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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact
Matthew Gerber
BrickMedia, LLC
Post Office Box 1292
Santa Maria, California 93456-1292
(805) 347-8460 telephone
Matthew@BrickMedia.com
http://www.bricksmagazine.com/
http//www.BrickMedia.com/
INTRODUCING BRICKS™ MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
January 4, 2003 - BrickMedia™, LLC is proud to announce Bricks™ Magazine,
premiering in Quarter 1, 2003! Free preview issues are available upon
request at the official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/.
Bricks will be the first LEGO® fan magazine ever published... created by the
LEGO fan community for the LEGO fan community.
Bricks will feature exclusive building instructions from the most renowned
fan builders, presented in glorious, high-resolution, full color renderings
through our partnership with LDraw.org (http://www.ldraw.org/). At least
half of each issue of Bricks will be comprised of building instructions,
making each issue an idea book unto itself!
Also featured will be reviews of official LEGO sets, as well as all of the
wonderful kits from the custom kit modelers in the fan community, options
for the storage and display of your collection, promotional and collectable
items, and other products of interest to LEGO fans.
Add to all of that exclusive feature articles, comics, a builders gallery,
classified ads and more, and you have the most unique publication
imaginable... a monthly, glossy, full-color tribute to our favorite hobby
and toy brand.
Available by subscription, or from select retail partners, in early 2003.
Advertising contracts, contract and spec articles, items for review and
building instruction submissions are being accepted now. Please see the
official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/ for further
information.
###
© 2003, BrickMedia™, LLC. Bricks™ Magazine is a trademark of BrickMedia, LLC.
Bricks Magazine is a fan-produced publication, neither sponsored or
sanctioned by
the LEGO Group of companies. Information contained in this press release is
as accurate as possible as of the day of release. LEGO® is a trademark of
the LEGO Group of companies. All other marks are SM, TM, ®, or © their
respective owners,
and no infringement is intended.
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US and Canada only :-(
Duq
"Matthew Gerber" <Matthew@BrickMedia.com> wrote in message
news:H86KK9.6uM@lugnet.com...
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
> Contact
> Matthew Gerber
> BrickMedia, LLC
> Post Office Box 1292
> Santa Maria, California 93456-1292
> (805) 347-8460 telephone
> Matthew@BrickMedia.com
> http://www.bricksmagazine.com/
> http//www.BrickMedia.com/
>
> INTRODUCING BRICKST MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
>
> January 4, 2003 - BrickMediaT, LLC is proud to announce BricksT Magazine,
> premiering in Quarter 1, 2003! Free preview issues are available upon
> request at the official publication web site at • http://www.bricksmagazine.com/.
>
> Bricks will be the first LEGO® fan magazine ever published... created by • the
> LEGO fan community for the LEGO fan community.
>
> Bricks will feature exclusive building instructions from the most renowned
> fan builders, presented in glorious, high-resolution, full color • renderings
> through our partnership with LDraw.org (http://www.ldraw.org/). At least
> half of each issue of Bricks will be comprised of building instructions,
> making each issue an idea book unto itself!
>
> Also featured will be reviews of official LEGO sets, as well as all of the
> wonderful kits from the custom kit modelers in the fan community, options
> for the storage and display of your collection, promotional and • collectable
> items, and other products of interest to LEGO fans.
>
> Add to all of that exclusive feature articles, comics, a builders gallery,
> classified ads and more, and you have the most unique publication
> imaginable... a monthly, glossy, full-color tribute to our favorite hobby
> and toy brand.
>
> Available by subscription, or from select retail partners, in early 2003.
> Advertising contracts, contract and spec articles, items for review and
> building instruction submissions are being accepted now. Please see the
> official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/ for • further
> information.
>
> ###
>
> © 2003, BrickMediaT, LLC. BricksT Magazine is a trademark of BrickMedia, • LLC.
> Bricks Magazine is a fan-produced publication, neither sponsored or
> sanctioned by
> the LEGO Group of companies. Information contained in this press release • is
> as accurate as possible as of the day of release. LEGO® is a trademark of
> the LEGO Group of companies. All other marks are SM, TM, ®, or © their
> respective owners,
> and no infringement is intended.
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Awesome! It's about time we adult fans of The Brick got into printed
publication. Now we'll be known to the non-E generation as well. -Harvey
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I can understand that perhaps that you don't want to be spending out on
shipping the preview copy overseas, but Matthew, will the rest of the world
be able to subscribe, albeit at a higher rate to reflect higher postage
charges?
Huw
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I'll be interested in seeing how this is presented to the non-LUGNET member
via retail outlets, since the general LEGO public is going to be the key to
it's success.
