 | | | | | | |
| |
|
In the last few days, I’ve seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the helm,
and has said that we are returning to “our core”.
Rest assured, “our core” simply means our toy business. Which is to say, our toy
product lines present and future.
Licenses
Harry Potter and Star Wars are NOT going away any time soon. Licenses are not
going to stop, simply continue to improve. We have to take (and have taken)
steps to ensure we manage the peaks and valleys that licensing brings with it
(Movie years vs. non-movie years, for example). We are still going to be going
after the top licenses with the right brand fit.
In fact, we have announced what I think is going to be a great license today:
Dora the Explorer
Mindstorms
Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all technology
products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as consumers gain new
technology knowledge and technology itself continues to get better and smaller.
WWYM Line
Another fear I’ve heard is that the “What Will You Make?” line is going away.
This is not true, and the 2003 product line showed great success and potential.
Stay tuned for more great WWYM products in 2004!
More information will be forthcoming, as the changes progress.
Thanks!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Development Manager
LEGO Community Development
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Mindstorms
Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all technology
products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as consumers gain new
technology knowledge and technology itself continues to get better and
smaller.
|
Jake, thanks for trying your best to keep us ‘fans’ informed. Your insight and
comments are always most appreciated.
Mindstorms may continue to evolve? “Continue”?? It really hasn’t evolved since
it was originally introduced, most of the ‘innovation’ has come from the fan
community!
But I’m already looking forward to whatever new Mindstorm products LEGO is
working on, and I’m sure I’ll buy multiple copies of whatever is released.
Now, about those new blue-grey colors....
JohnG, GMLTC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, John Gerlach wrote:
| |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Mindstorms
Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all
technology products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as
consumers gain new technology knowledge and technology itself continues to
get better and smaller.
|
Jake, thanks for trying your best to keep us ‘fans’ informed. Your insight
and comments are always most appreciated.
Mindstorms may continue to evolve? “Continue”?? It really hasn’t evolved
since it was originally introduced, most of the ‘innovation’ has come from
the fan community!
|
Ummmm, Scout, Microscout, Spybotics???? Are those not evolution? Even the
flagship RCX has had 2 firmware upgrades, although the hardware itself hasn’t
changed significantly (except for the removal of the power socket, grrrrrr).
ROSCO
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
snip
| |
Thanks!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Development Manager
LEGO Community Development
|
Thanks for the info, Jake.
Take care,
Dave K
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
This one time, Jake McKee wrote:
> In the last few days, I've seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
> about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
> year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the helm,
> and has said that we are returning to "our core".
>
> Rest assured, "our core" simply means our toy business. Which is to say, our toy
> product lines present and future.
>
> [Licenses]
>
> Harry Potter and Star Wars are NOT going away any time soon. Licenses are not
> going to stop, simply continue to improve. We have to take (and have taken)
> steps to ensure we manage the peaks and valleys that licensing brings with it
> (Movie years vs. non-movie years, for example). We are still going to be going
> after the top licenses with the right brand fit.
>
> In fact, we have announced what I think is going to be a great license today:
>
> <http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=GENERIC&newsId=20040112005662&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view
> Dora the Explorer>
>
>
> [Mindstorms]
>
> Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all technology
> products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as consumers gain new
> technology knowledge and technology itself continues to get better and smaller.
>
>
> [WWYM Line]
>
> Another fear I've heard is that the "What Will You Make?" line is going away.
> This is not true, and the 2003 product line showed great success and potential.
> Stay tuned for more great WWYM products in 2004!
>
> More information will be forthcoming, as the changes progress.
>
> Thanks!¬
> Jake¬
Hi Jake,
As always, thanks for keeping the community informed. We can't tell you
how important that is.
I do have a question for you: when will the restructed management address
the color change? I know everyone is grateful for the information you
provide, but this is a pressing issue on a lot of people's minds (and in
my case, preventing me from buying any new sets in the future).
-Anne
--
I always said I wanted to be (\`--/') _ _______ .-r-.
somebody. Perhaps I should >.~.\ `` ` `,`,`. ,'_'~`.
have been more specific. (v_," ; `,-\ ; : ; \/,-~) \
stripes at tigerlair dot com `--'_..),-/ ' ' '_.>-' )`.`.__.')
stripes at brickbox dot com ((,((,__..'~~~~~~((,__..' `-..-'fL
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.lego, Anne Carasik wrote:
> I do have a question for you: when will the restructed management address
> the color change? I know everyone is grateful for the information you
> provide, but this is a pressing issue on a lot of people's minds (and in
> my case, preventing me from buying any new sets in the future).
This is a very, very pressing issue. And for me, also, it is preventing me from
buying any new sets in the future.
It is disturbing that the excuse used for new colors was that Lego today is too
dark and depressing. The reason for that is not that old greys and brown were
depressing, but that most sets sold are mostly grey and brown. Todays sets are
filled with greys and browns (Harry Potter, Star Wars, police etc). And the new
colors in today's sets add to that (sand red, sand green, sand blue and smoke
clear are all dull colors).
It is no wonder that the average kid's Lego collection today is depressing - but
the solution is to put in more color, not to revise the greys we know which
hardly qualify as color anyway. Sell more yellow, red, blue and white bricks,
and kids will have colorful collections. Veneering the problem by changing
color formuations is only driving us away, and will not add any new sales from
other customers.
And please bring back the old greys and brown so I can come back - there are
some great sets in 2004!
-Matt
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.lego, Anne Carasik wrote:
> I do have a question for you: when will the restructed management address
> the color change? I know everyone is grateful for the information you
> provide, but this is a pressing issue on a lot of people's minds (and in
> my case, preventing me from buying any new sets in the future).
>
> -Anne
Indeed, this is a most disturbing issue for me too. Although i'm enjoying some
of the new sets that are coming up, i can't make a move to buy them. I'm
freezed, expecting how this color change will turn out. I strongly believe that
this situation can be reversed...
I only wish TLC could realize that there isn't a valid (well, at least that we
know of) point for this overwhelming decision, that will have impact only on the
AFOL comunity. And a negative one, that is.
Of course i'd like to see TLC making lots of money. I don't mind Galidor or
Bionicle, since they will not replace Trains, Castles or Designers Sets. I don't
mind the new colors (wich i don't like, BTW; believe me, this is bad) as long as
they will not replace the old beloved ones.
I really would like to know if this change is here to stay; if TLC is going to
provide old greys (and brown!) in bulks as i believe Jake once said; and BTW if
the new bunch of Guarded Inn's (wich is available for pre-order in Europe) is
made with the new colors...
Thanks Jake for all of your concern, it is heartly apreciated.
Best regards from Portugal,
Paulo Renato
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
The Lego Tiger wrote:
> I do have a question for you: when will the restructed management address
> the color change? I know everyone is grateful for the information you
> provide, but this is a pressing issue on a lot of people's minds (and in
> my case, preventing me from buying any new sets in the future).
