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To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
format – available by then.
We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
– Brad
Brad Justus
Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
legodirect@lego.com
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Brad,
Well, this is interesting, but I have a hard time believing this. Maybe
I am too skeptical. I think the majority of AFOL's here are frustrated
with TLC's lack of attention to us and our needs / wants / desires. I
was rather flabbergasted the other day when I inquired to a LEGO
representative at Toys R Us about some items. She had no idea what
LUGNET was, or that adults even collected LEGO'S. She referred me to
Mindstorms, which is a neat product, but one I am not interested in
buying as of now.
Anyway, I don't want to make a huge announcement or post right now, but
I think the biggest help for everyone is if TLC could do a few things:
1) Bulk orders of specialty pieces such as train doors, etc.
2) Acknowledgment of Pause, LUGNET, the train clubs, AFOL's, etc.
3) Support for third party companies if TLC cannot support specific
services.
Well, if this is true, I look forward to having more a representative
voice in what I feel is the best product of the universe. I have used
LEGO items since I was 3 years old, and have spent tens of thousands of
dollars for various LEGO products. I would guess a good chunk of revenue
comes from us AFOL's, and I hope you can help get our points across.
Good luck in your new endeavor, and I wish you all the success I can.
have a great night!
Sincerely,
Scott E. Sanburn Age 24
500+ sets
110,000 Pieces +
Brad Justus wrote:
< snipped Brads announcement for brevity >
_________________________________________________________
Scott E. Sanburn
CAD Operator
Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
Work Page:
http://www.aeieng.com/
Home Page:
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/3372/index.html
Main LEGO Page:
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/3372/legoindex.html
Soon to come: Star Wars LEGO Sets Parts Selling Page!
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As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
newsgroups from now on - that is, if such participation is something
that you want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our
new efforts to be fully visible - we will be redesigning our entire Web
operation (as well as our offline direct services), and intend to have
the first release ready for you by late next Summer. But here's a little
preview that we think you'll like: we are planning to make bulk ordering
- albeit initially in a restricted format - available by then.
Bulk ordering is great news.
But, please, please....don't make the "restricted format," be restriction
as to *who* can order.
1. If the restriction is to be types of parts that can be ordered in the
beginning, I can live with that. I want mostly standard plates and bricks,
personally.
2.
If delivery is to be restricted to the US only, as
I suspect will be the case, you will be doing a grave disservice to your
European market, who, as a whole, exceed the US in terms of your sales.
3.
If availability of the service will be global, don't price differently
according to origin of the person purchasing! Make the price universal.
Don't penalize us because we live in Europe! Let the price differential
be in delivery costs!
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On Sun, 12 Dec 1999 20:57:37 GMT, richard.dee@virgin.net (Richard Dee)
wrote:
> Bulk ordering is great news.
> But, please, please....don't make the "restricted format," be restriction
> as to *who* can order.
> 2.
> If delivery is to be restricted to the US only, as
> I suspect will be the case, you will be doing a grave disservice to your
> European market, who, as a whole, exceed the US in terms of your sales.
>
> 3.
> If availability of the service will be global, don't price differently
> according to origin of the person purchasing! Make the price universal.
> Don't penalize us because we live in Europe! Let the price differential
> be in delivery costs!
Not to mention that, especially for people here, it simply Won't Work.
If the US prices are cheaper than EU prices by more than shipping
(shipping, BTW, is reasonably constant across all countries for
service sets - food for thought), there _will_ be mass purchases in
the US flown privately to Europe. That's just the reality of things.
Jasper
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First of all, welcome!
It is always a positive sign when a company should choose
to engage in dialogue with its customers. It is futher encouraging
that TLG recognises that AFOLs are a significant part of their
customer base. Many of us, no doubt, prefer to give Lego as
gifts to our's and other's children, too.
One of my major concerns is pricing! I am aware that a number of
factors affect how a product is priced, but is a constant source
of disappointment that sets in Europe are always priced substantially
higher than the US. Although as a country, the US is your biggest
market, as a collective entity, Europe as a whole far outstrips the US
in terms of sales. It has been, in a number of cases, cheaper to
purchase sets, via an intermediary, in the US, and have them shipped
back to Europe!
Further to pricing, the Lego store, located in the UK at the Bluewater
Shopping Centre, charges more per set than a number of other shops
in the same centre!
Another major concern is restricted availability of sets! There are many
sets and ranges not available universally! (Take the World Cup promotional
sets as the perfect example, and one which you have now addressed!)
I am relieved to see that you are going to experiment with what we have
all been *begging* for, bulk-ordering. Though I have many concerns!
The main concern is your mention of "restricted format." I pray that
the "restrictions" will not be "Orders are to be restricted to US
addresses only!" That would be a grave disservice to your European
market!
If the restrictions are to be colour or type availability, I could live
with that. Personally, I am more interested in basic plates and bricks,
in few colours.
If your initial experiments in bulk ordering will permit international
orders, please do not discriminate, price-wise, based on geographical
location. It would seem from your post that you will be based in New
York, and presumably will distribute from somewhere in the US. If you
can afford to sell, presumably over the internet, to one market at
a given price, there is no *fair* justification for not being able
to offer that same product, at the same price, to all that should
wish to avail themselves of the service. (I can be quite certain
that you will not price individual components cheaply enough to
undercut the sets of which they would constitute anyway!)
The only price differential, I should hope, would be in shipping
costs! (And that should not be that great! If your research should
prove that bulk-ordering is viable enough to justify this experiment,
you should be able to negotiate decent rates with delivery companies
so as to not discriminate further in that regards!)
Should you decide to price-bias based on the geographical location of the
purchaser, I will not use the service as intended. I will use the US-based
pricing structure, have the goods delivered to intermediaries in
the States, and collect upon one of my half-dozen US-destined business trips.
(This is something I currently do with a wide range of products. There are a
large number of UK- and European-produced products that I can purchase in the
US, pay customs duty upon arrival in the UK, and still save up to 50%!)
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers.
Well let me be first to give you a warm welcome.
Good to know you are listening.
I am sure we will be listening to you.
Now I just have a few things on my list.......Oh, well, perhaps I will wait
until everyone has said Hi first.
regards
lawrence
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In lugnet.general, Lawrence Wilkes writes:
> In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> > To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
> >
> > We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those • of
> > you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> > With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> > consumers.
>
> Well let me be first to give you a warm welcome.
> Good to know you are listening.
> I am sure we will be listening to you.
>
> Now I just have a few things on my list.......Oh, well, perhaps I will wait
> until everyone has said Hi first.
>
> regards
> lawrence
Let me say Hi, Howdy and Welcome!!
We would love to actually have an ear (and voice) from LEGO involved in our
rants and raves. Feel free to join in where ever you like.
See you soon,
Aaron>maniac@vol.com
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|
Well hello! I didn't think you guys really cared about us AFOLs, but I'll be
the first to admit I was wrong and am glad to be. Welcome on board the LUGNET
juggernaut and get ready for a wild ride. This is one active community with
many different voices. We all love you so it should be a warm feeling at
first, but we can be demanding. My first request is that you stop making so
many multiples of the same minifigs across sets. My first compliment is on
the new Dino Island line, Yahoo!!!! And my first complaint is what took you
guys so long? Have fun and we'll try to take it easy on you for a little
while.
Cheers,
Mark L
In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
>
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
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| |
|
In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
Welcome to Lugnet! Everyone here will be very happy to hear this, I'm sure!
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
I, for one, will be glad to have you here. It has been a long time coming, but
once everything gets rolling, it will be a grand day in the history of that
loveable brick!
Oh, and expect big sales. :)
>
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
I will be one of the first to join that group!
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
Once again, Welcome to Lugnet! I hope this turns into a *very* productive
venture!
Jeff
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Waaahoo!!! Glad to hear from you, Brad, and
Happy Holidays to you and yours!!
This does indeed mark a GREAT Day!
Thanks for letting us know the Plans and
Welcome to Lugnet!!
John
In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. • [<snip>]
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
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Welcome!
This is a very smart move for TLC for many reasons. I look forward
to seeing this develop into an effective
feedback/customer service/direct marketing and sales operation (and more!).
I think this is a win-win proposal.
KL
In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
P.S.
I'd like to place an order for 842 1x4x6 trans-lt-bliue Town-Jr windows
Dont' ask.
KL
In lugnet.general, Kevin Loch writes:
> Welcome!
>
> This is a very smart move for TLC for many reasons. I look forward
> to seeing this develop into an effective
> feedback/customer service/direct marketing and sales operation (and more!).
> I think this is a win-win proposal.
>
> KL
>
> In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
>
> > Brad Justus
> > Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> > legodirect@lego.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
You forgot to note what color frames ;-)
And add 50-100 for me ;-)
Kevin Loch wrote:
> P.S.
>
> I'd like to place an order for 842 1x4x6 trans-lt-bliue Town-Jr windows
>
> Dont' ask.
>
> KL
>
> In lugnet.general, Kevin Loch writes:
> > Welcome!
> >
> > This is a very smart move for TLC for many reasons. I look forward
> > to seeing this develop into an effective
> > feedback/customer service/direct marketing and sales operation (and more!).
> > I think this is a win-win proposal.
> >
> > KL
> >
> > In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> >
> > > Brad Justus
> > > Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> > > legodirect@lego.com
--
Tom Stangl
***http://www.vfaq.com/
***DSM Visual FAQ home
***http://ba.dsm.org/
***SF Bay Area DSMs
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.general, Tom Stangl writes:
> You forgot to note what color frames ;-)
>
> And add 50-100 for me ;-)
>
>
You're absolutely right! What I need is 1x4x6 three-pane trans-lt-blue
or trans-green windows with black frames.
KL
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And I"m not kidding!
KL
In lugnet.general, Kevin Loch writes:
> In lugnet.general, Tom Stangl writes:
> > You forgot to note what color frames ;-)
> >
> > And add 50-100 for me ;-)
> >
> >
> You're absolutely right! What I need is 1x4x6 three-pane trans-lt-blue
> or trans-green windows with black frames.
>
> KL
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
If you need them for a skyscraper, remember to get extra for the maintenance
man's repair room ;-)
Kevin Loch wrote:
> And I"m not kidding!
>
> KL
>
> In lugnet.general, Kevin Loch writes:
> > In lugnet.general, Tom Stangl writes:
> > > You forgot to note what color frames ;-)
> > >
> > > And add 50-100 for me ;-)
> > >
> > >
> > You're absolutely right! What I need is 1x4x6 three-pane trans-lt-blue
> > or trans-green windows with black frames.
> >
> > KL
--
Tom Stangl
***http://www.vfaq.com/
***DSM Visual FAQ home
***http://ba.dsm.org/
***SF Bay Area DSMs
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tom Stangl, VFAQman wrote:
>
> If you need them for a skyscraper, remember to get extra for the maintenance
> man's repair room ;-)
And I'll take several hundred with solid yellow "glass".
(obscure Boston reference)
followups to lugnet.off-topic.fun
--
Frank Filz
-----------------------------
Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (business only please)
Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
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| |
|
There *is* justus after all!!;-) Brad, I can hardly believe what I just read!
This is wonderful news! I applaud your foresight and willingness to cooperate
with the AFOL community. I think you will not find anywhere a more devoted
customer to any product than we are to LEGO. This is truly a milestone is my
book. WOO-HOO!! {:^D
-John
Brad Justus wrote:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks ? we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct ? our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach ? but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on ? that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible ? we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering ? albeit initially in a restricted
> format ? available by then.
>
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail ? but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us ? we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say ? we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online ? and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> ? Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
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John,
You are sentenced to walk barefoot over a football field covered in 2x2 bricks piled
6 inches deep for that pun!
John Neal wrote:
> There *is* justus after all!!;-)
> Brad Justus wrote:
--
| Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
| Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
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Glad you like it;-) I was feeling (understandably) rather giddy at the time...
-John
Tom Stangl wrote:
> John,
>
> You are sentenced to walk barefoot over a football field covered in 2x2 bricks piled
> 6 inches deep for that pun!
>
> John Neal wrote:
>
> > There *is* justus after all!!;-)
>
> > Brad Justus wrote:
>
> --
> | Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
> | Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
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Welcome to Lugnet Brad! This is very exciting news for any lover of the brick.
What you are bound to hear the most from people in Lugnet is the need for bulk
orders. I came out of my LEGO darkages because of Mindstorms, but what really
got me back into Lego was making space ships from parts that I won in auctions.
I really didn't want to waste a lot of my money on prts that I didn't really
care for by buying sets. So I decided to buy the parts I wanted the only way
you can these days, through parts auctions. By allowing people to purchase the
parts they want, LEGO will find that there is an even larger AFOL market then
they though possible. I can't wait. Here is a short list of my opinions.
Best Product: Mindstorms
My Favorite Set: The X-wing
My one rant: No bulk ordering
My one wish: New Blacktron Sets!
Pat Justison (LUGNET Member #55)
My lego site
http://home.austin.rr.com/prj/PLSCP.html
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
Big Brother, he speaks! whooho!
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all.
Lots of it :-) And welcome!
.
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
Could we please have some space stuff like the trans-color quarter domes? :-)
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now.
I would really like to see rereleases of older sets. Especialy space and
castle. Being born in 1984, most of the sets I really want were discontinued
long before I had the money to by them. And as being a teenager I can't afford
ebay prices.
> We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
I am sure Todd would be *very* happy to do that. :-P
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
Oh, We will!
Robert
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
Wow. Thank you.
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
This is a huge step forward.
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
You have just given a positive response to the single-most asked for "wish" we
have from Lego.
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
Listen -
hear that? It's the sound of several thousand AFOL's staring at their
computers in stunned silence.
Some of us have been hoping for a step forward. Some of us have been working
for one (not me - I'm too lazy, but folks like Gary and Todd and many many
others). Most of us have been too cynical to think it would ever really
happen.
But while we recover, here's a big welcome in!
James
http://www.shades-of-night.com/lego/
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
Brad:
Welcome! I'm sincerely glad that both you, and The Lego Corporation, have
joined our dialogue. I hope that you feel welcomed...and know that for all our
(my) complaints and occasional spells of angry zeal, we are all united by a
fierce love of the bricks.
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In lugnet.general, James Simpson writes:
> In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
>
> > We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> > are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> > forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Brad:
>
> Welcome! I'm sincerely glad that both you, and The Lego Corporation, have
> joined our dialogue. I hope that you feel welcomed...and know that for all our
> (my) complaints and occasional spells of angry zeal, we are all united by a
> fierce love of the bricks.
P.S.
What do I love? Legos. My life would never have been the same without them.
I
love everything Lego that is not juniorized. What do I hate? Juniorization.
You may have designed it for kids, but this adult has, and will continue to
have, a say in what he buys certain kids. I don't have any children of my own,
but I am the temporary guardian of a nephew, and when I bought him Legos for
Christmas, I purchased Star Wars, in part because he loves those sets like I
do,
but also because they are not juniorized. And you know what? I have turned a
4-year-old child into a Lego fanatic. I can almost promise you that he will
want Legos for many more years to come. But if it hadn't been for the non-
juniorized Star Wars sets, well, your company would have had 1 less follower.
(For that matter, all of the sets that I have purchased for children this year
have been junior-free.) If I have any say in the matter, I will buy no
juniorized sets for children. My point here is that the adult Lego market is
not divorced from the children's market. My parents and I have done more than
our fair share to contribute to Lego's profits over the past 20+ years, but I
can't promise that I will continue to purchase large amounts of Legos,
especially for children, if juniorization continues. Go ahead, market
juniorized bricks, and lots of people will buy who don't know any better, who
maybe have not fallen in love with Lego yet. But I will bet that a less-
intelligent version of Legos (i.e., juniorized) will not inspire the fierce
love
(and thus profits) over decades and decades, that we AFOLers are committed to.
It's your choice. But this customer, this consumer, who has owned about 20,000
bricks, and might just buy another 20,000 bricks if he is satisfied, is dead
serious. There is my rave. But know this: I still love Legos. And even if
you
didn't work for the company, I'm glad that you are here!
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In lugnet.general, James Simpson writes:
P.P.S.
What would I like to see? Service packs with roof peaks in all possible
colors,
but preferably in white, dark gray, brown and tan. We need a little bit of
variety and realistic colors for our buildings, castles, nano-scale
skyscrapers,
etc, etc.
Regards again,
James Simpson
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Welcome Brad! It is great to have you. My one and only rant is the recent
changes in Town. Why so simplified? Why not offer the "Town Jr." sets and real
classic Town sets as two seperate collections? Or, how about re-realising old
LEGO sets from the 1980s. It will cost nothing to devolp. Keep the exact blue
prints, just redo the colours, figures, and such. Like what you did with the
2150 train station version of 4555. Anyway, great to hear from you!
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In lugnet.announce, Brad Justus writes:
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want.
Brad,
As an adult LEGO enthusiust, I would like to thank you for making my day. We
are truly happy to hear that you are accepting input. Allowing bulk sales of
parts (even in an extremely limited manner) would be a tremendous step that
would delight very many of us. If your company could develop the infrastructure
that would be required to make this profitable, you could make quite a lot of
money indeed (as I am sure you are aware from looking at the prices of pieces
in part auctions).
We thank you humbly for taking this first step to establish a dialogue and look
forward to speaking in more detail in the future.
-Michael Hopkins
Bay Area LEGO Users Group
<http://www.baylug.org/nin
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Although I am not the first, WELCOME! <rubbing my eyes, and lifting my jaw
after reading your post>
I am glad to see TLG (or LD) recognize that AFOL give birth to CFOL and
future AFOL!
If there is anything we can do to help you in your endeavor, please just
ask. As you are probably aware, we would SINCERELY LOVE to purchase parts in
quantity. Anything we can do to help, again is just a post away.
LUGNET is chock-full of talent outside of the Lego interests, and I for one,
would offer help to you if needed.
Thank you for your participation! My wife and I look forward to it!!
Eric Regner
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Brad,
THANK YOU!
Comments below...
Brad Justus wrote:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
Suggestion - STOP the "this set only available in country X". That would stop us
from having to ship sets all over the world. Make a set available from Lego
Direct no matter what country you live in - a TRUE global Shop At Home.
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
Ooooh, my prayers are answered!
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want.
That's a no-brainer - PLEASE participate ;-)
> Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
Eep! My heart stopped for an instant!
I suggest you set up a form online (NOT an email address) specifically for
requested parts.
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
Lego ;-)
> What do you hate?
How hard it is to GET some Lego ;-)
> How can we help you?
Help us GET that Lego - no more country-exclusives.
Widely expanded bulk service (albeit over time).
Any piece available in any color currently cast (part of bulk service)
More transparent pieces in all shapes! Large trans plates would be SO cool! (part
of bulk service)
Something requiring more work - new pieces - larger tiles, and tiles in odd sizes:
2x3/4/5/6/7/8
1x3/5/7
3x3/4/5/6/7/8
4xAnything ;-)
6xAnything ;-)
> Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
--
| Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
| Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yay!
me like Lego bricks. I buy liberally from all the themes and my only rant is-
"How come no Storm Troopers for two whole years?"
Chris
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
...lots of cool stuff, including limited bulk sales, snipped...
Wow!
Hmm. No, its not 04/01.
Hmm. Still breathing.
> pinch< Ouch! Still awake.
It might be true!
Great news, and of course, welcome!
John "you have how many unopened sets?" Boreczky
johnb@pal.xerox.com
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
=o0
Wow! Very cool, indeed! Great news -- just wonderful -- not unlike Xmas
morning at age 7!
Even though I suspect such a greeting here must have been long planned, I
cannot help but feel that my earlier message on "Proof of TLG's Concern for
AFOL?"(http://www.lugnet.com/dear-lego/?n=559)is "almost" being responded to --
a strange and magical coincidence to be sure -- mere hours from one post to
the next. My effusive thanks to any and all AFOL and TLG insiders who are
responsible for this great union at last! Me, I'm just whiner, but someone
else as yet unnamed has done his good deed for the year, or maybe even the
decade?
Now that the dialogue has begun in earnest, and with bulk orders in the
offing, I guess here is as good a place as any to start listing those AFOL
wishes (and in no particular order):
1. More Lego babes, and in more sets -- Whoohooo! (I meant gender neutrality
in set design...sorry).
2. Rerelease of old sets in cycles of several years, with no set or single
element very long out of production.
3. The end of geographically specific sets and ordering -- all sets currently
in production should be available from Lego Direct via Internet/phone/mail
ordering.
4. Competition with the Lego collector market through direct marketing of
older set configurations and parts -- and, of course, with TLG to reap the
rewards of this move. (Example: a premium price could be charged for the
rerelease of Guarded Inn, but not at the insane prices the set goes for in the
collector market.)
5. The return of the Pirate theme with enough Soldiers and Imperial Guards to
fill a field on both sides of the dispute! Toy Soldiers -- get it?
6. All elements in production available in service packs of all colors.
7. Introduction of historical or educational themes: The 1700s, Greek
Mythology, Vikings, Norse Mythology, Mad King Ludwig II, Monsters, Superheros,
etc., etc., etc.
8. Less "juniorized" parts.
9. An annual "design an element contest" where the resulting element is put
into production for at least a short duration.
10. Knock-offs, or something shockingly similar to, the slim double-sided with
studs, and double-sided with recesses 2x2 bricks that Tyco used to make. 1x1,
and 1x2 varieties would also be cool.
::wiping his brow::
That'll do for now, maybe I can dream some more up later...
I guess this means I'll have to stop being "The Angriest Lego Collector in the
World" now that I am starting to feel ever so much better!
=)
-- Richard
My weeny bricks site:
http://members.aol.com/blueofnoon/lego/lego.htm
See the Freak, read his demands, "The Angriest Lego Collector in the World":
http://members.aol.com/blueofnoon/lego/tlgsucks.htm
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> 7. Introduction of historical or educational themes: The 1700s, Greek
> Mythology, Vikings, Norse Mythology, Mad King Ludwig II, Monsters, Superheros,
> etc., etc., etc.
I concur. Greeks and/or romans, with roman soldiers etc. Just imagine lego doing
the greek gods. a lego zuse (how do you spell it?) with a bolt of lightning. mabie
a lego minotaur. how about some disvoery of australia type stuff like the endevour.
or some discovery of america stuff with a columbus minifig? There are so many
untapped periods in history. us cival war stuff, perhaps? but my all time favorite
theme would be:modern military sets, with a minifig scale f14 and a minifig scale
m1a1 abrams main battle tank!
> 9. An annual "design an element contest" where the resulting element is put
> into production for at least a short duration.
some things to add to this:1.the element must not be copied from any brand of
construction toy.
2.the element must not be an electrical part or other expensive part.
3.you must design a set that uses this element and the other elements must be
pieces currently in production.
4.the prize is a free copy of the set you designed. (on second thought... people
would design something that uses as many special parts as possible)
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> > 7. Introduction of historical or educational themes: The 1700s, Greek
> > Mythology, Vikings, Norse Mythology, Mad King Ludwig II, Monsters, • Superheros,
> > etc., etc., etc.
>
> I concur... but my all time • favorite
> theme would be:modern military sets, with a minifig scale f14 and a minifig • scale
> m1a1 abrams main battle tank!
I'm sorry but I personally would have to respectfully disagree with modelling
millatry items on ethical grounds. Modelling classic items maybe. It is one
thing I admire about The Lego Group is that it has not resorted to modelling
"war" toys.
But Myths and legends defintely- How about Norse though? given Lego is Danish?
Or Fariy Tales?--- ()
Additonaly There is a lot of technic lego about ( specialism into Mechs)
but not suprisingly much for Architectural Design for older children(12+) and
not at Minifig scale as far as I am aware.
(We are not all Mechincal Engineers!).
Some Elements within such a collection might include (no pics unfortunatly)
Proper Tiled Rooves!
WindowS,Doors:
Wall Panels: Stone,Brick,Lapoarded etc...
Stairs: Risers ,Banisters, etc
Bathrom fittings: baths,Loos,etc...
Bedroom fittings:
Kitchen Units: Sink,Cooker,Worktops etc.
I would have suggested a name like (HomeBuilder) or simmilar for this.
(This would in my view be very very intresting to me! and possibly to those
that do architectural design profesionaly!
Or perhaps a set based on the house Roger Dean(a fntsay artist) developed and
which the last time I remember was sitting in a field in Breaky Bottom in
E.Sussex.
> > 9. An annual "design an element contest" where the resulting element is put
> > into production for at least a short duration.
Yes!
> some things to add to this:1.the element must not be copied from any brand of
> construction toy.
including Lego.
(a) Or Infringe on any third parties Intellectual Propety Rights.
(b) Or infringe unfairly upon those of the Lego Group.
(This is to protect specialist promotions.)
> 2.the element must not be an electrical part or other expensive part.
(a) Or unsafe is used properly.
(b) Resaonably within the "family nature" of Lego.-(See above)
( There are people who would want to devlope unsavoury bricks. Unfortunatly!)
(c) Sutiable for the age range intended.
(d) see 1(a)
> 3.you must design a set that uses this element and the other elements must be
> pieces currently in production.
Agreed!
> 4.the prize is a free copy of the set you designed. (on second thought... • people
> would design something that uses as many special parts as possible)
OK.
Nice Idea. Needs some work on it.
Additonally The Lego Group could set up a special Department for dealing with
contract situations ( such as Kitchen Design, Oil Platforms, Space Frames etc.)
and could gain considerable money from such systems,(unless of course it
already does so..)
I hope also that Lego Direct will allow us to make these susggestion in a
constructive ( ;-) ) way. The last time my little brother wrote in with an
idea(here in the UK) he got the stanndard "in-house" response. I assume that
The Lego Group uses this as protection against possible lawsuits.
Alex Farlie
BEng Computing Student
Dept of Computing
City University.
Northampton Sq
London
EC1V OHB
Ideas and opinions contatined in this posting are by Alex Farlie a Student at
City University and are not nessacrily the opinions of that instution.
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Farlie,A <ba124@city.ac.uk> wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
>
> > > 7. Introduction of historical or educational themes: The 1700s, Greek
> > > Mythology, Vikings, Norse Mythology, Mad King Ludwig II, Monsters, • Superheros,
> > > etc., etc., etc.
> >
> > I concur... but my all time • favorite
> > theme would be:modern military sets, with a minifig scale f14 and a minifig • scale
> > m1a1 abrams main battle tank!
>
>
> I'm sorry but I personally would have to respectfully disagree with modelling
> millatry items on ethical grounds. Modelling classic items maybe. It is one
> thing I admire about The Lego Group is that it has not resorted to modelling
> "war" toys.
TLC lost its moral high ground on not modelling war toys a LONG time
ago.
Otherwise we wouldn't have six shooters and rifles (that are
essentially the same today as they were a hundred years ago) in the
Wild West theme.
Spear = sword = musket = six shooter = rifle = light saber = ...
You can't be a little pregnant and you can't only make "some" war
toys and not others and claim to (or be praised for) only make
nonviolent toys.
Sorry to nitpick - I personally love the weapons and such, but I
have to laugh when I see people say they don't want to see tanks or
M16's but don't mind swords and knives (or rifles).
> But Myths and legends defintely- How about Norse though? given Lego is Danish?
> Or Fariy Tales?--- ()
Works for me. :) Thor!
