I think this was mentioned a while back, but I want to reiterate this. If you ever get a chance, be a judge at a local, regional, national, contest. You'll be amazed at what you'll learn.

Last weekend I attended my local chapter of IPMS model contest, Pikes Peak Model Expo. I volunteered to judge the Juniors, along with the WWII armor (I excused myself from judging any category I had entered in) By examining these kits much closer than I ever could, or would have as a casual observer I learned a lot about what works, and what doesn't, when it comes to some model techniques. I also learned how some people really excel at some areas, painting for example, and perhaps not so much at others, general construction for example. Also how you could spot one modelers work from the entries, just by their style. I never realized how much each of us have our own style.

While I build mainly for myself, I do enjoy entering the occasional show. By being a judge at this show I learned what to look for on my own work, and how to improve. Learning how to critique others helps me learn how to critique myself.

I really recommend being a judge if you can.

I'll second that. Serving as a judge gives insight into how contests are actually judged (and just how revealing a pen light and/or dental mirror combo can be) but also help improve on the little things from workmanship, presentation, finish, etc. that make entries stand out. Even if contests aren't your thing, it helps raise the level of awareness beyond the "wow" factor in looking at finished models. You'll never be the same again, either as a builder or observer.

Without being too parochial, I hope, the AMPS evaluation system not only encourages lots of people to judge, it positively needs them. Yuo don't have to be experienced as we put inexperienced judges in with experienced teams to even things out and to get everyone on the same page. Each model is judged by a team of 4 against a standard _prior_ to being put on the tables. You are not judged against the others in your category but against the standards established in the rules. Sure, there is still human judgement involved and the potential for human error, but by using teams of 4 and throwing out the low score we try to avoid the issue of the inept Elbonian judge skewing the results.

This system needs lots of judges and each model is judged from front to back. In a 2 hout tour you will really examine about 20 models better than you would normally look at anything on the tables as you wander by. While we try to keep the teams focussed on the task at hand, the inevitable discussions of how and why things are done will really teach anyone more about the hobby and about building/painting techniques than any other 2 hour seminar you'll ever attend.

Next time you're at an AMPS contest, volunteer to judge. I dare you to find a better educational modelling experience anywhere.

Paul