Unpopular LEGO Opinions

Brickchap

@Phoenixio I get what you mean, I'm probably not explaining myself well. I don't expect specifically 1950s clothes, I just mean like a set from idk 2012 might have had a minifig wearing a regular modern suit for example. Now the suit design itself would be contemporary for the time, but it also works both for a person wearing a suit now, as well as for anytime in the 20th century. Same with female minifigs, they often had nice blouses and so forth that were reasonably timeless in that they were perfectly modern, but still didn't look out of place in an older setting, nor were they so specific they'd go out of fashion and look odd say now in 2022.

My issue is that many of the current minifigs have clothes and hairstyles that are very specific to the present. But in say, 5 years time they will look very odd or specifically '2022' compared to minifigs made in 2027 for example, whereas 2009-2014 minifigs just happily fit in anywhere. They aren't a specific 2011 person or a 2005 person.

In regards to sets like the modulars, I really don't see why it is a problem to give them era (and setting like age, or geographical location) appropriate clothing/hairstyles. Guys in suits, ladies in dress/skirts (not every minifig of course, but at least some) seems a perfectly reasonable request to me. It would be cool getting some unique prints or pieces too, like Captain Carter's hair for example would look awesome on a lady minifg in a modular set. Carter's hair is a specific 1940s/1950s hairstyle (still looks really cool), but the clothes wouldn't need to be super specific to the time. I mean, I love making MOCs in the 1930s-1950s time period (same as modulars), and about 90% of my minifigs will often use generic 'modern' prints; it's just that they were well chosen/designed that I can use them in any setting I want. (especially if combined with other pieces in creative ways. For example there's a regular modern ladies cardigan print I use in conjunction with the kilt piece for a skirt and then either dark tan or white legs representing stockings. I also like to use a sand blue Forestman hat turned about 45 degrees backwards to represent a vintage hat. Things like this would be really cool in the modular sets (and can be used in other settings).

Speedman29

Brickchap said:

Not sure why this is so hard for people to understand??

Probably the same reason why it seems so hard for you to understand that LEGO is a toy for children. The vast majority of sets are bought by or for children. A 7yr old boy is not interested in whether his minifigure will look correct in a 1930s MOC because he isn't building one. He's building a fire engine, a house or a spaceship and heck if the minifig doesn't fit the scene he'll use his imagination and make it fit. Its the same reason that LEGO churns out a new train, police set or City theme again and again, to catch the next wave of young children that are just getting into playing with bricks. 

CCC

Speedman29 said: He's building a fire engine, a house or a spaceship and heck if the minifig doesn't fit the scene he'll use his imagination and make it fit. 

Or possibly a fire engine that is also a house and a spaceship!

Brickchap

Meanwhile official Lego designers with years of experience are building helicopters...and lighthouses... and helicopters....and a lighthouse with a helicopter...a helicopter with a light....a house with a helicopter...a copter with a heli, a Yankee with no brim

Istokg

Brickchap said:

The clothes of minifigs from 2009-2014 were modern, regular contemporary stuff for that time. But they were also generic enough that they could work for 1950s, 1930s, 1980s, a steampunk MOC, a retro space MOC, whatever. Not sure why this is so hard for people to understand??

Maybe because LEGO is primarily a building toy, and not a background for displaying minifigs...

Charmiefcb

City is stale. There are more exciting sets in the Friends line. City seems to be the same thing over and over again. Friends is so fresh. Canal boats, arcades, schools that actually resemble schools, theatres, houses that are actually houses etc. Just a really good variety. City is just police, police, fire, police, oh a nice ice cream van, that is being pursued by the police. City just seems to have little to no effort put into it.

SumoLego

Speedman29 said:
Its the same reason that LEGO churns out a new train, police set or City theme again and again, to catch the next wave of young children that are just getting into playing with bricks. 

100% correct.  LEGO is the top toy manufacturer by providing what the market wants at the price the market will pay.

They are serving the segment of the market that wants an $800 Titanic, but their bread-and-butter are those City Police Stations, Fire Trucks and Lighthouses.

Brickchap

@SumoLego You forgot helicopters. (especially 4 wide ones with that cockpit piece) They are the water or oxygen to Lego if police stations, fire trucks and lighthouses are bread and butter. XD

Fauch

shouldn't we also say cars ?