--
The parts you want and nothing else?
http://jaba.dtrh.com/ - Just Another Brick Auction
Why pay eBay? Run your own LEGO auctions for free!
http://www.guarded-inn.com/bricks/
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In lugnet.general, Mike Stanley writes:
> TLC lost its moral high ground on not modelling war toys a LONG time
> ago. • **snip**
> You can't be a little pregnant and you can't only make "some" war
> toys and not others and claim to (or be praised for) only make
> nonviolent toys.
> Sorry to nitpick - I personally love the weapons and such, but I
> have to laugh when I see people say they don't want to see tanks or
> M16's but don't mind swords and knives (or rifles).
Maybe there's no ammunition in the Lego universe, though we still have to
deal with the blades and light sabers. And I guess you could make a tank with
no ammo...
Do you suppose the new, smaller treads on the Arctic sets might foreshadow a
future treaded vehicle minifig-scale product?
Dave!
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In lugnet.general, Dave Schuler writes:
> In lugnet.general, Mike Stanley writes:
>
> > TLC lost its moral high ground on not modelling war toys a LONG time
> > ago. • **snip**
> > You can't be a little pregnant and you can't only make "some" war
> > SNIP
> > Sorry to nitpick - I personally love the we
> Do you suppose the new, smaller treads on the Arctic sets might foreshadow a
> future treaded vehicle minifig-scale product?
>
> Dave!
Minor correction: Those treads are not new. They were featured in the 1999
set 6456 Mission COntrol.
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> > Do you suppose the new, smaller treads on the Arctic sets might foreshadow
> > a future treaded vehicle minifig-scale product?
> Minor correction: Those treads are not new. They were featured in the 1999
> set 6456 Mission COntrol.
The same size? Cool! I'd love them to be available via a service pack.
Dave!
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Dave! wrote:
> Maybe there's no ammunition in the Lego universe
For what? Rifles, six shooters? Why would you want LEGO ammunition? 1x1
cyl. bricks are great for multiple ammo for various applications.
> though we still have to
> deal with the blades and light sabers. And I guess you could make a tank with
> no ammo...
Unless it doesn't use ammo and uses lasers, missiles, etc.
> Do you suppose the new, smaller treads on the Arctic sets might foreshadow a
> future treaded vehicle minifig-scale product?
I know I am going to use them for vehicles.
Scott S.
_________________________________________________________
Scott E. Sanburn
CAD Operator
Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
Work Page:
http://www.aeieng.com/
Home Page:
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/3372/index.html
Main LEGO Page:
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/3372/legoindex.html
Soon to come: Star Wars LEGO Sets Parts Selling Page!
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In lugnet.general, Scott Edward Sanburn writes:
> Dave! wrote:
>
> > Maybe there's no ammunition in the Lego universe
>
> For what? Rifles, six shooters? Why would you want LEGO ammunition? 1x1
> cyl. bricks are great for multiple ammo for various applications.
It was more a light-hearted speculation than a comment on what bricks can
and cannot represent.
> > though we still have to
> > deal with the blades and light sabers. And I guess you could make a tank • with
> > no ammo...
>
> Unless it doesn't use ammo and uses lasers, missiles, etc.
See above! 8^)
>
> > Do you suppose the new, smaller treads on the Arctic sets might • foreshadow a
> > future treaded vehicle minifig-scale product?
>
> I know I am going to use them for vehicles.
Me, too, probably, though I've already got about a gross of "conveyer belt
links" waiting to be applied to an armor model.
Dave!
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Mike Stanley wrote:
> Farlie,A <ba124@city.ac.uk> wrote:
> > In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> >
> > > > 7. Introduction of historical or educational themes: The 1700s, Greek
> > > > Mythology, Vikings, Norse Mythology, Mad King Ludwig II, Monsters, • Superheros,
> > > > etc., etc., etc.
> > >
> > > I concur... but my all time • favorite
> > > theme would be:modern military sets, with a minifig scale f14 and a minifig • scale
> > > m1a1 abrams main battle tank!
> >
> >
> > I'm sorry but I personally would have to respectfully disagree with modelling
> > millatry items on ethical grounds. Modelling classic items maybe. It is one
> > thing I admire about The Lego Group is that it has not resorted to modelling
> > "war" toys.
>
> TLC lost its moral high ground on not modelling war toys a LONG time
> ago.
>
> Otherwise we wouldn't have six shooters and rifles (that are
> essentially the same today as they were a hundred years ago) in the
> Wild West theme.
>
> Spear = sword = musket = six shooter = rifle = light saber = ...
>
> You can't be a little pregnant and you can't only make "some" war
> toys and not others and claim to (or be praised for) only make
> nonviolent toys.
>
> Sorry to nitpick - I personally love the weapons and such, but I
> have to laugh when I see people say they don't want to see tanks or
> M16's but don't mind swords and knives (or rifles).
>
> > But Myths and legends defintely- How about Norse though? given Lego is Danish?
> > Or Fariy Tales?--- ()
>
> Works for me. :) Thor!
>
> --
> The parts you want and nothing else?
> http://jaba.dtrh.com/ - Just Another Brick Auction
> Why pay eBay? Run your own LEGO auctions for free!
> http://www.guarded-inn.com/bricks/
One thing I was wondering about on the "no war toys" policy......
We (rest of the world) are probably pretty ignorant of what went on in World War II
as it relates to Denmark. I wonder what TLC chairman KKK's father (GKC) and
grandfather Ole witnessed in the war. Perhaps what they saw when Nazi Germany
overran Denmark left an indelible mark on their concious decision not to produce any
war toys. It could have hit close to home, and KKK and the Executive Committee
decided to maintain that ban on 20th century war toys. Just a hypothesis.....
Also, I think it would be great to have a Norse/Germanic mythological series. Or
even a Greek/Roman mythological series. Vallhalla or Olympus, they would both be
pretty interesting. I saw the movie "ERIC THE VIKING", a funny spoof on Viking
movies. The Valhalla in that movie had large interior columns (sort of like an
ancient Egyptian Hypostyle Hall in an Egyptian Temple), and an almost Ninja like
exterior (those 12th century wooden "Stave" churches in Norway look almost Ninja
LEGO in their appearance). It would make for some interesting minifigs as well. A
rather stout Brunnhilda with breastplates and horned helmet...... I can hear the
Valkaries already.......
It might be better to have the Norse/Germanic Gods series than a Viking series (I
know, there's no real difference). But it might cut down on the raping and
pillaging.
Gary Istok
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In lugnet.general, Gary R. Istok writes:
>
> I can hear the Valkaries already.......
That's 'cause you're listening to Wagner. ;)
Jeff
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Gary Istok wrote:
>
> One thing I was wondering about on the "no war toys" policy......
>
> We (rest of the world) are probably pretty ignorant of what went on in World War II
> as it relates to Denmark. I wonder what TLC chairman KKK's father (GKC) and
> grandfather Ole witnessed in the war. Perhaps what they saw when Nazi Germany
> overran Denmark left an indelible mark on their concious decision not to produce any
> war toys. It could have hit close to home, and KKK and the Executive Committee
> decided to maintain that ban on 20th century war toys. Just a hypothesis.....
I have been thinking along these same lines. One curiosity is the
Playmobil set I noticed the other day at a TRU. Playmobil actually made
a small Civil War set. I believe it had one soldier from each side, a
confederate flag and sevel guns & rifles. Considering that Playmobil is
headquartered in Germany, I found it curious that they would cross this
(invisible) line.
> Also, I think it would be great to have a Norse/Germanic mythological series. Or
> even a Greek/Roman mythological series. Vallhalla or Olympus, they would both be
> pretty interesting. I saw the movie "ERIC THE VIKING", a funny spoof on Viking
> movies. The Valhalla in that movie had large interior columns (sort of like an
> ancient Egyptian Hypostyle Hall in an Egyptian Temple), and an almost Ninja like
> exterior (those 12th century wooden "Stave" churches in Norway look almost Ninja
> LEGO in their appearance). It would make for some interesting minifigs as well. A
> rather stout Brunnhilda with breastplates and horned helmet...... I can hear the
> Valkaries already.......
>
> It might be better to have the Norse/Germanic Gods series than a Viking series (I
> know, there's no real difference). But it might cut down on the raping and
> pillaging.
If it would cut down on the whining and griping, I'm all for it.
Ray Sanders
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Mike Stanley <cjc@NOSPAMnewsguy.com> wrote in message
news:slrn85va6k.4aj.cjc@zelda.ns.utk.edu...
<snip>
>
> TLC lost its moral high ground on not modelling war toys a LONG time
> ago.
>
> Otherwise we wouldn't have six shooters and rifles (that are
> essentially the same today as they were a hundred years ago) in the
> Wild West theme.
>
> Spear = sword = musket = six shooter = rifle = light saber = ...
>
> You can't be a little pregnant and you can't only make "some" war
> toys and not others and claim to (or be praised for) only make
> nonviolent toys.
Just to support that, Look at the pages from brickshelf:
http://www.brickshelf.com/scans/catalogs/1997/c97tr/c97tr-24.html
http://www.brickshelf.com/scans/catalogs/1997/c97tr/c97tr-26.html
http://www.brickshelf.com/scans/catalogs/1997/c97tr/c97tr-27.html
http://www.brickshelf.com/scans/catalogs/1997/c97tr/c97tr-28.html
Those are pages from 1997 Turkish catalog. And these below are the
translation of the speech in the bubbles:
"We will attack him from both sides!"
"Alarm! We are under attack!"
"Target locked"
"Target destroyed"
"We've been shooted"
"Mission is finished, spaceship has been destroyed"
Seems pretty non-violant and anti-war, isn't it?..:-)
>
> Sorry to nitpick - I personally love the weapons and such, but I
> have to laugh when I see people say they don't want to see tanks or
> M16's but don't mind swords and knives (or rifles).
I just can't stand .."Me too"..:-)
Selçuk
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|
In lugnet.general, Alex Farlie writes:
>
> I'm sorry but I personally would have to respectfully disagree with modelling
> millatry items on ethical grounds. Modelling classic items maybe. It is one
> thing I admire about The Lego Group is that it has not resorted to modelling
> "war" toys.
These are some feeling in relation to the followups to this message.
I belive that The Lego Group should not model war-toys.
Some people claim that variou elements within current range go against this, I
don't agree. Castle,Adventures, Wild West etc should be regarded as FICTIONAL
scenarios which "should" have little impact on childrens views. The jury I
belive is still out on whether fictional violence encourages actaul Violence.
Perhaps if through Lego Direct or other iniatives The Lego Group could clarify
it position on this issue.
Additonaly I belive that acted conflicts in childhood may discourage real ones
if things are adequatly explained to them. ( I think that PlayMobil people were
once used in aiding children that had been involved in abuse cases. No nobody
could dismiss that as being wrong.) It is also a thought of mine that parents
should be prepared to assist thiwer children in some play with Lego in order to
explain some of the "moral" concerns they may have.
Also children are smarter than you think and sometimes will know that something
is just play. Of course on the other hand they may be those that cannot tell
the difference( and I respectfully agure this in point raised.)
In relation to KKK's witness to WWII, I belive that it is a private matter to
him and his family and that we should not dig to deeply. If anoyne from the
family wishs to speak publicly then I feel that we should give them the respect
they deserve.
Alex Farlie
BEng Computing Student
Dept of Computing
City University.
Northampton Sq
London
EC1V OHB
Ideas and opinions contatined in this posting are by Alex Farlie a Student at
City University and are not nessacrily the opinions of that instution.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
>
> I belive that The Lego Group should not model war-toys.
> Some people claim that variou elements within current range go against this, I
> don't agree. Castle,Adventures, Wild West etc should be regarded as FICTIONAL
> scenarios which "should" have little impact on childrens views. The jury I
> belive is still out on whether fictional violence encourages actaul Violence.
Not to sound too harsh but try telling the Native American Indians that the
Wild West theme is based on Fiction. What happened to the Native American
Indians was very much real and we should not forget that.
What I really think you are trying to get at is "Modern" war-toys with Tanks
and Machine Guns etc. I would agree that TLC should not go that far but that
does not mean that TLC has not released conflict oriented themes in the past.
In my mind at least 75% of all the System sets are conflict oriented whether
fictional or not. That is not necessarily a bad thing but I think that one of
the things that got this started was LEGO's contradictory stand on guns in
sets. I believe that the argument is that TLC's stand is that guns are OK in a
historical setting but not modern settings but even this has been contradicted
in some of the Outback Sets. For me I would just like TLC to make a stand one
way or the other and stick to it.
>
> Perhaps if through Lego Direct or other iniatives The Lego Group could clarify
> it position on this issue.
This would be great. Again if TLC made their policy on guns in their sets
public and then stuck to their policy I think much of this discussion would not
be necessary.
> Additonaly I belive that acted conflicts in childhood may discourage real ones
> if things are adequatly explained to them. ( I think that PlayMobil people
> were once used in aiding children that had been involved in abuse cases. No
> nobody could dismiss that as being wrong.) It is also a thought of mine that
> parents should be prepared to assist thiwer children in some play with Lego in
> order to explain some of the "moral" concerns they may have.
You are right that Parents need to take a more active role in teaching their
children. I am sure most parents are good at this but definitly not all
parents. It is up to the parent to teach right and wrong not a school system,
government or other 3rd party.
This is getting borderline off-topic so depending on your response to this
message you may want to send reply's to .off-topic.debate
Eric K.
The New England LEGO Users Group
http://www.nelug.org/
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| |
|
>
> I belive that The Lego Group should not model war-toys.
> Some people claim that variou elements within current range go against this, I
> don't agree. Castle,Adventures, Wild West etc should be regarded as FICTIONAL
> scenarios which "should" have little impact on childrens views. The jury I
> belive is still out on whether fictional violence encourages actaul Violence.
Not to sound too harsh but try telling the Native Americans that the Wild West
theme is based on Fiction. What happened to the Native Americans was very much
real and we should not forget that.
What I really think you are trying to get at is "Modern" war-toys with Tanks
and Machine Guns etc. I would agree that TLC should not go that far but that
does not mean that TLC has not released conflict oriented themes in the past.
In my mind at least 75% of all the System sets are conflict oriented whether
fictional or not. That is not necessarily a bad thing but I think that one of
the things that got this started was LEGO's contradictory stand on guns in
sets. I believe that the argument is that TLC's stand is that guns are OK in a
historical setting but not modern settings but even this has been contradicted
in some of the Outback Sets. For me I would just like TLC to make a stand one
way or the other and stick to it.
>
> Perhaps if through Lego Direct or other iniatives The Lego Group could clarify
> it position on this issue.
This would be great. Again if TLC made their policy on guns in their sets
public and then stuck to their policy I think much of this discussion would not
be necessary.
> Additonaly I belive that acted conflicts in childhood may discourage real ones
> if things are adequatly explained to them. ( I think that PlayMobil people
> were once used in aiding children that had been involved in abuse cases. No
> nobody could dismiss that as being wrong.) It is also a thought of mine that
> parents should be prepared to assist thiwer children in some play with Lego in
> order to explain some of the "moral" concerns they may have.
You are right that Parents need to take a more active role in teaching their
children. I am sure most parents are good at this but definitly not all
parents. It is up to the parent to teach right and wrong not a school system,
government or other 3rd party.
This is getting borderline off-topic so depending on your response to this
message you may want to send reply's to .off-topic.debate
Eric K.
The New England LEGO Users Group
http://www.nelug.org/
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Eric Kingsley <kingsley@nelug.org> wrote:
> historical setting but not modern settings but even this has been
> contradicted in some of the Outback Sets. For me I would just like TLC to
> make a stand one way or the other and stick to it.
For what it's worth, when we have kids, Karen and I won't buy Lego sets
which have guns in them. And if we do currently get a set which happens to
have some, we give them away.
Little pointy things on the spaceships are ok. Swords and other
dragon-slaying equipment are pushing it. But there's a very real line which
guns cross for us.
We personally would prefer if Lego would stop making the guns they do, and
hope they never make modern military sets. But if that's not the way the
product line goes, that's okay too: we'll just buy the non-military sets,
and explain that rule to our children.
--
Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
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Farlie,A wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Alex Farlie writes:
>
> >
> > I'm sorry but I personally would have to respectfully disagree with modelling
> > millatry items on ethical grounds. Modelling classic items maybe. It is one
> > thing I admire about The Lego Group is that it has not resorted to modelling
> > "war" toys.
>
>
> These are some feeling in relation to the followups to this message.
>
> I belive that The Lego Group should not model war-toys.
> Some people claim that variou elements within current range go against this, I
> don't agree. Castle,Adventures, Wild West etc should be regarded as FICTIONAL
> scenarios which "should" have little impact on childrens views. The jury I
> belive is still out on whether fictional violence encourages actaul Violence.
>
> Perhaps if through Lego Direct or other iniatives The Lego Group could clarify
> it position on this issue.
>
> Additonaly I belive that acted conflicts in childhood may discourage real ones
> if things are adequatly explained to them. ( I think that PlayMobil people were
> once used in aiding children that had been involved in abuse cases. No nobody
> could dismiss that as being wrong.) It is also a thought of mine that parents
> should be prepared to assist thiwer children in some play with Lego in order to
> explain some of the "moral" concerns they may have.
>
> Also children are smarter than you think and sometimes will know that something
> is just play. Of course on the other hand they may be those that cannot tell
> the difference( and I respectfully agure this in point raised.)
>
> In relation to KKK's witness to WWII, I belive that it is a private matter to
> him and his family and that we should not dig to deeply. If anoyne from the
> family wishs to speak publicly then I feel that we should give them the respect
> they deserve.
>
> Alex Farlie
>
> BEng Computing Student
> Dept of Computing
> City University.
> Northampton Sq
> London
> EC1V OHB
>
> Ideas and opinions contatined in this posting are by Alex Farlie a Student at
> City University and are not nessacrily the opinions of that instution.
Since I was the one that brought up the question about whether TLC no war toy
policy was possibly based on WWII and the Nazis overrunning Denmark, I wasn't
asking for any explanations from the family. First off, KKK was born well after
the end of the war. And his grandfather and father (Ole Kirk and GKC) are no
longer alive. So that point is moot. But I did wonder whether the scars of
history have anything to do with this decision from a Danish or Billund persective,
as opposed to a Christiansen/Kristiansen perspective. Just wondering out loud.
Gary Istok
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Hi Brad,
Welcome to our little discussion group. Make yourself comfortable and stay
awhile!
Build On!
John Matthews
Brad Justus <legodirect@lego.com> wrote in message
news:FMHtE5.Kp2@lugnet.com...
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For • those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new • day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO • set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks - we just made that up), here are • some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than • that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want • to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct - our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. • LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company's direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), • e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step • towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the • world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It's a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach - but only if we are capable of listening and • responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO • Direct.
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on - that is, if such participation is something that • you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts • to
> be fully visible - we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as • well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready • for
> you by late next Summer. But here's a little preview that we think you'll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering - albeit initially in a • restricted
> format - available by then.
>
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New • York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we're not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail - • but
> we'll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will • do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We • want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the • company
> you'd like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us - we want your input. We • know
> you've got a lot to say - we've been reading your postings for a little • while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online - and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants • it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat • lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It's up to • you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope • you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We • look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> - Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
Now, after reading your post 5 times, I have my jaw back in place. This is
incredible news. You have no idea how many people appreciate this. For us
AFOLs that have been posting to RTL for years and now LUGNET, this is a miracle
come true.
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
Wow!
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
I can't wait. I remeber being able to order parts in the mid 80s. But since
that time, LEGO has left us to our own devices which led to the growth of
several auction services and parts sellers. On one hand, LEGO's return to bulk
ordering will be great. On the other hand, it will cause the demise of the
auctions and parts sellers, who are some of the biggest AFOLers as well as
truly reputable people.
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff.
NYC????? How do I apply?
> It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input.
You do realize the size of the Pandora's box you have opened!!! :')
> What do you love?
The brick in all its varieties and the creativity it induces. There is nothing
better than having a stack of elements in front of you and starting to create
without knowing how that creation will turn out.
> What do you hate?
Well you asked, so. Juniorization - why create specialized pieces that do
nothing but take the place of several normal assembled bricks.
> How can we help you?
Re-releases of classic sets from the 80s: Town, castle, space.
> Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
Happy Holidays to you as well!!
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hi, brad!
what overwhelmingly great news you've brought us!! ed's words sum up my
reaction/ feedback as well... except where you can give ed a job in your new
york staff; hire me as a designer!
later ~ craig~
> In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> > To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
> >
> > We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> > you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> > With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> > consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> > or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> > words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> > we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> > have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> > relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> > communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> > Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> > basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> > LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> Now, after reading your post 5 times, I have my jaw back in place. This is
> incredible news. You have no idea how many people appreciate this. For us
> AFOLs that have been posting to RTL for years and now LUGNET, this is a miracle
> come true.
>
> > In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> > reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> > amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> > believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> > to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
>
> Wow!
>
> > As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> > newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> > want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> > be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> > our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> > you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> > like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> > format – available by then.
>
> I can't wait. I remeber being able to order parts in the mid 80s. But since
> that time, LEGO has left us to our own devices which led to the growth of
> several auction services and parts sellers. On one hand, LEGO's return to bulk
> ordering will be great. On the other hand, it will cause the demise of the
> auctions and parts sellers, who are some of the biggest AFOLers as well as
> truly reputable people.
>
> > We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> > and expanding the LEGO Direct staff.
>
> NYC????? How do I apply?
>
> > It will take a little time, so please
> > understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> > we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> > our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> > to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> > you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input.
>
> You do realize the size of the Pandora's box you have opened!!! :')
>
> > What do you love?
>
> The brick in all its varieties and the creativity it induces. There is nothing
> better than having a stack of elements in front of you and starting to create
> without knowing how that creation will turn out.
>
> > What do you hate?
>
> Well you asked, so. Juniorization - why create specialized pieces that do
> nothing but take the place of several normal assembled bricks.
>
> > How can we help you?
>
> Re-releases of classic sets from the 80s: Town, castle, space.
>
> > Tell us – we want your input. We know
> > you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> > now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> > community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> > we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> > lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
> >
> > We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> > are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> > forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
> >
> > Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
> >
> > – Brad
> >
> > Brad Justus
> > Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> > legodirect@lego.com
>
> Happy Holidays to you as well!!
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In lugnet.general, Craig Hamilton writes:
> hire me as a designer!
I can second that, hire Craig as a designer! He is a Minifig genius not to be
overlooked and he is without parallel for background designs utilizing just a
few of the right kind of bricks.
He forgot to mention:
http://community-1.webtv.net/craigo-lego/craigolegoindex/
http://community-1.webtv.net/anonymouseye/craigolego/
Go there, Brad, you won't be disappointed! With Craig's stuff you could look
into licensing characters from DC or Marvel comics, classic horror films,
etc.; or even allow him to design your own race of Lego "Fantastics" in a
start from scratch kind of way! And I am not sure of the production methods,
but his designs are less about the costly casts needed to make elements and
more about the way in which the minifig elements get printed. And he is a
sort of lego purist in that he is TRULY interested in creating almost entirely
from existing bricks, and modifying as little as possible to suit his creative
spark.
Gadzooks! If Craig ever got a job with lego he might literally change his
legal name to "Craigo-Lego." I wouldn't put it past him...
-- Richard
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> Now, after reading your post 5 times, I have my jaw back in place. This is
> incredible news. You have no idea how many people appreciate this. For us
> AFOLs that have been posting to RTL for years and now LUGNET, this is a • miracle
> come true.
Me too. Can you believe this?!?!
> > As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> > newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that • you
> > want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts • to
> > be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as • well as
> > our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready • for
> > you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> > like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a • restricted
> > format – available by then.
>
> I can't wait. I remeber being able to order parts in the mid 80s. But • since
> that time, LEGO has left us to our own devices which led to the growth of
> several auction services and parts sellers. On one hand, LEGO's return to • bulk
> ordering will be great. On the other hand, it will cause the demise of the
> auctions and parts sellers, who are some of the biggest AFOLers as well as
> truly reputable people.
The demise of auctions? Gee, how sad. What's next, reasonable prices? ;)
> > We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New • York
> > and expanding the LEGO Direct staff.
>
> NYC????? How do I apply?
We should organize a field trip.
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Tony Kilaras <kilaras@speedus.com> wrote:
> > ordering will be great. On the other hand, it will cause the demise of the
> > auctions and parts sellers, who are some of the biggest AFOLers as well as
> > truly reputable people.
>
> The demise of auctions? Gee, how sad. What's next, reasonable prices? ;)
I'd gladly close my auction's door for bulk ordering. I doubt
anyone will have to, though, simply because I don't see them being
able to do bulk ordering to fit every single AFOL's needs or wants.
Still, it would be cool to be able to order 100/500/1000 of some
parts. I bet rebursting would become common, or maybe group orders,
if there are high minimum orders.
--
The parts you want and nothing else?
http://jaba.dtrh.com/ - Just Another Brick Auction
Why pay eBay? Run your own LEGO auctions for free!
http://www.guarded-inn.com/bricks/
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Mike Stanley wrote:
> Tony Kilaras <kilaras@speedus.com> wrote:
> > > ordering will be great. On the other hand, it will cause the demise of the
> > > auctions and parts sellers, who are some of the biggest AFOLers as well as
> > > truly reputable people.
> >
> > The demise of auctions? Gee, how sad. What's next, reasonable prices? ;)
>
> I'd gladly close my auction's door for bulk ordering. I doubt
> anyone will have to, though, simply because I don't see them being
> able to do bulk ordering to fit every single AFOL's needs or wants.
>
> Still, it would be cool to be able to order 100/500/1000 of some
> parts. I bet rebursting would become common, or maybe group orders,
> if there are high minimum orders.
>
> --
> The parts you want and nothing else?
> http://jaba.dtrh.com/ - Just Another Brick Auction
> Why pay eBay? Run your own LEGO auctions for free!
> http://www.guarded-inn.com/bricks/
I concur. do you think that TLG would go to the trouble to help the guy who
wants 1 old 4.5v train rubber ring?
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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In lugnet.dear-lego, Jonathan Wilson wrote:
> I concur. do you think that TLG would go to the trouble to help the guy who
> wants 1 old 4.5v train rubber ring?
That's not bulk ordering. That's simply wanting to obtain a single part, a part
which hasn't been manufactured for many years.
Steve
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In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> I concur. do you think that TLG would go to the trouble to help the guy who
> wants 1 old 4.5v train rubber ring?
Sure they will. As long as you buy the other 99,999 that they need to offset
the cost of rebuilding a tool that was probably scrapped many years ago :)
Adrian
--
http://junior.apk.net/~tremor/lego.html
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In lugnet.general, Tony Kilaras writes:
> > > We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New • York
> > > and expanding the LEGO Direct staff.
> >
> > NYC????? How do I apply?
>
>
> We should organize a field trip.
I'll second that! Working for Lego? In Manhattan? My dream has been
realized.
Er, you guys hire geographers, right? Right? Doh!
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In lugnet.general, James Simpson writes:
> In lugnet.general, Tony Kilaras writes:
>
> > > > We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New • York
> > > > and expanding the LEGO Direct staff.
> > >
> > > NYC????? How do I apply?
> >
> >
> > We should organize a field trip.
>
> I'll second that! Working for Lego? In Manhattan? My dream has been
> realized.
> Er, you guys hire geographers, right? Right? Doh!
James, you and I can take on site selection for future Legoland parks, LICs,
Outlet stores, etc. etc.
