"Why do we do it/ what's it all for"

I customise toys as a type of meditation, to clear my mind and focus all my attention on the figure I'm working on. An escape from the grind of everyday life, if you will. Plus it's a wonderful feeling to have finished product look like the image in your head. And of course, it's a fun thought to know you might have made the 1st action figure version a particular character. Also, I agree there should be some kind of view count or like feature on here. It would certainly encourage the newcomers to the Realm.

Glad to know people agree on the issues of a lack of view count, seriously look at how many comments I've made, recently I've not been up to date coz of work etc but I go through each page when I'm up to date with shows etc and look at what interests me

I agree with Vic on the page view count, it can be a bit discouraging to post your latest customs you've put hours of work into and want to share with others then to find out apparently no one cares. While it doesn't discourage me from wanting to make customs as I'm doing it for myself, it does make me hesitant to post any completed work. I do try to comment on all work I like, which unfortunately isn't everything, but I do check out a lot of pieces, so a counter of some sort would be a nice addition for everyone.

As far as why I got into it, on the one hand it's wanting to have figures that will likely never be offered by manufacturers, and making variants or improving upon already existing figures. Then there's just being inspired by all the great work I've seen from other users around here the last couple years, seeing a custom I really like and being motivated to make one for myself.

View count or Likes feature should be added to posting...It may encourage others to keep customizing and posting on the website because not everyone comments on posts.

I started customising because I get upset when figures (especially the tmnt playmates ones) come out missing most of the paint apps you would see on the prototypes. So when I look at them, I see potential, like they DESERVE to look like they were meant to (or better). I find the process of customizing both relaxing AND frustrating. Mostly frustrating, as I make so many mistakes, and then have to redo redo redo. Love hate relationship. But as far as hobbies go, it sure kicks ass.

I agree with the view count b/c I's like to know if people saw my stuff. I customize to make figures of characters I love that don't have figures, and to improve my playsets by making stuff like, TVs, fridges, and more.