1/40 Muraenosaurus- Released

[tomhet]

I fully support dinonikes' choice for the base Kudos

[kikimalou]

I really want this line to be successful..as I mentioned before I have part of similar projects that never even got this far..so I have high hopes.

I agree with you Blade and bmknj17, whatever our personal choices, the success of this line matters.

As far as I'm concerned, I just need a rod, I will create my own base.

I used to buy some lithos and woodblock prints in the past and I bought them without a frame because I usually prefer doing my own "sauce". But if someone wants to sell me a framed print, the frame needs to be appropriate even if the print is the important thing.

Here is my point of view :

It's the same with models and bases. perhaps Malcolm could sell them with a based or unbased (cheaper) option. Paying an extra for a base which enhance the model is not a commercial problem I think.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Exactly... and they don't have to done immediatly I don't think.... and considering the size sculpting some bases for these guys wouldn't take too long... the Pterosaur isn't done yet neither are any of the other marine critters.. but they could all have the same reef or seafloor base... I don't think it would all that bad really.

[bmknj17]

I disagree with just one thing, Blade...

And I guess now I am going to tell Malcolm what I think he should do a bit...

If simple interchangeable sculpted bases can be done, I think they should be now. Seems to me it would be a very fast, easy, and inexpensive process. And the figure should be seen by any potential new customers at its best--whether it be in an ad or here.

Getting new animals out is important, but isn't worth a one time week or so delay to get the ones already done seen at their best?

The figure can then be displayed with the base here and in the next ad (There is no denying that these posted/based figures are a huge draw. Just look at Kaiyodo.) and offered with or without the bases (and with just a drilled hole and a rod at a third price point) at varying prices so there would not be a cost issue.

First impressions are important. Why only go half way? Don't give potential buyers or a reviewer in a publication whose support you want a reason to say "beautiful but..."

And re: higher prices for figures sold with bases vs. those without, anyone who looks at the figures on the current bases who wants to make his or her own already knows he has to spend extra money. My point is that I don't think having different prices for animals sold with and without more desirable bases is going to highlight the differential in a negative way.

BTW, those prints I collect whose photo I once posted here--at issue price they, for the most part, cost a few hundred dollars each. The frames I have them in cost anywhere from three to six times as much.

The art is the most important thing. That doens't mean that the over all display is unimportant.

[timlee3005]

Apr 1, 2009 14:14:46 GMT bmknj17 said:

I disagree with just one thing, Blade...

And I guess now I am going to tell Malcolm what I think he should do a bit...

If simple interchangeable sculpted bases can be done, I think they should be now. Seems to me it would be a very fast, easy, and inexpensive process. And the figure should be seen by any potential new customers at its best--whether it be in an ad or here.

Getting new animals out is important, but isn't worth a one time week or so delay to get the ones already done seen at their best?

The figure can then be displayed with the base here and in the next ad (There is no denying that these posted/based figures are a huge draw. Just look at Kaiyodo.) and offered with or without the bases (and with just a drilled hole and a rod at a third price point) at varying prices so there would not be a cost issue.

First impressions are important. Put a best foot forward. Don't do it half way. Don't give potential buyers or a reviewer in a publication whose support you want a reason to say "beautiful but..."

And re: higher prices for figures sold with bases vs. those without, anyone who looks at the figures on the current bases who wants to make his or her own already knows he has to spend extra money. My point is that I don't think having different prices for animals sold with and without more desirable bases is going to highlight the differential in a negative way.

BTW, those prints I collect whose photo I once posted here--at issue price they, for the most part, cost a few hundred dollars each. The frames I have them in cost anywhere from three to six times as much.

The art is the most important thing. That doens't mean that the over all display is unimportant.

True,display may have it's importance,but not so much so that that of the rest of us are willing to see delays because it's not good enough for some.Not everyone would go so far as to spend 3 to 6 times on a frame for a print that was already a couple hundred dollars to begin with

[bmknj17]

True,display may have it's importance,but not so much so that that of the rest of us are willing to see delays because it's not good enough for some...not all of us are art collectors willing to spend 3 to 6 times as much on a frame for a print that was already a couple hundred dollars to begin with.

As far as I can see your only point here is that you think Malcolm should make his choice based upon your not having to wait a few extra days for one order should he decide to take a few days now to sculpt and mold a base for this figure.

My point isn't to suggest he do what's best for me, but to do what is in the over all best interest of the line and his business, and that means considering all of his potential customers, not just one or a few superficially concerned only with their own orders.

[timlee3005]

Apr 1, 2009 17:09:30 GMT bmknj17 said:

True,display may have it's importance,but not so much so that that of the rest of us are willing to see delays because it's not good enough for some...not all of us are art collectors willing to spend 3 to 6 times as much on a frame for a print that was already a couple hundred dollars to begin with.

As far as I can see your only point here is that you think Malcolm should make his choice based upon your not having to wait a few extra days for one order should he decide to take a few days now to sculpt and mold a base for this figure.

My point isn't to suggest he do what's best for me, but to do what is in the over all best interest of the line and his business, and that means considering all of his potential customers, not just one or a few superficially concerned only with their own orders.

I just misunderstood what you meant,I don't mean to sound insulting.And don't get me wrong,while I am indeed concerned with my own orders,I want what's best for this line,too.I'm sure we all would love to see it thrive.
I know this a rare opportunity to give thoughts and even make requests for future models.How often would any of us get to do that with any chance of even being listened to? ;D

[bmknj17]

No worries, Captain.

And same here, don't mean to sound insulting. My patience is admittedly a little thin here based upon events pre-dating your membership.

