| |
In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
Grab 'em while you can...
-Suz
|
|
| |
The fallout continues. I was never really exited about this set so I'm not
personally that upset. But I can tell this is gonna be something that will
be debated about for a looong time.
-Jon
--
| The Galactic Shipyard - http://www.oklahoma.net/~jpalmer/GS/
| My website - http://www.oklahoma.net/~jpalmer/lego/
| BrickBay Store - http://www.brickbay.com/store.asp?p=jpalmer
"Suzanne D. Rich" <suz@baseplate.com> wrote in message
news:3BAC2F7E.6528D515@baseplate.com...
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new • packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
>
|
|
| |
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
Great! This makes sense...
Could they discontinue those damned Creator and Bionickles sets too -- I
have been very disturbed by some of the graphics involved with those sets also?
Could TLC be more stupid, or would it take more practice?
-- Hop-Frog
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In lugnet.general, Bluefoon writes:
> Could they discontinue those damned Creator and Bionickles sets too -- I
> have been very disturbed by some of the graphics involved with those sets also?
>
> Could TLC be more stupid, or would it take more practice?
>
> -- Hop-Frog
What? Did Pohatu kick your dog or something?
|
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They CAN'T be serious?!?
What in the HECK are they going to do with all those boxes and pieces?
If I could FIND them locally, I might get some, but the set is pretty expensive
as is for the pieces I'd want out of it.
"Suzanne D. Rich" wrote:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
--
Tom Stangl
***http://www.vfaq.com/
***DSM Visual FAQ home
***http://ba.dsm.org/
***SF Bay Area DSMs
|
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"Suzanne D. Rich" <suz@baseplate.com> writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some
> graphics on the box back and instructions. It will not be
> re-released with new packaging.
Is this a worldwide recall, or does it only affect the US market?
And was the recall really only caused by the reactions of a single
consumer?
Fredrik
|
|
| |
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
This is nuts! What are they going to do when some idiotic parent calls up and
complains about a Harry Potter set that their child got for Christmas, saying
it's devil worship or something? It would be nice if they were as responsive to
their true fans as they are to one (one!) hysterical parent. If LEGO recalled
everything I wanted them to, there wouldn't be much of the current product line
left.
-Marc Nelson Jr.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
It already seems to have been pulled from S@H. You get a 'product n/a in
this country' page (US store) and it's no longer an item under the Alpha
Team menu.
John
#388
|
|
| |
Hello from Canada,
Just called the LEGO store at our local factory outlet mall to see whether
they were in stock. The young lady on the phone immediately told me the
sets were pulled off the shelves. When I asked whether I could get one, she
gave me a quite definite "no".
I have never looked closely at the box or instructions...what seems to be
the issue?
Bob
In lugnet.general, Fredrik Glöckner writes:
> "Suzanne D. Rich" <suz@baseplate.com> writes:
>
> > In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> > Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some
> > graphics on the box back and instructions. It will not be
> > re-released with new packaging.
>
>
> Is this a worldwide recall, or does it only affect the US market?
>
>
> And was the recall really only caused by the reactions of a single
> consumer?
>
>
> Fredrik
|
|
| |
I just came from Target, and these are still on the shelf.
The only thing I could see on the box, is there is a small graphic on the
back of the box, where one of the bad guys is looking at a map of targets,
and it appears New York City is one of those targets. There is also a "talk
balloon" that shows a church and a few other buildings as targets.
Tom D
lugnet.general, Robert Horvath writes:
>
> I have never looked closely at the box or instructions...what seems to be
> the issue?
>
> Bob
>
> In lugnet.general, Fredrik Glöckner writes:
> > "Suzanne D. Rich" <suz@baseplate.com> writes:
> >
> > > In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> > > Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some
> > > graphics on the box back and instructions. It will not be
> > > re-released with new packaging.
> >
> >
> > Is this a worldwide recall, or does it only affect the US market?
> >
> >
> > And was the recall really only caused by the reactions of a single
> > consumer?
> >
> >
> > Fredrik
|
|
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Robert Horvath wrote:
>
> Hello from Canada,
>
> Just called the LEGO store at our local factory outlet mall to see whether
> they were in stock. The young lady on the phone immediately told me the
> sets were pulled off the shelves. When I asked whether I could get one, she
> gave me a quite definite "no".
Wow! Glad I picked up four last week on K-Mart's BOGO. Too bad I already
sorted them out, a MISB version might be worth something...
It will be a shame if this is not re-released in some way. It actually
is a nice set, and at least on BOGO, it's a decent value.
--
Frank Filz
-----------------------------
Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (business only please)
Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
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In lugnet.general, Frank Filz writes:
> Robert Horvath wrote:
> >
> > Hello from Canada,
> >
> > Just called the LEGO store at our local factory outlet mall to see whether
> > they were in stock. The young lady on the phone immediately told me the
> > sets were pulled off the shelves. When I asked whether I could get one, she
> > gave me a quite definite "no".
>
> Wow! Glad I picked up four last week on K-Mart's BOGO. Too bad I already
> sorted them out, a MISB version might be worth something...
>
> It will be a shame if this is not re-released in some way. It actually
> is a nice set, and at least on BOGO, it's a decent value.
If you want one, Frank, I know where I can get two of them
at 20% off. Since I still owe you money, that is. Drop me
an email.
best
LFB
|
|
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In lugnet.general, Robert Horvath writes:
> Hello from Canada,
>
> Just called the LEGO store at our local factory outlet mall to see whether
> they were in stock. The young lady on the phone immediately told me the
> sets were pulled off the shelves. When I asked whether I could get one, she
> gave me a quite definite "no".
>
> I have never looked closely at the box or instructions...what seems to be
> the issue?
>
> Bob
Hello, Along with the picture posted on Brickshelf, the cartoon section of the
directions depict Ogel's flying craft heading across a body of water towards a
high rise city skyline. Subsequent pictures are of Ogel's "bombs" dropping into
the crowd and frightened people below.
IMHO, someone is a little hyper sentative. It's a toy! There was no intent on
the part of TLG. One the other hand, I understand the recall from a business
perspective.
I spoke to the Lego Outlet in Virginia today asking for the set, they told me
they were not allowed to sell any, that the set would be re-released later in
the year after a sticker was put on the box and new directions printed. I also
spoke with S@H and got basically the same information and was reassured the set
out be on the shelves again about November. I am only reporting what I was
told.
Fortunately, I got three of them last week. :)
Melanie
|
|
| |
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
Wow.
