WIP Photos and Explanations of builds

[rablack97]

Is it me, or has anybody else noticed that folks lately are just posting finished projects and or just posting a part of the project once its complete with no documentation on how it was done.

I've seen a few members here mention that this thread isn't a showcase thread of finished projects but its a thread to show the process in regards to what your building.

I'm just wondering if all the recent arguing etc has chased away that desire to show detailed documentation, and folks are just building in private and then saying this is what i built take or leave it and disappearing.

Just wondering if anyone else is noticing this lately.

[vwalbridge]

Just wondering if anyone else is noticing this lately.

You are not alone. Sure, it doesn't "hurt" anyone but it really would be swell if guys didn't swing by just to drop a showcase picture.

Meanwhile, other builders are using that section for what it is actually intended for.

[Token]

Generally there are three types of project threads.

The Egoist
Look at how great my cab is! Please tell me I am amazing.

The Newb
I have lots of questions about how to build my project. I'll show some pictures along the way.

The Master Builder
I'm an experienced builder. I'd like to help others by showing how I do what I do.


 

[vwalbridge]

Generally there are three types of project threads.

The Egoist
Look at how great my cab is! Please tell me I am amazing.

The Newb
I have lots of questions about how to build my project. I'll show some pictures along the way.

The Master Builder
I'm an experienced builder. I'd like to help others by showing how I do what I do.

The Squatter
I'm an undecided builder. I like to submit dozens of sketchup plans for review, never really making up my mind. Fast forward a few months and I still have made zero progress on my build.

The go getter
I'm can't stop myself. I like to get working without consulting with others and end up making mistakes. I usually let my eagerness and lack of patience get the best of me. Please help me take a deep breath, slow down and go back to square one.

[harveybirdman]

The Cloner

The only acceptable designs for my cab are Project Mame, Weecade, Revolution, Flynn's, and Metropolis.



I KID I KID, PEACE be with all of you.

[wp34]

Is it me, or has anybody else noticed that folks lately are just posting finished projects and or just posting a part of the project once its complete with no documentation on how it was done.

I've seen a few members here mention that this thread isn't a showcase thread of finished projects but its a thread to show the process in regards to what your building.

I'm just wondering if all the recent arguing etc has chased away that desire to show detailed documentation, and folks are just building in private and then saying this is what i built take or leave it and disappearing.

Just wondering if anyone else is noticing this lately.

I've noticed this as well.   Detailed project builds are the best thing about this site IMHO.  It may not be for everybody though.  Just getting the project done sometimes is work enough in itself. 

It is possible the recent arguing and posturing may be impacting the content of build threads. 

[BadMouth]

This board seems to shift every few years.

When I first arrived, the build threads were pretty direct.  OP would ask for opinions on specific things, people would give their 2 cents, then OP would either take their advice or not.
There wasn't much in the build threads that wasn't build related.

Then it shifted to a lot of banter in the build threads; 30 page threads with the majority of pages not containing any actual build progress or information.

Then it shifted to people giving their two cents, not being happy that OP doesn't agree with them and continuing to argue or pile on for five pages.

Here is an example of a thread that if posted a month ago would have been turned into a 30 page debate:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,81520.0.html
People give their opinion and moved on.  Strange times.

LOL at the Egoist.  Not calling him out, but I found one build on over a half dozen sites. 
The person posting it did not have any other posts on any of them except to post pics of their project and respond to the praise.
After a few weeks, they were never heard from again. 

I'll add:
The Conversationalist (not to be confused with the Squatter)
The build thread is 80% unrelated banter.  The cab is getting built, but any useful info is buried in pages and pages of unrelated chatter that nobody wants to dig through.
Sometimes it isn't even the OP that is filling pages with unrelated stuff.

As far as why people are dropping completed build pics and moving on, only the people who are doing it can say why.

[rablack97]

Well, I would think finished builds would go here in the stickied thread.

I completed my project! I posted a pic and a link to my project thread

It is a catch 22, I glanced at Frank Drebins build and he was nice enough to document, but yet wasn't receiving any feedback.

So its weird, the only threads that get love are "your doing that wrong" or "damn you just did something different"  the tweeners mostly get lectured because they copied another design or they arent doing anything new.

I mean another reason may also be posting the photos, which is a PITA, i switched to snagit reflect and screencast, which is so much faster.  I dont know if Saint will switch but some forums have a function where you just drag your photos into the dialogue and it uploads and shows up in your post.

