Backlog Reduction Oath

Erunion · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:28 am

So, I had a hare-brained idea tonight. I have made a pledge to myself as a means of reducing my backlog. It has grown to such large proportions, and I paint so slowly, that I cannot expect to paint everything before I purchase anything else. Also, sometimes you just have to reward your hard work or you won't be motivated to keep working towards your goal. So, I am pledging to only purchase new miniatures when I have completed twice as many miniatures (or their equivalent) from my backlog. If I break this oath, I must perform some sort of community-decided penance.

The reason I am starting this thread is that I thought some other people might want to join me. I will post all of my new purchases here along with the minis that I completed to "allow" the new acquisition. If you would like to join this endeavor, just let me know and I will add you to the list. Participators can add "Backlog Reduction Oath Participant" to their signatures, and must wear a badge of shame until their penance is completed!

Participants:
cereal_theif
Dead Marsh Spectre
Elros of Numenor
Erunion
Red Corsairs
The_Dragon_of_Moria
Werner
{aD}???
Dagorlad
Chris GoM

Erunion · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:30 am

Latest Acquisition:
Arvedui, Last King of Arnor and Malbeth the Seer (one blister)

Completed Miniatures:
Buhrdur (one blister)
Cave Troll with Hammer (one blister)

Elros of Numenor · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 5:28 am

I had an idea of doing the same thing, but on a more personal level. I think it's a great idea! I'm in.

gaarew · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 9:44 am

Nice take on the Wargamer's plaedge Jon-boy.

Still, painting 2 Trolls means you are allowed 1 new mini no?

Tsk tsk tsk.

Erunion · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 1:44 pm

Trying to nail me right at the beginning, huh? Two blisters lets me buy one blister. I figure I'll have to be creative with figuring out what things are "worth." Blisters and boxes are equivalent, of course, and I figure a mounted model or small monster is equivalent to two figures on foot. Haven't figured out the exchange rate on larger monsters like Balrogs and Mumaks, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Has there already been something like this going? I must have missed it.

gaarew · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 3:33 pm

Hehe.

I can see it now, painted 6 blisters of 1 hero, bought 6 blisters of 3-4 troops... Score so far, -12...

No, the wargamer's pledge is something I've seen mentioned a lot on the interweb. Basically, at the start of the year you pledge not to buy any additional models until you have painted the equivalent from your backlog.

Erunion · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:04 pm

I see your point. I guess we'll just have to appeal to gamer's honor (if that exists!) to at least be making forward progress and not just maintaining the current backlog levels or even moving backwards!

{aD}??? · **Joined:** Thu Dec 30, 2010 3:17 am **Posts:** 202

Great idea man. I'm in. I have a trip to GW planned in a week or so which gives me incentive to paint.

Erunion · **Posted:** Fri Jun 17, 2011 12:28 am

Anyone care to make a "Badge of Shame" or "Oathbreaker" avatar for the losers who can't control their impulse shopping?

gaarew · **Posted:** Fri Jun 17, 2011 12:36 am

What are the dimensions for an avatar?

Nevermind, found them.

Erunion · **Posted:** Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:28 am

Very nice. Thanks, John!

Old Chestnut · **Posted:** Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:04 pm

I think this is a cool idea.However, I purchased most of my figures when I was working two or more jobs and never had time to paint. Now that I have retired, I paint more figures than come out. My problem is that I have run out of display space. Painted figures take more storage space' than a box of blisters. I have 18 wooden boxes and 4 seven drawer cabinets to sand and stain before I can start a new project. I would swear to do it but I would probably break the oath before I get the trash out.

werner · **Posted:** Fri Jun 17, 2011 6:28 pm

I had just make the following agreement with myself: paint one mini of the backlog, then buy one mini and paint.
I started collecting end 2009 so I don't have a big backlog. I'm also more a painter then a gamer so I like to collect and paint more then painting a lot of minis for playing for example war of the ring.

Erunion · **Posted:** Fri Jun 17, 2011 6:58 pm

You don't have to have a big backlog to join....Just a desire to make it smaller!

jscottbowman · **Posted:** Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:33 pm

I like this idea very much but I am so far behind with my lead/plastic mountian that its not funny.
I am also a bit of a period butterfly. I've heaps of LOTR still to paint, but just had my 'Pirates' interest revved up, and have spent the last 6 weeks making ships, buildings and a dock, and I have seen loads of piratey goodies on Foundry, Reaper, Crusader, Old Glory and Artisan, that I am bound to be flexing the plastic again and getting further in to the miniature backlog hole...
There is no hope for me... unless of course I can somehow trade off scratch building terrain etc against a trade off for buying more mini's?
;-)

Scott

werner · **Posted:** Sat Jun 18, 2011 5:39 am

werner wrote:

I had just make the following agreement with myself: paint one mini of the backlog, then buy one mini and paint.
I started collecting end 2009 so I don't have a big backlog. I'm also more a painter then a gamer so I like to collect and paint more then painting a lot of minis for playing for example war of the ring.

Erunion wrote:

You don't have to have a big backlog to join....Just a desire to make it smaller!

If my personnal oath is good for you , I'm in!

Erunion · **Posted:** Sat Jun 18, 2011 6:22 am

Welcome to the fold, Werner!

@Scott -- That's where the self-restraint comes in! Don't give up....Dig in. What's the point in having all of those miniatures if they're not painted up and ready for use? Did you just start this hobby to be "that guy," the one who shows up for a game with an undercoated, or dare I say it, a grey and pewter army? No, we started up because of the spectacle of two beautifully painted armies doing battle on exciting terrain. Now, put on your big boy pants and start painting!

Did it work?

gaarew · **Posted:** Sat Jun 18, 2011 7:12 am

Erunion wrote:

Did it work?

No.

Take off your pants and start painting!

That'll motivate them.

{aD}??? · **Joined:** Thu Dec 30, 2010 3:17 am **Posts:** 202

A little awkward after taking the oath yesterday I almost went out and bought a box set and a couple blisters. But I used some inner strength and bought some paints instead

werner · **Posted:** Sat Jun 18, 2011 12:58 pm

Some here, at my local game store: 50% of metal blisters and I bought none

Last bought: Finecast Gulavhar the terror of arnor and Mordor troll chieftain
I've painted the latest miniatures from my backlog, so the Next model wil the Mordor troll Chieftain...

Backlog Reduction Oath

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