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Hey everyone, my apologies if this doesn't go here, but I need some assistance and wasn't sure where to put this. A couple of days ago as I was putting together some 40K Blood Angels figures, my son was observing and asking questions. After about an hour of grilling me, he stated that he wants to play as well. I said fine, but you have to buy your own army. This kind of saddened him since he has no money, still being in school, and not having a job. He breached the subject again last night, and I explained that it is an expensive hobby, and he said "I know, I've been doing my research".

Which leads me to my call for help. I'd like to come to you all, proverbial hat in hand, and ask if there's anyone out there that would be able to assist my son with some donations of figures or vehicles. I'm not one to ask for handouts personally, but this is for him, and I think it would be a great bonding activity. He's interested in the Space Marines and Blood Angels since he saw me assembling mine, but he also saw the Tau and, being a huge anime fan, was drawn to them too. I know I said I wouldn't help, but he's a good kid and I'd like to surprise him, so any help you all could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Much love and respect to all of you in the community!

Buy him a getting started with tau set as a surprise? If you want to help your son get into gaming save the hobby money for a few weeks.

For sure get him the tau starter box, if he loses interest you can sell the models back easily on ebay.

 lord marcus wrote:
Buy him a getting started with tau set as a surprise? If you want to help your son get into gaming save the hobby money for a few weeks.

Well, I was trying to stick to my guns about not buying it for him (trying to teach him the value of money and all that). I am not opposed to helping him though, and I was just seeing if there was anyone out there who would be willing to contribute.


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 KingCorpus wrote:
For sure get him the tau starter box, if he loses interest you can sell the models back easily on ebay.

Or start a new army myself lol!

 Hero_of_the_501st wrote:

 lord marcus wrote:
Buy him a getting started with tau set as a surprise? If you want to help your son get into gaming save the hobby money for a few weeks.

Well, I was trying to stick to my guns about not buying it for him (trying to teach him the value of money and all that). I am not opposed to helping him though, and I was just seeing if there was anyone out there who would be willing to contribute.

Well done sticking to your guns and instead showing him that virtual begging is a good model for him to follow!

As he is in school and isn't able to work, does he have no way to earn any pocket money? No birthdays coming up, etc?

 zedmeister wrote:

 Hero_of_the_501st wrote:

 lord marcus wrote:
Buy him a getting started with tau set as a surprise? If you want to help your son get into gaming save the hobby money for a few weeks.

Well, I was trying to stick to my guns about not buying it for him (trying to teach him the value of money and all that). I am not opposed to helping him though, and I was just seeing if there was anyone out there who would be willing to contribute.

Well done sticking to your guns and instead showing him that virtual begging is a good model for him to follow!

As he is in school and isn't able to work, does he have no way to earn any pocket money? No birthdays coming up, etc?

As stated, I'm not one to go to others normally. But when out of normal options, asking for help shouldn't be prohibited or frowned upon. I didn't mean to sound like I was begging, simply asking. And unfortunately no, he doesn't have any other means of earning money, and his birthday isn't until March.

Why not have him earn an allowance by doing chores? That way he can save up some money and he's taught the value of earning something via working for it rather than panhandling on the internet.

If he's old enough maybe he could work a paper route, wash cars, cut lawns for neighbors etc. There's plenty of small ways that a motivated kid can raise money. $10-$20 a week may not seem like a lot to an adult but to a kid it can be a huge boon. Be his encouragement and use it as a motivational goal rather than just saying no it's too expensive without helping him realize that he can in fact get it provide he works towards it. Often kids don't read between the lines well enough to understand that it may be too expensive at the current moment but that they can still get something if they apply themselves.

Perhaps you can offer to match whatever amount he saves towards a kit, that way he has motivation to work for it without having to bear the entire cost given that he won't be raising money as though he had a high school or college level job. Begging on the internet on his behalf teaches him absolutely nothing about being self reliant or about the value of earning things.

No pocket money at all, you play but wont help him. Seems to me you're not really wanting him too. Asking for handouts is a bit low as well. Seems rather suspicious to be honest

 stanman wrote:
Why not have him earn an allowance by doing chores? That way he can save up some money and he's taught the value of earning something via working for it rather than panhandling on the internet.

If he's old enough maybe he could work a paper route, wash cars, cut lawns for neighbors etc. There's plenty of small ways that a motivated kid can raise money. $10-$20 a week may not seem like a lot to an adult but to a kid it can be a huge boon. Be his encouragement and use it as a motivational goal rather than just saying no it's too expensive without helping him realize that he can in fact get it provide he works towards it. Often kids don't read between the lines well enough to understand that it may be too expensive at the current moment but that they can still get something if they apply themselves.

Perhaps you can offer to match whatever amount he saves towards a kit, that way he has motivation to work for it without having to bear the entire cost given that he won't be raising money as though he had a high school or college level job. Begging on the internet on his behalf teaches him absolutely nothing about being self reliant or about the value of earning things.

