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OK folks,
Here it goes.....
I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be released
not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!) It is about 80%
done, and so far has 105,000 words on 300 pages. There will be thumbnail
pictures on most pages. Many items will be seen for the first time by most
AFOL's. And I will be talking about many very very rare items.
I will discuss Samsonite, Cellulose Acetate, and something that I call "Lego
Anomalies", which discusses the problems with sets and catalogs from the 50's
and 60's. There were a LOT of part substitutions in old Lego sets. And the old
50's and 60's catalogs contain an lot of errors, and ommissions.
I will even mention how to get rid of cigarette smoke smell that some unwitting
buyers have to contend with.
The CD will basically focus on 4 major areas: Britain, continental Europe, USA
and Canada. Unfortunately I don't have enough information on Australia, New
Zealand and Japan, but that will come in a future release of the CD. Besides I
believe that Australia and New Zealand basically had most of the same sets as
Britain.
The name is still not finalized, but it will contain the word "UNOFFICIAL" in
the title so as to not confuse it with anything that TLG has produced.
There are about 45-50 chapters, in 5 major headings:
1) The History of modern Lego (1957-present)
2) The Lego Sets
3) The Lego Parts
4) Buying, Selling and Collecting Lego
5) Building Good Lego Architecture
The CD will also contain NOT a price list, but an Insurance value list that uses
the same 5 condition valuations that all USA antique toy collectibles use (from
Very Good to Mint). Some people may not be aware, but the insurance value is
most often more than the auction value.
The book will also list all old rare parts, and their values. And also what
parts are only available in Britain, continental Europe, and USA/Canada.
The insurance value list will span the years 1957-??? (the ??? won't be any
more current than 1994).
The intended audience is:
1) AFOL's
2) Toy Collectors (only interested in collectibles, not Lego per se).
3) Online Lego Buyers and Sellers.
4) Garage Sale and Flea Market attendees.
5) Mom, Dad and the Grandparents who want to know what that old Lego in the
basement or attic is worth.
I would like to review the finished (Copyrighted) product with TLG before
distribution. I hope to have their cooperation on this.
I hope to have it out before summers end. The price is still under evaluation,
but I would guess about $20 US.
And one surprise in the book will be what I consider to be the worlds most
valuable Lego set, which I assign a value of $5000.
In my research on this book, I have not had any contact with anyone at TLG, at
least not yet!. Most of my research is based on old sets, parts and my own Lego
experiences since 1960. I have been a fan of Lego for 33 of the 44 years since
1960. I also have 2 fellow AFOL's, one a Brit, one a German, who have
contributed to this document.
I also will mention LUGNET, BRICKLINE, PEERON, and BRICKSHELF in the book (with
permission of course).
Again my goal for this document goes way beyond AFOL's. Since Lego is not
mentioned in any antique toy trade publication, I hope to fill a void for the
non-AFOL toy collectors.
Once the document has been completed, the AFOL community will have the first
chance at obtaining a copy of this CD (perhaps the first 1000 CD's will be
serial numbered with some other special incentives.
Once I gauge the demand, I will be using my Lego buildings as my Lego
ambassadors to get me on TV (I already have been on TV in USA/Canada/Germany),
perhaps on Good Morning America, et al, to promote my CD. Because I have over
11,000 classic Lego windows and 3/4 million parts, I have been able to build
some special buildings such as 35, 25 and 18 story office towers, my 20,000
piece Lego Gothic Cathedral, a Romanesque Revival Train Station, etc...
Gary Istok
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> The insurance value list will span the years 1957-??? (the ??? won't be any
> more current than 1994).
Now this I could use.
Anything that can help me get a more accurate number to give to the
insurance company is good :)
Only problem is going to be converting from USD to AUD :)
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In lugnet.announce, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
| |
OK folks,
Here it goes.....
|
(snip)
| |
I also will mention LUGNET, BRICKLINE, PEERON, and BRICKSHELF in the book
(with permission of course).
|
Good luck, Gary! I can’t wait to get one (And I’m sure you meant
“Bricklink”;-)
JOHN
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In lugnet.announce, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
> OK folks,
> Here it goes.....