I'll second that question. The new greys ("Wehrmachtsgrau"=WW2 German
Millitary grey as it's already called) and brown *have* to be put on the
new managements desk for redecision as one of the biggest mistakes of
the recent years.
Luckily, I don't have that much of a problem with not buying the new
grey, as I've seen the catalog scans of the horrible castle mess they
designed for 2004 and decided to stop collecting this series for good (I
would even think twice before buying those sets even if they were in the
old grey).
Yea, it's a total bummer year for castle...
I hope for Windsor to have a nicely filled Pick-A-Brick shop this
summer, and will purchase a few kilograms there to build *real*
castle-style models.
Yours, Christian
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Mindstorms
Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all technology
products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as consumers gain new
technology knowledge and technology itself continues to get better and
smaller.
|
On behalf of rtlToronto, I want to thank you for keeping all of us us in the
loop. We don’t get too worked up over the usual Lego rumours up here (“Oh no,
the new grey causes cancer, etc”) but this one is very important to us. We even
stopped talking about Chris’ lack of C programming skills for a few minutes to
discuss it at dinner :)
I know there’s nothing concrete, or as concrete as may like (Like, “Yes, Chris
and Calum, there will be a RCX 3.0, it will have 82 IO ports and by the way,
four cases are scheduled to be shipped 6.29PM April 1st to the west side dock
door at the TRU in South Etobicoke”) but it’s good to know that we have a friend
in Lego and that Mindstorms isn’t going away.
I’m sure all of us are glad that Mindstorms will stay in some form, whatever
that is.
Calum
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Calum Tsang wrote:
| |
“Yes, Chris and Calum, there will be a RCX 3.0, it will have 82 IO ports
|
How big is that succker going to be? How many batteries will it take? Where
will they fit all those ports (is that 41 motor ports AND 41 sensor ports?)
What kind of a contest would use something like that?
Bruce
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Bruce Sheridan wrote:
| |
In lugnet.lego, Calum Tsang wrote:
| |
“Yes, Chris and Calum, there will be a RCX 3.0, it will have 82 IO ports
|
How big is that succker going to be?
|
48 x 48 studs, with colour TFT display..... mmmmmmmm.....
| |
How many batteries will it take?
|
As many as you can afford?
| |
Where
will they fit all those ports (is that 41 motor ports AND 41 sensor ports?)
|
Oh no they’ll all be multi-purpose, assignable to either input or output, or a
combination LOL
| |
What kind of a contest would use something like that?
|
A Big A$$ one.
ROSCO
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
On Tue, Jan 13, 2004 at 01:31:05AM +0000, Ross Crawford wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Bruce Sheridan wrote:
> > How many batteries will it take?
>
> As many as you can afford?
Pft. I'll run off a cold fusion reactor, fueled by tap water.
Batteries. Pft, I say!
--
Dan Boger
dan@peeron.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Bruce Sheridan wrote:
| |
What kind of a contest would use something like that?
|
rtlToronto28: The Industrial Automation PLC Is Normal
rtlToronto34: Show Me the Digital Flight Control System!
rtlToronto52: A Theatre Lighting Controller Too Far
Calum
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Calum Tsang wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Bruce Sheridan wrote:
>
> > What kind of a contest would use something like that?
>
> rtlToronto28: The Industrial Automation PLC Is Normal
>
> rtlToronto34: Show Me the Digital Flight Control System!
I don't think this'll be a good idea--any mention of "flight control software"
this could land the builder with a visit from the local authorities...
http://www.recorder.com/Headlines/tuesday_basic.htm
(second news article)
Ahh, Americans--gotta love 'em... oh wait, maybe this should have been posted in
o-t.d...
<snip>
> Calum
Dave K
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
"David Koudys" <dkoudys@redeemer.on.ca> wrote:
> http://www.recorder.com/Headlines/tuesday_basic.htm
>
> (second news article)
It just confirms how glad I am I live in Canada when I read junk like that.
Holy crap.
Iain (States got da coasters, but we got da flats!)
PS - Probably no robot from me for marbles (surprise surprise), but I have a
good reason and it's a long story.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Bruce Sheridan wrote:
| |
In lugnet.lego, Calum Tsang wrote:
| |
“Yes, Chris and Calum, there will be a RCX 3.0, it will have 82 IO ports
|
How big is that sucker going to be?
|
I heard it was going to use Blue Tooth technology, and allow you to connect 256
I/O devices wirelessly. The actual controller fits into a 2x2 plate, and runs
on 1 lithium battery. It has a 1ghz processor, and 1gb ROM.
Someone else said it has an AC adaptor jack, but I think they were just making
that up, because that’s just silly.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
In the last few days, I’ve seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the
helm, and has said that we are returning to “our core”.
Rest assured, “our core” simply means our toy business. Which is to say, our
toy product lines present and future.
More information will be forthcoming, as the changes progress.
Thanks!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Development Manager
LEGO Community Development
|
Jake, THANK YOU for letting us know what is going on at LEGO HQ! My faith in
LEGO is restored!
Good Luck LEGO and may you have a better year for 2004!
Nathan Wells
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these disgusting
blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever thought
them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future sets,
like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
An unhappy AFOL,
Greg
"Jake McKee" <jacob.mckee@america.lego.com> wrote in message
news:HrDzp0.Cs1@lugnet.com...
> In the last few days, I've seen much discussion, and recevied many • questions
> about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a • rough
> year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the • helm,
> and has said that we are returning to "our core".
>
> Rest assured, "our core" simply means our toy business. Which is to say, • our toy
> product lines present and future.
>
> [Licenses]
>
> Harry Potter and Star Wars are NOT going away any time soon. Licenses are • not
> going to stop, simply continue to improve. We have to take (and have • taken)
> steps to ensure we manage the peaks and valleys that licensing brings with • it
> (Movie years vs. non-movie years, for example). We are still going to be • going
> after the top licenses with the right brand fit.
>
> In fact, we have announced what I think is going to be a great license • today:
>
>
<http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=GENERIC
&newsId=20040112005662&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view
> Dora the Explorer>
>
>
> [Mindstorms]
>
> Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all • technology
> products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as consumers gain • new
> technology knowledge and technology itself continues to get better and • smaller.
>
>
> [WWYM Line]
>
> Another fear I've heard is that the "What Will You Make?" line is going • away.
> This is not true, and the 2003 product line showed great success and • potential.
> Stay tuned for more great WWYM products in 2004!
>
> More information will be forthcoming, as the changes progress.
>
> Thanks!¬
> Jake¬
>
> ---¬
> Jake McKee¬
> Community Development Manager¬
> LEGO Community Development
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these disgusting
> blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
>
> The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever thought
> them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future sets,
> like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
>
> An unhappy AFOL,
> Greg
...begin sarcasm...
Oh look! It's a dead horse! Lets beat it!
...end sarcasm...