Brickchap

@Fauch, True although the funny thing is we don't actually get regular civilian cars all that often. If a car isn't a police car then it's most likely a red car belonging to a criminal.

Modeltrainman

Brickchap said:

@Fauch, True although the funny thing is we don't actually get regular civilian cars all that often. If a car isn't a police car then it's most likely a red car belonging to a criminal.

Or a race car...

CCC

Charmiefcb said:

City is stale. There are more exciting sets in the Friends line. City seems to be the same thing over and over again. Friends is so fresh. Canal boats, arcades, schools that actually resemble schools, theatres, houses that are actually houses etc. Just a really good variety. City is just police, police, fire, police, oh a nice ice cream van, that is being pursued by the police. City just seems to have little to no effort put into it.

Another way of saying that is that in Friends they are making loads of sets where you are interested in the builds. So maybe buy those instead of a range where you are not interested in the builds.  City sets are proven winners for kids, year on year on year. A kid that wants a police chase set doesn't care that they made one five years ago, they want one when they want one.

Brickchap

@CCC I don't think anyone is saying stop making emergency service sets in City. (or as some might put it Defund the Lego Police! LOL). They are just saying it would be nice if Lego City got things like restaurants, theatres, proper schools, houses etc. as well as Friends. rather than just police, fire and race cars. And I disagree with your statement about police chases. Even as a young boy I wanted more variety, once I'd gotten a police station I didn't need or want another one. After all, it's not a matter of 'lego made one 5 years ago' its Lego made one last year, the year before that, the year before that and often they look basically the same. Recently we've even been getting police and fire sets twice a year whereas before we would get police and/or fire at the start of the year, then in June/July roughly there would be that years 'unique' theme like Harbour, Airport or Mining for example. There was also a time when there was variety within the police and fire sets, like the Forest Police and Fire were both really good subthemes.

Personally I hoped Mountain Police would include some cool sets based on real life European mountain police forces, as well as the Canadian Mounties. They could have included a set with some police horses which would have been unique and cool but nope we got a wannabe Tonka Truck with a net launcher which didn't really work.

Now you could argue that that's what kids want, although when I was a kid which in the grand scheme of things wasn't all THAT long ago, both myself and my peers were happy with just regular police vehicles. Indeed, its only really the past idk 3 to 5 years Lego went with this weird cartoon American police style with random play features that take away from the model and in regards to play, rarely work properly so what's the point?

Charmiefcb

CCC said:

Another way of saying that is that in Friends they are making loads of sets where you are interested in the builds. So maybe buy those instead of a range where you are not interested in the builds.  City sets are proven winners for kids, year on year on year. A kid that wants a police chase set doesn't care that they made one five years ago, they want one when they want one.

I agree. I do like their emergency sets. I just find there to be very little creativity set wise lately. I think the new roadplates included in destination sets is making the builds suffer to include it.

SumoLego

Thankfully, if one wants to build a restaurant, or anything in their mind's eye, LEGO is an interlocking brick system where you can build whatever you like.

Brickchap

@SumoLego Argh I really hate this attitude. I'm not referring to you personally though because there are sadly lots of people who bring this nonsense up anytime there's any discussion about sets and themes. Yes, we are well aware you can build whatever you want out of Lego. With your worldview Lego should just ban themes and only sell boxes of bricks.

The discussion here is that perhaps Lego's strategy with City could be improved. Once again, no one's saying ban emergency sets. We are merely suggesting City also have other ideas as well, like Friends does. Friends has lots of interesting and new ideas from go karts and canal boats to safaris and shopping malls.

Now things like hairdressers and pet stores sell very well (we could consider them to Friends what police and fire stuff is to City). But by releasing these types of sets often, that doesn't stop the Friends team from coming up with new ideas like a theatre or food trucks. So why can't that be the case for City???

daewoo

A lot of purchases for me these past few years have been from PaB/BnP so I can indeed build what I want.  Sets are nice (when I like them), but it is unrealistic to believe or demand that Lego produce a huge variety of sets to suit every niche/desire.  They are going to produce what sells the best.  Yes, they will try new things every once in a while, but if they don't sell well, then they will not return to that for a few years at least.

datsunrobbie

It is a shame that LEGO CITY does not have a farm, ocean exploration base, wildlife rescue, hospital, school, farmer's market, ice cream truck, amusement park or space exploration sets.