>
> I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be released
> not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!) It is about 80%
> done, and so far has 105,000 words on 300 pages. There will be thumbnail
> pictures on most pages. Many items will be seen for the first time by most
> AFOL's. And I will be talking about many very very rare items.
(snip)
Wow, Gary. Just wow wowowowowow. I've been wondering
"Where's Gary been?" and now I know. What a wonderful
piece of news! I'm very, very interested. Are you going
to .pdf the text, so that the interminable bibliophiles
among us can print it out for consultation? ;)
What a treat to hear this news. If your "History of LEGO"
posts are an indication, this will be a good read indeed.
all best
LFB
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In lugnet.general, Lindsay Frederick Braun wrote:
> In lugnet.announce, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
> > OK folks,
> > Here it goes.....
> >
> > I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be released
> > not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!) It is about 80%
> > done, and so far has 105,000 words on 300 pages. There will be thumbnail
> > pictures on most pages. Many items will be seen for the first time by most
> > AFOL's. And I will be talking about many very very rare items.
>
> (snip)
>
> Wow, Gary. Just wow wowowowowow. I've been wondering
> "Where's Gary been?" and now I know. What a wonderful
> piece of news! I'm very, very interested. Are you going
> to .pdf the text, so that the interminable bibliophiles
> among us can print it out for consultation? ;)
>
> What a treat to hear this news. If your "History of LEGO"
> posts are an indication, this will be a good read indeed.
>
> all best
>
> LFB
Congrats Gary!
Following up on Lindsay's question, if you do decide to make a .pdf available,
within about 10 minutes you could have a book available on cafepress.com. Just
upload the .pdf and cover graphics (JPGs) and you'll rake in free money by
marking up CP's cost to you. I have a shop there for my online toons and it'a
Godsend.
I would personally rather buy a book than the CD, but if a CD is all I can get
then consider me in line. Good luck! Sounds awesome.
--Dave
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In lugnet.general, Dave Lovelace wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Lindsay Frederick Braun wrote:
> > In lugnet.announce, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
> > > OK folks,
> > > Here it goes.....
> > >
> > > I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be released
> > > not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!) It is about 80%
> > > done, and so far has 105,000 words on 300 pages. There will be thumbnail
> > > pictures on most pages. Many items will be seen for the first time by most
> > > AFOL's. And I will be talking about many very very rare items.
> >
> > (snip)
> >
> > Wow, Gary. Just wow wowowowowow. I've been wondering
> > "Where's Gary been?" and now I know. What a wonderful
> > piece of news! I'm very, very interested. Are you going
> > to .pdf the text, so that the interminable bibliophiles
> > among us can print it out for consultation? ;)
> >
> > What a treat to hear this news. If your "History of LEGO"
> > posts are an indication, this will be a good read indeed.
> >
> > all best
> >
> > LFB
>
> Congrats Gary!
>
> Following up on Lindsay's question, if you do decide to make a .pdf available,
> within about 10 minutes you could have a book available on cafepress.com. Just
> upload the .pdf and cover graphics (JPGs) and you'll rake in free money by
> marking up CP's cost to you. I have a shop there for my online toons and it'a
> Godsend.
>
> I would personally rather buy a book than the CD, but if a CD is all I can get
> then consider me in line. Good luck! Sounds awesome.
>
> --Dave
Well thanks for the encouragement folks!
The main reason that I came out with this information early was that I could get
feedback from AFOLs. One possibility would be to give you folks an option, by
coming out with both a book and a CD.
Also I will be asking for feedback on other items. One item is Lego box and
parts condition. I will be using the 5 standard antique toy collectible
conditions (very good - mint), and I want to get agreement on what constitutes a
brick in "very good" condition, etc.
I want to "grow the business" for LUGNET and others. I also want moms and dads
across the world to check out all that old Lego in the attic to see if any of it
is worth selling..... (to AFOLs!!!)
Besides the metal wheeled cars/trucks produced in the 50's and 60's, there are
at least a dozen Lego elements that are worth over $50 each, which I will
discuss in the CD/Book. (The most expensive Lego element I have listed as being
worth about $300).
