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As you can imagine, I get A LOT of questions from fans in my role as Community
Liaison. Many are recurring themes, where fans are looking for answers to the
same question. One such recurring series of questions has to do with running
events and starting up new clubs.
Lots of people ask me for advice on how to best run a train show, or get a local
club started, or get an existing club clicking again. I try to answer as best as
I can, but since I'm part of a new local club myself, I don't always have a ton
to offer. In fact, the new TexLUG:Dallas club could certainly use some advice as
we look forward to our first Dallas event in April!
I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
for forming and running local clubs and events. I'll volunteer to turn these
ideas into a "master document" that can be shared within the community. I just
need help me with the content! A collection of this info could really help clubs
who are just getting started, and maybe even existing clubs that are looking for
new ideas!
To make this happen, please either post to this thread or email me your ideas. I
know some of you have already written up content of this nature, and if you are
willing to see it in this "master document", please send those links or
documents along too.
Sound like a good plan? Thanks in advance for your help with this!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Development
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In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
<snip>
>
> I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> for forming and running local clubs and events.
<snip>
This has probably already been mentioned elsewhere, but one activity that I
truly enjoy at our local meetings is the set draft. In brief, we work it like
this.
All members who want to participate purchase the set in question. Usually we
limit the cost to $20. Last meeting we bought the Air Blazers set as a bonus set
since one of our members spotted them on clearance.
Fourteen sets went into that draft. Each set is divided up into its component
pieces with one pile per type of piece. There are a few exceptions [1] but for
the most part this works out. Each person draws a number from a hat determining
the order in which they pick. As you go down the list each person picks a pile
up until there are less piles left than people in the draft. At this point the
pick goes in reverse[2]. It compensates somewhat for a high number.
It really works well. Every one comes out with a bunch of pieces that may be
neat in small numbers but are amazing in large quantities.
[1] Now for the exceptions. Some things are divided into more than one pile. All
splits are made prior to drawing numbers.
1) Any pile that some one wants split is split until people are happy.
We split the chrome elbow bends in two and the jet engines into four piles
for the air blazer draft.
2) Minifigs count as two parts. They are matched up and then two piles are made.
3) Wings and other mirror items are paired up and split in two.
[2] For example, with four people you pick up piles in order 1-2-3-4 until #4
picks up a pile and there are less than that number left on the table. For 7
piles you would go 1-2-3-4-4-3-2.
As one of our members said "You only miss the draft once"
Best of Luck!
Dan
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In lugnet.lego, Dan Sabath wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> <snip>
> >
> > I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> > for forming and running local clubs and events.
> <snip>
>
> This has probably already been mentioned elsewhere, but...
Thanks Dan for reminding me of an important point. I should have mentioned this
originally. Assume I have zero info for this collection. If something has been
stated elsewhere, assume I've not not seen it. Help me out and point me to that
discussion.
Thanks!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Development
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In lugnet.lego, Dan Sabath wrote:
| |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
I’m putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best
practices for forming and running local clubs and events.
|
This has probably already been mentioned elsewhere, but one activity that I
truly enjoy at our local meetings is the set draft. In brief, we work it like
this.
|
I’ll write up something more complete this weekend, but on the topic of
drafting, I wanted to note that MichLUG does it a little different, which I
have docemented here:
http://www.michlug.org/resources/articles/drafting101.pdf
Jason Spears | BrickCentral | MichLUG
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In lugnet.lego, Dan Sabath wrote:
> This has probably already been mentioned elsewhere, but one activity that I
> truly enjoy at our local meetings is the set draft. In brief, we work it like
> this ...
Not that I'm trying to derail this thread, but our club has added one very cool
addition to our drafting.
Before we sort the sets out, we have a series of mini-building contests. In
other words, everyone opens their own set (only one if they've brought more than
one to draft), and gets all the pieces ready. Before the meeting, someone (or
several people) have come up with a list of things to build. They are fairly
general (a face, a flying vehicle, something living, a scene from a movie, a
weapon, etc.), and biased towards the set being drafted (don't choose too many
things that need wheels with a set that has none). Someone then draws one idea
from a hat, and we all have *exactly* 5 minutes, no more, no less, to build
something. At the end of 5 minutes, we show them off. Then, we shred 'em, draw
another idea, and do it all over again.
We always enjoy this part of the draft immensely, and are constantly amazed at
the variety of creations along a similar theme that can be made with a couple
hundred of the same pieces. It's usually very inspiring. It's also good brain
exercise. Most people are fumbling around for the first couple of rounds, but
after 3 or 4 rounds, people find their wings, and those building muscles get
warmed up. It's very cool.