Sounds exciting.
jt
In lugnet.publish, Harvey Henkelman writes:
> Awesome! It's about time we adult fans of The Brick got into printed
> publication. Now we'll be known to the non-E generation as well. -Harvey
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In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
> INTRODUCING BRICKS™ MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
>
> January 4, 2003 - BrickMedia™, LLC is proud to announce Bricks™ Magazine,
> premiering in Quarter 1, 2003! Free preview issues are available upon
> request at the official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/.
>
> Bricks will be the first LEGO® fan magazine ever published... created by the
> LEGO fan community for the LEGO fan community.
>
> Bricks will feature exclusive building instructions from the most renowned
> fan builders, presented in glorious, high-resolution, full color renderings
> through our partnership with LDraw.org (http://www.ldraw.org/). At least
> half of each issue of Bricks will be comprised of building instructions,
> making each issue an idea book unto itself!
Oh, this is excellent! Finally a fan oriented publication
without the profuse advertising of a lego magazine! This
is starting to sound great!
> Also featured will be reviews of official LEGO sets, as well as all of the
> wonderful kits from the custom kit modelers in the fan community, options
> for the storage and display of your collection, promotional and collectable
> items, and other products of interest to LEGO fans.
Ah, reviews! Now, this is interesting! Can reviews be
contributed at the site, or do you need to be a
member of the bricks magazine staff to write them?
> Add to all of that exclusive feature articles, comics, a builders gallery,
> classified ads and more, and you have the most unique publication
> imaginable... a monthly, glossy, full-color tribute to our favorite hobby
> and toy brand.
Plenty of reasons to purchase a subscription
here. Is this also in operation with the BI-
Portal for the instructions scheme?
> Available by subscription, or from select retail partners, in early 2003.
> Advertising contracts, contract and spec articles, items for review and
> building instruction submissions are being accepted now. Please see the
> official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/ for further
> information.
Well, it should be obvious now that I'm going
to subscribe :)
<<_Matt Hein_>>
Fellow lego enthusiast
O s p r e y
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In lugnet.publish, Ronald Vallenduuk writes:
> US and Canada only :-(
Hang in there!
Since we're footing the bill for these preview editions, it simply wasnt
feasable to offer them beyond the US and Canada.
We're already working on international distribution, and based upon Tim's
trip to LEGO World, the Netherlands is first on the list. Look for an import
version of the US publication to fill the gap until we can justify localized
editions. No solid timing on this (as we have to actually produce something
before we can get it out there), but it's part of the plan-no question!
Matt
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In lugnet.publish, Huw Millington writes:
> I can understand that perhaps that you don't want to be spending out on
> shipping the preview copy overseas, but Matthew, will the rest of the world
> be able to subscribe, albeit at a higher rate to reflect higher postage
> charges?
See my response to Ronald Vallenduuk above for information on this.
Thanks!
Matt
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In lugnet.publish, Matt Hein writes:
> In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
> > Also featured will be reviews of official LEGO sets, as well as all of the
> > wonderful kits from the custom kit modelers in the fan community, options
> > for the storage and display of your collection, promotional and collectable
> > items, and other products of interest to LEGO fans.
>
> Ah, reviews! Now, this is interesting! Can reviews be
> contributed at the site, or do you need to be a
> member of the bricks magazine staff to write them?
Reviews will be staff contributed for the forseeable future. We are
accepting articles and more however...see the web site for more information.
> > Add to all of that exclusive feature articles, comics, a builders gallery,
> > classified ads and more, and you have the most unique publication
> > imaginable... a monthly, glossy, full-color tribute to our favorite hobby
> > and toy brand.
>
> Plenty of reasons to purchase a subscription
> here. Is this also in operation with the BI-
> Portal for the instructions scheme?
Not as of yet.
> > Available by subscription, or from select retail partners, in early 2003.
> > Advertising contracts, contract and spec articles, items for review and
> > building instruction submissions are being accepted now. Please see the
> > official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/ for further
> > information.
>
> Well, it should be obvious now that I'm going
> to subscribe :)
That's great Matt...thanks for the great interest!
Matt
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In lugnet.publish, James Trobaugh writes:
>
> I'll be interested in seeing how this is presented to the non-LUGNET member
> via retail outlets, since the general LEGO public is going to be the key to
> it's success.
Is there an emoticon for waggling the eyebrows?
> Sounds exciting.
Sure is!
Thanks,
Matt
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In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
> INTRODUCING BRICKS™ MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
> Available by subscription, or from select retail partners, in early 2003.
> Advertising contracts, contract and spec articles, items for review and
> building instruction submissions are being accepted now. Please see the
> official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/ for further
> information.
Matt,
Might I suggest you posting a PDF version of the preview issue for our
friends overseas. At least they will have a chance to see what they can get.