Well I hope the parts returned to the factories make it into K8s at least
instead of being crushed...
I would comment on how silly this seems but everyone else did a pretty good
job already.
|
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| |
On Sat, 22 Sep 2001, Fredrik Glöckner (<qrditebv9u8.fsf@tiamat.uio.no>)
wrote at 09:44:15
> "Suzanne D. Rich" <suz@baseplate.com> writes:
>
> > In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> > Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some
> > graphics on the box back and instructions. It will not be
> > re-released with new packaging.
>
>
> Is this a worldwide recall, or does it only affect the US market?
>
>
I just tried to buy this set in a TRU in the UK, and it was coming up as
'not authorised for sale' on the till. Fortunately, they had no idea
why, and so they sold me them :-)
I had no interest in this set, or the theme, until yesterday at the
TVLF, when I discovered what a nice baseplate it has. I've always had
misgivings about the violence in this theme. I now believe this set was
unacceptable in the first place. The idea of selling a set depicting the
bombing of *anywhere* is totally unacceptable.
However, having done it, and promoted the idea of blowing up innocent
people as a play idea, they've seen the error of their ways when the
real thing happens in their biggest market. Big deal.
The hypocrites haven't even withdrawn the whole theme, just this set by
the sound of it.
--
Tony Priestman
|
|
| |
What was the deal with graphics on the box? Was not aware of this, actually
was going to buy it just for the ship, but thought the rest of the set was
kind of dippy looking...
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
|
|
| |
"Tony Priestman" <Tony@you-rang.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:0PB49CA6vfr7Ewas@you-rang.demon.co.uk...
>
> The hypocrites haven't even withdrawn the whole theme, just this set by
> the sound of it.
I agree the entire theme is certainly seen as bad taste presently.
Unacceptable, I don't know....it could get rather PC (yuk). I think the
theme should pull for being in bad taste and the fact it's a totally pants
theme.
Stoof
|
|
| |
Hey, does anyone have a picture or so of this?? I don't really believe that
one person showing their disgruntlement that would make TLC recall this set
world wide. Thanks alot!
~Evan
> Hello, Along with the picture posted on Brickshelf, the cartoon section of the
> directions depict Ogel's flying craft heading across a body of water towards a
> high rise city skyline. Subsequent pictures are of Ogel's "bombs" dropping into
> the crowd and frightened people below.
>
> IMHO, someone is a little hyper sentative. It's a toy! There was no intent on
> the part of TLG. One the other hand, I understand the recall from a business
> perspective.
>
> I spoke to the Lego Outlet in Virginia today asking for the set, they told me
> they were not allowed to sell any, that the set would be re-released later in
> the year after a sticker was put on the box and new directions printed. I also
> spoke with S@H and got basically the same information and was reassured the set
> out be on the shelves again about November. I am only reporting what I was
> told.
>
> Fortunately, I got three of them last week. :)
>
> Melanie
|
|
| |
Tony Priestman <Tony@you-rang.demon.co.uk> writes:
> The idea of selling a set depicting the bombing of *anywhere* is
> totally unacceptable.
I don't think the "bombs" from the set are conventional bombs. If
I've understood the storyline correctly, they're some kind of mind
control units.
Still, the image on the back side of the box showing the choices
between an office block, a church and a factory is a bit
controversial, at best.
Fredrik
|
|
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It has in fact been recalled because of the cartoon pages
in the back of the instructions, and because of the cartoon
pages shown on the back of the box. I have not heard anything
about wether it will be reissued with different artwork or not.
In the past they have usually not re-issued sets with artwork
problems.
I wanted to see what the fuss was about and since I diddn't have that
set yet, I went out to find one. The LEGO outlet at Potomac Mills
was no help so today I drove out to the TRU in Winchester, VA.
They had a bunch, when I left they still had 8 on the shelf at the
front of the store.
After lookin at the cartoons, I can see what the problem is. Sine I haddn't
seen it before 9/11/01, It is impossible for me to say wether It would have
registered any kind of reaction then. My guess is that it would not.
However, in light of the new reality we face here in the US, I agree that
they are very disturbing.
It is obvious that the story is about some kind of evil character trying to
take over the world. It appears that he intends to carry out a series of
missions to drop "mind control bombs" on populated areas. One of the
pages shown on the back of the box is a map of the world with selected
target cities. Ok, kids are exposed to stories of good and evil all the
time, and thats a good thing. "Mind contrl bombs" obviously don't exist
so there is a healthy dose of fantasy in this.
The problem is, when you look at the artwork today, it looks very much like
a terrorist is bombing a large city with a biological weapon. That is
what is so disturbing, and I think they were right to pull it at this
time. The last page even gives you a world map with codes for selected
cities that you can enter into http://www.lego.com/alphateam (seems to be
gone). Does anyone know what the website did with those codes?
That said, they could easially redo the artwork to eliminate the topical
references while keeping the "bad guy" nature of the set. Actually,
it would probably be more effective to be less explicit in what the
"bad guy" does anyway and let the kids project their own ideas onto them.
Isn't that what Blacktron was all about?
KL
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
|
|
| |
Found a bunch at the TRU in Emeryville, CA today. Great parts but the set
design is totally ignorable. I can see why it was decided that some of the
graphics on the box and instruction sheets might upset someone. I haven't
cared for Alpha Team from the beginning, the minifig uniforms were too busy
(except for the enemy guards, GREAT torso!), too much black and
trans-antifreeze (got plenty!), and the vehicle designs were just blah.
However, some GREAT parts in this set. I'm planning on getting three more
eventually. The most intesting new piece was the 4x4 turntable on a base
that had ratchet rotation action. Very cool piece for mech joints!
Dave
|
|
| |
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
I also was surprised to see *gas bombs* in an in-set cartoon.
Eric
|
|
| |
"Tony Priestman" <Tony@you-rang.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:0PB49CA6vfr7Ewas@you-rang.demon.co.uk...
> On Sat, 22 Sep 2001, Fredrik Glöckner (<qrditebv9u8.fsf@tiamat.uio.no>)
> wrote at 09:44:15
>
> > "Suzanne D. Rich" <suz@baseplate.com> writes:
> >
> > > In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> > > Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some
> > > graphics on the box back and instructions. It will not be
> > > re-released with new packaging.
> >
> >
> > Is this a worldwide recall, or does it only affect the US market?