When we've had enough, we commence sorting, and carry on with the draft.
Try it!
Robin Sather, Vancouver Lego Club
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Here are some pointers on planning from the Brickish Association and NBLTC.
Larry P was quite surprised by how the last NBLTC train display planning meeting
went, so I thought I'd share it.
Some clubs elect a 'Straw Boss' to draft the layout, apportion it to members,
and field the inevitable change requests.
When we do it, the whole club meets. We're only half a dozen, but you could
just pick people that are interested in the planning.
We spend a few hours arguing over the overall plan. At various points we have
to take a decision - it may come to a vote - on parts of it that we then don't
go back on. For example, size and shape of layout, number of loops, concealed
areas etc. It's up to anyone (though you could use a nominated chairman) to
pick up on these key issues and call for a decision.
Once that meeting is finished, then it goes to the 'Straw Boss'. He draws up
the track plan, specifying the track interfaces and limits of each contributor's
area. The first draft should be exactly what was agreed at the meeting.
Duties may include arranging for the table modules underneath everything, if
this doesn't match up exactly with who is contributing scenery. But in our
case, this responsibility usually falls to the guy with the most tables.
Changes are then channelled through the 'Straw Boss', and it's up to him to
field discussions between two parties over changes to their interface. Within
an area, the contributor can change what he wants, though it helps to keep the
boss informed of layout changes so the plan is current.
This has happened for our Classic Moonbase and Mos Lego layouts too - a chat
over what's going to happen, then one co-ordinator chosen to be the focal point
for everyone's contributions.
Something else to note about public displays; if you advertise a LEGO display,
you will get far, far more kids than adults. If you want to make a success of
it, you have to consider that audience. So, while you're building a huge tower
block, or a massive diesel engine with a great long train of container wagons,
remember that the building most noticed will be the one with Spider-Man swinging
off it, and the train most noticed will be the little blue tank engine.
It's also a good idea to insist that parents are accompanied by adults. Even
then, be prepared for things getting grabbed. And I mean mentally prepared. If
a teenager grabs something and tries to walk out with it, you can block their
way and act like a doorman. You can't get away with that with a six-year-old
who's trying to take something to show a parent. The majority of parents
bringing their children are going to be responsible and will help resolve any
problems. Just never panic. If you're worried about the risk of losing
something really rare, then don't bring it.
Another thing that I know works, is if something has gone missing, and you're
pretty sure of a kid being responsible, you can't just accuse them. You'll
usually find them too scared to admit it, even if they're otherwise a good kid.
Make a fuss that you've lost something, and ask them to help you look for it.
You may be surprised to see it turn up right where they're looking - and you're
not.
Jason J Railton
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In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
<snip>
>
> Sound like a good plan? Thanks in advance for your help with this!
>
> Jake
> ---
> Jake McKee
> Community Liaison
> LEGO Community Development
First don't sweat the disenfranchisement. Seriously. I mean don't go out of
your way to annoy people in the group, but if 99 club members want Mindstorms
competitions and 1 guy wants to have an Aquazone show, then make 99 percent of
your activities directed towards Mindstorms. There are times when you may
encounter a person who could be deemed as 'high maintenance'. Be honest and
forthright--clubs are suppose to be fun and relaxing for everyone--if there's a
'wrench' causing issues, then approach the person and be honest--polite,
diplomatic, but honest. If they leave in a huff, that wasn't a very mature
reaction and in the long run, your club will be better off.
Maybe I'm just used to the way rtlToronto does things, but I find that it works.
Throw things out for the group to do and who shows, shows. Not too many worries
either way (though I'm sure Chris and/or Calum may have had concern over a few
of the organized events in the past--"will there be enough people?" "will
things go off without a hitch?" "Will Dave show up and break something again?")
There are organizational points to specific events, such as train/hobby shows,
but the monthly dinners are pretty much a "whoever shows/whatever happens"
night.
Beyond that, do what interests the group, and things usually expand. I know
that since our first 'real' train show at NMRA which we had to contact the NMRA
organizers, we've been getting offers from other hobby/train events asking us to
attend. As well, (and Calum can verify this or shoot me down, stating that I'm
misremembering), after having our robot competitions, the library in which we
have them has approached us to do scheduled robot shows, and they'd give us the
room for the day.