I guess what im missing is that techniques, tools and engineering have changed over the years, so its cool to see how people do things differently.  If everyone just posts the shells with no documentation on the guts and or how they attained the goal, then the forum will no longer get educated.

So for any of the noobs, or anyone else for that matter, if you came here and read a crap load to get knowledge to build your machine, if possible, return that favor and document your build so others can read how you did what you did.

Just my thoughts.

[harveybirdman]

MEH I'll take my measly 500 views per month when feedback comes from people I respect such as Yots, Opt, wp34, Locke, as well as many others.

[Token]

It is a catch 22, I glanced at Frank Drebins build and he was nice enough to document, but yet wasn't receiving any feedback.

So its weird, the only threads that get love are "your doing that wrong" or "damn you just did something different"  the tweeners mostly get lectured because they copied another design or they arent doing anything new.

I was just about to say this. The gems and the garbage get the feedback.

I'm MAMEing an old cab. It is nothing new or revolutionary. I greatly appreciate people taking the time to read about my ideas and project and helping me avoid making mistakes. I've been pointed in the right direction for suppliers, artwork, etc. But its been slow going (which is fine 'cuz I haven't had the time to work on it). If I was trying to quickly build a project from the ground up and had lots of questions, I would have more luck getting feedback by posting a proposed control panel with 8 buttons and two spinners.

[harveybirdman]

I try to make a point of posting feedback in every build that I see potential in, even if it isn't exactly what I'd do.

For builds I really don't like, I try to refrain from posting in them at all, unless the user has specifically requested feedback.

Heck if posters have multiple builds you might see me post in one, and not in the other.

[tomstewdevine]

Generally there are three types of project threads.

The Egoist
Look at how great my cab is! Please tell me I am amazing.

The Newb
I have lots of questions about how to build my project. I'll show some pictures along the way.

The Master Builder
I'm an experienced builder. I'd like to help others by showing how I do what I do.

And then there is me, building sub par bartop arcades, slowly getting better with every build, and documenting each step in my thread.  I do this because of all the project announcement posts that come up, the ones where I get to see the build and the OP takes recommendations in a positive way, and we get to see the process are the best to follow. IMO.

But I'm not "hating", I like all the posts including the master builder, the newb and the Egoist.

[tomstewdevine]

Here is an example of a thread that if posted a month ago would have been turned into a 30 page debate:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,81520.0.html
People give their opinion and moved on.  Strange times.

I've never seen that build but you are totally right, there would have been 30 pages on the admin buttons alone.

[rablack97]

and yeah looks like it was never finished, but that was the norm back in the day, shove as many peripherals on the CP as possible.

[vwalbridge]

Here is an example of a thread that if posted a month ago would have been turned into a 30 page debate:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,81520.0.html
People give their opinion and moved on.  Strange times.

I've never seen that build but you are totally right, there would have been 30 pages on the admin buttons alone.

Ho. Lee. Cow.  Things have really changed since 2008. There is no way anyone would let him build a CP like that now.  ...and thank goodness

[wp34]

I'll add:
The Conversationalist (not to be confused with the Squatter)
The build thread is 80% unrelated banter.  The cab is getting built, but any useful info is buried in pages and pages of unrelated chatter that nobody wants to dig through.
Sometimes it isn't even the OP that is filling pages with unrelated stuff.

As far as why people are dropping completed build pics and moving on, only the people who are doing it can say why.

Good point.  That does seem to happen from time-to-time.

[Aceldamor]

I think it's a bit of both personally.

People get caught up in the excitement in building their projects so the forget to document / pic on the way, while others don't bother because the only responses they get are negativity. Having been on here a while ago, and now there is a difference in the type of posts at times.



Back in the day, the biggest issue were large all in 1 CPs, or basterdizing a fantastic restore opportunity. Overall though, people were very helpful and there was overall sense of enthusiasm about helping people get their projects done. Folks were encouraged to use an existing design, or hell even flattered if someone else was inspired enough to make a cab based on your design. Constructive criticism was given, not combative.

The forums now seem to be in a weird place, where there is a pile of negativity if you do one of the following trifecta:

clone and existing original build (Flynn, Weecade, etc)
LED control panel
Theme - this can be anything from the "trapper keeper" icon theme, to a theme not related to arcade, etc., etc.

Is it all bad, no. There are still plenty of folks who want to and do help, but you have to wade through the diarrhea of  "Ugh, another "XXX" clone" or "traditional buttons or GTFO" style comments. I understand that people have their opinions and they may be strong in favor of one type of thing vs. another but there have been threads where people were almost chased off , or they just stopped coming altogether because of stuff like that.

