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The BrickMagic LEGO Festival (May 5-8, 2011 in Raleigh, NC) is proud to announce
the first-ever BrickMagic Challenge! All BrickMagic exhibitors will have their
LEGO creations automatically entered, and the best overall creation will receive
$1000 and a LEGOLand Annual Pass for its builder!
A winner will be chosen from each of the following ten categories, and the
builder will receive a LEGO-related prize, and a one-page feature on their work
in an upcoming issue of BrickJournal:
• Best Train Club layout
• Best Brick of Character (a creation of a famous person, icon, or cartoon or
novelty character)
• Best Space layout (inspired by sci-fi, NASA, or anything
dealing with outer space)
• Best Technic design (any mechanical model that
moves, powered or not)
• Best Mindstorms design
• Best Castle layout
• Best Microscale creation (smaller the minifigure scale)
plus 3 “Judges Choice” awards (each judge will pick their favorite that’s not a
winner in one of the other categories)
Then, one overall “Best of Show” will be chosen from these 10 winners, and will
be featured on the cover of an upcoming issue of BrickJournal. That builder
will also receive:
• A $1000 cash prize
• An Annual Pass to the new LEGOLand Florida theme park (opening October 2011;
the pass is good for unlimited admission through December 2012)
Judging will be conducted by Certified Professional LEGO Builder Sean Kenney,
BrickJournal magazine editor Joe Meno, and a representative of LEGO.
Anyone with an original LEGO MOC (“My Own Creation”) they would like to display
is welcome to become an Exhibitor, and take part in the LEGO fan community.
Exhibitors pay a $50 registration fee, which covers the cost of tables and space
for their creations. All exhibitors also receive:
Access to Exhibitor-only presentations and workshops
Eligibility for door prizes donated by LEGO and other sponsors
A complimentary meal (courtesy of MOE’s Southwest Grill)
At least two limited edition LEGO sets (the BrickMagic Event Kit, and one
provided by BrickMania)
A goodie bag filled with special LEGO-related
surprises
Complimentary tickets to the BrickFlix Film Festival (May 4 at 9pm)
A special discount redeemable during BrickMagic weekend at the Raleigh LEGO
retail store
And more to come!
To register as an Exhibitor, or for more information on BrickMagic 2011, go to
www.brickmagic.org or e-mail exhibit coordinator Joe
Meno at admin@brickjournal.com
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Hi all,
it’s been some time since I posted here about BrickJournal, and for those
wondering, no I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth. Far from it. And I’ll
be telling you what’s been going on...
BrickJournal
BrickJournal has grown from an online magazine to print, and while doing so,
has covered events from Brickworld to FIRST LEGO League World Festival. With
this, the magazine’s Flickr archive has gathered over 30,000 photos from Europe
and the United States. In print we have printed 9 issues and have gone from
quarterly to bimonthly publication this year.
BrickJournal.com
BrickJournal’s website has also changed this year, as its webhost was bought
by another service. The new site is cleaner, and while still a little empty, it
will eventually have selected articles from the magazine. Currently, it has
current news, exclusive information and instructions, and the Pic of the Day,
where a photo from the BrickJournal archive is presented.
BrickJournal Video Podcast
There’s also a
video podcast for the magazine - you can find it at iTunes, where there are
some videos with some of the builders spotlighted in the magazine. More will be
coming soon!
BrickJournal Mobile
Speaking of iTunes, BrickJournal now has an
free iPhone app,
and soon will have a Google Android app. If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch,
you can find the app through iTunes. The BrickJournal app has all the feeds
from the website, my blog, and Flickr gallery. It’s a one stop shop to see what
is going on with the magazine!
And one more thing....
BrickMagic
I’m happy to announce that BrickJournal is one of the organizers of
BrickMagic, a LEGO Fan event in Raleigh, North Carolina on May 7, 8, and 9, 2010
- Mother’s Day weekend! Registration is open and can be done at
BrickMagic’s website. There will be things for the
AFOLs and the public, so check out the site for information! I can’t say too
much about what’s being planned yet, but it’s going to be fun!
You can keep up with BrickJournal through:
BrickJournal.com
BrickJournal Journal
Twitter
Facebook page
You can keep up with BrickMagic through:
BrickMagic.org
Twitter
Facebook page
Many thanks for all those who have helped the magazine - BrickJournal is 5
years old in June, and it has grown thanks to AFOLs here and abroad!
Joe Meno
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, David Gregory wrote:
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Does the Brick Journal site cause anyone else’s browser to freeze/crash? I
tried a couple of different browsers with the same result.