> >
> >
> I just tried to buy this set in a TRU in the UK, and it was coming up as
> 'not authorised for sale' on the till. Fortunately, they had no idea
> why, and so they sold me them :-)
>
> I had no interest in this set, or the theme, until yesterday at the
> TVLF, when I discovered what a nice baseplate it has. I've always had
> misgivings about the violence in this theme. I now believe this set was
> unacceptable in the first place. The idea of selling a set depicting the
> bombing of *anywhere* is totally unacceptable.
>
> However, having done it, and promoted the idea of blowing up innocent
> people as a play idea, they've seen the error of their ways when the
> real thing happens in their biggest market. Big deal.
Be a bit kinder to them. If you take a walk around TRU, you will see that
the LEGO isle is pretty placid compared to a good deal of the rest of the
shop. Computer games are worse. The Guardian had a list of movies and games
which are being held back due to events of the 11th. Some of the plots were
shocking. Spielberg's version of "the Time Machine" includes scenes of parts
of the moon falling on NYC (was this in the book?). As for Arnies next film,
I doubt that will ever see the light of day.
I had the misfortune to watch "Liar Liar" on TV on Saturday evening. I have
to say I am a little surprised it was screened. The whole airport scene a
little off.
Scott A
>
> The hypocrites haven't even withdrawn the whole theme, just this set by
> the sound of it.
>
> --
> Tony Priestman
|
|
| |
In lugnet.loc.uk, Scott Arthur writes:
>
> "Tony Priestman" <Tony@you-rang.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:0PB49CA6vfr7Ewas@you-rang.demon.co.uk...
> > On Sat, 22 Sep 2001, Fredrik Glöckner (<qrditebv9u8.fsf@tiamat.uio.no>)
> > wrote at 09:44:15
> >
> > > "Suzanne D. Rich" <suz@baseplate.com> writes:
> > >
> > > > In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> > > > Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some
> > > > graphics on the box back and instructions. It will not be
> > > > re-released with new packaging.
> > >
> > >
> > > Is this a worldwide recall, or does it only affect the US market?
> > >
> > >
> > I just tried to buy this set in a TRU in the UK, and it was coming up as
> > 'not authorised for sale' on the till. Fortunately, they had no idea
> > why, and so they sold me them :-)
> >
> > I had no interest in this set, or the theme, until yesterday at the
> > TVLF, when I discovered what a nice baseplate it has. I've always had
> > misgivings about the violence in this theme. I now believe this set was
> > unacceptable in the first place. The idea of selling a set depicting the
> > bombing of *anywhere* is totally unacceptable.
> >
> > However, having done it, and promoted the idea of blowing up innocent
> > people as a play idea, they've seen the error of their ways when the
> > real thing happens in their biggest market. Big deal.
>
> Be a bit kinder to them. If you take a walk around TRU, you will see that
> the LEGO isle is pretty placid compared to a good deal of the rest of the
> shop. Computer games are worse. The Guardian had a list of movies and games
> which are being held back due to events of the 11th. Some of the plots were
> shocking. Spielberg's version of "the Time Machine" includes scenes of parts
> of the moon falling on NYC (was this in the book?). As for Arnies next film,
> I doubt that will ever see the light of day.
See:
http://collateraldamage.warnerbros.com/
>
> I had the misfortune to watch "Liar Liar" on TV on Saturday evening. I have
> to say I am a little surprised it was screened. The whole airport scene a
> little off.
>
>
> Scott A
>
> >
> > The hypocrites haven't even withdrawn the whole theme, just this set by
> > the sound of it.
> >
> > --
> > Tony Priestman
|
|
| |
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
Hurai!! I agree with R. Marchetti! The Bionicle look just about or more
ridiculous! Will they take out the rest of the Ogel and Alpha Team stuff as
well? Seeing as that there will be no base for the "bad guys."
|
|
| |
Is there any Official Word/Announcement from TLG on this?
|
|
| |
In lugnet.general, Kevin Loch writes:
> It has in fact been recalled because of the cartoon pages
> in the back of the instructions, and because of the cartoon
> pages shown on the back of the box. I have not heard anything
> about wether it will be reissued with different artwork or not.
> In the past they have usually not re-issued sets with artwork
> problems.
I talked with Lego Shop@Home (U.S.) today. I was told that they
will be re-released, with new instruction manuals, and that
they are accepting backorders, with a projected ship date in November.
|
|
| |
Stopped by KMart (Belleville, IL, east of St. Louis) on the way home from work
today, mainly to check to see how long their "Buy One Get One 1/2 Price" sale
was going to last (it ended yesterday, doh!). And today they have about SIX of
these on the shelves, but at $48.99 I could not see spending the money even for
one. Funny thing, they were NOT on the selves during the before Friday (last
time I was in this KMart)...
In lugnet.general, David Simmons writes:
> Found a bunch at the TRU in Emeryville, CA today. Great parts but the set
> design is totally ignorable. I can see why it was decided that some of the
> graphics on the box and instruction sheets might upset someone. I haven't
> cared for Alpha Team from the beginning, the minifig uniforms were too busy
> (except for the enemy guards, GREAT torso!), too much black and
> trans-antifreeze (got plenty!), and the vehicle designs were just blah.
>
> However, some GREAT parts in this set. I'm planning on getting three more
> eventually. The most intesting new piece was the 4x4 turntable on a base
> that had ratchet rotation action. Very cool piece for mech joints!
>
> Dave
|
|
| |
In lugnet.general, Mark Chittenden writes:
> Stopped by KMart (Belleville, IL, east of St. Louis) on the way home from work
> today, mainly to check to see how long their "Buy One Get One 1/2 Price" sale
> was going to last (it ended yesterday, doh!). And today they have about SIX of
> these on the shelves, but at $48.99 I could not see spending the money even for
> one.
They are still available from walmart.com and target.com as well. S@H still
lists it as unavailable in the US so you must have to call to try placing a
back order.
John
#388
|
|
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To All,
I usually don't buy sets that I am not interested in anymore, the 6776 is
one of them, but after this recall, I decided to go and get one for the novelty.
I went to the absolutely wonderful Big K-Mart in Elkhart, Indiana, right
next to the toll road, it ranks right up there with the K-Mart in Owosso,
Michigan, in terms of cleanliness, organization, etc.
They had 6 or 7 of these sets in, 48.99, and I grabbed one. I went up to the
cashier, and talked to her about the set (I am bored today!) and said, "I am
surprised these are not pulled off the shelves yet."
She asked, "why?"