Here are some "tidbits": The most expensive spare parts packs.... worth about
$900 (2 of them, #698 (12 cars) & #699 (8 trucks) mint, Europe only). The most
expensive USA/Canada parts pack worth about $300, a double (twice the parts of
the European version) #231 mint Esso pack.
Anyone who wants to see what the CD/Book will be like, can view my "History of
Lego" series shown on the Lugnet.general page. The major difference being that
there are no thumbnails there.
I appreciate your feedback!
Gary Istok
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Your project sound very interesting, but I would much rather have a printed
version!
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In lugnet.announce, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
--snip--
> I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be released
> not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!) It is about 80%
> done, and so far has 105,000 words on 300 pages. There will be thumbnail
> pictures on most pages. Many items will be seen for the first time by most
> AFOL's. And I will be talking about many very very rare items.
-snip-
> Gary Istok
Wow Gary, sounds very interesting. Almost like a "must have" for AFOL's :-)
Great work! I'll be looking for the announcement of where to order the CD.
Mark "must have!" de Kock
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> I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be released
> not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!)
Hey, this sounds very interesting. As a Mac (not MAC) user, I am a bit curious
about the format. Will it be a PDF? That would make the book available to people
using any operating system.
Also, what sort of price are you estimating? If the CD is successful, do you
think there would ever be a printed and bound version available someday? Well,
that's probably a little bit too forward looking.
What about those sections you said would be on a future release of the CD? Are
we going to have to re-purchase the CD when a newer version is available to get
those setctions?
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In lugnet.announce, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
> The insurance value list will span the years 1957-??? (the ??? won't be any
> more current than 1994).
First of all, great idea. I hope this works out for you! You are doing the
hobby a whole lot of good here!
I do want to suggest though that you reconsider your above statement. There are
some lines that came out after 1994 that are very valueable to collectors. The
obvious here is Star Wars. There are people who are willing to pay over $400
for one set that was worth only $100 a few years ago. A lot of Star Wars sets
have doubled in value from thier MSRPs; including 7190, 7140, 7184, 7155, 7134,
7180 and more. Since a lot of LEGO collectors and toy collectors buy Star Wars,
a valuation guide for at least that line through 2001 would be great!
Thanks a ton and looking foward to your release!
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Could you please say something in your reference about collector value being
different in other parts of the world compaired to North Amerika? We would hate
to see prices here being off as a result of what you are going to state in your
"standard work".
With friendly greetings, M. Moolhuysen.
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In lugnet.announce, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
> OK folks,
> Here it goes.....
>
> I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be released
> not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!)
Sounds like a surefire winner. Am already excited to see it.
Danny
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That sounds like an awesome project and I would be interested in purchasing one
when made available. I'm always looking in toy catalogs for old lego toys and
their worth but haven't had any luck. I'm sure that much of the LUGNET community
appreciates all the time and effort you've put into this, and from your
description, quite comprehensive source of information.
--member 1893
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In lugnet.announce, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
> OK folks,
> Here it goes.....
>
> I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be released
> not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!) It is about 80%
> done, and so far has 105,000 words on 300 pages. There will be thumbnail
> pictures on most pages. Many items will be seen for the first time by most
> AFOL's. And I will be talking about many very very rare items.
>
> I will discuss Samsonite, Cellulose Acetate, and something that I call "Lego
> Anomalies", which discusses the problems with sets and catalogs from the 50's
> and 60's. There were a LOT of part substitutions in old Lego sets. And the old
> 50's and 60's catalogs contain an lot of errors, and ommissions.
<Snip>
Gary,
Outstanding! I've been dreaming of a book like this and can't wait to get a read. I got my first LEGO sets in the early 1960's and they didn't survive my younger siblings' abuse, alas, they are no more. So it will be great to see what memories you can revive for me. The insurance guide will be a real blessing since my insurance agent just laughed when I told him what I thought my collection was worth.
Your previous posts have always been a must read for me.
Sign me up for a CD!
Brian Darrow
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It sounds like a work of scholarship that is long awaited in English. Having
translated some texts from foreign languages I surely appreciate not having to
jump through hoops to make any sense. Can't Wait!
