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In lugnet.general, Allan Bedford writes:
> 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.
> >
> > Particularly - what do you think the LEGO community includes?
>
> My personal feeling is that the "LEGO community" doesn't really exist. That
> is to say there isn't a singular entity that can qualify to classify the
> group that might make up this definition. But rather, in my mind what you
> might really be talking about is a loose affiliation of separate groups or
> 'communities' that collectively are regarded as a whole. I guess to
> consider yourself a part of any one of them is to be included in the overall
> group.
I definitely have caught on to the idea that LEGO fans aren't one community,
but several communities. We use the term "the LEGO community" to signify
people who are seriously interested in LEGO and LEGO-related topics, and who
build relationships based on LEGO.
> I think of LEGO fans as small towns spread across a wide terrain. Each town
> is its own 'community' if that word must be used. Each town shares a bank,
> a grocery store and perhaps a Toys 'R Us. :)
Long analogy! :-) I'll snip it, but a good one!
> > 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.
>
> LUGNET may be the provincial (or state) capital. Without it, many of those
> like me would still be wandering around the streets of our own towns
> thinking that we were a bit odd perhaps. LUGNET deserves tremendous credit
> for what it has done for LEGO fans around the world.
>
> However, I don't feel that LUGNET defines the community as a whole. No more
> than Ottawa defines the "community" of Ontario. This is not to belittle
> LUGNET, but merely to attempt to define its role.
Yep, I feel the same way. LUGNET's definitely a node for the world of LEGO
enthusiasts, but not all LEGO enthusiasts are defined by LUGNET. I think it
would be kinda boring if they were.
> > attitudes towards how the LEGO Company fits in (or doesn't fit in) as a
> > participant in the LEGO community.
>
> For what it's worth... I continue to hope that the LEGO company continues
> its march toward community involvement. It is such a rare example of a
> company who's product has been not just embraced.... but adopted as a part
> of the family, by numerous people. Computer geeks like to think that Apple
> fans are loyal. I think LEGO fans put them to shame.
:-)
> > 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.
>
> Tim... I'll let you know if I agree, after this year's Hobby Show in
> Toronto. I'm going to meet some other LEGO fans for real! For the first
> time ever.
Glad to hear it! I hope you have fun.
> I sometimes get emails from lost parents... searching for some particular
> LEGO resource or another. And I'm always left to wonder if there wasn't
> some better way (besides me sending them tons of links) to continue to bring
> adults and kids into LEGO. It seems to me that the learning curve could be
> flattened, though I'm not entirely sure how.
I think those concerned with advancing the LEGO hobby, myself included, will
find ways to flatten this curve, to make LEGO more acceptable in society,
and to make people more aware of the hobby. It can be done, it won't happen
overnight though.
> > What makes someone someone a "member" of the LEGO
> > community?
>
> Just being. No rules required here. I think that over-analysing this
> particular question is just opening up certain people for exclusion. I see
> no need for this.
>
> > If someone actively participates in a league such as FLL, but
> > doesn't post on LUGNET, are they "in?"
>
> A better question might be, "why would they be 'out'"? As noted above, I
> think that rules which may possibly exclude someone are rules that should be
> erased.
I think exclusion is based on interpersonal relationships, and how sociable
individuals are. Someone who's excluded based on what they build (or what
they don't build) can generally find an outlet for their style of building,
or commune with LEGO fans who build other things - since LEGO ties them
together. Yet when someone comes around who can't get along with people, or
who is disruptive, people distance themselves from that person. I've got
mixed feelings about such phenomena, based on experience, ideology, etc -
and it's way too complex to discuss here. And I think it may be a sensitive
topic to some.
> > I know there are no concrete answers to the questions I am asking.
>
> You're right. But talking about such things never hurt anyone. :)
>
> Tim... you are wise for your age. I've said it before, but it's worth
> noting again.
Thanks!
-Tim
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