Lyichir

Brickchap said:

@Phoenixio I get what you mean, I'm probably not explaining myself well. I don't expect specifically 1950s clothes, I just mean like a set from idk 2012 might have had a minifig wearing a regular modern suit for example. Now the suit design itself would be contemporary for the time, but it also works both for a person wearing a suit now, as well as for anytime in the 20th century. Same with female minifigs, they often had nice blouses and so forth that were reasonably timeless in that they were perfectly modern, but still didn't look out of place in an older setting, nor were they so specific they'd go out of fashion and look odd say now in 2022.

My issue is that many of the current minifigs have clothes and hairstyles that are very specific to the present. But in say, 5 years time they will look very odd or specifically '2022' compared to minifigs made in 2027 for example, whereas 2009-2014 minifigs just happily fit in anywhere. They aren't a specific 2011 person or a 2005 person.

In regards to sets like the modulars, I really don't see why it is a problem to give them era (and setting like age, or geographical location) appropriate clothing/hairstyles. Guys in suits, ladies in dress/skirts (not every minifig of course, but at least some) seems a perfectly reasonable request to me. It would be cool getting some unique prints or pieces too, like Captain Carter's hair for example would look awesome on a lady minifg in a modular set. Carter's hair is a specific 1940s/1950s hairstyle (still looks really cool), but the clothes wouldn't need to be super specific to the time. I mean, I love making MOCs in the 1930s-1950s time period (same as modulars), and about 90% of my minifigs will often use generic 'modern' prints; it's just that they were well chosen/designed that I can use them in any setting I want. (especially if combined with other pieces in creative ways. For example there's a regular modern ladies cardigan print I use in conjunction with the kilt piece for a skirt and then either dark tan or white legs representing stockings. I also like to use a sand blue Forestman hat turned about 45 degrees backwards to represent a vintage hat. Things like this would be really cool in the modular sets (and can be used in other settings).

I think it's interesting that you describe torsos in modern City sets looking distinct to 2022. I personally think a lot of the more modern torsos and stuff in City have serious 80s/90s vibes—bold, colorful graphic t-shirts, outfits like windbreakers... a lot of the fashion seems very "retro" to me even if not as mid-century compatible as something like a standard business suit.

SumoLego

Brickchap said:

With your worldview Lego should just ban themes and only sell boxes of bricks.

It's not a particularly compelling discussion when LEGO has literally ascended to the apex of it's popularity, profitability and product offerings, and City is the leading theme... but we're going to arm-chair criticize the design novelty of the sets available.  

Have at it. 

datsunrobbie said:

It is a shame that LEGO CITY does not have a farm, ocean exploration base, wildlife rescue, hospital, school, farmer's market, ice cream truck, amusement park or space exploration sets.

Also, this.

bandit778

Brickchap said:

@SumoLego Argh I really hate this attitude. I'm not referring to you personally though because there are sadly lots of people who bring this nonsense up anytime there's any discussion about sets and themes. Yes, we are well aware you can build whatever you want out of Lego. With your worldview Lego should just ban themes and only sell boxes of bricks.

But this is a valid argument, even buying sets of particular themes doesn't stop you building what you want out of the bricks provided.
The whole concept of LEGO in the beginning and up to the current advertising campaign are based round building with your imagination.
Rebrickable, Mecabricks and even LEGO Ideas are all based around the concept of can't find what you like then build it yourself. 
LEGO as a company make more money than I will ever know set on a business plan of making what sells to the masses, not what individuals want but in doing so also provide everything anyone needs to build whatever they want.
At the end of the day, catering to the individual or niche market isn't what provides them with the revenue to carry on doing what they do. The sets they make aren't going to be for everyone (as most of the comment sections on set reviews on the main page will attest) but without the tried and tested (and often repeated) sets that sell all the time, there wouldn't be the company to provide the bricks that people need to build whatever they want.

Brickchap

@bandit778 Everything you said is true. But that doesn't explain why Friends can have a wide variety of sets but City can't. That has nothing to do with a personal niche. I'm definitely not the only Lego fan who'd like to see more than just police and fire sets for City. What I 'personally want' would be a vintage dance hall for City. That's not going to happen, and I didn't ask for it.

What lots of people want and what Lego could do is sell sets like that Friends Italian Restaurant (the one with grapes and a piece of lasagna) but without all the pink as a City set. Or a City Drive In Movie Theatre. Or a large yacht. (these are merely examples of things Friends has done in the past).

