The STS 2020 Animal figure of the year - Papo Megaloceros !

Pardofelis wrote:

But I'm really surprised that, even for non-insect-lovers, that the undoubtely best animal figure of the whole history of toys, have so few votes! I could expect to be regarded to second or third place due to mammalian preferences of collectors, but not to 7th place of 9 figures

I think "the undoubtedly best animal figure of the whole history of toys" is really subjective. I personally consider Kitan cats set as probably the best toy figures ever. But that's my personal ranking. Is it any more valid than someone else's personal ranking? I don't think so. For me, the hornet is not appealing at all. It's realistic but that's just one of the factors. It represents a species that I consider scary so I wouldn't buy it nor take it for free.
The poll on the forum is for fun, we shouldn't feel disappointed to see the winners are not the ones we personally like the best. And the winner is not "objectively the best". The poll is only a collection of opinions from forum members. Why take it so seriously?

No, it is to take seriously. STS is a serious forum.
So serious that next year we will open a Halloween category.
I think what turns it serious is that we represent many different collecting tastes, we are not a forum of collectors of dino models or a forum of collectors of horses, we are a forum of collectors of animal figures. That's why we explore all these categories.

Roger wrote:

No, it is to take seriously. STS is a serious forum.
So serious that next year we will open a Halloween category.
I think what turns it serious is that we represent many different collecting tastes, we are not a forum of collectors of dino models  or a forum of collectors of horses, we are a forum of collectors of animal figures. That's why we explore all these categories.

It is indeed a great and diverse group. And it's true that diversity is interesting for the statistics and gives valuable information. Also, by all means, the winners should be celebrated! And every honest vote should be appreciated. I also think the company that produced the winning figure should be informed so they could add the award to their website, why not?

As for not taking it seriously, well, what I mean is mostly don't feel disappointed when your favorite wouldn't win. And also, that the winner is not "objectively the best". To choose something objectively the best you would have to give very clear and specific criteria for it. That's why it's not really possible to choose the best of any form of art. Because what clear and specific criteria is "your favorite"?

And that's why I'm not really a fan of the title "undoubtfully the best" as I don't believe such model exists. Outside of everyone personal rankings.

Ah, and you got me, I would enjoy the STS "Halloween" model of the year category

the hornet is only in the final poll because it only had to compete with its kinfolk in the first round (and even then, it tied with a snail). If there was only one poll for all of 2020 figures, there would probably not be an arthropod in the top 10-15 (although in the first round, I must admit, the Papo crab did better than expected).

But, as Roger and Kiki said, that's OK. It's just a byproduct of the tastes of this forum, which, while diverse, do tend to favor mammals and birds. But that's normal. Insects in general are not popular in society and that reflects in toys as well. Just a reality.

In the end, it doesn't matter. It's a popularity contest, not a test of accuracy (if it was, the cormorant would not be in the final poll  )

Ana wrote:

Roger wrote:

No, it is to take seriously. STS is a serious forum.
So serious that next year we will open a Halloween category.
I think what turns it serious is that we represent many different collecting tastes, we are not a forum of collectors of dino models  or a forum of collectors of horses, we are a forum of collectors of animal figures. That's why we explore all these categories.

It is indeed a great and diverse group. And it's true that diversity is interesting for the statistics and gives valuable information. Also, by all means, the winners should be celebrated! And every honest vote should be appreciated. I also think the company that produced the winning figure should be informed so they could add the award to their website, why not?

As for not taking it seriously, well, what I mean is mostly don't feel disappointed when your favorite wouldn't win. And also, that the winner is not "objectively the best". To choose something objectively the best you would have to give very clear and specific criteria for it. That's why it's not really possible to choose the best of any form of art. Because what clear and specific criteria is "your favorite"?

And that's why I'm not really a fan of the title "undoubtfully the best" as I don't believe such model exists. Outside of everyone personal rankings.

Ah, and you got me, I would enjoy the STS "Halloween" model of the year category

I agree with everything and why not to contact the companies when they're awarded? It could be positive to both sides. However, if it is a Papo, I need to ask Kiki to go there personally because they're impossible to contact.

My choice was easy :)

Rio wrote:

My choice was easy :)

Hello Rhianonn! If there was a rabbit it would be even easier.

Kitan club for me :)

Roger wrote:

Rio wrote:

My choice was easy :)

Hello Rhianonn! If there was a rabbit it would be even easier.

Oh most definitely

Ana wrote:

......I also think the company that produced the winning figure should be informed so they could add the award to their website, why not?
......