Hell people, there is so much passion about how to build a cabinet to house a program that EMULATES original video games..isn't it weird that there is so much drama over people building a copy of something to play a copy of something?

[Aceldamor]

I think it's a bit of both personally.

People get caught up in the excitement in building their projects so the forget to document / pic on the way, while others don't bother because the only responses they get are negativity. Having been on here a while ago, and now there is a difference in the type of posts at times.



Back in the day, the biggest issue were large all in 1 CPs, or basterdizing a fantastic restore opportunity. Overall though, people were very helpful and there was overall sense of enthusiasm about helping people get their projects done. Folks were encouraged to use an existing design, or hell even flattered if someone else was inspired enough to make a cab based on your design. Constructive criticism was given, not combative.

The forums now seem to be in a weird place, where there is a pile of negativity if you do one of the following trifecta:

clone and existing original build (Flynn, Weecade, etc)
LED control panel
Theme - this can be anything from the "trapper keeper" icon theme, to a theme not related to arcade, etc., etc.

Is it all bad, no. There are still plenty of folks who want to and do help, but you have to wade through the diarrhea of  "Ugh, another "XXX" clone" or "traditional buttons or GTFO" style comments (using generalized examples). I understand that people have their opinions and they may be strong in favor of one type of thing vs. another but there have been threads where people were almost chased off , or they just stopped coming altogether because of stuff like that.

Hell people, there is so much passion about how to build a cabinet to house a program that EMULATES original video games..isn't it weird that there is so much drama over people building a copy of something to play a copy of something?

[vwalbridge]

I understand that people have their opinions and they may be strong in favor of one type of thing vs. another but there have been threads where people were almost chased off , or they just stopped coming altogether because of stuff like that.

I'd much rather have someone start a build wrong, roll with the punches and fix their errors. Make it though the gauntlet and see it to the end. Much respect from me. Rather than "be too afraid" to post along the way and drop the mic with a final build pic.

A final build pic is great and all. BUT no matter how sophisticated your build is, a final build pic does very little to help the community get better.

I think the "wrong" builds tend to work themselves out. And if you were so worried about what people would say along the way...then why are you not worried to drop a showcase picture?

EDIT: I'll also add that the only reason that builder was able to drop that showcase picture is because he read through the threads of other builders that took the time to document their process. I really like to give credit to other builders that provided inspiration for me.  We all like to stand on each others shoulders and you can't do that with project announcement drops.

[Aceldamor]

I understand that people have their opinions and they may be strong in favor of one type of thing vs. another but there have been threads where people were almost chased off , or they just stopped coming altogether because of stuff like that.

I'd much rather have someone start a build wrong, roll with the punches and fix their errors. Make it though the gauntlet and see it to the end. Much respect from me. Rather than "be too afraid" and drop the mic with a final build pic.

A final build pic is great and all. BUT no matter how good your build is, a final build pic does very little to help the community get better.

I think the "wrong" builds tend to work themselves out. And if you were so worried about what people would say along the way...then why are you not worried to drop a showcase picture?

But therein might lie part of the community issue. Is it "wrong"  because you personally don't like how it looks or is it wrong on some technical level. Being "wrong" on an aesthetic level is completely subjective to the viewer. Additionally, if it's technically wrong or the OP asks a technical question are they getting an answer on the question or giving an opinion on what was seen vs what was asked.

 For example, asking a question on button placement and getting a tirade on how many, what style, and if they are back-lit or not isn't helping the community or the poster either.

[harveybirdman]

Since that was directed at me (at least it seems that way)  I will reiterate, I tend to only post in builds that I do not like if the OP asks for feedback.

Also I try (not always, but hopefully more often than not) to keep my critical responses to one post and not a prolonged debate.  Especially when my POV was clearly not considered in their retort. Also pbj is most wise when he says, once boards have been cut you stow the design flaw takes, of course that's hard to do when people only post finished builds.

[rablack97]

It really needs to be, ok this is what i'm going to build watch or dont watch.

The can of worms gets opened when folks start asking questions and or asking for opinions, then you either get a helper elf or a hooved bearded goat that just ate a can of rotten potted meat.

Bottom line is regardless what you do post your progress, yes the end result is awesome, but it doesnt give back, knowing that you leeched info from the threads of previous builds.  I dont care if its ugly as hell, there will be something in there that will help another hobbyist.