 Just on the yacht, I'm not sure why the Harbour and Construction themes went extinct. It's not as if kids aren't interested in construction trucks, boats that actually float or loading/off loading ships with cranes etc.

Phoenixio

I don't want to be overly negative, but maybe you should re-read the other answers, namely, this one: 

datsunrobbie said:

It is a shame that LEGO CITY does not have a farm, ocean exploration base, wildlife rescue, hospital, school, farmer's market, ice cream truck, amusement park or space exploration sets.

It's not the first time you make statements that are solely based on a narrow-ish perception...  They JUST did the safari, space exploring, garden loving sets.  They even made a full sub-theme out of Stuntz.  I don't even know what they did for police/firefighters with how distracted I've been by those new subthemes in the last 2 years.

As it's been stated multiple times, obviously they'll keep staples available so that every new generation of kids gets access to them, but for sure they've been spreading the line a lot.

legobod

I stopped reading their posts last year but brickchap is either a troll trying to be subtle about it or so desperate for some kind of validation or acceptance that any response, positive or negative, is considered a good thing. 

Brickchap - If you're not a troll, I'm sure you're a nice guy and brickset is a very welcoming place where new ideas and opinions are also welcome but 10 paragraph essays about how you want Lego to cater to your very specific needs and ignoring everyone else's opinions, facts, concerns etc. is not going to win you any friends. You need to listen to others if you want them to listen to you otherwise soon enough nobody will be reading your posts.

Brickchap

@legobod Um well thanks for not just accusing me of being a troll (which I'm not). I readily admit I've never been much good at writing concise answers to things. My past few responses weren't as long as usual but I accept your point. Sorry to everyone because I really never intend on writing big long responses, it just sort of works out that way.

I wouldn't say I'm ignoring everyone else's opinions, facts etc. I respond to them. Sometimes there's agreeance sometimes there's disagreeance. I read and respond to others posts so I do consider myself listening to others (you cant respond if you havent even read their post). That said, there's always room for improvement in understanding the other side's argument of course.

I would emphasise I have no intention of 'making friends' or 'attention seeking'. I respond when I wish to respond and if people respond to my arguments (whether agreeing or disagreeing) that's good, but I've never been after any kind of validation or 'look at me' nonsense. Sometimes a discussion I may have started has ended, then all of a sudden someone brings it up again (nothing wrong with that on their part they can respond to whatever they want) so unfortunately at times that can prolong discussions.

Generally I would say the Forum is pretty good at having different opinions and would definitely be one of the least toxic places on the Internet so thanks to everyone for that!

CCC

datsunrobbie said:

It is a shame that LEGO CITY does not have a farm, ocean exploration base, wildlife rescue, hospital, school, farmer's market, ice cream truck, amusement park or space exploration sets.

Indeed, and for adults that want large buildings there is also the Modulars and Creator Expert / ICONS lines.

Brickchap

@CCC True, therefore what do you think of an expansion of the modular collection line into something akin to an 18+ version of City? Have different sized buildings (all modular style), vintage vehicles, packs with things like plants, trees, benches, phone booths that sort of thing?

Phoenixio

Brickchap said:

what do you think of an expansion of the modular collection line into something akin to an 18+ version of City? Have different sized buildings (all modular style), vintage vehicles, packs with things like plants, trees, benches, phone booths that sort of thing?

The modulars already are part of the Expert / 18+ / Icons series.  Did you mean something else by that?

Accessory packs have been a thing in the past.  I've used a few to pimp out my modular street, with road signage mostly.  But it's not like they don't make an effort with the modulars, there are always some components to fill up the sidewalk a bit.

As for vehicles...  What's wrong with the current selection?  There's a lot of choices out there, from promotional cabs to included models to city set at low prices dedicated to that.  And it's definitely easier to make a custom car than a full building, should the need arise.  So far I've bought quite a few city sets for their vehicles, and even brand new ones offer good options.  That bus in #60335 is gold, and the set even has compatibility with train sets, and comes with another less-usual train-related maintenance car.  This looks like a must-buy set for most train/city lovers.

Brickchap

@Phoenixio No all I meant was for the 'Modular Collection' line (which is a subtheme of 18+/Icons) to broaden its scope to more than just one big building each year. Before I continue I would agree there's absolutely nothing wrong with the current situation. One modular a year definitely isn't a bad thing. I am simply suggesting even more sets.