David
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No problems here. I tried both FireFox and MSIE with no problems. Could it be
your installation of Flash? I noticed the Hulu players at the bottom of the
page are embedded Flash. You could try install
Flashblock and see if that
helps.
--Mike.
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Does the Brick Journal site cause anyone else's browser to freeze/crash? I
tried a couple of different browsers with the same result.
David
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During one of my my far too frequent visits to my local LEGO shop I had one of
the managers show me an article in the BrickJournal which they were carrying on
their shelves. I got really excited and blabbed on and on about how I knew Joe
etc. The majority of the employees there really didn't understand what they were
carrying or how to market it. I took the opportunity to purchase my copy (sorry
about not pre-ordering) and hopefully show them the value of this beautiful
publication. They definitely looked on it more favorable, and hopefully were
more excited about it.
Congrats Joe and staff, not only for coming this far, and for such an incredible
publication, but for your official recognition by LEGO proper!
Scott
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
> I originally thought about that, but there are some countries that are larger
> than others that have provinces and states. I really want some country icons,
> and I might do some hacking to see if it's possible.
Well, as someone living in the second largest country in the world I would have
no problem seeing all my compatriots events listed as being in Canada. The flags
(or whatever) would be a nice addition but for now it would improve the utility
without any hacks.
BTW, got my first print issue of Brick Journal this week and I will be showing
it off to my LUGmates tomorrow. The quality is fantastic.
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> I originally thought about that, but there are some countries that are larger
> than others that have provinces and states. I really want some country icons,
> and I might do some hacking to see if it's possible.
>
> Joe
Joe, Do a search for ISO 3166 -- those are the ISO-established 2-digit country
codes.
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Ted Godwin wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
> > Okay, so what color scheme do you want - by type of event or country? Either
> > way, it will take a little time.
>
> If I may venture a suggestion: Make the colour scheme about the type of event
> and shorten the "location" field to the two-letter country code (ie: us, ca, uk,
> etc). The full address can be in the description field but it would not only
> make it a lot easier to read but reduce the amount of space each listing takes
> up on the calendar.
I originally thought about that, but there are some countries that are larger
than others that have provinces and states. I really want some country icons,
and I might do some hacking to see if it's possible.
Joe
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
> Okay, so what color scheme do you want - by type of event or country? Either
> way, it will take a little time.
If I may venture a suggestion: Make the colour scheme about the type of event
and shorten the "location" field to the two-letter country code (ie: us, ca, uk,
etc). The full address can be in the description field but it would not only
make it a lot easier to read but reduce the amount of space each listing takes
up on the calendar.
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, C. L. GunningCook wrote:
> Joe and Crew,
>
> Not sure who is personally responsible for the Brick Journal Calendar
> http://brickjournal-space.near-time.net/calendar/view_month?date=2008-06-01
> so I will post here, and hopefully it will get into the right hands.
I manage the calendar:-).
> And before I get into this, let me first start of with a thank you for having a
> central "Calendar of Events". It is a wonderful idea, useful for fans, and more
> than likely a "chore" for someone to keep this updated.
It's all three:-)
> I realize that "beggars should not be choosers"... but I am hoping you will
> consider this idea, since all this work goes into this resource, I would like to
> see it be a bit more user friendly.
>
> Currently many days are filled with long running events or museum displays, and
> that makes finding Fest dates or other AFOL centric events difficult. Would it
> be possible to colour code the listings, by type of event (for example, Fests in
> red, museum shows in blue), or by geographical area, (by country perhaps)?
I had pushed for that functionality for me last year, and found out that the
calendar app wasn't that advanced at all..which really wasn't the answer I
wanted.
I really wanted country icons, but there was no provision for them.
Since you asked me this, though, I went back to the calendar and did some
hacking and found that I can change colors on the headline, so I can work this
out, at least.
>
> If the font colours could be changed so it would be easier to read and sort
> through it of course, would be way faster to skim thru the calendar and find
> the particular events someone is interested in.
Okay, so what color scheme do you want - by type of event or country? Either
way, it will take a little time.
Joe
>
> Thanks for your time,
> Janey "Red Brick"
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Joe and Crew,
Not sure who is personally responsible for the Brick Journal Calendar
http://brickjournal-space.near-time.net/calendar/view_month?date=2008-06-01
so I will post here, and hopefully it will get into the right hands.
And before I get into this, let me first start of with a thank you for having a
central "Calendar of Events". It is a wonderful idea, useful for fans, and more
than likely a "chore" for someone to keep this updated.