Its a project announcement thread, which means PROJECT, which means steps, photos, etc.  Not look at what i built to get a few awesomes.  100% of the time what follows is what did you do to make it, thats what people come here for, to learn, not just necessarily find eye candy.

[Aceldamor]

Since that was directed at me (at least it seems that way)  I will reiterate, I tend to only post in builds that I do not like if the OP asks for feedback.

Also I try (not always, but hopefully more often than not) to keep my critical responses to one post and not a prolonged debate.  Especially when my POV was clearly not considered in the the retort. Also pbj is most wise when he says, once boards have been cut you stow the design flaw takes, of course that's hard to do when people only post finish builds.

Not sure if this is because of my post or not, as it wasn't quoted. I'm not pointing any fingers anywhere, as I've seen it from all angles from a lot of different posters. Hell, I may have even been guilty of it as well. I think my point was more that there are a lot of passionate people here whom have strong beliefs on what makes a cab "great" and perhaps sometimes personal opinion might outweigh helpfulness in more instances than not as of late.

IDK, I'd just hate for people to be afraid to post anything on here showing what they achieved. If it's what they could do the best tools they had (physical or knowledge) more props to them for even trying. I'd much rather people were encouraged to seek guidance or hell be motivated to the point where they want to tear down and re-build a newer better, start a 2nd, or move on to bigger restore projects than be pushed away with a poisoned outlook on the hobby and the people in it.

[wp34]

Since that was directed at me (at least it seems that way)  I will reiterate, I tend to only post in builds that I do not like if the OP asks for feedback.

Also I try (not always, but hopefully more often than not) to keep my critical responses to one post and not a prolonged debate.  Especially when my POV was clearly not considered in their retort. Also pbj is most wise when he says, once boards have been cut you stow the design flaw takes, of course that's hard to do when people only post finished builds.

This is exactly how I try to participate as well.  Zipping it after sawdust has flown is also such great advice.   

[wp34]

Its a project announcement thread, which means PROJECT, which means steps, photos, etc.  Not look at what i built to get a few awesomes.  100% of the time what follows is what did you do to make it, thats what people come here for, to learn, not just necessarily find eye candy.

You just crystalized exactly what the Project forum should be.  Show us what you did start to finish.  Leave a legacy for someone else to learn from or build on and improve. 

[tomstewdevine]

Agreed WP, even if you are not the best builder, there maybe some sliver of information that will help that next noob looking for help.  I know I have used a lot of things from different posts where the OP was from varied talent levels.  I was blown away when a dude, said they wanted to make a bartop like one of mine, when I feel like everything I have build so far are just warm ups for a bigger full size build.

I realize after reading this and my last post that I relate a lot to my personal build threads but that's the only experience I guess I have.

[BorgDog]

Sorry guys, but I take each thread for what it is, even its just a posting of a completed setup I can still find something I may want to incorporate.  Threads like this one (and WTF is this in the Project Announcements section for???) and all the other discussing the problems with the quality of the forum posts really make me not want to come back, all this whining and complaining about how it's not how you want it.  Who gives a f what you want, this is the internet and an open forum (for the most part) so if you don't like what someone posts don't read it or look at it, but to sit around and ---smurfette--- that other people don't post enough details for you just discourages anyone from posting anything, then where the f will you be.

Good luck with your project.

[johnrt]

I agree with BorgDog. Stop whining! Let people post their projects in whatever way they want.

[mattsoft]

My 2 cents as a newb here -- I read through this entire forum for inspiration on my build(s) ... from controls, to cabinet style, to amp and speakers, to artwork. I don't care if the build is new, done, for ego, whatever -- the fact that people are posting what they've done, with pics, and tips & tricks is very helpful for us new builders. I saved myself a lot of headache from reading the posts here and am grateful! I wish I could have some insight to share with others, but I don't (yet) -- so for now, I'm posting back in case someone else like me up here needs some inspiration and happens to like what I've done.

[opt2not]

I guess what im missing is that techniques, tools and engineering have changed over the years, so its cool to see how people do things differently.  If everyone just posts the shells with no documentation on the guts and or how they attained the goal, then the forum will no longer get educated.

^ This.

So for any of the noobs, or anyone else for that matter, if you came here and read a crap load to get knowledge to build your machine, if possible, return that favor and document your build so others can read how you did what you did.

^ And this.

Stop whining! Let people post their projects in whatever way they want.

Not this.