So without too much effort (the motto of rtlT ;) ), word does eventually get
out. More people start wanting to be part of the group, and things 'build' from
there. That's the best bit I find about belonging to rtlToronto, always finding
new fans of the brick.
It's only taken what, Calum, 6-8 years? Eh, that ain't too bad... :)
Oh, and charismatic organizers. Almost a must in any FOL club. Too bad we're
lacking in that dept. ;)
Dave K
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hey Jake,
Dave had some good ideas.
to throw in my 2 cents.....
the # 1 thing you need is leadership. PERIOD!!!
you can have a great bunch of guys, but if you don't have that one (or two)
person(s) to actually say, HEY the meeting is this
friday, or if you do not have the person who gets off his butt and actually
books the library and pays the $$ to have the show,
then all the web space in the world will not help.
2. actively solicit for your members. rtlToronto started off as me, and calum, and jeff. and that was because I saw that
calum had a toronto based e-mail address. do not be humble, if you think
someone might be in your area, send a polite note
and ask if they are interested in meeting up.
2.a. When you do meet, start off at a neutral public place. coffee shop,
restaurant. and try to get separate cheques. not
everyone might be able to afford the lobster bisque dinner, BUT might still want
to come out and talk lego. (this has the
added benefit of not having to ever worry about the new guy leaving without
paying his share of the tip)
2b. avoid the first few meetings in someone's house. you are still strangers
after all. (I've met Lar++ I would not want him
in my home.)
(smirk - hi lar)
3. to begin, your group is just a hand full of guys. keep it that way. don't
worry about charters, and nominations for second
vice presidents.... this is your hobby. don't get bogged down with the
politicking.
3a you will never be able to "force" your group to be something. its best to
let it evolve. your "leader" can try to guide it in
a direction, but that is only as good as his leadership skills.
4. the less your group has to worry about money the better off you will be.
5. a web space is a great easy way to introduce new people to your group. but
it is not the be all and end all.
6. to add more members to your group, you need to do public events. train
shows, robot games, castle wars... whatever.
with every public show one or two people will meet you and become interested.
(that's how we met dave, and we still cant
get rid of him)
smirk -- hi dave
6a your first "show" can be nothing more then the 4 of you in a rented library
or community center "room" and everyone just
brings a few MOC and just "PLAY"
7. TIME. all this takes time. (years)
8. I can be hired to be your leader.... and if you order now, I'll throw in
Calum, and a subsection of the web page.
:)
Chris
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In lugnet.lego, David Koudys wrote:
> diplomatic, but honest. If they leave in a huff, that wasn't a very mature
> reaction and in the long run, your club will be better off.
I think this is important. Lego may be a common ground, but not everyone will
fit into a group. And it isn't your goal to catch everyone. We know there are
at least ten or more Lego fans in Toronto who don't come to our events--because
they like Space or Starwars or Castle. Everyone in rtlToronto at base is a
robot builder, even though some like Dave, me and Derek like Train too.
> Maybe I'm just used to the way rtlToronto does things, but I find that it works.
> Throw things out for the group to do and who shows, shows. Not too many worries
> either way (though I'm sure Chris and/or Calum may have had concern over a few
> of the organized events in the past--"will there be enough people?" "will
> things go off without a hitch?" "Will Dave show up and break something again?")
That freaked us out in the beginning, and sometimes reoccurs from time to time.
Then you come to an even with twenty entries over two games (C4 and MarblesV4)
and you feel a lot better. Early on Chris figured it out: If you ask a bunch
of people when to have an event, they'll never decide. The organizer sets the
date, if you can make it, great, if you can't too bad.
Also, people have varying priorities. If I set an event date, and good robot
builders can't make it, then I have a problem. If I set an event date, and some
whiny castle builder says he can't make it in from Wawa, too frickin bad.
> attend. As well, (and Calum can verify this or shoot me down, stating that I'm
> misremembering), after having our robot competitions, the library in which we
> have them has approached us to do scheduled robot shows, and they'd give us the
> room for the day.
Yeah, we've actually been approached by a few libraries and organizations now.
BTW, get ready to drive to Scarborough for rtl17 :)
> It's only taken what, Calum, 6-8 years? Eh, that ain't too bad... :)
Like Dave says, it takes a long time to build a group. I think it was at least
four or five until we hit really our stride.
>
> Oh, and charismatic organizers. Almost a must in any FOL club. Too bad we're
> lacking in that dept. ;)
(rimshot)
Calum
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In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
>
> I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> for forming and running local clubs and events.
