Suggestion: Jerry's Cherry's apprentice program

Schwack also feel free to PM anyone myself included if you don't want ask something on an open thread.

I personally like the idea about the apprenticeship program/contest. Because some of these builders don't want to put themselves out there and feel embarrassed. I was there once. Also might be coming from other sites where they are huge jerks, for lack of a better word. I won't mention the sites but they don't give you advice, they tear apart your builds and something you feel proud of, they tell u it sucks.

Schwack, and for anyone that would like help, if you don't want to put yourself out there, reach out to someone through PM. I, for one, would love to help out. I don't mind taking more progress pics if it helps you. I might not be an expert at everything but if I can't give you the expertise knowledge, I'll find someone that can.

Or how does this sound, and Beast, weigh in here, how about we start a thread with requests for tutorials. People can then volunteer and create a thread with those instructions. If there isn't anyone here that can provide the info, we can look elsewhere for a tutorial and bring it here. Once the request has been completed, we delete it and leave the tutorial. If it's something that you do not want to out yourself out there with, PM me or beast and we'll have one single post that we can update as requests come in. That way they're anonymous. You guys can post the How To's in a clean build.

Those are my thought. Kudos to you, Schwack, for asking for help when you need it and bringing this touchy subject forward.

I think having a section with tutorials is a great thing, and am glad there is one here. What I think Iceman was suggesting is a way to get a tutorial done on a specific topic / procedure - sort of like requesting your local library to use their share program to get you a book they don't already have on the shelf - istead of waiting until it shows up in someone's build and THEN asking for a how to thread.
I think everyone here has an area of building that is their "specialty" or "niche". It may be wiring an engine so it looks like it could fire up and run, or detailing a dashboard to where it looks like they sat in a real car to take the pic. Some may be able to do flawless custom paint jobs, or along the same lines be able to tell exactly when the paint for the airbrush is thinned down just right. Some builders choose a specific area to build in, and have done enough of them that they have it down to a science, so their Jeff Gordon Monte Carlo is worthy of being displayed in the museum at Daytona. Whatever it may be, they have something that could help other builders, but don't think about it until someone asks.

I am not a fan of contests. There are just too many individual qualifications to consider. Setting up divisions by age, like the Hobby Lobby contest mentioned, isn't fair because you can have a 15 year old who has built over 100 kits going up against a 7 year old who is just starting. Going by experience can even be unfair based on what the people have built and the theme for the contest - both doing 50 kits, with one all NASCAR and the other a mix of everything from aircraft to submarines. Even the brand of kit can make the difference, so the one who can afford Tamiya already has an advantage over the person stuck with Lindberg. For online contests, the type of camera used, photography skills, and knowing how to show off the best areas of what you did can alter the perception of the builds. Available equipment can make a difference, too - the person stuck using rattle can paint or a brush is not going to be able to detail a paint job like the one with the airbrush and all the tips. Finally, there are the voters/judges. Do they actually take the time to look at all the details, or just pick the one that looks best on the outside?

All this being said, I can understand why newer builders, and some older ones, are hesitant to enter contests. When you make an entry that is by far the best build you have ever done - first time with engine wiring, best paint and decals, interior detailing, etc., but lose out to people who have done their usual builds that in some cases are just better by virtue of experience (overall or in the chosen theme)or what they have to work with (starting kit, tools, etc.), it can be discouraging, even if there are nothing but positive comments made on the in-progress posts and the finished build.

Wow, I didn't expect this many responses. I agree with what all of you are saying. Sometimes, I just feel like I am too new, and I have to get over that "no question is stupid" hump. And Grandpabeast, you're right, there are a ton of mentors here. I just have to learn to reach out better. Thank you fine gents for the feedback, it helps me understand better. You'll have to forgive me, sometimes I see all these guys just whipping out builds like the wind and I am just overwhelmed with the feeling of never being able to get to that point. Not only am I learning how to build models, I am learning how to ask for help when it comes to stuff like this. I really appreciate all of you offering to lend a hand, and believe me, I'll try to make it a point to take more advantage of that help. Jerry's Cherry's is truly an awesome modeling club, and I'm still struggling with being out of my league. I need to overcome that, and understand the community better as a whole.

Thanks to all of you for helping me understand better.

Schwack your not out of your league. We just have been doing it longer. I give you my word that we are all here to help you. If you have a question about how to do something, check the tutorials and the "How Tos". If it was something specific on a members build or finished kit just ask that member ( either open thread or pm ) I am sure we would be happy to explain, take pictures or even do a "How To" just to help. Then .....enter some of the contests. You can look at the themes for 2014 and start building now( just take your pics and dont post till required ).
When you enter or even just when you post a build, ask for members to critique your build. They will give you positive feedback both good and bad about your build. An just know its their opinion so if they think you chopped it to much , well thats their opinion, always do what you like. ( by the way it is imposable to chop too much ! Ha Ha )