I realize that "beggars should not be choosers"... but I am hoping you will
consider this idea, since all this work goes into this resource, I would like to
see it be a bit more user friendly.
Currently many days are filled with long running events or museum displays, and
that makes finding Fest dates or other AFOL centric events difficult. Would it
be possible to colour code the listings, by type of event (for example, Fests in
red, museum shows in blue), or by geographical area, (by country perhaps)?
If the font colours could be changed so it would be easier to read and sort
through it of course, would be way faster to skim thru the calendar and find
the particular events someone is interested in.
Thanks for your time,
Janey "Red Brick"
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Dave Sterling wrote:
(snip)
> Joe:
>
> One other question for you. Is there a plan to do a Vol. 1 Issues 6,7,8,9 in a
> compendium? I know the Vol. 1 and 2 compendiums covering issues 1-5 are up, but
> I was just wondering if issues 6-9 are in the works.
>
> Oh, and we did a train show last weekend in La Crosse with GMLTC and TCLTC. I
> had my print copy of BrickJournal on display and showed as many attendees as
> possible. Hopefully this works into a few more paid subscriptions. It's a
> beautiful first issue and I look forward to many, many more.
>
> Thanks,
> Dave
¬
There will be more compendiums, and I think there will be a third and fourth -
mainly because the issues got so big.
Thanks for the help! And Issue 2 is looking good!
Joe
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Jordan Bradford wrote:
> > Joe, I just sent you an email, but I'd also like to publicly congratulate you on
> > getting BrickJournal to print.
> >
> > I'm thinking of trying to convince my local library to subscribe. I'm sure there
> > are plenty of kids (and adults) who would love to read the magazine. What should
> > I tell them?
>
> That's a good question - and a good idea! Going to the libraries has been
> something that has been suggested from a few people.
>
> I just called up a local library (out of curiosity) about this and will be
> contacted later today as to how a magazine would be submitted for consideration.
> I didn't think it would be a very easy procedure, and I guess I will find out.
>
> To answer your question, though, I would say that BrickJournal is a magazine
> that is suited for all ages who are interested all the aspects of the LEGO
> hobby, from building to robotics to events. It's an introduction and invitation
> to the hobby and the creative people behind it.
>
> Then you show them an issue:-).
>
> Joe
>
> PS. Thanks for the compliments!
Joe:
One other question for you. Is there a plan to do a Vol. 1 Issues 6,7,8,9 in a
compendium? I know the Vol. 1 and 2 compendiums covering issues 1-5 are up, but
I was just wondering if issues 6-9 are in the works.
Oh, and we did a train show last weekend in La Crosse with GMLTC and TCLTC. I
had my print copy of BrickJournal on display and showed as many attendees as
possible. Hopefully this works into a few more paid subscriptions. It's a
beautiful first issue and I look forward to many, many more.
Thanks,
Dave
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Jordan Bradford wrote:
> Joe, I just sent you an email, but I'd also like to publicly congratulate you on
> getting BrickJournal to print.
>
> I'm thinking of trying to convince my local library to subscribe. I'm sure there
> are plenty of kids (and adults) who would love to read the magazine. What should
> I tell them?
That's a good question - and a good idea! Going to the libraries has been
something that has been suggested from a few people.
I just called up a local library (out of curiosity) about this and will be
contacted later today as to how a magazine would be submitted for consideration.
I didn't think it would be a very easy procedure, and I guess I will find out.
To answer your question, though, I would say that BrickJournal is a magazine
that is suited for all ages who are interested all the aspects of the LEGO
hobby, from building to robotics to events. It's an introduction and invitation
to the hobby and the creative people behind it.
Then you show them an issue:-).
Joe
PS. Thanks for the compliments!
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Jordan Bradford wrote:
> Joe, I just sent you an email, but I'd also like to publicly congratulate you on
> getting BrickJournal to print.
>
> I'm thinking of trying to convince my local library to subscribe. I'm sure there
> are plenty of kids (and adults) who would love to read the magazine. What should
> I tell them?
Jordan,
I think that is a really good idea. I have been trying to get Joe to go after
that market. I am sure there are lists of School Librarians, etc.
Another thing is that the local club could pay for the subscription or the
PTA/PTO.
There are literally thousands of school libraries as well as of course public
ones. Every middle school library should have a subscription. And since it is a
completely independent magazine and the editorial content is not under the
purview of TLG, there is no worry about being called some kind of advertising
scheme objections.
Tommy Armstrong
The BrickEngraver
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Joe, I just sent you an email, but I'd also like to publicly congratulate you on
getting BrickJournal to print.