I was Geography at UCB, class of '80. WHere were you trained?
Paul Sinasohn
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In lugnet.general, Paul Sinasohn writes:
>
> James, you and I can take on site selection for future Legoland parks, LICs,
> Outlet stores, etc. etc.
>
> I was Geography at UCB, class of '80. WHere were you trained?
>
> Paul Sinasohn
Paul:
I'm a geographer in training. I'm a senior at Sam Houston State University,
and
I hope to go on to a master's (somewhere) in either Urban geography or
Geomorphology. Geography is my greatest passion, even more so than Legos, but
to be a geographer working for Lego, well that would be amazing. You know,
Lego
probably does employ geographers for site analysis. What kind of work do you
do?
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> I'm a geographer in training. I'm a senior at Sam Houston State University,
> and
> I hope to go on to a master's (somewhere) in either Urban geography or
> Geomorphology. Geography is my greatest passion, even more so than Legos, but
> to be a geographer working for Lego, well that would be amazing. You know,
> Lego
> probably does employ geographers for site analysis. What kind of work do you
> do?
Unfortunately, I haven't used my Geography in about 5 years - and it was always
as a part of special projects. Right now I'm a curriculum developer/trainer for
a software company.
There are so many opportunities now for geographers that I coudl kick myself
for being born 15 years too soon! Make sure you check out the AAG - they have a
guide to graduate departments in Geography that could give you some insight.
And learn at least one GIS program, if you haven't already. For me, it was
MapInfo.
Best of luck!!
Paul S
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Sounds good, but in advance you should be warned that being the direct
contact for Lego, you will probably get sent some angry, nasty, and
otherwise distasteful stuff. While most people do keep a sense of decency
about network communications, there are those that don't. Notable people on
the internet, in your case, the contact for a major corporation, tend to
attract nasty comments and brain-dead rants just by existing.
Several companies and famous people have exposed themselves to the fans,
then had to retract from active networking when a few overly-vocal, crass,
or mischievous individuals decided that they had nothing better to do than
harass on line.
Hopefully your exposure to the fans will be pleasant and productive, and we
apologize for the people who will make your life hell in advance.
Keep cool and don't take it personally,
Rob
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On Thu, 9 Dec 1999, Brad Justus wrote:
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you
Welcome Brad. With LUGnet's policy of verifying e-mail addresses, and the
fact that you have a lego.com address, I'm going to assume that this
isn't some incredibly cruel hoax.
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release
> ready for you by late next Summer. But here's a little preview that
> we think you'll like: we are planning to make bulk ordering - albeit
> initially in a restricted format - available by then.
*drool* Train windows, please. Lots and lots of train windows. And
doors. And other bricks. And... *ahem*
> What do you love?
Love: LEGO, the basic brick. The Star Wars sets. The older Train sets.
Trains in general.
> What do you hate?
Hate: pink bricks. Juniorization. The lack of train sets. The lack of
support from LEGO for LEGO train enthusiasts.
> How can we help you?
Bestow some sort of official status on the train clubs that meet some
minimum criteria.
Put out sets of buildings so kids can build a proper town instead of a
roadside attraction. Libraries, schools, offices, BUILDINGS.
Put out more train sets!
Make it possible to buy bricks and sets on-line direct from LEGO.
Make the lego website usable instead of a mass of overly clever web design
that works out to be low quality because too much effort is being put into
making it "kewl".
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat
> lugnet.dear-lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO
> channel. It's up to you.
Yo, TODD!!!! I hear an invitation!
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
Right back at ya.
-Laura Gjovaag, Bothell Washington, member of PNLTC
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In lugnet.general, Laura Gjovaag writes:
> > we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat
> > lugnet.dear-lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO
> > channel. It's up to you.
>
> Yo, TODD!!!! I hear an invitation!
I think it's a great idea.
--Todd
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
[snip]
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
Hurra, Hurra, Hurra!!!
My 2c...
Get twice the sorting, packing and shipment structure you have in mind.
It's gonna rain orders. I am ready to do my part <grin>.
Thank you (and TLC etc)
DaveG
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
Yes!!!!!!!...........I'm glad to see TLC taking this step.....I suggest making
a Train/Model Team doors and windows pack, AFOL's and some KABOBs have been
ranting about that for years.
Bulk ordering of bricks would REALLY help us out (Many a person has asked for
bulk grey bricks).
And mabey a Town Windows and doors service pack, with the 1x4x6 windows in
diffrent colours......
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input.
>
> What do you love?
Town, Trains, ships..
> What do you hate?
JUNIORIZATION!!!!!!!
But, I think you should make diffrent lines to accomodate the demands (Town
Jr, Town Sr, Castle Jr., Castle Sr. ect.)
> How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say
1. Bring back NAUTICA!!!!! That was a great line!
Sure it only had several sets, but the sets were really, REALLY good!...and I
think you can bring them back......maybe even make more!! (Ferries, Yacht
Club, Tour boats).
2. Make a REAL town line! Houses, gas stations, parking garages, schools,
hospital...(Maybe even make the school, and hospital sets come as seperate
sets, Like CLASSROOM #1)
3.Bring back some of the older 1980's 90's sets....AFOL's and KABOBS would
love to see Airport Monorail back again!
4.Bring back METROLINER.......well......maybe not the exact thing, but maybe
something like the ICE train
> – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
Good.
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
I think Lugnet should go along with this...
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
As do we.
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
Oh forgot one thing... (So stupid and sloppy of me)
WELCOME TO LUGNET!!!! :-D
Erin
--
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I won't be the first to say welcome, and I won't be the last... but I
have to say it! This is great.
My one wish? Let me put my money where my mouth is. I've shot off about
how your sites can be improved in the past. Put me (and the firm I work
for) to the test. Late summer? We may be able to help you accelerate
that date.
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to lugnet.
NOTE: Soon to be lpieniazek@tsisoft.com :-)
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In lugnet.general, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> My one wish? Let me put my money where my mouth is. I've shot off about
> how your sites can be improved in the past. Put me (and the firm I work
> for) to the test. Late summer? We may be able to help you accelerate
> that date.
Excellent suggestion. I can't help but think that ldraw technology
is necessary for the parts ordering system. This would prevent them
from using proprietary technology which may have held up this in the past.
There are alot of web developers that happen to be AFOL's.
KL
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[snipped .dear-lego from the ng list]
In lugnet.dear-lego, Kevin Loch wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > My one wish? Let me put my money where my mouth is. I've shot off about
> > how your sites can be improved in the past. Put me (and the firm I work
> > for) to the test. Late summer? We may be able to help you accelerate
> > that date.
> Excellent suggestion. I can't help but think that ldraw technology
> is necessary for the parts ordering system. This would prevent them
> from using proprietary technology which may have held up this in the past.
The LEGO Company has much better tools than LDraw. I remember a year or two
ago, they were posting job openings that required experience with a specific
high-end CAD/3D-modeling tool (maybe it was ALIAS? I don't remember for sure).
I'd assume that all of LEGO pieces have been modeled in a graphic-objects
database, especially the newer ones, where CAD tools would be used throughout
most of the design process, especially in the later stages, when the molds are
being designed and fabricated.
Steve
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|
In lugnet.general, Steve Bliss writes:
> [snipped .dear-lego from the ng list]
>
> In lugnet.dear-lego, Kevin Loch wrote:
>
> > In lugnet.general, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > > My one wish? Let me put my money where my mouth is. I've shot off about
> > > how your sites can be improved in the past. Put me (and the firm I work
> > > for) to the test. Late summer? We may be able to help you accelerate
> > > that date.
> > Excellent suggestion. I can't help but think that ldraw technology
> > is necessary for the parts ordering system. This would prevent them
> > from using proprietary technology which may have held up this in the past.
>
> The LEGO Company has much better tools than LDraw. I remember a year or two
> ago, they were posting job openings that required experience with a specific
> high-end CAD/3D-modeling tool (maybe it was ALIAS? I don't remember for • sure).
>
> I'd assume that all of LEGO pieces have been modeled in a graphic-objects
> database, especially the newer ones, where CAD tools would be used throughout
> most of the design process, especially in the later stages, when the molds are
> being designed and fabricated.
Of course all of the pieces are modeled in a high end graphics package. They
need to include things like drafts and parting lines in order to manufacture
these parts. They certainly don't make tools by hand, ya know! The problem
is, making these models available to us would also make them available to the
competitors, who could then begin manufacturing exact copies of lego pieces,
thus making it very unlikely that they would release these models.
Adrian
--
http://junior.apk.net/~tremor/lego.html
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I don't mold plastic for a living but I think when you design plastic
parts you have to design what you want to actually get, to a very high
tolerance, and then you have to design the mold, which will have
DIFFERENT dimensions than the desired part, to allow for shrinking,
warping, etc. also to a very high tolerance. (I mean to a very precise
and accurate dimension, with very small allowances for variance)
The exact dimensions of parts, and especially of molds, are probably
trade secrets. TLG plastic engineers have intellectual capital invested
in how to efficiently mold parts. Lots of it. Witness how poor their
competition is, relatively speaking... Even Tyco, who is considered by
many as the best of the bunch.
however I expect that it would be fairly easy to write a convertor that
took a part dimensioned in .001 mm or whatever, and converted it to
LDUs. (LDraw units). WE could write it if we knew their internal
formats, but only TLC can RUN it because only they have the (trade
secret) original data files.
For that reason I suggest that we stick with our format and our
dimensions. However, if TLC should release to us official versions of
all our parts, run through such a convertor, using their nomenclature,
we should switch to their nomenclature, in order to be compatible with
future releases.
The question of primitives makes things harder, though. Do they use the
same primitives we do, conceptually?
Parts run through this "to LDU" convertor are of no value to competitors
as they are not accurate enough to build molds from.
I added cad.dev ... some cad group seems right but I'm not sure which.
Steve B, feel free to redirect groups and followups to the right area.
Adrian Drake wrote:
>
> In lugnet.general, Steve Bliss writes:
> > [snipped .dear-lego from the ng list]
> >
> > In lugnet.dear-lego, Kevin Loch wrote:
> >
> > > In lugnet.general, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > > > My one wish? Let me put my money where my mouth is. I've shot off about
> > > > how your sites can be improved in the past. Put me (and the firm I work
> > > > for) to the test. Late summer? We may be able to help you accelerate
> > > > that date.
> > > Excellent suggestion. I can't help but think that ldraw technology
> > > is necessary for the parts ordering system. This would prevent them
> > > from using proprietary technology which may have held up this in the past.
> >
> > The LEGO Company has much better tools than LDraw. I remember a year or two
> > ago, they were posting job openings that required experience with a specific
> > high-end CAD/3D-modeling tool (maybe it was ALIAS? I don't remember for • sure).
> >
> > I'd assume that all of LEGO pieces have been modeled in a graphic-objects
> > database, especially the newer ones, where CAD tools would be used throughout
> > most of the design process, especially in the later stages, when the molds are
> > being designed and fabricated.
>
>
> Of course all of the pieces are modeled in a high end graphics package. They
> need to include things like drafts and parting lines in order to manufacture
> these parts. They certainly don't make tools by hand, ya know! The problem
> is, making these models available to us would also make them available to the
> competitors, who could then begin manufacturing exact copies of lego pieces,
> thus making it very unlikely that they would release these models.
>
> Adrian
> --
> http://junior.apk.net/~tremor/lego.html
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to lugnet.
NOTE: Soon to be lpieniazek@tsisoft.com :-)
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Adrian Drake wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Steve Bliss writes:
> > [snipped .dear-lego from the ng list]
> >
> > In lugnet.dear-lego, Kevin Loch wrote:
> >
> > > In lugnet.general, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > > > My one wish? Let me put my money where my mouth is. I've shot off about
> > > > how your sites can be improved in the past. Put me (and the firm I work
> > > > for) to the test. Late summer? We may be able to help you accelerate
> > > > that date.
> > > Excellent suggestion. I can't help but think that ldraw technology
> > > is necessary for the parts ordering system. This would prevent them
> > > from using proprietary technology which may have held up this in the past.
> >
> > The LEGO Company has much better tools than LDraw. I remember a year or two
> > ago, they were posting job openings that required experience with a specific
> > high-end CAD/3D-modeling tool (maybe it was ALIAS? I don't remember for • sure).
> >
> > I'd assume that all of LEGO pieces have been modeled in a graphic-objects
> > database, especially the newer ones, where CAD tools would be used throughout
> > most of the design process, especially in the later stages, when the molds are
> > being designed and fabricated.
>
>
> Of course all of the pieces are modeled in a high end graphics package. They
> need to include things like drafts and parting lines in order to manufacture
> these parts. They certainly don't make tools by hand, ya know! The problem
> is, making these models available to us would also make them available to the
> competitors, who could then begin manufacturing exact copies of lego pieces,
> thus making it very unlikely that they would release these models.
>
> Adrian
> --
> http://junior.apk.net/~tremor/lego.html
Make them available in some new format with the specs published. this new format
(mabie even ldraw format) would have only a few digits of precision as opposed to
the many digits that a compeditor would need to make the elements.
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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Adrian Drake (tremor@apk.net) wrote:
> Of course all of the pieces are modeled in a high end graphics package.
> ... making these models available to us would also make them available to the
> competitors, who could then begin manufacturing exact copies of lego pieces,
> thus making it very unlikely that they would release these models.
They have multiple resolution models of (some of?) the parts. Releasing
lower resolution versions shouldn't be a problem. Not that I ever see it
happening anyway...
Steve
--
Barb & Steve Demlow | demlow@visi.com | www.visi.com/~demlow/
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Greetings, Brad, and welcome to LUGNET!
What I love about Lego is the freedom to create.
What I hate is the lack of available resources for materials, not only bricks,
but also instructions/plans.
What I'd most like to see? I'd like to see Lego make a profit on all the work
it has already put in place. To be direct, I want to purchase the
plans/instructions for some of the models seen in the Miniland displays at
Legoland California.
I would cheerfully pay the several hundreds of dollars required to purchase a
kit with bricks and plans for the San Francisco Cable Car. I would easily pay
the thousands of dollars needed to purchase the bricks and plans for the big
Mississippi Riverboat. I'd like to buy the plans to all the boats in the New
England village. And the combine harvester!
When I get back from my month-long United Kingdom vacation, I'll be able to
expand the above list based on my visits to Legoland Windsor - but I'm sure you
get the idea.
Thanks for joining us! I look forward to hearing about, and making use of, your
division's services.
Paul Sinasohn
250 sets
50,000+ pieces
Member, Bay Area Lego User Group (BAYLUG)
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Are you hiring?
If you start offering bulk sales i'll need to find a new "Job", so it might
as well be with you guys!
(For those that don't know, I currently make my money parting out lego sets
on the auction sites.)
Troy
Brad Justus <legodirect@lego.com> wrote in message
news:FMHtE5.Kp2@lugnet.com...
> you by late next Summer. But here's a little preview that we think you'll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering - albeit initially in a • restricted
> format - available by then.
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
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33rdly, I'd like to say a HUGE hello and welcome! Christmas has come early this
year!! I am finding it hard to be composed.. words which describe me are:
exited, happy, amazed, hopeful, joyful, inspired, gladdened, and I'm not too
ashamed to admit, just a little misty eyed from reading your post!
You've just given restored faith to thousands of fans, although don't expect us
to be very coherent for a while :) Also, please don't be afraid to tell us when
we are being unreasonable, or that we can't have what we want for X years, or
at all - for whatever reason!
If we are doing something that you don't like, then let us know that we are
being squiffy - in many cases a swift(ish) reply can stop us squabbling amongst
ourselves :)
I think you've definately done the right thing - even though you can't offer
sets, pieces etc at present.. perhaps the most important thing that you can
offer is to listen - so thank you!
As you've pledged LEGO Direct to us, as a proud member of LUGNET I'd like to
pledge myself to this new era - to be a reasonable and productive participant
of our new relationship.
Thanks again!
Richard
PS. Guys, guys, it's okay, we can put away the cans of blue paint now ;)
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PPS. Are the train windows in the FUTBOL buses and the ressurection of Castle
the result of reading our online wishes, or just coincidence? :) :)
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Brad,
Awesome, simply AWESOME !
Brad Justus wrote:
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
Sounds like S@H is going to be migrating into this new structure, yes ?
> What do you love?
The brick & most everything else that goes with it.
> What do you hate?
o Missing that 'last copy' of a classic set that the store had on the
shelf last week.
o Walking into a store and seeing large quantities of merchandise that
did not sell (for whatever reason).
o Not being able to help move said merchandise to eager buyers
elsewhere, just watching more dust settle on the boxes :(
> How can we help you?
o Fill in the gaps in the Pause set database. Give Todd (or someone) a
'complete' list of sets & numbers.
o By telling us how we can also help you. This could be (and probably
should be) a symbiotic relationship. TLC has the designers, the
equipment, the molds, the transport system, etc. How can we fit into
this puzzle to take our dreams, aspirations and ideas to fulfillment
while making Lego Direct 'the strongest brand in the world amongst
families by the year 2005' ?
o oh yes, more pine trees :)
o and shooting cannons :) :)
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
and a happy holiday to you and yours, Brad
Ray Sanders
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In lugnet.general, Ray Sanders writes:
> > How can we help you?
>
> o Fill in the gaps in the Pause set database. Give Todd (or someone) a
> 'complete' list of sets & numbers.
What a GREAT idea Ray. Also, I think it would be safe to say that we'd be ok
if there were links from current sets to the Lego web site to buy them. Kinda
like some of the sets that say\said "You may be able to purchase this set
online at eToys". Not only the Pause database though, but the brickshelf one
as well.
Ben Roller
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In lugnet.general, Ben Roller writes:
> Not only the Pause database though, but the brickshelf one as well.
Ooh, ooh, and the LDRAW database. I would like to see Lego's naming convention
of parts (meaning the stuff they use) published for the Ldraw community.
Ben Roller
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In lugnet.general, Ben Roller writes:
> In lugnet.general, Ben Roller writes:
> > Not only the Pause database though, but the brickshelf one as well.
>
> Ooh, ooh, and the LDRAW database. I would like to see Lego's naming • convention
> of parts (meaning the stuff they use) published for the Ldraw community.
>
> Ben Roller
Along the same lines: make your parts available in LDraw format, or
some other format that you already use and publish the details so
we can convert them to LDraw format!
Welcome! I'm a recently revived AFOL (I gave up when set complexity
went drastically down (others here call it juniorization) and the
interesting sets (Technic) were all cars, which generate a big yawn
from me) I revived for MindStorms and the pneumatic submarine sets.
What do I love?
Lego Technic, Mindstorms, Pitsco-Dacta educational sets...
What do I hate?
Juniorization, limited use pieces. I'd *love* to see some
explanation in instructions after a subsystem has been constructed
regarding how the subsystem works, why it was built the way it was,
and some of the design "cliche's" that can be seen in the construction
of the subsystem. Help bring KABOB's into adulthood as AFOLs!
-Peter
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Ben Roller wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Ben Roller writes:
> > Not only the Pause database though, but the brickshelf one as well.
>
> Ooh, ooh, and the LDRAW database. I would like to see Lego's naming convention
> of parts (meaning the stuff they use) published for the Ldraw community.
>
> Ben Roller
With ALL the part numbers! if such a list came out it would be the ultimate
reference for afols.
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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This is the coolest thing I have ever read... |:->
Brad Justus wrote:
>
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
--
G. Crisp - gcrisp@mindspring.com
"Indian, indian, what did you die for? Indian says 'Nothing at all.'"
-- Jim Morrison
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This is the coolest thing I have ever read... |:->
Brad Justus wrote:
>
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
<snip>
--
G. Crisp - gcrisp@mindspring.com
"Indian, indian, what did you die for? Indian says 'Nothing at all.'"
-- Jim Morrison
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Oops! Newsreader error?
"G. Crisp" wrote:
>
> This is the coolest thing I have ever read... |:->
>
> Brad Justus wrote:
> >
> > To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
>
> <snip>
>
> --
>
> G. Crisp - gcrisp@mindspring.com
>
> "Indian, indian, what did you die for? Indian says 'Nothing at all.'"
> -- Jim Morrison
--
G. Crisp - gcrisp@mindspring.com
"Indian, indian, what did you die for? Indian says 'Nothing at all.'"
-- Jim Morrison
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In lugnet.general, Greg Crisp writes:
> Oops! Newsreader error?
Nah, it's probably the coolest thing that I've ever read too, so I'm not
suprised if your newsreader agreed :)
Richard
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Guess I just got my birthday present a day early. Great news, can't
wait.
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"I'm officially freaked out now." :) -TS2
Brad Justus wrote:
> ...But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll like: we are planning to
> make bulk ordering...
What!? This is only a "little preview". How could this get better?
> What do you love?
Bricks! Can never have enough basic bricks!
Star Wars Lego! Though some of the SW sets need some help.
> What do you hate?
Minifig count per set. Example: Old castles came with 10+ troops, now it's about
half that.
> How can we help you?
- Lord of the Rings Lego!!!!!
- Monorails!!!!!
- Can you say "Bulk Minifigs"?
- Don't re-release old sets, just make them better!!
- Increase the time that a set is available.
- More Neat Technic-Figs..
- Bulk Bricks and Sloped Bricks
- I need a Trillion Dollars!
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
"...And visions of Lego creations danced in their heads."
Elliot Hyde
Over a thousand dollars of Lego. Not much. :)
TFOL
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Mr. LEGO Direct
I just received my order for 40 service packs of grey bricks. This is in
addition to the 40 I purchased last month. I am very thrilled that you are
considering bulk ordering. I'd appreciate such a service, especially in a
broader colour variety of bricks, plates, and slopes. (I remember vainly
begging to order brown bricks earlier this year via the phone). Thanks for
listening.
Henry Lim
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
Snip message
Wow
Santa Lives
My wish may come true BULK BUYS
My how a bad day at works gets good when you get home!!!!!
matt
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Dear Brad,
Indeed you are the bearer of more than just some holiday cheer! Welcome to
Lugnet from one of it's "down under" members. I'm very excited after reading
this post, and look forward to more from you and your organisation in ALL of
the different newsgroups. Nothing better than having the creators of the
product in on the discussion.
I hate to be the stick in the mud amongst all these excited responses, but
living in Australia (I could be cynical and say "not living in the USA") I am
interested in how truely "global" this new service will be. Two of my biggest
gripes are the availability of parts and sets in Australia, and the cost of
the sets. Whilst the advent of the internet has shrunk the world to the size
of your average desktop, the real world is still a large place, and (I speak
for Australian AFOL's only here) we tend to feel very much left out of the
picture when it comes to being recognised as a market.
You have asked some generic questions in your post. Might I suggest an on-line
questionare posted on Lugnet, or available by request, which addresses these
and a few other issues. We are all dying to give you feedback, and I think it
should be in a sensible and easily digestible format. After all, we all want
results from this feedback. Maybe it could be e-mailed to all the people who
have taken out Lugnet membership! <<ducks rotten tomatoes thrown by large
number of non-members>> Hey, steady on!!! Just kidding!!!
You mentioned you've been reading here for a while. If you haven't already
done so, I would suggest reading all the posts in lugnet.dear-lego and
lugnet.people for starters (hey, if you've got the time, read ALL the Lugnet
posts - it's a real hoot!). This will give you a good overview of what we're
on about.
Please forgive my somewhat cynical second paragraph, it's something I've been
on about for many years. I am, along with every other FOL, extremely excited
about this bold new step TLC is taking, and I hope - no, I know! - it will pay
off for all of us!
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
You too!
Pete Callaway
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> > – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
(sorry snipped this drastically due to my inordinatly long ramble)
Welcome Brad
Just wanted to add my voice to the thousands of AFOL's all over the world, who
are REJOICING right now!!!!
just wanted to say that since the new 2000 set information started coming in,
I've been wondering whats going on. Change has been in the wind.
There have been a number of new set decisions that we have been celebrating
here of late. Unusual decisions hoped for but not expected. There have been a
few sets that have been unexpectedly bought out of retirement, such as:
Castles - Keep this going for a few years, please, you won't regret it)
Toolo (I for one am really pleased about that, and the new elements are
amazing)
Fabuland,(though I must say that classic fabuland would've been better, I for
one hate the new Disney sets and I think there is a lot who would agree with
me?????)
Remote control racers (these were discontinued here in Australia, for 1999,
I'm assuming that they were discontinued everywhere else too? These are back
for 2000)
Duplo Clowns (I know this was very popular when it was first released, please
continue this theme, what about a circus tent, with acrobats, lion tamers etc)
I found it amazing that these themes were being re-visited, would like to know
if it is a "nostalgic, lets revisit the sets everyone loved for the new
millenium" kinda thing, or are you going to continue these themes for a while,
and add to them (hope so,)
Would like to say thank you, anyway for the above sets, (plus dinosaur
adventurers)
I'd like to add a couple of wishes that I have, firstly as a AFOL (woman) who
buys for herself, I'd really like to see more female figures, in strong, not
supplementary/decorative only roles. Though more of these would be good too,
just more figures all round please. I am not alone in hoping that the castle
female figures will be available seperately, can't afford to buy multiples of
the castle set just to get an extra castle wench!
The new Duplo train lineup is fantastic, but to be able to purchase carriages
seperatly instead of in large sets would be great. As someone who currently
has approx 30 metres of track,(plus 5 boxes of points, three bridges and four
level crossings) I cant justify too much more, though I really want the new
passenger train, without all the extras.
While I'm on a roll, I con't help adding that I would really like to see a
return to pirates (or maybe vikings instead!)
In duplo, I'd really like to see a return to the previous quality, for
example, the 1999 light and sound vehicles, had NON - REPLACEABLE!!! batteries,
(a big disapointment) these same vehicles had roof and trailor components that
a (strong) four yr old couldnt take off and put on by himself, meaning
creative play was stifled by having to constantly find a grown up to help.
Also the plastic in these same vehicles was thinner and more flexible (read
less durable) than in all my other duplo.
Finally, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE release all of the sets in every country, at the
same time. As an Aussie, I'm so tired of having to wait until MARCH to see the
new sets come in.
I must also add that when I read your post, I was hoping that your offer to
purchase bulk parts, etc, was going to be a world wide offer, please don't
disadvantage us (non-U.S AFOLS) any further, (and perhaps the pricing here in
Australia could be looked at also?????
)
OK OK I'll shut up......
There will be many requests, complaints, demands and compliments from here on
in, esp[ecially now we know that someone is listening!!!! (and caring) If you
got this far.......It's great to have you on board, thank you, and thank you
for all the fantastic sets that are going to keep me VERY broke next year.
Rachel :-)
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Wow.
Wow.
<standing on head and waving legs around>
excuse me, I've calmed down a bit now. I didn't reply to this when I saw
it on rtl, being a bit of a cynic, but if it's got past the LUGNET
checks and balances then I'll take it to be genuine.
What do I want?
* Bulk parts (yes, I'm a Lego parts seller and I STILL want bulk
parts!)(including Technic as well as System).
* re-availablility of older sets (how about everything Town andTrain
from about 1990 to 1996 or so!)
* Availability of ALL sets in ALL markets, including promotional sets
(even if there has to be a time lag while they are used for their
original promotional purpose)
* Availability of parts in all colors - light blue! brown! pink! light
green!