I told her about the recall, how TLC was concerned with the graphics and the
Trade Center, and then showed her the picture in the back. She was shocked,
and said, "Well, LEGO sure has changed over the years." : (
Sometimes I wonder if these stories behind the themes are needed, but I
think the demographics are changing that their target audience might need
it. However, they end up with some pretty weird situations. This pacticular
situation is one you want to tip toe around, and I understand their
motivations, even though it seems a little rash.
Scott S.
--
|
|
| |
In lugnet.general, Scott Sanburn writes:
> I told her about the recall, how TLC was concerned with the graphics and the
> Trade Center, and then showed her the picture in the back. She was shocked,
> and said, "Well, LEGO sure has changed over the years." : (
>
> Sometimes I wonder if these stories behind the themes are needed, but I
> think the demographics are changing that their target audience might need
> it. However, they end up with some pretty weird situations. This pacticular
> situation is one you want to tip toe around, and I understand their
> motivations, even though it seems a little rash.
Granted, the demographics have changed, which is why TLC is putting out Alpha
Team instead of 80's style benign town sets with workers fixing potholes, or
whatever. That said, they can still be tactful and tasteful in the theme design
and the play scenarios that are suggested. TLC has fallen a rung or two in
respectability with this set, but hopefully this will be a wake-up call that
they'll heed.
james
|
|
| |
> >
<snip>I've always had
> misgivings about the violence in this theme. I now believe this set was
> unacceptable in the first place. The idea of selling a set depicting the
> bombing of *anywhere* is totally unacceptable.
>
> <snip>
I agree with this comment, i've veiwed the growing violence theme in lego
themes over the years with sorrow. Admittedly it started a long time ago
with castle but the emphasis was never on violence, the fighting was never
mentioned and there was not even a 'goodie' or 'baddy'
having said that it has to be said that blowing people up with planes was
not invented this month, one example, the US (and UK) has been bombing Iraq
since the gulf war, it just happens that Iraq is (presumably) not a large
market for lego.
Tim
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I'm beginning to question the validity of this recall or if it's just another
'shortage' scare/scam being driven by the events. At Walmart today, saw 4
copies of this set, and even with the Walmart's "Look! New Item" aisle-flag on
it.
In lugnet.general, James Simpson writes:
> In lugnet.general, Scott Sanburn writes:
>
> > I told her about the recall, how TLC was concerned with the graphics and the
> > Trade Center, and then showed her the picture in the back. She was shocked,
> > and said, "Well, LEGO sure has changed over the years." : (
> >
> > Sometimes I wonder if these stories behind the themes are needed, but I
> > think the demographics are changing that their target audience might need
> > it. However, they end up with some pretty weird situations. This pacticular
> > situation is one you want to tip toe around, and I understand their
> > motivations, even though it seems a little rash.
>
> Granted, the demographics have changed, which is why TLC is putting out Alpha
> Team instead of 80's style benign town sets with workers fixing potholes, or
> whatever. That said, they can still be tactful and tasteful in the theme • design
> and the play scenarios that are suggested. TLC has fallen a rung or two in
> respectability with this set, but hopefully this will be a wake-up call that
> they'll heed.
>
> james
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In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
I was just watching the Today Show (Morning News show on NBC in America). They
had someone from the Consumer Products Safety Commission on talking about what
toys kids should and should not be playing with in the wake of the terrorist
attacks.
Good Toys:
Fire Trucks
Toys that promote Heroism
Bad Toys:
Toys that promote gratuitous violance.
Guess what the first toy they showed in the Bad catagory was... 6776.
They had the LEGO Logo taped over (only toy they did that for Hmmm...) and she
did say that the toy was being removed from shelves thanks to the "Very
conscientious manufacturer".
I guess thats good news and bad news for LEGO. The bad is that they were shown
as being the manufacturer of a toy that promoted gratuitous violance. The good
was that they were doing something about it.
I wonder what TLC's current official stance on violance is? They can't hide
behind their old stance of wholesome nonviolance anymore.
Eric Kingsley
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It is being recalled. However, these things take time. Stores that are
well run have already pulled them. Stores that are less well run will
eventually pull them.
I'm sure that the numbers of sets and stores involved is quite staggering if
you think about it...
Troy
"Mark Chittenden" <mdublade@aol.com> wrote in message
news:GKAo1B.D2t@lugnet.com...
> I'm beginning to question the validity of this recall or if it's just • another
> 'shortage' scare/scam being driven by the events. At Walmart today, saw 4
> copies of this set, and even with the Walmart's "Look! New Item" • aisle-flag on
> it.
>
> In lugnet.general, James Simpson writes:
> > In lugnet.general, Scott Sanburn writes:
> >
> > > I told her about the recall, how TLC was concerned with the graphics and • the
> > > Trade Center, and then showed her the picture in the back. She was • shocked,
> > > and said, "Well, LEGO sure has changed over the years." : (
> > >
> > > Sometimes I wonder if these stories behind the themes are needed, but I
> > > think the demographics are changing that their target audience might • need
> > > it. However, they end up with some pretty weird situations. This • pacticular
> > > situation is one you want to tip toe around, and I understand their
> > > motivations, even though it seems a little rash.
> >
> > Granted, the demographics have changed, which is why TLC is putting out • Alpha
> > Team instead of 80's style benign town sets with workers fixing potholes, • or
> > whatever. That said, they can still be tactful and tasteful in the theme • design
> > and the play scenarios that are suggested. TLC has fallen a rung or two • in
> > respectability with this set, but hopefully this will be a wake-up call • that
> > they'll heed.
> >
> > james
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Eric Kingsley wrote:
>
> In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> > In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> > Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> > the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
> >
> > Grab 'em while you can...
>
> I was just watching the Today Show (Morning News show on NBC in America). They
> had someone from the Consumer Products Safety Commission on talking about what
> toys kids should and should not be playing with in the wake of the terrorist
> attacks.
>
> Good Toys:
> Fire Trucks
> Toys that promote Heroism
>
> Bad Toys:
> Toys that promote gratuitous violance.
>
> Guess what the first toy they showed in the Bad catagory was... 6776.
Interesting. Of course I'd qualify the Alpha Team theme as a whole as
"Toys that promote Heroism". The comic in 6776 shows the "heros"
prevailing. Perhaps the set would have been more acceptable with a
couple Alpha Team minifigs and a small vehicle or so (this set actually
seems to be a departure from TLC's normal makeup of the largest set in a
theme, just about every one I can recall has included minifigs from both
"sides" of whatever conflict the theme presents).
