table.

I did. And im done. People misconstrued everything joe & i were saying. I am not bitter, i am not entitled. Im not in the inner circle, nor expect to be so i by default cant be either of those things! People have different opinions and thats great. Lets just not hate on people for expressing them... As long as they arnt whiny about it haha

I think that's really all it boils down to. Being able to have a constructive conversation without anyone being whiny, to which I don't think either you or Joe were even close to with your opinions. But I do still feel the sense of entitlement rains a bit around here every so often. At least in how I'm perceiving some of the comments, which is absolutely subjective.

Yep, the reason this board sucks now isn't because of negativity. For one, It's because any kind of conversation more than "sick toy" is slammed. What board is this, were you guys not here 7 years ago, when guys were afraid to sign up for this forum, because people spoke their mind?

I think there is a thread over in American Idols that needs some defending right now...or does no one care about those brownie points...

Some things need to be brought up and frustration voiced or it's just going to become the norm and the average collector is going to have less and less chance. And maybe even just give up.

This board really is like Animal Farm.

Nah, the real reason this place sucks is because there are only small pockets of diversity left in this eco system. Excuse the science/biological analogy but really that's what it is. This was once a place where we talked about more than 4-5 toys or brands. Want lists were actually fulfilled because everyone here collected a ton of different things, yeah we had envy here an there- but everyone had something unique and different to bring to the table it seemed. That's what I miss. You learned about a new toy every day here. We had diversity. You could argue that there are tons of new toys coming out these days but ehhhhhh the quality has dropped IMO. Less = more and i'm not talking quantity of a single release either. Nothing seems special and it seems for them most part (not always) it's just money to be made.

Now everyone wants the same 5 things it seems. Hard to get discussions going when the lines are drawn on how one feels about those 5 toys (it's a number I made up in my head but you know what I mean) and then you have the show offs and the bitter folks to boot.

^^^ That's ecactly what I think. Thanks.

Lack of diversity is a big part of it for me Chris.

75% of my knowledge on this lovely sofubi passion comes from what I learned and read on SB. Sadly, I can't think of a lot of topics from the past 4 years that I can point out as being really valuable.

I also feel like the little I know on what I really like would not interest many newcomers here, so hence the relative silence and passive reading. Most of them post on the hyped/rant/flip topics.

The board simply reflects the set of mind of many people nowadays : get what others tell you (implicitly) it is good to get, drool and rant if you can't get it, let everyone know when you have it and get rid of it as soon as everyone turns the head away. Let's talk about a real passion.

And finally the hobby is simply flooded with poorly designed gaijin sofubi. If a handful have talent and managed to imbue personality in their creations, the rest is only a pile of cheat toys that deserve to be in a bargain bin in a supermarket for Halloween.

Can we rename the American Idols section please.

You know why gaijin sofubi is hollow on the inside?
Because it would be illegal to fill them full of shit.

After 8 years here for me toys are still joy and I am always thankful for this board.

Anyone have any good news to share?

Not I

another loss..

Congratz Patrick!

So bummed I forgot to check the site for once. Congrats to any winners!

still checking my mail

Congrats Patrick! I feel like a idiot because I sent the email a hour or so early on accident.

Thanks Ben and Alan. I will post some pics when the big (little) guy arrives.

This is neat:
http://hxsaigansho.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-277.html

Probably no need to link!

I sincerely agree with Andy, however since you are pointing out this new artwork.......

Best image yet, I like that the 2 witnesses are looking and pointing to something
yet unseen coming down from off the perspective of the carnage shown.......

Could it be some other Brutal Monsters or perhaps an already established
HXS Hero in flight and about to descend upon the scene?

Time will tell.