Any thoughts on a companion to the above tome dealing with the 1932 to 1957
years - a future work obviously.
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Gary Istok wrote:
<announce impending CD snipped>
Gary -
I am very much looking forward to this CD/book, and thanks in advance for
compending your knowledge of the hobby for the benefit of all. As an AFOL, the
prospect of a new work of knowledge enhancing a hobby I already enjoy is great
news indeed.
That said (and take this with a grain of salt as I will likely be in the
minority here, and I'm just one of those paranoid refugees from the sport
card/trading card game hobbies...)
I am more than a bit wary of the introduction of any kind of value guide to the
LEGO hobby, regardless of origin or intention.
Beyond the immediate question of what methodology was used to arrive at the
values listed, there's my ir/rational fear that the Insurance Valuation Guide
(IVG from here on out) will just become a de facto market price guide once word
of its existence spreads beyond the AFOL community.
It's hard for me to summarize why I feel that's a bad thing for the AFOL and our
hobby. The vision that keeps popping in my head is that of a clear minifig
shield round, clutched tightly in the paw of a stereotypical Beanie Baby dealer,
black sharpie at the ready to mark the price to 21.00 if it's the only clear
round shield in sight at the flea market that day.
In other words, I'm afraid of my hobby turning into the heathen-infested
abomination that every other hobby eventually becomes once a price guide
materializes. Sure, it's extremely unlikely that the IVG would have any
negative impact, but I've had enough hobbies go sour on me once the 'unclean'
got involved that I had to make a wildman, sky-is-falling overture just in case.
Did I say I am vastly enthused by the idea of the rest of the CD/book? Because
I am. It's just the IVG that I'm yelling jinx about.
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Gary,
This is great news. However since you're asking for feedback I hope you can take
this into consideration.
I would strongly prefer a printed version. In fact, I just discovered the
printed 1974-2004 Playmobil collectors catalogue, and promptly bought it. Not
because I'm into Playmobil but I like to look at at all the historical
(full-colour) set pics. I can't see why this can't be done for LEGO if it can be
done for Playmobil (by a small independent German publisher).
You say you may consider releasing both a printed version and a CD. But the CD
may interfere with the business case for a printed version.
So why not combine both into one package: a high quality, full colour printed
set guide as the book treasure many of us are looking for, combined with a CD to
search the database?
Another issue is your strong focus on market/insurance value, in particular the
excessive examples. It's almost like you want to demonstrate the 'seriousness'
of the hobby by flagging impressive collector values. No offense, but maybe
you'd consider to check this doesn't dominate the tone of the book.
Personally I could care less for market value and I would welcome your book
primarily as a historical set guide. There are several set guides already on the
internet, hence my preference for a printed catalogue.
The insurance values ofcourse are ok as an extra, and may be important to make
the book sell by others than people like me.
Eric
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In lugnet.general, Eric Brok wrote:
> Gary,
>
> This is great news. However since you're asking for feedback I hope you can take
> this into consideration.
>
> I would strongly prefer a printed version. In fact, I just discovered the
> printed 1974-2004 Playmobil collectors catalogue, and promptly bought it. Not
> because I'm into Playmobil but I like to look at at all the historical
> (full-colour) set pics. I can't see why this can't be done for LEGO if it can be
> done for Playmobil (by a small independent German publisher).
>
> You say you may consider releasing both a printed version and a CD. But the CD
> may interfere with the business case for a printed version.
> So why not combine both into one package: a high quality, full colour printed
> set guide as the book treasure many of us are looking for, combined with a CD to
> search the database?
>
> Another issue is your strong focus on market/insurance value, in particular the
> excessive examples. It's almost like you want to demonstrate the 'seriousness'
> of the hobby by flagging impressive collector values. No offense, but maybe
> you'd consider to check this doesn't dominate the tone of the book.
> Personally I could care less for market value and I would welcome your book
> primarily as a historical set guide. There are several set guides already on the
> internet, hence my preference for a printed catalogue.
> The insurance values ofcourse are ok as an extra, and may be important to make
> the book sell by others than people like me.
>
> Eric
Thanks for your feedback Eric.
The problem with printing a book is that once it is printed, that is the final
result.