My $.02,
Jude
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Very cool. I'm looking forward to subscribing. A few questions:
1. What will be the attitude of the magazine towards clone
brands--completely ignore them? mention them only disparagingly? equally
review other brand sets?
2. How will you be finding MOCs to feature? Will people submit them or
will the editors be skimming through Brickshelf, other websites, and
conventions for models to feature? What sort of resolution is needed on photos?
3. Will there be ties and if so how close to some of the major AFOL
groupings and websites (LUGs, LTC's, Lugnet, 1000steine.de, etc.)?
4. Will TLC have any sort of creative control?
5. What will be the attitude of the magazine towards leaked
information--more towards the Lugnet "anything goes" or the FBTB "no
discussion of leaked info"?
Bruce
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In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
> In lugnet.publish, Ronald Vallenduuk writes:
> > US and Canada only :-(
> Since we're footing the bill for these preview editions, it simply wasnt
> feasable to offer them beyond the US and Canada.
>
> We're already working on international distribution, and based upon Tim's
> trip to LEGO World, the Netherlands is first on the list.
> Matt
Yes, yes, we love you....
I'm see out to the day we can look in that magazine.
Ronald
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In lugnet.publish, Bruce Hietbrink writes:
> Very cool. I'm looking forward to subscribing. A few questions:
>
> 1. What will be the attitude of the magazine towards clone
> brands--completely ignore them? mention them only disparagingly? equally
> review other brand sets?
>
> 2. How will you be finding MOCs to feature? Will people submit them or
> will the editors be skimming through Brickshelf, other websites, and
> conventions for models to feature? What sort of resolution is needed on photos?
>
> 3. Will there be ties and if so how close to some of the major AFOL
> groupings and websites (LUGs, LTC's, Lugnet, 1000steine.de, etc.)?
>
> 4. Will TLC have any sort of creative control?
>
> 5. What will be the attitude of the magazine towards leaked
> information--more towards the Lugnet "anything goes" or the FBTB "no
> discussion of leaked info"?
What? You don't want to know my shoe size and mother's maiden name too?
Seriously, you're asking questions I can't answer right now.
Let me respond like this:
As a company and a publication, we are not affiliated with the LEGO Group of
companies unless otherwise noted.
Since we are a fan community based company, one of our main goals is
community building, which we hope to achieve through partnerships,
sponsorships and the like.
Also, as we are a publication devoted to the entire fan experience, don't
count clones out (but don't expect extensive coverage either).
As a print publication we could never hope to keep up with the speed of the
Internet when it comes to leaks and such.
Submission guidelines can be found at www.bricksmagazine.com.
Matt
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In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
> In lugnet.publish, Matt Hein writes:
> > Plenty of reasons to purchase a subscription
> > here. Is this also in operation with the BI-
> > Portal for the instructions scheme?
>
> Not as of yet.
Hi Matt (and Matt :-) -
One of our goals with the magazine is promoting the LEGO fan community.
We're targeting LEGO fans both online and offline, and we want to give
credit to the efforts people have already put in here. That said, the BI
Portal is definitely being considered as a partner for content in the magazine.
The idea book/building instruction section of the magazine will also be
promoting the LDraw tools and informing readers about LDraw.org, where they
can download them for free.
> > > Available by subscription, or from select retail partners, in early 2003.
> > > Advertising contracts, contract and spec articles, items for review and
> > > building instruction submissions are being accepted now. Please see the
> > > official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/ for further
> > > information.
> >
> > Well, it should be obvious now that I'm going
> > to subscribe :)
Great!!
-Tim
--
Tim Courtney
BrickMedia, LLC
tim@brickmedia.com
http://www.brickmedia.com
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In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
>
> INTRODUCING BRICKS™ MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
This sounds like a good idea for a poll:
Will you be subscribing to Bricks Magazine?
http://www.brickshelf.com/
KL
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In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
> In lugnet.publish, Ronald Vallenduuk writes:
> > US and Canada only :-(
>
> Hang in there!
>
> Since we're footing the bill for these preview editions, it simply wasnt
> feasable to offer them beyond the US and Canada.
>
> We're already working on international distribution, and based upon Tim's
> trip to LEGO World, the Netherlands is first on the list. Look for an import
> version of the US publication to fill the gap until we can justify localized
> editions. No solid timing on this (as we have to actually produce something
> before we can get it out there), but it's part of the plan-no question!
What he said :-)
When I was at LEGOWORLD, I got such an overwhelmingly positive response to
the idea of a fan magazine I couldn't see NOT sending this to the
Netherlands. Please bear with us as we determine the best way to distribute
the magazine to LEGO fans there. Based on interest, there is a strong
possibility we can send the US edition to other countries as well.
I also hope someday we can create local editions of the magazine. This of
course depends on local fans with a desire to contribute with articles in
the local language, shopping tips, events calendars, and more. And, it also
depends on the local market.
