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| Here is Why I Haven't Posted | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 28 2016, 05:54 PM (1,383 Views) | |
| mbx64 | Jun 28 2016, 05:54 PM Post #1 |
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Matchbox Collector
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![]() My friends at Swifty's, my-oh-my has it been a long time. First, I want to apologize. There are many people here who I have befriended over the course of my time at Swifty's, and my rather abrupt and lengthy absence is not something to be proud of. I do occasionally - very occasionally - pop on for a quick minute or two to see some things that are going on in the diecast forum world. This is why my profile will sometimes show a recent date for my last visit, although I have not truly posted anything or taken the time to private message, which I must say sorry for. I intend on keeping a much closer contact with my diecast friends. But there is a reason for my absence. Several reasons, actually. And I think it's fair that I point them out and leave them up for discussion, as this is what forums are all about. The biggest reason for my absence is Matchbox. You all know (or knew) me as the Matchbox guy. Heck, my name is "mbx64"! You'd always see my Showcases with the latest models, an oft-too-long description of the model and how I felt about it, a photo-comparison to the real vehicle, followed by my signature "I hope that you enjoyed". Because I always have hoped that. Ironically, there is little for me to enjoy in the world of Matchbox because I cannot find them. Target? No singles (even though we were promised otherwise...). Wal-Mart? Empty pegs. TRU? Old stock. And the Best of World Series? Scalpers. And it doesn't matter what local store I go to, it's the same story, and I am so tired of it. I am tired of finding no Matchboxes, I am tired of old generics left on the pegs, I am tired of endless broken promises, I am tired of Mattel. And that showed through my lack of presence here on the Garage. I was done. The other reason? Well, most news is elsewhere. A lot of the forums used to see traffic because of news. New models found, a new variation, etc. But now, with Instagram and Blogs and other forms of social media, most info is there first. And that is in no way a jab at forums - you cannot find such a supportive, closely-knit community on Instagram, you just can't - but it is a simple observation. Also, it is a lot of work making reviews. You have to photograph, upload to your computer, edit, resize, upload to photobucket, and then post them here with words strung up in a way that you hope will make people want to read them. That's why I commend the people who can give out frequent and consistent reviews: it's tough. And that, my friends, is why I have not been here as much as I think I should have been. I can't find the models (the most significant issue), I find news elsewhere, and I needed a bit of a break from it all anyways. With that last part, I also have school to blame. Priorities are tough and sometimes they get in the way of our favorite things. But there is good news. I am posting here again (the first in almost a year!), I have a nice long, free summer, and I just succumbed to the new Matchbox frenzy. That's right. I went on eBay and bought the '15 Corvette Stingray Review for $5 and will have a Showcase ready for you all as soon as it arrives. The first Showcase in a year, and I will try my very best to make it interesting and informative, as I think you found my Showcases in the past to be. Just please understand that they will not be out as frequently, as I cannot spend $5 on every great new model that comes out to review. (Picture this, just as a C7 with a lightbar and fire livery) ![]() Oh, and one last thing. My artwork? Some of you on Instagram may have seen Martin's (martintheman16's) post featuring my latest work that he asked me to create, and I can't wait to share it here. But yes, my artwork is still continuing, and I will be sure to share it here. Thank you all for reading, and I hope to have a much more established presence here. Nic Edited by mbx64, Jun 28 2016, 08:56 PM.