Yes you are right the modulars by themselves have enough. But having sets with signs, fountains, phone booths, flower beds, newsstands, etc. would be a nice addition to expand your modular layout. Something along the lines of train modelling or those model Christmas villages (eg Lemax brand) where they sell buildings but then also little add-on sets of people, various food stands, letter boxes, lampposts etc. etc.

In regards to vehicles I was referring specifically to vintage Creator Expert level vehicles, such as has been previously included with some modulars. Sadly there was a bunch of negativity about them being included with the sets themselves, so now we have to rely solely on the occasional GWP which heaps of people miss out on. Now yes we do have City vehicles but 1. They don't really fit with the modulars and 2. (this is the point I'd like to emphasise) they are for kids. As AFOLs, we like a challenge. We like to see interesting techniques and NPU. Selling vehicles separately as apart of Modular Collection 18+ sets would also give us a broader range of subject matter. Consider a vintage mobile library, a milk truck, a steam driven truck or an omnibus for example. Maybe even some horse drawn vehicles? (with new horse designs/colours).

One of the reasons I brought this up is because if there's something we do all generally agree on, it's that Lego City's target audience is kids. So naturally the builds will be juniorised and the subject matter childish or silly at times. Now that's fine for that target market. As @CCC said, if adults want large, detailed buildings, we buy modulars. So my idea is why not make the Modular Collection into an 'Adults Welcome' version of City? As I said, roughly along the lines of model train layouts or Christmas villages. (just to clarify I do not at all mean add trains to modulars, aside from maybe a train station). I'm also not saying City (or Friends) is necessarily bad or that adults can't buy those sets too, just that I think it would be nice for adults to have sets that allow them to create a town/city layout but are specifically targeted at adults, with more complex ideas, parts usage, realistic colours etc. etc.

daewoo

Brickchap said:

@CCC True, therefore what do you think of an expansion of the modular collection line into something akin to an 18+ version of City? Have different sized buildings (all modular style), vintage vehicles, packs with things like plants, trees, benches, phone booths that sort of thing?

Here's the thing though, while I like and appreciate and buy the modular buildings, I am more keen than ever to build my own.  I also buy a lot of City sets, but more and more I modify them to make them more to my liking.  I prefer buildings to be fully enclosed, and City buildings aren't because of playability.  We had the Xtra line for a while that did offer some nice elements, and I bought of a lot of them.  So all in all I don't think yours is a bad idea, at least when we talk parts packs.  

CCC

Brickchap said:

@CCC True, therefore what do you think of an expansion of the modular collection line into something akin to an 18+ version of City? Have different sized buildings (all modular style), vintage vehicles, packs with things like plants, trees, benches, phone booths that sort of thing?

They already are an 18+ version of City and different sizes. There are plenty of vehicles available already so you can choose what era you want for your Modular street. Personally, I don't think we need to be told by LEGO when and where the Modulars exist and some extras, especially phone boxes, would do that.

iwybs

Good news for you, Brickchap. You can buy the Daily Bugle and the Sanctum Sanctorum and sell the minifigs.

Speedman29

Not really an unpopular opinion, but @brickchap I've never seem any photos of what you build or have built, just the essays telling us all what LEGO does wrong. Have you thought of joining in with the what have you bought or built threads? They say a picture paints a thousand words, so just one photo will do and no essay required.

SilverLove

Speedman29 said:

Not really an unpopular opinion, but @brickchap I've never seem any photos of what you build or have built, just the essays telling us all what LEGO does wrong. Have you thought of joining in with the what have you bought or built threads? They say a picture paints a thousand words, so just one photo will do and no essay required.

So, english is not my native language. Maybe i misinterpret the meaning of what is written:

Most people seem to agree that this forum is open and welcoming, a breathing hole for us to discuss and share our love for lego. Thus, once in a while i react to a post like the one above. I appologize in beforehand if i sound judging and misinterpret. Using the word ”essay” two times in the same post, to describe someones lengthy posts. Please enlighten me, What does one want to achieve writing so? If i would translate that word by word into my native language i would see it as ”hammering (?) someones fault in” and in a ”condescending” way. Im honestly curious and would like to know if i misinterpret due to not being an english speaking native.

If i were to point out someones ”fault” writing long texts, i would write exactly that - ”long texts”. I admire the first person further up in the thread that pointed out the length of the posts in a very constructive (and more polite) way, imho.

