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Subject: 
Re: an update -- and an apology
Newsgroups: 
lugnet.dear-lego, lugnet.general
Date: 
Tue, 29 Feb 2000 10:41:16 GMT
Viewed: 
213 times
  
In lugnet.dear-lego, Brad Justus writes:

> To everyone at LUGNET:

> My apologies for what may have been the longest recorded case of AFK ("away
> from the keyboard") in recent memory. But believe me, it was all in a good
> cause - I think all LEGO enthusiasts (and particularly AFOLs) will be pleased
> with the plans we are now putting into action.


> We are very aware of the excitement, interest, and even skepticism which the
> messages announcing LEGO Direct have created. And we are working very hard to
> build community and direct commerce initiatives which will be worth not only • of the LEGO brand but of your high expectations. This, of course, demands much
> attention and toil, and so unfortunately I've not had as much time to spend on
> these boards as I would like. But we are reading and taking note of your
> interests and desires.

Spending time on the product rather than the hype? Hooray!!

FYI:  I recently compiled a list of ideas from LUGNET postings(I included
names)- This was sent into to Lego here in the UK( I was informed that someone
called Niels was looking at.- You might want to check on this.)

> We've spent most of the last several weeks finishing and presenting the LEGO
> Direct business plan, as well as putting key pieces of our organization and
> partnerships into place. Our funding is approved and we have the enthusiastic
> support of our Executive Team. We're working on our design, our • infrastructure,
> our distribution and fulfillment arrangements - really, all the pieces that go
> into building a world-class effort (both on- and off-line) in community
> experience and commerce. (And let me reiterate again that this is indeed a
> global effort - LEGO Direct will launch its initial offering beyond the US.
> We're still working on exactly how many markets we'll be able to serve from
> the beginning - this is more a function of fulfillment capability than >
> anything
> else - but this is very definitely not an American-only operation. And we'll
> move into as many markets globally as we can as quickly as we can, likely over
> a period of months from our initial launch.)

<SCRIPT>
Shot of globe- spinning
(Music starts to play - Theme from 2001?)
Zoom from globe over a dark shape.
VO:  Announcing a new way to buy your Lego(R).
Lego shape moves in front of sun in an Eclipse. -
Roate and pan is revealed as a 2X4(3001?) Brick with Studs facing towards us.
(Lens flare off top of brick)

Music Reaches Climax.
Pan awy from brick as Space Minfig comes into view- He winks at the camera.
Vo: Lego-Direct- A new dawn for Lego(R) buyers...
Caption of Voice over- Fade backgorund and not titles...



> I can say now that we are building our new offerings not to a narrow focus • with
> limited age appeal (i.e. what has been perceived as the "traditional" LEGO
> target of children). Instead, we recognize that our appeal extends over a wide
> range of ages and interests, and that LEGO has a value proposition not only • for
> younger children, but for young parents, families, older children and
> teenagers, and - most decidedly - adults. Nor do we view LEGO Mindstorms as • our
> only product with adult appeal;

Accepted.- Mindstorms is excellent. - Woudn't mind a version that could be
interactivly driven- Like the Dacta Control stuff in the 1980's. I would love
to see a new version of mindstroms with at least 8 channels.

From what I hear- Mindstroms is finding markets in serious academic research
as well as film and telveison FX work.  Lego(R) isnt just used for Play
anymore.

See also postings: Farlie A & Just Imagine in this group for ideas-
Town and Trains havce some brilliant ones. -

Also ISTR a website where someone had produced a number of models of
agriculturual equipment- ( A line in Promotional or corporate specials?--
After all that's how Airfix models got started!!- )

> the health and vitality of LUGNET is testament
> to the interest our core play materials products hold for everyone. So we will
> be reshaping our direct-to-consumer presence, both online and offline (for
> example, the LEGO club), to be much more attuned to the needs and interests of
> our consumers.
> 
> Among other activities, we will be helping to enable and participate in LEGO
> communities for older (i.e. adult) enthusiasts, and we will create (over time)
> products and other offerings with specific appeal to this group. This means
not only bulk buying, but perhaps exclusive playthemes or product lines that
are
> made even more valuable by the participation and input of the community.

Suppourt Disks for LDraw perhaps?- At least you could be sure that we were not
misrepresnting you products.   I'm sure many devlopers connected with it would
more than willing to assist on development of a superset CAD Pacakge.- This
woudn't be Creator 2 though- That is specifaclly an entertainment package.


> We intend also to provide support, either financial or otherwise, to as many • of
> the LEGO communities and clubs out there (both online and off) as we can.

The Meccano Guild as an example? - ISTR a posting by myself suggesting a
magazine simmilar in style and content to that published by Meccano out of
Binns Rd, Liverpool. You would be well advised to consult on this.

> I've
> even spoken to Todd Lehman regarding how we can provide support for LUGNET
> (without, of course, in any way comprising its independence. And we're also
> working on organizing a couple of events at our first-ever LEGO Club • Convention
> at LEGOLAND California in July which should have interest specifically for
> AFOLs.

Please hold one at Windsor for the UK!

<SNIP>

> Until then, keep playing well. And I promise not to be absent for so long a
> time ever again.
> -- Brad
> 
> Brad Justus
> Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
> legodirect@lego.com

My view exactly.

Alex
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
" What we can create is that which we explore. That which we explore is what
we can create. Imagination is the key - to all improved creativity!"



Message is in Reply To:
  an update -- and an apology
 
To everyone at LUGNET: My apologies for what may have been the longest recorded case of AFK ("away from the keyboard") in recent memory. But believe me, it was all in a good cause - I think all LEGO enthusiasts (and particularly AFOLs) will be (...) (27 years ago, 28-Feb-00, to lugnet.dear-lego, lugnet.general) ! 

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