Well, the Aussie experience is probably different from the US, but here's mine
anyway ;)
We currently have a few groups of people in several major cities, who get
together somewhere between "fairly regularly" and "once in a blue moon". These
are only informal groups - there's generally a few die-hard core people, and a
bunch of others that just like to talk LEGO occasionally. The organisation of
meetings is fairly haphazard, someone says "hey it's about time we got together
again" and everyone decides on a place and time, then it's announced on
lugnet.loc.au and possibly on local mailing lists, and people turn up, or not,
as they choose.
AFAIK, there are no official "clubs", ie with charter, office bearers,
membership, etc. (Except maybe the Brisbane train club?) A couple of times,
meetings have been organised to co-incide with LEGO "events", but we haven't as
yet, had any (what I'd call) fan-organised "events" - we have managed to
organise a few nationwide meetings, but these were similar to local meetings,
just with more people invited.
We are currently tossing around ideas about how we might organise a larger
public event, but that may take a little while - we're feeling our way at the
moment too. I think as more people get involved with local and not-so-local
meetings, you just sort of reach a "boiling point" and stuff starts to happen.
It also helps when people with organisational skills and lots of free time
become involved ;)
So anyway that's how I see the Aussie experience, any of you Aussies wanna add
all the stuff I left out?
ROSCO
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In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> As you can imagine, I get A LOT of questions from fans in my role as Community
> Liaison. Many are recurring themes, where fans are looking for answers to the
> same question. One such recurring series of questions has to do with running
> events and starting up new clubs.
>
> Lots of people ask me for advice on how to best run a train show, or get a local
> club started, or get an existing club clicking again. I try to answer as best as
> I can, but since I'm part of a new local club myself, I don't always have a ton
> to offer. In fact, the new TexLUG:Dallas club could certainly use some advice as
> we look forward to our first Dallas event in April!
>
> I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> for forming and running local clubs and events. I'll volunteer to turn these
> ideas into a "master document" that can be shared within the community. I just
> need help me with the content! A collection of this info could really help clubs
> who are just getting started, and maybe even existing clubs that are looking for
> new ideas!
>
> To make this happen, please either post to this thread or email me your ideas. I
> know some of you have already written up content of this nature, and if you are
> willing to see it in this "master document", please send those links or
> documents along too.
>
> Sound like a good plan? Thanks in advance for your help with this!
>
> Jake
> ---
> Jake McKee
> Community Liaison
> LEGO Community Development
Hi Jake,
as you know from LW 2003 the dutch club 'De Bouwsteen' toke the initiative to
build up a european platform under the name Eurobrick. I think this will be, for
the european part of the community, the ideal platform for interaction of good
ideas concerning starting up and/or advice how to start/run a local/national
LUG. I think it would be a good idea to send the 'masterdocument' to the group
of people involved with Eurobrick.
This for additional ideas/comments.
I wish you much succes with it and also with the new TexLUG,
greetings,
Peter Seynhaeve
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In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> for forming and running local clubs and events. I'll volunteer to turn these
> ideas into a "master document" that can be shared within the community. I just
> need help me with the content! A collection of this info could really help clubs
> who are just getting started, and maybe even existing clubs that are looking for
> new ideas!
>
> To make this happen, please either post to this thread or email me your ideas. I
> know some of you have already written up content of this nature, and if you are
> willing to see it in this "master document", please send those links or
> documents along too.
Basically what Chris and Dave said. But here's some other things I think are
core to any group, be it Lego, needlepoint or whatever....
1. Leadership.
Summary: "Just Do It!".
Like a bunch of Linux nerds chatting about how they're going to storm the gates
of Microsoft and change the world, nothing will ever get done by guys online.
About the only thing you'll ever get is a cool webpage. Every group needs one
or two dedicated LEADERS. Leaders have their flaws, but they need to bring
energy and dedication to the group.
Leaders set the tone, set the agenda, and then move to the target. You can't
sit around talking about how great it would be to have a train layout, you have
to get up, call the train show, set up a booth, buy plywood, make modules and
GET IT DONE. Execution of plans is crucial, and real life physical events are
the lifeblood of a group.
Direction cannot be decided by committee. You can solicit the ideas of the
group, but in general, if you let a group of people try and make decisions,
you'll get some wishy washy robot competition with a Pirate diorama on the side,
and it'll be lame. In a small group, you can't have some Executive position
thing with a Secretary, Treasurer, Board of Directors etc, especially not when
you start out. Everyone takes a fragment of responsibility with them, yet
claims all power during decisions. No, you need one or two people to go and
kick ass, failures or not.
