It is unfortunate that the "Man Versus Machine" issue seems to rise up from time to time within the hobby. I don't think, however, that it is problem within the confines of the STMFC...at least not for long. In fact, the rules of the STMFC were developed to inhibit problems occurring as described in the editorial.

I would note that the STMFC is quite at peace with both groups that might be camped on either side of the "river". For example, a member of the research side might voice something negative about a particular model. Noooo problem. OTOH, the "fun purist" side might reject the research side's judgement and proudly talk of the model's virtues. Interestingly enough, another researcher might disagree with the negative view taken by the research side's member. In fact, another "fun purist" might reach the same conclusion as the negative research side member. And...they might all voice their views. Again...noooooo problem. It is only when a member of either side decides that other members taking a different view from his/her must be admonished that a problem occurs. At that time the battleship STMFC BIG GUNS sailing peacefully down the river enters into the issue and fires a warning shot. This shot is a simple but major rule of the STMFC:

"Members are permitted to criticize or praise manufacturer's products free
from criticism from other members."

And, of course, the other applicable rule is:

"Personal attacks on other members is expressly prohibited and may result in
expulsion from the group."

I might also note:

"Emphasis is to be placed on the study of the prototype with
a goal of producing models of them with as great a degree of accuracy as
possible."

The point here is that, yes, the STMFC pursues accuracy as to aspects of the prototype AND the modeling of it. However, it is up to the individual member to decide how well this might be achieved by another member or by a manufacturer. Such a judgement by any member is free from criticism by any other member. At the same time, any other member may elect to publicly disagree with the judgement. It's all rather simple really. Voice your own judgement about the prototype or model and let others voice theirs.

Mike Brock
STMFC Owner