Thanks for the post.

Brett

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Apr 1, 2009 14:14:46 GMT bmknj17 said:

I disagree with just one thing, Blade...

If simple interchangeable sculpted bases can be done, I think they should be now. Seems to me it would be a very fast, easy, and inexpensive process.

Getting new animals out is important, but isn't worth a one time week or so delay to get the ones already done seen at their best?


First impressions are important. Why only go half way? Don't give potential buyers or a reviewer in a publication whose support you want a reason to say "beautiful but..

You know while I was typing I was thinking the same thing...heck I even contradicted myself earlier...really bases aren't that difficult from my perspective... I've several and all diff kinds from sculpey which I also had to bake, prime and paint..heh still not that bad. Takes me around 30 minutes to sculpt then 15 to bake, and maybe 20 to paint if I rush..that's for about a 6x8" piece... while I'm thinking of it.. I'm not bragging or anything just pointing out I have some perspective... my brain doesn't work so good before bed... heh

I def don't agree with forgetting aspects of the sculpt just to get em' done faster... lord, we spent days on the Para, Muraena, ect.. getting details smaller than an inch down pat.

Displaying these pieces wether in ads or at home...they just need to attract and hold attention as much as possible... we've hit before on what to call them.. figures, models, certainly not toys... models are displayed with fine wood bases or even marble ones at the least...at the most they are shown with detailed bases and even other animals.... all adding to the piece . Those Plesio models by Kaiyodo are good examples...there is enough there to hold the figure up, make it look attractive..and not detract from the animal itself.

[bmknj17]

And they can and should be as simple as a sand mound or rock or log or tree trunk or water surface or bunch of vegetation, with no or minimal added elements so that the time involved in painting could be absolutely minimal.

[kuni]

Hm.

I think there's nothing wrong with Malcolm offering Muraeonsaurs with wooden bases at this point in time - it's cheap and easy for him, and anyone who buys one knows what they're getting. (I do think having the reptile, rod, and base not glued together is important, but I doubt this is an issue)

I think there's probably enough demand for simple "sea" and "air" bases, and it'll help these type of figures to blend in with the landbound critters, which will all have sculpted bases already. I think it would be good to get them ready to go relatively soon (say, before the next sea or air figure is done) but if some folks want their plesiosaur a little sooner and cheaper, they can get one now.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I liked the little pillars of stone that Dana Geraths used for here sea reptile pieces... similar to what you find in an underwater cavern... just grey stalgmites of stone with a hole at the top for perching the creature...looked very cool.

[stoneage]

Apr 1, 2009 17:09:30 GMT bmknj17 said:

True,display may have it's importance,but not so much so that that of the rest of us are willing to see delays because it's not good enough for some...not all of us are art collectors willing to spend 3 to 6 times as much on a frame for a print that was already a couple hundred dollars to begin with.

As far as I can see your only point here is that you think Malcolm should make his choice based upon your not having to wait a few extra days for one order should he decide to take a few days now to sculpt and mold a base for this figure.

My point isn't to suggest he do what's best for me, but to do what is in the over all best interest of the line and his business, and that means considering all of his potential customers, not just one or a few superficially concerned only with their own orders.

I don't believe there are many people here, who want to spend $45 to $90 for a base for a $15 Dinosaur. If there is someone, they should contract somebody to make it for them seperately.

[tomhet]

^^^ Agreed The low cost is very important too.

[bmknj17]

I don't believe there are many people here, who want to spend $45 to $90 for a base for a $15 Dinosaur. If there is someone, they should contract somebody to make it for them separately.

Christophe...I feel a huge obligation to live up to your appreciation of my patience here. So...

Stoneage and Tomhet, if you seriously believe that this was my point, feel free to say so and I'll explain my actual point (or, I should say, as I've made myself abundantly clear in other posts, re-explain) in more simple terms for you and anyone else who thinks that I was suggesting a $90 piece of plastic for a base.

If you don't believe I was suggesting a $90 base, maybe you can clarify your own statements for me and everyone.

[tomhet]

I just agreed with stoneage's statement, a $15 detailed piece kills practically every competition out there. For example, David Krentz' figures are spectacular but they are smaller and more expensive and they are not painted, so even $5 is a big difference IMHO. I don't have a problem with a wooden base. That's all.

[bmknj17]

I just agreed with stoneage's statement, a $15 detailed piece kills practically every competition out there. For example, David Krentz' figures are spectacular but they are smaller and more expensive and they are not painted, so even $5 is a big difference IMHO. I don't have a problem with a wooden base. That's all.

That wasn't what Stoneage wrote but I appreciate your clarification regardless.

But, also, since no one has suggested making sculpted bases--if Malcolm even chooses to make them--mandatory, it isn't much of an issue.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

How on earth did anyone get we meant a 45-90.00 base ? At the most I figure 5-6.00 would be good..these figures aren't all that huge.

[bmknj17]

Stoneage was suggesting that because I indicated that the frames in which I put my prints cost from 3 to 6 times as much as the artwork itself, that I was somehow indicating that the bases I've suggested for Malcolm's figures should cost a correspondingly increased amount.

I won't comment further, as I think his post speaks for itself--in several ways.

[[][][]cordylus[][][]]

Apr 2, 2009 20:34:06 GMT Blade-of-the-Moon said:

How on earth did anyone get we meant a 45-90.00 base ? At the most I figure 5-6.00 would be good..these figures aren't all that huge.

It was just an exaggeration to show that people wouldn't want to spend a large deal on bases.