-Orion
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make the
problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a good
thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither is
anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of their
representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
"Orion Pobursky" <orion@dontaddthis.pobursky.com> wrote in message
news:HrEFoo.1Don@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these disgusting
> > blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
> >
> > The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever • thought
> > them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future • sets,
> > like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
> >
> > An unhappy AFOL,
> > Greg
>
>
> ...begin sarcasm...
> Oh look! It's a dead horse! Lets beat it!
> ...end sarcasm...
>
> -Orion
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
This one time, Greg Muri wrote:
> You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make the
> problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a good
> thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither is
> anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of their
> representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
> free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
Thank you Greg. I agree with you. TLC seems to be avoiding this question,
which is really frustrating.
-Anne
--
I always said I wanted to be (\`--/') _ _______ .-r-.
somebody. Perhaps I should >.~.\ `` ` `,`,`. ,'_'~`.
have been more specific. (v_," ; `,-\ ; : ; \/,-~) \
stripes at tigerlair dot com `--'_..),-/ ' ' '_.>-' )`.`.__.')
stripes at brickbox dot com ((,((,__..'~~~~~~((,__..' `-..-'fL
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
Hi Anne, glad there are people out there who feel the same way I do and are
not afraid to say so. TLC has made zero effort with regards to the color
change issue. Simply posting that garbage about the color pallette and then
dropping the issue is unacceptable to me. I can only hope that the current
shake up of the company will have positive results. I've got my fingers
crossed.
"The Lego Tiger" <stripes@tigerlair.com> wrote in message
news:20040112182821.A14262@tigerlair.com...
> This one time, Greg Muri wrote:
> > You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make • the
> > problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a • good
> > thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither • is
> > anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of • their
> > representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
> > free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
>
> Thank you Greg. I agree with you. TLC seems to be avoiding this question,
> which is really frustrating.
>
> -Anne
> --
> I always said I wanted to be (\`--/') _ _______ .-r-.
> somebody. Perhaps I should >.~.\ `` ` `,`,`. ,'_'~`.
> have been more specific. (v_," ; `,-\ ; : ; \/,-~) \
> stripes at tigerlair dot com `--'_..),-/ ' ' '_.>-' )`.`.__.')
> stripes at brickbox dot com ((,((,__..'~~~~~~((,__..' `-..-'fL
>
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
This one time, Greg Muri wrote:
> Hi Anne, glad there are people out there who feel the same way I do and are
> not afraid to say so.
Why should I be? I give them money. Since I have a choice on what I pay
for, I have a right to open my big mouth and say something :)
> TLC has made zero effort with regards to the color change issue. Simply
> posting that garbage about the color pallette and then dropping the issue
> is unacceptable to me.
I couldn't agree more. I couldn't tell you how upset I was about the whole
thing. It was enough to change my mind about doing any building as of recently
(although I will be building again soon), and enough to change my mind on
not competing for the master builder competition.
I don't want to work for a company that makes really dumb decisions--whether
it's a dream job or not. I've already dealt with enough of that working for
some of my previous employers. Hmmpt.
> I can only hope that the current shake up of the company will have positive
> results. I've got my fingers crossed.
Ditto. That said, I'm glad to see that TLC is going back to the brick. It's
really important to stay with your core values instead of destroying them.
That's what killed so many companies--that ever-popular expansion into
products they have no idea about.
-Anne
--
I always said I wanted to be (\`--/') _ _______ .-r-.
somebody. Perhaps I should >.~.\ `` ` `,`,`. ,'_'~`.
have been more specific. (v_," ; `,-\ ; : ; \/,-~) \
stripes at tigerlair dot com `--'_..),-/ ' ' '_.>-' )`.`.__.')
stripes at brickbox dot com ((,((,__..'~~~~~~((,__..' `-..-'fL
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Anne Carasik wrote:
> This one time, Greg Muri wrote:
> > Hi Anne, glad there are people out there who feel the same way I do and are
> > not afraid to say so.
>
> Why should I be? I give them money. Since I have a choice on what I pay
> for, I have a right to open my big mouth and say something :)
I think what Greg might have been referring to is the disparaging remarks from
some other folks here (who aren't bothered by the color issue) who find it
necessary to characterize those who feel otherwise as "whiners" or
"complainers".
FWIW, the light gray change doesn't bother me so much as the dark gray. If the
old dark gray had to change to remove the yellowish tint, then at least replace
it with a truly neutral dark gray, not this blue tinted gun metal version. All
this talk of a crisper pallette sorta reminds me of the way Sony pumped up the
color saturation on many of their digicams because reality just wasn't good
enough...
Mark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.lego, Mark Riley wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Anne Carasik wrote:
> > This one time, Greg Muri wrote:
> > > Hi Anne, glad there are people out there who feel the same way I do and are
> > > not afraid to say so.
> >
> > Why should I be? I give them money. Since I have a choice on what I pay
> > for, I have a right to open my big mouth and say something :)
>
> I think what Greg might have been referring to is the disparaging remarks from
> some other folks here (who aren't bothered by the color issue) who find it
> necessary to characterize those who feel otherwise as "whiners" or
> "complainers".
>
> FWIW, the light gray change doesn't bother me so much as the dark gray. If the
> old dark gray had to change to remove the yellowish tint, then at least replace
> it with a truly neutral dark gray, not this blue tinted gun metal version. All
> this talk of a crisper pallette sorta reminds me of the way Sony pumped up the
> color saturation on many of their digicams because reality just wasn't good
> enough...
>
> Mark
I don't mind new colors in new sets. But I do dislike what the changes mean for
reissues of old sets. I was looking forward to reissues of sets like 6080 down
the line. But even if that happens, it will look less like a light gray
building and more like a dark white one.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Well you can mark an X next to my name and put me on the 'unhappy' list!
I like the old grays.
Someday people will be buying Lego collections on ebay just to get the old
colors...........
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> glad there are people out there who feel the same way I do and are
> not afraid to say so. TLC has made zero effort with regards to the
> color change issue. Simply posting that garbage about the color
> pallette and then dropping the issue is unacceptable to me. I can
> only hope that the current shake up of the company will have
> positive results. I've got my fingers crossed.
Me too. I've resisted buying the new colors, but I just started
building a set I got as a gift and a couple of things struck me. I
just don't buy the lame focus group / crisper pallette explanation.
The implementation is just too hurried and half baked to support
that theory.
For one thing, the "new improved" colors are not even mentioned on the
package, much less advertised as you'd expect. Also, the model
pictured on the outside of the package (4495) appears to contain a mix
of old and new dark grey colored parts. And the instructions on the
inside still show the old dark grey. The whole thing looks rushed.
I actually find the "new colors cause cancer" theory advanced by the
toronto guys to be more more believable. Probably someone in upper
management realized that the laws against using cheaper carcinogenic
dyes are much more lax in China than in Enfield and made a quick
decision to bump up profits for 2004.
So I too have my fingers crossed that whoever's responsible for this
mess got the axe in the management shakeup, and the return to core
values brings a return to the core colors.