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| Swifty | Jun 28 2016, 07:13 PM Post #2 |
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
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Welcome back! You've been missed! Matchbox goes through cycles. The only rational explanation for Matchbox's lack of success is Mattel not wanting them to compete with Hot Wheels. When the models are great (like currently), there's no distribution. What does make it to the stores flies off the pegs. But every five years or so there's a need to 'overhaul' the brand and with it a giant push to retailers... for garbage. That may be a strong word to use, but it's true. They put out models that they claim are meant to appeal to children yet they sit on the pegs constantly. Collectors don't want them, parents don't buy them, and the kids couldn't care less about them. The kids I know like the realistic Matchbox models better. They want cars they see on the roads. Especially the fast ones like Mustangs and Lamborghinis. So yeah, 'garbage' sums up things like 'Hero City' pretty well. |
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| juantoo3 | Jun 28 2016, 07:24 PM Post #3 |
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Good to see you back! I know I don't speak for everyone, but I will add my two cents. While I very much enjoy(ed) your showcases, I much prefer your company...you being you. Your showcases are not mandatory for you to come around, you are welcome without just as well. Just thought you might like to know that. |
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| 911diecast | Jun 28 2016, 07:47 PM Post #4 |
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Midsize
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Nic, I guess I am lucky because I can find most Matchbox about 6 weeks after I first seen them on the net. If there is anything you can't find and really want send me a message and I will see what I can do. Keith |
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| daydreamer_701 | Jun 28 2016, 08:40 PM Post #5 |
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daydreamer_701
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Hold up a second. You're martintheman16??!! First of all I have to say I am a big fan of your reviews on Youtube, may have even commented on a few of them. Second of all, wow you just literally took the words out of most MB collectors especially with the bit about reviews needing a lot of work and school/life detracting from that. Anyhow really hope to see some of your reviews around soon!
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| mbx64 | Jun 28 2016, 08:55 PM Post #6 |
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Matchbox Collector
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I appreciate the greetings, Sean and Wes! Sean, you're right about the cycles, and the problem with this one is how long it has lasted. At least Hero City plagued the models for really only one or two years before everything shifted back in our favor and hit jackpot with some of the best models released by the brand, but we're still feeling the effects of 2012. Generics are still mostly plastic junk (that new Locomotive, for instance), and the new models that are wonderful never make it to the pegs, as you mentioned. I really want things to improve but Mattel is just a bad corporation that has sacrificed a loved brand to reduce competition. I am happy to hear that Wes, and I hope to just "be around" and be part of this community again. You are right that I don't have to worry so much about the Showcases. I should really just enjoy the Garage! Keith, I appreciate your offer and sent a PM.
Nope! I am not Martin - I may have worded it poorly in my post. Martin approached me and I made a watercolor painting for him that as of now is only posted on his Instagram. I have my own account: matchboxartwork. And I am happy that you and I can relate about the struggles of the hobby. It's not always easy to try and enjoy something.
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| daydreamer_701 | Jun 28 2016, 08:58 PM Post #7 |
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daydreamer_701
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Oops! Never mind about that then... But still look forward to your reviews to come!
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| Stampede | Jun 28 2016, 10:22 PM Post #8 |
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Team Canada
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Nicolas, first an foremost, welcome back. Your presence here was just one part of the many great things here at Swifty's, and you have certainly added a lot of knowledge in this forum. I really don't blame you for taking a break - the brand that we have grown so fond of has made a resurgence, but (as you pointed out), they seem to be hard to find - so what's the point then? But regardless of everything, it's not all about posting pictures or showcases. I agree, they are a lot of work - and each of us sincerely appreciates the time and effort that you put into them. Once again, welcome back.
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| craftymore | Jun 28 2016, 10:49 PM Post #9 |
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Support your local demo derby.
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Welcome back Nic. As Wes pointed out you don't have to be here just to post pic reviews. You can always enjoy and interact on the Garage without posting lots of new reviews. I've backed off quite a bit this year from spending $ on the hobby in general instead putting $ in a savings account. I'm still here to check out what's new and exciting. I've bought a few new MB this year but not like from 5-7 years ago when realism was key for the brand. I think they keep hurting themselves as Sean pointed out re-inventing the brand every 5 years after not listening to parents and collectors. They should really up the price to $2, cut out the generics and focus on realism with their licensed models. The large box stores I suspect are the large hurdle to that. So enjoy what you can find when you can find and hang out on the Garage in the mean time. :waves: |
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| toyotageek | Jun 28 2016, 11:00 PM Post #10 |
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Japanese Minicar Maniac
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Welcome back, we've missed you! Like the others have said, long reviews and in depth discussion isn't always necessary, although it doesn't hurt. Just do what feels natural and comfortable. While a lot of people seem to prefer Facebook or Instagram or Twitter, I'm still a forum guy... the social media sites are ephemeral, while forums are more grounded. And the people here tend to be friendlier.