Everyone ideas, but no one ever wants to execute them. Whenever someone says "I
want to have a rtlToronto Scala doll exhibit", our standard answer is "Go do it
them. Rent the room, send out the notices, arrange the participants. Then call
us back and we'll post it on the site". And they never do. But when people DO
step up, they do great and you should always encourage it. DaveK and Derek have
done wonders with alternate robot games and Train layouts.
2. Attitude. Summary: "You can't be everything to everyone, and you can't make
everyone happy".
a) Event dates. Set and forget, unless it's something obviously contradictory, ie, long weekend, Valentine's Day. Someone will always have a conflict, so forget them.
b) Group direction. Early on, I think we cared about people who didn't build
robots. We don't anymore. Just liking Lego isn't enough to keep people
together, so you need a true common ground and ACTIVITY to bring people
together. A few guys who say they like Space is boring. A few guys who are
building a Space moonbase together is amazing!
c) Honesty. Tell people what you think, and what you honestly believe. If
someone is acting stupid, tell them. Tell them if they're a dink. No sense in
being polite.
3. People. We have some of the best builders anywhere in rtlToronto, and I'm really proud of that. Many are folks who I consider to be good friends too. Members of the group are more important than leadership, because they make the events. They fill the newsgroup. Attracting the right people to the group is key--set the attitude and direction and you'll get great people.
Like Chris says, you can't tell people what to do, but you can guide them along.
4. Social Events.
We found about two or three years in, people don't focus exclusively on Lego.
Lego isn't interesting enough of a reason to keep people together for five
years. People stay together because of friendship. It's what brings rtlToronto
members together mountain biking, test driving new cars, Talk at an rtlToronto
event is almost never about Lego. It's about the West Wing, computers, how to
hack an alarm system with a Commodore 64, how to tie hangman's nooses...
You need to arrange events which focus on the social aspect. We're not running
a singles mixer, (You never know with JohnG and JeffVW) but...it's always
important to get something to eat after a show, to sit in a Tim Horton's and
talk, etc.
Yeah, I'll shut up now. :)
Calum
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In lugnet.lego, Calum Tsang wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
>
> > I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> > for forming and running local clubs and events. I'll volunteer to turn these
> > ideas into a "master document" that can be shared within the community. I just
> > need help me with the content! A collection of this info could really help clubs
> > who are just getting started, and maybe even existing clubs that are looking for
> > new ideas!
Here's a few more that popped into my head:
Communications.
-Learn your marketing message, not for Lego, but for your own group. What is
your goal? Who are you? Learn to deliver in a simplified, TV ready message.
What in one or two sentences do you do?
"We're a group of unofficial Lego enthusiasts who like building Lego. We run
robot design competitions to challenge each other on how to build complex
creations."
-Learn how to present yourself to the media. Appoint one person who can answer
on screen well. I've screwed up this plenty a time and had to learn the hard
way. Today, in rtlToronto, there are a few people I can trust to be on camera
or to talk to the press. Jake's presentation at BF03 about the media was
excellent.
-Do not use the media as your stage to vent frustration. You would be an idiot
to try and bring up colour changes, what you think of Bionicle, why Lego hasn't
updated the RCX in six years etc, while being interviewed. This immediately
paints you as a geek. The editors, producers and writers immediately will
capitalize on this and turn your segment into a "Make fun of the loser and his
petty concerns" short. Remember, Lego is a human interest story and goes up
against war, famine and genocide on the nightly rotation. Hence, keep it light,
have fun, be positive.
Handling the Public.
Whether you like it or not, vigourously define where you start and Lego The
Company ends, you will be representing Lego somehow. You will get the most
unusual emails and requests: ALWAYS state that you are just enthusiasts and
like Lego just like the sender. NEVER say you have something to do with Lego
other than you own the product. (I can just hear Chris saying, "We just own the
bricks just like you do.")
-Some are unusual (A rabbi in Winnipeg wanted a donation of Lego for his
synagogue's kids event) while others are pretty garden variety (Where do I
find Mindstorms in a store for my husband's birthday) Find the appropriate,
honest answer. Be polite to the public, but firm.
-Some you shouldn't touch at all. You are not Consumer Affairs, you don't want
to be responsible for something you have no part in. Thankfully we have
friendly contacts at Lego Canada to forward these to. Everyone wants to give an
answer and be helpful (and be regarded as smart) but many things are not your
problem: Product complaints, concerns, legal issues, advertising etc.