With a CD, I have a friend who is a computer wizzard (owns his own company) and
plans on putting this together as a CD (even if a book is published). So even
if there is a printed version, there will still be a CD version.
Sorry to make it sound like I am extolling the monetary virtues of the Lego
hobby. It's sort of like preaching to the choir. But when I sell this to the
general public (Antique Trader, Toy Collector, etc) I will be emphasising the
monetary value of the Lego lying dormant in the attics and basements of the
world.
Some folks bemoan a "value" document, but that is already a done deal. I am
already about 60% finished. So far the insurance price guide has the following
completed items: 1) Lego basic sets from 1957-94, 2) Lego model sets from
1957-72, and 3) Lego parts packs from 1957-80. (And I was giving some expensive
examples from that list.)
And Manfred (from the Netherlands) questioned about USA prices versus prices for
other areas. Well with the drop in value of the dollar against the Euro since
2001 (about 20%), the European prices are already lower than they would be if
the dollar hadn't been devalued. I don't see the value of Lego in Europe being
very much different than in the USA. If anything, Lego is probably more
expensive in Europe anyway(with VAT, etc). So I don't see a need to do anything
differently for Europeans, unless I have missed something.
And I don't think that this document will "ruin the hobby". I cannnot see
comparing it to the fiasco with sports memorabilia. After all with the sports
fiasco, there were dozens of companies that "got their snout in the trough" when
it came to the most overabused words in collecting... "LIMITED EDITION".
Here we have only one company, TLG.
And to the many of you who alread sent me EMAILs requesting a copy of the book
or CD, I want to let you know that you are at the top of the list, and when the
final product is completed, you will be notified.
One other interesting item is that I am surprised not by who replied to this
thread, but by those who haven't, such as the train group.
Thanks,
Gary Istok
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In lugnet.general, Gerhard R. Istok wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Eric Brok wrote:
> > I would strongly prefer a printed version. In fact, I just discovered the
> > printed 1974-2004 Playmobil collectors catalogue, and promptly bought it. Not
> > because I'm into Playmobil but I like to look at at all the historical
> > (full-colour) set pics. I can't see why this can't be done for LEGO if it can be
> > done for Playmobil (by a small independent German publisher).
> >
> > You say you may consider releasing both a printed version and a CD. But the CD
> > may interfere with the business case for a printed version.
> > So why not combine both into one package: a high quality, full colour printed
> > set guide as the book treasure many of us are looking for, combined with a CD to
> > search the database?
> The problem with printing a book is that once it is printed, that is the final
> result.
>
> With a CD, I have a friend who is a computer wizzard (owns his own company) and
> plans on putting this together as a CD (even if a book is published). So even
> if there is a printed version, there will still be a CD version.
Hi Gary,
I meant to post to this thread when it was new, but better late than never I
guess. :)
Anyway, I was thinking about this issue of printed vs. CD again today and
wondered if you'd thought about doing both? Sort of like what Eric suggests
above, but a little different.
In other words, you seem to have set a cut-off date for yourself with regard to
the historical set and part information. I think you've said 1994? Sorry if
that's wrong. If that's the case, why not make that the printed part of the
project. In other words the information that's not likely to change any time
soon.
Then, on the CD you can include (and more readily update) the valuation
information.
It's just my thoughts. I'm sure you'll make the best decision based on your own
knowledge of the book and the information you're trying to present. I wish you
the best of luck with it.
Regards,
Allan B.
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"Gary Istok" <istokg@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:HzJ6u0.1nG7@lugnet.com...
> OK folks,
> Here it goes.....
>
> I have spent the last 11 months writing a new book on Lego. It will be • released
> not as an actual book, but as a CD (IBM and MAC compatible!!!) It is • about 80%
> done, and so far has 105,000 words on 300 pages. There will be thumbnail
> pictures on most pages. Many items will be seen for the first time by • most
> AFOL's. And I will be talking about many very very rare items.
Sounds cool.
Could folks please reduce the crossposting though? I'm not sure discussion
of this book needs to be in all the groups.
I'm picking lugnet.general, though perhaps there's a better group.
FUT: lugnet.general
Frank
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