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| Milton Fox Racing | Jun 29 2016, 02:05 AM Post #11 |
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SUV
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Nic, I am fairly new to the boards here and understand your feelings abuot creating reviews. I can barely find time to photograph and catalogue my own new stuff and I am months behind in that. I will seek out your posts and other accounts you referenced above - links to them in your signature or as a post would help me find them sooner! Do you venture over to the car lot bay? I dont know if your $5 Corvette included postage costs, but posting up your want list there may help you get what you are looking for in new and old MB castings. PM sent! BTW nice job on photographing the new black MB vette! Link to your showcase on it, please! Edited by Milton Fox Racing, Jun 29 2016, 02:08 AM.
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| Deaken002 | Jun 29 2016, 06:19 AM Post #12 |
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Microcar
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I took a break not long after I signed up. Matchbox has disappeared from nearly all shops in the UK, and I don't think anyone sells 5 packs and Hot Wheels for a while had either, empty bins for a few months ( I bed shops were happy about that) or empty bins for a couple of weeks interspersed with an early 2015 case here and there. When a hobby becomes less fun or frustrating it doesn't really serve its purpose. Its good to see MB making changes, Majorette has recently been available for the first time here in a major store, they are hard to fin also, that's because they are flying off the shelves and I believe this is due to the realism, and its proof people would rather spend an extra 50p to get better quality and realism. (paint is still a bit naff though). |
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| Hosspower98 | Jun 29 2016, 08:03 AM Post #13 |
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Forever Blue Oval
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Welcome back Nic! |
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| b2young | Jun 29 2016, 08:50 AM Post #14 |
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Sad firefighter
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I too am happy to hear you are 'coming back'. I kinda wondered where your reviews and artwork had gone. Few have been able to fill your 'shoes' in that regard, though some have managed to showcase their collections well. I'd have loved to try to fill that void, but your photography intimidates me too much!
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| microbuss | Jun 29 2016, 09:54 AM Post #15 |
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SUV
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wb well I agree what you're talking about Here I am trying to get 2 of the new Ectomobiles & Walmart never has them! but I has better luck at garage sales sometimes its real fun to get the older models at literally Rock Bottom Prices! |
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| pjedsel | Jun 29 2016, 10:05 AM Post #16 |
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Muscle Car
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Welcome back Nic - you were missed! As others have said, while we enjoy your reviews it is your presence that we enjoy more. I truly enjoy the fellowship and friendships that the Garage offers and is a nice place to spend time away from the "grinds" of daily life.
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| webestang64 | Jun 29 2016, 12:22 PM Post #17 |
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Minivan
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Welcome back my MB loving friend! I too have not bought anything in a while do to nothing on the pegs. And I never hear of new stuff as I only look at the forum, I don't like FB, IG or any other large social media thing. And if not on the pegs I do not mind spending a little more at the Toy Shows for a model I want. |
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| Douglas | Jun 29 2016, 04:41 PM Post #18 |
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SUV
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Nicolas, Wow, it's so good to have you back! I honestly thought that between school and the possibility a real car may have become a passion, that you left the diecast behind, but now it makes perfect sense, since it's been at least that year long since I've had any bonanza Matchbox finds on the typically plastic generic full or otherwise empty pegs.....That's why I often just post about older Matchbox' now to help keep my passion for the brand. And I agree with others that your showcases and art are always fun to see and read, but really we all just missed you here, and look forward to any and all of your comments, contributions, and friendship too. Welcome back. |
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| Badge109 | Jun 30 2016, 04:14 PM Post #19 |
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Compact
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Glad to hear you're back. The art you did for me still and will always sit proudly in my home office. I'm not much of a poster to begin with, but I do always enjoy reading the forums when I'm able. I will continue to enjoy your reviews, too. Although I don't chase down much of the newer stuff in the stores. |
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| mbx64 | Jul 2 2016, 08:47 PM Post #20 |
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Matchbox Collector