Calum
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> To make this happen, please either post to this thread or email me your ideas. I
> know some of you have already written up content of this nature, and if you are
> willing to see it in this "master document", please send those links or
> documents along too.
I'd like to extend this to advice for people who are acting mostly alone. So
far I've done "static" displays (glass case in a Library, leave up for a month),
but am interested in doing more dynamic things, but doing a castle game, etc is
kinda silly if it is just me.
Thanks ahead of time, and also thanks for Jake for spearheading this concept.
-Lenny
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Jake,
When doing public events be prepard to answer these three questions over and
over and over......
1. Yes lego does make trains.
2. No they are not glued together.
3. I have no idea how many pieces are in the display.
Paul Thomas
SPLTC
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In lugnet.lego, Paul Thomas wrote:
>
> Jake,
>
> When doing public events be prepard to answer these three questions over and
> over and over......
>
>
> 1. Yes lego does make trains.
>
> 2. No they are not glued together.
>
> 3. I have no idea how many pieces are in the display.
Agreed on that one! We get those questions too. I find it's easier to make up
a very rough guess on 3.
Calum
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> > 3. I have no idea how many pieces are in the display.
>
> Agreed on that one! We get those questions too. I find it's easier to make up
> a very rough guess on 3.
I agree with Calum - besides, estimating the pieces is a good way to drive home
what sort of achievement such a layout is. I also find it is a good way to talk
about the designing elements of building with lego (ie "That spaceship containes
a few larger, structural pieces, and lots of smaller, detail oriented pieces"
etc etc) - and while I have limited experience (three displays + speaking with
coworkers/family) - emphasizing the design elements of LEGO help transform it in
their mind from "Toy" to "Artform", and thus legitimizes it.
Of course, this is more difficult to do for someone who makes Space Communists
spaceships and medieval villages than for people who do robots, sculptures etc.
-Lenny
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In lugnet.lego, Paul Thomas wrote:
> When doing public events be prepard to answer these three questions over and
> over and over......
>
> 1. Yes lego does make trains.
>
> 2. No they are not glued together.
>
> 3. I have no idea how many pieces are in the display.
You missed one important one that always gets me:
4. I didn't keep track of how many hours I spent building it.
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Bill Ward wrote in message ...
> You missed one important one that always gets me:
>
> 4. I didn't keep track of how many hours I spent building it.
The question we get is "how long did it take to build it?", the answer being
something like, "it took 12 people 2 months of spare time". Answering
"hours" is like answering "how many bricks"... impossible :-)
Kevin
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Farmhouse kit: http://www.lionsgatemodels.com/cat-farm.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGO TOWN PLANNING information:
http://www.lionsgatemodels.com/COntent/Townplan/townplan.htm
BrickLink Lego parts store: http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=Kevinw1
The Guild of Bricksmiths(TM): http://www.bricksmiths.com
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In lugnet.lego, William R. Ward wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Paul Thomas wrote:
> > When doing public events be prepard to answer these three questions over and
> > over and over......
> >
> > 1. Yes lego does make trains.
> >
> > 2. No they are not glued together.
> >
> > 3. I have no idea how many pieces are in the display.
>
> You missed one important one that always gets me:
>
> 4. I didn't keep track of how many hours I spent building it.
The correct answer to (4) is (with an absolutely deadpan expression) "about 15
minutes".. no matter what it is they're asking about! :-)
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In lugnet.lego, Larry Pieniazek wrote:
[snip]
>
> The correct answer to (4) is (with an absolutely deadpan expression) "about 15
> minutes".. no matter what it is they're asking about! :-)
Ha! I do this with the kids whenever we go anywhere in the car.
Kids:"How much longer until we're there?"
Me: "Five, six minutes, tops."
Hour after hour...
-Evil Wayne
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Paul Thomas wrote:
> When doing public events be prepard to answer these three questions over and
> over and over......
> 1. Yes lego does make trains.
> 2. No they are not glued together.
> 3. I have no idea how many pieces are in the display.
And:
4. No, we didn't get the bricks from Lego for free.
Yours, Christian Treczoks
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I am writing things up for our club, and will get you a copy once finished.
In brief, the number one thing is getting a club started, is, as stated by
others, leadership.