* Train items in addition to one solitary set available in stores
* New themes: historic buildings (from Greece, Rome and Egypy throught
medieval, Renaissance, Colonial, etc), more historically accurate
castles
* Animals of all kinds - especially farm animals
* Trans blue and trans-clear BURPs in the Arctic theme - icebergs!
* Better availability of minifgs (ie more variety of minifig packs) even
if it has to wait a while (eg the White Ninja Princess should be
available in a minifig pack once she's helped the sale of the large set
she was in for a year or so)
* If you must juniorise sets (eg City Centre - blecchhhh) please let us
have a Senior range in the same theme, so we can build eg a decent town.
(I build mostly my own designs of buildings - see my website link below
- but I like having decent Lego building sets available for the cool
ideas and the parts and the minifigs).
* "car doors" in the range of sizes one used to be able to get back in
the 70s, not just 1x3x1
* Better variety of windows and doors, more (realistic) designs, more
colors, and available through Lego Direct not just in sets! Trying to
get a decent selection of windows is a perennial problem for all Lego
Town builders.
* Better promotion of Lego's direct selling services. Even some Lego
Maniac kids I know don't realise Shop at Home exists (or didn't till I
got at them <g>)
* Make DACTA sets available more easily through direct sales.
* Support from lego for people like many of us who promote Lego to kids
around them. Not just giving presents to friends and relatives but
running train shows, running lego "classes" at schools, etc etc.
* A decent catalog which shows *everything* you can buy, not just a
selection.
* No more restrictions by country! Canada does pretty well but our
"Holiday Magic" catalog from S@H had about 45 pages compared to the US
75 pages.
I could go on, but I won't...
Welcome, Brad - and thanks for the great Xmas gift of your presence!
Kevin Wilson
Vancouver, BC Canada
--
Email: kwilson_tccs@compuserve.com
Web page:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kwilson_tccs/default.html
eBay Page: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/kevinw1/
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Hello Brad;
Welcome to Lugnet & rec.toys.lego.
Your announcement of LEGO Direct is excellent news, a wonderful
Christmas present indeed.
Bulk purchasing has to be the single most common desire we LEGO fans
have. Providing that service as soon as possible will truly allow
LEGO fans to begin building anything their imagination and creativity
permit.
I look forward to reading your replies to the many requests and
comments already posted.
Making a place for communications with LEGO Direct here on Lugnet
seems like a good idea.
I also think someone here on Lugnet (or yourself if you prefer) should
begin building an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) containing your
answers to commonly asked questions.
We can then direct people to that FAQ, hopefully cutting down on the
huge volume of mail you're about to receive.
My best hopes and wishes for this new LEGO Direct service.
Ian Sinclair <ICS>
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Brad,
Let me join everyone else in welcoming you to LUGNET. Without a doubt,
this one of the greatest moves TLC could make. I wish you well in it.
Above all, it's wonderful to have AFOL's recognized as a valued sector of
the market. Thanks! I'm sure you'll find all sorts of information,
opinion, and suggestions here to let you know how you're doing. 8) This is
perhaps the greatest possible collection of LEGO talent, enthusiasm, and
marketing data, outside of TLC itself, that you could ever hope for. Seems
to me this could end up being a gold mine for everyone! Lastly, in a time
where services and responsiveness to the customer has become a major factor,
and a major stumbling block for many companies, it's refreshing to see TLC
making an effort to engage it's customers and be willing to listen.
As the webmaster for the US support call center for Hewlett-Packard, I
know what a challenge it can be and that we continually work at it.
Congratulations, and welcome to the family!
--
Ben Vaughan
buster@marsbase.com
http://www.marsbase.com
------------------------------------------
The few, the proud...the plastic.
Brad Justus <legodirect@lego.com> wrote in message
news:FMHtE5.Kp2@lugnet.com...
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For
those
(snip!)
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In lugnet.dear-lego, "Brad Justus" <legodirect@lego.com> writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
Brad and colleagues at LEGO Direct:
Wow! 8^) Not sure where to begin...
Reading through the flood of positive responses, it seems that with one
single post you have given hope to thousands of adult LEGO enthusiasts
online and to tens of thousands more down the road who will someday look
back upon this moment with much rejoicing. Your widely-scoped post is the
olive branch we have all hoped for so long would someday come.
Once again, Yes!! welcome to our little corner of the world! Take off your
coat, stay awhile -- and if we had some virtual hot mulled apple cider, I'd
offer that too. :-)
Don't worry too much about tracking any mud in. As I'm sure you've already
discovered, things can get a little crazy or crass here at times. But by
and large, I think you and your colleagues will feel comfortable having
dialogues with a surprisingly enthusiastic, creative, mature, and well-
intentioned crowd. I sincerely believe there exists no other group of
enthusiasts so truly devoted to a product and brand.
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
Wicked excellent! I've been running parts auctions for more than 5 years to
obtain certain parts in quantities, so even a "restricted format" sounds
like a delicious entrée to me. :-)
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
Reformatting lugnet.dear-lego (by retroactively altering its charter) sounds
like a great idea to me (and to Suzanne). Anyone have any objections to
that?
I like the idea especially for the following reasons:
1. If people at Lego Direct are planning to read and participate actively
in at least one of the groups here, then lugnet.dear-lego is just as
good as any, IMHO.
2. If a group named something else were created, then lugnet.dear-lego
would probably still end up being used a lot of the time anyway by
people, since it's an inviting name and a top-level group.
3. Since lugnet.dear-lego is a top-level group, it is perfectly positioned
for additional subgroups later...if, when, and as appropriate.
4. Any additional focused subgroups of lugnet.dear-lego created down the
road would each be subscribeable via e-mail (as mailing lists) just like
any other lugnet newsgroup, which could be nice for people at Lego
Direct if the volume of traffic in the main .dear-lego group is high.
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
Encouraged indeed!
--Todd Lehman, co-founder & co-admin, LUGNET
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In lugnet.dear-lego, admin@lugnet.com (Todd Lehman) writes:
> [...]
> Reformatting lugnet.dear-lego (by retroactively altering its charter) sounds
> like a great idea to me (and to Suzanne). Anyone have any objections to
> that?
>
> I like the idea especially for the following reasons:
>
> 1. If people at Lego Direct are planning to read and participate actively
> in at least one of the groups here, then lugnet.dear-lego is just as
> good as any, IMHO.
>
> 2. If a group named something else were created, then lugnet.dear-lego
> would probably still end up being used a lot of the time anyway by
> people, since it's an inviting name and a top-level group.
>
> 3. Since lugnet.dear-lego is a top-level group, it is perfectly positioned
> for additional subgroups later...if, when, and as appropriate.
>
> 4. Any additional focused subgroups of lugnet.dear-lego created down the
> road would each be subscribeable via e-mail (as mailing lists) just like
> any other lugnet newsgroup, which could be nice for people at Lego
> Direct if the volume of traffic in the main .dear-lego group is high.
How does this sound as a new charter for lugnet.dear-lego:
lugnet.dear-lego: Online communication-to-LEGO channel;
formal dialogues with the LEGO Company; suggestions,
opinions, likes & dislikes, questions, etc.
[Brad, is there anything in the text immediately above which should not be
encouraged (for example, product suggestions)? Or do you intend for LEGO
Direct to go the whole nine yards and become intimiately involved?]
--Todd Lehman
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In lugnet.general, Todd Lehman writes:
> Reformatting lugnet.dear-lego (by retroactively altering its charter) sounds
> like a great idea to me (and to Suzanne). Anyone have any objections to
> that?
Not an objection, just a suggestion...
Until now, lugnet.dear-lego has been used as (to quote someone else)
essentially a "Dear Santa" group. No doubt there will still be times that
somone wants to say (scream, whine, throw) something at TLC without really
expecting a response, or feeling that it really needs the attention of someone
at Lego Direct. If the charter of lugnet.dear-lego changes to being the
channel in which people are trying to communicate directly with Lego, then
they're deprived of a place to do it (which is not, of course, to say that Brad
et al. won't *read* lugnet.dear-lego, just that people posting there aren't
*necessarily* expecting a response or to be taken 100% seriously).
If a new hierarchy is created, however, it leaves us with lugnet.dear-lego for
the purposes of railing away at the heavens or babbling about things we don't
expect to really see ("...but a James Bond theme would be so cool!") without
having to burden the good folks at Lego Direct with it. And on top of that, it
gives a fresh start to a new group where (semi-)serious communication with Lego
can begin.
Like I said, not an objection, just some points for consideration.
eric
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Lorbaat wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Todd Lehman writes:
>
> > Reformatting lugnet.dear-lego (by retroactively altering its charter) sounds
> > like a great idea to me (and to Suzanne). Anyone have any objections to
> > that?
>
> Not an objection, just a suggestion...
>
> Until now, lugnet.dear-lego has been used as (to quote someone else)
> essentially a "Dear Santa" group. No doubt there will still be times that
> somone wants to say (scream, whine, throw) something at TLC without really
> expecting a response, or feeling that it really needs the attention of someone
> at Lego Direct. If the charter of lugnet.dear-lego changes to being the
> channel in which people are trying to communicate directly with Lego, then
> they're deprived of a place to do it (which is not, of course, to say that Brad
> et al. won't *read* lugnet.dear-lego, just that people posting there aren't
> *necessarily* expecting a response or to be taken 100% seriously).
I agree totally :)
>
>
> If a new hierarchy is created, however, it leaves us with lugnet.dear-lego for
> the purposes of railing away at the heavens or babbling about things we don't
> expect to really see ("...but a James Bond theme would be so cool!") without
> having to burden the good folks at Lego Direct with it. And on top of that, it
> gives a fresh start to a new group where (semi-)serious communication with Lego
> can begin.
I think a new group is certainly warranted for this occasion. It would indeed
allow a "fresh start" and open a serious channel of communication. I would sugegst
a brand-new group too.
>
>
>
> Like I said, not an objection, just some points for consideration.
>
> eric
--
Thomas Main
main@appstate.edu
http://members.xoom.com/brickenplate/index.html
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In lugnet.general, Thomas Main writes:
> Lorbaat wrote:
> > Until now, lugnet.dear-lego has been used as (to quote someone else)
> > essentially a "Dear Santa" group. No doubt there will still be times that
> > somone wants to say (scream, whine, throw) something at TLC without really
> > expecting a response, or feeling that it really needs the attention of
> > someone at Lego Direct.
Like for kvetching or a whinging/whining? :-)
> > If the charter of lugnet.dear-lego changes to being the
> > channel in which people are trying to communicate directly with Lego, then
> > they're deprived of a place to do it (which is not, of course, to say that
> > Brad et al. won't *read* lugnet.dear-lego, just that people posting there
> > aren't *necessarily* expecting a response or to be taken 100% seriously).
>
> I agree totally :)
Hmm, sticky point.
> > If a new hierarchy is created, however, it leaves us with lugnet.dear-lego
> > for the purposes of railing away at the heavens or babbling about things
> > we don't expect to really see ("...but a James Bond theme would be so
> > cool!") without having to burden the good folks at Lego Direct with it.
> > And on top of that, it gives a fresh start to a new group where
> > (semi-)serious communication with Lego can begin.
>
> I think a new group is certainly warranted for this occasion. It would
> indeed allow a "fresh start" and open a serious channel of communication.
> I would sugegst a brand-new group too.
If Brad has no objections and could suggest a couple (or more, if he wants)
sub-group topic areas that he and/or his colleagues would find most helpful,
I'm all for turning it into a hierarchy and creating a new group, rather than
purely repurposing the existing group.
Can we think of some topical sub-groups of .dear-lego that we would like to
see? I think somebody mentioned a "top 10" wish-list...if it wasn't a joke,
then I'll bet at least 3 of those are common enough wishes to warrant whole
separate groups for each. I'm thinking of bulk purchases, for one. IIRC,
when Jeroen Ottens posted in February, that generated something like 400
messages across 2-3 threads, and most of that ended up being about bulk
purchases as a wish-list item. The AU/NZ inventory-scrapping thing a couple
months ago was another big deal.
Really, wow, though, it could conceivably expand to just about any number of
groups since there are so many things to talk about. Depends I guess on how
"deep" LD wants to get into things......
--Todd
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I would think as a minimum we'd need:
dear-lego.bulk (requests to add a part to the service)
dear-lego.rant
dear-lego.sets (discuss what sets to rerelease, if that is ever a possibility -
by
rerelease, I mean the original set OR a remake like Metro/Retrostation)
dear-lego.legodirect (suggestions/improvement to, questions about Lego Direct)
Todd Lehman wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Thomas Main writes:
> > Lorbaat wrote:
> > > Until now, lugnet.dear-lego has been used as (to quote someone else)
> > > essentially a "Dear Santa" group. No doubt there will still be times that
> > > somone wants to say (scream, whine, throw) something at TLC without really
> > > expecting a response, or feeling that it really needs the attention of
> > > someone at Lego Direct.
>
> Like for kvetching or a whinging/whining? :-)
>
> > > If the charter of lugnet.dear-lego changes to being the
> > > channel in which people are trying to communicate directly with Lego, then
> > > they're deprived of a place to do it (which is not, of course, to say that
> > > Brad et al. won't *read* lugnet.dear-lego, just that people posting there
> > > aren't *necessarily* expecting a response or to be taken 100% seriously).
> >
> > I agree totally :)
>
> Hmm, sticky point.
>
> > > If a new hierarchy is created, however, it leaves us with lugnet.dear-lego
> > > for the purposes of railing away at the heavens or babbling about things
> > > we don't expect to really see ("...but a James Bond theme would be so
> > > cool!") without having to burden the good folks at Lego Direct with it.
> > > And on top of that, it gives a fresh start to a new group where
> > > (semi-)serious communication with Lego can begin.
> >
> > I think a new group is certainly warranted for this occasion. It would
> > indeed allow a "fresh start" and open a serious channel of communication.
> > I would sugegst a brand-new group too.
>
> If Brad has no objections and could suggest a couple (or more, if he wants)
> sub-group topic areas that he and/or his colleagues would find most helpful,
> I'm all for turning it into a hierarchy and creating a new group, rather than
> purely repurposing the existing group.
>
> Can we think of some topical sub-groups of .dear-lego that we would like to
> see? I think somebody mentioned a "top 10" wish-list...if it wasn't a joke,
> then I'll bet at least 3 of those are common enough wishes to warrant whole
> separate groups for each. I'm thinking of bulk purchases, for one. IIRC,
> when Jeroen Ottens posted in February, that generated something like 400
> messages across 2-3 threads, and most of that ended up being about bulk
> purchases as a wish-list item. The AU/NZ inventory-scrapping thing a couple
> months ago was another big deal.
>
> Really, wow, though, it could conceivably expand to just about any number of
> groups since there are so many things to talk about. Depends I guess on how
> "deep" LD wants to get into things......
>
> --Todd
--
| Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
| Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
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In lugnet.general, Todd Lehman writes:
> Can we think of some topical sub-groups of .dear-lego that we would like to
> see?
Just to clarify, my suggestion was meant to inspire the idea that a new hierchy
be established (ie, "lugnet.lego-direct", "lugnet.lego-direct.bulk", etc),
rather than skipping straight to segmenting lugnet.dear-lego. If the main
group in the dear-lego hierarchy were for railing/whinging/etc, would subgroups
logically be for railing/whinging/etc about more specific topics?
eric
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In lugnet.general, Eric Joslin writes:
> In lugnet.general, Todd Lehman writes:
>
> > Can we think of some topical sub-groups of .dear-lego that we would like to
> > see?
>
> Just to clarify, my suggestion was meant to inspire the idea that a new
> hierchy be established (ie, "lugnet.lego-direct", "lugnet.lego-direct.bulk",
> etc), rather than skipping straight to segmenting lugnet.dear-lego.
This strikes me as a Good Idea.
James
http://www.shades-of-night.com/lego/
1: WAAHOO! (people have been looking at me funny since yesterday afternoon -
I just can' stop the occaisional WAAHOO! from coming out. :)
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In lugnet.general, Eric Joslin writes:
> Just to clarify, my suggestion was meant to inspire the idea that a new
> hierchy be established (ie, "lugnet.lego-direct", "lugnet.lego-direct.
> bulk", etc), rather than skipping straight to segmenting lugnet.dear-lego.
> If the main group in the dear-lego hierarchy were for railing/whinging/etc,
> would subgroups logically be for railing/whinging/etc about more specific
> topics?
No, but in the case of splitting the group into subgroups, the original
charter wouldn't have to change. It's simply
lugnet.dear-lego: Open letters to the LEGO Group (not necessarily
to be read by anyone at LEGO)
and that doesn't necessarily mean that negative karma is the only thing
left over for that group after creating subgroups...there's still plenty
of all kinds of things.
--Todd
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Thomas Main <main@appstate.edu> wrote:
> > they're deprived of a place to do it (which is not, of course, to say
> > that Brad et al. won't *read* lugnet.dear-lego, just that people posting
> > there aren't *necessarily* expecting a response or to be taken 100%
> > seriously).
>
> I agree totally :)
Yeah, I'm usually not a big fan of "me too" posts, but this is gonna be one,
because I'm too tired for anything else. So:
Yeah, me too.
--
Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
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On Fri, 10 Dec 1999, Lorbaat wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Todd Lehman writes:
>
> > Reformatting lugnet.dear-lego (by retroactively altering its charter) sounds
> > like a great idea to me (and to Suzanne). Anyone have any objections to
> > that?
>
> Not an objection, just a suggestion...
>
> Until now, lugnet.dear-lego has been used as (to quote someone else)
> essentially a "Dear Santa" group. No doubt there will still be times that
> somone wants to say (scream, whine, throw) something at TLC without really
> expecting a response, or feeling that it really needs the attention of someone
> at Lego Direct.
Let's make a lugnet.rant group, then, for people who feel like ranting at
nobody in particular. I think lugnet.dear-lego is just too perfect to
pass up as a channel to LEGO direct.
-Laura's 2 cents
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Brad Justus wrote:
>
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
DECEMBER 9
On this day in history,
1845 U.S. President Polk offers Mexico $25M to buy California (Mexico
refuses offer)
1865 The New York Stock Exchange has new home on Broad St.
1940 British launch their first major offensive of WWII in North Africa
1949 Chiang Kai Shek flees to Formosa
1961 "The Twist" as performed by Chubby Checker tops the charts
1963 Studebaker closes last of its U.S. manufacturing plants
1987 The Palestinian Intifada Begins on the Gaza Strip
1990 Lech Walesa Elected President of Poland
1999 The Lego Company announces bulk ordering
-- dave
David Blomberg
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D Blomberg wrote:
> Brad Justus wrote:
> >
> > To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> > like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> > format – available by then.
>
>
> DECEMBER 9
> On this day in history,
>
> 1845 U.S. President Polk offers Mexico $25M to buy California (Mexico
> refuses offer)
Oooh, bad precedent. They won't sell it? We'll just wait a few years and take it!
> 1865 The New York Stock Exchange has new home on Broad St.
The jury's still out on this one.
> 1940 British launch their first major offensive of WWII in North Africa
That didn't last long.
> 1949 Chiang Kai Shek flees to Formosa
...thus dooming Taiwan to the brutal martial rule of a siege state. Granted, this
isn't too different in function than the alternative.
> 1961 "The Twist" as performed by Chubby Checker tops the charts
Well, OK, you have me here--this isn't exactly depressing, unless you take offence
at Chubby Checker's choice of sweaters.
> 1963 Studebaker closes last of its U.S. manufacturing plants
A moment of silence, please...the deceased? Automotive style (at least until the
90s).
> 1987 The Palestinian Intifada Begins on the Gaza Strip
Hmmm, another depressing neocolonial uprising.
> 1990 Lech Walesa Elected President of Poland
I've always found it humorous that Poland had a Lech as a president before the
United States did (but only barely). <insert rim shot here>
> 1999 The Lego Company announces bulk ordering
It's always great to end on a **positive** note! I hardly remember all of that
other stuff. ;)
best
Lindsay
---
Lindsay Frederick Braun (Mr)
Department of History
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
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Brad Justus <legodirect@lego.com> wrote in message
news:FMHtE5.Kp2@lugnet.com...
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
<snip>
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> - Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
These that I've just read are unbelievingly wonderful. I hope you won't
forget there are Lego fans living outside of Central/Western Europe and USA,
and made the thing available to all of us..:-)
Your Welcome,
Selçuk Göre (from Turkey)
sgore@superonline.com
~30000 Bricks
~200 Sets
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On Fri, 10 Dec 1999, Selçuk <teyyareci> (<FMIn6q.EDs@lugnet.com>) wrote
at 08:21:01
>
>
> These that I've just read are unbelievingly wonderful. I hope you won't
> forget there are Lego fans living outside of Central/Western Europe and USA,
> and made the thing available to all of us..:-)
>
> Your Welcome,
>
> Selçuk Göre (from Turkey)
> sgore@superonline.com
At the risk of sounding like a me too post, I'd like to go right along
with Selçuk on this one. *Please* don't forget the rest of the world in
your initiatives.
--
Tony Priestman
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
<snip>
(The original message DEFINITELY deserves to be in the Spotlight section.)
I have never seen so many responses to single a message. Brad, you have come
to us bearing great news, and I'm sure we're all excited about it.
With this move, TLC has taken a huge step towards accomplishing its goal to be
THE brand name within all households.
I'm still stunned from reading that message...
Bryan
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To Brad Justus and all at LEGO Direct,
Greetings!
It is terrific that LEGO wants to deal directly with
customers and to discover what they want.
From the early responses it ought to be pretty clear what
the "Top Ten" list should look like (bulk order) so I'm
(ancient theme) going to let those alone (Town Sr.) Just
consider it all to be seconded (more trains.)
Now, what I would like to ask from LEGO:
1. Better books. I grew up in the 80s with the Idea Books
like 6000 (which first introduced Space and Castle to the
Town system.) Looking over this one recently for some tips,
I realized that most everything in there was made with parts
you could expect to obtain from common sets. Today with the
DK books (I have the Ultimate Lego Book) this is not true
(yet?) Maybe you could make the rare parts available, but
better to put out more balanced books.
2. Bigger and varied Freestyle sets. The 25th Anniversary
buckets were a pretty good mix and I would still buy those
Freestyle assortments if they were offered. (Cardboard boxes
would be fine in place of buckets and tubs.) However, I want
you to rotate the selection of colors of things like doors
and windows and roof bricks and plates. Too much red! This
year's Classic sets are refreshing and full of little
changes, but they have low piece counts, and are very hard
to find in stores. The 4288 red bucket is good by itself
(4222 is better) but it is monotone and not big enough. Just
so you know, of the buckets and tubs issued in 1995-1998, I
bought about 40,000 bricks (chiefly 4128 and 3026/3027.)
I can't resist pointing out that Apple has done very well
with selling colored computers--how about delivering the
Classic Bucket simultaneously in five different color
schemes?
I think I'll end with that. Here's to an exciting five
years!
Erik Olson AFOL, NY
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All-
Ack! I go out for a night at the bar, and LUGNET explodes! That'll teach me to
have a social life, shame on me.
To Brad and TLC/LD, welcome. It's been a long time coming (coming as it will just
as I'm moving to Europe, darn the timing!) and I'm delighted to see it. Bulk
ordering? Oh yes, bulk ordering...oh my, yes. 6x5x2 inverse-45-deg slope
fairings, bring 'em back!
As to Frank's suggestions of a holiday conspiracy over the scans and this
announcement, my feeling is that so long as it involves something like this and
not abductions/various probings by aliens/government implantation of
devices/absconding with my LEGO, conspire away! :) I do think someone *had* to
know about it--after all, you can't post to LUGNET until you've gotten clearance
to do so from the admins, correct? And how on Earth would a "lego.com" domain
address have gotten by Todd and Suz without being noticed? :) It may also
explain the good cop/bad cop feeling some of us detected from them...hmmm.
So if it was planned and expected, kudos to all! If not, kudos to all anyways!
best wishes
Lindsay
PS: If you need those operators and sorters, I'm interested. ;) Tank grad
school to sort LEGO? It's a thought...
---
Lindsay Frederick Braun (Mr)
Department of History
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
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Brad Justus wrote in message ...
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> >
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step • towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the • world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and • responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
Please let this infer that LEGO is going to move some of their line back to
the center to attract more girls!!!!!
Rose
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Wow! This is a major, major breakthrough since the days of RTL just a few
years ago when the only place online to discuss Lego was just one unorganized
group with no order where spammers lurked every day and messages expired after
a short period of time.
Thanks to the years of hard work of Todd Lehman & friends who created a large
Lego site which now includes multiple discussion groups, centralized database
of most Lego sets ever released, close to 500 links to Lego-related pages and
even a spotlight page which shows what's going on in Lego every day, we will
now be able to order bulk quantities of specialized pieces and who knows what
else as the relationship of AFOLs with TLC grows into a great friendship. Way
to go Todd!!!!!!
One far-off day in about 50-60 years or more when Todd Lehman is no more, his
underwear with the Lugnet logo will be auctioned off on Ebay for thousands of
dollars with hundreds of eager bidders sitting in front of their monitors at
the last minutes of this great auction sweating, swearing and frantically
trying to reload their pages and submit bids so they too can own this great
Lego collectors item which has been a part of Lego history in making. This
might be the only Lego item which will be sold for more as "used" than in mint
condition. The lucky winner will fly to Massachussets to pick up his prized
winnings personally as the final price will be more than the airplane ticket
itself. He or she will hang their prized possession on top of their fireplace
between an unopened yellow castle and a badly discolored galaxy explorer, look
at it every night and be proud that they own an item that was worn by the
greatest Lego leader of all time.
Anyway, I should stop. Don't flame me. It's 2:30 am here, I drank too much
coffee and can't fall asleep.
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Brad,
Just let me say that what has been said already sums up my feelings perfectly
so I won't make this to long.
I will say welcome and if there is ever a way that we can help I am sure you
will get lots of it and in very clear and well thought out messages as well.
I personally came out of my Dark Ages with the release of the Star Wars sets
but I would have come out earlier if I thought it was acceptable for adults to
build and create with LEGO. I think that anything you can do to keep kids
interest in LEGO into their adult years will benefit TLC's bottom line more
than anything.
I also think that you need to market to girls/women more and not with Belville
and Scala either. It does not have to be pink for a girl to like a product. I
will also share that my wife was insulted by the Belville and Scala sets and
asked why LEGO could not just market the current sets to Girls and maybe make
some sets in the system line marketed to girls like houses and shops in
town.
Again welcome,
Eric Kingsley
The New England LEGO Users Group
http://www.nelug.org/
View my creations at
http://www.nelug.org/members/kingsley/
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
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Eric Kingsley wrote...
> Brad, • ...
> I also think that you need to market to girls/women more and not with • Belville
> and Scala either. It does not have to be pink for a girl to like a • product. I
> will also share that my wife was insulted by the Belville and Scala sets • and
> asked why LEGO could not just market the current sets to Girls and maybe • make
> some sets in the system line marketed to girls like houses and shops in
> town.
I second that and my wife said just the same.
// Eric (too)
--
"The great thing about Lego isn't that you can build something out of it,
the great thing is that you can build something else."
+-------------------------------------------+
Eric Hampusgård (legobiten)
Swedish AFOL Group
purjo at hem dot passagen dot se
+-------------------------------------------+
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HeyHEY! Don't get RID of the pink, just don't expect it to be THE reason a
"girl" set sells.
I LIKE pink for accent, as do many others. As Gary and I have noted, having
pastels in ALL colors would make for a killer Miami layout.