Don
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In lugnet.lego, Don Heyse wrote:
> Me too. I've resisted buying the new colors, but I just started
> building a set I got as a gift and a couple of things struck me. I
> just don't buy the lame focus group / crisper pallette explanation.
> The implementation is just too hurried and half baked to support
> that theory.
I actually think "lame focus group" is a perfectly good explanation. Focus
groups seem to result in plenty of abominations that happen to have tested well
-- if not necessarily in a well-designed test. I didn't find the color palette
explanation is compelling (it's hard to imagine it really having festered for
25+ years), but it might have stuck in the craw of someone with leverage.
> For one thing, the "new improved" colors are not even mentioned on the
> package, much less advertised as you'd expect. [...] The whole thing looks rushed.
Agreed. I picked up the Mini Star Destroyer just before the color change
firestorm hit (in the expectation it would be a swell parts pack), and while I
was not as incensed as some, I didn't exactly view it as a pleasant surprise
either. It shouldn't have been a surprise at all.
> So I too have my fingers crossed that whoever's responsible for this
> mess got the axe in the management shakeup, and the return to core
> values brings a return to the core colors.
Me three. Good companies can admit and reverse mistakes like this.
Tom
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In lugnet.lego, Tom Bozzo wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Don Heyse wrote:
> > So I too have my fingers crossed that whoever's responsible for this
> > mess got the axe in the management shakeup, and the return to core
> > values brings a return to the core colors.
>
> Me three. Good companies can admit and reverse mistakes like this.
You know what I think is really funny about all the griping about these new Lego
colours? As soon as we find out that TLC *does* change its mind, and returns to
the old colours, (and understand I'm not saying that they have or will!)
everyone will scramble to get the few sets that have the new colours in them,
since then they will suddenly become *rare* colours, and hence very desirable.
In fact, I'd predict that the very people complaining about these new colours
will be among those trying to pick them up before they're no longer available!
Also, should Lego go back to the older colours, there will (maybe!) be an
entirely different set of people that will then start complaining about the fact
that Lego has stopped making a great set of new colours, and that they should go
back to making them again.
In other words, there really is no way that TLC can win in this. Saying they
shouldn't have made the change in the first place is irrelevant. It's history.
And no one yet has made a good business argument about why Lego should take the
risk of going back to the old colours.
Lego has introduced new colours from time to time. They've also stopped
producing colours from time to time. I'll grant that up until now these have
been highlight colours, not one of the main palette.
No one's ever complained about past colour changes, at least that I've heard.
Only the fact that you already have a lot of this colour is bothering you. But
it shouldn't!
I've got a lot of the old greys and old brown myself. But personally because I
have so much, it makes me excited about having new colours now! More variation
for my creations! To start with I'll use the new colours as highlights. As I
collect more, I will find ways to mix them. And in ten years or so, when I have
more of the new than the old, I'll use the old as highlights instead. The way I
see it, I can't lose!
--
David Schilling
(And if I only had a small collection, it shouldn't bother me either. If I like
Lego, it will only be a short time before I have a lot of the new colours, and
again the old will be an interesting highlight to use in my creations.)
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In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
| |
In lugnet.lego, Tom Bozzo wrote:
| |
In lugnet.lego, Don Heyse wrote:
| |
So I too have my fingers crossed that whoever’s responsible for this
mess got the axe in the management shakeup, and the return to core
values brings a return to the core colors.
|
Me three. Good companies can admit and reverse mistakes like this.
|
You know what I think is really funny about all the griping about these new
Lego colours? As soon as we find out that TLC *does* change its mind, and
returns to the old colours, (and understand I’m not saying that they have or
will!) everyone will scramble to get the few sets that have the new colours in
them, since then they will suddenly become *rare* colours, and hence very
desirable. In fact, I’d predict that the very people complaining about these
new colours will be among those trying to pick them up before they’re no
longer available!
Also, should Lego go back to the older colours, there will (maybe!) be an
entirely different set of people that will then start complaining about the
fact that Lego has stopped making a great set of new colours, and that they
should go back to making them again.
|
I wonder if most Lego fans aren’t truly happy unless they have something to
complain about....
Cheers
Richie
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In lugnet.lego, Richie Dulin wrote:
| |
In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
| |
You know what I think is really funny about all the griping about these new
Lego colours? As soon as we find out that TLC *does* change its mind, and
returns to the old colours, (and understand I’m not saying that they have or
will!) everyone will scramble to get the few sets that have the new colours
in them, since then they will suddenly become *rare* colours, and hence very
desirable. In fact, I’d predict that the very people complaining about these
new colours will be among those trying to pick them up before they’re no
longer available!
Also, should Lego go back to the older colours, there will (maybe!) be an
entirely different set of people that will then start complaining about the
fact that Lego has stopped making a great set of new colours, and that they
should go back to making them again.
|
I wonder if most Lego fans aren’t truly happy unless they have something to
complain about....
Cheers
|
Richie,
You’re speaking for yourself right? There a lot of people here that are talking
for theirselfs but trying to input that on others. And at least, there are two
on this tread already. Doesn’t seem very reasonable to me. I think we should
speak for ourselfs and do not make assumptions about others. Living is easy, you
know.
Best regards,
Paulo Renato
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David,
You make good points in your post.
1. This one is not:
In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
> You know what I think is really funny about all the griping about these new Lego
> colours? As soon as we find out that TLC *does* change its mind, and returns to
> the old colours, (and understand I'm not saying that they have or will!)
> everyone will scramble to get the few sets that have the new colours in them,
> since then they will suddenly become *rare* colours, and hence very desirable.
> In fact, I'd predict that the very people complaining about these new colours
> will be among those trying to pick them up before they're no longer available!
As for me (and i think for a lot of people) you are *very* wrong. Are you saying
we just want a color or a part because it is rare? Not me. I don't care if a
part is rare, i care if it is useful. I don't care if a color becomes rare, i
care if i like the color and i planned to make virtually endless MOCs with them.
And as i said before i don't even like this new colors, so why should i buy
them? For the sake of becoming rare? Give me a break.
If TLC would made this new sets with old colors, i'd for sure buy some of them;
as it is, i'm more into brick bulks rather than sets.
2. This one neither:
> Also, should Lego go back to the older colours, there will (maybe!) be an
> entirely different set of people that will then start complaining about the fact
> that Lego has stopped making a great set of new colours, and that they should go
> back to making them again.
Yeah, a "different set" but a *smaller* one don't you think? Or do you think
that this new colors have already hundreds of fans?
And another thing: I didn' saw no one asking TLC to *stop* producing this new
colors. I see people asking for the *return* of the old ones. That's a
completely different thing, wouldn't you agree?
I could live with the two (old & new) colors...[1]
3.
> In other words, there really is no way that TLC can win in this. Saying they
> shouldn't have made the change in the first place is irrelevant. It's history.