Dont we all want our discussion-partners to become better at expessing/communicating their thoughts? If not for themselves then for us, who have to read what they write? ;)

I truly appreciate this forum and its members: Generous in answering questions, inspirational and at times whacky (?) humor making me laugh. And always useful if spouse dares to hint that my hobby is to much…ill just need to point out someone that im ”atleast not as”.

/Wishing you all a great week with time over for some building.

WesterBricks

"So me think, why waste time say lot word, when few word do trick?"
- Kevin Malone, The Office (US)

Phoenixio

SilverLove said:

Dont we all want our discussion-partners to become better at expessing/communicating their thoughts? If not for themselves then for us, who have to read what they write? ;)

The issue you raise is more about common internet behavior than politeness.  On forums, you'll always have wide masses of people enjoying the same topic, and then a few members, with more fringe interests, that theoretically fit in, but not always as much as they'd want.  Without pointing any fingers, if someone comes on this forum loving bricks but trashing Lego, this will not be perceived super well by the rest of the masses.

So when a member with noticeable behaviors repeats the same argument again and again, against the masses, there's going to be an overall drop in patience and more aggressive replies will start to be posted.  It's normal.  And it's something you typically see from the very active people that read most topics every day.  At some point there's only so many times you can hammer a nail down before it gets in...

As for "essays", it's because people tend to forget that forums are like live discussions.  You can write super lengthy posts if you want, but it's a lot like a super long monologue from someone.  There are ways to get more concise in everyday short discussions.  And this is also part of proper internet forum behavior in some way, for the same reason that you wouldn't write in all caps, sign your name on every post, or put gifs with sounds in your posts...

Speedman29

Pretty much what @phoenixio said above. Predominantly huge posts complaining TLG doesn't make exactly what they want, but repeating this same sentiment over multiple threads daily.

I use this forum to see what other members are building, buying or MOCing and I don't think I've seen them post a photo of anything once (could be and happy to be proved wrong though)

SumoLego

WesterBricks said:

"So me think, why waste time say lot word, when few word do trick?"
- Kevin Malone, The Office (US)

More time to make chili!

Lego_Lord_Mayorca

Seems like this pot is stirred and simmering, so allow me to drop a new unpopular opinion!

First of all, I don't think this would be unpopular with the Brickset crowd, but I imagine it would be with the greater LEGO fanbase as a whole, from kids to adult LUG members. My opinion: I think LEGO should disregard the majority of social media personalities and "influencers" when it comes to marketing and spreading the brand to new people.

I speak from both personal opinion and inside experience--I used to supervise a LEGO Brand store and recall being told by my manager one day not long after opening that some specialists would have to show up early the next day because some local mothers who had large Instagram followings would be bringing their kids in to play with various sets and check out the selection. This wasn't my manager's decision; it came from higher up. That told me LEGO apparently cares about getting the attention and approval of those who have nothing to contribute to society other than being living product shills. We basically gave them and their bratty little kids free LEGO sets just because the moms posted pictures of themselves and other lifestyle products they bought on Instagram. I was stunned that this was something the LEGO Company actually wanted to happen!

See, I'm of the notion that LEGO is so well-known and popular now that it basically sells itself. I could understand the gesture if this was the first LEGO Store to ever open in my city, and LEGO was still a product only seen in specialty shops or available online. Why do we need the endorsement of some random mothers who have a few thousand other moms following them on the internet who more than likely already are very aware of LEGO?

I won't get into my perception of this within the LEGO fan community--but in short, I don't see how those who flaunt on social media their ability to buy LEGO without budgetary restrictions, or even worse, good taste, are welcomed in a community defined by creativity, collaboration, and even a sense of casualness. Social media is so curated, so commodified, and so disconnected from reality. I don't want those faces to become the faces of LEGO fans, so I really hope LEGO never gives them too much clout in terms of spreading the brand.

iwybs

https://youtu.be/wTP2RUD_cL0

Dire Straits, “Money for Nothing”

CCC

Lego_Lord_Mayorca said:

Seems like this pot is stirred and simmering, so allow me to drop a new unpopular opinion!

First of all, I don't think this would be unpopular with the Brickset crowd, but I imagine it would be with the greater LEGO fanbase as a whole, from kids to adult LUG members. My opinion: I think LEGO should disregard the majority of social media personalities and "influencers" when it comes to marketing and spreading the brand to new people.

