Some thoughts on 'Analysis Paralysis in Layout Building'

Over at Trackside Treasure Eric has posted an interesting essay called Analysis Paralysis in Layout Building. This morning I read some equally interesting comments called Analysis-paralysis: the too long comment by Chris at his Prince Street blog. These posts got me thinking. I tried to post a comment to Eric's essay, but Blogger told me it was also a "too long comment", so I figured I'd post it here. Before reading it though I'd recommend starting with Eric and Chris's essays. 

Without further ado, here's my too long comment - you've been warned :-)

This is quite an interesting post. I can’t say I have any answers for the points you’ve raised, although I do have some further points to add :-) They include things like how social media has created a new, formidable psychological barrier to entry into the hobby; how old ways of thinking about layouts in terms of plywood sheets, basements, garages, and spare rooms has limited thinking about layouts in terms of modules, micro-layouts, dioramas, Lego, hextrak pieces, as well as other configurations; how the quest for supreme detail has overshadowed design and composition thereby limiting what is considered acceptable, and so on and so on. 

One of the ‘and so on’ topics I’ve found useful is the idea that model railroading could be viewed as either a finite or infinite game as a way to try to fight paralysis.

Back in the 80s I read a book by James Carse called ‘Finite and Infinite Games’. The first few chapters I found quite interesting, and their ideas have stuck with me over the years. To quote the opening chapter: “There are at least two kinds of games. One could be called finite, the other, infinite. A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play.” There’s more to it than that, but one’s about winning, and the other’s about how to keep on playing.

For me, model building is an infinite game. You can enter and leave the field of play - that is, in literal terms, the workshop for me - at anytime. My projects are not governed by schedules, project plans, work-break-down-structures or deadlines (or even the instructions in the box for that matter if I’m building a kit). If it takes a year to build something I like, that’s ok. If it takes two weeks that’s ok too. Model building, like anything else, can be a finite game, but it’s not usually that way for me. Projects are much more fun when I don’t fret over my rate of progress. 

When it comes to model railroading, it could also be approached as either finite or infinite. The finite version is one characterized by deadlines, schedules, building for competitions, getting likes, pleasing peers, shows, conventions, or magazines or other such venues. There are rules to be followed and rewards to be won. In this approach, model railroading is somewhat like a business activity, or professional sport or entertainment. On the other hand, one of the key features of an infinite game, and infinite model railroading in particular, is that it isn't driven by externalities like events, deadlines, recognition, going viral, becoming an influencer, prizes, or money, and their associated rules. It's a personal pursuit where playing 'the game', in all its dimensions, is the focus. The infinite approach isn't a disguise for new age squishiness as things like the pursuit of the craft through skill enhancement and mastery aren't abandoned. 

My belief though is that the pull of social media - a powerful finite game in it’s own right - can be detrimental to practicing model building or model railroading as an infinite game, thereby contributing to overall paralysis. In crude terms, “if I can’t win (ie, do just what is acceptable on social media), then why bother.” Paralysis is the outcome.

But, now I’m going to do a complete 180 and contradict myself. Last year for the first time I entered a model railroading challenge sponsored by a magazine. It had rules and requirements and the trappings of a finite game. As soon as I read those rules and requirements an idea immediately popped into my mind for an entry and I went for it, full speed ahead, and had a great time. I found being ‘forced’ to build my idea in a short time to be invigorating and it helped rekindle interest in other ‘infinite projects’ I had on the go. So, I’m thinking some flipping between finite and infinite approaches to the hobby is beneficial, but I still think if one is focused completely on the finite aspect, much is lost. 

I’m not saying the finite and infinite game lens is the one and only way to view the hobby, just that it’s one of many conceptual tools that can be useful at times. Maybe posing one or more finite games might be a way of getting newcomers started in the hobby, or maybe as a way of breaking down the start of a potentially big project into assessable pieces without making a big upfront commitment. Look at them as short stories or novellas that might be the basis of a future novel or saga. None of this is new of course, but I believe having many conceptual tools on hand to reframe problems is useful.