Looking back and moving forward.

CultTVman was launched a lifetime ago (or so it seems) with a couple model photos posted on an AOL website. Back then, the internet was a pretty small place and I couldn't find anything relating to science fiction models.

Since those early days, the site expanded into a showcase of science fiction and monster models featuring thousands of photos from hundreds of contributors. Along the way, the site has grown to include a message forum, weekly chats, a couple books, an online Hobbyshop, news pages, the Retro Rockets newsletter, a couple books, and so on.

With growth of the site and the internet has come change. CultTVman has always evolved, looking for better ways to do things, offering more service, and building our "fantastic modeling" niche in the hobby community. Today, in 2009, the hobby is very different from what it was in 1995. There are more online "hobby pockets" - subgroups and mini-communitties. Some of those groups thrive, while others blossom and wither away. Regardless, the internet has helped maintain interest in the hobby.

For me, one of the most important things about CultTVman has been communication. This includes sharing hobby news, participating in discussion, and promoting the hobby. So what is the best way to do this in 2009? The rules and tools keep changing! As forums have grown, email lists have waned. As personal websites have faded, blogging has shined. Social networking is now big with Facebook being hot, yet My Space is cooling. And what about Twitter? Everyone has a cell phone or blackberry. PC's have been replaced by laptops and even iphones.

For now, I've decided to consolodate my flashes of news, observations of the hobby, and even site updates here on this Blogger page. I like the interface. I think I can utilize it to get information out faster to the community at large. At least, we'll give it a shot!

Steve