I speak from both personal opinion and inside experience--I used to supervise a LEGO Brand store and recall being told by my manager one day not long after opening that some specialists would have to show up early the next day because some local mothers who had large Instagram followings would be bringing their kids in to play with various sets and check out the selection. This wasn't my manager's decision; it came from higher up. That told me LEGO apparently cares about getting the attention and approval of those who have nothing to contribute to society other than being living product shills. We basically gave them and their bratty little kids free LEGO sets just because the moms posted pictures of themselves and other lifestyle products they bought on Instagram. I was stunned that this was something the LEGO Company actually wanted to happen!

See, I'm of the notion that LEGO is so well-known and popular now that it basically sells itself. I could understand the gesture if this was the first LEGO Store to ever open in my city, and LEGO was still a product only seen in specialty shops or available online. Why do we need the endorsement of some random mothers who have a few thousand other moms following them on the internet who more than likely already are very aware of LEGO?

I won't get into my perception of this within the LEGO fan community--but in short, I don't see how those who flaunt on social media their ability to buy LEGO without budgetary restrictions, or even worse, good taste, are welcomed in a community defined by creativity, collaboration, and even a sense of casualness. Social media is so curated, so commodified, and so disconnected from reality. I don't want those faces to become the faces of LEGO fans, so I really hope LEGO never gives them too much clout in terms of spreading the brand.

I guess the issue here is what makes them random to you makes them followed by others. Brickset and other sites also get free products as they post about them. We may see Brickset as not random and not bratty as they are experts and we trust their reviews, but people that follow the random mothers presumably also trust their opinions. LEGO might actually find they get better results in terms of new sales getting people that have a wider audience to advertise their products via product placement rather than sites only preaching to LEGO fans that are likely to buy LEGO anyway.

Brickchap

@Lego_Lord_Mayorca Thank you for sharing this opinion, I cannot agree more.

Phoenixio

I never quite understood the urge to follow influencers online.  The name itself tells you it'll be multiple attempts to place products and sell things.  Do they even have content worthy of listening to beyond that?  Plus, they always tend to be super self-centered: why the hell would I watch your 1 hour long selfie where you talk about yourself only?

My internet usage tends to be super focused.  I go straight for large communities of people that have similar hobbies and read a ton of reviews from individuals, not the overly publicized paid ones.  That way I get much more neutral opinions, and also make online friends on the way by discussing strategy, opinions, builds and whatnots.

But maybe it's me not understanding social media?  For me Twitter is like a large void where tons of people yell out loud hoping to catch attention.  Why the hell would I go on there to see people post about themselves only?

Brickchap

@Phoenixio This ^ So true. When I was little I wanted to be an astronaut or a Spitfire pilot. Nowadays sadly the most common thing kids want to be is an influencer. (despite no one knowing exactly what an influencer is). The idea is very egocentric and also makes no sense in that in my opinion we've always had influencers, it's just that they didn't use social media. Bonnie and Clyde were influencers, people copied their dress and followed their every move. Rudolph Valentino and Josephine Baker were also influencers in their time. There's a chap I forget the name of in 19th century France who set up a group of followers around his thoughts/worldview and dress (which were very odd) It wasn't an ideology per say basically just a sort of cult of personality although he was just some random nobleman.

I'm curious to know how society defines an influencer, what constitutes the difference between an influencer, a celebrity, and just someone who makes videos but isn't an influencer? Ultimately influencers are just random narcissists with a camera. So if I go on social media and just talk about myself all day (and heaps of people watch the video) does that make me an influencer? Jangbricks has a social media following, would he be an influencer? It's this really weird concept of people gaining heaps of power and followers seemingly just by giving themselves the title of 'influencer'.

daewoo

My presence on social media is almost nonexistent, and I'm happy about it.  The discord server my LUG uses is the only thing I actively interact on (other than these forums, and only one of you know me in real life).  I can't stand celebrity worship and care even less for "influencers" who I see as nothing more than attention *hores.  I get why Lego did what they did though.  It might be far cheaper to give some free sets to some influencers than to buy ad space, and the return might be better as well.

lowlead

Lego_Lord_Mayorca said:

...That told me LEGO apparently cares about getting the attention and approval of those who have nothing to contribute to society other than being living product shills....