Great idea

Except the snail and hornet, which I really like,
I have all other models , which means, I really like them all and for me every one is a winner :)

But for my vote I went with my and I choose the model, which I really love,
doesn`t matter if it`s common or not...
And for the exact same reason, like Susanne`s :

SUSANNE wrote:

All are outstanding models, but fortunately my choice is easy

The moment I saw them the first time, I will remember for ever . I almost could not breathe
And when I got them in my hand and could see them in real, I almost got tears in my eyes  

So  : The beautyful, lovable, fantastic, charming, perfect Kitan Club cat is my choice

... my vote went also to this fantastic cat.
These 4 Kitan cats made me love them so much ...and especially the cat A.
I even ordered these 4 new colours of these models, something that I don`t usualy make... so I hope soon I will have
this gorgeous cat also in black colour
A small black panther

costicuba wrote:

Except the snail and hornet, which I really like,
I have all other models , which means, I really like them all and for me every one is a winner :)

But for my vote I went with my   and I choose the model, which I really love,
doesn`t matter if it`s common or not...
And for the exact same reason, like Susanne`s :

SUSANNE wrote:

All are outstanding models, but fortunately my choice is easy

The moment I saw them the first time, I will remember for ever . I almost could not breathe
And when I got them in my hand and could see them in real, I almost got tears in my eyes  

So  : The beautyful, lovable, fantastic, charming, perfect Kitan Club cat is my choice

... my vote went also to this fantastic cat.
These 4 Kitan cats made me love them so much ...and especially the cat A.
I even ordered these 4 new colours of these models, something that I don`t usualy make... so I hope soon I will have
this gorgeous cat also in black colour  
A small black panther    

I'm not a pet or domestic animal toys collector but I went for the Kitan cat too

costicuba wrote:

... my vote went also to this fantastic cat.
These 4 Kitan cats made me love them so much ...and especially the cat A.
I even ordered these 4 new colours of these models, something that I don`t usualy make... so I hope soon I will have
this gorgeous cat also in black colour  
A small black panther    

Wonderful choice!

The only thing I would improve about those cats is I would love to see them repainted by Kosta THAT would be amazing!

I'm working on a new painting for my cat D at the moment

Ana wrote:

costicuba wrote:

... my vote went also to this fantastic cat.
These 4 Kitan cats made me love them so much ...and especially the cat A.
I even ordered these 4 new colours of these models, something that I don`t usualy make... so I hope soon I will have
this gorgeous cat also in black colour  
A small black panther    

Wonderful choice!

The only thing I would improve about those cats is I would love to see them repainted by Kosta THAT would be amazing!

I'm working on a new painting for my cat D at the moment

Yes, definitely! So excited to see, already these cats are stunning but imagine them painted by you or Kosta, two incredibly talented artists! I think I would mistake them for real cats then!

Thanks to Megaptera the snail also has now a picture of the real model. It took a little longer than all others but I know everyone understands.

What a beautiful snail! And look at the Papo Megaloceros storming ahead, I never expected it to do so well! I can tell this will e an interesting and exciting battle!

So this cat stole so many hearts , I see now that Kiki is also in the club

Oh, thank you so much for your so kind words Anna and Bonnie
We already have a masterly repainted Cat B by Anna and I love it.
And I can`t wait to see your Cat D Will you share with us your choise of colours ..or you will keep it as a surprise ?
Maybe one day I will also try to make something with one of these cats ..

And the Papo snail is actually looking better on real :)

costicuba wrote:

So this cat stole so many hearts , I see now that Kiki is also in the club

Oh, thank you so much for your so kind words Anna and Bonnie
We already have a masterly repainted Cat B by Anna and I love it.
And I can`t wait to see your Cat D  Will you share with us your choise of colours ..or you will keep it as a surprise ?
Maybe one day I will also try to make something with one of these cats ..

And the Papo snail is actually looking better on real :)

I chose calico for cat D, as it looked like a female cat to me. She's almost ready, just needs a final layer of varnish and a photo session. My choice for cat A is red tabby, but this one is giving me a hard time

Last hours to vote! Only 2 votes of difference between the Papo Megaloceros and the Kitan Cat!

Hello my friends from far far away.
Let's see ... Ah no bears this year. Bye!


Just kidding.

Cat - no, just no, all cats look alike, arrogant lill fx
Cormorant - rare bird model, nothing that stands out though
Dutch draft mare - still a showpony. Who hit you in the face with a flat iron?
Edible snail - slimy jet satisfying, no thanks. I kill dozens of snails in my garden each year
Giant Asian hornet - great model, not a toy, but nice to see a bug in this poll. Looks like Transformers' bumblebee
Great Pyrenees - great meh, the Dane was great, so no

Leaves me with
Bushbaby - unusual model, but those eyes freak me out, and he needs a pedi.
Megaloceros - oh dear, dang boy, you big, i miss the collecta caribu
Squirrel - nice details, small figure, but only a snack for a bear

So what will it be?
I still have a day to think about it.

A really difficult choice, the megaloceros is a great example, but we don't really know what it exactly looked like. The cat is so good because we know cats very well and they are very difficult to realisticly sculpt. So hard...

Wow, I love Kitan cats.

Fantastic picture, those KC cats really are just incredible!

Once the poll is over, can it be removed from the left sidebar of the forum? It's a bit distracting and condenses the rest of the field of view.

Dutch Bear wrote:

Hello my friends from far far away.
Let's see ... Ah no bears this year. Bye!
.......