Written by John A. MacInnes
There are many great mysteries in life.
Who built Stonehenge?
Where did all the missing socks go?
Why does a book nook project that should take “2-3 hours” somehow consume an entire weekend?
And perhaps the greatest mystery of all…
Why do people ask “Has anyone made this?” on Facebook instead of using the search function?
Now before anyone reaches for the pitchforks, this is very much written with tongue firmly in cheek. We were all new once, and everyone is welcome to ask questions. However, if you’ve joined a busy book nook group, there’s a little trick that can save you a lot of waiting around.
At the very top of the Facebook group page sits a magical tool known as the Search Box.
It’s been there all along.
Quietly.
Patiently.
Waiting to be discovered.
Let’s imagine you’ve just bought the Century Ferris Wheel, Sakura Densya, Magic Pharmacist, or any other kit that catches your eye. Your first instinct might be to post:
“Has anyone made this?”
Then you wait.
And wait.
And maybe wait a bit longer.
Eventually someone replies.
Then another person posts a photo.
Then someone else says they’re halfway through it.
Useful information, certainly.
But if you simply type the kit name into the group search box, Facebook will instantly present you with years’ worth of discussions, build logs, photographs, tips, mistakes, modifications, reviews, lighting ideas, glue disasters, missing parts, triumphant completions, and occasionally the odd cry for help.
Instead of getting one or two responses, you could get hundreds.
Need to know whether a kit is difficult?
Search it.
Want to see what it looks like when finished?
Search it.
Looking for common mistakes?
Search it.
Wondering where to fit LEDs?
Search it.
Trying to find out whether Step 47 is as confusing as it looks?
Search it.
The chances are somebody has already asked exactly the samequestion and received half a dozen helpful answers.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should never post questions. Far from it. Every build throws up unique challenges, and sometimes you need advice tailored to your particular situation.
But before creating a new post asking whether anyone has built a particular kit, spend thirty seconds with the search function first.
You may discover:
• Detailed build diaries
• Alternative painting ideas
• Lighting modifications
• Helpful warnings
• Solutions to common problems
• Reviews from people who have actually completed the kit
And best of all, you’ll get the information immediately rather than waiting for the Facebook algorithm to decide whether your question deserves to be seen by anyone.
So next time you’re tempted to ask “Has anyone made this?”, remember:
The answer is probably yes.
Unless it’s a shiny new release that has only just landed on people’s workbenches. In that case, nobody knows what’s lurking in step 47 yet, and we’re all discovering the joys and horrors together.
Several times.
Possibly hundreds.
And they’re all hiding in the search results waiting for you.
There is also a search function on the kit review page on the website which will look at all the models the team has built.
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