> And no one yet has made a good business argument about why Lego should take the
> risk of going back to the old colours.
True. But have you heard any "business argument" coming from TLC to justify the
color change?
4.
> Lego has introduced new colours from time to time. They've also stopped
> producing colours from time to time. I'll grant that up until now these have
> been highlight colours, not one of the main palette.
>
> No one's ever complained about past colour changes, at least that I've heard.
> Only the fact that you already have a lot of this colour is bothering you. But
> it shouldn't!
Ok. The greens changed for at least three times. Red changed also. Pink as well.
As for green, it changed when it was not vastly spreaded. If green would change
now it would cause damages. Pink was rare at the time it was changed (Paradisa
era). I have all of the Paradisa sets and some of them in multiple copies and i
don't have enough pink to make any MOC. Therefore it's not that serious.
Although not pleasant. As for red, the change was for worst (IMO) but almost
unnoticeable, the new play well with olds (at least to my eyes).
If you never heard no one complaing you're hearing now. I've never appreciated
color changes (meanig replacements). Besides, the reason you've never heard, is
it because there was no Lugnet or such sites? Could just be it, no?
5. Hmmm. Almost a good point:
> I've got a lot of the old greys and old brown myself. But personally because I
> have so much, it makes me excited about having new colours now! More variation
> for my creations! To start with I'll use the new colours as highlights. As I
> collect more, I will find ways to mix them. And in ten years or so, when I have
> more of the new than the old, I'll use the old as highlights instead. The way I
> see it, I can't lose!
How will you use bluish dark gray train tracks as highlights on your existing
layout?
And what about all of those parts that will never be rereleased in old
grays/browns and are rare as they are: See this simple *plate* for instance:
http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=swanberg&itemID=2037618
Would you believe that this is the only BL store selling it (in new condition)?
Now, what will be the chances to get some more of them?
Hope you understand what i mean. My english is not that good and i try the best
to make myself clear.
I'm glad that you (and a lot of people) will have fun with the new colors and i
understand your points that are valid to you but, not to me unfortunately.
Best regards,
Paulo Renato
[1] I could live without old grays/brown too. I could live without a single LEGO
brick as well. So what? Of course this isn't a question of life/death, but
there's nothing wrong to live the things you like with passion. With lots of
passion. That very special Passion that goes hand in hand with Mind.
> --
> David Schilling
>
> (And if I only had a small collection, it shouldn't bother me either. If I like
> Lego, it will only be a short time before I have a lot of the new colours, and
> again the old will be an interesting highlight to use in my creations.)
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David Schilling <davidNO@SPAMsunteleia.com> wrote:
> colours? As soon as we find out that TLC *does* change its mind, and
> returns to the old colours, (and understand I'm not saying that they
> have or will!) everyone will scramble to get the few sets that have the
> new colours in them, since then they will suddenly become *rare*
> colours, and hence very desirable. In fact, I'd predict that the very
Sure. New colors are good. What's bad is getting rid of *key* old ones.
--
Matthew Miller mattdm@mattdm.org <http://www.mattdm.org/>
Boston University Linux ------> <http://linux.bu.edu/>
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> In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> "Orion Pobursky" <orion@dontaddthis.pobursky.com> wrote in message
> news:HrEFoo.1Don@lugnet.com...
> > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > > No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these disgusting
> > > blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
> > >
> > > The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever thought
> > > them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future sets,
> > > like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
> > >
> > > An unhappy AFOL,
> > > Greg
> >
> >
> > ...begin sarcasm...
> > Oh look! It's a dead horse! Lets beat it!
> > ...end sarcasm...
> >
> > -Orion
>
> You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make the
> problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a good
> thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither is
> anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of their
> representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
> free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
You're right, you have the right to complain but as a reply to this particular
thread I feel it was inappropriate and rude. In my opinion, if you want to add
more to what must be 500+ posts, start you own thread.
-Orion
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In lugnet.lego, Orion Pobursky wrote:
> > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make the
> > problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a good
> > thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither is
> > anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of their
> > representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
> > free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
>
> You're right, you have the right to complain but as a reply to this particular
> thread I feel it was inappropriate and rude.
Inappropriate? Naw, if TLC's management and policies are getting revaluated,
then I can't think of a more opportune moment to remind TLC that some of us
AFOLs still haven't "gotten over it".
Mark
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> You're right, you have the right to complain but as a reply to this • particular
> thread I feel it was inappropriate and rude. In my opinion, if you want • to add
> more to what must be 500+ posts, start you own thread.
>
> -Orion
Orion,
This is an open forum where people can discuss ideas, and share their
opinions. No one has personally attacked Jake. I don't feel opinion
sharing is rude at all. In fact, even though I don't agree with you I think
it is perfectly OK for you to share your opinion with everyone. I don't
think any reply in this thread is rude, even yours.
-Aaron
"Orion Pobursky" <orion@dontaddthis.pobursky.com> wrote in message
news:HrEpyn.u99@lugnet.com...
> > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > "Orion Pobursky" <orion@dontaddthis.pobursky.com> wrote in message
> > news:HrEFoo.1Don@lugnet.com...
> > > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > > > No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these • disgusting
> > > > blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
> > > >
> > > > The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever • thought
> > > > them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future • sets,
> > > > like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
> > > >
> > > > An unhappy AFOL,
> > > > Greg
> > >
> > >
> > > ...begin sarcasm...
> > > Oh look! It's a dead horse! Lets beat it!
> > > ...end sarcasm...
> > >
> > > -Orion
> >
> > You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make • the
> > problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a • good
> > thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither • is
> > anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of • their
> > representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
> > free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
>
>
> You're right, you have the right to complain but as a reply to this • particular
> thread I feel it was inappropriate and rude. In my opinion, if you want • to add
> more to what must be 500+ posts, start you own thread.
>
> -Orion
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First off, there is nothing at all rude about me posting in this topic.
This is exactly where a viewpoint, such as mine, should be made. Lego made
a public posting and I chose this as my response. For the level of
frustration and disgust I have about this particular issue, I thought my
post was rather mild.
You know Orion, you could not have missed the point more. The whole reason
I posted in this thread was because it needed to be said again. It needed
to be said in response to the information that Jake posted. Did you notice
that nothing in his message so much as mentioned the color issue? Why?
Because they don't care and don't see it as an issue. Well, for me, that is
unacceptable. I am a paying customer just like everyone else on this site.
If you don't like my opinion or where I choose post it then I am afraid you
are just going to have to get over it. I am certainly not going to stop
just because you, or anyone else for that matter, doesn't agree with how or
where I choose to voice my opinion If I have to post 10,000 (I believe the
color change issue deserves that many posts at least!) more messages I
certainly will. I will certainly take every opportunity, like this thread,
to do so.
Go build something and stop worrying about what someone else thinks.
"Orion Pobursky" <orion@dontaddthis.pobursky.com> wrote in message
news:HrEpyn.u99@lugnet.com...
> > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > "Orion Pobursky" <orion@dontaddthis.pobursky.com> wrote in message
> > news:HrEFoo.1Don@lugnet.com...
> > > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > > > No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these • disgusting
> > > > blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
> > > >
> > > > The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever • thought
> > > > them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future • sets,
> > > > like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
> > > >
> > > > An unhappy AFOL,
> > > > Greg
> > >
> > >
> > > ...begin sarcasm...
> > > Oh look! It's a dead horse! Lets beat it!
> > > ...end sarcasm...
> > >
> > > -Orion
> >
> > You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make • the
> > problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a • good
> > thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither • is
> > anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of • their
> > representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
> > free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
>
>
> You're right, you have the right to complain but as a reply to this • particular
> thread I feel it was inappropriate and rude. In my opinion, if you want • to add
> more to what must be 500+ posts, start you own thread.
>
> -Orion
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In lugnet.lego, Orion Pobursky wrote:
> > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > "Orion Pobursky" <orion@dontaddthis.pobursky.com> wrote in message
> > news:HrEFoo.1Don@lugnet.com...
> > > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > > > No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these disgusting
> > > > blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
> > > >
> > > > The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever thought
> > > > them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future sets,
> > > > like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
> > > >
> > > > An unhappy AFOL,
> > > > Greg
> > >
> > >
> > > ...begin sarcasm...
> > > Oh look! It's a dead horse! Lets beat it!
> > > ...end sarcasm...
> > >
> > > -Orion
> >
> > You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make the
> > problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a good
> > thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither is
> > anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of their
> > representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
> > free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
>
>
> You're right, you have the right to complain but as a reply to this particular
> thread I feel it was inappropriate and rude. In my opinion, if you want to add
> more to what must be 500+ posts, start you own thread.
>
> -Orion
Orion,
I find Gregory's post *very* appropriate. I really can't understand what makes
you so upset. Color change is not a closed subject and, it seems for me that we
(the people who are bothered about it) have here a good opportunity to reopen
it.
If TLC is willing to reflect on bad decisions taken in the past, why not reflect
on this decision of replacing colors? Do you think that it is a good decision,
or you simply don't mind? If you don't mind, luck you. I tell you this, oh how i
wish i wouldn't mind too...
Best regards from Portugal,
Paulo Renato, who now wants to surpasse the 1000 posts barrier about color
change issue (now that's sarcastic :-)
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> "Orion Pobursky" <orion@dontaddthis.pobursky.com> wrote in message
> news:HrEFoo.1Don@lugnet.com...
> > In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > > No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these disgusting
> > > blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
> > >
> > > The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever thought
> > > them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future sets,
> > > like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
> > >
> > > An unhappy AFOL,
> > > Greg
> >
> >
> > ...begin sarcasm...
> > Oh look! It's a dead horse! Lets beat it!
> > ...end sarcasm...
> >
> > -Orion • In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> You know Orion, it may be a dead horse but that certainly doesn't make the
> problem go away. Keeping it in the forums every once and awhile is a good
> thing in my opinion. You are not required to agree with me and neither is
> anyone else. However, I am certainly not going to offer TLC or any of their
> representatives any kudos whatsoever until this problem is solved. Feel
> free to disagree with me, I don't mind.
Agreed.
Sorry, Orion, I can't appreciate a sarcastic tone belittling
what for the large-scale builders is an *extremely* serious
issue. You may not find it so, but trust me, if you own 500lb.
of dark grey, it is *very* serious indeed, so I want it to be
placed before the Lego folks at every conceiveable opportunity.
I have already had to explain the color change to my sister and
a cousin who asked if I knew anything about "the quality problem"
with their new LEGO bricks.
This is going to give LEGO a black eye--and it will be the worst
kind, the kind that won't be immediately apparent because it is
a simple black eye of confidence and brand perception that may not
garner direct complaints but will damage satisfaction and kids'
enjoyment of the product. You'd be surprised at how unhappy a lot
of kids are when things don't match quite right--it's why my
niece and nephew like building with their Duplo more than with
their MegaBloks.
Oh, and some non-kids aren't happy about mismatches either. :)
best
LFB
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In lugnet.lego, Orion Pobursky wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Gregory Muri wrote:
> > No, the sky is not falling. Instead it is just raining these disgusting
> > blue-grey colors and chuncks of this red-brown stuff.
> >
> > The new color changes SUCK!!!! Change them back, and fire whoever thought
> > them up in the first place. Fix this problem before you ruin future sets,
> > like the Millennium Falcon!!!!
> >
> > An unhappy AFOL,
> > Greg
>
>
> ...begin sarcasm...
> Oh look! It's a dead horse! Lets beat it!
> ...end sarcasm...
What ever do you mean, Orion? We never beat dead horses HERE. OR use sarcasm.
(0)
More seriously, now certainly would be a good time to revisit the color decision
if it were ever going to happen that it got revisited, and a politely worded,
well reasoned and well written post might be just the thing to insert into this
thread(1).
I have a silly little metric though... when I see "SUCK" in a post, I tend to
think the post may not be as well written and well reasoned and polite as it
could be. It's not a perfect metric but it's stood me in good stead in the past
.That's just me, YMMV though. Also the use of more than one "!" tends to be a
sign that there might be some foaming going on, but again, YMMV.
Greg makes an important point which is now possibly going to be written off by a
significant fraction of the readership because he gave them an out... I can just
here whoever (2) in Billund now... "Stupid fans, they're foaming about this
again instead of bringing us a business case for changing or suggestions on how
to do it... ignore them, they'll stop foaming sooner or later. What they say
doesn't matter and they'll keep buying the stuff anyway"
That's too bad really.
0 - that was sarcasm, in case you were wondering
1 - on the off chance that LEGO were not aware that many of us don't like the
changes...
2 - A Dane who sees LEGO(r) as the largest company in Denmark and therefore a
good career, not one who wanted to work at LEGO all his life because he likes
the brick. Don't fool yourself, there are a lot of the former there. Give them
no excuses.
++Lar
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
In the last few days, I’ve seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the
helm, and has said that we are returning to “our core”.
Rest assured, “our core” simply means our toy business. Which is to say, our
toy product lines present and future.
Thanks!
Jake
|
I read the press release at lego.com which said, “The LEGO Company will focus on
the fundamental product idea, as represented by the LEGO brick...,” which seems
to be in accordance with what you said about returning to your “core.” I also
remember that you said something in a post about the color change decisions
originating in Denmark. Is there any chance that the color change is one of
those bad decisions that LEGO will want to undo in 2004? I understand, of
course, if you can’t leak information about it. We all know that we have to be
patient about info on new things from LEGO. I was just wondering if the
LUGNET community might be able to get a heads-up on products/ideas that will be
done away with in 2004. (I assume there are some things that were considered
bad or unprofitable ideas that will just have to go.)
