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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
(part 1)
Attendees from Lego:
Kate - Lego Direct London - Questionnaire Lady and 1000steine liasion
Jake McKee - Needs no introduction?
Robin Smith - Corporate Council - IP, patent trademark, web issues (keeps
Brad honest)
Jeff Ardis - brand manager for Lego Robotics (Spybotics, Mindstorms, etc)
Debra Mattini (sp) - Lego Milan, PR
Gabriel - Online Producer
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
(please forgive any omitted TMs which are left out in interests of speed,
not because I don't think they are important!!!!!!!)
part 2
Bob Hayes: Lego direct has been runinng how long? still moving forward?
A: 2000 was a startup year, 2001 first full year, things are going very well
Mark Millere: will we see a 3033 replacement
A: Not other than the Creator tubs
Abe: Why was the 3033 axed?
A: product decision... Creator is the free building product line and there
are transitions, 3033 was a long lived product!
Shiri: Why has the product cycle gotten shorter?
A: We think kids interests have gotten shorter and want new stuff more
frequently... things DO cycle back
Calum T: Canadian retail pricing and S@H pricing has been problematic... why
is retail less than S@H
A: We set the MSRP, if retailers discount, that is their decision, we keep
S@H at MSRP as a policy decision
Bob Hayes: the ATSF... how did it do? Can we expect similar things?
A: I never comment specifically but we were very pleased with the ATSF
performance... yes you can expect similar things going forward.... remember
we are experimenting in the direct channel/... some products we know will do
well. Others we aren;t quite sure. Lego Mosaic was a huge experiment, 9not a
groundswell of demand)... but people did respond well. It also gave us a
chance to experiment with mass customization. The ATSF was the fastest
selling new intro from LD so far
Chris L: How did the MOC line do?
A: Very well and yes there are more coming (no specific announcement)
Matthew Greene: European service packs... can we get them?
A: those are out of production things that were being worked down from
existing inventory. It did not make sense to move old inventory to the US
just to move it. We ARE looking at new service packs but of our 300 we have
had active at one time (lately?) only 40 or so went well.
?: How do you decide what packs to use?
A: standard market research techniques... the MyOpinions area is very useful
as are historical sales info
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
Part 3
Suz: the BSB won recently... there was apparently some concern about how
that BSB won.. can you describe the process?
A: The BSB won the "if you had to pick one, which would you pick" question
hands down... other criteria were asked to help us do research (what would
you do with it, would you display it, etc etc.)
Shiri: so what makes a legend???
A: best in class, first in a theme... surprisingly the yellow castle came in
last out of 5 in the voting.... we know everyone can build a fair yellow
castle from "tubs in your living room" (which got a laugh)... all 5 were
legends by our definition... but we wanted to understand why and what?
Lar: the mechanics of the polling site... there are some concerns that there
are multiple answers that delete votes because they are similar... any plans
to change MyOpinions mechanics?
A(Jake): we are getting better at moderating. That's key. There IS method to
how the representative answers that are presented ... it's partly random and
partly does filter out bogus choices. We are a leading user with the vendor
(which has patents on the system). We are happy with the info we are
getting, and the answers DO correlate well with answers we get from other
mechanisms (focus groups, targeted paper surveys etc)... but are from a much
wider audience (10s of thousands of people are responding to MyOpinions) and
thus are likely to be more accurate
Greg Perry: Talk of direct LEGO sponsorship??? Will L consider getting
involved in other more established cons that are geek related but not
necessarily directly LEGO related?
A: We talk about it, but we are more excited about supporting DIRECT fans...
it is better for building the brand than either us creating an event
(KidVention for example, successful but perhaps too long and consumes a lot
of internal planning resources) or being on the periphery of a non LEGO
event... we would rather support your grassroots self organized events and
get 3-5 events for what effort would get one LEGO (and thus not as
authentic) event. Hijacking user events is not appropriate though. BrickFest
is not just YOUR event nor is it ALL LEGO... it's collective and a good balance
Abe Friedman: Given that you will not comment on specifics, can you give us
any roadmaps to future development or changes that might effect us? Business
as usual or new directions?
A: yes. We can't comment but we ARE chartered with expirimentation and new
directions so we are continuing to experiment.
Todd Thuma: The Star Wars celebration II was in Indy it was a big fan
directed convention and was a big success. Lego had a very impressive
presence, as related by non LEGO fans who were "BLOWN AWAY" as the hit of
the show. Is there any more that we can expect from sort of not directly
LEGO but still related
A: you can expect us to do more, yes.... we have a license so of course we
would... We will do Bionicle at comic shows, we will do things at Harry
Potter shows if one comes about, etc. We do those things because it builds
excitement. Building that Yoda and etc. was a high cost/resource effort for
us to do. Hence (tying back) we rather support YOU guys where we can. That's
why the questionnaire asks about efforts. We support train shows not because
trains should be supported over other liens but because train shows attract
kids and build excitement about the brand (everyone booed when Larry P said
"as you should" in response to train being the best brand :-) )
Kevin Salm: We all love classics, I personally would like to like to see
more legends and classics... could you consider producing variants of old
sets rather than copies? (sets in other colors for example)
A: Yes, we are considering that very seriously.
Jeff Stembel: Are Cypress Trees discontinued? Or is that a rumor?
A: Yes, unfortunately. We used all the shots in the molds, there are none
left...
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
Part 4:
?:Harry Potter, how long does the license run?
A: not sure, can't comment:
LFB: Can we get better discounts on MASSIVE quantities say club projects?
A: We have a concern that we don't want to see everything on BrickLink or
eBay... something like that needs to enable a LUG or LTC to make a better
display to get better exposure for LEGO.. not to put pieces in people's
hands so that they can go turn them.
Mark Nelson: I was inspired by idea books... now there are none. Any plans
for new idea books?
A: It is under discussion...
Alex from Jersey: There are a lot of promos out of the country.. can LD get
promos?
A: it's possible but there are legal due to how the promo are organized...
many times things can only be sold in the country by the copromotion
partner. We sometimes can get them if the copro does not want them.... we
are constrained but optimistic about getting stuff... for example MAYBE (no
promises) we can get the shell sets from last year. you will NEVER see same
time availability
Aaron Sneary: How well did the MOC Blacksmith shop and the ATSF do with KIDS
(not us)
A: If a product is doing well, it is doing well with kids. Adults cannot
make a product by themselves. the ATSF will be our years best seller we
think and that is due to kids
Ondrew Hartigan: any chance of new train cars this year
A: Maybe
Lester Witter: Comments that the MOC BS shop has high play value, his
daughter really likes it
Matthew Greene: Any chance of a return of minifig sized Paradisa style stuff?
A: Not very likely, nothing is ever entirely dead but it would be tough.
Shiri: there are 10% girls here.... why is that? Only boys like LEGO. My
theory is the way that sets are marketed and presented. Trucks don't hold
girls as well as shop models and town and castle sets (Iif marketed the
right way).. play value is the thing... airliners are cool. The way that
stuff is marketed to girls is wrong.
A: Good input.
Scott Lyttle: I work at Dawsonville. I get a lot of parents asking for "LEGO
for girls" and I have to refer them to Belville and Scala.... they get
disappointed and want minifig style sized stuff.
A: Yes, we know that.
Kevin Loch: Given the success of sets that are 4 walled, artickualted, high
detail (MOC, ATSF etc, sets with 4 walls), will that info be conveyed for
the rest of LEGO.
A: there is a reason that Jack Stone exists. It IS very popular with 3 and 4
year olds. NOT every product is for everyone. Some LD products are finding
their way to retail. But don't expect everything to move in the LD
direction. Adults are different from the rest of the market. Starwars and HP
are not particularly juniorisd... you are not using the big POOPs as much.
They are at a higher age level target though.
Felix Greco: So is what you are saying is that you just look at profit not
how to stimulate kids?
A: It is NOT about profit. 3 and 4 year olds are not able to play with older
age level sets... we needed tocome up with ways for younger (less dextrous)
kids to build. EIther you build too long with Duplo or you leave Duplo too
early and get frustrated with thrying to build system. Jack Stone is a
transitional theme. It is NOT an abandonment of older ranges.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
I forget what part
Chris Leach: MOT and ATSF did well in LD... will we see retail availability
of trains again?
A: MOT WILL be seen in retailers again... TRU maybe. But track, (which we
realise people wnat to buy) is hard to get retailers to carry... we struggle
with that problem
Rich Shamus: More on the set for target and TRU? Will it go to brand retain
A: different packaging
Missed a question... will there be a new 1000 piece set?
A: No idea about them
Bob Hayes: if an LTC does a good show,do you get feedback? We point them at
the catalog, about the lego.com site
a: depending on size we send catalogs, we send out postcards.
Chris L: Can we ask how we did?
A: no, we don't release that sort of specific feedback.
Sid Dinsay: Can you do transparent pieces in bulk:
A: maybe... we never rule out anything. Except Pitchforks! (big laugh from
crowd)
White plates?
