It seems that AMPS is imploding.
The difficulties seems to have stemmed from Rhodes William inviting a former member of the 12th SS to speak at the national show.
Here is the forum:
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/279967

Staff's been discussing it for most of the day here: AMPS Imploding. As a member of an AMPS affiliate (Nordland AMPS), I've been watching the rift from the sidelines. The infighting is what kept me from joining the national membership. Never thought it would get that nasty. They appear to be their own worst enemy. I hope they can carry the club through it all, but it is looking rather bleak.

12th SS eh, I can see why some people would be upset...
Sabot, that thread you linked to doesn't open, says something about having to be a member of that forum to view it.

Well, if anyone wants to see what all the stink is about on the AMPS DG, you better check quick -- they're pulling the plug on the whole thing Sunday morning. #:-)

Yikes!

Too bad but, I haven't been a member for many years now, and I figured that it would come to a head sooner or later. Was a great org in it's day, I had a lot of fun with it as well as with IPMS and a little off-beat gathering that wasn't affiliated with anyone. Staying home alone now, it's much safer and certainly has been much more peaceful. (But no one to kick me in the pants when the dreaded modeler's block happens.)

I will never again get involved with the 'politics' of the hobby, it is supposed to be fun. I get enough of the crap at work.

If indeed it does happen, something similar will rise again from the ashes... AMPS is the result of a previous meltdown. Too many organisational talents there that will not go to waste... once the egos settle down.

Wow, I'm just thankful that Armorama has not been overcome with such a disease. Hats off to StaffJim, the admins, and the regulars for acting in a civil manner and ensuring it will continue to do so.

In the time it took me to read that thread multiple posts had been censored into oblivion. What a mess.

Stephen

At this point I am still planning on driving down to the show in April to kick through the
rubble and see what is left..

Too much fingerpointing, too many people without a 'real' life.
I for one, don't have enough time in my life to devote the kind of energy to tearing things up like this.

It will be an interesting weekend in April, for sure.

If there's no show, anyone need pics from Aberdeen?


Mike

Yes, sorry. The link I posted is for the Support Staff to administrate the site and not visible to the rank and file.

I agree with all what you have said. It is a shame. I hope AMPS survives this rift. People who get "keyboard courage" need to think twice about what they say (type) to one another via the internet.

You can excuse a verbal slip of the tongue with an immediate apology, just kidding or positive facial expression. When typing your reply, it requires deliberate actions. Very hard to retract what you type when it is posted for all to see. A verbal conversation is a temporary, localized event. Posting messages and sending e-mails is a fairly permanent and public act.

It lets everyone else know what type of person you really are. My general rule of thumb is not to post anything that I wouldn't say to someone face to face. If the "keyboard commandos" had to make those comments face to face, I imagine most of them would be quiet.

MLD: Mike, I need some photos of the T-92 next to the museum parking lot. If you don't have time, don't worry since I have a Commander's Conference in late May down there.

Cactus911: It wasn't so long ago (Oct-Nov 2003) that we had a similar, albeit smaller, meltdown here at Armorama started by the rank and file that ended in several members being banned and staff members stepping down.

Sad to see this turn of events. I'm a little encouraged in possibility of the local chapters banding together into a loose arrangement of regional groups. But I don't see a "phoenix" in a new National Level group arising from the ashes. The same players and personalities are there, will be there, and will attach themselves to any new effort. The behavior has not changed over the years and I don't see the demise of AMPS any different than AMM. This new group is already at a deficit from its birth - just like AMPS had to overcome the implosion of the AMM. The vocal minority membership appears to be its own worse enemy.

Sadly, it just doesn't seem to be "all about modeling" anymore...

Gunnie

Wow! I read the posts and that organization is truly a mess, it makes the nastiest town meeting I've been too look like a well structured college debate club event.

I was thinking about becoming a national member because the Upper Valley Club in VT/NH is based about 2 1/2hrs from where I'm at. Logistically it wouldn't have worked to be a local club member if the club is even that active. But after reading this post-no way! I'll save my 25 bucks and buy more kits or support Armorama.

just lets hope these twisted people dont apper on this site stirring up bother

Hi all, I tend to agree with Mike...



A site of this type is only as good as its members, its a blessing we have the type of people we have. Many came to Armorama to get away from the "politically agressive" tendancies of many other sites.

With the self-destruction of AMPS, there will probably be a lot of its old members looking for a new home....can we take the risk?...or am I getting political?
I'm sure there are many who would fit right in, but how can we tell them from the bad ones?

Armorama upholds the true and vital values for our hobby's continued success. Here all types of modeller are welcomed with open arms and I for one, have been delighted by everyones friendly and helpful responses to any question or request. And on many occasions members have gone out of their way to be of assistance.
Under Jim's and the moderators guidance, we have a wonderful place to, at least, electronically meet and chat from places all across the globe. We are mostly a self-moderating bunch anyway, because it seems to me we all hold friendship and the values of this site close to our hearts.
Armorama is a place that welcomes, new, young and old members a like, so they may thrive in this environment.
Above all it is fun...
This needs protecting.

Ohhh...did I say all that?...
...need to sit down now...