I started COLTC just over 1 year ago by emailing 5 people that had posted to
lugnet.loc.us.oh in the past year. I set a date, and invited all to come. 2
people showed up, 2 others couldn't make it that day but showed interest. 1 nver
replied. Pretty much all of the people were extremely nice, and very much
willing to do a lot of work. I was told a few of them had met before (I was new
to the area), but did not get a show done. I took the leadership role, and found
others were happy to help, do shows, make tables, the whole nine yards, they
were just not initiators. Meanwhile, we've gotten more members, and some have
taken on some leadership things too, even some of the members that were simply
happy as followers. We recently had, and soon will have more shows where I am
not the leader. Look where we are now! We can do 30 x 30 feet layouts, have had
shows in back-to-back weekend, and even did shows as far as 400+ miles away.
We've been invited now to do many more shows than we possibly can, and at our
next meeting hope to welocme 2-5 new members. (Thus, I respectfully disagree
with RTLtoronto that it takes years!!).
Second important thing, unfortunately, is finances. As all clubs will tell you,
the bulk of the bickering will be about finances, especially when there are
none. It takes a bit of money to get started. We decided to build modular
tables, have skirting, and plexiglass borders. We also wanted some printed
flyers, business cards, and nametags. This all costs money. Luckily, we had a
few people who were willing to shell out some $$, with the outlook that if the
club ever had a positive balance, they'd get reimbursed. Luckily, we did a few
shows that got us some money. One of the common organizers is GATS, if you do
not request a specific amount, they'll likely give you $100. That may work, but
GATS knows very well that a nice Lego layout draws crowds, and it is relatively
easy to make a case why your club should get more than just $100, in fact, if
you have a reasonably sized layout, you should ask for several $100. Doing a few
shows will then soon get you some $$, provided you do not have to travel
far/rent transport to do those shows. Shows other than GATS may pay nothing at
all, or $100's a day, it is up to the club to discuss what is acceptable. Once
you're in the plus financially, it may be much easier to run a club, as no
longer people have to feel they "owe" others.
As for doing shows, there are a heap of things to consider. Finances is one (see
above), transport is another big one, and manpower could be a big one. Our club
has the advantage that the bulk of its members live within a few 10's of miles
from each other. Thus, we can have "local" events, where driving time is no more
than 30 minutes, meaning no need for rented transport (multiple trips possible),
and no need for hotel rooms. Still, if you have a small car, but big MOCs',
transport to and from the show takes some logistical juggling. Manpower (better
actually lack thereof) is mainly important during set-up. As most of us (if not
all) have day time jobs, it is sometimes hard to tell whether you'll be availabe
to set-up. If 10 people can participate in the show, and a layout is planned
accordingly, it can be stressfull if due to job circumstances a few can't
participate in set-up as much as they'd hoped. In such a case, make sure the
bulk of the layout is set-up, injcluding the skriting and such, and wait with
detailing (planting trees, cars, people), till later (during the show if need
be). The show-leader may have to police this a bit. We are all trying improving
our models by tinkering with a brick or two, but when the show opening time is
approaching, and bigger things need attendion (like track needs to be set up, or
plexiglass borders installed), then a friendly (can this wait?) should be
communicated.
Prepare to answer the following questions over and over (we have a FAQ sheet
that gives the answers, and we direct them to that, but still answer their
direct question):
1) How long did it take to set -up (tell them it is modular 9pull up a small moc
on a baseplate to convince them), and quote actual set-up time for the event)
2) How many pieces in the display (give an estimate, our last 30 x 30 foot
display had ~300.000)
3) Do you work for Lego (answer: we wish!)
4) Do you use glue (answer, pry of a brick anywhere on the display, say NO, and
put it back
5) Where can I see this (answer, we don't have a clubhouse, we wish!. We keep it
in basements, garages, trunks of cars, etc.)
6) How much does it cost (answer, "more than I'd like to admit", "more than I
tell my wife it does", or any other evasive answer, do NOT put a $$ figure on
it, you do not want anyone to pay you or your fellow club members a visit to
"aquire" some MOCs'. Another line of answer is stating that some bricks cost
less than 1 penny, some cost severalk $$, so it is impossible to even guess to
total worth of the layout).
7) Does Lego know you do this? (Yes)
8) Does Lego give you bricks/discount (No, not for our creations, but we did get
those (point to event kit), for you and your kids to enjoy).
9) I didn't know Lego made trains (Answer, yes, since the mid 60's!, you don't
see them in stores often, but on-line you can get them).