A: maybe... 30 or 40 new bulk packs are coming out in 4Q... yes some old
ones will go away due to production volumes
Tim Courtney: Will you expand to small hobby stores
A: not my place, retail distribution is a sales company function not LD. We
have made changes to allow phone in order and assistance... they can now pay
by CC the same way that consumers do, piggy backed off the S@H... there has
been attention paid to this issue
Calum: Is MS being replaced by Spybotics?
A: no. MS is not going away
TJ Avery: is the technic beam dead?
A: no. It is NOT dead.
John Rudy: how do you measure retail success, take rate or sales rate?
A: both... we want retailers to reorder of course so they need to be able to
sell, if we channel stuff that's not good enough... retailers need to sell
to consumers
J Mizner: Can you tell us what theme the next MOC will be from?
A: Yes, I could, but not right now.
Cary Clark: the park model shops have a tremendous selection of bulk parts
which someitmes dribble out in the park stores... any chance of a club/bulk
oriented availability? Not necessarily massively public?
A: not really because we don't know what the model shop inventory is nor do
we want to sell it off out from under them because they then could not make
their models!!!
Magnus: lots of new parts/colors in sets.. but in many sets have only one or
two of a part or color... will we see more?
A: if you've seen a color you probably will see more
Ondrew: will we see classic technic sets instead of funky panels?
A: Technic is not dead
?: Maersk promo sets? Any hope for those?
A: License issues always cause problems.... in other colors also are hard
because of the limit on how many different things we can do
Kevin L: Any chance of 1x4x6 3 pane windows being added in bulk
A: No comment on specific bulk assortment plans.
Kevin S: Any info on LEGO retail expanding into new markets or brand
extension into apparel
A: No comment, have not released specifics.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
Part 6
Jeff Stembel: CAN you comment on what is coming out?
A: be patient.
Scott Quirk: Any comment on what is coming for SW?
A: we want to do more and will
Jon Palmer: Build some ships shaped like letters!
A: It's been done!
?: Mace and Windu?
A: they are nice. What was the question? No comment on minifigs
?: Military?
A: Lego don't do military!
Bram L: Tee shirts? That was mentioned on LUGNET long ago?
A: we are still looking into that. It is actively being worked.
Abner Finley: are there sites that LEGO *does* support or endorse sites?
A: we never endorse. We do supply material to certain sites under arrangements
Shiri: can you clarify?
A: we will not provide any "official seal" but there are sites that clearly
do provide broad services and we do want to help htem without showing favorites.
Tommy Armstrong: Are there any industrial uses for LEGO? (fastening systems??)
A:It is not an area that we target. We are aware that some industries use
LEGO for prototyping. We are not a business to business industrial supplier
Roy Gal: When LD started it was an experiment (A: NO!)... ok but have the
failures nad successes been surprising to you personally or anything that
was not inline (Chris: is KKK happy?)
A: the expectatoin was that we would take all the parts that have contact
with individual consumers on a named basis together into one org. LD is a
way of interacting and connecting with individual consumers, making the
consumer a part of the company.... feeding input into the product
development process. Those aspects were experiments. Successful yes. We did
not set expectations in advance... we did not know how people would respond
to "something that someone NON LEGO designed)... We are pleasantly surprised
at how S@H (and the web) has been able to grow internationally even in a
difficult climate. We launched the web at the same time that TRU gave in via
amazon and etoys folded up yet we have done well?
Mike Huffman: Will you offer stock options to consumers?
A: no.
Jeff VW: can we get a break on straight track?
A: not sure... the packs were thought to address this
Ondrew: any time soon for 1/2 and 1/4 track sections
A: we are looking at other geometries, it's NOT easy to reengineer.
?: any progress on "design your own MOC"?
A: yes. but it's going to be limited.. not ANY part in any color... Jake:
it is a very very big project
?: Color mosaics? even if only 16 colors?
A: we have considered it but if it comes down to poarts for a new mosaic vs.
legend... we choose legend.
Todd Thuma: What does LEGO think of us fanatics? I told my parents I was
going to BrickFest.... a gathering of friends to play wiht LEGO, my friends
think I am nutty. When they see other creations, they say it's cool but
maybe not get why we do it. What IS the company perception... contrast with
Matchbox or Barbie which haven't had this groundswell of interest. Matchbox
collectors just display their collection.
A: Direct was not created strictly to interface with the adult community.
But you can tell the company attitude based on what LD does... we are
pleased, we are grateful for the support. We see things like Time magazine
saying "trendwatch, adults are playing with LEGO" but our mission is focused
on kids... bring out the kid in adults yes, bu families with kids are our
focused. we don't discount on adults to adults... but we will support
organizatoins that get us exposure with families with kids first. "the
tipping point" is a book about how trends get started. (also see Crossing
the Chasm) There are innovators, early adopters, early and late majorities,
and laggards. There is a leap from when things are niche and when that
thing becomes mainstream. ... the adult community can help make that leap
but is NOT an immediate economic value. The role is more to get kids and
families excited.
That adult activity enables kids to stay with LEGO longer... instead of
getting shamed out of playing at earlier ages.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> (part 0)
>
> As you can see from the webcams:
>
> http://www.brickfest.com/webcam/cam2.html
>
> Brad is in the room, synopsis to follow in this thread
Thanks for the quick typing and posting Larry!
It is much appreciated!
Dave K.
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> In lugnet.events.brickfest, David Koudys writes:
> Thanks for the quick typing and posting Larry!
> It is much appreciated!
Yes, we are hanging on every byte:-)
-John
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I second that! Being one of the people not being able to make it to
Brickfest, I am thankful for being able to read all about it! Thanks ++Lar!
-- Pawel
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
part 7
(that queston continued longer than I thought)
Robin: There is a sense of Awe and Admiration within LEGO for what adults
are able to achieve with the product.
Brad: the more you can do the better for the brand and for kids. You are the
best evangelists we cah have. LEGO is like Apple or Harley Davidson. it's
not brand habituation, it's love. The most valuable of custoemrs are not the
ones who buy the most "buy 10s of thousands", it are the ones who spread the
word the most effectively. "never shut up"
Yes there are a few of you who buy thousands and never shut up about it.
Mark Nelson: Walden books will do kiosks in malls selling LEGO product at
christmas, can you comment?
A; did it last year, and will do it again this year at more sites. Product
assortment will be a "best of retail, HTO" sort of assortment
Roy Gal: Exclusives... any more exclusives such as at TRU?
A: yes... we do that
M Greene: Will LEGO continue to support LTCs with K8s for play areas?
A: Talk to Jake... Jake: we are working on formalizing and improving
communication.
Aaron Sneary: Does the company have an idea whether there have always been
adult hobbyists and the itnernet has surfaced them, or has the internet
fostered a growth in the hobbyist population
A: Probably some of both. The internet made things visible. That brings
together and then there is some growth out of it as well. The trend was to
go virtual but that has fostered physical meetings such as this one. A real
value of LUGNET was the coming together of a community. It ignited a
community which has spun off into (other) internet and physical communities.
(and it helps L be aware of the adult activity... previously we only had
letters and phone calls)
Mike Todd(?): we all agree that LEGO is more expensive than other toys. ANy
hope of increasing volume at lower prices? a common comment is: "these are
too expensive and we can't afford the prices" Lower prices and make it up on
volume?
A: Probably not. you would lose margin... we have development costs to
recoup and we don't want to cut the quality to get margin either.
Lar: can you lengthen cycle times for some sets to get better margins?
A: the reality of life now is that cycle times for everything 9Not just
toys) shorten. LEGO can't buck that trend. However LD has achieved good
margins by not doing new molds so it has transitioned almost to a badge of
honor to do great sets (MOC, the airplanes etc) without having to do any new
molds.
Magnus: Why is there such a good resale market for used lego in europe?
A: because it's been around longer... there are some 3 generation LEGO
buildger families... Germany has 95% penetration among households with 8-10
year old kids... in the US it's more lik 60% (although brand awareness is good)
?: questoin about lego in schools in europe
A: We do have an educational presence. We do more Dacta in the US than europe
J Mizner: What is the lifetime of a brick? How long will an element last? 50
years???
A: Not sure... they are doing OK so far
?: Will LEGO ever do a time capsule?
A: An interesting idea... the bricks from the 50s still work.
Scott Lyttle: A lot of people that like LEGO are techies (engineers,
programming etc).... has LEGO done studies on how much of an influence it was?
A: no formal studies but we agree with the supposition
Shiri: Does LEGO have a copy of every single set ever made?
A: Unf. no... we realised late on that we should so weh've had to go
aftermarket for some stuff.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
Part 8
New products and announcements:
Naboo fighter in chrome. We had sourcing problems but it IS coming. We promise.
An official LEGO TRAIN catalog.. it has some new stuff. We never officially
announced the Constellation this summer... it IS in the catalog but is not
available till Q1 2003
People madly leafing through the catalog.
Confirms the two different train cars for the ATSF locomotive... two
different SKUs... each SKU lets you build one of 2 or 3 different cars. They
are detailed on the inside.
This is the next entry in the My Own Creations line and EVERY ONE OF THESE
WAS DESIGNED by James Mathis!!!