Stay tuned for more info on this as we ramp up for our release later in the
quarter. I hope we can get the magazine overseas for non US/Canadian fans as
soon as possible, but it's too early to make promises.
Until then, I encourage all of you overseas fans to express your interest in
the magazine to us through our website, so we can get a better idea of what
the demand is.
-Tim
--
Tim Courtney
BrickMedia, LLC
tim@brickmedia.com
http://www.brickmedia.com
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In lugnet.publish, Kevin Loch writes:
> In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
> >
> > INTRODUCING BRICKS™ MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
>
>
> This sounds like a good idea for a poll:
>
> Will you be subscribing to Bricks Magazine?
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/
Thanks Kevin!
Matt
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In lugnet.publish, Tim Courtney writes:
> I also hope someday we can create local editions of the magazine. This of
> course depends on local fans with a desire to contribute with articles in
> the local language, shopping tips, events calendars, and more. And, it also
> depends on the local market.
>
> Stay tuned for more info on this as we ramp up for our release later in the
> quarter. I hope we can get the magazine overseas for non US/Canadian fans as
> soon as possible, but it's too early to make promises.
>
> Until then, I encourage all of you overseas fans to express your interest in
> the magazine to us through our website, so we can get a better idea of what
> the demand is.
I am interested in the magazine!
:-)
(Ok, so this wasn't told through the website... I'll get there!)
I have a question regarding future overseas distribution: *assuming*
interest level is high enough, can we expect a European edition? (same
stuff, but printed locally in the Netherlands for instance)
Costs could drop significantly for european subscribers, given the savings
in import taxes and postal charges. That would probably mean more people
would have access to the magazine throughout Europe, and that could only be
a good thing in a community POV. In my particular situation, since there
would be little demand from Portugal (1), a more decentralized distribution
would be a great thing - especially now that postal costs are uniformized
within the EU.
Cheers,
Pedro
(1) - I use my case as an example, but I'm sure many others are in a similar
situation; we all know there are AFOLs all over the world, but some
countries have *so few* of us that there would be little economic interest
in selling there. This is why I propose you take advantage of the
ever-growing single-market, especially now that the currency is the same in
most of it.
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In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
<snip>
> INTRODUCING BRICKS™ MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
>
> January 4, 2003 - BrickMedia™, LLC is proud to announce Bricks™ Magazine,
> premiering in Quarter 1, 2003! Free preview issues are available upon
> request at the official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/.
<snip>
Matt, Tim, it's good to see all the hard work you guys have been putting in
come to fruition. Congrats to the both of you.
-Chris
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How much will subscriptions be?
~Evan Butzlaff
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In lugnet.publish, Chris Maddison writes:
> In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
>
> <snip>
>
> > INTRODUCING BRICKS™ MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
> >
> > January 4, 2003 - BrickMedia™, LLC is proud to announce Bricks™ Magazine,
> > premiering in Quarter 1, 2003! Free preview issues are available upon
> > request at the official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/.
>
> <snip>
>
> Matt, Tim, it's good to see all the hard work you guys have been putting in
> come to fruition. Congrats to the both of you.
Thanks Chris!
-Tim
--
Tim Courtney
BrickMedia, LLC
tim@brickmedia.com
http://www.brickmedia.com
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In lugnet.publish, Pedro Silva writes:
> In lugnet.publish, Tim Courtney writes:
> > Until then, I encourage all of you overseas fans to express your interest in
> > the magazine to us through our website, so we can get a better idea of what
> > the demand is.
>
> I am interested in the magazine!
> :-)
>
> (Ok, so this wasn't told through the website... I'll get there!)
Hi Pedro -
Thanks for your interest!
> I have a question regarding future overseas distribution: *assuming*
> interest level is high enough, can we expect a European edition? (same
> stuff, but printed locally in the Netherlands for instance)
You can probably understand why I don't want to give a definite answer here,
but I really hope this will be the case. Like I said before, when I went to
LEGOWORLD, there was an overwhelming amount of interest.
I'm already in contact with a couple people in the Netherlands who could
make this happen if we decide to go that route. It's definitely high on our
priority list for things to look into.
I wouldn't expect a European edition right away, though. For the time being,
we will be looking into shipping the US edition overseas, while gathering
interest in foreign markets. Once we feel the interest is high enough, we
can start talking about a European edition, possibly in a couple languages
if there's a demand and if we can find translators.
> Costs could drop significantly for european subscribers, given the savings
> in import taxes and postal charges. That would probably mean more people
> would have access to the magazine throughout Europe, and that could only be
> a good thing in a community POV. In my particular situation, since there
> would be little demand from Portugal (1), a more decentralized distribution
> would be a great thing - especially now that postal costs are uniformized
> within the EU.
