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You are correct Ray...but this isn't an IPMS issue...in my opinion.
I also disagree with Isaac, in this case.
In the same year I attended two IPMS events for the first time
and it was the first time out with the Paper Models for me.
One was an IPMS club in London Ontario.
The other was IPMS Hamilton (who host the show known as HeritageCon)
The reception in London was amazing.
These guys were not able to immediately accomodate me as a Paper Modeller in competition
but they were apologetic and understanding.
They were interested in everything about what I do and we talked about future involvement.
I was also a Vendor...paid for Table space...and the reception was also top notch.
Everything you would expect...smiles, help with moving stuff, checking on my table and seeing how I was doing,
and a general interest in what I had to offer.
HeritageCon was a whole different story.
It started at the door, when I arrived as a paid Vendor.
No smiles. No help. Just a point to a table.
In fact, a pretty cold reception I thought.
And without even knowing what I was selling!
Then, when I registered models for competition (my first ever) I got more of the same blase attitude, a general feeling of "why am I helping you?".
Entering into the competition was a joke...I complained about categories and where my models would go...
there was no willingness to talk to me, they sent instructions through a kid working the floor.
They were unwilling to accomodate my entries and as far as I could see, did not judge them in competition. (I watched)
As if maybe, they were deliberately ignored, since I made a stink at the beginning of the event? I don't know.
I spoke to a few people during the show, that stopped at my Vendors table,
who claimed to be members of that club and they were distressed to hear of the attitude.
I got the impression from things said, that there was already a problem.
One guy was asking for specifics, like names (which i couldn't give) because he wanted to "bring it up at a meeting".
For me, this wasn't a "plastic vs paper" thing.
Or an IPMS thing.
I know other people in the IPMS, who have been very gracious to me.
This was a local club problem, and an attitude problem from a group that was acting snobbish.
Maybe they want nothing to do with outside people or groups.
If so, they shouldn't host an open Competition.
I already understand how tolerant I must be of IPMS groups that allow Paper categories.
When I do the Toronto Scale Model (Ajax 37) later this year,
they will be accomodating Paper categories for the first time.
But it will understandably be a problem for them when it comes to judging.
(I'm going to have to help with that)
It will take some cooperation and assistance for them to adapt and accomodate.
Its up to me to make just as much effort as them.
But I have already spoken with three top members of that Club, and they have been nothing but accepting and interested so far.
So, I believe it just comes down to the attitude of the people invloved.
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