It's not clear whether these will have silver bricks or not.
Includes clear macaroni!
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
Part 9
Announcements continued
We were hoping they were more of a surprise...
Q: will LEGO ever do outside track?
A: we have lots to do...
Jon Palmer: Are the front stuff on the chrome naboo stickers or ???
A: stickers
John Barnes: Connecting wires for the tracks? why not available?
A: Not sure about that.
End.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
>
> Part 8
>
> New products and announcements:
>
> Naboo fighter in chrome. We had sourcing problems but it IS coming. We promise.
>
> An official LEGO TRAIN catalog.. it has some new stuff. We never officially
> announced the Constellation this summer... it IS in the catalog but is not
> available till Q1 2003
>
> People madly leafing through the catalog.
>
> Confirms the two different train cars for the ATSF locomotive... two
> different SKUs... each SKU lets you build one of 2 or 3 different cars. They
> are detailed on the inside.
>
> This is the next entry in the My Own Creations line and EVERY ONE OF THESE
> WAS DESIGNED by James Mathis!!!
>
> It's not clear whether these will have silver bricks or not.
>
> Includes clear macaroni!
Cross posted to trains for information.
Props to James!!!!
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
>
> Part 8
>
> New products and announcements:
>
> Naboo fighter in chrome. We had sourcing problems but it IS coming. We promise.
>
> An official LEGO TRAIN catalog.. it has some new stuff. We never officially
> announced the Constellation this summer... it IS in the catalog but is not
> available till Q1 2003
>
> People madly leafing through the catalog.
>
> Confirms the two different train cars for the ATSF locomotive... two
> different SKUs... each SKU lets you build one of 2 or 3 different cars. They
> are detailed on the inside.
What's a SKU?
>
> This is the next entry in the My Own Creations line and EVERY ONE OF THESE
> WAS DESIGNED by James Mathis!!!
What is, what is?!?!?!?
>
> It's not clear whether these will have silver bricks or not.
>
> Includes clear macaroni!
Wohooo!
Thanks, Larry for doing all this.
-JHK
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, John Henry Kruer writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> >
> > Part 8
> >
> > New products and announcements:
> >
> > Naboo fighter in chrome. We had sourcing problems but it IS coming. We promise.
> >
> > An official LEGO TRAIN catalog.. it has some new stuff. We never officially
> > announced the Constellation this summer... it IS in the catalog but is not
> > available till Q1 2003
> >
> > People madly leafing through the catalog.
> >
> > Confirms the two different train cars for the ATSF locomotive... two
> > different SKUs... each SKU lets you build one of 2 or 3 different cars. They
> > are detailed on the inside.
>
> What's a SKU?
> >
> > This is the next entry in the My Own Creations line and EVERY ONE OF THESE
> > WAS DESIGNED by James Mathis!!!
>
> What is, what is?!?!?!?
The two SKUs (stock keeping units) that build the 5 cars.
SKU 10025 - Santa Fe cars set 1 (Mail, Baggage)
SKU 10022 - Santa Fe cars set 2 (Dining, Observation, Sleeping)
Hope that helps. I am going off net for a while to go see these operate on
the layout
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
>
> (please forgive any omitted TMs which are left out in interests of speed,
> not because I don't think they are important!!!!!!!)
-snip-
> Bob Hayes: the ATSF... how did it do? Can we expect similar things?
> A: I never comment specifically but we were very pleased with the ATSF
> performance... yes you can expect similar things going forward.... remember
> we are experimenting in the direct channel/... some products we know will do
> well. Others we aren;t quite sure. Lego Mosaic was a huge experiment, 9not a
> groundswell of demand)... but people did respond well. It also gave us a
> chance to experiment with mass customization. The ATSF was the fastest
> selling new intro from LD so far
I'm sorry, but can someone tell me what the ATSF is? I can't seem to figure
it out. I guess I'm just having a dumb spell!
Thanks for your help...
Tom
-snip-
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<SNIP>
>
> I'm sorry, but can someone tell me what the ATSF is? I can't seem to figure
> it out. I guess I'm just having a dumb spell!
> Thanks for your help...
> Tom
> -snip-
I dunno the exact meaning, but I think it might be something something Sante Fe.
I.e. the super chief.
hope that helps!
-JHK
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, John Henry Kruer writes:
> <SNIP>
> >
> > I'm sorry, but can someone tell me what the ATSF is? I can't seem to figure
> > it out. I guess I'm just having a dumb spell!
> > Thanks for your help...
> > Tom
> > -snip-
>
> I dunno the exact meaning, but I think it might be something something Sante Fe.
>
> I.e. the super chief.
>
>
> hope that helps!
>
> -JHK
That's what I was thinking John, but I couldn't put the AT with it. To me
it would be the Santa Fe Super Chief or SFSC! I hope someone else knows...
Tom
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Tom Reed writes:
> > > I'm sorry, but can someone tell me what the ATSF is?
"Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe" The full name of the Sante Fe railway, but
means the same as "Sante Fe".
-John
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> Jeff Stembel: Are Cypress Trees discontinued? Or is that a rumor?
> A: Yes, unfortunately. We used all the shots in the molds, there are none
> left...
Why is it smart to discontinue an accessory pack that has sold out?
-- Hop-Frog
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > Jeff Stembel: Are Cypress Trees discontinued? Or is that a rumor?
> > A: Yes, unfortunately. We used all the shots in the molds, there are none
> > left...
>
> Why is it smart to discontinue an accessory pack that has sold out?
Gee Hop, have you stopped beating your wife yet?
They neither said it was smart or stupid, just that it was.
James
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> (part 0)
Larry, thanks for taking the time to type all this out for us. The speed
with which it was posted was greatly appreciated.
I hope you were able to enjoy the Q & A despite all the keyboarding. :)
All the best,
Allan B.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > Jeff Stembel: Are Cypress Trees discontinued? Or is that a rumor?
> > A: Yes, unfortunately. We used all the shots in the molds, there are none
> > left...
>
> Why is it smart to discontinue an accessory pack that has sold out?
>
> -- Hop-Frog
Are they sold out, or just discontinued? I bought two packs earlier this week.
John
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> The two SKUs (stock keeping units) that build the 5 cars.
>
> SKU 10025 - Santa Fe cars set 1 (Mail, Baggage)
> SKU 10022 - Santa Fe cars set 2 (Dining, Observation, Sleeping)
For those of you who missed the picture of these sets:
http://www.b-o-a.de/01.jpg
posted by René Hoffmeister on July 2th 2002, indeed most AFOL's attending
this Keynote Speech where not as surpised as LD hoped them to be. It's on of
the things that shows what a fertile global community we are.
Greetings, M. Moolhuysen.
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...and I've just found a gallery by Kevin Loch showing the the new Santa Fe
car sets acually being present on Brickfest 2002.
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=21846
Can someone of the attendies please elaborate on how the base(plate) of the
Santa Fe cars have been constructed to achieve the length of 32 studs?
With friendly greetings, M. Moolhuysen.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
>
> Part 4:
>
> LFB: Can we get better discounts on MASSIVE quantities say club projects?
> A: We have a concern that we don't want to see everything on BrickLink or
> eBay... something like that needs to enable a LUG or LTC to make a better
> display to get better exposure for LEGO.. not to put pieces in people's
> hands so that they can go turn them.
Interesting point here. I would have always assumed that BrickLink was a
cottage industry sufficiently small to be below LD's radar screen. Apparently
not. eBay I can understand, seeing as how it has household name recognition, but
BrickLink being mentioned in the same breath. wow.
Ray
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M. Moolhuysen wrote:
> ...and I've just found a gallery by Kevin Loch showing the the new Santa Fe
> car sets acually being present on Brickfest 2002.
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=21846
>
> Can someone of the attendies please elaborate on how the base(plate) of the
> Santa Fe cars have been constructed to achieve the length of 32 studs?
Looking at dsc01309.jpg in that gallery I see 2 plates on the end, most
likely 2*6's. 2 of those on both sides would make it 32*6 with the right
height.
Jan-Albert van Ree
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, David Koudys writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > (part 0)
> >
> > As you can see from the webcams:
> >
> > http://www.brickfest.com/webcam/cam2.html
> >
> > Brad is in the room, synopsis to follow in this thread
>
> Thanks for the quick typing and posting Larry!
> It is much appreciated!
I too would like to extend my personal thanks as well!
I really value your dedication to get the Q & A session
to the community!
Appreciatively,
--==RïçhårÐ==--
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, John Herre writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> > In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > > Jeff Stembel: Are Cypress Trees discontinued? Or is that a rumor?
> > > A: Yes, unfortunately. We used all the shots in the molds, there are none
> > > left...
> >
> > Why is it smart to discontinue an accessory pack that has sold out?
> >
> > -- Hop-Frog
>
> Are they sold out, or just discontinued? I bought two packs earlier this >week.
They are no longer able to manufacturer them. LEGO found some old molds and
produced all of the cypress trees that they were capable of producing (i.e.
"We used all the shots in the molds"). Molds have a finite life. There
were never any plans to build new molds.