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Thank you all for the warm welcomes. I really am excited to be back within this community and this will certainly help redevelop my passion for Matchbox. Within a day of this post, I had multiple members here from the Garage approach me to help me find new Matchbox models, and I am happy to say that another member and I have worked something out where I will be getting more models and much, much sooner than I would have ever gotten them before. This is crucial to making me feel that my reviews are relevant, interesting, and worth posting. I have to agree with you here, Mike. As much as I love social media sites, and as much as they are helping to develop the hobby community, I have noticed that they are too transient and limited for my tastes. They are great for delivering news quickly but not so great for building relationships. Don't have one, unfortunately! Just grabbed this and took several pics to have some fresh eye candy for this post. Ha! I'm looking forward to all the photography again, but I'm NOT looking forward to using photobucket again. Happy to read this Matt! That was a fun piece. I remember that I enjoyed working on the lightbars especially. |
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| accobra64 | Jul 3 2016, 12:17 PM Post #21 |
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Minivan
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mbx64, you really never left; you just took a long break. First, welcome back. Second, sometimes it is good to take a break. Third, you don't have to do reviews and/or post pictures all the time. Fourth, just enjoy the opportunities to communicate with all your friends here. Fifth, all you have to do is just say hello or occasionally comment on other posts so that we know that you are still around. Sixth, sometimes a person just needs a break. "Also, it is a lot of work making reviews. You have to photograph, upload to your computer, edit, resize, upload to photobucket, and then post them here with words strung up in a way that you hope will make people want to read them. That's why I commend the people who can give out frequent and consistent reviews: it's tough." Many persons just don't realize all the work that goes into posting images. The process takes time and work. It's tough to post images and do write-ups if a person just doesn't have the time. I know that from experience. I try to visit Swifty's Garage on a regular basis whenever possible. Bottom line; it's the people that sets this site apart from others. Be proud of the fact that you are or have been an active and contributing member. WELCOME BACK. Cheers. Cobra |
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| daniel60 | Sep 20 2016, 05:17 PM Post #22 |
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Personal Luxury Car
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That car is gorgeous.
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| jedimario | Sep 20 2016, 10:14 PM Post #23 |
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RAWR
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A belated welcome back, Nic! Not sure how I missed this. I think the Facebooks and Instagrams play a part, and I enjoy posting both diecast and 1:1s to my small Instagram account. But those places in no way top the sense of community and personal relationships that we have here. The way they are set up, that is very hard to do. Easy to sift through pretty pictures, but not much depth! |
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| b2young | Sep 21 2016, 10:54 AM Post #24 |
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Sad firefighter
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I tried to follow instagram.....I checked out some Facebook groups....tried twitter (for other reasons, not diecast) and found it boring and largely uninteresting.... I couldn't find the same feeling of "family" that I find here. Swifty's is the only forum I remain a member of, and this community is a daily boost to my interest and enjoyment of this hobby. Unfortunately, my sessions here have been rudely interrupted by an external plague, where I'll be reading or posting a thread and all of a sudden, Swifty's disappears, replaced by advertisements that in some cases have pointed directly to the hosting site (I've communicated with Sean about it so he'd be aware). Those ads are not as innocuous as ads once were--they actually hijack the page and disable the browser. They are increasingly like "ransomware", but instead of demanding payment to "clean" the "infection" that ransomware was named for, they put ads up that have one choice, and one choice only: download and/or install the "necessary" application. The "cancel" buttons are often disabled as well as all navigation and menu access to the browser. I've been working with Apple user support to resolve the issue, but so far there is no evidence on my computer that I have inadvertently installed "adware". Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone else here has experienced Swifty's pages abruptly becoming an advertisement for Flash Player or any other type of ad, and finding their browsers disabled (such as no "back button" to get back to Swifty's, and no ability to close the offending window without quitting the browser entirely). |
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| b2young | Sep 21 2016, 11:04 AM Post #25 |
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Sad firefighter
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Literally, the MOMENT I finished posting that previous message, the adware replaced Swifty's. The first time I was able to navigate back to Swifty's and this thread....but in a few seconds that same adware replaced Swifty's again, and this time it disabled the back button and I had to quit the browser (happily the "quit" command in the menu still worked). I reset my browser (cleared cache, cookies, files, settings, passwords etc) and will see how long that lasts. |
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2:17 PM Jul 11
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But still look forward to your reviews to come!







2:17 PM Jul 11