Thanks for the
update,
David “Fuzzy” Gregory
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, David Gregory wrote:
| |
Is there any chance that the color change
is one of those bad decisions that LEGO will want to undo in 2004?
|
Not that I’m qualified to say, but I doubt it, mainly because it hasn’t been in
effect long enough yet for TLC to see how it will affect their bottom line.
ROSCO
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
In fact, we have announced what I think is going to be a great license today:
Dora the Explorer
|
WOW! Thats really good news. My two youngest are going to loooove this. Great
move, Dora is very popular with the younger set and this line should do very
well. I just hope they are kept in the same line and size as the other Duplo
stuff (yes I said Duplo, I hope the DUPLO name makes a return as well -- DUPLO
can be used with the Explore name)
Mark P
http://www.landofbricks.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
In the last few days, I’ve seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the
helm, and has said that we are returning to “our core”.
Rest assured, “our core” simply means our toy business. Which is to say, our
toy product lines present and future.
|
snip
| |
More information will be forthcoming, as the changes progress.
Thanks!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Development Manager
LEGO Community Development
|
Thanks Jake!!!
With tough times like these, I wouldn’t blame your company for circling the
wagons and not telling anyone a peep about what they’re planning to do. I think
it’s great that you’ve been allowed to notify this community of some of what’s
going on and give us reassurances about some of our favorite product lines.
I’m sure it’s a stressful time working there, dealing with the uncertainty, etc.
I hope things turn around soon and that no more of your colleagues lose their
jobs. It’s ironic -- with the fantastic Make and Create products, the NASA
products, etc., I was thinking 2003 was one of the best years I can remember for
being a LEGO fan. I can’t believe it turned out to be such a bad year for your
company financially.
Lastly, I hope that you aren’t disheartened by some folks who choose to respond
to your post with more complaints about the color change. I guess some times
the people here take for granted the relationship your company has built with
our community. I consider you (and Brad, Kate, etc.) to be friends of our
community. When a friend of mine is going through a tough time but still goes
out of their way to reassure *me* about it, I wouldn’t think it fair to respond
with my pet complaint. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been at a company when times
get tough and know how stressful and scary it can be. Others may not realize
what you guys are going through.
All the best to you and your co-workers...
-Paul S. D’Urbano
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
WOW! I am not sure exactly what to say to this Paul.
My post here was done intentionally to keep the color change issue present
and current in the forums. I think that was accomplished and there
certainly was no other meaning written or implied. I will continue to make
post like this until such time as the problem is corrected or Lego has
decided that people with my opinion are not valuable customers.
I am sure that Jake, Brad, Kate, and any other Lego employee, are "friends"
to this community, although I think that a portion of that "friendship" is
duty and nothing more. Jake relays information to this and other online
communities because it is his job! Just because the company is going
through tough times his job remains the same. I am in no way taking
anything away from anyone in the Lego organization in terms of their level
of devotion to Lego as a product. I am however getting a bit disgusted that
someone, like yourself, would respond such as you did to my legitimate
complaint. I guess I will just have to get over it, but that doesn't make
it any less ridiculous.
As far as your comment about "tough times at a company", give me a
break!!!!! I think I have an excellent idea what tough times are all about,
I have been unemployed since August!
Lego has to suffer the consequences of pathetically poor decisions plain and
simple. I can only hope that the color changes are one of those and get
corrected as soon as is earthly possible.
"Paul S. D'Urbano" <durbano@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:HrEnJD.Gtv@lugnet.com...
> snip
> Lastly, I hope that you aren't disheartened by some folks who choose to • respond
> to your post with more complaints about the color change. I guess some • times
> the people here take for granted the relationship your company has built • with
> our community. I consider you (and Brad, Kate, etc.) to be friends of our
> community. When a friend of mine is going through a tough time but still • goes
> out of their way to reassure *me* about it, I wouldn't think it fair to • respond
> with my pet complaint. Perhaps it's because I've been at a company when • times
> get tough and know how stressful and scary it can be. Others may not • realize
> what you guys are going through.
>
> All the best to you and your co-workers...
>
> -Paul S. D'Urbano
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Paul S. D’Urbano wrote:
| |
Thanks Jake!!!
With tough times like these, I wouldn’t blame your company for circling the
wagons and not telling anyone a peep about what they’re planning to do. I
think it’s great that you’ve been allowed to notify this community of some of
what’s going on and give us reassurances about some of our favorite product
lines.
I’m sure it’s a stressful time working there, dealing with the uncertainty,
etc. I hope things turn around soon and that no more of your colleagues lose
their jobs. It’s ironic -- with the fantastic Make and Create products, the
NASA products, etc., I was thinking 2003 was one of the best years I can
remember for being a LEGO fan. I can’t believe it turned out to be such a
bad year for your company financially.
Lastly, I hope that you aren’t disheartened by some folks who choose to
respond to your post with more complaints about the color change. I guess
some times the people here take for granted the relationship your company has
built with our community. I consider you (and Brad, Kate, etc.) to be
friends of our community. When a friend of mine is going through a tough
time but still goes out of their way to reassure *me* about it, I wouldn’t
think it fair to respond with my pet complaint. Perhaps it’s because I’ve
been at a company when times get tough and know how stressful and scary it
can be. Others may not realize what you guys are going through.
All the best to you and your co-workers...
-Paul S. D’Urbano
|
Come on! The relationship that Jake’s company has built with this community is a
business relationship. TLC is not a ‘friend of mine’, it is one of many
businesses vying for my disposable income (and doing a poor job of it lately).
What exactly was friendly about TLC suddenly changing colors on us with NO
consultation and NO notice (and no mention of the supposedly positive change in
packaging or advertising)? That seemed like the cowardly act of an oblivious
global corporation, not a friend.
And as for reassurance, the announcement of another fad license doesn’t reassure
me in the least. What would renew my faith in TLC is if they reversed the
ill-advised color changes, which have angered many long-time consumers but will
not generate any offsetting increase in new consumers or increased sales.
The color changes were a decision made by the old, failed management team - why
not reverse them now that that management team has been fired? If you are down a
hole, the first step is to stop digging.
Marc Nelson Jr.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Marc Nelson, Jr. wrote:
| |
What would renew my faith in TLC is if they
reversed the ill-advised color changes,
|
That makes two of us.
| |
which have angered many long-time
consumers but will not generate any offsetting increase in new consumers or
increased sales.
|
Agreed. That’s what i’ve been trying to say but my broken english doesn’t allow
me to.
Best regards from Portugal
Paulo Renato
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> In the last few days, I've seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
> about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
> year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the
> helm, and has said that we are returning to "our core".
For what it's worth... I hope this is the last of the rough years. I think
you've got the right guy at the wheel now and I think his connection to the
company, its past and its future, will be good for everyone.
I feel badly for those employees whose jobs suffered as a result of the losses
and I hope that is the last we'll see of that.