"Eric Hampusgård" wrote:
> Eric Kingsley wrote...
> > Brad, • ...
> > I also think that you need to market to girls/women more and not with • Belville
> > and Scala either. It does not have to be pink for a girl to like a • product. I
> > will also share that my wife was insulted by the Belville and Scala sets • and
> > asked why LEGO could not just market the current sets to Girls and maybe • make
> > some sets in the system line marketed to girls like houses and shops in
> > town.
>
> I second that and my wife said just the same.
>
> // Eric (too)
> --
> "The great thing about Lego isn't that you can build something out of it,
> the great thing is that you can build something else."
>
> +-------------------------------------------+
> Eric Hampusgård (legobiten)
> Swedish AFOL Group
> purjo at hem dot passagen dot se
> +-------------------------------------------+
--
| Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
| Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
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In lugnet.general, Tom Stangl writes:
> HeyHEY! Don't get RID of the pink, just don't expect it to be THE reason a
> "girl" set sells.
>
> I LIKE pink for accent, as do many others. As Gary and I have noted, having
> pastels in ALL colors would make for a killer Miami layout.
I did not mean to imply that TLC should get rid of pink. All I meant was that
pink or any other color should not be the primary marketing influence for a
product. I think pink is great but it should not be a requirement for a set to
me marketed to girls. I would agree that pink would turn off many boys but
that does not mean that TLC could not make a residential or "Main Street"
sub-theme in town that could have pink accents and be marketed to girls and/or
boys.
I really believe that if town were unjuniorized it would be a perfect theme for
girls. I think that boys would eventually move to more action oriented themes
but girls would keep buying the town line along with all us AFOL's.
Just don't dumb things down for girls.
Eric
The New England LEGO Users Group
http://www.nelug.org/
View my creations at
http://www.nelug.org/members/kingsley/
<snip>
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Eric Kingsley wrote:
<snip>
> Just don't dumb things down for girls.
Your spin on TLC's marketing to girls is interesting. Although you and your wife
find it objectionable, I and my daughter don't. In fact, I would say that the
vast majority like it, or otherwise TLC wouldn't have invested so much into it.
I may be wrong, but I think that their market research has discovered that girls
would rather play with midi and maxifigs, rather than minifigs. Boys would rather
play with the space ships and vehicles *for* minifigs. Witness the unsuccessful
Paradisa line. The only people who seem to like it are Art Deco and Miami Vice
fans;-)
So your statement about dumbing things down for girls doesn't make any sense. If
anything, TLC has dumbed down sets for *boys* (ie Town Jr). Just because the
lines directed towards girls (Belville, Scala) come in wild greens, pinks, and
oranges doesn't mean a darned thing. Personally, I find elements colored trans
green, red, yellow, orange, etc. completely unusable and a waste.
Boys' and girls' tastes are different. Expecting them to enjoy the same themes
IMO is unreasonable. I think TLC figured this out long ago and hence the
divergence of marketing strategies for boys and girls.
My .02,
John
>
>
> Eric
>
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John Neal wrote:
> I may be wrong, but I think that their market research has discovered that girls
> would rather play with midi and maxifigs, rather than minifigs. Boys would rather
> play with the space ships and vehicles *for* minifigs. Witness the unsuccessful
> Paradisa line. The only people who seem to like it are Art Deco and Miami Vice
> fans;-)
Hey now, I think Paradisa line was pretty good, I just took out the
pink, and painted parts I couldn't get anywhere else. It still beats out
Clinton Center, Crash City, or whatever Town Junior is called now. :) I
still like my Black Corvette in Poolside Paradise, and my pool! :) :)
> Boys' and girls' tastes are different. Expecting them to enjoy the same themes
> IMO is unreasonable. I think TLC figured this out long ago and hence the
> divergence of marketing strategies for boys and girls.
Boys and girls are different?!?! I thought it was just the hair piece!
:) (Just kidding, John. I agree with your assessments, but I could not
resist!)
Scott S.
"Hi, my name is Scott, and I liked the... Paradisa sets!"
"Hi, Scott."
_________________________________________________________
Scott E. Sanburn
CAD Operator
Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
Work Page:
http://www.aeieng.com/
Home Page:
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/3372/index.html
Main LEGO Page:
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/3372/legoindex.html
Soon to come: Star Wars LEGO Sets Parts Selling Page!
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> Boys and girls are different?!?! I thought it was just the hair piece!
No, you see, BOYS have beards and such and GIRLS have long eyelashes and
lipsticked lips! That's what I think he meant. ;)
Seriously though, I'm a "boy" with long hair, but I don't keep it combed
straight down and the other long hair pieces look dumb for "boys". I don't wear
a cowboy hat, baseball cap, chef's hat and I don't walk around with a helmet on
everyday. Unless I let my hair go much longer to the Qui-Gon length and style,
it's really hard to represent myself in the minifig world. I'd be out of luck
if I didn't wear this pirate hat all the time!
Ben Roller
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John Neal wrote:
> Your spin on TLC's marketing to girls is interesting. Although you and your wife
> find it objectionable, I and my daughter don't. In fact, I would say that the
> vast majority like it, or otherwise TLC wouldn't have invested so much into it.
OTOH, my daughter (now 15) looks with scorn on the "girls" Lego sets.
She likes space themes - realistic ones, not sci-fi. In fact she also
scorns the Lego female faces, calling them "lipstick babes". (She also
scorns Barbie and other "girls stuff" and always has, although I
wouldn't call her a tomboy). Interestingly, though, when she builds her
own spaceships, she's far more interested in building the interiors than
the exteriors, and they are exploration ships, not fighting ships.
Kevin
--
Email: kwilson_tccs@compuserve.com
Web page:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kwilson_tccs/default.html
eBay Page: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/kevinw1/
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Kevin Wilson wrote:
> John Neal wrote:
>
> > Your spin on TLC's marketing to girls is interesting. Although you and your wife
> > find it objectionable, I and my daughter don't. In fact, I would say that the
> > vast majority like it, or otherwise TLC wouldn't have invested so much into it.
>
> OTOH, my daughter (now 15) looks with scorn on the "girls" Lego sets.
That's okay....She's *15*. The sets are geared toward 7-12 year olds.
> She likes space themes - realistic ones, not sci-fi. In fact she also
> scorns the Lego female faces, calling them "lipstick babes".
lol Good for her. Anything beyond the classic smiley is too much, IMHO:-)
> (She also
> scorns Barbie and other "girls stuff" and always has, although I
> wouldn't call her a tomboy). Interestingly, though, when she builds her
> own spaceships, she's far more interested in building the interiors than
> the exteriors, and they are exploration ships, not fighting ships.
It *is* interesting. Girls and boys *are* different. Is that so surprising or
sexist? Not to me (not implying to you, either. Rhetorical, really) Sounds like
you have a great daughter:-)
-John
>
>
> Kevin
>
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In lugnet.general, Kevin Wilson writes:
> John Neal wrote:
>
> > Your spin on TLC's marketing to girls is interesting. Although you and your • wife
> > find it objectionable, I and my daughter don't. In fact, I would say that • the
> > vast majority like it, or otherwise TLC wouldn't have invested so much into • it.
>
> OTOH, my daughter (now 15) looks with scorn on the "girls" Lego sets.
> She likes space themes - realistic ones, not sci-fi. In fact she also
> scorns the Lego female faces, calling them "lipstick babes". (She also
> scorns Barbie and other "girls stuff" and always has, although I
> wouldn't call her a tomboy). Interestingly, though, when she builds her
> own spaceships, she's far more interested in building the interiors than
> the exteriors, and they are exploration ships, not fighting ships.
I'm a boy and I like building interior more than exterior (you'll see some of
that in Seaborn Brick) I once built a recreation of the dinning room in the
movie "THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE" Down to every detail...plates, cups,
decorations on the walls, even all the chracters from the movie!!
Then I turned the whole thing upsidedown, took some pictures, and had a mini
Poseidon Adventure....(I should really get the pictures up)....
So I'm more geared towards interior....the destroying all of it!
Erin
--
> Kevin
>
> --
> Email: kwilson_tccs@compuserve.com
> Web page:
> http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kwilson_tccs/default.html
> eBay Page: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/kevinw1/
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> She likes space themes - realistic ones, not sci-fi. In fact she also
You mean like launch command for example?
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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Jonathan Wilson wrote:
> You mean like launch command for example?
Yes, although she uses the parts to build her own stuff - deep space
ships, or space stations.
Kevin
--
Email: kwilson_tccs@compuserve.com
Web page:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kwilson_tccs/default.html
eBay Page: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/kevinw1/
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In lugnet.general, John Neal writes:
>
>
> Eric Kingsley wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> > Just don't dumb things down for girls.
>
> Your spin on TLC's marketing to girls is interesting. Although you and your • wife
> find it objectionable, I and my daughter don't. In fact, I would say that the
> vast majority like it, or otherwise TLC wouldn't have invested so much into • it.
>
> I may be wrong, but I think that their market research has discovered that • girls
> would rather play with midi and maxifigs, rather than minifigs. Boys would • rather
> play with the space ships and vehicles *for* minifigs. Witness the • unsuccessful
> Paradisa line. The only people who seem to like it are Art Deco and Miami • Vice
> fans;-)
Well, the midi / maxi -figs part for girls might be true, but unsuccessful
paradisa line?
Maybe it's just me, but I was between the 7-12 range when Paradisa was
marketed, and I loved it (and I still like it). My favorite sets (though I did
not own them) were the house with the pool, and the beach cafe`. I owned
Cabana beach (a dock with a surfer, a boat, etc.) and a playground. If I
recall correctly, pink was NOT what attracted me to the sets. The buildings
did that - normal, relaxed situations, but still with as much playability as
space or castle! (Personally, I also liked castle at that age, and I wanted (I
still do...) the 4558 train.)
> Boys' and girls' tastes are different. Expecting them to enjoy the same • themes
> IMO is unreasonable. I think TLC figured this out long ago and hence the
> divergence of marketing strategies for boys and girls.
I don't think that the issue is that girl's tastes are different than
boy's, but that girl's *interests* are different than boy's. This may seem the
same thing, but it's not - most 5-12 girls I know like blue and purple as
favorite colors, only a few like pink. But even if they did like pink the
best, that wouldn't matter at all!
I just asked my sister and neighbor (girls, ages 10 and 7) what stuff they
would like to build the most. The answers were: Houses (my sis), spaceships
(!!) (neighbor). Also, I asked my sister what she would buy if she could
choose from a) a green house or b) a purple (her favorite color) spaceship.
She said the house, because the color didn't matter so much...
(I know, you can't base a conclusion on two girls, but still, it sort-of
proves my point... :-)
> Personally, I find elements colored trans
> green, red, yellow, orange, etc. completely unusable and a waste.
I mostly agree, but decoration is a nice use...
Well, those were my (long) 2 cents worth...
-Shiri
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> I may be wrong, but I think that their market research has discovered that girls
> would rather play with midi and maxifigs, rather than minifigs. Boys would rather
> play with the space ships and vehicles *for* minifigs. Witness the unsuccessful
> Paradisa line. The only people who seem to like it are Art Deco and Miami Vice
> fans;-)
Gotta call you on this one, man. (: I *love* Paradisa. I wish I hadn't
been in my Dark Ages while it was available. I wish I could get ahold of
it -- I need the pieces-parts to build my town, Southern-California
style, but there's no way I can afford them now.
And dang it, it had huge piles of female minifigs! ARGH! I want more
chick minifigs! (:
As for girls preferring midi- or maxi-size figs, I don't know if that's
a truth or not. I can say for certain that I played more with my smaller
dolls when I was a child because it was easier to cart more of them
around with me. (: But I'm weird.
==Leanne
----------------------------------------------------------
Leanne Opaskar lopaskar@san.rr.com
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Leanne Opaskar wrote:
> > I may be wrong, but I think that their market research has discovered that girls
> > would rather play with midi and maxifigs, rather than minifigs. Boys would rather
> > play with the space ships and vehicles *for* minifigs. Witness the unsuccessful
> > Paradisa line. The only people who seem to like it are Art Deco and Miami Vice
> > fans;-)
>
> Gotta call you on this one, man. (: I *love* Paradisa. I wish I hadn't
> been in my Dark Ages while it was available. I wish I could get ahold of
> it -- I need the pieces-parts to build my town, Southern-California
> style, but there's no way I can afford them now.
They weren't all that cheap then, either. I liked the theme as well, but I think
overall it was a flop ie no one bought it.
> And dang it, it had huge piles of female minifigs! ARGH! I want more
> chick minifigs! (:
>
> As for girls preferring midi- or maxi-size figs, I don't know if that's
> a truth or not. I can say for certain that I played more with my smaller
> dolls when I was a child because it was easier to cart more of them
> around with me. (: But I'm weird.
You have a point. I'm thinking of Polly Pockets. Now they were downright tiny, and my
daughter loved them. We have tons of them. But they were cute and a fad; a better
example of a toy standing the test of time is Barbie or, more recently, the American
Girl Doll phenomenon. They are big so that one can play with the accessories as
well;-)
-John
>
>
> ==Leanne
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> Leanne Opaskar lopaskar@san.rr.com
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In lugnet.general, John Neal writes:
>
>
> Eric Kingsley wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> > Just don't dumb things down for girls.
>
> Your spin on TLC's marketing to girls is interesting. Although you and your
> wife find it objectionable, I and my daughter don't. In fact, I would say
> that the vast majority like it, or otherwise TLC wouldn't have invested so
> much into it.
I do not know where you are from so I can't make any assumptions based on your
market but in the US you almost never see either Belville or Scala in stores
and usually when you do see it its in a specialty store (in my experiance
anyway). I think that the the direct compition for these sets in the states is
Barbie and IMHO that is a losing battle. I therefore do not think that these
lines are successful in the U.S. anyway and that is my only perspective. These
lines may be very successful in other contries.
> I may be wrong, but I think that their market research has discovered that
> girls would rather play with midi and maxifigs, rather than minifigs. Boys
> would rather play with the space ships and vehicles *for* minifigs. Witness
> the unsuccessful Paradisa line. The only people who seem to like it are Art
> Deco and Miami Vice fans;-)
The one thing I agree with here is that Boys would rather play with space ships
and vehicles *for* minifigs. I don't necessarily think that girl would rather
have midi and maxifigs. Many doll-houses don't have figs at all and are mostly
full of furniture that girls can place as they like. I think that a town theme
where the focus was on the interior that had minifigs to scale with the rooms
would be a great success for LEGO. The one thing doll-houses don't have is the
ability to change the building itself and LEGO is perfectly suited for this.
>
> So your statement about dumbing things down for girls doesn't make any sense.
> If anything, TLC has dumbed down sets for *boys* (ie Town Jr). Just because
> the lines directed towards girls (Belville, Scala) come in wild greens, pinks,
> and oranges doesn't mean a darned thing. Personally, I find elements colored
> trans green, red, yellow, orange, etc. completely unusable and a waste.
Well my argument may have made no sense to you and that is fine. I agree that
Town is juniorized and it is for Boys but younger boys before they move on to
the more action oriented themes. IMHO think that if Town were unjuniorized it
would have a good chance of building a large following with older girls.
Again any color in moderation is good. My opinion however is that pink is a
focus for these themes and that is not necessary for marketing a set to girls.
>
> Boys' and girls' tastes are different. Expecting them to enjoy the same
> themes IMO is unreasonable. I think TLC figured this out long ago and hence
> the divergence of marketing strategies for boys and girls.
I agree totally. I would not expect boys to be interested in the types of town
sets that I am suggesting.
>
> My .02,
> John
You make some very valid points I just think that we each have our 2 cents in
different pockets hence the different viewpoints.
Eric
The New England LEGO Users Group
http://www.nelug.org/
View my creations at:
http://www.nelug.org/members/kingsley/
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Eric Kingsley wrote:
<snip>
>
> IMHO think that if Town were unjuniorized it
> would have a good chance of building a large following with older girls.
<snip>
I know I'll prolly get lit up good for this, but here goes. Generally speaking, I
don't see LEGO as being a toy sought out by girls. Now before you ignite the
torches, let me explain.
First, take an empirical look around lugnet and rtl. What you find is about (I'm
guessing, of course) 99.x% males. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but it
means something. LEGO attracts guys. Now I'm NOT saying that it doesn't attract
females as well, just not nearly as much. I would be very interested to hear from
AFOLers such as Tamy, Julie KrenZILLA, and Jody, Suz, etc. as to how they got into
LEGO. My little hypothesis is that they were mentored into LEGO. That is, a
parent or an adult actively initiated and encouraged the child to play with LEGO.
And, of course, being the perfect toy for boy or girl, the child was hooked. That
is at least how *my* daughter got into LEGO. I don't think that she would have
sought it out on her own.
I hope you all don't think I'm being sexist here because that isn't my intent
(although I *do* believe that boys and girls are not "equal", ie the same, but are
very different by natures).
My point is this: the themes of the LEGO sets are prohibitive to capturing the
interest of girls. Girls don't respond to conflict and aggression, which is
basically inherent in every theme. Even town, the tamest of the themes,
experiences robberies and accidents and emergencies with astounding regularity.
That is why I think Belville, Paradisa, and Scala appeal to girls. No conflict,
just fun in the sun, going to the beach, riding your horse and just hanging out.
As for the colors, well, there is scientific evidence (although I know not where)
that pastel colors have a soothing effect upon people. It fits in well with that
theme.
Belville and Scala notwithstanding, if TLC wants to get girls interested in LEGO,
they are going to have to convince their (the girls', not TLC's;) parents to buy
it for them and encourage them to play with it, because, although action and
conflict themes with naturally attract boys, it won't girls, IMHO.
-John <donning flame suit>
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John Neal <johnneal@uswest.net> wrote:
> AFOLers such as Tamy, Julie KrenZILLA, and Jody, Suz, etc. as to how they
> got into LEGO. My little hypothesis is that they were mentored into LEGO.
> That is, a parent or an adult actively initiated and encouraged the child
> to play with LEGO. And, of course, being the perfect toy for boy or girl,
> the child was hooked. That is at least how *my* daughter got into LEGO. I
> don't think that she would have sought it out on her own.
Part of my frustration is that it's difficult to _find_ Lego system toys
that are generally appealing to girls. Almost all of the sets are fire
trucks, police stations, race cars, or space/castle/pirate sets, and as
someone else mentioned, all very conflict-oriented. As I've said before,
it's not that these things can't appeal to girls, but for various reasons,
they often don't as much.
> My point is this: the themes of the LEGO sets are prohibitive to capturing
> the interest of girls. Girls don't respond to conflict and aggression,
> which is basically inherent in every theme. Even town, the tamest of the
> themes, experiences robberies and accidents and emergencies with astounding
> regularity.
Exactly. So why not produce regular, non-pinkified Lego System sets which
also are non-conflict oriented. I'm sure you've all seen me rant about this
before -- schools, restaurants, shops, parks, etc. Scala and Belville have
two strikes against them in my mind -- first, they really have problems with
gender stereotypes. But more importantly, they miss out on the most
important and interesting Lego feature -- there's barely anything to build.
I have some young female relatives that I'd love to buy Lego sets for. But
it's very difficult to pick out ones I think would inspire a love of Lego.
--
Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
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TLC has produced some non-conflict sets, the one that comes to my mind
is 6595 'Surf Shack'. I somewhat suspect that this set was sort of a
prototype-Paradisa set, although without the pink. Train sets would also
fall into this catagory.
Ray
Matthew Miller wrote:
>
> Exactly. So why not produce regular, non-pinkified Lego System sets which
> also are non-conflict oriented. I'm sure you've all seen me rant about this
> before -- schools, restaurants, shops, parks, etc. Scala and Belville have
> two strikes against them in my mind -- first, they really have problems with
> gender stereotypes. But more importantly, they miss out on the most
> important and interesting Lego feature -- there's barely anything to build.
>
> I have some young female relatives that I'd love to buy Lego sets for. But
> it's very difficult to pick out ones I think would inspire a love of Lego.
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In lugnet.general, Matthew Miller writes:
> John Neal <johnneal@uswest.net> wrote:
> > AFOLers such as Tamy, Julie KrenZILLA, and Jody, Suz, etc. as to how they
> > got into LEGO. My little hypothesis is that they were mentored into LEGO.
> > That is, a parent or an adult actively initiated and encouraged the child
> > to play with LEGO. And, of course, being the perfect toy for boy or girl,
> > the child was hooked. That is at least how *my* daughter got into LEGO. I
> > don't think that she would have sought it out on her own.
>
> Part of my frustration is that it's difficult to _find_ Lego system toys
> that are generally appealing to girls. Almost all of the sets are fire
> trucks, police stations, race cars, or space/castle/pirate sets, and as
> someone else mentioned, all very conflict-oriented. As I've said before,
> it's not that these things can't appeal to girls, but for various reasons,
> they often don't as much.
>
>
> > My point is this: the themes of the LEGO sets are prohibitive to capturing
> > the interest of girls. Girls don't respond to conflict and aggression,
> > which is basically inherent in every theme. Even town, the tamest of the
> > themes, experiences robberies and accidents and emergencies with astounding
> > regularity.
>
> Exactly. So why not produce regular, non-pinkified Lego System sets which
> also are non-conflict oriented. I'm sure you've all seen me rant about this
> before -- schools, restaurants, shops, parks, etc. Scala and Belville have
> two strikes against them in my mind -- first, they really have problems with
> gender stereotypes. But more importantly, they miss out on the most
> important and interesting Lego feature -- there's barely anything to build.
>
> I have some young female relatives that I'd love to buy Lego sets for. But
> it's very difficult to pick out ones I think would inspire a love of Lego.
>
> --
> Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
> Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
OK well an AFOL mother of a boy(2yrs) and a girl (10yrs) I guess I'm qualified
to add something to this discussion.
My daughter, would've actually loved the pink cutesy themed sets when she was
three to five yrs old. That is when she started to love barbies (much to my
disgust, and she didnt get many of then either!)
I, as a child having two older brothers, was hell bent on proving that I could
keep up with them, I had no fear, and although they were much older than me, I
was right there with them, wanting the respect that boys gave each other, when
able to stretch themselves physically.
I had to climb as high, run as fast, etc. they gave me hell, which made me
more determined to prove that I could achieve the same as them. this has
served me well, as I am still highly competitive, and driven in my chosen
career.
I won't go into the horrible things my brothers used to do to show me my
place in the scheme of things. As much as it was my childhood goal to gain an
equal footing with my brothers, it was their desire to tease, hassle, and set
almost impossible challenges for themselves, which I usually, and dangerously
tried to match
By the same token, they were the ones who taught me to fight tooth and nail if
ever attacked by older kids, and this came in handy, believe me. They taught
me to fend for myself, though ocasionally they would step in and protect me if
I was being hassled by a much older and larger boy.
I sometimes did get into physical fights with older boys at shcool cause when
hassled, I would refuse to kow tow. I didnt back down when my brothers hassled
me and they were 4 and 7 yrs older than me!
OK enough about me, I guess my point is that I feel that place within the
family, ages and sex of siblings, parental expectations, culture etc etc etc,
are just as much an issue, as biological sex.
My daughter, much to my relief, has finally passed the barbie and fairy stage,
(as I always found this hard to relate to, however we are now coming into a
much more interesting stage, well hopefully, not just a stage, but a way of
life) for xmas I have purchased her the complete adventurer Egyption theme.
For her birthday next year I have a lot of castle sets, the reason behind this
decision is that she is very much interested in adventure, and other cultures,
she has a fasination for Bog people, Mummies, hidden treasure (she would
really like the pirate sets for this reason but we had to leave something for
her brother - who is pirate mad!) She is very feminine, doesnt like sport much
but has an enquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge.
Please don't think domesticity, and houses for girls vs murder and mayhem for
boys, supplement the historical sets with fun educational resources such as
books on life in ancient egypt, thier jewellery, pottery, heiroglyphics, look
for novels for kids set in ancient egypt, computer games, etc you would be
amazed what is available when you start to look, I have done this for both
xmas and birthday (books on medieval life, craft idea books so she can make
things pertaining to castle life etc) so she has "themed presents" (not all
her presents are a part of the theme, this would be boring, but most are)
Lego is a great educational tool, both as sheer creative role playing and
construction skills, and also as an offshoot into a love of history (this is
the reason that I primarily collect Pirates, castles, adventurers - you can be
sure that I will supplement the dino sets for my son with books, software,
crafts etc for next yrs birthday! Can't wait!)
Ok If you have got this far, congratiulations! I tend to ramble once i get
going, sorry! For the record I hate the pink themend sets, and I would've
hated them when I was a kid, my daughter would've grown out of them by the
time she was 5 or 6. She shows some interest in your average cars and trucks,
but loves the sets I mentioned above.
Hope this gives some of you some xmas ideas!
Just realised this thread is posted to dear lego too, hopefull will give a
hint there too to keep up the "historical sets" please!
Rachel :-)
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Rachel Kingston <Kingston@spirit.com.au> wrote:
> Please don't think domesticity, and houses for girls vs murder and mayhem for
> boys, supplement the historical sets with fun educational resources such as
You're right; I didn't mean to say that. Note my distain for the Scala line.
I'd like to see the better non-conflict oriented sets for boys AND girls.
But I also have a hypothesis that these sets would sell really well to
girls. And when I'm looking for a set to buy for my cousins, this is what
I'd be looking for.
--
Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
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In lugnet.general, John Neal writes:
>
>
> Eric Kingsley wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> >
> > IMHO think that if Town were unjuniorized it
> > would have a good chance of building a large following with older girls.
>
> <snip>
>
> I know I'll prolly get lit up good for this, but here goes. Generally
> speaking, I don't see LEGO as being a toy sought out by girls. Now before you
> ignite the torches, let me explain.
Well I am not going to light you up at all because I agree with most of what
you say. I actually think that other than a few slight differences our views
on this subject are very similar.
I agree that LEGO is not sought out by girls. I really think we have to ask
ourselves why that is and how to correct it. LEGO is the "Toy of the Century"
so why can't girls just as actively seek it out as boys? I think it all goes
back to a lot of sterio types that unfortunately still persist today. Boy's
are encouraged more often then girls to be creative and to do problem solving.
Girls are encouraged more to play with dolls and deal with dimestic things
like cooking, cleaning, and entertaining.
I think these steriotypes have begun to change but they have not changed as
much as some people would like to think. Some of this is the fault of the
parent in that they do not encorage problem solving in Girls but some of the
fault (at least in terms of LEGO) is linked to marketing. I think that if
Girls saw other girls playing with LEGO on TV and building things that girls
would be interested in then girls would actively seek out LEGO.
>
> First, take an empirical look around lugnet and rtl. What you find is about
> (I'm guessing, of course) 99.x% males. I'm not sure exactly what that means,
> but it means something. LEGO attracts guys. Now I'm NOT saying that it
> doesn't attract females as well, just not nearly as much. I would be very
> interested to hear from AFOLers such as Tamy, Julie KrenZILLA, and Jody, Suz,
> etc. as to how they got into LEGO. My little hypothesis is that they were
> mentored into LEGO. That is, a parent or an adult actively initiated and
> encouraged the child to play with LEGO. And, of course, being the perfect toy
> for boy or girl, the child was hooked.
> That is at least how *my* daughter got into LEGO. I don't think that she
> would have sought it out on her own.