--
Frank Filz
-----------------------------
Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (business only please)
Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
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James & All,
> > Sometimes I wonder if these stories behind the themes are needed, but I
> > think the demographics are changing that their target audience might need
> > it. However, they end up with some pretty weird situations. This pacticular
> > situation is one you want to tip toe around, and I understand their
> > motivations, even though it seems a little rash.
>
> Granted, the demographics have changed, which is why TLC is putting out Alpha
> Team instead of 80's style benign town sets with workers fixing potholes, or
> whatever. That said, they can still be tactful and tasteful in the theme
> design and the play scenarios that are suggested.
Right, but as we have been saying this kind of statements here on LUGNET,
for the last few years, and the fact they are still making questionable sets
and themes, it seems a little far fetched. I think the day of generic themes
with no story lines are a thing of the past, which makes me sad, given how
much I put into my minifig universe.
> TLC has fallen a rung or two in
> respectability with this set, but hopefully this will be a wake-up call that
> they'll heed.
We shall see.
As for the other comments on violence / no violence, I think this was broke
a long time ago, for the simple fact that the generic castle theme did have
violent items (swords, etc.) Others came later, with SW being the most, I
think. (Lightsabers, etc.)
I think these mind control orbs are pretty tame, frankly, and pretty
harmless to the targets (Physically, anyway.)
Ugh, what a mess.
Scott S.
--
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To All,
>
> <snip>I've always had
> > misgivings about the violence in this theme. I now believe this set was
> > unacceptable in the first place. The idea of selling a set depicting the
> > bombing of *anywhere* is totally unacceptable.
It isn't really bombing, in the sense of destruction, though. Mind control orbs.
> I agree with this comment, i've veiwed the growing violence theme in lego
> themes over the years with sorrow. Admittedly it started a long time ago
> with castle but the emphasis was never on violence, the fighting was never
> mentioned and there was not even a 'goodie' or 'baddy'
It might have not been mentioned per-se, but if you look at any of the
pictures from old catalogs, or idea books, it was clear they did not just
ride around on horses and talked to the royalty. There were seiges that took
place, sword fighting, robberies, etc. (Other themes as well, I remember the
Blacktron holding up the Futuron monrail) I don't think LEGO has ever been
totally free of violence since the early eighties, late seventies. To just
judge one theme in light of this tragic event, seems excessive.
My main wish is that they never adopted this kind of policy which says does
not encourage violence or whatever (I don't remember their spin on this),
because it is there. What is the term, historical, so 6 shooters are OK.
Whatever.
> having said that it has to be said that blowing people up with planes was
> not invented this month, one example, the US (and UK) has been bombing Iraq
> since the gulf war, it just happens that Iraq is (presumably) not a large
> market for lego.
I am not sure what you are saying here, but it sounds like debate fodder to me.
Scott S.
--
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"Suzanne D. Rich" wrote:
>
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
story from AP yesterday:
http://www.azcentral.com:80/offbeat/articles/0926Attacks-Lego-ON.html
snip---
Danish toy maker Lego ordered 120,000 boxes from the Alpha Team series
withdrawn from stores after a complaint from South Carolina about the
description of Ogel's "devices" in the toy's 78-page instruction booklet.
snip---
-Suz
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In lugnet.general, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> "Suzanne D. Rich" wrote:
> >
> > In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> > Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> > the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
> >
> > Grab 'em while you can...
> >
> > -Suz
>
> story from AP yesterday:
>
> http://www.azcentral.com:80/offbeat/articles/0926Attacks-Lego-ON.html
>
> snip---
> Danish toy maker Lego ordered 120,000 boxes from the Alpha Team series
> withdrawn from stores after a complaint from South Carolina about the
> description of Ogel's "devices" in the toy's 78-page instruction booklet.
> snip---
>
> -Suz
It surely was not Milissa or myself. (residing in Charleston, SC)
I do find the material questionable, but not to the point where Lego should
pull 120k sets from the shelves.
Besides, this set has been on the shelf for about a year.
I really find it hard to believe Lego would do this on ONE complaint!
Thanx,
Mark
#525
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In lugnet.general, Mark & Milissa Millère writes:
> In lugnet.general, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> > "Suzanne D. Rich" wrote:
> > >
> > > In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> > > Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> > > the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new
> > > packaging.
> > story from AP yesterday:
> >
> > http://www.azcentral.com:80/offbeat/articles/0926Attacks-Lego-ON.html
> >
> > snip---
> > Danish toy maker Lego ordered 120,000 boxes from the Alpha Team series
> > withdrawn from stores after a complaint from South Carolina about the
> > description of Ogel's "devices" in the toy's 78-page instruction booklet.
> > snip---
> >
> > -Suz
>
> It surely was not Milissa or myself. (residing in Charleston, SC)
>
> Mark
Nor I,
Ben Gatrelle
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In lugnet.general, Eric Kingsley writes:
> I was just watching the Today Show (Morning News show on NBC in America). • They
> had someone from the Consumer Products Safety Commission on talking about what
> toys kids should and should not be playing with in the wake of the terrorist
> attacks.
>
> Good Toys:
> Fire Trucks
> Toys that promote Heroism
>
> Bad Toys:
> Toys that promote gratuitous violance.
>
> Guess what the first toy they showed in the Bad catagory was... 6776.
Did they show any of those horrible Jack Stone sets in the "good" category?
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In lugnet.general, Bradley Dale writes:
> In lugnet.general, Eric Kingsley writes:
> > I was just watching the Today Show (Morning News show on NBC in America).
> > They had someone from the Consumer Products Safety Commission on talking
> > about what toys kids should and should not be playing with in the wake of the
> > terrorist attacks.
> >
> > Good Toys:
> > Fire Trucks
> > Toys that promote Heroism
> >
> > Bad Toys:
> > Toys that promote gratuitous violance.
> >
> > Guess what the first toy they showed in the Bad catagory was... 6776.
>
> Did they show any of those horrible Jack Stone sets in the "good" category?
No. No LEGO in the Good catagory.
Eric K.
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In lugnet.general, Eric Kingsley writes:
> I was just watching the Today Show (Morning News show on NBC in America).
> They had someone from the Consumer Products Safety Commission on talking about
> what toys kids should and should not be playing with in the wake of the
> terrorist attacks.
>
> Good Toys:
> Fire Trucks
> Toys that promote Heroism
>
> Bad Toys:
> Toys that promote gratuitous violance.
