Who's going to Wonderfest

[toysoldierman2001]

Brother D! I see by the number(20) you don't post very often?How dare you come on here and put down the exhibits and hard work that our members do at Wonderfest!
These people donate their time and like Raymond said some of their own money to go and represent the UMA the best way possiable.
Like Ray said if you have such a big problem with the way they do things then get off your arse and join in and help!
   If your not willing to do that then keep your opinions to yourself as I'm sure others here like myself have no desire to hear them!!!!

[Nicole]

grov⋅el  /ˈgrʌvəl, ˈgrɒv-/  Show Spelled Pronunciation [gruhv-uhl, grov-]  Show IPA
–verb (used without object), -eled, -el⋅ing or (especially British) -elled, -el⋅ling. 1. to humble oneself or act in an abject manner, as in great fear or utter servility.
2. to lie or crawl with the face downward and the body prostrate, esp. in abject humility, fear, etc.
3. to take pleasure in mean or base things.

I refuse to grovel.   I'm still not sure what the issue is.  Even though I only see the display through photos, I think you guys do a great job.  Oh wait, am I groveling?  I think those that spend the most time, money and effort should have more of a say as to what is displayed.  I would also like to believe that if I make a suggestion, that it would be heard and considered, but doesn't necessarily have to be taken.  

With this new format, I've posted things and no one has commented.  I don't have a problem with it, I just hope someone has enjoyed or agreed with what I have posted.  I do think with a group this large, some things get overlooked.  It won't stop me from posting.

As for Famous Monster Kids, I'm not sure who is in that group, but I do feel humbled by the talent that is included in our membership, but that is only because I don't really have any artistic talent.  I still refuse to grovel.  We are all monster kids and that gives us a bond.  I appreciate all members and think everyone in this Army is important.  I've had people do kind things for me that I've never met. That is what makes us the best group out there.

What you felt as vicious comments were mainly just people protecting what they enjoy.  Some are better at expression than others.

Well said, Brian!

[Elizabeth]

I too am bewildered.  The "cult of celebrities" thing--  I don't get it.  I've heard Brother D say it several times, but I still don't get it.  I hear and understand that Brother D feels this way, but in my experience here (which like Brother D's goes back to the Yahoo group days) I don't see it.

Likewise, with this being the worse exhibit ever... having seen several exhibits in person now (and photos of old ones), I can't say I agree with that either.

However, THAT is the thing about opinions... folks have a right to express them, but there is no guarantee that people are going to agree with them, or even understand them. 

But, what also bewilders me is... does disagreement have to lead to language that ramps up towards lighting torches and sharpening pitchforks?  That can happen SO quickly in the world of internet forums.  When folks on either side toss around angry phrases like "I dare to question" and "how dare you" it makes my breath catch a bit in pain.

Blue states and red states, Yankees and the Mets, Beatles and Stones,  Hammer versus Universal, tastes great or less filling... sadly, people seem to always find things to fight about. 

And sometimes, no matter how passionately we state our side, no matter how rational we think our arguments are, the simple truth is that folks cannot always see eye to eye.  It's a blessing and a curse.  It gives humanity wonderful creativity and diversity, but sometimes creates painful strife.

The thing is... we don't have to agree. 

What I have always loved about this site is folks seek first the common ground-- and that posts here tend to be kindly worded.  This is one place where I rarely flinch while reading posts.

Brother D has implied (twice now) that he is giving up participation in this forum.  If I take him as a man of his word (and there is no reason to not do that) I have to assume that future efforts to reach him through posts here are useless and futile, since he says he is no longer a member of this forum.  I wish him well.  I am sorry he is so unhappy.  I am genuinely sorry we did not have the chance to meet at Wonderfest this year.  Perhaps, talking face-to-face, with the added help of vocal inflection and body language, a conversation could have been different.  I am sorry should he feel anything I said was nasty or vicious.  I certainly only meant to convey my feelings and affection for this organization in the strongest way possible, because my affection for the organization is deep and very real.  Ultimately, I can accept we don't see eye-to-eye. 