10) What scale is the track (it is Lego scale!, you can also say is is very
close to O-gauge, but be sure to tell them the track, motors, etc, are Lego too)
More info I'll email you later.
Paul
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Speaking of Events, the current Top 10 List theme is : "Top 10 things overheard
at a LEGO event." www.minifigville.com/top10
Since I myself never had the chance to go to one of these events, I'd be very
interested in knowing what can be heard in these events. I've read a couple of
wabpages relating people's experience, so I have a general idea, but...
So help me out! Tell me what (funny) thing you've heard!
Meanwhile, you can see the results to the previous Top10 here:
Top 10 Billboard Songs in the LEGO Universe :
http://www.minifigville.com/top10/showtop10.cgi?012
It's always tough to select only ten submissions, especially when so many are
very good. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough to make 20, so I kept only the 10
I think are the bests. If anyone is interested in writing the lyrics for one of
these sngs, I'd put them on my website!
Have fun!
Terry
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A thought I'd like to share at this moment, somthing I "live by" since I have
shown regularly for many years now;
When you do a show, exhibit, or display, and only a few people or a small crowd
shows up, that's ok.
See because the people who did show up are the best ones you could have asked
for. Even if there are only, say, 10 people that came to your show, they were
the best 10 people you could have asked for , because they are the people who
really wanted to be there and who were interested enough to come. Enjoy your set
up, display or show. Your there because you like it too!
Same goes for a LUG meeting, or even LUGNET too.
Point is to have a good time for you first, then your happiness can effect
others at the show or event. I oughta know. Then again, there is a lot of wine
and cheese at art shows.
;)
e
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In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> for forming and running local clubs and events.
One thing the GMLTC seems to do well is talk to kids. If a kid is scoping out
the layout with a parent, we'll start talking to the kid before we'll talk to
the parent. We know that kids are our "target audience", if the kids are happy
the parents will probably be happy.
JohnG, GMLTC
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In lugnet.lego, John Gerlach wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> > I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> > for forming and running local clubs and events.
>
> One thing the GMLTC seems to do well is talk to kids. If a kid is scoping out
> the layout with a parent, we'll start talking to the kid before we'll talk to
> the parent. We know that kids are our "target audience", if the kids are happy
> the parents will probably be happy.
>
> JohnG, GMLTC
Yes, and we go a bit further. When a parent(s) has small kids with them or
mention the younger kids (includinf grandparents), we also put in a plug for the
Dupo trains, both 'push' and the battery-powered sets as starter sets til the
child becomes older and ready for the 'L' gage sets.
We have an example on our layout:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=699052
-- Don GtwLUG St. Louis
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In lugnet.lego, Don Cox wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, John Gerlach wrote:
> > In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> > > I'm putting out a call to help me assemble your best tips/tricks/best practices
> > > for forming and running local clubs and events.
> >
> > One thing the GMLTC seems to do well is talk to kids. If a kid is scoping out
> > the layout with a parent, we'll start talking to the kid before we'll talk to
> > the parent. We know that kids are our "target audience", if the kids are happy
> > the parents will probably be happy.
> >
> > JohnG, GMLTC
>
> Yes, and we go a bit further. When a parent(s) has small kids with them or
> mention the younger kids (includinf grandparents), we also put in a plug for the
> Dupo trains, both 'push' and the battery-powered sets as starter sets til the
> child becomes older and ready for the 'L' gage sets.
>
> We have an example on our layout:
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=699052
>
> -- Don GtwLUG St. Louis
Great idea! Now, if we can only figure out how to put one into our layout...
JohnG, GMLTC
fut .trains
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John Gerlach wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
>
> One thing the GMLTC seems to do well is talk to kids. If a kid is scoping out
> the layout with a parent, we'll start talking to the kid before we'll talk to
> the parent. We know that kids are our "target audience", if the kids are happy
> the parents will probably be happy.
>
> JohnG, GMLTC
As with most things, diversity is good. I, personally, talk with the
parents / adults. *I* view the adults as the "target audience" for what
I do. I am not sure about the rest of the club... cause we haven't
really discussed it.
I have to admit, the Event Kit / Kids table... and the fact that the
whole layout is made from Lego(tm)... takes care of most kids. The
parents are the ones that ask the questions. I rarely have a child ask
a question. When they ask, it is usually "When are you gonna run THAT
train?"
Don't get me wrong, I build to entertain both age groups... but I tend
to communicate more with the adults.
// Joe
(I hope I am not the only one that feels this way <grin>)
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