Unfortunately, my wife refuses to pay our kids for chores, trust me I've thought about that many times and it's a battle I just can't seem to win. I'll suggest the odd job option and see if he's receptive to it, I'm hoping so. I agree with you about the begging aspect, and like I've said, I avoid it at all costs. Sometimes you just need to ask for help though. I'm sure we've all been there at one time or another in our lives.


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 Motograter wrote:
No pocket money at all, you play but wont help him. Seems to me you're not really wanting him too. Asking for handouts is a bit low as well. Seems rather suspicious to be honest

Not the point or situation at all. And asking for help isn't low if absolutely necessary. Sorry if you're suspicious, not my intent.


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Look guys and gals, if you don't like what I've written, I respect that. All I ask is that you don't bash me for reaching out to the community in lieu of better options at the current time. I sure as hell wouldn't do it to you, and if I had the extra stuff to help someone, I would. That's just my nature.

Forgive me, but I've been down this road before and shan't do it again.

Years ago in the way back, around 2005, I was a member of the KenzerCo forums for Hackmaster.

There was a poster there that had gained some notoriety in KenzerCo's KnightsoftheDinnerTable as being a former Felon that fell in love with the comic while in Prison. Gave him hope. Reminded him of his old gamer buddies. He wrote one or two "Letters to the Editor" or whatever that were published in the magazine.

Later, he started posting on the forum, after he got out. He told the saddest of sob stories about how he was 17 dating a 16 year old, the girls father was an donkey-cave and pressed charges after he turned 17 and the age of consent was 17 and blah de blah. How the DA later ran for Governor and wanted to show he was tough on crime. He posted for a long time (6-months) in different areas, showing knowledge of the different games that KenzerCo made, discussing peoples "Tales from the Table" where they describe their home games, and so forth.

One day, his younger brother died! He fell down the stairs! It started with "He's in the hospital!" "He's in surgery!" "He's on Life Support!" There was wailing and gnashing of teeth! There was heartbreak and sadness and tears! His mom had spent a fortune on his defense attorney and he wants to bear the brunt of the funeral costs for her! But oh no! He doesn't have any money! He's a guy with a record, down on his luck!

We can help! The site came to his rescue! He opened a paypal for people to send donations! Any help is helpful, even $10 guys! Help is on the way!

Then an astute poster looked up this guys name. You see, this particular guy had been suspicious. He pieced together bits and pieces of this guy's name, background, etc over the previous 6 months. This guy had never trusted him. He finally found what he was looking for. The guy's actual record.

You see, his story was not 100% accurate. Not only was he 22 at the time of the rape, but his victim was a 12 year old boy. Also, further investigation revealed that his mother was long dead. You see, the guy was a fething scammer. A parasite sucking the blood and money and tears from gullible gamers.

When his actual record got posted on the forum. He got quiet. Then he denied! Then he got angry! Very angry! Naughty words were posted. Threats were made. An account was deleted.

So you see, Mr. Hero_of_the_501st, I do not trust ANYONE that asks for money on forums like this. Especially people whose first post is "Can you help a father out?'

You might be telling the truth. Or you might be a guy that feths 12 year old boys.

You don't teach someone the value of a dollar by not spending your own and in turn asking for donations, that builds no character or respect for money or themselves, all it does is show that if you ask enough you can skim something you want for free.

If teaching your kid the value of a dollar is your real goal, do as others have suggested, an allowance for chores, rewards for good grades etc. Teach him to earn and spend his own money.

Telling a kid with no income "buy it yourself" is also a bit harsh, instead work out a way for him to make money either via a part time job or the examples stated above. Not just give him the proverbial finger and leave him to his own devices.

But to be perfectly honest this whole "he wants in but has to buy his own army but has no money or income, and I wanna stick to my guns so I'll 'seek Other people's money in the form of donated models" plea not only makes no sense, it wreaks of a poorly thought out scam plot to get stuff for yourself that you don't have the money for or won't pay for.

He's your kid, YOUR responsibility. Asking for model donations on behalf of him is ridiculous. This isn't asking for help, it is asking for free models. As you say, the hobby is expensive, you either find ways to pay for the hobby or don't get into it. Its a hobby after all, not essential in life.

At least Mandelbaum went to a bit more effort...


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Look guys and gals, if you don't like what I've written, I respect that. All I ask is that you don't bash me for reaching out to the community in lieu of better options at the current time.

A community you'd been part of for barely two hours before you felt comfortable in asking for handouts. That you'd contributed nothing to.

We're not talking water for the thirsty or food for the hungry here, it's toy soldiers.

Perhaps an option to consider is looking for a "junk lot" on eBay that you and your son could rehabilitate together. It would give you a joint project, you wouldn't have to spend a lot of money on it, and you would teach him the art (and value) of restoring used models.

If he maintains interest in the game after that project you can reconsider buying newer models.

You can find some real deals on eBay, especially if you search for vague terms like "scifi space soldiers" or misspelled terms like "space mareens". Some people are careless in their listings which produces fewer bids and lets you score a bargain.

So you won't give an allowance as payment for chores? Your wife won't let you? So how do you think your kid will ever learn what a job is, good habits start at home.