I agree with all of this and you and any parent with girls should be
congradulated for initiating them into LEGO. If LEGO is such a great toy for
learning then Boy's and Girl's should be encouraged to play with it.
>
> I hope you all don't think I'm being sexist here because that isn't my intent
> (although I *do* believe that boys and girls are not "equal", ie the same, but
> are very different by natures).
I don't think you are being sexist at all. Unfortuantly the world is not equal
and never will be. There are diferances in boys and girls but that does not
mean that LEGO cannot satisfy both their needs under a common theme.
>
> My point is this: the themes of the LEGO sets are prohibitive to capturing
> the interest of girls. Girls don't respond to conflict and aggression, which
> is basically inherent in every theme. Even town, the tamest of the themes,
> experiences robberies and accidents and emergencies with astounding
> regularity.
I agree totally and I for one wish there were less confict inherent in each
theme but unfortunately we live in a world full of conflict and that is what we
are spoon fed by TV every day. My whole point here is that the addition of a
new sub-theme to town like "Main Street" or "At Home" would appeal to girls if
they dealt with more non-conflict oriented issues.
>
> That is why I think Belville, Paradisa, and Scala appeal to girls. No
> conflict, just fun in the sun, going to the beach, riding your horse and just
> hanging out.
Thats all true but why can't that be the theme for a town sub-theme?
> As for the colors, well, there is scientific evidence (although I know not
> where) that pastel colors have a soothing effect upon people. It fits in well
> with that theme.
That may be true but I still don't like the fact that many companies think toys
(or at least packageing) has to be pink for a girl to like it.
>
> Belville and Scala notwithstanding, if TLC wants to get girls interested in
> LEGO, they are going to have to convince their (the girls', not TLC's;)
> parents to buy it for them and encourage them to play with it, because,
> although action and conflict themes with naturally attract boys, it won't
> girls, IMHO.
I agree and it all goes back to what I said earlier about marketing to girls
using girls playing with LEGO in a way that girls would be interested in
playing with LEGO.
>
> -John <donning flame suit>
No flames hear I don't think a thing you said was wrong or out of place. I
personally think that this is a very good discussion and who knows maybe
someone at LEGO is reading it and at least thinking about the issue of getting
girls more involved with LEGO.
Eric Kingsley
The New England LEGO Users Group
http://www.nelug.org/
View My Creations at:
http://www.nelug.org/members/kingsley/
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Eric Kingsley <kingsley@nelug.org> wrote:
> much as some people would like to think. Some of this is the fault of the
> parent in that they do not encorage problem solving in Girls but some of the
> fault (at least in terms of LEGO) is linked to marketing. I think that if
> Girls saw other girls playing with LEGO on TV and building things that girls
> would be interested in then girls would actively seek out LEGO.
I guess part of my point is that not only are the Lego Company's current
efforts not a part of the solution, they are ACTIVELY a part of the problem.
Their "for girls" line is their least problem-solving/building oriented, and
conversely, Technic is specifically labelled "boys only".
--
Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
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Hi John and everyone,
Before I respond to John's letter, I'd like to say this:
As a girl, not so long ago fitting in the Scala and Belville age range, with
three (both older and younger) sisters and three girl cousins, I have to say
that I agree that girls don't like LEGO as much as boys, but I think it's
can't be "blamed" solely on parents OR on TLC. It has to do with both.
Basically, I mean that with just a "leetle" bit parental or other
encouragement (i.e. buying one set, seeing sets at friends' or family's
houses, etc.) and some theme development on TLC's side, girls can get hooked
on lego, and I mean HOOKED.
I have examples for this, such as my cousin and little sister being influenced
by my love to lego. I can explain this in more detail if somebody wants me to -
I'm simply busy right now and it's long.
Now to John's letter...
In lugnet.general, John Neal writes:
>
> Eric Kingsley wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> >
> > IMHO think that if Town were unjuniorized it
> > would have a good chance of building a large following with older girls.
>
> <snip>
>
> I know I'll prolly get lit up good for this, but here goes. Generally • speaking, I
> don't see LEGO as being a toy sought out by girls. Now before you ignite the
> torches, let me explain.
>
> First, take an empirical look around lugnet and rtl. What you find is about • (I'm
> guessing, of course) 99.x% males.
Well, maybe it's just me, but I'm not sure this is true - I see lots of
females around here.
> I'm not sure exactly what that means, but it
> means something. LEGO attracts guys. Now I'm NOT saying that it doesn't
> attract
> females as well, just not nearly as much. I would be very interested to hear
> from
> AFOLers such as Tamy, Julie KrenZILLA, and Jody, Suz, etc. as to how they got
> into
> LEGO. My little hypothesis is that they were mentored into LEGO. That is, a
> parent or an adult actively initiated and encouraged the child to play with
> LEGO.
That's very reasonable. But are you implying that only girls are mentored into
LEGO, and boys aren't? I'm not sure I agree.
I for one, got interested in LEGO after I received some (unknown number)
universal set while living in the U.S. (around age of 4, maybe.)
I wasn't really mentored into LEGO - I immediatly liked it a lot, even though
my two older sisters (or parents, for that fact) didn't have much interest in
LEGO.
As I said, my sister gained interest in LEGO much because of my liking it -
she didn't have lots of LEGO when we were both younger, but now that I'm
constantly involved with LEGO, she developed a liking to it too.
> And, of course, being the perfect toy for boy or girl, the child was hooked. • That
> is at least how *my* daughter got into LEGO. I don't think that she would • have
> sought it out on her own.
Maybe not. But do you think a boy could have?
> I hope you all don't think I'm being sexist here because that isn't my intent
> (although I *do* believe that boys and girls are not "equal", ie the same, • but are
> very different by natures).
>
> My point is this: the themes of the LEGO sets are prohibitive to capturing
> the
> interest of girls. Girls don't respond to conflict and aggression, which is
> basically inherent in every theme. Even town, the tamest of the themes,
> experiences robberies and accidents and emergencies with astounding
> regularity.
That's where TLC should start working - change those themes, or add to them.
I can see Castle, Town, even Pirates, appealing to girls if there was a
feminine touch to them. IMHO, in order to do that, TLC must first of all
normalize the ratios between male to female in their sets. (I always wondered
how they got from a 51:49 ratio to 10:90...) Then, they should relieve some of
that aformentioned tension and aggression, at least slightly. More realistic
Towns and Castles would definitely work, such as stores, restaurants, etc. for
town, and some farms surrounding the castle with families living there. (Just
some ideas - I would *love* to see them be part of the LEGO line.)
> That is why I think Belville, Paradisa, and Scala appeal to girls. No • conflict,
> just fun in the sun, going to the beach, riding your horse and just hanging • out.
> As for the colors, well, there is scientific evidence (although I know not • where)
> that pastel colors have a soothing effect upon people. It fits in well with • that
> theme.
Well, maybe. But I think depending on the colors for a sale is a big mistake.
(if TLC do that, I mean.)
>
> Belville and Scala notwithstanding, if TLC wants to get girls interested in • LEGO,
> they are going to have to convince their (the girls', not TLC's;) parents to • buy
> it for them and encourage them to play with it, because, although action and
> conflict themes with naturally attract boys, it won't girls, IMHO.
Yeah, but if TLC would work on stuff that girls -would- like, the parents
wouldn't have to encourage them; on the contrary, the girls would ASK the
parents to buy sets for them, like I assume boys do now.
I think that if TLC would really think about this, they would attract a bigger
crowd - there is no reason why they shouldn't.
Just my two cents worth...
-Shiri
P.S. Notice, John, I couldn't really disagree with anything you said... I
tried hard, but it didn't work... ;-D Just kidding :-?
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In lugnet.general, Shiri Dori writes:
> Hi John and everyone,
>
> Before I respond to John's letter, I'd like to say this:
> As a girl, not so long ago fitting in the Scala and Belville age range, with
> three (both older and younger) sisters and three girl cousins, I have to say
> that I agree that girls don't like LEGO as much as boys, but I think it's
> can't be "blamed" solely on parents OR on TLC. It has to do with both.
>
> Basically, I mean that with just a "leetle" bit parental or other
> encouragement (i.e. buying one set, seeing sets at friends' or family's
> houses, etc.) and some theme development on TLC's side, girls can get hooked
> on lego, and I mean HOOKED.
>
> I have examples for this, such as my cousin and little sister being influenced
> by my love to lego. I can explain this in more detail if somebody wants me to • -
> I'm simply busy right now and it's long.
Shiri,
I hope you are right. So far my little girl is showing some interest in
lego. I am a little worried that she isn't interested enough. Although my
wife encourages me by reminding me she is only 10 months old. ;-)
Steve
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In lugnet.general, Steve Martin writes:
>
> Shiri,
> I hope you are right. So far my little girl is showing some interest in
> lego. I am a little worried that she isn't interested enough. Although my
> wife encourages me by reminding me she is only 10 months old. ;-)
>
> Steve
LOL! :-D
Thanks for making my day!
-Shiri
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In lugnet.general, Steve Martin writes:
<snip>
> So far my little girl is showing some interest in
> lego. I am a little worried that she isn't interested enough. Although my
> wife encourages me by reminding me she is only 10 months old. ;-)
>
> Steve
LOL too! Give her time, Steve, and she probably won't need very much, with
your encouragement... my just-turned-two-year-old has lots of Primo
and Duplo, and she continually asks to "build a tower", "build a dinosaur",
"make a choo-choo train", and tonight made a farm. Not what you'd immediately
recognize, but we had fun. When your little girl gets the hang of piling
the bricks properly and realizes they stay together, watch out, the sky's the
limit! She still likes taking hats and heads off minifigs, though, which seems
to be common amongst little children - just a warning.
To stay on topic, I think the girly lego has its uses, if it introduces girls
who live and breathe pink girly things (either through conditioning or natural
inclination) to Lego and leads them to build their own things. There are loads
of AFOL's, male and female, whose creations have nothing to do with conflict -
it's not a one-to-one correspondance from "regular Lego is all conflict and is
for boys" and "pink Lego is non-conflict and is for girls", that's nonsense of
course. I agree that girls (or, if you prefer, "those with a preference for
less conflict and adrenaline") could use a bit more scope from TLC, but most
sets can be played with with a non-conflict approach, if you see what I mean -
the cowboys and Indians don't have to be enemies. The tendency for children
who own Lego to be boys is less a reflection on the children, but on parents.
Whew, enough philosophy for now. Gotta go build some stuff.
Heather Patey
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Pirate Wench / Brick Detective
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John Neal <johnneal@uswest.net> wrote:
> I may be wrong, but I think that their market research has discovered that
> girls would rather play with midi and maxifigs, rather than minifigs. Boys
> would rather play with the space ships and vehicles *for* minifigs.
> Witness the unsuccessful Paradisa line. The only people who seem to like
> it are Art Deco and Miami Vice fans;-)
Actully, I think your last sentence captures the issue more than the first
point. The problem with Paradisa isn't that it was marketed for girls. The
problem is that it was a weird pink and has strange architectural stuff
going on.
I think regular town sets -- schools, stores, restaurants, houses,
libraries, movie theaters, etc. have a good chance of doing well among both
girls and boys.
And it's also important to consider exactly who does the purchasing. _I_
would certainly buy sets like this for my young female relatives. Last
christmas, I wanted to get Lego for my 7-year-old cousin. I tried to find a
set that she would like. Unfortunately, the available town sets were all
fire trucks and race cars and so on. Not that girls can't like those things,
but it's not something that would make her excited. I finally settled on the
news reporter set, because at least it had a female minifig. It's really too
bad that there was nothing available!
--
Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
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Matthew Miller wrote:
>
> Actully, I think your last sentence captures the issue more than the first
> point. The problem with Paradisa isn't that it was marketed for girls. The
> problem is that it was a weird pink and has strange architectural stuff
> going on.
For the architectural stuff, we would need a second TLC motto: 'build
well' :)
> I think regular town sets -- schools, stores, restaurants, houses,
> libraries, movie theaters, etc. have a good chance of doing well among both
> girls and boys.
TLCs motto (IIRC) is 'play well', not 'build well'. A large portion of
the existing sets have to do with battles or adventure (Castle, Pirate,
Star Wars, Adventurers to name a few). Town sets seem to be oriented
towards a different type of conflict, cops vs bad guys. Even the 'Race'
play theme had an underlying concept of winning and losing. The
Paradisa, Scala & Belville themes differ in that they are more 'real
life' (a more perfect existance). Little conflict or battle. I find it
strange that TLC seems to avoid direct reference to guns and wars, but
encourages battles and conflict.
Ray
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Ray Sanders <rsanders@gate.net> wrote:
> Wars, Adventurers to name a few). Town sets seem to be oriented towards a
> different type of conflict, cops vs bad guys. Even the 'Race' play theme
> had an underlying concept of winning and losing. The Paradisa, Scala &
> Belville themes differ in that they are more 'real life' (a more perfect
A good point. And arguably (perhaps unfairly, but that's a further debate) a
traditional male testosterone-driven worldview. Why does "play" mean
"conflict"?
--
Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
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(donning flame-retardant attire)
When these young people walk out into the real world, they will find
that not everyone is testosterone-driven, regardless of their gender.
Gender and aggressive behavior do not line up evenly. I have known
aggressive females and pasive/gentle males. While we are using gender to
spotlight the problem (with set design), it is not necessarily a gender
oriented issue.
Ray
Matthew Miller wrote:
>
> A good point. And arguably (perhaps unfairly, but that's a further debate) a
> traditional male testosterone-driven worldview. Why does "play" mean
> "conflict"?
>
> --
> Matthew Miller ---> mattdm@mattdm.org
> Quotes 'R' Us ---> http://quotes-r-us.org/
>
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And in fact when I was a child (not that long ago, born in 1974) Lego sets
weren't all that conflict oriented either. The space sets of the time had
no weapons for instance. The first set with a fighting theme that I can
think of is the yellow castle (it came with swords). There was nothing like
Star Wars or the modern space legos.
Now we used to have methods for making guns, etc, out of Lego pieces, but it
required building and some imagination.
I also don't see what is conflict oriented about large earth moving
vehicle-type sets. A lot of the town sets that my brother and I had were
tractors, cranes, etc (we also had the fire and police oriented stuff, and
quite a few airplanes/airports).
I had two close friends who were girls when I was in lower school, and they
were both into Lego as well. One fit into the tom-boy stereotype, but the
other didn't.
alex
"Ray Sanders" <rsanders@gate.net> wrote in message
news:385574F0.3AFD3860@gate.net...
> When these young people walk out into the real world, they will find
> that not everyone is testosterone-driven, regardless of their gender.
> Gender and aggressive behavior do not line up evenly. I have known
> aggressive females and pasive/gentle males. While we are using gender to
> spotlight the problem (with set design), it is not necessarily a gender
> oriented issue.
>
> Ray
>
> Matthew Miller wrote:
> >
> > A good point. And arguably (perhaps unfairly, but that's a further • debate) a
> > traditional male testosterone-driven worldview. Why does "play" mean
> > "conflict"?
> >
> > --
> > Matthew Miller ---> • mattdm@mattdm.org
> > Quotes 'R' Us ---> • http://quotes-r-us.org/
> >
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In lugnet.general, Matthew Miller writes:
> Ray Sanders <rsanders@gate.net> wrote:
> > Wars, Adventurers to name a few). Town sets seem to be oriented towards a
> > different type of conflict, cops vs bad guys. Even the 'Race' play theme
> > had an underlying concept of winning and losing. The Paradisa, Scala &
> > Belville themes differ in that they are more 'real life' (a more perfect
>
> A good point. And arguably (perhaps unfairly, but that's a further debate) a
> traditional male testosterone-driven worldview. Why does "play" mean
> "conflict"?
"Only You, the LEGO Maniac, can determine what color dress Shala will
wear to the dance."
--
jthompson@esker.com "Float on a river, forever and ever, Emily"
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To attract a bigger share of the market, look at the popular figures and toys and
either liscence them (pokemon lego???) or make something similar. e.g. power
rangers were (or are) proplar so make something similar.
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> To attract a bigger share of the market, look at the popular figures and toys • and
> either liscence them (pokemon lego???) or make something similar. e.g. power
> rangers were (or are) proplar so make something similar.
>
> --
> Jonathan Wilson
> wilsonj@xoommail.com
> http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
If I ever see a Pokemon LEGO, I WILL throw up. Power rangers!?!?!
When I was 12 I made the ENTIRE LINE of Thundercats (now on Cartoon Network)
on mini-fig scale. Nothing could touch my Thundercat Tank or my Cats Lair
Fortress. My Mummra was EVIL and my Liono was authentic. If LEGO could team
up with Cartoon Network and make a DECENT line of Thundercats (LJN is dead as
a toymaker) I would FLIP MY LID!!!! Cartoon Network is where it's at, baby!!!!
PLEASE, LEGO, DO THE THUNDERCATS.
If you need refreshers, EMAIL ME!!!
Aaron>maniac@vol.com
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In lugnet.general, Aaron West writes:
> In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> > To attract a bigger share of the market, look at the popular figures and toys
> > and either liscence them (pokemon lego???) or make something similar. e.g.
> > power rangers were (or are) proplar so make something similar.
>
> If I ever see a Pokemon LEGO, I WILL throw up.
Yeah, but just think, with a Pikachu Lego Piece, you'd have a new "Evil
Monster for Knights to Slay(TM)". :) Although, I think I'd save that spot for
Jigglypuff. On the upside, I'd have a Jesse Minifig(1). ;)
> Power rangers!?!?!
Ick. Is that show still around??
> When I was 12 I made the ENTIRE LINE of Thundercats (now on Cartoon Network)
> on mini-fig scale. Nothing could touch my Thundercat Tank or my Cats Lair
> Fortress. My Mummra was EVIL and my Liono was authentic. If LEGO could team
> up with Cartoon Network and make a DECENT line of Thundercats (LJN is dead as
> a toymaker) I would FLIP MY LID!!!! Cartoon Network is where it's at, baby!!!
> PLEASE, LEGO, DO THE THUNDERCATS.
> If you need refreshers, EMAIL ME!!!
> Aaron>maniac@vol.com
If they were going to do a classic animation series, it'd *have* to be
Robotech. *Nothing* can compare. Besides, a transformable Veritech Fighter
would be *so* much cooler than a dinky X-Wing. :) Oooh!! Ultimate Collectors
Series Veritech! Now that would rake in the money!
Jeff
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On Mon, 13 Dec 1999 20:12:26 GMT, "Jeff Stembel" <Dragonelf1@aol.com>
wrote:
> Yeah, but just think, with a Pikachu Lego Piece, you'd have a new "Evil
> Monster for Knights to Slay(TM)". :) Although, I think I'd save that spot for
> Jigglypuff. On the upside, I'd have a Jesse Minifig(1). ;)
Oh, I dunno. I'll take a few 100-300-normal-brick pokemon sets (though
pikachu wouldn't be first in line, despite his usefulness in the game
itself).
Jasper
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In lugnet.general, Aaron West writes:
<SNIP>
> If I ever see a Pokemon LEGO, I WILL throw up. Power rangers!?!?!
<SNIP>
Aaron, get out the bucket, then look at this auction on eBay :-)
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220964093
heh heh heh
Paul Sinasohn
member 115
bearitone@my-deja.com
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In lugnet.general, Paul Sinasohn writes:
> In lugnet.general, Aaron West writes:
> <SNIP>
>
> > If I ever see a Pokemon LEGO, I WILL throw up. Power rangers!?!?!
>
> <SNIP>
>
> Aaron, get out the bucket, then look at this auction on eBay :-)
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220964093
>
> heh heh heh
LOL!! Now *that* is funny!!
Jeff
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On Thu, 16 Dec 1999 17:52:37 GMT, "Paul Sinasohn"
<bearitone@my-deja.com> wrote:
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220964093
Heh. I just wonder if this counts - I mean, it's a regular set with
_completely_ gratuitous figs thrown in.
Ignoring for the moment the absence of "Lego" and the conspicuous
presence of "TOMY".
Jasper
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In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> To attract a bigger share of the market, look at the popular figures and toys • and
> either liscence them (pokemon lego???) or make something similar. e.g. power
> rangers were (or are) proplar so make something similar.
POKEMON LEGO!!!??????
*runs to bathroom, comes back wiping mouth* urrgghh....just the thought made
me barf.....I don't think TLC would want to do Pokemon.....It's just a fad and
will probably end up like POG (hopefully).....*shudder* just the thought of
the annoying little yellow thing makes me wanna.....*runs back to bathroom*
Erin
--
In a recent poll, 54% of minifigs thought changing sex by switching
hair pieces was cool.
> --
> Jonathan Wilson
> wilsonj@xoommail.com
> http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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In lugnet.general, Erin Windross writes:
> In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> > To attract a bigger share of the market, look at the popular figures and toys • and
> > either liscence them (pokemon lego???) or make something similar. e.g. power
> > rangers were (or are) proplar so make something similar.
>
> POKEMON LEGO!!!??????
> *runs to bathroom, comes back wiping mouth* urrgghh....just the thought made
> me barf.....I don't think TLC would want to do Pokemon.....It's just a fad and
> will probably end up like POG (hopefully).....*shudder* just the thought of
> the annoying little yellow thing makes me wanna.....*runs back to bathroom*
>
> Erin
> --
> In a recent poll, 54% of minifigs thought changing sex by switching
> hair pieces was cool.
Wow. You think it is such a bad idea you had to let us know twice? You must
really hate the idea, then. ;)
Jeff
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In lugnet.general, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> To attract a bigger share of the market, look at the popular figures and toys • and
> either liscence them (pokemon lego???) or make something similar. e.g. power
> rangers were (or are) proplar so make something similar.
POKEMON LEGO!!!??????
*runs to bathroom, comes back wiping mouth* urrgghh....just the thought made
me barf.....I don't think TLC would want to do Pokemon.....It's just a fad and
will probably end up like POG (hopefully).....*shudder* just the thought of
the annoying little yellow thing makes me wanna.....*runs back to bathroom*
Erin
--
In a recent poll, 54% of minifigs thought changing sex by switching
hair pieces was cool.
> --
> Jonathan Wilson
> wilsonj@xoommail.com
> http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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I would like to see the folowing cleared up by TLG.
1.their stance on ldraw and ldrawing of parts, including decorated parts
whether there are any parts that for any reason cant be done?
if there are any rules about this (e.g. all parts made for it must always remain
free)
2.their stance on pause. brickset, fibblesnork etc etc i.e. their rules for
posting set pictures on the net. (such as no posting of pictures of sets that are
not available yet or something)
3.their stance on brickshelf.com in regards to the posting of:
venders catalogs, both old and current
catalogs generally, especially the current ones
old instruction scans
current instruction scans
4.their stance on cad designs of current sets. are they classified as
instructions? are they ok to post?
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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I appauld the Lego Company for initiating a relationship with online adult
consumers. I imagine that it is very overwhelming to find that hundreds of
discussions about a product you produce have taken place in both the LUGNET
newsgroups and the rec.toys.lego usenet newsgroup. Many ideas have passed through
these forums, ranging from the silly to the sublime and there are many, many ideas
that could be harvested from these discussions that would make the Lego product
better.
I propose that a LUGNET administrator scan the discussions of the last year and
compile a "Best of LUGNET" document that would give the Lego Company a foothold
and a starting point in their new relationship with the community. Additionally,
it would be nice to start developing a formal document that each LUGNET
participant can contribute to that states his or her most hoped for product
improvements or suggestions (perhaps limited to 10 ideas for the sake of document
brevity). To this end, I have listed seven things that I think are most important
from this new venture:
1. Bulk Ordering of Basic Bricks
Bulk ordering of bricks was hinted at in the Lego Direct introduction letter. It
was also stated that this service would be limited in the initial stages. I would
propose that the system be implemented in such a way as to allow bulk-ordering of
basic bricks at first and sub-sets of specialty pieces at a later date. One
aspect of basic brick in bulk that would make the service much more appealing
would be the ability to choose any, even non-traditional brick colors.
2. Specialty Bricks in Bulk
There are so many new Lego brick designs, some of which seem to be available in
very limited quantities. Many of these parts would be of great use if they were
more widely available. Train windows and doors are probably the most sought-after
specialty bricks in the adult online community. The Lego train clubs that have
been founded by this community show some of the best Lego modeling and display
work outside of the Lego Company itself.
3. Reissues of Classic Set Designs
A lot of adult Lego enthusiasts reminisce about the Lego set designs that they
love the most, which usually were produced during their childhoods. Although
adult Lego enthusiasts range in age, I believe the most popular "classic" sets
were produced from the early '80s to early '90s. Reissuing these sets, or
slightly modified versions of these sets for the online community, would be
greatly appreciated and well-received.
4. Cooperation in Developing a Definitive Lego Set Database
The Lego Company could assist and enhance what has already been developed by
databases such as the set database featured on LUGNET, Kevin Loch's Brickshelf
instruction scan database, and Huw Millington's promotional set database.
5. Cooperation in Developing a Definitive LDraw-type rendering tool
The adult online community has developed excellent virtual Lego rendering software
and parts libraries. The Lego Company could enhance these tools by providing more
accurate part numbers and endorsing the efforts made thus-far.
6. Endorsement of Lego Clubs
Several Lego clubs have formed around the U.S. and world. Some of the best
modelling and layout display work is produced by these clubs (especially the train
clubs). Endorsement or sponsorship of their efforts would benefit the Lego
Company with increased sales and boost the morale of the members involved in these
organizations.
7. Expansion and Revitalization of the Product Line
The train product line is currently very limited...a more well-rounded product
line would appeal to model railroading enthusiasts (as demonstrated by the
reception given to the train clubs at model railroading conventions). The Town
line is my personal favorite and I miss the more detailed set designs of the 80s
and early 90s when more bricks were used in more intricate designs. Perhaps both
these product lines would benefit from a return to more traditional set and
piece-count designs (a philosophy which has added to the Star Wars Lego line
popularity)
Again, I appreciate the overture that has been made and I look forward to ongoing
and productive discussions about how the online adult Lego enthusiast community
can work together with the Lego Company.
Brad Justus wrote:
<snip>
--
Thomas Main
main@appstate.edu
http://members.xoom.com/brickenplate/index.html
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
<snip>
Yahoo!!! I am going to be in debt forever now. Should I just transfer owner
ship of my house to TLC now or wait and auction it off later to pay my debts?
My wish list:
1. Metroliner (Metroliner, Metroliner, Metroliner)
2. Cars for above
3. DCC (Digital Command Control) for Lego trains
4. Automated switching rails for 9V (preferably controlled with DCC)
5. Automated level crossings (preferably controlled with DCC)
6. Do another large airport set
My hopes for the direct purchasing:
1. That you would be able to purchase online any set that TLC has. This would
involve having the complete TLC stock in the database. I have a feeling there
are sets languishing out there in warehouses that would be snatched up in
minutes if the online community knew about them and could get them easily.
2. That the bulk purchasing would be available for all the pieces TLC is
currently making. I guess what I am imagining would be an online ordering
system where each piece has a base price. You then could order any amount of
pieces and get discounts based on the quantity of the item that you bought. I
imagine for the back end you would want to do this in an automated fashion.
Big hoppers with all the pieces in them and a box that travels under the
hoppers? I don't know and I'm not a packaging engineer.
