07-03-2011, 08:30 PM
Galen,
I agree that the MMR has some areas that need a little tweaking or updating, but I think it has some good parts. I think a lot of people get caught up in the term Master Model Railroader, it does not mean you are Master of ALL model railroding, just that you have, in the eyes of the NMRA, sucessfully mastered their criteria. In many things the term Master is used, it does not mean you are the best, just that you have fullfilled the requiremnts or taken a test. I do think that for those who want to particiapte it is great that there is something for them to do. I also believe that the MMR/AP challenges people to become better modelers or acknowledge those who already meet the requirements. One thing they stress is that it is only a race against yourself to improve your own skills.
Also the only way to change it is to particiapte, earn your certificate and then judge things. If you look at who is judging it is all older retired guys, so they are going to have some biases as to what htey like, this is life. The only way to change this is to get younger people in with different interests and tastes. People seem to be really good at complaining about problems but seem to lack the initiative to do anything about it. My goal is to achieve my MMR by the time I am 40, I am turning 30 this year so I think this is a realistic goal. I have a long ways to go but I am prepared to take the necessary steps and then will in turn coach others and perform judging duties as I am able.
I agree that the MMR has some areas that need a little tweaking or updating, but I think it has some good parts. I think a lot of people get caught up in the term Master Model Railroader, it does not mean you are Master of ALL model railroding, just that you have, in the eyes of the NMRA, sucessfully mastered their criteria. In many things the term Master is used, it does not mean you are the best, just that you have fullfilled the requiremnts or taken a test. I do think that for those who want to particiapte it is great that there is something for them to do. I also believe that the MMR/AP challenges people to become better modelers or acknowledge those who already meet the requirements. One thing they stress is that it is only a race against yourself to improve your own skills.
Also the only way to change it is to particiapte, earn your certificate and then judge things. If you look at who is judging it is all older retired guys, so they are going to have some biases as to what htey like, this is life. The only way to change this is to get younger people in with different interests and tastes. People seem to be really good at complaining about problems but seem to lack the initiative to do anything about it. My goal is to achieve my MMR by the time I am 40, I am turning 30 this year so I think this is a realistic goal. I have a long ways to go but I am prepared to take the necessary steps and then will in turn coach others and perform judging duties as I am able.