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In lugnet.general, Tim Courtney writes:
> Over the better part of the last year, I've done a lot of thinking about the
> LEGO hobby and the LEGO community, trying to develop a philosophy on it
> which I use to channel my efforts, energies, and interactions. I'm
> interested in hearing others' thoughts on the LEGO community.
Me too!
> Particularly - what do you think the LEGO community includes? what does it
> exclude?
One of the things I have noticed, is, when I have met people who are on the
"fringes" of the community, I guess they don't realize how much we all would
like them to a part of this experience. I figure the top percent of people
that actually find themsleves here are of the outgoing and adventurous type.
Or at least they have answered a very fundamental question: Do I want to
communicate with others?
Some folks have arrived at this benchmark. Some don't realize that they
*are* wanted! Like a spin on that commercial, "Lego Fans wanted".
So yes, come one come all, the rewards are great and humbling.
> I entered the online LEGO community in late 1996, when there was only RTL
> (and a dying ATL) for mainstream discussion. The LEGO community was not very
> big compared to today, and there were few resources available. Also, since
> discussion centered around Usenet newsgroups, the active members were more
> experienced computer/internet users - often programmers by trade or college
> students.
>
> Since then, we've seen an apparent change in the demographic of the fan
> community. More people online and involved today are general computer users,
> and perhaps barely computer literate. They come from a wide variety of
> backgrounds and with that have different attitudes and outlooks towards the
> LEGO community.
Explain to the newbies what RTL is/was.
> Through local clubs and community events worldwide, we know that many LEGO
> fans are not connected to the internet, or choose not to participate in
> online discussion. There are also people who aren't a part of the
> "mainstream" LEGO hobby - they embrace "controversial" [1] themes such as
> Bionicle, or participate in LEGO organizations not directly connected to the
> online community such as First LEGO League.
Its a weird thing, sometimes I encounter people and I either realize what a
geek I am or I wonder if some people really know about what is happening
around the community. Stuff like, Brickshelf? What? 6 foot Praying Mantis?
Still others that work for Lego take it as a Job and thats it.
I've meet people who I think would know about certian things and they don't.
It all good, it just shows how "layered" we are, or, how many aspects there
are to the realm of Lego. Not everyone pays attention to everything.
Jama Who?
;)
> There are people who participate for different reasons. Some participate
> purely for light fun, others for the artistic qualities of the brick, and
> yet others who put serious time into building community resources to enhance
> the LEGO experience.
I'm in it for all three that you mentioned! As we know there are so many
aspects. Like a big water hole for everyone, but you don't often notice who
is quenching their thirst and they are right next to you!
AND SOME PARTICIPATE IN OTD AND IT MAKES ME SICK.
> As I'm trying to determine what the LEGO community means to me, I'd like to
> hear what it means to you.
Fun, Feedback, Community.
> I've encountered very conservative and very liberal attitudes towards what
> "the LEGO community" is. I think some feel it is (or should be) limited to
> LUGNET, others limited to active online participants. Where on the other end
> of the spectrum, some openly and enthusiastically include Bionicle builders
> and First LEGO League kids, artists who use LEGO as a medium but don't
> communicate with LEGO fans online, and more. I've also experienced different
> attitudes towards how the LEGO Company fits in (or doesn't fit in) as a
> participant in the LEGO community.
Yes, so many facets. I still feel like Lugnet/Brickshelf is the center of
the Lego Universe, but it not. Still its rare and special that we have a
common ground. I am utterly greatful for that.
> I see everything in the world of LEGO as having its purpose. Though I lvoe
> LUGNET, I don't see it as the end-all, be-all of LEGO sites. I think there's
> plenty of room for places like From Bricks to Bothans and BZPower, even
> though they cater to a different demographic than LUGNET does. I also firmly
> believe in the in-person community; local clubs, groups like First LEGO
> League, and people who follow LEGO news and attend public shows like those
> at BricksWest, Northwest BrickCon, LEGOWORLD, LEGO Train shows, and more.
>
> I'm for evangelizing the LEGO hobby.
What a great statement, I've made it my goal in a simular way for Mecha and
Robotics. Thats why I'm big on feedback and self promotion.
I have had a positive influence on some people and I hope to continue to
reach a wider audience as time and new developments occur. That's why I'm
here, that's why I build, that's why I have a Web-site, that's why I helped
form the Lego Mecha Hall of Fame.
> I want to see more people discover this
> amazing hobby and the resources that are available to them. I want to see
> those people grow in their building skills and build friendships with
> like-minded blockheads. I like open LEGO events, that encourage the public,
> or at least members of the public interested in the hobby for themselves, to
> attend. At the same time, I like to get together with my LEGO friends from
> all over the country (and even world) and talk shop with few outside
> interruptions.
Right on, its an amazing experience to meet up with others like us.
> So, where do you think LEGO interests which aren't necessarily "mainstream"
> accepted values fit in? What makes someone someone a "member" of the LEGO
> community? If someone actively participates in a league such as FLL, but
> doesn't post on LUGNET, are they "in?"
I think its much like a Library. Go ahead and try to figure out info about a
given subject or come here and hit the goldmine.
I feel if you are in a group like FLL, you are a part of the community, I
just wish we could recognize or centralize. I thinnk we have to a degree. We
just need to keep connecting the dots as it were.
> I know there are no concrete answers to the questions I am asking. I am
> simply wondering what others think. Maybe these thoughts can open peoples'
> eyes to what else is out there, beyond our corner of the LEGO world. And I
> hope the ideas will help me continue to form my opinions and attitudes
> towards the LEGO hobby as a whole.
>
> Thanks for reading - and I'd love to hear your thoughts!
>
> -Tim
>
> [1] In the sense that it was quickly shunned by adult fans online when
> released, and to this day is not yet widely accepted as a legitimate
> building medium by the same.
Cool stuff, keep trying to gather stones and we'll build a mountain.
Eric Sophie
www.biomechanicalbrick.com
LMHoF
GardenSLUG
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