Play well,
Steve
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Steve Martin wrote:
> In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> > To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> <snip>
>
> Yahoo!!! I am going to be in debt forever now. Should I just transfer owner
> ship of my house to TLC now or wait and auction it off later to pay my debts?
>
> My wish list:
> 1. Metroliner (Metroliner, Metroliner, Metroliner)
> 2. Cars for above
DYA HAD some 4547 Club Cars this morning. Note I said HAD. I tried to order 10
just minutes after they showed on the site, but only got 5 :-( (at least I got 5
4549s and a TON of 4537s).
Now I gotta hope for an affordable 4558 one of these days :-/
> 3. DCC (Digital Command Control) for Lego trains
YES, DEFINITELY!
> 4. Automated switching rails for 9V (preferably controlled with DCC)
AB-SO-LUTELY! I was staring at the switching rails yesterday, trying to figure
out a decent way to automate them. It would be nice to buy ones already with a
motor/solenoid on them.
> 5. Automated level crossings (preferably controlled with DCC)
Yes too, of course ;-)
> 6. Do another large airport set
Yessiree - the airport sets are VERY populer secondhand. But if TLC makes one,
pleasePleasePLEASE put real windows (like 1775) on the planes/vehicles, NOT
stickers (like 4532, ugh).
--
| Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
| Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
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On Fri, 10 Dec 1999 15:24:20 GMT, "Steve Martin" <martinsa@mail.com>
wrote:
> 3. DCC (Digital Command Control) for Lego trains
> 4. Automated switching rails for 9V (preferably controlled with DCC)
> 5. Automated level crossings (preferably controlled with DCC)
> 6. Do another large airport set
In other words, the 12V features + DCC to the 9V line.
I want. Badly.
Jasper
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all.
> <snip>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> - Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
Let me be the 52nd person to thank you for looking to us as a legitimate
customer base. I look forward to working with TLC to make your products and
services the best they can be. Oh, and THANK YOU for bulk ordering. No longer
will we have to deal with the mess of breaking down sets just to get parts we
want. I know it will be in TLC's financial interest to offer direct parts
sales, as I for one will direct much of my purchasing power to them.
Thanks,
Naji Norder
n.norder@computer.org
(Roughly 150 sets from childhood plus about $3000 spent since leaving my Dark
Years in January.)
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Well, let me be the 53rd to say welcome! With luck this will be the unveiling
of a new communicative era for Lego. This is something that the Lego fan
community has been longing for quite some time, and as the responses have
shown, this is quite a joyous event for us as Lego fans, and hopefully for you
as well.
Many of us have already posted some of our specific suggestions. Some I agree
with, some I'm passionate about, some I don't agree with at all. I'd start to
list my suggestions, complaints and compliments here, but I think that'd just
add to the resounding boom that we've already had. Instead I offer my advice.
Read the newsgroups past and present. Everything that's been said in this
thread has been said already, and is brought up time and time again; from
juniorization to great new sets to bulk ordering to shop at home specials to
the outlet stores and more. And keep in mind that although we rant and complain
about what we wish for, we all have a sick obsessive love of the brick and a
real commitment to Lego.
Play Well,
DaveE
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Brad Justus has better not turn out to be the m*dr*id, or we'll be
chartering a bus to Ocala, and it *won't* be a pretty sight when we're
finished.
8)
Rob
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In lugnet.general, Robert M. Dye writes:
>
> Brad Justus has better not turn out to be the m*dr*id, or we'll be
> chartering a bus to Ocala, and it *won't* be a pretty sight when we're
> finished.
I don't think it's fake. Buffie Shervington of the Potomac Mills Outlet Store
made veiled references to the Direct to Consumer effort in
http://www.lugnet.com/market/shopping/?n=1719
so it is coming. Perhaps just a little quicker than she was expecting.
Adrian
--
http://junior.apk.net/~tremor/lego.html
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In lugnet.general, David Eaton writes:
> Well, let me be the 53rd to say welcome!
Well... ok, so I was 54th! Someone posted while I was writing mine!
DaveE
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As a devotee of Lego for over 25 years, I can only say ...
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you ...
This is a GREAT step forward.
--Doug Wilcox
dwilcox@wordsmithdigital.com
In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
{snip}
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brad,
Welcome! This indeed is great news!
> Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
I for one would like to see a dedicated channel. If not here in lugnet,
perhaps Lego can put something together.
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
It is definitely encouraging to hear from a company that has been so
influential in so many people's lives!
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
Same to you and all Lego employee's and enthusiasts!
- Jim Foulds
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| |
|
"Brad Justus" <legodirect@lego.com> wrote in message
news:FMHtE5.Kp2@lugnet.com...
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
Well. I saw your message, read it, and then sat here in a funk wondering if
this could be true.
So, I'm going to go on the assumption that it is. That some fool isn't
working on an elaborate joke.
Here are my wants, nay, needs.
Space Themes that go back to the roots of your space theme. What we now
deem as 'classic space' with the simple Blue, Red, Yellow, White, and Black
'Space Guys'
Add a nice visor to their helmets, re-release the 'Millenium Edition' of the
more popular sets, like the Galaxy Explorer (you know, the set that goes for
$150 to $200 on eBay), create some new ones, come out with some landing
plates. There are the purists out there like me that want their entire lego
layout to be on lego floor. Maybe release some type of roll - o - studs
where you can lay it out onto a piece of wood and make an entire lego play
field. Of course you'd need one for each theme, Tan for Adventurers / wild
west, grey for the space, one with streets and such for a city.
I want another International Airport.
Stop Making Pieces that are bigger than some childrens hands. What we
commonly refer to as 'BURPs' or Big Ugly Rock Pieces. Castles are fun, but
when it takes 15 pieces to make a two story castle, that takes the fun out
of it.
Stop making your cars out of 3 pieces!!! When A car is a Frame, Wheels,
and a guy, it takes all the fun out of it and destroys the customization. I
have sets I received at four years of age that were 15 or so pieces to make
a little police car.
Stop using stickers across multiple pieces.
Create http://www.shopathome.com and get it over with. We all want to order
stuff, we all want to order stuff now. I'm so computer centric it takes me
days to want to call an 800 number and order something.
There is a rumor that Service Packs are going away. Quash that rumor and
either A) Say it ain't so. or B) Bring em back, and bring em back NOW.
Bring out service packs for sets that have been discontinued with their
specialized pieces.
OK, I say this for all the Star Wars people out there. RELEASE A
STORMTROOPER MINI-FIG PACKAGE!!! You have a 'Town Folks' and a "Ninja
Nights' Package, you want something to fly off the shelves? Release a
simple 'Stormtroopers' with 5 little stormtroopers. You would never be
able to keep the things in stock.
Let's re-think your packaging, especially the large sets. I large amount of
people, both adults and children like to keep their boxes and instructions.
The boxes these days are downright ugly. There is no storage except the few
plastic trays that have the 'cool pieces' that all lego sets have. But
sets like the Mos Espa Pod Race that was a big box with three smaller boxes
inside it have got to go. Honestly, I think the best designed boxes you've
ever had were the Expert Builder sets - like the Auto Chassis. There was a
center section for all the gears and axels, and then there were places for
the wheels, etc. It all fit nicely, and I still have it.
Then I have 8880 Super Car and I can't keep things as neatly sorted. Axels
and all the other pieces are just toss tumble tumble. It's frustrating. If
you don't want to improve the box design, come out with some real storage
stuff for it. We are using things like tackle boxes, trays, tubs, coffee
cans, cut up milk cartons, anything we can find to try and store this. I'm
not the largest collector by a long shot, but I've got about 30,000 pieces
that is constantly growing. Please help.
Trains - Let's get back to the earlier models. The recent train, while one
I own, isn't 'as cool' as it should be. Sell the extra track and stuff in
either specialty train stores or online, don't make it so hard to find
pieces for. bring back some of the previous sets.
Monorails - Been on Ebay recently? Airport Shuttle goes for $350 - $400
every time. Kinda think there may be a need for another one.
Believe it or not, even your target market of kids age 6 - 12 don't like
large hunks that we arond here call "juniorized'. Kids aren't dumb, they do
like the challenge LEGO brings them.
I'm 28, my household income is over $100,000 a year, and in the past 5
months I"ve purchased about 40 sets ranging from Adventurers, Wild West,
Futuron, Ninja, Train, and Star Wars. I've probably spent about $3000 in
the last six months. I have a list of about another 30 to 40 sets I'm
actively waiting for paychecks to purchase.
I'll stop my rant, it's gone on long enough. Needless to say we are beyond
extatic you've shown yourself. Now, please, make a difference. We'll
continue to purchase for ourselves, but for others, and continue to keep the
spark of LEGO alive in future generations.
Tom Boucher
Lawrence, KS
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Tom Boucher wrote:
> OK, I say this for all the Star Wars people out there. RELEASE A
> STORMTROOPER MINI-FIG PACKAGE!!! You have a 'Town Folks' and a "Ninja
> Nights' Package, you want something to fly off the shelves? Release a
> simple 'Stormtroopers' with 5 little stormtroopers. You would never be
> able to keep the things in stock.
Nono - FOUR Stormtroopers, ONE Tie Fighter pilot ;-)
Or release a Stormtrooper pack, and other minifig PACKS - yes, plural. The SW
universe has plenty of characters to support several packs, all would sell well.
Suggestions:
5 Stormtroopers
Tie fighter pilot, Tie bomber pilot (if different? Dunno), basic R2/R5
droid, Deathstar personnel (COOL helmet!)
I'm sure other fanatics could suggest a good pack.
Or HEY, how about this? You know the 30 minifig Dacta Community Workers?
Release a 30-50 SW minifig pack, with almost all unique figs, and the
Stormtroopers 5pack on the side.
You really need to release a Tie fighter and Tie bomber too ;-)
> Let's re-think your packaging, especially the large sets. I large amount of
> people, both adults and children like to keep their boxes and instructions.
> The boxes these days are downright ugly. There is no storage except the few
> plastic trays that have the 'cool pieces' that all lego sets have. But
> sets like the Mos Espa Pod Race that was a big box with three smaller boxes
> inside it have got to go. Honestly, I think the best designed boxes you've
> ever had were the Expert Builder sets - like the Auto Chassis. There was a
> center section for all the gears and axels, and then there were places for
> the wheels, etc. It all fit nicely, and I still have it.
And stop the "empty" packaging. The 99 sets SUCKED, the boxes are half air!
After I got the 1775s from S@H, I found how truly compact TLC can pack boxes if
needed. Anything over a $5 set can stand a major downsizing on the box, they
take up way too much room (in my HUGE closet, spare bathroom, computer room,
front room, etc - dang things are everywhere BUT our bedroom (my wife draws the
line there). I repacked some 99 sets last night, I could fit 2-3 sets into ONE
box without seriously cramming them.
> Then I have 8880 Super Car and I can't keep things as neatly sorted. Axels
> and all the other pieces are just toss tumble tumble. It's frustrating. If
> you don't want to improve the box design, come out with some real storage
> stuff for it. We are using things like tackle boxes, trays, tubs, coffee
> cans, cut up milk cartons, anything we can find to try and store this. I'm
> not the largest collector by a long shot, but I've got about 30,000 pieces
> that is constantly growing. Please help.
Oh yes, an official storage system would be nice. However, DON'T release it
like the open trays the Lego shops use - make sure they are tubs/trays/boxes
with lids that snap on securely, and that the dividers actually touch the lid
when shut, so that if the box rolls over (don't ask), pieces stay in their
compartements.
--
| Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
| Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
> Then I have 8880 Super Car and I can't keep things as neatly sorted. Axels
> and all the other pieces are just toss tumble tumble. It's frustrating. If
> you don't want to improve the box design, come out with some real storage
> stuff for it. We are using things like tackle boxes, trays, tubs, coffee
> cans, cut up milk cartons, anything we can find to try and store this. I'm
> not the largest collector by a long shot, but I've got about 30,000 pieces
> that is constantly growing. Please help.
TLG had some great storage devices in the past. there was those red and blue
drawers, great for storing smaller pieces. there were various boxes etc and also
those drawstring bags.
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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They didn't have a storage SYSTEM.
The blue and red drawers I have don't have tops - better not tip them over...
Can you imagine sorting through 50 bags piled in a corner?...
Bucket tops don't stay on worth a damn...
Dacta tubs were random X by Y sizes, though sometimes Z DID match (go figure).
What would sell would be a REAL storage system - say, 3 sizes of drawers with tops
that fit in 3 sizes of stackable/interlockable frames - sort of like Plano. One big
drawer, height X, width Y. One med drawer, .5X by Y. One small drawer, .5X by .5Y.
So you can either stack each size in nice columns, or do:
_________________________________________
| | | |
| | | |
| |_________|__________|
| | |
| | |
|____________________|____________________|
Or go crazy in any way you want ;-) (of course, it is the OUTER FRAMES the drawers
go in that need the matching outer dimensions, to properly work).
Do it right, and ANY hobbyist, Lego owner or not, would want to buy it.
Jonathan Wilson wrote:
> > Then I have 8880 Super Car and I can't keep things as neatly sorted. Axels
> > and all the other pieces are just toss tumble tumble. It's frustrating. If
> > you don't want to improve the box design, come out with some real storage
> > stuff for it. We are using things like tackle boxes, trays, tubs, coffee
> > cans, cut up milk cartons, anything we can find to try and store this. I'm
> > not the largest collector by a long shot, but I've got about 30,000 pieces
> > that is constantly growing. Please help.
>
> TLG had some great storage devices in the past. there was those red and blue
> drawers, great for storing smaller pieces. there were various boxes etc and also
> those drawstring bags.
>
> --
> Jonathan Wilson
> wilsonj@xoommail.com
> http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
--
| Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
| Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
3 Points
1. Well, I'm not surprised. By speaking to "LUGNet" Brad appears to think he is
speaking to only US AFOL's.
2. Before promoting the Lego "brand", I'd sort the product out first
3. "we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail". Well, I heard a
story about a kid who sent of his design of a Playmobil Fire Station to the
manufacture... in reply he got a hand signed letter, a promise his design would be
considered and some free product.
Scott A
Scotland
Brad Justus wrote:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
>
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
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In lugnet.dear-lego, Scott-A wrote:
> 3 Points
>
> 1. Well, I'm not surprised. By speaking to "LUGNet" Brad appears to think he is
> speaking to only US AFOL's.
I don't see how you get that out of Brad's message. Specifically, he said:
> > LEGO
> > Direct embraces all the company+IBk-s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> > basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> > LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
Sounds fairly world-wide to me.
Steve
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In lugnet.general, Scott Arthur writes:
> 3 Points
>
> 1. Well, I'm not surprised. By speaking to "LUGNet" Brad appears to think
> he is speaking to only US AFOL's.
I don't know where you get that...(?)
He said "global" and "worldwide" in key places.
> [...]
> 3. "we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail". Well, I
> heard a story about a kid who sent of his design of a Playmobil Fire
> Station to the manufacture... in reply he got a hand signed letter,
By someone legally empowered to use someone of power's legal signature, or
by a real officiant?
> a promise his design would be considered
Ha.
> and some free product.
Well, one outta three ain't bad.
--Todd
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In lugnet.general, Todd Lehman writes:
> In lugnet.general, Scott Arthur writes:
> > 1. Well, I'm not surprised. By speaking to "LUGNet" Brad appears to think
> > he is speaking to only US AFOL's.
>
> I don't know where you get that...(?)
> He said "global" and "worldwide" in key places.
Agreed. And as for LUGNET representing only the USA, I should say not! Although
I would argue that LUGNET mainly represents English-speaking countries (but
there has been a growing activity in Italy and Denmark... and maybe some others
that I haven't noticed)... but even then...
> > [...]
> > 3. "we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail". Well, I
> > heard a story about a kid who sent of his design of a Playmobil Fire
> > Station to the manufacture... in reply he got a hand signed letter,
>
> By someone legally empowered to use someone of power's legal signature, or
> by a real officiant?
I once got a 'hand' signed letter from "Susan Williams"...
DaveE
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On Fri, 10 Dec 1999 17:40:04 GMT, "David Eaton" <deaton@intdata.com>
wrote:
> Agreed. And as for LUGNET representing only the USA, I should say not! Although
> I would argue that LUGNET mainly represents English-speaking countries (but
> there has been a growing activity in Italy and Denmark... and maybe some others
> that I haven't noticed)... but even then...
Uhm.. Uhm.. can we play?
I've heard of at least 6 confirmed memberships from the Netherlands.
Jasper
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In lugnet.general, Todd Lehman writes:
> In lugnet.general, Scott Arthur writes:
> > 3 Points
> >
> > 1. Well, I'm not surprised. By speaking to "LUGNet" Brad appears to think
> > he is speaking to only US AFOL's.
>
> I don't know where you get that...(?)
>
> He said "global" and "worldwide" in key places.
>
>
> > [...]
> > 3. "we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail". Well, I
> > heard a story about a kid who sent of his design of a Playmobil Fire
> > Station to the manufacture... in reply he got a hand signed letter,
>
> By someone legally empowered to use someone of power's legal signature, or
> by a real officiant?
>
>
> > a promise his design would be considered
>
> Ha.
>
>
> > and some free product.
>
> Well, one outta three ain't bad.
My point was they took the time to reply.
Scott A
>
> --Todd
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Wow, what great news!
A lot of people have mentioned that they would like to have bulk
ordering of parts and less juniorization of the sets, so I'm not going
to say anything more about that.
I would like to say that what I really like with the current LEGO
homepage is the interaction with the users, i.e., the builder's gallery
(both themed¹ and non-themed) and the contests and so on. This
direction of the LEGO homepage's evolution is greatly appreciated by me,
and I hope to see a continuation of it. Perhaps LEGO Direct can be a
means to even more interaction between the LEGO Company and it's fans?
I would like to wish you good luck with the plans LEGO Direct. I'm
looking forward to hearing more from you!
Fredrik
__
¹) Just now, you can see my "Construction Crane" in the Theme Gallery:
http://www.lego.com/gallery/theme/vote.asp
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In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
> message snipped<
Thanks for your willingness to listen and to help us better enjoy our hobby.
Much of what has already been said mirrors the general consensus of this
group. People in this community like to build, display, organize, collect,
and play. We love your product and can generate more positive publicity than
most advertising campaigns. I would venture to say that the AFOL community can
be the backbone of your push to make LEGO >the< brand name among families in
the near future. Just ask any of the LEGO train clubs and they can tell you
about the swarms of kids surrounding their layouts and the number of S@H
catalogs that they could hand out.
To create real revenue growth in the AFOL market, you will need to sell "Sr."
sets that we will want to buy; continue to make inroads with the techie, geek,
modeling, railroading, and artistic communities; and provide bulk pieces.
But I get the feeling that we are not TLC's main target market. So what I ask
you to do is to help us enjoy our hobby, recognize the AFOL community, and
help us help you promote your product. Give us the pieces that we want at
affordable prices. Visit our great model builders (James Mathis, Ed Boxer,
Steve Barile, and many others) to create instructions of their wonderful
creations. Then find ways to sell part packs of the more interesting and
unusual pieces of these creations. If it is feasible to re-release sets or
create the advanced sets that we want, then please make it so. If not, please
give us the tools that we can do so ourselves.
Help us organize local events such as building contests and special exhibits.
Just imagine what some of our model builders could create without the current
limitations of pieces. The media just eats up coverage of our models and
exhibits(see my post in lugnet.loc.us.mo.kan for tonight's news story in
Kansas City)
Thanks for listening. I'm very excited about the possibilities...
Build well,
Andreas Stabno
http://www.megsinet.net/~stabno/SimiLego.htm
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In lugnet.dear-lego, Brad Justus wrote:
[snipped Brad's message]
Hi, Brad! Welcome to LUGNet!
As an AFOL and father of two KABOBs (and uncle to two former KABOBs, and two
more future KABOBs), I'm very excited about the possibilities for LEGO Direct.
The online ordering (especially if it's comprehensive and global) sounds great,
the bulk ordering sounds promising, but I am most excited about the
communication and support LEGO Direct could provide. I'm especially thinking
about the various regional LEGO clubs which are starting to spring up.
> we are planning to make bulk ordering +IBM- albeit initially in a restricted
> format +IBM- available by then.
Hmm. If "restricted" means just basic bricks in just basic colors, I'm not sure
how well things will go at the start. If "restricted" just means there is a
time delay or requirements for large minimum orders, I don't think any serious
buyer will mind.
Now, If you started with basic bricks, plates, slopes and tiles in all
currently-producted colors. That would be a cool starting point.
> What do you love?
LEGO bricks.
> What do you hate?
Juniorized sets. I don't mind the big pieces as much as the designs of the
models. Lack of car doors, lack of detail, cars that are a plate stuck on an
underbody brick, with a windshield stuck on the front. Those things are bad.
Well, there are some evil SPUD (Special-Purpose, Useless, Decorative) pieces:
the helicopter skids, the helicopter chassis, the two-rail semi-trailer bed, the
car underbody bricks with built-in axles and slopes.
How can we help you?
Sell us what we want, in a way that generates profit for you and bricks for us.
Steve
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Steve Bliss <blisses@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:PjVROBTCF0KtBWCZAuw0etEPx=09@4ax.com...
> In lugnet.dear-lego, Brad Justus wrote:
>
> [snipped Brad's message]
>
> Hi, Brad! Welcome to LUGNet!
Steve, What's up with this annoying large type?
-John Van
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In lugnet.dear-lego, John VanZwieten wrote:
> Steve Bliss <blisses@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
> news:PjVROBTCF0KtBWCZAuw0etEPx=09@4ax.com...
> > In lugnet.dear-lego, Brad Justus wrote:
> >
> > [snipped Brad's message]
> >
> > Hi, Brad! Welcome to LUGNet!
>
>
> Steve, What's up with this annoying large type?
Oops, sorry. Must have been a bad shift-key reflex. I *know* better than to
mix-case LUGNET that way.
Steve
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In lugnet.general, Steve Bliss writes:
> In lugnet.dear-lego, John VanZwieten wrote:
>
> > Steve Bliss <blisses@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
> > news:PjVROBTCF0KtBWCZAuw0etEPx=09@4ax.com...
> > > In lugnet.dear-lego, Brad Justus wrote:
> > >
> > > [snipped Brad's message]
> > >
> > > Hi, Brad! Welcome to LUGNet!
> >
> >
> > Steve, What's up with this annoying large type?
>
> Oops, sorry. Must have been a bad shift-key reflex. I *know* better than to
> mix-case LUGNET that way.
Actually, that's not what I was refering to. Your messages were appearing in
my newsreader (MSOE) in double-sized font. They look fine on the web
interface I'm using now though. Wierd.
-John Van
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
> Well, there are some evil SPUD (Special-Purpose, Useless, Decorative) pieces:
> the helicopter skids, the helicopter chassis, the two-rail semi-trailer bed, the
> car underbody bricks with built-in axles and slopes.
I like the helicopter skids.
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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| |
|
Brad Justus <legodirect@lego.com> wrote in message
news:FMHtE5.Kp2@lugnet.com...
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those • of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new
day.
A new day, indeed!
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO • set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks - we just made that up),
I consider myself all of the above (well, it's not actually the _first_ DUPLO
set I've purchased, but . . .)
> here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than • that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want • to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct - our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company's direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), • e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
This is truly a great development for LEGO. Brick-and-mortar retail shopping
is on its way out--or at least on its way down. If LEGO remains hobbled by
its commitments to certain large retail stores, it's doomed as well. You've
definitely been given control of the growth edge for LEGO, and I'm sure
everyone here hopes you make the best possible use of it. On- and off-line
"community building" is a great way to extend LEGO's reach. If only it could
become as "cool" for a kid to have the best LEGO creation as it is to have
the best POKEMON card. . .
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step • towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the • world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It's a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach - but only if we are capable of listening and • responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
Not only are we people who buy your products much more than the average
consumer, but we're the most enthusiastic about selling others on LEGO. We
want great products that we will enjoy ourselves, but we also want great
products that we can buy for our nephews and recommend to other parents.
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on - that is, if such participation is something that • you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts • to
> be fully visible - we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well • as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready • for
> you by late next Summer. But here's a little preview that we think you'll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering - albeit initially in a • restricted
> format - available by then.
>
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New • York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we're not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail - • but
> we'll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We • want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the • company
> you'd like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
We love the Brick, of course! I love how it is an avenue of creativity, and
how it's a connection point between me and my kids. I love how it promotes
creative play in my kids, and I love how (esp. with the Mindstorms line) it
can be used as a learning tool.
> What do you hate?
The paucity of current sets outside the Technic and Star Wars lines that a
kid can truly be proud of building, and which provide the same level of
building possibilities found in older sets. This isn't just sentimentalism.
I watched in amazement when I brought home a few old Basic and Legoland
building sets I found at a flea market, and several adults and kids dived
right in, building models from instructions or from their imagination. But
those same people lost their enthusiasm when they looked at a store full of
the current product lines. That made me sad.
> How can we help you?
Help us promote LEGO in our communities and schools. A special-priced LEGO
Club Starter Kit would be great to help us get local clubs going. Better and
more-easily-available teaching curriculum and ideas would be great for those
of us promoting LEGO as a learning tool. Organizations like FIRST Lego
League are a good starting point for this, but more could be done. And of
course LEGO interest in and support of online Lego communities like LUGNET
can only benefit us both.
> Tell us - we want your input. We know
> you've got a lot to say - we've been reading your postings for a little • while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online - and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants • it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat • lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It's up to you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope • you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We • look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
As you can see, we are very encouraged. I wish you great success in your
efforts, and look forward to "collaboration."
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
We do :-)
-John Van
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
> This is truly a great development for LEGO. Brick-and-mortar retail shopping
> is on its way out--or at least on its way down. If LEGO remains hobbled by
> its commitments to certain large retail stores, it's doomed as well. You've
not naiming names but the australian stores of one of these chains use a giraffe
as a mascot :)
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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|
Dear Brad
(I'm a little verklempt right now.... talk amongst yourselves..... OK I'm back
now, with tears welling up in the corner of my eyes).
WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!
And thank you for the best Christmas present that that many of us have had in a
long time....
I want to say how happy that I and thousand of other LEGO "Ambassadors" are about
your post. Tell KKK and Peter Eio we wish them and their family the very best in
Holiday wishes, and thank them for us, if you can.
I have been a LEGO enthusiast since 1960, a full year before they were available
in the USA. Your post has indeed fulfilled a dream I have had for many many
years. Recently I purchased (from a German collector) LEGO Set #700 (with
contents), the wooden box Town Plan set from 1957 that had on its cover the
following words in large print: "LEGO Das Spielzeug für Jeder Alter", which in
English could actually be your motto in the next millenium:
"LEGO - THE TOY FOR ALL AGES"
As a collector who has one of the largest collections of LEGO, I am one of the few
private individuals in the world who can build large skyscrapers out of LEGO.
That is because I had the great fortune in 1979 to find 2 very old and rare
(1958-65) European Dealer Windows and Doors boxes with 1000 windows in each box.
Since then, I have found 4000 more, mostly hoarded away in old European toy
stores. I don't know how many people since then have asked me where I found all
those windows. That is because there are so many LEGO enthusiasts that are really
longing to be able to purchase these in bulk orders, but can't. There are a lot
of AFOLs who are dying to be able to build skyscrapers and other buildings like I
can. For them a visit to LEGOLAND is not altogether a pleasant experience. That
is, instead of thinking "gee those buildings are great", they think "darn, I wish
they made the parts available for me to be able to build this", and also "they are
thumbing their noses at us because they can build it, but we can't".