Good suggestions, thanks!
> Cheers,
>
>
> Pedro
>
> (1) - I use my case as an example, but I'm sure many others are in a similar
> situation; we all know there are AFOLs all over the world, but some
> countries have *so few* of us that there would be little economic interest
> in selling there. This is why I propose you take advantage of the
> ever-growing single-market, especially now that the currency is the same in
> most of it.
Yep! If we establish distribution in the Netherlands, there is no reason we
can't mail to other countries in Europe, especially with the uniform postage
rates you mentioned.
-Tim
--
Tim Courtney
BrickMedia, LLC
tim@brickmedia.com
http://www.brickmedia.com
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In lugnet.publish, Eric Sophie writes:
> Yay! How can I help?
>
> Eric Sophie
> LMHoF
> www.mylegomaster.com
Hi Eric -
Thanks for your interest :-) Per the website, you can send ideas to
ideas@bricksmagazine.com, or material submissions to
submission@bricksmagazine.com.
If you want to chat more about how you can help out, please don't hesitate
to email me at tim@brickmedia.com.
Thanks!
-Tim
--
Tim Courtney
BrickMedia, LLC
tim@brickmedia.com
http://www.brickmedia.com
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In lugnet.publish, Jude Beaudin writes:
> In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
> > INTRODUCING BRICKS™ MAGAZINE - THE LEGO® FAN MAGAZINE.
>
> > Available by subscription, or from select retail partners, in early 2003.
> > Advertising contracts, contract and spec articles, items for review and
> > building instruction submissions are being accepted now. Please see the
> > official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/ for further
> > information.
>
> Matt,
>
> Might I suggest you posting a PDF version of the preview issue for our
> friends overseas. At least they will have a chance to see what they can get.
>
> My $.02,
>
> Jude
Hi Jude -
This sounds like an excellent idea for handling the preview issue for
overseas AFOLs. I hope to work out shipping on physical copies of the
sampler for them too, if the recipients are willing to pay the additional
cost (since we are printing and distributing the sample issue for free).
-Tim
--
Tim Courtney
BrickMedia, LLC
tim@brickmedia.com
http://www.brickmedia.com
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In lugnet.publish, Tim Courtney writes:
> > I have a question regarding future overseas distribution: *assuming*
> > interest level is high enough, can we expect a European edition? (same
> > stuff, but printed locally in the Netherlands for instance)
>
> You can probably understand why I don't want to give a definite answer here,
> but I really hope this will be the case. Like I said before, when I went to
> LEGOWORLD, there was an overwhelming amount of interest.
Depending on how you guys are printing these, it could never happen. If you
guys are getting these printed by professionals, then I doubt you will ever
see a separate European edition based on the costs involved. If you guys
are printing these yourselves on color laser printers, then it's entirely
possible.
Having been in the publishing world for several years, if you guys need any
advice or have questions, let me know. I have a contact in Kansas that gave
the best prices on low print runs. But for a professional printer, a low
print run is like 500-1,000 copies.
A lot of magazines actually survive off of advertising. Which is why I get
free subscriptions to everything from the Sporting News to Men's Health to
Rolling Stone. I'm assuming Bricks Magazine doesn't have too many
advertisers to offset costs and will probably have a subscriber base in the
several hundreds. So I hope people understand this and support the
subscription costs even if it does seem high. I wish you guys the best of
luck and will see you at BW2003.
Jimmy
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Could you post your privacy policy, either here or on your site?
Thanks!
Dirk
In lugnet.general, Matthew Gerber writes:
...snip...
> Available by subscription, or from select retail partners, in early 2003.
> Advertising contracts, contract and spec articles, items for review and
> building instruction submissions are being accepted now. Please see the
> official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/ for further
> information.
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In lugnet.publish, Dirk Hoff writes:
> Could you post your privacy policy, either here or on your site?
>
> Thanks!
> Dirk
Hi Dirk -
On the site, right before the signup form, is this paragraph:
"BrickMedia honors your privacy - no information gathered in conjunction
with this offer will be given, rented, leased or sold to a third party. If
you have any questions regarding this offer or our privacy policy, please
contact us at customerservice@bricksmagazine.com."
I personally am a very strong privacy advocate, and affirm that we will
uphold this promise to the community.
-Tim
--
Tim Courtney
BrickMedia, LLC
tim@brickmedia.com
http://www.brickmedia.com
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In lugnet.publish, Evan Butzlaff writes:
> How much will subscriptions be?
Subscription information will be available soon. Watch for announcements, or
keep an eye on our website at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/.