-Rob.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> (part 0)
>
> As you can see from the webcams:
>
> http://www.brickfest.com/webcam/cam2.html
>
> Brad is in the room, synopsis to follow in this thread
By day, a mild mannered reporter Larry P.
It's a brick!
It's a Train!
No it's LEGO Freak-natic!!!
Thank you for the excellent delivery of the news by wire.
You are truly faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a LEGO
Locomotive.
PS->
Sub-thanks for all of you who attended and had the mighty courage to speak
you minds and ask the Questions Of Importance.
:o)
-Aaron-
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Manfred Moolhuysen writes:
> ...and I've just found a gallery by Kevin Loch showing the the new Santa Fe
> car sets acually being present on Brickfest 2002.
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=21846
>
> Can someone of the attendies please elaborate on how the base(plate) of the
> Santa Fe cars have been constructed to achieve the length of 32 studs?
I have one in my hand as I type this. It's glued up... so you can't
disassemble it to be 100% sure, but it uses 28 stud train bases. There are 2
2x6s stacked (or a 2x6 and 2 1x6s, it varies from car to car and end to end)
in dark grey at each end. Since the trucks carry the faux end tumblehome
(body side skirt end piece), they need to be able to pivot on that so studs
up would not work. The tumblehome is SNOT (upside down) so it's plate bottom
rubbing against plate bottom.
Very clever design (did you expect anything less from James Mathis???!!!!)
as the buffer plate itself is normal, and extends out two studs on a shank
from the truck itself. The tumblehome wraps around the shank and is held in
place by a 1x4 plate with vertical bar down that plugs into the wheelset
bottom, with the bar end nestling between two studs of the upside down
tumblehome
It's harder to describe than it is to see in person.
I am not sure LDrawing it to make it clear at this point would be allowed or
not.. its not that far off that we all will be able to buy it... I know I'll
be getting lots of them!
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Tom Reed writes:
> That's what I was thinking John, but I couldn't put the AT with it. To me
> it would be the Santa Fe Super Chief or SFSC! I hope someone else knows...
Please remember I (a train aficionado with a penchant for accuracy) was
transcribing this. To me it's their "ATSF model" as it is wearing ATSF
(Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, the corporate name of the Santa Fe
predecessor component of BNSF) colors (warbonnet to be exact).
The Super Chief is a *train*, not a locomotive, so you'll never ever ever
ever hear me calling that set anything like SFSC.
Once the cars referred to become available, we'll have lots of Super Chief
models out there.. they will consist of several copies of the locomotive
followed by several copies of the cars. That's a train. Locomotives AND cars.
The Super Chief is a train, not a locomotive. A locomotive by itself is not
a train. Hence this locomotive is not going to be called the SFSC by me. Ever.
Hope that helps.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> The Super Chief is a *train*, not a locomotive, so you'll never ever ever
> ever hear me calling that set anything like SFSC.
>
> Once the cars referred to become available, we'll have lots of Super Chief
> models out there.. they will consist of several copies of the locomotive
> followed by several copies of the cars. That's a train. Locomotives AND cars.
Out of curiosity, what was the_most_common configuration of the SFSC? How
many cars of each type? How many B-units, if more than one?
Pedro
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Hi, Larry !
Thank you for a great efforts.
I enjoyed all your quick_keytyping news, and translated some of them
for community of Japanese LEGO fan-site.
(Though we couldn't join there this time B-) )
Especially, the Surprise !!! Wow,wow,and wow!!! Train! MOC!! "Master"Mathis!!!
Lightening hat trick !!!!
Yes, we always know,,,
Uncle Brad cues
Twinkle Glad news B-))p
Thanks again!
Kotaro/EARL-0
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> Please remember I (a train aficionado with a penchant for accuracy) was
> transcribing this...
One would rather this 'penchant for accuracy' led you to transcribe what was
said at the time...
Hey! What? He started it! :)
Jason J Railton
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Jason J. Railton writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > Please remember I (a train aficionado with a penchant for accuracy) was
> > transcribing this...
>
> One would rather this 'penchant for accuracy' led you to transcribe what was
> said at the time...
That's actually what was said. :-)
Nice try though.
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Thanks for the transcript too Larry.
Jason J Railton
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Jason J. Railton writes:
> > In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > > Please remember I (a train aficionado with a penchant for accuracy) was
> > > transcribing this...
> >
> > One would rather this 'penchant for accuracy' led you to transcribe what was
> > said at the time...
>
> That's actually what was said. :-)
>
> Nice try though.
Hey, you gotta take the shot when you can.
JJ
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In lugnet.trains, Pedro Silva writes:
> Out of curiosity, what was the_most_common configuration of the SFSC? How
> many cars of each type? How many B-units, if more than one?
Pedro-
It would depend on which time frame you wanted, and the fact that there were
other routes besides the most famous Chicago to LA one that used different
configs. Here is a helpful link somebody posted a while back about the Super
Chief:
http://www.midwestnpioneer.org/timetable/fallenflags/superchief.html
-John
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I thank you both for your answers.
With friendly greetings, M. Moolhuysen.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Tom Reed writes:
>
> > That's what I was thinking John, but I couldn't put the AT with it. To me
> > it would be the Santa Fe Super Chief or SFSC! I hope someone else knows...
>
> Please remember I (a train aficionado with a penchant for accuracy) was
> transcribing this. To me it's their "ATSF model" as it is wearing ATSF
> (Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, the corporate name of the Santa Fe
> predecessor component of BNSF) colors (warbonnet to be exact).
>
> The Super Chief is a *train*, not a locomotive, so you'll never ever ever
> ever hear me calling that set anything like SFSC.
>
> Once the cars referred to become available, we'll have lots of Super Chief
> models out there.. they will consist of several copies of the locomotive
> followed by several copies of the cars. That's a train. Locomotives AND cars.
>
> The Super Chief is a train, not a locomotive. A locomotive by itself is not
> a train. Hence this locomotive is not going to be called the SFSC by me. Ever.
>
> Hope that helps.
Heck yeah, that helps a bunch! The whole thing just had me baffled and I
was worried that I was just having a dumb spell! hehheh (Hey, it happens)
I'm glad to know that I'm just not versed in "train" speak and not getting
senile! Thanks Lar
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Rob Doucette writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, John Herre writes:
> > In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> > > In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > > > Jeff Stembel: Are Cypress Trees discontinued? Or is that a rumor?
> > > > A: Yes, unfortunately. We used all the shots in the molds, there are none
> > > > left...
> > >
> > > Why is it smart to discontinue an accessory pack that has sold out?
> > >
> > > -- Hop-Frog
> >
> > Are they sold out, or just discontinued? I bought two packs earlier this >week.
>
> They are no longer able to manufacturer them. LEGO found some old molds and
> produced all of the cypress trees that they were capable of producing (i.e.
> "We used all the shots in the molds"). Molds have a finite life. There
> were never any plans to build new molds.
>
> -Rob.
just to add to the discussion,
Lego Direct's business plan is to never (unless ABSOLUTELY required) to
develop new molds. It saves on development costs, and thereby increasing
the overall bottom-line for TLC.
Ben
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> TJ Avery: is the technic beam dead?
> A: no. It is NOT dead.
That was "theme", not "beam". The Technic theme is not dead.
-TJ
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, John Herre writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> > In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > > Jeff Stembel: Are Cypress Trees discontinued? Or is that a rumor?
> > > A: Yes, unfortunately. We used all the shots in the molds, there are none
> > > left...
> >
> > Why is it smart to discontinue an accessory pack that has sold out?
> >
> > -- Hop-Frog
>
> Are they sold out, or just discontinued? I bought two packs earlier this week.
You did? I called a week or two ago and was unable to order any.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Thomas Avery writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > TJ Avery: is the technic beam dead?
> > A: no. It is NOT dead.
>
> That was "theme", not "beam". The Technic theme is not dead.
>
> -TJ
But it's curtains for the "beam" though... Just as we thought... Nothing
but liftarms from now on. Hahahahahahahaha! >:->
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, David Koudys writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > (part 0)
> >
> > As you can see from the webcams:
> >
> > http://www.brickfest.com/webcam/cam2.html
> >
> > Brad is in the room, synopsis to follow in this thread
>
>
> Thanks for the quick typing and posting Larry!
>
> It is much appreciated!
>
> Dave K.
Thanks Larry for this report!
Regards,
Ben
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Larry,
You're a gentleman and a scholar for performing this service to all of us
who couldn't make the trip.
Many, many thanks.
And thanks to all in attendance who provided such evocative questions!
Cheers,
-Gil
In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> (part 0)
>
> As you can see from the webcams:
>
> http://www.brickfest.com/webcam/cam2.html
>
> Brad is in the room, synopsis to follow in this thread
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> Please remember I (a train aficionado with a penchant for accuracy) was
> transcribing this. To me it's their "ATSF model" as it is wearing ATSF
> (Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, the corporate name of the Santa Fe
> predecessor component of BNSF) colors (warbonnet to be exact).