I think you get the picture here.
We have felt neglected for a very long time (for me since 1987), and your letter
is music to our ears. Rather than ramble on, I will end this post with what I see
as possible things that LEGO-Direct can help AFOLs with.
______________________________________
I. -- Bulk Sales - I won't rehash the same old things, but especially windows.
Train collectors are dying for more, Town collectors are eager for more. The
current Service Packs is top heavy in doors (we all have enough doors), and
between the Service Pack and the Dacta pack, all windows are red only. There are
many other parts. Here is what I see as the top 10:
1) Windows - Train and Town. If Billund has any of the classic windows (1957-75)
remaining in their inventory, that would be "icing on the cake", but even if it's
just the newer varieties, that would be fine. Preferably in many colors.
2) Tile Bricks - These are the 1/3 bricks with no studs on top, available in
several sizes. These are always in great demand in all colors, but the supply is
so very limited in current LEGO sets.
3) Sloped Bricks - These are very scarce in what we call "extreme slope" variety,
commonly used as buttress pieces in castle sets. Also, other slopes in rarer
colors. As someone said "any color but red" (which we all probably have in
quantity). Even Train collectors covet these in low slopes.
4) Round(ed) bricks - Especially the 2x2 cylinder bricks. In white they make
great columns for Greek Temples and other classic buildings and space structures.
5) Plates - You may know them as 1/3 bricks. Many sizes and colors are available,
but certain ones are in great demand.
6) Clear Bricks and Plates - Very common in 1960's sets, but rather scarce today.
All sizes are in big demand today. These make for great skyscraper (or cathedral)
windows.
7-10) Other specialty LEGO pieces.
----------------------------
II. AFOL Support Services - The Train folks may want banners or LEGO signage for
their public shows. Large collectors like myself who have public showings of
their creations would like LEGO signs for our displays (free advertisement for
TLC).
----------------------------
III. Perhaps a corporate sponsored AFOL Newsletter.
----------------------------
IV. I know this is probably outside your scope, but some advanced collectors and
PAUSE Database set listing or BRICKSHELF Instructions listings might want access
to the Billund Archives (or have an archivist available to answer questions and
"fill in the blanks"). I know of at least one German collector who wanted to
access the archives to get some missing information to a historic set/catalog
inventory listing, but was rebuffed.
----------------------------
V. Other services for the non-brick LEGO Systems (Mindstorms, LDRAW, etc).
----------------------------
VI. Perhaps some company sponsored events such as building contests, AFOL & the
children of AFOL events highlighting "LEGO isn't just for kids anymore". Perhaps
factory tours, etc.
----------------------------
VII. Perhaps some help or ideas for AFOLs getting their LEGO insured. Many AFOLs
have collections valued into the 4 or 5 digit figures. Insurance agents balk at
insuring large collections without some framework for valuation.
-----------------------------
VIII. One area I didn't mention is criticism about the Juniorization of LEGO
sets. I won't touch that one, because all your current LEGO sets are geared
towards children. Perhaps a few sets for the adult market. Someone mentioned
reissuing old sets that were popular. Maybe a select few sets geared towards
architecture or historic periods.
-----------------------------
I'm sure that there are other areas or ideas that people will come up with.
Perhaps some commercials showing "LEGO ain't just for kids", with adults playing.
After all most baby boomers had LEGO as kids. They just might need to be shown
that building with LEGO as an adult is nothing to be ashamed of. If you remove
any percieved stigma, them maybe more adults will join the cause.
In summation, we do appreciate this new beginning......
Gary Istok
Detroit
P.S. If you want to see what 6000 windows can build......
http://my.voyager.net/lar/gistok.html
Brad Justus wrote:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
>
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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|
Hello Brad,
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers.
Your message could not have come at a better time for me personally. It
was just this week that I was wandering through the busy stores wondering
what's going on with LEGO. The shelves seem somewhat cold and empty
compared to your warm and inviting statement. I was, in fact, questioning
how much more money I was willing to spend on your products. I'm hoping
that through this new dialogue you (TLC) can find new and interesting ways
in which to separate me from my money. :)
[Please read on... it gets much more positive from here on in.]
> We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. • LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), • e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
Well said, well thought-out and in this vast e-commerce enabled world, this
is an extremely timely statement. Bravo!
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that • you
> want.
This seems pretty obvious to me. You have available to you, numerous
intelligent consumers more than willing to provide you with endless amounts
of feedback for no more price than your willingness to listen.
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a • restricted
> format – available by then.
Although for me personally this is not a critical issue, I know that many
others will be happy with even limited access to bulk ordering.
> We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the • company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input.
You have already taken the first and most important step towards being a
company behind which I am willing to put nearly all of my disposable
income. I thank you... my bank account does not. :)
> What do you love?
The answer to this question is best expressed in a simple equation that I
have posted several times before in this newsgroup.
LEGO = Bricks
It is the brick-based products that I appreciate (and buy) over anything
else. While I understand your company's interest in expanding the brand
name through the marketing of non-brick related products, I cannot endorse
them with my own dollars. I will only ever buy product from you that has
bricks included. Having said that though, I am willing to buy more from
you when the products begin to appeal more to me.
> What do you hate?
Hate is such a strong word. Let's leave it at this... Products like
CyberSlams and RockRaiders will never grace the shelves of my LEGO
collection. The first one because it's much too violent for LEGO and the
second because I just "don't get it". I do find it ironic right now that
the few boxes on the shelves right now seem to originate primarily from
those two product lines, while I can't find a decent mixed bucket to save
my life.
> How can we help you?
You've already begun. This open communication concept that you're in the
process of establishing will go a long way.
> Tell us – we want your input.
If this means that you're looking for suggestions for new/different
products... I'm more than willing to offer my two cents. I have lots of
ideas, but for the sake of brevity, let me touch on just two.
1) Reissues of old sets. Some of us (like me) have fond memories of sets
that are now over 25 years old. Anniversary reissues seem only a logical
step for a company with a history as rich as yours. One quick look on Ebay
and one can see an immediate need for, or interest in, the classic old
sets. Many sell for outrageous sums of money, with neither the original
box, nor instructions included. By simply stamping those materials with
the words 'Reissue' you negate the possibility that the box and
instructions will be used to resell the model as though it were an
original. And by offering the new product at a price less than the
originals are now being sold for at auction, you also reduce the idea of
them being sold falsely as originals.
For example... Is a 928 Galaxy Explorer really worth more than $150 U.S.
???
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=207260645
Or is a reissue, from the original company, at a reasonable price, more
attractive to people like me who may want to complete their classic space
collection? I would hope this is the case.
2) Take some consideration, when designing new product lines, of the adult
market specifically. And I must add that this really should include
something other than another supercar. Sure, I love cars as much as the
next builder, but what about some of the terrific architecture that's
begging to be built from LEGO. But how many houses really have blue roofs
these days? Why not some targeted service packs that address some of the
needs that LEGO builders are looking for in their bulk ordering requests?
One of the things I find most frustrating about LEGO is that most of the
large projects I consider building are never going to be built (under
current conditions) because the price of obtaining the necessary parts at
auction is truly daunting. If, however, certain parts were available with
large vehicle, or large building design in mind, I might be building some
of those dream projects. And as a result, buying more product that I
otherwise would never have bought. I am sure that by listening to your
market (as you seem very willing to do) that you will develop ideas for new
product lines or marketing strategies that will address many of the adult
concerns and further tap their finacial resources... in a good way for all.
:)
Let me leave you with a little math that you can run by the marketing
folks. I am a 31 year-old LEGO fan. I began buying sets for myself again
approximately 14 months ago. During these last 14 months I have purchased
(conservatively) 10 times more LEGO than all of the LEGO that my parents
bought me as a child.... combined. At least 90% of this product was
pruchased new, either from S@H or from retail outlets. Here's the
kicker... all of this product is for me. I don't even have any kids yet.
Imagine how much I will continue to buy when they come along. Or, better
yet, imagine how much I would have bought if more of the product had been
geared towards me. There have been many a day that I've left the toy aisle
empty-handed.
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope • you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We • look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
The excitement is felt on this end as well. I do feel that LEGO was a huge
part of my childhood and I've felt somewhat confused that the company
seemed so unwilling to admit that its products could continue to have
appeal to those of us who grew up with it. You have begun a terrific new
incentive and I wish you immense success with it.
Best regards,
Allan Bedford
apotome@execulink.com
--
Expert Builder Website - The Megaproject Showcase
http://www.execulink.com/~apotome/expert.htm
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|
Hi Brad and LEGO Direct service team,
a huge welcome to lugnet - oh this has been said already?
Who cares, this is one of the most important days in history, a dream coming
true for all of us (mostly AFOLs).
All I could say know has already been mentioned in some way so there is no
need to read the whole message if time does not allow it. I want this new LEGO
Direct service to give us bulk sales quickly, not to keep reading for weeks
first and there obviously is a lot to read now.
-
My first question/concern is how international this service really is. I live
in Germany and I do also want to get bulk sales, ...
So please try to publish -whatever TLC decides to- also in Europe (of course
Australia,...). It would even be nice if there would also be local divisions
for special languages, but on the other hand is very common and I have not yet
heard any AFOL complaining about (my) bad english and grammatical mistakes.
Well, the language is not the point I wanted to explain here. Take e.g. etoys:
This is a great service but unfortunately they do not ship to Europe and so I
can't order anything.
-
TLC, give every person in the world to get all sets that are available in
other countries too. I spent about US$500 on shipping costs in 1999 to get all
those US only sets and other things, so please don't forget us. Note that the
german market is besides the US one of the most important ones and the new
LEGOLand opening here soon is a great improvement.
-
Well, US only sets are not the only things that are hard to find. Next point
are the promotional items. It is so dissapointing to see special sets
appearing all over the world - Kellogs, Shell, Maersk, Danone, Mc Donalds,
Velux, Milka, Kabaya, MilkyWay, etc. etc. etc. just to name a few here.
Of course those sets have a promotional sence but getting the guarantee that
they show up maybe twelve months later available at LEGO Direct would help us
collectors a lot (and save us a lot of money for shipping and trading). I do
not think TLC itself would have less profit only because they sell the sets
again a bit later. My favourites so far are all Kabaya and Airline sets as
they are nearly impossible to find and pay. Well, bulk sells might be the
solution. I could go through all instructions to find out which pieces I am
missing for those sets and then simply order them directly. This will be a
soloution too, although not the perfect one.
-
What about old/discontinued sets? Most of them were great, and absoloutely
cool, but paying more than twice the price plus shipping for a used set is not
possible for me (at least not generally). Maybe you could remake some of the
best classic sets, thinking of Pirates, Castle, Town and Space. It would be
enough if we would get two old cool sets a month available or so. Maybe not
even excactly the same sets. What about the same model with new set number,
new box, and new building instruction plus a small sheet with details about
the original set, such as year piece count, classic pictures, original number
and available countries, and other nice things. I think we have even seen this
for some smaller sets. The Kabaya Space and Castle lines were actually old
sets with new set number. Their original themes were discontinued long before
they came out. I am dreaming about sets like 6954, 6989, 6086, 6277, 4558 and
lots more, let the AFOLs themselves decide. It would be nice to get the
original model with no new minifigs and no new colours but I do think as long
as the sets go back to their roots we will buy them.
-
What would also be nice is getting the old 12V sets remade but with new 9V
motors. Some modifications would be necessary but it would be great. What
about "real-life-set", a TGV, ICE, an old steam locomotive and many many other
train items that are more realistic and where people won't be loaded onto the
trains like cargo. For children this might be nice but not for AFOLs, we are
not playing that way. I have many ideas how to improve the 9V train system,
but it would be an adult train theme then, not for kids. First of all we need
electronical switches, then sensors on the rails combined with signals,
pedestrian crossings and train crossings. All this should be electronical and
programmable. I can even imagine a LEGO Mindstorms Train expansion set, yes
Mindstorms. Develop an RCX that we can put next to the transformator so that
we can program diverse tracks on the PC and then combine them with the real
tracks. The PC would know when a train arrives at a stop sensor and so the
trains would stop at stations, crossings, signals, switches, etc...
You could program them to avoid crashes that way, maybe even tell them the
speed individually and lots more. Try to develop even a system that allows us
to "turn" a train around. I mean a track where trains can go both ways without
the electronic stopping them.
Well, I know this will cause lots and lots of problems but in theoretical it
is possible as Maerklin, Fleischmann and other train construction companies
also did this and you already have the software, you only need the hardware,
based on simple Mindstorms motors and sensors, telling the PC when a train
reaches a certain point via sensor and reacting via motor by changing a switch
to avoid a crash.
Okay, as said this is a difficult job and the products would be only for
adults and also very expensive. I think the starter Mindstorms kit should
contain around five sensor rails, two electronical switches and stopping rails
(like used in the 12V system) and some crossings. Additionally a very large
train RCX with about eight inputs and eight outputs also able to expand.
Okay, okay, a huge project and I stop writing about it now. Please don't tell
me I am stupid, think about it for a few hours and if it is a stupid idea, you
don't have to do this. electronical switches without PC would also be nice
though, but remember PCs are the future.
-
Besides this you should bring back the monorails, lots of them. Maybe sell
single trains also without track or buildings. What about waggons for them,
have you tried monorail crossings yet, what bout 20stud high bridges? or else
curves with smaller angles like 45* . That would give the system a new
complexivity and I am sure many monorail fans would buy this. If those
improvements are unprofitable okay, then simply bring back the track sets so
that we can keep our tracks growing. I know children do no more buy any of
those monorail tracks, but we certainly do.
AFOLs, please disagree if I am wrong.
-
As mentioned above many of my ideas are really not useful as toys for kids so
why don't you think about new sets specially designed for adults. A new twon
theme would be so cool. The age marked on the box could say 16-99 or so. What
about a classic realistic church, the Statue of liberty, a large bank or any
other buildings seen in LEGOLands. Those would be great and I am sure adluts
would buy them. You could sell them besides your usual sets. I can live with
juniorized city and things like Scala or Belville. I don't think they are as
bad as AFOLs say and as long as they are profitable you should keep them. Some
of them are really good - for kids! Please discontinue Znap though, this is
ugly right? Sorry to be so open here, but first I did like the Znap sets and
bought several, so meanwhile I think they are only good for train bridges and
that is all I use them for. Well, as you now do care about AFOLs I can live
with all those sets I do not like, we do not have to buy them. If some AFOLs
would want you to produce military sets you can even do this IMO, but I will
not buy them in any case.
-
Last but not least you can help us to complete many of the unofficial
databases. I am sure there is still lack of information and some official
pictures for the Pause Magazine (espacially for old sets) would be cool. Of
course this might be impossible also because of various points. First it might
cause TLC some costs to help us filling the empty set numbers places, but on
the other hand I am sure that many AFOLs would even pay US$2 if we would get a
complete list therefor and this means maybe more than US$4000 for giving us
help to complete some lists, fair for all I think. Well, but lots of work for
the AFOLs to organize the money collecting etc.
Simply answer the questions we do have on many sets. Can you ever tell us what
set #1886 IS/WAS/SHOULD be? It is impossible for most of us to imagine why
this set caused so many rumors.
On the other hand I would like to know if this information is secret for some
reasons. Maybe you truly have copyright problems so you can't help us here. Oh
well, just think about it carefully, it is worth a thought.
-
I think that's it in general. Thanks for listening (if you are still reading).
The fact that your posting got such a large reaction should express how great
these news are. I am sorry that this is finally such a long message but I was
waiting to tell you this for years, well decades so it is more than fair that
I can finally say you what I do think. My collection contains meanwhile more
than 1000 LEGO sets, I spent more than US$2000 for LEGO this year Many other
impressions are yet to be written so prepare to read and listen, I think this
is all you can do right now, simply listen, this is already a dream-come-true.
Once again, welcome at lugnet, keep listening, it's good to know you do.
Bye, Christian.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The World is full of AFOLs - gech1@t-online.de
In lugnet.general, Brad Justus writes:
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
>
> We hope that we are the bearer of some holiday cheer for you all. For those of
> you who have felt that your love for LEGO was unrequited, this is a new day.
> With this missive, the LEGO Company asks to open a dialogue with you, our
> consumers. Whether you are an AFOL, or a parent purchasing a first DUPLO set,
> or a KABOB (Kid with a Bunch of Bricks – we just made that up), here are some
> words that should gladden your hearts: We are listening. And more than that,
> we will endeavor to be very responsive to your needs and desires. We want to
> have the best possible relationships with all of you who want to have a
> relationship with us. That is what LEGO Direct – our new direct-to-you
> communications and commerce channel (which I am heading) is all about. LEGO
> Direct embraces all the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts on a global
> basis, both on- and off-line: Shop@Home, our Internet presence(s), e-commerce,
> LEGO clubs worldwide, community building activities, and more.
>
> In creating this new enterprise for the company, we take one more step towards
> reaching our strategic intent: we want to be the strongest brand in the world
> amongst families by the year 2005. It’s a very bold goal, and one that we
> believe we can reach – but only if we are capable of listening and responding
> to the people who buy our products. You. Hence the creation of LEGO Direct.
>
> As a first step, we at LEGO Direct want to participate actively in these
> newsgroups from now on – that is, if such participation is something that you
> want. Please realize that it will take some months for all our new efforts to
> be fully visible – we will be redesigning our entire Web operation (as well as
> our offline direct services), and intend to have the first release ready for
> you by late next Summer. But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a restricted
> format – available by then.
>
> We are right now in the process of establishing new office space in New York
> and expanding the LEGO Direct staff. It will take a little time, so please
> understand that we’re not yet able to handle a deluge of incoming e-mail – but
> we’ll be happy to engage in a dialogue with you in these forums. We will do
> our very best to respond to everything that we can in a timely manner. We want
> to be a company with whom you want to be involved. We want to be the company
> you’d like us to be. And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input. We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
>
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering - albeit initially in a restricted
Open dialogue *and* bluk ordering? There *is* a Santa Claus!
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
Brad Justus (legodirect@lego.com) wrote:
: To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
: We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope you
: are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We look
: forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
: Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
: – Brad
Brad,
As others have said, welcome. A few points i'd like to add. First
I agree that the availabliity of bricks, slopes, and plates in bulk would
be wonderful. That's the core of Lego, and would enable great buildings.
The second point is I'd love to be able to get track for
discontinued lines such as 4.5V train, 12V train, and monorail. WHile
9V track is available as packs of straghts, curves, and switches,
the older track is simply unavailable. I've made quite an investment in
monorails. I have 4 full sets and many accessory track sets. What I really
want to buy is straight track! Much as the window and door packs leave
people with too many doors, 6347 leaves me with too many curves.
Thanks for listening, and I hope to be able to do business
with your operation in the future.
-Bill Katz
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Bill Katz <billk@wald.wald-kramer.com> wrote in message
news:944898283.203387@wald.wald-kramer.com...
> Brad,
> As others have said, welcome. A few points i'd like to add. First
> I agree that the availabliity of bricks, slopes, and plates in bulk would
> be wonderful. That's the core of Lego, and would enable great buildings.
Brad:
Bricks, slopes, plates and tiles are the place to start with bulk ordering -
all colors, all sizes (personal plea - gray 1x__). Next, I would suggest
making available 5-10 elements from each separate theme (i.e. for Castle -
arches, castle walls, arched windows, minifigs, etc.). Perhaps 25 elements
from each theme could be proffered and voted upon with the top 10 being
available for bulk purchase. This could be used as a trial run to allow you
to guage interest and your capabilities (production time, delivery costs,
etc.).
As many others have said, welcome.
Tim
Richmond, Virginia
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This is great!
I want to tell you this:
I live in Sweden, and many things in the U.S. are not available here. I´d
like a more even distribution of LEGO everywhere and not just the US.
Brad Justus skrev i meddelandet ...
<SNIP>
But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a • restricted
> format – available by then.
Great! But make sure it is possible in Sweden as well, and not just the US.
<SNIP>
> And to do that, we need your input. What do you love?
> What do you hate? How can we help you? Tell us – we want your input.
I love my old lego. I love the classic smiley faces. I love space. I love
anything before 1997. I like Star Wars.
I hate Town Jr. I hate... Well, I´m sorry to say this but I hate almost
everything I see in my 1999 catalogue. MindStorms is great, the Swedish
service packs are still good, and there are some great BASIC sets.
We know
> you’ve got a lot to say – we’ve been reading your postings for a little • while
> now. We are very encouraged by the commitment and intensity of the LEGO
> community online – and that includes AFOLs. Perhaps, if traffic warrants • it,
> we ought to consider creating a new newsgroup (or simply reformat • lugnet.dear-
> lego) to serve as the online communication-to-LEGO channel. It’s up to you.
Great!
> We cannot tell you how excited we are to be working with you all. We hope • you
> are equally encouraged by the renewed commitment we are making to you. We • look
> forward to a very rewarding collaboration.
>
> Happy Holidays. And Play Well.
>
> – Brad
>
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com
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In lugnet.general, Tobias Möller writes:
> But here’s a little preview that we think you’ll
> > like: we are planning to make bulk ordering – albeit initially in a • restricted
> > format – available by then.
>
>
> Great! But make sure it is possible in Sweden as well, and not just the US.
Yeah, yeah and Finland too!
Windows and doors for trains and buildings, transparent, gray, dark gray,
brown, orange and green coloured basic bricks, please!
Mika
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Hi Brad,
Welcome, this is indeed a big moment for us, so lets hope
that something will come out of this proposal.
First some good news :
A local newspaper wrote that Lego was the most sold toy in the last century !!
Now the question :
Will those bulk orders also possible in other countries too ?
I see that you're vice president of LEGO Direct (USA) but i live
in Belgium and want also some more bulk stuf. Especially the train
related items as door,windows and the typical 1x2x6 roof pieces (as used in
the Metro Liner).
I spend this year for abouth $US 1450 on lego's where $ US 285 where on
Lego Service packs.
I ordered 2 weeks ago some 'off Lego Service Brochure ' train items and hope
to get them next week (From the Belgium office of cource), when the Santa
Claus (on 6th december)has gone and things get back to normal.
I should say stay for ever and join hands to make LEGO models even better
sincerally,
Ludo
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Wow! Sounds like you guys are trying to take over the world! Starting in 2005
inhabitants of Earth must restrain themselves from the use of their elbows and
knees (like 50's B-movie robots).
Just joking! GREAT news!
Yes, I've got the gall to complain now.
#1 complaint: lack of ethnic/racial representation. I'd love to play with
more sets with more examples of the world's colors. And, please! No more blue-
faced Egyptians. Not all Egyptians want to set booby-traps for everyone.
#2: Re-release old sets. Or, at least, old themes.
Ok, no more complaints (not that I could count them on more than one hand).
Thanks for the good news!
Mike
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Michael Horvath wrote:
> Wow! Sounds like you guys are trying to take over the world! Starting in 2005
> inhabitants of Earth must restrain themselves from the use of their elbows and
> knees (like 50's B-movie robots).
> Just joking! GREAT news!
> Yes, I've got the gall to complain now.
> #1 complaint: lack of ethnic/racial representation. I'd love to play with
> more sets with more examples of the world's colors. And, please! No more blue-
> faced Egyptians. Not all Egyptians want to set booby-traps for everyone.
> #2: Re-release old sets. Or, at least, old themes.
> Ok, no more complaints (not that I could count them on more than one hand).
>
> Thanks for the good news!
> Mike
My wish list:
a c-3p0 minifig
a chewbacca minifig
a stormtrooper minifig
some "army men"
an emporor minifig
more film licences e.g.
ghostbusters
saving private ryan
titanic
apollo 13
tron
and more...
--
Jonathan Wilson
wilsonj@xoommail.com
http://members.xoom.com/wilsonj/
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Brad,
THANK YOU (and the LEGO Group) for opening the door! I plan to be among those
AFOLs you'll be doing business with in the near future.
Some of the items I'd like to see among the offerings are retired pieces of
great interest [to me - and others(?)], such as straight Monorail Track and
large plate windows (1 x 6 x 3). I am sure that I'll be able to expand on
lists such as this, but I'm hoping you'll provide a yes/no response to the
general question of "retired pieces being/becoming available".
I would also like to know if TLG intends to provide information to us
historian/collector types about what pieces have gone before - pieces that
wouldn't even be called retired because of their antiquity. I have many
elements dating 25 years and older, but I certainly don't have all of them. In
fact, although my collection numbers 2600+ different shapes, I couldn't even
list all of the elements LEGO has made because there are so many. But I'd
surely like to know what they are/were, so that coming across one at a garage
sale (or e-bay), I'd be able to tell it was really LEGO.
Again, thanks for recognizing and responding to the LEGO user community.
Wayne
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First off, I would like to say thanks to Brad for recognizing the AFOLs, it
has been a long time comming.
Echoing what Wayne Hussey just said, I to have always longed to know some
information on parts made past and present. I have always hoped that maybe
TLG would produce a book detailing each and every part ever made by TLG
up to and including present day. The book would not have to be fancy, just a
picture and information on each piece. There could even be a small yearly
supplement showing what pieces were invented the past year. It would sort of
be an encyclopedia of LEGO bricks. I strongly suspect this book already
exists in some form or other at the LEGO factories. Making an official book
would be greatly recieved and enjoyed by all who love LEGO.
In lugnet.general, Wayne R. Hussey writes:
> Brad,
> I would also like to know if TLG intends to provide information to us
> historian/collector types about what pieces have gone before - pieces that
> wouldn't even be called retired because of their antiquity. I have many
> elements dating 25 years and older, but I certainly don't have all of them. In
> fact, although my collection numbers 2600+ different shapes, I couldn't even
> list all of the elements LEGO has made because there are so many. But I'd
> surely like to know what they are/were, so that coming across one at a garage
> sale (or e-bay), I'd be able to tell it was really LEGO.
In closing I would like to share with you my vision of "LEGO Direct". I
envision a moderately sized warehouse with a handfull of employees and many
bins of LEGO bricks. These bins would be kept filled by container trucks sent
directly from every LEGO factory on the globe. Some employees would take
orders over the phone and internet while others would work in the warehouse
filling the bulk orders and shipping them out. I feel sure this could work, I
am just worried about the laws of supply and demand to keep it up and running.
Oh well!!, we will all have to see what happens and what becomes of this new
venture over the comming months!
Thanks for letting me blab!
Daniel Poole, 25 Year LEGO VET!
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Hello, Brad.
I am one of a LEGO enthusiusts in Japan.
I have a strong request for you.
Please open the door of the LEGO Direct to Japanese LEGO enthusiusts,
preferably from the beginning.
We have been barred even from the LEGO Worldshop.
It is not required to prepare Japanese language menu.
We all have dissatisfaction with a very poor lineup and
extremely high price in Japan.
Again, please accept orders from Japan.
Regards,
Susumu Takahashi
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Brad Justus wrote:
>
> To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
I realy hope, this includes the WHOLE world.
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In lugnet.general, Carsten Müller writes:
> Brad Justus wrote:
> >
> > To LEGO enthusiasts everywhere:
> I realy hope, this includes the WHOLE world.
Me too. I live 49 miles from Billund and still
have to buy sets from all over the World. Using
my creditcard would save me a lot of money.
Christian
Adventurers website:
http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Cottage/5900/Adventurers.html
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