> [Licenses]
>
> Harry Potter and Star Wars are NOT going away any time soon. Licenses are not
> going to stop, simply continue to improve. We have to take (and have taken)
> steps to ensure we manage the peaks and valleys that licensing brings with it
> (Movie years vs. non-movie years, for example).
The peaks are great... it's the valleys that really get to you. ;)
I think this is good news overall. Clearly the Star Wars license was a good
move, given the number of adult (and younger) fans it brought to the brand.
Let's hope the Harry Potter 'craze' continues with the next movie.
> [Mindstorms]
>
> Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all technology
> products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as consumers gain new
> technology knowledge and technology itself continues to get better and
> smaller.
While I'm not big on Mindstorms myself, it's obvious how many adult fans were
drawn back to LEGO by the release of this very important series of products. I
remember seeing a Mindstorms set for the first time (just prior to getting back
into LEGO) and thinking, "wow... things sure have changed." :)
> [WWYM Line]
>
> Another fear I've heard is that the "What Will You Make?" line is going away.
> This is not true, and the 2003 product line showed great success and
> potential. Stay tuned for more great WWYM products in 2004!
I am so glad to hear this. And am looking forward to whatever this product line
brings us. Some of the bad decisions (and bad products) are in the past now. I
think this series represents all of the good things that LEGO knows how to do...
and they do them very well.
> More information will be forthcoming, as the changes progress.
>
> Thanks!
> Jake
Thanks Jake, for always giving us the information that you are able to release.
Best regards,
Allan B.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jake,
Once again thank you for keeping us informed. I know it can be frustrating
dealing with rumors and negative talk, but you always handle things
professionally and also put *at least my* mind to rest on issues. Your input
(and that of your bosses for encouraging/allowing your input) helps the AFOL
community much more than I think you get credit for. Keep up the great work,
and long live Lego!!!!
Take care and see you at Brickfest PDX
:-)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Harry Potter and Star Wars are NOT going away any time soon. Licenses are >not
going to stop, simply continue to improve. We have to take (and have taken)
steps to ensure we manage the peaks and valleys that licensing brings with >it
(Movie years vs. non-movie years, for example). We are still going to be
going after the top licenses with the right brand fit.
|
Wouhou! More SW sets! We might finally see the Jawa Sandcrawler after all!
Terry
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
In the last few days, I’ve seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the
helm, and has said that we are returning to “our core”.
Rest assured, “our core” simply means our toy business. Which is to say, our
toy product lines present and future.
|
You mean my books, keychains, pens, pencils, erasers, watches, clocks,
lunchboxes, coffee mugs, umbrellas, fridge magnets, greeting cards, caps, ties,
t-shirts, calculators, stickers, bookmarks, pencil cases, schoolbags, backpacks
and shoes are now basically obsolete?
I don’t know what to do, but I’ll certainly be buying less of your product in
future.
(Just another traumatic
event in the life of a Lego fan, really.)
Adieu
Richie Dulin
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> In the last few days, I've seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
> about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
> year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the
> helm, and has said that we are returning to "our core".
>
> Rest assured, "our core" simply means our toy business. Which is to say, our
> toy product lines present and future.
>
> [Licenses]
>
> Harry Potter and Star Wars are NOT going away any time soon. Licenses are not
> going to stop, simply continue to improve. We have to take (and have taken)
> steps to ensure we manage the peaks and valleys that licensing brings with it
> (Movie years vs. non-movie years, for example). We are still going to be
> going after the top licenses with the right brand fit.
>
> In fact, we have announced what I think is going to be a great license today:
>
> <http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=GENERIC&newsId=20040112005662&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view
> Dora the Explorer>
>
>
> [Mindstorms]
>
> Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all technology
> products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as consumers gain new
> technology knowledge and technology itself continues to get better and
> smaller.
>
>
> [WWYM Line]
>
> Another fear I've heard is that the "What Will You Make?" line is going away.
> This is not true, and the 2003 product line showed great success and
> potential. Stay tuned for more great WWYM products in 2004!
>
> More information will be forthcoming, as the changes progress.
>
> Thanks!¬
> Jake¬
Jake-
Thanks, as always, for keeping us informed.
I brought it up in the thread later, but I will ask you
directly: does this shakeup portend a reversal of this
highly ill-advised color reformulation, or at least a re-
evaluation of what can only do damage to LEGO's image?
(For example, I have already heard two grumbles from within
my own family about the new colors, and I heard absolutely
zero comments that the browns and greys were inadequate
before.) I understand if you can't say either way, but
I'd at least like to know if there is a *possibility*
that they will revisit it. I just wanted to air my
concern directly, here; sans the color change, I would
easily have called 2004's offerings the best in a decade,
but with the changed colors there is not a single new set I
would buy (except possibly Hovercraft Hideout).
Aside from that item, the Dora license is excellent news; my
niece and nephew love Dora, and it should be a good fit
with Duplo.
best
LFB
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
In the last few days, I’ve seen much discussion, and recevied many questions
about the future of the company. As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough
year for the LEGO Company, for a number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the
helm, and has said that we are returning to “our core”.
Rest assured, “our core” simply means our toy business. Which is to say, our
toy product lines present and future.
...
|
Thanks for this much-needed interjection Jake.
Don’t worry - not everyone takes Newswire’s rambling seriously. Or slashdot,
for that matter.
Jason Railton
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jake McKee <jacob.mckee@america.lego.com> wrote:
> Mindstorms is not going away, but may continue to evolve. Like all
> technology products, Mindstorms will continue to grow and improve as
> consumers gain new technology knowledge and technology itself continues
> to get better and smaller.
Sounds somewhat promising. However, I hope the growth and improvement in
this area also follows the "back to basics" direction. Pretty much
*everything* after the first RCX (and 2.0) has been slanted away from
open-ended creative building, and towards pre-defined action-toys like
Spybotics. Hopefully, the future evolution will go towards smarter and
better (smaller, more inputs and outputs, separate power from brain, etc.)
rather than just smaller and simpler.
--
Matthew Miller mattdm@mattdm.org <http://www.mattdm.org/>
Boston University Linux ------> <http://linux.bu.edu/>
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough year for the LEGO Company, for a
number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the helm, and has said that we are
returning to “our core”.
|
Might the rumor of new grey have influence ?
Lets hope that ‘returning to our core’ means getting the old colors back.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.lego, Per Langkilde wrote:
| |
In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
As you probably saw/heard, 2003 was a rough year for the LEGO Company, for a
number of reasons. Kjeld has retaken the helm, and has said that we are
returning to “our core”.
|
Might the rumor of new grey have influence ?
|
I doubt it. The new greys didn’t come to light until November. I’m pretty sure
the sales of 2004 sets had very little impact on the 2003 numbers. More likely
the fact that there wasn’t a Harry Potter or Star Wars movie in 2003, as they’ve
said.
| |
Lets hope that ‘returning to our core’ means getting the old colors back.
|
Don’t hold your breath.
James Wilson
Dallas, TX
| | | | | | |