Huh. When I look up 10020 on shop.lego.com, it tells me that the set is
named "Santa Fe Super Chief". So it seems it would be inaccurate to
refer to 10020 as anything else.
Steve
[FUT lugnet.nitpick, if it existed]
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Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> The Super Chief is a train, not a locomotive. A locomotive by itself is not
> a train. Hence this locomotive is not going to be called the SFSC by me. Ever.
Actually, technically I think a locomotive can be a train. Normally,
anything running on the mainline is a train, whether it is a single
locomotive, or a locomotive pulling a number of cars.
On the other hand, the Super Chief is the name of a particular train
which would never operate on the mainline without a full consist of
cars...
I think most model railroaders would tend to go more with Larry's
definition of a train though, even though it's not absolutely
prototypically correct.
Note that the prototype needs it's definition of a train in order to
make the rules of operation unambiguous (trains have certain rights and
responsibilities, which are not any different just because there aren't
any cars being pulled by a locomotive).
FUT: lugnet.trains
Frank
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Steve Bliss writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek wrote:
>
> > Please remember I (a train aficionado with a penchant for accuracy) was
> > transcribing this. To me it's their "ATSF model" as it is wearing ATSF
> > (Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, the corporate name of the Santa Fe
> > predecessor component of BNSF) colors (warbonnet to be exact).
>
> Huh. When I look up 10020 on shop.lego.com, it tells me that the set is
> named "Santa Fe Super Chief". So it seems it would be inaccurate to
> refer to 10020 as anything else.
Asked and answered, see .trains where this topic has been discussed at length.
You may call it the LEGO(r) "Santa Fe Super Chief" if you want, but you'd be
just as wrong as they are on this minor point. I can start calling it
TSINSFSC if you wish (The Set Incorrectly Named Santa Fe Super Chief for non
TAFKAP fans).
Besides, I'll stand behind the accuracy of the transcription. ATSF was what
was actually said every place I used it, unless I am misremembering(1). The
anti SFSC nomenclature ranting by me was added later (after someone asked
what ATSF stood for) by me and should not reflect on the transcription
accuracy as it wasn't in there.
But I digress... We're going down a rathole. (as is our wont...)
The naming thing is not important. Fun to argue, maybe, but not that
important. I bought lots of the 10020 despite its name being messed up. :-)
What's far more important to focus on is that another one of our own, one we
know is highly talented (and excessively modest about it, if you ask me),
has gotten not one, not two, but **5** (2) different designs accepted for
production by LD and we will all be able to buy them pretty darn quick.
And that's neat. Really really neat!
1- Which is possible, of course, but not the way to bet, because I never
make misteaks.
2 - that they take only 2 SKUs is even neater!
++Lar
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> The naming thing is not important. Fun to argue, maybe, but not that
> important. I bought lots of the 10020 despite its name being messed up. :-)
>
> What's far more important to focus on is that another one of our own, one we
> know is highly talented (and excessively modest about it, if you ask me),
> has gotten not one, not two, but **5** (2) different designs accepted for
> production by LD and we will all be able to buy them pretty darn quick.
>
> And that's neat. Really really neat!
>
> 1- Which is possible, of course, but not the way to bet, because I never
> make misteaks.
>
> 2 - that they take only 2 SKUs is even neater!
Right On!!!
That means "extra" pieces!!! Purchasing Mulitple copies = multiple clear
macaroni pieces!!! extra grey Slopes, and other details...
plus, this is an awesome addition to the MOC program, since this set is
"lovingly" created by Lego Train Model Guru, James Mathis!! Excellent
James!!!!!!
Ben
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, James Brown writes:
> They neither said it was smart or stupid, just that it was.
I didn't say they said anything of the kind. I think I am allowed to
characterize their actions in whatever manner I care to; just as you are
allowed to pose inane, well-known, trick questions.
I am going to guess that very few people imagined that this accessory pack
would be available for so short a time. If LD knew it was going to be a
short run, they might have given everyone the heads up by labelling the item
"new, limited supply!" rather than just "new!" in the spring catalogue.
Again, the usual mismanagement of available information. They want us to
"evangelize" for their product (in the grotesque manner of Guy Kawasaki's
famous Apple-Zombie marketing scheme), but we often get zero consideration
in many instances where it may matter to us and they know it. So **** them!
And I know I am not the only person that would have gotten more cypress
trees if we all had but known the supply was to be limited.
I happen to think that LD, or TLC, or whomever, should keep all kinds of
foliage available as accessory packs -- it just makes sense to have a
cross-theme item readily available to anyone that needs it. To do otherwise
seems inordinately foolish to me. Given that the trees sold out in a
relatively short time, I will assume (absent contrary evidence) that they
sold well (I know they sold briskly). And while I have heard the "molds
cost money" theory many times, I again merely assert that that is the
business TLC happens to be in: making molds to make little plastic bits --
they do it all the time.
I am none too happy about the 3033 blue tubs thing either, BTW -- again, it
just makes sense to make bulk quantities of regular bricks available all the
time. I DO NOT LIKE the trends here...basic stuff is still being denied us
builders at a good price.
Really, it's ridiculous! Only the most tenacious persons would stay with
this blasted hobby -- that's why there's so few of us AFOL, there are no
other reasons when you stop to consider the amount of money, time, and
circular effort required to put together a worthwhile collection of elements.
To cite but one example (which suggests to me that there are many more):
consider the circumstances of one Doyle Nelson. I followed his story
because I knew he would never last here -- and it wasn't even a year or so
before he gave up the hobby for the expense and tedium of trying to collect
certain kinds of light grey bricks. I cannot, and I do not, think his case
is an isolated one. Sure, I know -- it's a children's toy, if it doesn't
hit big with children it doesn't hit it big. That's too lame for words --
smart marketers create markets, not just satisfy existing ones.
Shiri asked about the manner in which TLC markets, or rather fails to
market, to female builders. She knows, as we all know, that there is a real
problem with the way TLC views its own products. Every competing clone
product (MB, Shifty, Best-Lock, etc) has "pink" products in their line.
Think about it...
How many adult or female enthusiasts does TLC turn off to the hobby every
day for the sheer stupidity of their current marketing practices?
-- Hop-Frog
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Larry Pieniazek writes:
[snipped unimportant stuff]
> What's far more important to focus on is that another one of our own, one we
> know is highly talented (and excessively modest about it, if you ask me),
> has gotten not one, not two, but **5** (2) different designs accepted for
> production by LD and we will all be able to buy them pretty darn quick.
>
> And that's neat. Really really neat!
I totally agree. :) Maybe I'm in the minority, but this is the point that
totally surprised me. I don't keep close tabs on lugnet.trains, or maybe I
would have remembered seeing postings about these models when they
originally happened (assuming James created them independently, and posted
about them in the normal LUGNET-ish manner).
Steve
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, John Morgan writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, John Herre writes:
> > Are they sold out, or just discontinued? I bought two packs earlier this • week.
>
> You did? I called a week or two ago and was unable to order any.
They sent the cypress trees on Monday and I received them Wednesday. They
sometimes (usually?) tell me when they have a low stock of something that I
order, so I assumed that they had some more left. Did anybody else order some
last week?
I called again today, and they are sold out now.
John
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"Benjamin Medinets" <bmedinets@excite.com> wrote in message
news:GzMozz.6vx@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Rob Doucette writes: • [snip]
> > They are no longer able to manufacturer them. LEGO found some old molds • and
> > produced all of the cypress trees that they were capable of producing • (i.e.
> > "We used all the shots in the molds"). Molds have a finite life. There
> > were never any plans to build new molds.
> >
> > -Rob.
>
> just to add to the discussion,
>
> Lego Direct's business plan is to never (unless ABSOLUTELY required) to
> develop new molds. It saves on development costs, and thereby increasing
> the overall bottom-line for TLC.
>
> Ben
Interestingly, Brad mentioned in his discussion on Saturday morning that the
original LD directive was that they could not commission new molds for new
pieces. Therefore, they were required to factor existing pieces into their
decision making process. Brad went on to state that it has become a point
of pride for LD NOT TO USE new molds. They don't want to use new molds
because they believe that they can meet their mission and goals without new
molds.
Tim
--
LUGNET Member 856
Member of RichLUG - Richmond, Virginia
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Steve Bliss writes:
> Maybe I'm in the minority, but this is the point that
> totally surprised me. I don't keep close tabs on lugnet.trains, or maybe I
> would have remembered seeing postings about these models when they
> originally happened (assuming James created them independently, and posted
> about them in the normal LUGNET-ish manner).
You did not miss them being posted, nothing was posted about them prior to
Saturday, except for the leaked spy catalog scans. These carried no model
designer identification, nor does the new catalog... but the boxes
themselves state clearly that these are designed by James. Brad referred to
it as a bit of a departure from the first MOC as these were commissioned
rather than preexisting work.
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"Timothy D. Freshly" <timfreshly@shaheenlaw.com> writes:
> Interestingly, Brad mentioned in his discussion on Saturday morning that the
> original LD directive was that they could not commission new molds for new
> pieces. Therefore, they were required to factor existing pieces into their
> decision making process. Brad went on to state that it has become a point
> of pride for LD NOT TO USE new molds. They don't want to use new molds
> because they believe that they can meet their mission and goals without new
> molds.