Things I got rewarded for as my chores/job as a kid:

Mowing the lawn, we had over 1.25 acres and part of it was on a hill; better believe I got payed for that.

plus

Getting my inside chores done every week i.e. vacuuming, taking out the garbage (collecting through the house and taking the cans to the street), Dishes done on my two dishwashing nights.

Then finally a $5 bonus for catching the bus everyday, if I missed the bus even one day, no bonus, not prorated.

Alternatively you could set a goal for the grading period, all A's could be a squad and a vehicle, A's and B's a squad, nothing lower than a C you can get a single character.

Man, I really did not think that I would receive so much hate for this. Sorry I even asked. For those who gave CONSTRUCTIVE feedback, I thank you all. The rest of you can go wallow in your own self loathing.

Really?

You didn't stop for a minute and think "there's no way, with absolutely no history with a community of essentially anonymous people, that asking for free stuff isn't going to illicit a skeptical response and the odd cocked eyebrow?"

I think your kid may be the more effective adult.

Something else the OP might consider is to buy himself a second army and let his boy play with that. It would still be "Dad's Army" but his son still gets to play the game. Heck they can even switch sides.

 Hero_of_the_501st wrote:
Man, I really did not think that I would receive so much hate for this. Sorry I even asked. For those who gave CONSTRUCTIVE feedback, I thank you all. The rest of you can go wallow in your own self loathing.

So many questions, so little time.

How is your son supposed to get the money required? Begging on the internet perhaps? Why not just buy him a cheap set and make him do chores to 'pay' for it? Why are you asking for free gak on a forum you've basically never contributed to? Why is this your second post on the forums? Didn't feel like participating first and getting to know some people, maybe contributing back? Why wouldn't you gladly buy him a force so you two can hobby together? Why not offer a trade in the swap shop instead of begging?

And finally, why so hostile to people who are rightfully wary of someone begging for free stuff on the internet when you've contributed nothing on these forums to convince us you're genuine?

feth man, just buy him the set. Plenty of opportunities to teach the little one about value of money, especially when he's actually capable of earning it in the first place.

I got a tau force for $300.00 for you. Its collecting dust.

PM me, lets talk.

 Azreal13 wrote:
I think your kid may be the more effective adult.

Feeling salty today? Was that really necessary?

OP, to offer a constructive suggestion: perhaps see if he's interested in scratch building some 40k vehicles? There are a lot of templates out there, free to download; just Google something like "paperhammer rhino" or "40k papercraft", you'll find them. I've seen templates for Tau, Titans, and even some anime and mecha (Gundam, etc.) as well. With a little effort (and a few cents worth of glue), he could enjoy building and painting his own models. You and your son could spend time on a hobby you both enjoy.

I would also look for bitz sellers on Ebay. You can usually find things like the tactical squad from Dark Vengeance new on sprue for under 20 bucks.

By extraordinary coincidence, I am selling all of my 40K armies, there you go.

In all seriousness, there are plenty of second hand armies out there. The hobby need not be expensive at all.

xraytango wrote:
Something else the OP might consider is to buy himself a second army and let his boy play with that. It would still be "Dad's Army" but his son still gets to play the game. Heck they can even switch sides.

And the anonymity becomes host to rude language, even when asking for help

Marcus, how was that even remotely rude?

Seemed pretty benign to me.

Lawns need mowed around the neighborhood..
Elderly people need chores done..
I even collected empty beer cans from the fishermen and sold them.(grew up 100 feet from a major fishing boat launch on Lake Erie)
Farmers are always looking for help... Gak needs shoveled
Falls coming so leaves need raked
Kids around here in the winter shovel the driveway for $$$$
There is 1000 and 1 ways for a kid to earn a few bucks..

 DarkTraveler777 wrote:

 Azreal13 wrote:
I think your kid may be the more effective adult.

Feeling salty today? Was that really necessary?

I match the tone of my response to the tone of the post, a post containing a blanket declaration that people can go and "wallow in their own self loathing" is going to illicit a sharper response than one that, well, doesn't.

If this is on the level then the OP should man up and share his stuff with his son. If your Mrs is preventing you from buying your boy toys when you want to then you have worse problems than life lessons for Junior.

Of course the whole thing sounds like bollox to me so he can choose not to share with his imaginary son if he chooses to and make sure his imaginary son grows up to be the best damn imaginary son he could be and make his imaginary Mrs proud to boot. You go fella!

 notprop wrote:
If this is on the level then the OP should man up and share his stuff with his son. If your Mrs is preventing you from buying your boy toys when you want to then you have worse problems than life lessons for Junior.

If I read correctly, I don't think that his wife is preventing him from buying his toys, but instead doesn't want to give the boy an allowance earned by doing chores around the house.

From a look at other's posts it would seem as though this is not a normal stance. I would say that the vast majority would teach their kids about jobs and accountability through the carrot/stick approach to earning, especially with household chores in the pre-employment years.

To the OP, welcome to Dakka where even lies are pedantically analyzed!