What would pain me infinitely more than Brother D's criticism, though, is watching a critique of the annual event of primary importance to this group devolve into a verbal donnybrook... an edge we may be dancing on here.

I'd like to be able to come back to this thread and remember the happy memories I have of this year, the fun and excitement of working on the exhibit.

The hours of my life are precious to me.  I really do not want to spend them arguing about Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster toys.  Or Universal monster toys, for that matter.  And I'd rather not spend time reading arguments about them, as well.  These are ultimately just things.  Really cool neat things, and valuable things, but just stuff.  These things are not people, memories and affections-- the real stuff that life is made of.

I would rather spend as much time as I can with a joyful, playful spirit. 

Brother D can say this year's UMA exhibit stunk.  Other folks can say it did not.  We can turn our respective cheeks and chose to let it end there.

I'd rather expend energy counting the days until the next Wonderfest convention.   

[packy120353]

but BE HONEST, and admit that this site has become a site to grovel at the feet of famous "monster kids", and NEVER adimit the Emperor has no clothes

I need to jump in here and BE HONEST, though if Brother D mentioned he was no longer part of the forum he won't see this but I sure will benefit from writing it. It's my pleasure to write it.This is the story of my first encounter with a "famous monster kid". As a matter of fact he calls himself a "Famous Monster"..of Mpls. Ok being 55 (and a half) years old and I have loved monster stuff my whole life, and I was there there building and painting when the original Aurora kits were first released. I then grew away from that scene except I had picked up the Luminators and a few incidental monster related things over the years. One day I was surfing the web and did a search on "monsters" and discovered the CHFB or whatever it's called. I didn't stay there long, because I saw a link to a Yahoo group and a reference to "Famous Monster of Mpls". Within a day I had an email from a guy introducing himself and asking me where in the area I lived. As it it turned out we were only about 5-10 minutes apart! I mentioned I had a modest but sincere collection and he was so eager to see it - he made a point to get us hooked up, I remember his Jeep pulling up, my wife and I were in the front doing yardwork. As we introduced ourselves it instantly became as if we had known each other for years! I brought him down to see my ONE small table decorated with a few models, some skeleton stuff and a Kong puzzle. His humble enthusiasm was like an electric shock. For my old "monster fever" it was a true  "It's Aliiive!" moment. His obvious passion just for my dinky display was contagious. Then we decided it was plenty early yet and to go over to his house. He led me down to his Monster room ....words couldn't describe the fantasy that came true at that moment. Most of you have seen Terry's display at least in pictures...of course I've learned since then that MANY if not most of you have incredible collections, but this was my first look at the real deal. I couldn't believe my eyes. (I still can't). But here's the kicker - I at NO time EVER  got even the slightest bit of impression of egotism or self aggrandizing, no, instead I almost got the feeling he had made the entire display for me personally! But the stunning didn't end there, you see -  when I left I had my arms full of monster stuff! Model kits - Halloween bucket - monster ID card - and more! "Here you want this? Here take this.." What th'? I went home and basically doubled the size of my display! It was then I learned the biggest joy about being a monster kid - giving stuff away! My greatest happiness from being connected to this group has come whenever I have had the chance to give somebody a monster gift. And lo and behold guess what - it keeps coming back and I have also received gifts for no reason. It's not about the stuff though. At all.  I have come to realize that the lesson that General Terry (FM of Mpls) demonstrated that evening exemplifies the true spirit of realizing we are human beings first, monster kids second, which makes it that much more enjoyable. Grovel? GROVEL?? If Terry saw anyone groveling to him he'd probably throw up. He'll probably kick my ass for even writing something nice about him. But through this great group (who cares what shape the forum takes?) I have made TONS of close close friends, not any of which has a snake's hair of intimidation or elitist attitude.  I mean come on really we all know each other to different degrees and I dare say to whatever extent anyone cares to take it. I have never met anyone on this board that didn't want to swap phone numbers. Well I'm typed out...if I had any steam left I'd start naming more names, probably better I don't or I'd risk being implicated as a groveler. Now about five? six? years later -  my monster collection is taking over the entire basement I grovel and drool all the time here in my monster heaven! I might add with an open invitaion  to each and every one of you. And If you ever do make it to my city I guarantee we will go visit a "famous monster kid" who will make you feel like the celebrity!