[johnrt]

I think I've identified a common some common denominators here. Some nicknames repeatedly shows up as sourpusses...

[brihyn]

The Cloner

The only acceptable designs for my cab are Project Mame, Weecade, Revolution, Flynn's, and Metropolis.



I KID I KID, PEACE be with all of you.

The ONDer
See brihyn.

[harveybirdman]

Come on brihyn, you're telling me with that shop you can't turn out an original design.... You vastly underestimate yourself!

[rablack97]

Sorry guys, but I take each thread for what it is, even its just a posting of a completed setup I can still find something I may want to incorporate.  Threads like this one (and WTF is this in the Project Announcements section for???) and all the other discussing the problems with the quality of the forum posts really make me not want to come back, all this whining and complaining about how it's not how you want it.  Who gives a f what you want, this is the internet and an open forum (for the most part) so if you don't like what someone posts don't read it or look at it, but to sit around and ---smurfette--- that other people don't post enough details for you just discourages anyone from posting anything, then where the f will you be.

Good luck with your project.

OK so let me get this straight, are you that bad ass of a builder that you created, designed and innovated the art of this hobby.  Did you not read what somebody else did to assist with your project.  Nobody is bitching about anything.  It was an observation, if somebody is asking you to speak more about your build, and this makes you pout and leave the forum.  Then keep the build to yourself.  Some folks around here like to learn from other experiences and not just look at finished arcade units.

However your right sir, just let people post WTF ever they want and you watch this hobby start deteriorating over time, cause it will get stale, cause everybody will keep their skills to themselves.  I've built tons of machines, I don't NEED anyone to do anything, i just saw a trend starting to happen and vocalized it.

I just made a statement about giving back to the site, that probably spawned all of our inner arcade intelligence, but it you want to promote leeching that's your call.

I agree with BorgDog. Stop whining! Let people post their projects in whatever way they want.

I just made a statement about giving back to the site, that probably spawned all of our inner arcade intelligence, but it you want to promote leeching that's your call.

I'm off to go post my finished projects in software, retail, jukebox, not give any detail, and gloat over my accomplishments that I gleaned off everyone else in the forum.

Damn man, you bring up a valid point, and still people complain.   

[opt2not]

My 2 cents as a newb here -- I read through this entire forum for inspiration on my build(s) ... from controls, to cabinet style, to amp and speakers, to artwork. I don't care if the build is new, done, for ego, whatever -- the fact that people are posting what they've done, with pics, and tips & tricks is very helpful for us new builders. I saved myself a lot of headache from reading the posts here and am grateful! I wish I could have some insight to share with others, but I don't (yet) -- so for now, I'm posting back in case someone else like me up here needs some inspiration and happens to like what I've done.

^ Exactly. Great 2 cents.
Some of these newer skilled-members (johnrt) have their heads so far up their asses they can't give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about the rest of the community. I'm just going to relax and wait till these type of --bags of cream-filled twinkies-- eventually get tired of this place and leave. Which they all eventually do.
And if not, no worries, I'll be fine with checking them at every pass.

I think I've identified a common some common denominators here. Some nicknames repeatedly shows up as sourpusses...

See johnrt? I don't need to be a passive-aggressive ---Bad words, bad words, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when saint censors you?--- to call you out. I'll do it directly.

[johnrt]

See johnrt? I don't need to be a passive-aggressive ---Bad words, bad words, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when saint censors you?--- to call you out. I'll do it directly.

[rablack97]

What i find funny is this Borgdog built a bartop VIGOLIX, now where the hell did he get that idea from?

My guess is from VIGO's thread where he documented the build for others to learn.........INCONCEIVABLE

[vwalbridge]

As the old saying goes...I thought this was BYOAC. Build Your Own Arcade Controls.

Not....SYOAC. Showcase Your Own Arcade Controls.

Jeesh man, If I wanted to just see pictures of final builds, I would just use Google or go to the "I completed my project" sticky.

I have not been on this forum very long but one of the reasons I joined is because of the great builds and detailed documentation behind them. I also noticed people gave good honest feedback...good or negative. Not just a bunch of people stroking each others' egos.

I come here each day to LEARN about the hobby and have some fun in between. How the heck am I going to do that with a showcase picture?

This ain't Instagram, Imgur, or Flicker. Just do the right thing and post a few pictures of your build process. It's not hard.

[yotsuya]

I had a cheese steak for lunch today. It was badass.

[rablack97]

I had a cheese steak for lunch today. It was badass.