That, or LEGO was even more terrified of the backlash on Instagram if they denied all the insufferable Chardonnay Karens special treatment.  God forbid you tell these people they're not important - it would ruin their little minds, and would certainly cause a kerfuffle LEGO would rather not be forced to deal with, I'm guessing.

Who initiated, btw?  Did LEGO reach out with an invite first, or?

lowlead

daewoo said:

...I get why Lego did what they did though.  It might be far cheaper to give some free sets to some influencers than to buy ad space, and the return might be better as well.

That's a good point, too.  I'm spring loaded to assume the worst with these types.  Social media is poison.

mr_benn

I don't really do influencers and all that sort of blah.  Though at the same time, I DO watch reviews of other things on Youtube (such as board games) because they're a medium where it really does help to have someone talk and take you through stuff.  And I value the opinions of the people I watch because most of them have been doing it for a long time, and I've enjoyed games that they've recommended.

I think influencers get a bad rep as what we think of an influencer is the annoying person on the beach/restaurant/tourist site who's posing in a - quite frankly - ridiculous way to show on their 'gram.  Whereas actually in a hobby like this it might be more about the people who are steadily building up a following, churning out entertaining reviews regularly and interacting with the people watching them.  

Some people who term themselves influencers are just vacuous individuals with a few friends following them.  But there are some people who genuinely do influence others - in the same way that a review on brickset or in Blocks magazine or any other Lego-focused media might - and their opinion can be considered to count.  It's hard to quantify the impact that positive or negative 'influencer reviews' may have, but it is very likely that some people are making some sort of impact, which ultimately might affect the Lego bottom line.  And that's why they matter - though I'd be sure that Lego had a fairly reasonable idea of which ones matter more than others.

SilverLove

Phoenixio said:

At some point there's only so many times you can hammer a nail down before it gets in...

Thank you for taking your time explaining your (and others) view on the issue, i appreciate that. Since I agree on most things in your post, ill (try to) keep this short.

Perhaps see this as a kind reminder: That despite this being ”the internet” with its own guidelines and proper behaviour, two wrongs dont make it right, ie describing someones posts in a condensending way - regardless of how repetitive that person is. 

I also hear people say that ”this is internet, i wouldnt say/behave that way in real life”. Behind every nickname is a real person. If that person would hold a monologue one is not interested in, one could 1) leave that person (equivalent of not read, just scroll) or 2) tell that person in a constructive way why that behaviour is not acceptable or why its in that persons best interest to adjust its ways. As you yourself mention, there are only as many ways you can hammer a nail down… If people dont take to heart feedback that is given in a constructive way, talking down to them rarely change something/someone either.

I assume that there are admins that could shut down accounts if someone is really misbehaving, and unless they are shut down - its just a behaviour im ”allergic” to which gives me an opportunity to reflect on my own respons, why it triggers me and what i can do to grow and become a better person.

Sorry for being OT :) Back to building, reading brick-related stuff and swoon over the creativity our community shows!

SilverLove

lowlead said:

Social media is poison.

Social media is what we make of it (says the person without any accounts except for a career-related one). There is also much good there: inspiration both in regards to lego, and other subjects in everyday life. I enjoy social media being used to raise awareness of different things, connecting people feeling lonely in being different, also like silly stuff like funny images - usually including some kind of animal, or posts about random acts of kindness.

My unpopular lego opinions, that have already been mentioned by others, are that:
• wishing for more condensed instruction manuals, somewere inbetween todays version and the ones from the 80s. <- pointing out that i dont mean to go back to the manuals from the 80s, a common reaction its seems when stating this opinion. That goes for both 18+ and 4+ or 7+. Those two hands in 4+ (?) sets really take up a lot of paper. My 4 y.o is by no means smarter than its peers and manages fine with the older style manual. When im talking of condensing manuals I purely look at it from the views of being more environment friendly: less paper + lighter content in shipping, + takes less space for customers wanting to keep/store manuals. However, if the newer versions are more inclusive (ie they are easier to read for people with disabilities or for other reasons need these modern manuals) im all for keeping them as is.

• the new roadplates included in the otherwise most exciting city sets in a long time (grocery store and school). I bought the grocery store as is, and donated the plates like i always do to my kid - who is not including them in any builds so far. Emassed so many of them, its perhaps time to donate them to some charity.
The school, i ordered brick by brick from Bricks&Pieces. It took some time to go through the manual and an excel sheet. But the satisfaction after building it withouth exess unwanted pieces….! so worth the cost and time.