[GaryP11111]

It's all about sharing.  And that's probably the most important aspect of Forrest J Ackerman's legacy we can take with us.  We share enthusiasm, ideas, collections, work, time, effort and resources.  That's the best part of our little family, isnt it?

When I saw the bigfoot/nessie items I knew right then part of Raymond was in the window and that's what made the display meanigful.  And it was also pleasing to see something outside of the classic horror film orbit.  Dinosaurs and the popular beasts of cryptozoology were always on the periphery of and often intersected with the monster craze of the '50s, '60s and '70s.

There's always room for constructive criticism but it even better to get involved and share a little bit of yourself.

[Toy Ranch]

Ok, you know, I was going to just let this go and move on, but the fact is I was a member of the UMA for YEARS before it changed its emphasis from just laid back monster Universal Monster fandom to a "cult of celebrities". THAT is the first reason the move from the the more public Yahoo group (whatever they say) to the private site (Old Dark Clubhouse "elders" site) was so distressful to me. I praised the UMA display for the first two years (because it deserved praise), and the FIRST year I have issues with it, I am branded as a heretic. I had VERY valid complaints against this year's ehxhibit, most notably the aburd entire setion devoted to Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster (which everyone knows, whether they wish to acknowledge it or not, comes from a single individual's interest, and has  NOTHING to do with Universal Monsters), but also the very meagre sections devoted to Uncle Forry. I am NOT a member of this forum anymore, and no longer wish to be, but BE HONEST, and admit that this site has become a site to grovel at the feet of famous "monster kids", and NEVER adimit the Emperor has no clothes. The display this year was FAR inferior to the first two years, and I felt I needed to critique it. What I got was nasty, vicious comments that I DARE to question the hierarchey of the UMA. So be it. I was honest, and that is a HELL of a lot more than the rest of you are being.

Brother Damien

Nobody has attempted to stifle you from sharing your opinion.  I don't happen to agree with a lot of what you said earlier, and practically none of what you are saying now, but that doesn't mean your opinion isn't valid for you.  The part that people mostly seem to object to is that you have stated a number of things which are simply untrue.  One thing you said earlier is that there was more space dedicated to Bigfoot/Nessie than to Forry.  That's simply untrue.  The Forry section was twice as big as the Nessie/Bigfoot.  If we had more Forry items, it would have been even larger.  Robert Taylor has a lovingly assembled collection of items that once belonged to Forry.  He was kind enough to drive them down to display at Wonderfest.  Joe Moe brought Forry's personal copy of FM#1 and his personal copy of Amazing Stories #26, the magazine that Forry bought as a young boy and began his lifelong passion for Sci-Fi and Monsters.  What it may have lacked in quantity, I think was more than made up for in quality.  If you believe the exhibit had more space dedicated to Bigfoot/Nessie than to Forry, you did not look at it well enough to realize what was there.  There were explanations of the significance of those Forry items posted adjacent to them.

You stated that the exhibit had fewer people interested than in years past.  That may have been the case when you were there, but over the course of the weekend, we had more people looking, taking pictures, and asking questions than ever before.  There is no question of that.