However, one could reasonably interpret "no new molds" as "no newly
designed molds" rather than "no newly manufactured molds". They
already have the Cypress Tree mold designed, so it would be a matter
of manufactureing new molds rather than redesigning them. I would
imagine the biggest cost in new mold production is the R&D involved in
designing the new part, not the actual creation of the physical molds.
However, I'll certainly concede that it's more expensive than using a
mold that is already ready to go...
--Bill.
--
William R Ward bill@wards.net http://www.wards.net/~bill/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMAZING BUT TRUE: There is so much sand in northern Africa that if it were
spread out it would completely cover the Sahara Desert!
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Timothy D. Freshly writes:
>
> "Benjamin Medinets" <bmedinets@excite.com> wrote in message
> news:GzMozz.6vx@lugnet.com...
> > In lugnet.events.brickfest, Rob Doucette writes: • [snip]
> > > They are no longer able to manufacturer them. LEGO found some old molds • and
> > > produced all of the cypress trees that they were capable of producing • (i.e.
> > > "We used all the shots in the molds"). Molds have a finite life. There
> > > were never any plans to build new molds.
> > >
> > > -Rob.
> >
> > just to add to the discussion,
> >
> > Lego Direct's business plan is to never (unless ABSOLUTELY required) to
> > develop new molds. It saves on development costs, and thereby increasing
> > the overall bottom-line for TLC.
> >
> > Ben
>
> Interestingly, Brad mentioned in his discussion on Saturday morning that the
> original LD directive was that they could not commission new molds for new
> pieces. Therefore, they were required to factor existing pieces into their
> decision making process. Brad went on to state that it has become a point
> of pride for LD NOT TO USE new molds. They don't want to use new molds
> because they believe that they can meet their mission and goals without new
> molds.
>
>
Good point, I forgot about that...I was made aware of this in a follow-up
message by Jake.
Benjamin Medinets
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Frank Filz writes:
> Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> > The Super Chief is a train, not a locomotive. A locomotive by itself is not
> > a train. Hence this locomotive is not going to be called the SFSC by me. Ever.
>
> Actually, technically I think a locomotive can be a train. Normally,
> anything running on the mainline is a train, whether it is a single
> locomotive, or a locomotive pulling a number of cars.
>
> Frank
Even though I no longer work fo the NS, they describe a Train as "an engine
or more then one engine coupled with or without cars, displaying a marker."
It also says see Rule 19 which basically says on single or multiple engine
consists, the rear engine headlight on low acts as a marker.
It's probably the same on most railroads I would think. Then again, perhaps
the definition of a train has changed since the Super Chief's days.
Jeff Christner
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, James Brown writes:
> > They neither said it was smart or stupid, just that it was.
>
> I didn't say they said anything of the kind. I think I am allowed to
> characterize their actions in whatever manner I care to; just as you are
> allowed to pose inane, well-known, trick questions.
>
> I am going to guess that very few people imagined that this accessory pack
> would be available for so short a time. If LD knew it was going to be a
> short run, they might have given everyone the heads up by labelling the item
> "new, limited supply!" rather than just "new!" in the spring catalogue.
> Again, the usual mismanagement of available information. They want us to
> "evangelize" for their product (in the grotesque manner of Guy Kawasaki's
> famous Apple-Zombie marketing scheme), but we often get zero consideration
> in many instances where it may matter to us and they know it. So **** them!
>
> And I know I am not the only person that would have gotten more cypress
> trees if we all had but known the supply was to be limited.
I have to agree big time here. I only ever got one pack. I was planing on
ordering at least a dozen more IF TLC ever decides to offer the only bulk pack
I NEED. (everything else is just nice to have) Since I was about 8 years old
the bigest single limiting factor to everything I have tried to build, (from
castles, to office buildings, to space cruisers) has been limited by larger
plates. Why can't I buy a 6x6, 6x8, 6x10, or a new 8x8 plate pack. Since
Lego direct has offered "bulk" packs I have purchased only 3. 1 blue train
windows, 1 grey train windows, and 1 cypress tree. For me personally (and I
doubt I am alone in this) bulk packs are irrelevant when I can not fully
utilize the parts I already have. I do not even care what color they make the
larger (6x8 ideal) plates at this point.
>
> I happen to think that LD, or TLC, or whomever, should keep all kinds of
> foliage available as accessory packs -- it just makes sense to have a
> cross-theme item readily available to anyone that needs it. To do otherwise
> seems inordinately foolish to me. Given that the trees sold out in a
> relatively short time, I will assume (absent contrary evidence) that they
> sold well (I know they sold briskly). And while I have heard the "molds
> cost money" theory many times, I again merely assert that that is the
> business TLC happens to be in: making molds to make little plastic bits --
> they do it all the time.
>
> I am none too happy about the 3033 blue tubs thing either, BTW -- again, it
> just makes sense to make bulk quantities of regular bricks available all the
> time. I DO NOT LIKE the trends here...basic stuff is still being denied us
> builders at a good price.
Like 6x8 plates. :-)
>
> Really, it's ridiculous! Only the most tenacious persons would stay with
> this blasted hobby -- that's why there's so few of us AFOL, there are no
> other reasons when you stop to consider the amount of money, time, and
> circular effort required to put together a worthwhile collection of elements.
You got that right.
>
> To cite but one example (which suggests to me that there are many more):
> consider the circumstances of one Doyle Nelson. I followed his story
> because I knew he would never last here -- and it wasn't even a year or so
> before he gave up the hobby for the expense and tedium of trying to collect
> certain kinds of light grey bricks. I cannot, and I do not, think his case
> is an isolated one. Sure, I know -- it's a children's toy, if it doesn't
> hit big with children it doesn't hit it big. That's too lame for words --
> smart marketers create markets, not just satisfy existing ones.
>
> Shiri asked about the manner in which TLC markets, or rather fails to
> market, to female builders. She knows, as we all know, that there is a real
> problem with the way TLC views its own products. Every competing clone
> product (MB, Shifty, Best-Lock, etc) has "pink" products in their line.
> Think about it...
How about pink 6x8 plates. :-)
>
> How many adult or female enthusiasts does TLC turn off to the hobby every
> day for the sheer stupidity of their current marketing practices?
>
> -- Hop-Frog
6x8 plates! Hey, what the heck it worked for Hop-Frog with Cypress Trees.
Learning from that example however, I would probably order a few thousand right
off the bat before they discontinue them. :-P
-Mike Petrucelli
P.S. Really now I have been waiting for a 6x8 (or similar size) plates pack
since LD announced the "bulk" packs. Hopefully the 30 or 40 new pack in Q4,
announced here: (thanks Larry)
http://news.lugnet.com/events/brickfest/?n=977
will contain a 6x8 plate pack.
Pleeeeeeeeease!
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"richard marchetti" <blueofnoon@aol.com> writes:
> And I know I am not the only person that would have gotten more cypress
> trees if we all had but known the supply was to be limited.
Which may be precisely the reason they chose not to say so. They knew the
item was in demand. They knew they could only make a limited number. They
wanted as many people to get in on it as possible. So, they didn't mention
the limited number, so that the big resellers didn't buy out the whole
batch. Personally, if they deliberately did that, I want to thank them
for it, since it allowed me to buy a pack.
--
Experience should guide us, not rule us.
Chris Gray cg@ami-cg.GraySage.COM
http://www.GraySage.COM/cg/
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Frank Filz writes:
> Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> > The Super Chief is a train, not a locomotive. A locomotive by itself is not
> > a train. Hence this locomotive is not going to be called the SFSC by me. Ever.
>
> Actually, technically I think a locomotive can be a train. Normally,
> anything running on the mainline is a train, whether it is a single
> locomotive, or a locomotive pulling a number of cars.
You are correct, when viewed from the dispatcher/train order/CTC
perspective. An engine "running light" is indeed a train from that
perspective. However it's not a Super Chief, no matter the paint color.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, James Brown writes:
> > They neither said it was smart or stupid, just that it was.
>
> I didn't say they said anything of the kind. I think I am allowed to
> characterize their actions in whatever manner I care to; just as you are
> allowed to pose inane, well-known, trick questions.
His question was no more inane than your comments, and perhaps a bit less,
since it's illuminative of some doubletalk on your part.
> I am going to guess that very few people imagined that this accessory pack
> would be available for so short a time. If LD knew it was going to be a
> short run, they might have given everyone the heads up by labelling the item
> "new, limited supply!" rather than just "new!" in the spring catalogue.
> Again, the usual mismanagement of available information.
I disagree strenuously that it was mismanagement.
If they had done that, some small number of people would have bought the
entire supply up and made a small fortune marking them up on BrickLink(tm).
(and you know that there are a handful of people that between them could
have raised the money to do it!)
None for kids, and none for you because you wouldn't pay the necessary price
once they were on BL.
Is that really preferable? Be careful what you ask for, you might get it.