>
> Guess what the first toy they showed in the Bad catagory was... 6776.
On the ABC Radio network news at the top of the 7 o'clock (PDT) hour this
morning they mentioned the LEGO recall. It was the last blurb they did-- in
the spot they generally reserve for news items of a lighter note.
Maggie C.
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In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center.
I just put this set together a few days ago and I must say, I think it's a
good idea that they recall the set anyway, and NOT because of the WTC disaster.
What is LEGO accomplishing by recalling this set. This set doesn't offend
me, it was put out long before the disater and I don't feel it is callous of
them to keep it on the shelves. It's like puttong away everything in your
home that reminds you of a realative that has just passed away. It's
ridiculous. There isn't even a resemblence of the WTC in the cartoon, just a
cityscape.
You might as well not teach History in our schools anymore either. There has
been far more bloodshed on our soil way before this ever happened, and
although this was tragic, it happened, and it's not the tragic event that
just happened, but what we do as a country now, that's the most important.
I read on ESPN that during a soccer game in Western Europe,I believe it was
the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden area, they played the National Anthem and
the fans booded and hissed and tried to torch an American flag.
Disgusting!!! So, I ask, since LEGOS are made in Western Europe,
Denmark...whatever. Maybe we should stop buying LEGOS alltogether, or maybe
LEGO should recall all their soccor sets...How about it!!! It's ignorant. To
tell you the truth, I was disappointed that the NFL cancelled the games for
that following Sunday, I think people would of rather watched that, than the
WTC crumbling to the ground some 200 times. I think we would of enjoyed the
break.
If I sound like I'm not sensitive, I'm sorry. My parents live in NY and work
for the state and I couldn't reach them for quite some time...I was concerned.
Have you seen the trailor for the new Spiderman movie, where the crooks are
caught in a web that that spun beteen the twin towers of the WTC. That, my
friend, is a SYMBOL, not a distraction. A symbol because we WILL prevail, we
WILL catch the bad guys, and we WILL show the world that we are strong and
that these events didn't weaken us as a nation, but made us stronger!!!
God Bless America
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In the Danish media it was announced yesterday, that Rob Ellis, the man in
charge of the department designing the Alpha Team sets has been laid off as
a result of the 6776-withdrawal. Maybe we won't see more of themes like this
in the future?
Arne, Copenhagen
In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
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In lugnet.general, Eric Kingsley writes:
> I was just watching the Today Show (Morning News show on NBC in America). They
> had someone from the Consumer Products Safety Commission on talking about what
> toys kids should and should not be playing with in the wake of the terrorist
> attacks.
Hm, I just bought the 1349 Steven Spielberg moviemaker set yesterday. If you
leave the T-rex out of the set, you get two skyscrapers designed for
destruction and one background with a city-skyline (before) and one with a
destroyed skyline (after). IF TLC has to recall a set it certainly has to be
this one. I guess this would be the set kids would associate with the
terrorists attack.
6776 is a set TLC could have thought about before putting it on the selfes
not only after Sept.11th.
just my 2 Pfennig, dö
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"Arne Lykke Nielsen" <arln@wanadoo.dk> wrote in message news:GKDAqI.8Fv@lugnet.com...
> In the Danish media it was announced yesterday, that Rob Ellis, the man in
> charge of the department designing the Alpha Team sets has been laid off as
> a result of the 6776-withdrawal. Maybe we won't see more of themes like this
> in the future?
If true, then I find this truely bizarre.
They hire and fire designers and/or managers on a theme basis?
They don't move them to some other theme when one is done with?
Or did they in some way decide he was 'guilty' of something?
Or they wanted to make an 'example' of him?
Or perhaps he simply had a falling out with them over the set's withdrawal.
I doubt there is more detail, or is there?
regards
lawrence
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"Mark & Milissa Millère" <mmillere@knology.net> wrote in message news:GKC3Hs.61H@lugnet.com...
>
> It surely was not Milissa or myself. (residing in Charleston, SC)
this news item names the person who complained
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/wyff/20010927/lo/914690_1.html
Quote:
"Lego Recalls Toy Due To Upstate Complaint
It started with a trip to an Upstate toy store and ended with a major toy company ordering a worldwide recall.
In a push to keep violence out of her child's play, Melanie Berry logged a complaint with Holland's Lego Company.
Although playing with Legos is a favorite hobby for her 9-year-old son Cody, and she believes that they are wholesome
toys, she said that she had to take a stand.
"We have a lot of Legos, everything made in the past seven to eight years. We trust them and still do" she said.
She believes that the company's latest product puts that trust in jeopardy.
A day after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C., Berry said that Cody's father took their son to the
toy store to get a new set of Legos.
"I noticed immediately on the front it was a tower that collapsed when a plane hit it," Berry said.
Outraged, the former child counselor contacted the Danish toy maker's American office. She said that she wanted the
company to take that certain version of the toy off store shelves.
Lego's latest set of interlocking blocks is called The Alpha Team. It's a series that features a figure named Evil Ogel.
His goal is to kill people and destroy cities across the world. It's not the type of thoughts that Berry wanted for her
son.
"I told him we don't want to play with things that deal with killing innocent people," she said.
Apparently the company agreed, and ordered a worldwide recall of the 120,000 Alpha Team series toys. A company
spokeswoman said they did so because a "friendly consumer in South Carolina contacted Lego last week to complain," the
Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Berry is thankful that her complaint led the company to order a recall, but that this issue has put her, and hopefully
other parents, on alert."
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I say bring back the recent RES-Q line, and expand it! That would promote a
lot of heroism! I loved the RES-Q theme--too bad it got moved to (ugh!)
Jack Stone..
-Scott
> I was just watching the Today Show (Morning News show on NBC in America). They
> had someone from the Consumer Products Safety Commission on talking about what
> toys kids should and should not be playing with in the wake of the terrorist
> attacks.
>
> Good Toys:
> Fire Trucks
> Toys that promote Heroism
>
> Bad Toys:
> Toys that promote gratuitous violance.
>
> Guess what the first toy they showed in the Bad catagory was... 6776.
|
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In article <GKDL8z.4wF@lugnet.com>,
> "I noticed immediately on the front it was a tower that collapsed when a
> plane hit it," Berry said.
> Lego's latest set of interlocking blocks is called The Alpha Team. It's a
> series that features a figure named Evil Ogel.