The UMA is not exclusively about Universal Monsters.  It's not even exclusively about classic horror.  The exhibit is not about assembling the rarest and finest Universal Monster toys, it's about showing a spectrum of different toys from different eras and interests that give monster fans a chance to say "Ooohhh, I remember that!" or "Wow, I never knew there were so many Alien toys" or whatever interests them.  The theme for the Wonderfest show this year was Alien, so there was an Alien window.  Among the various Alien toys was the Kenner prototype of a man in a space suit, made of resin that was never produced.  In the Alien exhibit next to the UMA, with items brought by Bob Burns and other Alien fans, was the screen used suit that the Kenner toy was modeled after.  We didn't know it was going to be there, it just worked out like that.  This may not have interested you in the least, but to the hundreds of Alien fans who were in attendance this year, it was incredibly cool.  

I was a member of the UMA for YEARS before it changed its emphasis from just laid back monster Universal Monster fandom to a "cult of celebrities". THAT is the first reason the move from the the more public Yahoo group (whatever they say) to the private site (Old Dark Clubhouse "elders" site) was so distressful to me.

This doesn't make sense.  The Yahoo site was not "more public", in fact the main reason we moved from Yahoo to this site was to make the UMA more visible than it was before and to make it accessible to more people.  A year and a half after the move, we have more members and 6x the activity.  We are indexed into search engines so people can find us more easily.  The reason for the move was to be more inclusive and more public, and we very much are.  No longer do people have to register just to read our forums.  And your continues reference to the Old Dark Clubhouse is confusing at best.  That has nothing to do with the UMA.  

As far as the "celebrity groveling" thing that you insist we "admit".  I'm sorry, but that doesn't even make sense.  Old Dark Clubhouse folks and "celebrity" monster kids are mostly at the Classic Horror Film Board.  Dan Roebuck is a celebrity of sorts, but is the most down to earth guy you'd ever want to talk to.  We're all just monster fans, Brother D.  It's not about celebrity worship or being "less public" or whatever you seem to think.  It's just not.

Your comments before did get us to talking about the need to have some member events at the next tour stop, so we can all socialize and hang out.  Thank you for that.

[Elizabeth]

Your comments before did get us to talking about the need to have some member events at the next tour stop, so we can all socialize and hang out.  Thank you for that.

I hope there are muffins.

And gin.   It's only gin, you know. Only gin. I like gin...

[ramsey37]

I hope there are muffins.

And gin.   It's only gin, you know. Only gin. I like gin...

I'm guessing that's a combination that'll taste much better going down than it will coming back up
George

[typhooforme]

Bobby, I don't see how it could be answered/explained better than the way you just did it.  Thank you so much.  And yes, Elizabeth--there are sure to be muffins.  And gin.  And I'm hoping for fried tomatoes. 

[The Drunken Severed Head]

I want fried okra and homemade ice cream.

[The Drunken Severed Head]

Robert Taylor has a lovingly assembled collection of items that once belonged to Forry.  He was kind enough to drive them down to display at Wonderfest.  Joe Moe brought Forry's personal copy of FM#1 and his personal copy of Amazing Stories #26, the magazine that Forry bought as a young boy and began his lifelong passion for Sci-Fi and Monsters.  What it may have lacked in quantity, I think was more than made up for in quality.  

Your comments before did get us to talking about the need to have some member events at the next tour stop, so we can all socialize and hang out.  Thank you for that.

At Wonderfest in 2007, we (the UMA)  had an open reception with food for anyone wanting to come. We also had a special screening of monster-related short films. (Ah, the nostalgia of Castle Films.) At Monster Bash we had folks signing a guest book. We round up folks every year for a group picture. All of this is done with volunteered time and, often, money.

This year, thanks to some dedicated folks, we had a special display about one of our most talented and beloved members, Linda Miller.

A cliquish cult of personalities at the UMA display? No way. A friendly bunch of people who believe in being inclusive, and who believe in the friendships that a love of classic monsters can foster.

[avenger]

And don't forget potatoes.Have a potato,Robert ! You too,Elizabeth !

[The Drunken Severed Head]

Oh, may I have a po-tay-to, too, please?

[Elizabeth]

You can have a potato, but...

NO BEDS!

[avenger]

I've never eaten a bed before !