This is exactly what Brad alluded to at a different point in his talk, that
they don't want to enable people to profiteer from scarcity. BL
No, keeping the exact number of shots available confidential was good for
the hobby, and good for all those kids that got a chance to make some neat
creations with one or two packs. Shrewd management, not mismanagement.
Do I wish that LD had the brief to make more molds? Yes. With all my heart!
Should they? Maybe. I think it would be nice indeed. I think I could make a
business case for it if I had access to the right info and people... :-)
Do they? No. Get over it.
Richard, you're a much nicer and smarter guy than I used to think you were,
but every now and then you lapse back into your old ways. Too bad, really,
because it's pretty boring hearing the same old same old from you when you
do. You're much more interesting if you don't.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Chris Gray writes:
> "richard marchetti" <blueofnoon@aol.com> writes:
>
> > And I know I am not the only person that would have gotten more cypress
> > trees if we all had but known the supply was to be limited.
>
> Which may be precisely the reason they chose not to say so. They knew the
> item was in demand. They knew they could only make a limited number. They
> wanted as many people to get in on it as possible. So, they didn't mention
> the limited number, so that the big resellers didn't buy out the whole
> batch. Personally, if they deliberately did that, I want to thank them
> for it, since it allowed me to buy a pack.
I guess that makes sense. Maybe I should be thinking well at least I got one
pack. Then again TLC(not just LD here) is in the buisness of making plastic
parts as Hop-Frog points out. If there is demand for a product and profit to
be made it is stupid for TLC to not produce said demanded parts. I realize LD
was resposible for the Cypress Tree pack and that they have limited means
within TLC. What I belive and I assume Hop-Frog belives is that it is stupid
for TLC to impose such restrictions on LD with regard to making product that
sells.
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Larry:
Nothing personal, but this is the usual TLC/LD apologist stuff, so I will
just ignore it generally.
1) Profiteering -- I don't care if they offer it as the official reason for
some actions -- it's logically specious. Profiteering is an issue that
exists with every product they rerelease -- from Guarded Inn to Metroliner.
It also exists for limited editions releases like the Super Chief -- people
collect the limited edition and sell them to buy the regular edition in
quantity (I have seen that very offer here on Lugnet, I think it was 2-3
reg. for 1 limited). Heck! They even sell just the limited number tiles! A
concern for profiteering is a ready excuse for anything they simply don't
want to produce. I don't accept that it's the real reason, but even if I
did -- they are pretty uneven in dealing with "the problem" and can even be
seen to create a profiteer's market with crap like bionuckles.
Do I have to mention that this "reason" completely falls apart if they just
keep basic and highly desirable stuff in production? If they don't, they are
creating the profiteering market.
2) Molds. That's the business. This isn't even a new mold, it's a
replacement mold. But whatever...
3) Accessory packs. I look in the catalogue and find almost nothing I want
to puchase from the accessory packs. Where are the 1x? bricks? Where are
offerings in all of the basic colors (instead of ugh -- sand red)? How
about them 1x2x2 windows in yellow? I like the trees. Where are the
flowers? And now it is set certain that 3033 tubs are no more. Pathetic.
So defend them as pleases you, the writing is still on the wall. LD is a
marketing scheme to make us think we are going to get a lot of the things we
have been wanting when in reality we are likely to get very few of those
things. They readily admit that they don't care about our segment of the
market -- that our numbers are statistically meaningless to their marketing
decisions. Fine, I'll take them at their word on that count -- they have
repeated it often enough. I know it COULD be different, but again --
whatever...
So I would get over it -- except that I find it WILDLY obnoxious that they
think we are going to "evangelize" for them in return for precious little.
I guess I might feel differently if I were into train. Perhaps you would
feel differently if two of your favorite themes were essentially replaced
with licensed product lines (HP and SW).
-- Hop-Frog
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
<snip!>
"There's no pleasing some people."
;)
Jeff
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This all comes down to "Wah, I can't have what I want".
I wonder, who are the adults and who are the children here?
In the light of "promises" from LD that didn't come to pass after several
years (massive bulk program), and evidence that LD is not blind, deaf or
deficient in reading comprehension (I am convinced they have a big file on
us), the logical conclusion is that Lego's priorities are not your
priorities. Maybe they'll get to them, but I don't think it will be soon.
Attempts to analyze the company from the outside are pretty futile,
especially futile if you're overly reliant on Internet garbage written by
amateurs.
From the lethargic pace of questions in the LD Q&A this year, I sense that a
lot more people have understood they won't get what they want. Some continue
to ask; it doesn't hurt.
Last Q4 I gave up on hoping for anything from TLC and began to liquidate all
parts that had no future. I think by now I'm prepared to be pleasantly
surprised but my expectations er ikke for godt.
Maybe one day my own kids will put things in perspective for me.
-Erik
P.S. the recipient of the Wazo Zooter I bought Sunday, just turned 2 years
old, differentiates her blocks as "Megablok" and "Better".
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Erik Olson writes:
> This all comes down to "Wah, I can't have what I want".
No, actually I got most of the trees I wanted -- I could go for more though...
...and the people that write to me privately could go for more too. I get
this funny idea that my views are very popular with a silent majority from
the private emails I get a lot of the time. I can only assume that the
others in agreement with what I have stated do not post publically because
they are not interested in the heat or the personal attacks.
I mean, you are calling me "immature" right? And for what? Pointing out
the silly practices of a company even you won't defend? What have you got
against me? So, if we ever have the chance to meet in real life you won't
mind my kicking your ass, right?! I guess it doesn't matter if I have a
reason...
> I wonder, who are the adults and who are the children here?
Yeah, me too. Was your post supposed to be in opposition to my views? I
agreed with most of it.
-- Hop-Frog
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> So defend them as pleases you, the writing is still on the wall. LD is a
> marketing scheme to make us think we are going to get a lot of the things we
> have been wanting when in reality we are likely to get very few of those
> things. They readily admit that they don't care about our segment of the
> market --
I think TLC does care *somewhat* about our market segment. After all, they
did send 7 people for two days.
> So I would get over it -- except that I find it WILDLY obnoxious that they
> think we are going to "evangelize" for them in return for precious little.
My sense is that most brand-loyal LEGO fans are willing and able to
evangelize LEGO whether we get anything in return or not.
--Todd
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It was a rhetorical question. Present audience excepted, but if the shoe
fits, wear it.
I'm sorry I got into this.
The thing that gets me angry is whingers who reason like "it's so easy, X
must be stupid for not doing it." (example: molding parts.) And insist X is
rationalizing when X gives a few details.
-Erik
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Todd Lehman writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> > So defend them as pleases you, the writing is still on the wall. LD is a
> > marketing scheme to make us think we are going to get a lot of the things we
> > have been wanting when in reality we are likely to get very few of those
> > things. They readily admit that they don't care about our segment of the
> > market --
>
> I think TLC does care *somewhat* about our market segment. After all, they
> did send 7 people for two days.
Brad Justus referred to the book, _The Tipping Point_. What if LD's point of
view is that the AFOL market is not ready... yet? It was connected to
Time's article, and some other book I haven't read.
-Erik
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"Erik Olson" <erik@olson.pair.com> wrote in message
news:Gzq9tA.E90@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Todd Lehman writes:
> > In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> > > So defend them as pleases you, the writing is still on the wall. LD is • a
> > > marketing scheme to make us think we are going to get a lot of the • things we
> > > have been wanting when in reality we are likely to get very few of • those
> > > things. They readily admit that they don't care about our segment of • the
> > > market --
> >
> > I think TLC does care *somewhat* about our market segment. After all, • they
> > did send 7 people for two days.
>
> Brad Justus referred to the book, _The Tipping Point_. What if LD's point • of
> view is that the AFOL market is not ready... yet? It was connected to
> Time's article, and some other book I haven't read.
>
> -Erik
I think it was in Larry's transcription of the Q&A/Brad's talk that there
was mention of _Crossing the Chasm_. It is a good book that discusses what
it is involved in taking a high tech product to market. This book and its
successor, _Inside the Tornado_, are both widely used in the industry I work
in (Electronic Desing Automation, aka EDA - the software that semiconductor
vendors use to design their chips, boards, etc.).
Although it has been a while since I have read either book, I am stuggling
with the application of the Chasm Model (what Crossing the Chasm is based
on) to TLC and their products. I guess I'll have to go back and read them
again.
Mike
PS: If you ever have the chance to hear Geoffrey Moore (author of _Crossing
the Chasm_) speak take advantage of it, he does a good job.
--
Mike Walsh - mike_walsh at mindspring.com
http://www.ncltc.cc - North Carolina LEGO Train Club
http://www.carolinatrainbuilders.com - Carolina Train Builders
http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=mpw - CTB/Brick Depot
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Erik Olson writes:
> It was a rhetorical question.
No, you began with a statement that I think was intended to imply quite
specifically that I am a whining child. It was also in direct reply to my
own post.
As it turns out, I don't take offense because I don't even know you nor do I
care what you think. But please admit when you are making, or attempting to
make, personal attacks. You could have stayed on point, but you chose not
to -- you chose to make it personal instead.