Thanks for listening...
Cheers
Peter

I think you guys are reading to much into this, AMPS is not an internet club or community such as Armorama is. It is a national and local modeling organization that imploded politically on the national level. It just so happened, apparently, much of the melt-down took place on the national clubs DG. I don't think you need to worry that they will run over here and do the same. There are AMPS members on this website that contribute dailey, but that is separate from the AMPS organization itself. As Rob has already pointed out there have been troublemakers here also, as recently as the fall, and they were taken care of so to speak. Unfortunately in this day and age when it is so easy to "hide" behind a keyboard some people will take advantage of that.

My 2¢
Mike

Wise words Mike.
Thanks for pouring the calming oil.
Cheers
Peter
:-)

i dont know too much about the troubles of AMPS, and to be honest its not something that will effect me, so id rather avoid it.

all i hope is that nothing like that happens to this site!
as has been mentioned, there has been trouble here in the past, mainly from users pushing their luck, which resulted in nothing but upset and hard feelings.

as long as were all nice to each other we should be fine! :-) :-)

cheers

joe

I agree with Mike. We here at the Big A are still under the radar when it comes to that general membership. There are other forums out there, however, none of the big site's have a membership that's gonna tolerate spreading that cancer onto their boards - just like us here.

Model on and have fun!

Gunnie

A big AMEN to that Gunnie.

I've never been a member of any modeling club, and based on some of the comments made here it doesn't look like I will any time soon. This is a hobby, it's supposed to be fun. A guess a lot of people just need to be reminded of that.

I have belonged to a couple of small model clubs and presently belong to the Simcoe Modellers Club here in Barrie Ontario. We have members who build everything from 1/35 armour, 1/72 & 1/48 aircraft, transport trucks, lighthouses, to wooden ships. It is the most relaxed friendly supportive bunch of ladies and gentlemen I have ever met. Much like here No one slams someone for having the wrong shade of colour on their "masterpiece" and everyone is more than willing to help out with constructive advice and even parts. Like someone else has said we all have enough other stresses in our lives without needing more when we are doing our hobby

Just my humble thoughts,

Darryl

I am curious as to what the fuss with AMPS was all about...sorry to be to ignorant but, why was the guest from the SS so contoversial? I know SS has a very shady past...Is it just for this reseason? And people were fighting over this? I would appreciate if if anybody Pm'd me with a little more insight to the mess...I dont want to clog the forum with this political stuff but I am curious none-the-less. I also think people lose sight that this is a hobby and should be fun and relaxing, but as in all things people make thme into bigger things than they are.

Sean

I dont think you can compare all clubs with upsets like this. Of course there will always be a little political pushing and shoving in every club of every interest ....... but for most they are there for their hobby. I have abeen a member of Stockholm IPMS for a few years, and they are a great bunch of lads and girl. I love the monthly meetings where you can sit down, have a chat, show your model, get tips and opinions and view others work and ask questions. Im not interested in the politics of a club and am happy enough to go along with the flow .... as it suits me. I get out from it what I want and need. I read most ofthe discussion forum when it was posted first with interest. Its sad that something like this had to happen.
But the main thing is ... dont shy away from a club because of the horror stories. Bad news travels fast! Most people in clubs like these are genuine modellers who want to talk models. Great friends can be found there, like here, only in the flesh. In the worst case it doesn´t hurt to try. If its not to your liking.. don´t go. But give it a try. Its not all bad press!

I'm sorry for AMPS to be having its problems, but having been at nationals for three years the current Faux Pax by the LA group was just the straw that broke the ol' camaels back. Single problems don't normally cause an organazation to flounder or fail.
Armorama doesn't tend to have these problems as no one has seen the need to prove their egos here, and as long as it stays that way we'll all keep enjoying this little modelling fraternity of ours.

I agree Joshua. Folks here seem to leave thier ego's at the door (do we have a door? )
Last week I joined IPMS on thier website (I think, still haven't gotten email from them) and considered joining AMPS. Cookie has helped me out over at RMS a few times. I hope things work out for AMPS.
Chuck

This is about as close as I have been to joining a club. I post pics, people critique my work, in the end I get a colorful medal.

Sorry to hear about AMPS. I, for one, am very glad I joined our local club. The social aspects are great(just a bunch of old guys talking models), my modeling skills have increased 10 fold and I have learned how to really enjoy myself at contests. Yes we have politics but every 2 years we get a new set of people that try to keep us in line. Most of the time, it is just plain socializing. Do it. Enjoy it.
capnjock

What happened on the AMPS National Discussion Group isn't likely to spill over here -- it had nothing to do with building models.

The "meltdown"is a bit more complicated that a controversy over an ex-SS speaker -- it started months before. I won't go into the details (because I certainly don't know them all) -- let's just say that it had a lot to do with political power in the organization, alleged backroom dealings, some questionable business associations and the like. Did anyone mention it was also an election year for the officers? Lots of name-calling, bruised egos, strong and weak personalities, uncomfortable questions, inadequate answers ...

I think the AMPS National show will still happen -- another DG is hosting a group of folks who are rallying to make sure the show still happens. I think AMPS National will survive -- most of the chapters are strong and I also believe that some true leaders will eventually emerge to pull the national organization back together.