> His goal is to kill people and destroy cities across the world. It's not the
> type of thoughts that Berry wanted for her
> son.
>
> "I told him we don't want to play with things that deal with killing innocent
> people," she said.
Wow. These lines lead me to believe that the person is a moron, and is
reading her own ideas into the toy.
The front of the box obviously shows Ogel's rocketship zooming past his
Command Center. It's not even pointed toward the tower. One of the side
panels of the box show Ogel falling off the top of the tower if the
supports are knocked over. The rocketship is not involved in this scene.
Neither the box nor the package show anyone being killed, or any cities
being destroyed.
It's true, the cartoon in the instructions show Ogel dropping his gas
orb thingys into a city, where people are changed into his minions.
But the woman made no mention of this. She called LEGO based on her own
knee-jerk misinterpretation to the outside of the package.
This kind of idiocy just makes me sick.
~Grand Admiral Muffin Head
--
Mark's Lego(R) Creations
http://www.nwlink.com/~sandlin/lego
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In lugnet.general, Lawrence Wilkes writes:
>
> "Arne Lykke Nielsen" <arln@wanadoo.dk> wrote in message news:GKDAqI.8Fv@lugnet.com...
> > In the Danish media it was announced yesterday, that Rob Ellis, the man in
> > charge of the department designing the Alpha Team sets has been laid off as
> > a result of the 6776-withdrawal. Maybe we won't see more of themes like this
> > in the future?
>
>
> If true, then I find this truely bizarre.
>
> They hire and fire designers and/or managers on a theme basis?
> They don't move them to some other theme when one is done with?
>
> Or did they in some way decide he was 'guilty' of something?
> Or they wanted to make an 'example' of him?
>
> Or perhaps he simply had a falling out with them over the set's withdrawal.
>
> I doubt there is more detail, or is there?
I am sure there is more to it, but we will never know all the details....
for obvious reasons.
Thanx,
Mark
#525
>
> regards
> lawrence
|
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In lugnet.general, Lawrence Wilkes writes:
>
> "Mark & Milissa Millère" <mmillere@knology.net> wrote in message news:GKC3Hs.61H@lugnet.com...
> >
> > It surely was not Milissa or myself. (residing in Charleston, SC)
Snip
> Quote:
> "Lego Recalls Toy Due To Upstate Complaint
> It started with a trip to an Upstate toy store and ended with a major toy company ordering a worldwide recall.
>
> In a push to keep violence out of her child's play, Melanie Berry logged a complaint with Holland's Lego Company.
> "I told him we don't want to play with things that deal with killing innocent people," she said.
>
> Apparently the company agreed, and ordered a worldwide recall of the 120,000 Alpha Team series toys. A company
> spokeswoman said they did so because a "friendly consumer in South Carolina contacted Lego last week to complain," the
> Associated Press reported Wednesday.
I still find it hard to believe they did this over ONE complaint!
Thanx,
Mark
#525
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I'm really curious to see photos of the 'objectionable' parts of the box and
instructions. Does anyone have photos?
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"Mark Sandlin" <sandlin@nwlink.com> wrote in message
news:sandlin-3D2500.09332628092001@news.lugnet.com...
[ ... snipped ... ]
>
> Wow. These lines lead me to believe that the person is a moron, and is
> reading her own ideas into the toy.
I have disagree with you. A lot of marketing is based on first impressions
which are usually made by people simply glancing at a product or only
looking at the pictures. I don't think many people read all of the details
about a product. In the case of 6776, how could she know the story without
buying the set? I looked at the box briefly the other day (to see the
offending images myself). I don't recall the story of the Alpha Team being
on the external box but I could be wrong.
>
> The front of the box obviously shows Ogel's rocketship zooming past his
> Command Center. It's not even pointed toward the tower. One of the side
> panels of the box show Ogel falling off the top of the tower if the
> supports are knocked over. The rocketship is not involved in this scene.
>
> Neither the box nor the package show anyone being killed, or any cities
> being destroyed.
>
> It's true, the cartoon in the instructions show Ogel dropping his gas
> orb thingys into a city, where people are changed into his minions.
>
> But the woman made no mention of this. She called LEGO based on her own
> knee-jerk misinterpretation to the outside of the package.
>
> This kind of idiocy just makes me sick.
[ ... snipped ... ]
The problem here is that you are an educated consumer. You have taken the
time to read all of the information about this product and underdstand the
entire story. Unfortunately, you are also an atypical consumer. Most
people don't take the time to fully understand a product (I am not sure they
could in this case) and LEGO certainly (IMHO) can't afford the risks
associated with "most" of their consumers.
When the Alpha Team line first came out my wife commented that it appeard
very violent to her. Quite frankly, I have to agree with her. I don't have
any of the Alpha Team sets so I haven't really analyzed them nor have I read
the story (other than what was in one of the past Mania magazines) so I am
by no means an authority. However, I am a consumer and a fairly
knowledgable LEGO one at that. If my first impression is that of violence,
I suspect most less knowledgeable consumers will react the same way.
Cars, Trucks, Hospitals, Houses - these are the things I think of when I
think LEGO. LEGO has all but abandoned this part of their product line in
favor of more trendy (and as evidenced by the 6776 debacle, more risky)
themes. Unfortunately many people who have heard the story about the 6776
recall who are not educated LEGO consumers will now have a different view
(dare I say tainted?) of LEGO the company.
I think that LEGO has done the right thing. The short term costs associated
with pulling 6776 off the market pale in comparison to the long term damage
that could potentially done to their name and reputation and there is no way
to put a cost on that. It simply isn't worth the risk.
Mike
--
Mike Walsh - mike_walsh at mindspring dot com
http://www.nclug.net - North Carolina LEGO Users Group
http://www.nclug.net/ctb - Carolina Train Builders
http://www.brickbay.com/store.asp?u=mpw - Brick Depot
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"Mike Walsh" <mike_walsh@mindspring.com> wrote in message news:GKE0Ao.Kw8@lugnet.com...
> > [ ... snipped ... ]
>
>
> When the Alpha Team line first came out my wife commented that it appeard
> very violent to her. Quite frankly, I have to agree with her. I don't have
> any of the Alpha Team sets so I haven't really analyzed them nor have I read
> the story (other than what was in one of the past Mania magazines) so I am
> by no means an authority. However, I am a consumer and a fairly
> knowledgable LEGO one at that. If my first impression is that of violence,
> I suspect most less knowledgeable consumers will react the same way.