Larry chose to end his reply with a kind of personal attack also (this is
the guy that is allowed to moderate and curate newsgroups here and on
bricklink?).
James posed a famous trick question that cannot be answered yes or no
without admitting fault (in this case the *really sweet* assertion that I
beat women).
I might disagree with some of the views stated by Larry P., James B., or
even those of Erik O. but I don't think I go out of my way to insult them
personally. Maybe there is some confusion about the word "apologist" -- it
merely means "A person who argues in defense or justification of something,
such as a doctrine, a policy, or an institution."
Anyway, I don't see why some of you choose to attack me personally for my
views. Disagree with my opinions, mount your own arguments, etc. -- no problem.
Get in my face and we have a problem.
Frankly, I am not sure why some of you are not banned from posting for
failure to keep a civil tongue when replying to others' posts.
-- Hop-Frog
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> > It was a rhetorical question.
> No, you began with a statement that I think was intended to imply quite
> specifically that I am a whining child. It was also in direct reply to my
> own post.
Ok guys, take this to another group -- like .off-topic.debate or something.
This part of the thread isn't about BrickFest anymore...
--Todd
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<snip>
>
> ?: Military?
> A: Lego don't do military!
<snip>
Lego doesnt do military. Really. So a set like 6762 Fort Legoredo, 6271
Imperial Flagship, or 6280 Aramada Flagship are not military based sets?
While Lego may insist these are based in other themes like pirates or
western, all three of these sets have clear military backgrounds. Perhaps
some clarification, such as "lego does not plan on making a military theme
in the near future" would have been more appropriate.
BTW, a statement like this reminds me of an interview a lego official gave
almost a decade or so ago. In it, it was stated lego has not made any guns
or gun molds before. This was in reference to legos being nonvoilent toys.
Then a year later the pirate theme came out with muskets and flintlock
pistols. I would not be surprised if military sets are in legos future, the
question is really when.
Vagabond
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Gregory J. Overkamp writes:
> Lego doesnt do military. Really. So a set like 6762 Fort Legoredo, 6271
> Imperial Flagship, or 6280 Aramada Flagship are not military based sets?
> While Lego may insist these are based in other themes like pirates or
> western, all three of these sets have clear military backgrounds. Perhaps
> some clarification, such as "lego does not plan on making a military theme
> in the near future" would have been more appropriate.
> BTW, a statement like this reminds me of an interview a lego official gave
> almost a decade or so ago. In it, it was stated lego has not made any guns
> or gun molds before. This was in reference to legos being nonvoilent toys.
> Then a year later the pirate theme came out with muskets and flintlock
> pistols. I would not be surprised if military sets are in legos future, the
> question is really when.
Yeah, I always take that with a grain of salt too. I figure what they
really mean is, "LEGO doesn't do military themes that your son [or daughter]
could actually go die in."
--Todd
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Gregory J. Overkamp writes:
> <snip>
> >
> > ?: Military?
> > A: Lego don't do military!
>
> <snip>
>
> Lego doesnt do military. Really. So a set like 6762 Fort Legoredo, 6271
> Imperial Flagship, or 6280 Aramada Flagship are not military based sets?
No, Lego doesn't do *modern* military. You won't be seeing tanks and F-16s
until they are totally obsolete, like the Sopwith Camel is, if even then.
Jeff
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Richard Marchetti writes:
> James posed a famous trick question that cannot be answered yes or no
> without admitting fault (in this case the *really sweet* assertion that I
> beat women).
Hmm. I didn't intend it to be a statement of your character - I've seen
enough of your posts to know you're intelligent enough to see it for exactly
what it was - "a famous trick question". I was highlighting, admittedly in
an oblique way, that your question "Why is it smart to discontinue an
accessory pack that has sold out?" is forcing the person asked into a
particular type of answer.
If you found it insulting, please accept my apologies - it was not my
intent. The opposite, rather; from your fairly solid grasp of debate
techniques, I expected you to recognize my intent without spelling it out.
I'll try and remeber the kid gloves in the future.
James
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> No, Lego doesn't do *modern* military. You won't be seeing tanks and F-16s
> until they are totally obsolete, like the Sopwith Camel is, if even then.
>
> Jeff
You're right, thats probably what was meant, and i had forgotten about the
sopwith camel. Although one thing i would like to know, that was missing
from transcript, was exactly who said the comment? Was it actually someone
from LD?
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Gregory J. Overkamp writes:
> > No, Lego doesn't do *modern* military. You won't be seeing tanks and F-16s
> > until they are totally obsolete, like the Sopwith Camel is, if even then.
> >
> > Jeff
>
> You're right, thats probably what was meant, and i had forgotten about the
> sopwith camel. Although one thing i would like to know, that was missing
> from transcript, was exactly who said the comment? Was it actually someone
> from LD?
I don't know who asked the question, but LD din't need to answer, the entire
audience did it for them.
Jeff
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Jeff Stembel writes:
> In lugnet.events.brickfest, Gregory J. Overkamp writes:
> > Lar transcribed:
> > >
> > > ?: Military?
> > > A: Lego don't do military!
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> > Lego doesnt do military. Really. So a set like 6762 Fort Legoredo, 6271
> > Imperial Flagship, or 6280 Aramada Flagship are not military based sets?
>
> No, Lego doesn't do *modern* military. You won't be seeing tanks and F-16s
> until they are totally obsolete, like the Sopwith Camel is, if even then.
People do talk faster than I can type. (1) But in some cases I got what was
said word for word.
This is one of those cases (2). You could sort of tell that Brad was semi
expecting the question and had a snap answer ready to go. (the "maybe" in
answer to "are you going to announce something" was another one) which I
repeated verbatim, right down to the deliberate use of don't instead of doesn't.
It got a laugh, and the questions rolled on.
Maybe next year the questioner who asks this canonical(3) question will have
to phrase it more carefully, I for one would dearly love to dig deeply into
the whole no guns, muskets and pistols, machine guns on the sopwith etc.
with a LEGO person but suspect it would not be a fruitful discussion, this
is an area where you probably won't get a straight answer.
1 - I know, I know, it's hard to believe, but it's true.
2 - for the answer anyway, someone was asking me a question so I missed who
the questioner was and what the start of the question was, some people
really mumbled! Shame on them!
3 - and you KNOW it's canonical, it always does get asked.
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In lugnet.events.brickfest, Gregory J. Overkamp writes:
> > No, Lego doesn't do *modern* military. You won't be seeing tanks and F-16s
> > until they are totally obsolete, like the Sopwith Camel is, if even then.
> >
> > Jeff
>
> You're right, thats probably what was meant, and i had forgotten about the
> sopwith camel. Although one thing i would like to know, that was missing
> from transcript, was exactly who said the comment? Was it actually someone
> from LD?
It was Brad. All otherwise unattributed comments (1) were his. However Jeff
is right, the rest of the room shouted it out at pretty much the same time.
It was pretty funny.
1 - if it just said "A:" rather than say "Jake:" before the remark... I'll
try to remember to post that as a reminder next time should it be me that
transcribes again.
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> 1 - if it just said "A:" rather than say "Jake:" before the remark... I'll
> try to remember to post that as a reminder next time should it be me that
> transcribes again.
Just wanted to mention that i greatly appreciate your transcribing the
remarks, as some other have mentioned. It kept people like me who had no
means of getting to the brickfest in the loop. I really just needed to
comment on the whole lego military issue, since it is a touchy subject. And
as you mentioned in you other post to this thread, any discussion with lego
directly might not be very fruitful, so i was hoping to get some comments
from other AFOLs. Maybe this discussion should move to a different group...
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, James Brown writes:
> Hmm. I didn't intend it to be a statement of your character - I've seen
> enough of your posts to know you're intelligent enough to see it for exactly
> what it was - "a famous trick question". I was highlighting, admittedly in
> an oblique way, that your question "Why is it smart to discontinue an
> accessory pack that has sold out?" is forcing the person asked into a
> particular type of answer.
That's pretty sketchy.
My question was essentially rhetorical. I didn't expect to get any kind of
reply at all -- the fact that I got replies from some of the usual persons
makes those replying apologists (the negative connotation this word may have
is not my fault -- it quickly and easily describes the routine defense of
TLC's actions that some of you like to engage in). The form my question took
was off the top of my head -- I could just as easily have asked: "Why are
you discontinuing a brisk selling accessory item even if it means creating a
replacement mold?" or some such thing. The question rhetorically asks for
an explanation and is not a trick question that I can see. If undue emphasis
is to be given the word "smart" and that is the key word that makes the
question somehow unfair, I guess you are suggesting that TLC doesn't have
"smart" reasons for the things it does -- with which I might tend to agree.
BTW, the fact that I know it's a famous trick question doesn't mean that
everyone knows this, and this IS a public forum. That's why I called
attention to this fact immediately. Many may also not realize that I am not
married and hence have no wife -- again, something people do not necessarily
know. You claim it was used innocently, and I guess that's possible -- but
I am suspicious of this claim. I wouldn't be annoyed if you canceled that
post and replaced it with one without the offending trick question.
-- Hop-Frog
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