Thanks,
Matt
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As others have already stated, it's about time! I've waited for years for
something like this. I've got cash in hand waiting to send in for my
subscribtion. I don't care what it looks like, if it's half of what you say
it will be like it's better than what we have now! Thanks so much, I'll be
watching your site for more information!
Devin Holmes
devin@gingerloop.com
member 885
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In lugnet.publish, Devin Holmes writes:
> As others have already stated, it's about time! I've waited for years for
> something like this. I've got cash in hand waiting to send in for my
> subscribtion. I don't care what it looks like, if it's half of what you say
> it will be like it's better than what we have now! Thanks so much, I'll be
> watching your site for more information!
>
> Devin Holmes
> devin@gingerloop.com
> member 885
Hi Devin -
Thanks for your enthusiasm :-) It's much appreciated. And well, we hope the
magazine can be twice we said it will be ;-)
Also, thank you to everyone for the positive responses. We have had an
overwhelming number of requests for the free sample issue, only from this
announcement to LUGNET. We are currently preparing announcements targeted at
a couple other LEGO fan sites (if Matt hasn't posted them already).
With the support and enthusiasm of an incredible core online community, and
with the great interest of the literally thousands of fans who don't
actively participate here [1], Matt and I believe we are sitting on the
brink of something great.
Dozens of our friends have already written in personally showing their
enthusiasm, and asking how they can help. You guys are the greatest! This
should be a lot of fun!
-Tim
--
Tim Courtney
BrickMedia, LLC
tim@brickmedia.com
http://www.brickmedia.com
[1] I gauged the interest at a recent First LEGO League state competition
(IL) by distributing flyers to all the teams in cooperation with the event
coordinator, and also at a recent LEGO Train show (MichLTC), I know there's
people out there ready to eat this stuff up!
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> January 4, 2003 - BrickMedia™, LLC is proud to announce Bricks™ Magazine,
> premiering in Quarter 1, 2003! Free preview issues are available upon
> request at the official publication web site at http://www.bricksmagazine.com/.
>
> Bricks will be the first LEGO® fan magazine ever published... created by the
> LEGO fan community for the LEGO fan community.
<snip>
Hi Matt and Tim,
Just wanted to say I'm very excited with this prospect. You guys have
obviously put enormous work and thought into this, and it's clear that
Bricks Magazine is going to be the hottest thing around. I can't wait to see
it myself, when I can get my hands on a copy.
Great job you two, this is awesome! Worth crawling out of the silence hole
to post for. :-)
-Shiri
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In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
> In lugnet.publish, Bruce Hietbrink writes:
> > Very cool. I'm looking forward to subscribing. A few questions:
> >
> > 1. What will be the attitude of the magazine towards clone
> > brands--completely ignore them? mention them only disparagingly? equally
> > review other brand sets?
>
> Also, as we are a publication devoted to the entire fan experience, don't
> count clones out (but don't expect extensive coverage either).
Matt, just a suggestion, but perhaps you might consider including clone
brands a little more. Maybe something like a "Clone Corner", a one page
column in every issue on clone brand issues. Personally, I have never
bought any clone brands, nor would I ever, but I suggest it as a way to make
the magazine more well rounded. Other hobbyist mags that I have seen are
usually more broad than just one manufacturer. Also, if you needed to
supplement funds and make it into a commercial magazine (i.e. if you plan to
sell advertisement space), then an an occasional half-page or full-page add
from a clone brand might be reasonable (presuming a similar amount of space
is offered to TLC also). (And naturally, some ad space might be sold to
owners of Bricklink stores and the like too.) (For one-time sellers, you
might offer a classified section in the back...)
Again, just suggesting things at this point. I haven't seen the preview
yet, so maybe you've already considered such.
Looking forward to the outcome of all this,
-Hendo
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In lugnet.publish, John P. Henderson writes:
> Matt, just a suggestion, but perhaps you might consider including clone
> brands a little more. Maybe something like a "Clone Corner", a one page
> column in every issue on clone brand issues. Personally, I have never
> bought any clone brands, nor would I ever, but I suggest it as a way to make
> the magazine more well rounded.
I'm curious-- how would the inclusion of non-LEGO items help round off a *LEGO*
fan magazine?
> Other hobbyist mags that I have seen are
> usually more broad than just one manufacturer.
I think we would have to agree that our situation is rather unique-- why try
and force it into something it is not?
> Also, if you needed to
> supplement funds and make it into a commercial magazine (i.e. if you plan to
> sell advertisement space), then an an occasional half-page or full-page add
> from a clone brand might be reasonable (presuming a similar amount of space
> is offered to TLC also). (And naturally, some ad space might be sold to
> owners of Bricklink stores and the like too.) (For one-time sellers, you
> might offer a classified section in the back...)
>
> Again, just suggesting things at this point. I haven't seen the preview
> yet, so maybe you've already considered such.