>
> Cars, Trucks, Hospitals, Houses - these are the things I think of when I
> think LEGO. LEGO has all but abandoned this part of their product line in
> favor of more trendy (and as evidenced by the 6776 debacle, more risky)
> themes. Unfortunately many people who have heard the story about the 6776
> recall who are not educated LEGO consumers will now have a different view
> (dare I say tainted?) of LEGO the company.
>
> I think that LEGO has done the right thing. The short term costs associated
> with pulling 6776 off the market pale in comparison to the long term damage
> that could potentially done to their name and reputation and there is no way
> to put a cost on that. It simply isn't worth the risk.
Well all the media debate about violent toys might drive parents (and hopefully kids!) back to the wholesome values of
Lego.
Of course, Lego have to revert to those values to as you point out, and get back to making Cars, Trucks, Hospitals,
Houses. GREAT!
That would be a win, win for me and Lego
regards
lawrence
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In article <GKE0Ao.Kw8@lugnet.com>,
"Mike Walsh" <mike_walsh@mindspring.com> wrote:
> "Mark Sandlin" <sandlin@nwlink.com> wrote in message
> news:sandlin-3D2500.09332628092001@news.lugnet.com...
>
> [ ... snipped ... ]
>
> >
> > Wow. These lines lead me to believe that the person is a moron, and is
> > reading her own ideas into the toy.
>
> I have disagree with you. A lot of marketing is based on first impressions
> which are usually made by people simply glancing at a product or only
> looking at the pictures. I don't think many people read all of the details
> about a product. In the case of 6776, how could she know the story without
> buying the set? I looked at the box briefly the other day (to see the
> offending images myself). I don't recall the story of the Alpha Team being
> on the external box but I could be wrong.
There's no story to grasp:
> > > "I noticed immediately on the front it was a tower that collapsed
when a plane hit it," Berry said.
Nothing on the box shows the rocketship hitting the tower. This is
overreaction, pure and simple.
That goes back to my original point:
> > Neither the box nor the package show anyone being killed, or any cities
> > being destroyed.
<snip>
> I think that LEGO has done the right thing. The short term costs associated
> with pulling 6776 off the market pale in comparison to the long term damage
> that could potentially done to their name and reputation and there is no way
> to put a cost on that. It simply isn't worth the risk.
And this is the real point. It's all about LEGO avoiding bad, even
uneducated publicity. Unfortunately, I really hate it when organizations
have to bow to the whim of the lowest common denimonator.
~Grand Admiral Muffin Head
--
Mark's Lego(R) Creations
http://www.nwlink.com/~sandlin/lego
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In lugnet.general, Lawrence Wilkes writes:
> this news item names the person who complained
> http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/wyff/20010927/lo/914690_1.html
> Quote [parsed -LFB]:
> In a push to keep violence out of her child's play, Melanie Berry logged a complaint with Holland's Lego Company.
Um, Holland?
ARGH! *Danish* does not equal *Dutch*. Say it with me,
please. Dutch is not from Denmark. Danish is not from
Holland. Grrrr. Yahoo must be in trouble if they can't
hire people who can check out *that* simple a fact.
Sorry, after having been asked "Dutch? Did you go to
Denmark" a bajillion times, I'm a little bit touchy about
it.
XFUT -> .o-t.fun
best
LFB
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My local Toys-R-Us still has several of these.
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In lugnet.general, Mike Walsh writes:
> In the case of 6776, how could she know the story without
> buying the set?
1. Read the S@H catalog.
2. Check Lego's website.
3. Ask on Lugnet or r.t.l.
4. Look for reviews in parents' or fans' magazines.
5. Ask her friends who have kids, and might have bought the set.
6. Ask a clerk, if there was a knowledgeable one around.
In other words, any of several ways that parents have used for years, or
even centuries, to investigate things they might buy for their kids.
> The problem here is that you are an educated consumer.
No, Mark's right: the problem here is that Melanie Berry is a moron. Based
on an erroneous impression from a careless glance at the box, she *invented*
a story line for the theme, then went hysterically ballistic over it.
Instead of caving in, TLC should have threatened to sue her for slander.
The article describes her as a "former child counselor". That means that
she's supposed to be trained and praticed in calmly observing and evaluating
surprising, even shocking, events and revelations. I hope none of her
clients wound up scarred for life by her wack-o response to something they
told her...
She claims to have bought "everything [Lego] made for the last 7 or 8 years".
While probably not literally true, it's very likely that she bought at least
some of the Pirates, Castle, Wild West, Star Wars or Ninja sets. Most of
which involve violent conflict, and some of which really do include bad guys
trying to kill innocent good guys. By comparison, Alpha Team's villain is
almost pacifist.
If it seems more violent to you, that's probably because the setting is more
like present-day real life than the other themes I mentioned, so the action
seems more "real", and less "fantastic".
> Cars, Trucks, Hospitals, Houses - these are the things I think of when I
> think LEGO.
What, no Trains? ;-)
> LEGO has all but abandoned this part of their product line
But was it Lego, or the customers, who abandoned it first? My (possibly
erroneous) impression is that Juniorization, and the addition of "action
figure-ish" themes and models, is a response to customer desires, not an
effort to drive them in any particular direction. In particular, many
(most??) kids today are less willing to spend the time to put together a bunch
of small pieces to make, say, an unrealistic-looking race car that's all
corners and angles, instead of curvy and streamlined. They want something
they can assemble quickly (if at all), and get to their goal of playing out a
fantasy based on something they saw on TV, or at the movies.
If I'm right, clinging to The Old Ways (tm) could be downright suicidal for
TLG.
Ran
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It is strange that all of this started in SC. I was just in Toys R Us and
Zany Brainy last night, and both stores still had plenty of the sets still
on the shelves.
David
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After much debate, I picked up one of these from a Walmart here in Nevada.
They still had quite a few on the shelves, but when the clerk went to scan
the price, the register said the item was not for sale. Lucky for me the
clerk must have been new and just manually entered the price...
Just thought I would throw my two cents into the discussion,
Steve
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In lugnet.announce, Suzanne D. Rich writes:
> In light of recent events, TLC is about to recall 6776 Ogel Control
> Center. Word has it that a consumer was distressed over some graphics on
> the box back and instructions. It will not be re-released with new packaging.
>
> Grab 'em while you can...
>
> -Suz
An addendum to this that I found interesting: I saw 2 of these sets on the
shelves in the Union Square TRU in NYC this past Saturday. Ironic.
james
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