Subject:
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Re: !!!IMPORTANT!!!-SPUDS No fault of TLG-!!!IMPORTANT!!!
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.general, lugnet.dear-lego
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Date:
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Sat, 24 Feb 2001 19:53:13 GMT
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Viewed:
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544 times
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In lugnet.general, Tim Courtney writes:
> "Mike Cormier" <jcormier@stfx.ca> wrote in message news:G98BDD.92q@lugnet.com...
> > We at Lugnet have, IMO, been far too critical of TLG. The opening page says
> > that Lugnet "has been called `the friendliest place on the internet". Not to
> > TLG. Perhaps new sets don't look as good, but many, if not most, lugnites buy
> > sets for the parts. Lately we haven't been giving TLG the credit they deserve.
> > They have an extremely difficult job, trying to please such a large audience.
> > The so-called "SPUD" seems to be the ultimate solution. The younger audience
> > can use them more easily, and the Lego expert can find other uses for them. • But
> > only if he/she wants to. Lego is evolving, and so must our mindset. There are
> > wonderful creations out there. Let's build more.
> > Mike C.
>
> I agree that we've been far too critical of TLC as a group. But, I disagree on
> SPUDs being any sort of 'solution.'
>
> When I chilled at Erik Olson's place just two weeks ago, he showed me a set that
> I don't own...it was the 'Bridge To Nowhere' or...the City Center bridge set.
> In this set, was a 2x4x3 brick!! I cannot understand for the life of me what is
> so hard about stacking 3 2x4 bricks on top of each other. If mold costs are so
> high, they really should NOT be making parts like this.
>
> That's just one of many examples I can use, but for the sake of time, I won't.
>
> Juniorization is still a present evil in the LEGO product line. People have
> explained to me (from TLC) that its an effort to transition between Duplo and
> System. Fine - I can understand the need for that, but I believe they are
> concentrating way too much on those products.
>
> I'm a firm believer in the original LEGO system of play. Some of the products
> we've seen stray too far from it, and some parts they make new molds for are too
> redundant. An unnecessary and imprudent move in my opinion for a company who
> lost USD 75m last year.
>
> In the past few years we've seen the number of new parts introduced go up, at le
> ast its percieved that way (anyone care to do some actual figures?) Most of
> these parts are painfully over-simplified rehashings of old tried and true
> parts.
>
> I think that LEGO is sinking to the level of the intellectually slumped kids
> from the entertainment industry and the video game generation. And I believe
> that LEGO can do just fine while continuing to fulfil its original goal of
> providing stimulating and constructive play for children. Somehow I can't
> justify Juniorized sets as 'constructive.'
>
> And I've observed kids in toy stores, talked to kids, and talked to parents.
> They notice that LEGO products aren't the high caliber they have been in the
> past. Then I usually sigh in agreement and frown as I tell them that the whole
> subject probably wouldn't fit in a couple hour lecture.
>
> I've posted my feelings about Dacta before to these groups, so I won't go too
> into detail with them. Basically, Dacta being the educational wing of LEGO, I
> think they would do themselves good to push that in schools more. Kids will be
> challenged by the complex models and problem solving techniques and then want to
> play with LEGO at home. And they'll want to play with the advanced LEGO, not
> the Juniorized stuff.
>
> Kids do want to be challenged, but they're also victims to a greedy
> entertainment industry which sucks the willpower out of their minds. And, that,
> sucks.
>
>
> As AFOLs, we want LEGO parts like they used to make them, sets that facilitate
> the aquisition of parts fundamental to large construction projects we like to
> build. But, as they continue to mold more and more parts, SPUDs, POOPs, etc,
> we're less able to customize stuff, or at least have to pay more to get the
> fewer fundamental parts.
>
> LEGO's target market has and always will be kids, except possibly in niches like
> Mindstorms and Technic.
>
> They think they have to simplify things to keep up with kids, I disagree. I
> believe that if LEGO remains true to its roots and the vision of the system of
> play, they can satisfy both the kid and the AFOL. And, I think that they would
> have a lot longer term brand strength, association of the brand with quality,
> and profits.
>
>
> LEGO has announced a goal of theirs, to become the strongest brand among
> households with kids by 2005. How will they go about doing that? Licensing,
> diversifying their product line, etc. I believe that eventually they will
> dilute their name and product so much that people will become sick of seeing the
> name everywhere, and no longer be associated with quality products. If they
> focused a bit narrower, kept building on their strong system behind them, and
> promoted it, I believe the brand would have a stronger association with quality.
> And I don't want to see LEGO become the next Nike of advertising....I don't want
> to hurl when I see the bright red logo, like I hurl when I see the swish.
>
>
> As for LEGO Direct, I'm very pleased with their actions. After meeting the
> group of LD employees who have posted on LUGNET, I realize that they're AFOLs
> just like we are. That's a cool feeling. They ARE a business though, and as
> they say, if it quacks like a duck, swims like a duck, and walks like a duck, it
> must be a duck. So, I don't expect them to bow down to the AFOL community in
> the least. But part of their mission is catering to the AFOLs, getting
> feedback, etc. We've seen that through bulk parts, events they've supported
> (PNLTC train record, Kidvention, numerous other train shows). These things also
> take time, especially in a multi-billion dollar company that's as old as LEGO
> is. So, we as AFOLs need to be patient with the new developmets from LD, and
> not be so critical. Some of the comments - personal even - tearing down LD and
> the employees are totally uncalled for. Like you said Mike, coming from the
> 'Friendliest Place on the Internet.'
>
> The sad thing is a lot of the people cutting down LD are very unfamiliar with
> their operation, the people, and what exactly goes on. I understand not
> everyone has the opportunities some of us have to talk to them and visit there,
> that's life, unfortunately. But, what I do submit to those who like to cut down
> LD is, those of us who have been there or been in communication with them, for
> the most part, don't have a lot of negative to say about them. That should say
> something, the way I see it.
>
> So.. in summary:
>
> Juniorization: Bad - when not put in proper perspective
> LEGO System of Play: Very Good
> LEGO Direct: Good
>
> That's my 2 studs worth... :-)
>
> -Tim
You are correct. I have to say that I agree with this message on all points
and that I too believe that LD is doing all they CAN to satisfy what this
growing community wants.
Heck, if it weren't for the efforts and communication we have recieved here
on LUGNET from these people, I would not have Fort Legoredo or any of my
bulk trees, tiles or bricks.
Remember people, LEGO is a BIG company, and those sometimes move very slowly
(out of caution). And being a company, they have to move toward what they
see as profitablity for the long term.
I for one want LEGO to be a part of my life as long as I am able to go into
a store and buy a product. I fully expect to be buying brick (for main
model or for parts) until I'm 103 (or greater). As long as LEGO continues
to evolve along the current system of products (less juniorization would be
good), then I'll be the old geezer with LEGO on the block.
Thankyouverymuch!
Aaron :o)
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