>
> Looking forward to the outcome of all this,
> -Hendo
Personally, I would consider any clone info in my LEGO fan magazine noisey and
annoying. I couldn't care less about clones and wouldn't want them cluttering
up the mag-- it would be reason enough for me to unsubscribe-- once I've
already subscribed, that is:-)
Stay pure, Matt!
.02,
JOHN
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In lugnet.publish, John Neal writes:
> I'm curious-- how would the inclusion of non-LEGO items help round off a >*LEGO* fan magazine?
Well, it was just a thought. I guess the question is how wide a circulation
the mag is aiming for. Is it exclusively for AFOLs or is it a more general
brick-toy-hobbyist material? In the case of the former, which is fine, I
guess you have a valid point.
> > Other hobbyist mags that I have seen are
> > usually more broad than just one manufacturer.
>
> I think we would have to agree that our situation is rather unique-- why try
> and force it into something it is not?
Not my intention.
> Personally, I would consider any clone info in my LEGO fan magazine noisey and
> annoying. I couldn't care less about clones and wouldn't want them cluttering
> up the mag-- it would be reason enough for me to unsubscribe-- once I've
> already subscribed, that is:-)
>
> Stay pure, Matt!
Well I wouldn't want you unsubscribing for something I myself admittedly
would not be sold on. Just voicing an idea 'tis all.
Cheers,
-Hendo
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In lugnet.publish, John P. Henderson writes:
> In lugnet.publish, John Neal writes:
> > I'm curious-- how would the inclusion of non-LEGO items help round off a >*LEGO* fan magazine?
>
> Well, it was just a thought. I guess the question is how wide a circulation
> the mag is aiming for. Is it exclusively for AFOLs or is it a more general
> brick-toy-hobbyist material? In the case of the former, which is fine, I
> guess you have a valid point.
>
> > > Other hobbyist mags that I have seen are
> > > usually more broad than just one manufacturer.
> >
> > I think we would have to agree that our situation is rather unique-- why try
> > and force it into something it is not?
>
> Not my intention.
>
> > Personally, I would consider any clone info in my LEGO fan magazine noisey and
> > annoying. I couldn't care less about clones and wouldn't want them cluttering
> > up the mag-- it would be reason enough for me to unsubscribe-- once I've
> > already subscribed, that is:-)
> >
> > Stay pure, Matt!
>
> Well I wouldn't want you unsubscribing for something I myself admittedly
> would not be sold on. Just voicing an idea 'tis all.
Hey now...both opinions are valid, so no need for either side to feel put off.
As I've already stated, don't count clones out. We are independent of the
LEGO Company for a reason.
However, this magazine caters to the LEGO fan...as we know, clones and
competitors are living off of the brilliant design concepts (and in some
cases, making molds directly from) of existing LEGO product, and as is
proven right here at LUGNET, clones are a very small sub-set of the fan
experience. MacAddict doesn't feature Windows machines...Bricks doesn't
necessarily need to mention clones.
Also keep in mind that we are striving for an all ages access publication.
Some of our issues regarding clones won't or don't matter to many kids.
Anyway, I certainly hope that we wouldn't loose subscribers based on the
occasional reference to something someone doesn't like personally, or
vice-versa. Does every publication you read cater 100% to just you? Of
course not. You skip articles, you move on, you understand that one
publication has to meed the needs of as many readers as possible.
HTH,
Matt
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In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
> In lugnet.publish, John P. Henderson writes:
> > > Personally, I would consider any clone info in my LEGO fan magazine noisey
> > > and annoying. I couldn't care less about clones and wouldn't want them
> > > cluttering up the mag-- it would be reason enough for me to unsubscribe--
> > > once I've already subscribed, that is:-)
> As I've already stated, don't count clones out. We are independent of the
> LEGO Company for a reason.
>
> However, this magazine caters to the LEGO fan...as we know, clones and
> competitors are living off of the brilliant design concepts (and in some
> cases, making molds directly from) of existing LEGO product, and as is
> proven right here at LUGNET, clones are a very small sub-set of the fan
> experience. MacAddict doesn't feature Windows machines...Bricks doesn't
> necessarily need to mention clones.
As one of the leading pro-clone loudmouths around here, I feel smugly
qualified to comment directly on this issue. As far as I'm concerned, I
absolutely don't think there's any reason to include clone brand info in an
"official" (which is not to say "licensed" or "endorsed" fan magazine), just
as I maintain that there's no reason to include clone.dats in official LDraw
libraries. Other clone-fans may disagree, but I am content with the
off-topic.clone-brands forum we already enjoy by the good graces of Todd and
Suz; it would simply be presumptuous to demand that another LEGO forum
accommodate us as well.
> Also keep in mind that we are striving for an all ages access publication.
