There was once when i was talking with veteran AFOL. When we touched on the topic of building MOC, he replied sheepishly that he's only an instructional builder. Hmmm... It has long been perceived by the community that being able to MOC makes you a master builder, but does that mean not being able to MOC makes you a lousy builder?
I have encountered ppl who cant follow instructions but can MOC as well as ppl who cant MOC but can follow instructions very well. Such are just comparing an apple to an orange. Both have its own merits and strengths. They are just ppl with different thinking habits.
That being said, is there any difference between a veteran fan and a newbie? This question actually applies to all area. A veteran will have high level of exposure and experience. He will know things that the newbie does not even know exist. So veteran better than newbie? not exactly, especially if its an "老屁股", old backside, only sitting on the top of his mountain of experience and refuse to let anyone approach the submit.
What does a newbie have over a veteran? A newbie will not hesitate to question tradition that has been long handed down. Grandma’s Cooking Secret. Especially when a large variety of part are introduced yearly. New ideas to buildings techniques, perception, appreciation should be updated accordingly. Wanna know what was the game-changer most recently? IMO, its the cross plate.
Conclusion: You need to do enough instructional build to be able to MOC. You need to be able to MOC to appreciate the new techniques in instructional builds. Its a chicken and egg thing. Or not... for there is no spoon...
There was once, someone asked, you guys are pro rite? If you and a newbie were to build a new set at the same time, you confirm can finish faster rite? I replied, no. In fact, i will take significantly longer than a newbie. However, second time onwards, we can definitely build faster than a newbie. Why? When building a new set, you tend to encounter new techniques in building, you will slow down and take time to absorb it into your repertoire. Hence, on the second run onwards, as long as memory is fresh, physical muscles take over the work.
What is knowledge? After you learn, after you forget, whatever left is your knowledge.
From time to time, I will still bring out old sets to build again. yes, i enjoy building, and it refreshed my memory. How long will i take? hopefully as long as the first time i build. Why? If i can build it faster, it means its in a muscle memory. Its only when you
deliberately practice, then you will learn.
4 levels of knowledge
You don't know what you don't know.
You know what you don't know.
You know what you know.
you don't know what you know.