I'm thinking of trying to convince my local library to subscribe. I'm sure there
are plenty of kids (and adults) who would love to read the magazine. What should
I tell them?
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Scott Wardlaw wrote:
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I just received my printed issue of BrickJournal today, and I must say how
much more I have enjoyed reading it and turning real pages than just scroling
my mouse through the digital version!
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Thanks! It is a slightly different game getting things to print - everything now
is done three months ahead of schedule instead of the night before:-)!
And having a real mag is a very different feeling.
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Since RailBricks has come out, there are noticably fewer pages on trains
though. Joe, please don’t forget about the train enthusiasts (and the article
I asked for)!
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Hm. I assumed that RB would be the place where the train enthusiasts go, and its
voice is more specialized that the Journal’s. It’s also not my intention to step
on any toes (at least not intentionally), so I haven’t pressed hard for train
related materials since RB started up.
However, since you bring it up, I will look into putting train-related
materials. I will keep up with the Power Functions train information as much as
possible, but that is something I don’t see any info becoming public until the
fall at the earliest. The next issue is being worked on right now (and it’s
pretty neat!) so there may not be an article, but I will try.
As for your article idea...I have to figure who to contact!!!
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If you haven’t already purchased one, or bought a subscription, I highly
recommend it. Every page is printed on high quality, high gloss paper. It
is almost as thick as a Popular Mechanics, and I have spent almost two hours
looking through it and reading the articles. There’s even a little bit about
the upcoming Indiana Jones and Batman video games!
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There’s more stuff coming too:-) - things just get more interesting here:-)!
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Thanks again to all who help support BrickJournal,
Scott
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Yes - thanks to everyone!
Joe Meno
(who is wondering where all the newsstand copies are, as I can’t seem to find
them in my town!)
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I just received my printed issue of BrickJournal today, and I must say how much
more I have enjoyed reading it and turning real pages than just scroling my
mouse through the digital version!
Since RailBricks has come out, there are noticably fewer pages on trains though.
Joe, please don’t forget about the train enthusiasts (and the article I asked
for)!
If you haven’t already purchased one, or bought a subscription, I highly
recommend it. Every page is printed on high quality, high gloss paper. It is
almost as thick as a Popular Mechanics, and I have spent almost two hours
looking through it and reading the articles. There’s even a little bit about
the upcoming Indiana Jones and Batman video games!
Thanks again to all who help support BrickJournal,
Scott
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Hi all,
The next digital issue of BrickJournal (renumbered to reflect going to print)
is available for purchase ($3.95)
here.
Articles include:
Event reports from Northwest Brickcon
Event report from LEGO World
Spotlight on Stephan Sander
Spotlight on the Omicron Weekend
Interview with Nathan Sawaya
and more!
BrickJournal’s first print edition will be hitting bookshelves and US LEGO
stores next week! Many thanks to everyone who contributed to get this mag off
the ground!
Joe Meno
Editor, BrickJournal
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Kevin Salm wrote:
(snip)
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Yes, many thanks to all who have contributed and worked on BrickJournal since
before day one.
The group subscription sounds great. What a neat offering.
My question -- is there the possibility for more than one printing run of any
edition of BrickJournal? I am just wondering how long each volume will be
available. Should people stock up now in case there is never another print
run in the future?
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There’s always a possibility, but it will take a bit before another printing run
is done. If there is enough immediate demand, it can happen. With the quantity
ordered by the newsstand distributor, I suspect that there will be a small
number (1 or 2) at each bookstore.
Should people stock up with multiple copies? I’m not so sure about that. Should
you get your personal copy? By all means:-).
For those in the New England area, there is another distributor that has ordered
for smaller newsstands, so you guys are in a better position to get an issue.
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As far as printed version of the back issues -- I’m slightly confused by the
edition-volume labels. It sure would be easier if they were just numbered
001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 101, 102, etc. (publishers tech-speak is
hard for us dumb people to understand).
But I take the statement to mean all previous digital versions will
eventually be printed, correct ?? Will the back issues be a single-copy
printed or multiple issue per binding?? Not that it matters, just want to
know what to plan for.
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You got it. The back issues will be available in compilations. The first one
(which I am working on now) has issues 1-3. compilations were decided on because
they can be placed in bookstores, where the books have a much longer shelf life
than a quarterly.
Renumbering made sense because of the media change, and the new exposure
BrickJournal now will have - if the issue had kept previous numbering, there
would have been questions about the previous issues. I probably will not refer
to volumes after this issue is released.
Joe
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