> Some of our issues regarding clones won't or don't matter to many kids.
Well, if they do, let them pester us clone-fans for a magazine. Until
then, a LEGO-only fanmag is fine with me.
> Anyway, I certainly hope that we wouldn't loose subscribers based on the
> occasional reference to something someone doesn't like personally, or
> vice-versa. Does every publication you read cater 100% to just you? Of
> course not.
True. But if I'm reading, say, The Wall Street journal and it becomes
hopelessly cluttered with recipes for apple fritters, then I'll likely
reconsider my subscription the next time it comes due.
Dave!
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In lugnet.publish, Dave Schuler writes:
>
> As one of the leading pro-clone loudmouths around here, I feel smugly
> qualified to comment directly on this issue. As far as I'm concerned, I
> absolutely don't think there's any reason to include clone brand info in an
> "official" (which is not to say "licensed" or "endorsed" fan magazine), just
> as I maintain that there's no reason to include clone.dats in official LDraw
> libraries. Other clone-fans may disagree, but I am content with the
> off-topic.clone-brands forum we already enjoy by the good graces of Todd and
> Suz; it would simply be presumptuous to demand that another LEGO forum
> accommodate us as well.
But, conversely, would the occasional mention of something un-LEGO cause you
to not subscribe? Would the entire publication be ruined for you...soiled as
it were? That was my point...
> True. But if I'm reading, say, The Wall Street journal and it becomes
> hopelessly cluttered with recipes for apple fritters, then I'll likely
> reconsider my subscription the next time it comes due.
Hmmm, there's an idea...Alan Greenspan's Old-Fashioned, Down-Home, Apple
Fritters...one of those would hit the spot right about now.
8?D
Matt
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In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
> But, conversely, would the occasional mention of something un-LEGO cause you
> to not subscribe? Would the entire publication be ruined for you...soiled as
> it were? That was my point...
Only if they were mentioned in disparaging terms;-) All seriousness aside, of
course I wouldn't care if clones were mentioned *in passing*. What I wouldn't
want to see is a catering to clones-- set reviews, etc.
Being an AFOL is a very unique experience-- if TLC didn't exist, I doubt I'd be
playing with any of the clone brands out there. Being an AFOL is being in a
state of total immersion in *LEGO*.
Of course I could add clones to my collection, but I don't. Why? What if they
were even on par with LEGO? I would still hesitate. Maybe some of this
branding TLC is so concerned about is rubbing off on me! Perhaps I can consult
Dave! for a little deprogramming session, since it appears that he is
impervious to the marketing effects of TLC:-)
JOHN
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In lugnet.publish, John Neal writes:
> In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
>
> > But, conversely, would the occasional mention of something un-LEGO cause you
> > to not subscribe? Would the entire publication be ruined for you...soiled as
> > it were? That was my point...
>
> Only if they were mentioned in disparaging terms;-) All seriousness aside, of
> course I wouldn't care if clones were mentioned *in passing*. What I wouldn't
> want to see is a catering to clones-- set reviews, etc.
And that's definitely NOT in the concept.
> Being an AFOL is a very unique experience-- if TLC didn't exist, I doubt I'd be
> playing with any of the clone brands out there.
That's what I was saying.
> Being an AFOL is being in a state of total immersion in *LEGO*.
OUCH...doesn't that hurt?
> Of course I could add clones to my collection, but I don't. Why? What if they
> were even on par with LEGO? I would still hesitate. Maybe some of this
> branding TLC is so concerned about is rubbing off on me! Perhaps I can consult
> Dave! for a little deprogramming session, since it appears that he is
> impervious to the marketing effects of TLC:-)
Would you play with Mega Bloks for a flying bicycle?
8?D
Matt
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In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
> In lugnet.publish, John Neal writes:
> > In lugnet.publish, Matthew Gerber writes:
> >
> > > But, conversely, would the occasional mention of something un-LEGO cause you
> > > to not subscribe? Would the entire publication be ruined for you...soiled as
> > > it were? That was my point...
> > Only if they were mentioned in disparaging terms;-) All seriousness aside,
> > of course I wouldn't care if clones were mentioned *in passing*. What I
> > wouldn't want to see is a catering to clones-- set reviews, etc.
> And that's definitely NOT in the concept.
Good:-)
> > Being an AFOL is a very unique experience-- if TLC didn't exist, I doubt I'd
> > be playing with any of the clone brands out there.
> That's what I was saying.
Good.
> > Being an AFOL is being in a state of total immersion in *LEGO*.
> OUCH...doesn't that hurt?
Hurts so good;-)
> > Of course I could add clones to my collection, but I don't.
<snip>
> Would you play with Mega Bloks for a flying bicycle?
Maybe for a Segway...
JOHN
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