CUUSOO Corner

samiam391

I think people know that they wont get the set that they see. But it was the same with minecraft people knew they wont get those sets but will get something. And it sold very well

I think some people do, but most people don't. If you read the comments, it's obvious that a lot of the people supporting are very young kids... and they all seem to be swept away by the, fake, for lack of a better word, presentation.
That's just my opinion.

graphite

Whether it sells well after LEGO designs its version or whether people like LEGO's version more or less than the proposed one is all on LEGO's shoulders. I'm sure they are smart enough to know that some of the votes are based on the presentation of the original idea and if they don't deliver then it might not sell as well.

samiam391

Whether it sells well after LEGO designs its version or whether people like LEGO's version more or less than the proposed one is all on LEGO's shoulders. I'm sure they are smart enough to know that some of the votes are based on the presentation of the original idea and if they don't deliver then it might not sell as well.

Oh, I have no doubt, and would definitely agree.
I just feel really bad for the FIRST LEGO Cuusoo project that was made in January and isn't getting any credit whatsoever, just because their presentation wasn't as clean.

graphite

^ Yeah but it has been mentioned before in other people's comments on others submissions how much having a good presentation matters. Half made sets, not very detailed concepts, no actual LEGO built model etc are all things that would shy people away from them. Honestly I'm one of them that closes things fast if the initial image doesnt catch my attention. The concept might be awesome but I don't even read past the main title if that top picture doent interest me.

samiam391

^I'm much the same way. The only thing is that the presentation on the Portal Project isn't actually LEGO, namely the first image, but also a few of the others.
Meanwhile, the other project, while somewhat un-attractive no doubt, is all and real LEGO. I just hope that person gets the credit they deserve. If not for the sets, at least for the idea. No doubt "Brickthing" copied off of him for the idea, saw it was popular, and then just made it more presentable. But I could just be over-assuming.

bricksan

I did a round up of what I think are 10 of the best modular building projects on Cuusoo right now. I did not feature the Apple building or the MOTO one as I had already featured them before but the others in the list are pretty cool:

http://brickfanatics.co.uk/modular-cuusoo-projects/

Crowkillers

I did a round up of what I think are 10 of the best modular building projects on Cuusoo right now. I did not feature the Apple building or the MOTO one as I had already featured them before but the others in the list are pretty cool:

http://brickfanatics.co.uk/modular-cuusoo-projects/

I am glad that you took the time to make that list and post that link, they all got a support from me... Well the 8 of them that I wasn't already supporting...;) I also like this modular Lego Store...

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/10367

bricksan

Yeah I wasn't too keen on that one myself, that is why I left it off.

Redbullgivesuwind

I think some people do, but most people don't. If you read the comments, it's obvious that a lot of the people supporting are very young kids... and they all seem to be swept away by the, fake, for lack of a better word, presentation.
That's just my opinion.

To be honest I hadn't read the comments. It usually makes me lose the will to live.

As for the modular lego store that's just scary. Lego buying lego....its like the final scene in men in black. We could all just be minifigures.

andhe

That's crazy, it's jumped into second place. Any idea what site/celebrity has been plugging it?

Doesn't half to, I don't think...

I think you're all WAY underestimating how big Portal really is... It has sold tens of millions of copies, it is huge in many ways beyond normal "video gamers" because of the generally non-violent puzzle solving nature of it.

If you have 50 million fans of something, finding 10,000 of them to support Lego Portal should not be hard.

This is 50 times the size of Minecraft, and will sell very, very, very well. I did not buy Minecraft, I've never heard of Minecraft before this, but I love playing Portal and will buy this when they make it (which is almost a sure-thing at this point)

I appreciate the popularity of the game, no doubt. But for something to get a sudden surge in votes implies that someone somewhere has been plugging it, be that a lego fan site or gaming site. We've seen how difficult it is for 'just AFOLs' to get something greenlit so the surge would imply that it has reached a wider voting audience in the way minecraft and others did. Just wondered if anyone had an idea as to where from?

cheshirecat

Almost 7,200 votes for the portal project now. Not going to be long.

Not sure why the bother with minifig postures - Lego do it all the time on every bit of marketing I've seen over the last few months. The Olympic minifigs being just one recent example.

atkinsar

^^ It was on Wired.com I know that for sure, not sure where else, not much came up when I googled "cussoo portal"

cheshirecat

Theres a brief mention of it on the steam forums, but not enough to make a big impact.

andyscouse

I did a round up of what I think are 10 of the best modular building projects on Cuusoo right now. I did not feature the Apple building or the MOTO one as I had already featured them before but the others in the list are pretty cool:

http://brickfanatics.co.uk/modular-cuusoo-projects/

Thanks for that link! Yes, I love those buildings (and was supporting 3 already - especially the courthouse, which I think is spectacular).

andyscouse

Decided to put yet another model on CUUSOO to see how it fares, this time it's of a music recording studio. Would greatly appreciate any support.

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/20284

I like this, especially the soundproofing and the mixing desk. I think it would fare better if it were 'built out' more - ie, had all its external walls, and a removable roof. But as it stands, I like it!

CCC

I like the recording studio too. But it looks too plain empty of figs. You really need to show a band recording something.

bricksan

Thanks for that link! Yes, I love those buildings (and was supporting 3 already - especially the courthouse, which I think is spectacular).

No probs pal, it would be cool to see one hit 10k to see what Cuusoo do with it.

SilentMode

I like the recording studio too. But it looks too plain empty of figs. You really need to show a band recording something.

Like the last picture? :|

samiam391

Not sure why the bother with minifig postures - Lego do it all the time on every bit of marketing I've seen over the last few months. The Olympic minifigs being just one recent example.

Yes, I realize this. It's not just the minifigure posture though. Look at that picture, and none of those pieces, except for maybe two, are real LEGO pieces.

CCC

I like the recording studio too. But it looks too plain empty of figs. You really need to show a band recording something.

Like the last picture? :|

To me, the last picture is concentrating on people in the waiting area outside - I meant seeing the band inside the recording part of the studio. Is someone actually in there? Maybe a shot from a different angle is needed.

Redbullgivesuwind

^^There are pictures below that which have been done in LLD as they mention in the comment that they like his model suggestions. So o dont think its just an idea that people are voting for.

CCC

Like the last picture? :|

It might also be worth picking up a brickforge guitar, to help show what could be done if Lego made a piece.



I think I have some spare acoustic and electric ones somewhere if we do another trade at some stage.

Or maybe make one from other parts ...



Hell, stick Spinal Tap in there, and you would probably get to 10000 from their fans, although this obviously changes the focus of the submission.

andhe

It might also be worth picking up a brickforge guitar, to help show what could be done if Lego made a piece.

I think I have some spare acoustic and electric ones somewhere if we do another trade at some stage.

Or maybe make one from other parts ...

Hell, stick Spinal Tap in there, and you would probably get to 10000 from their fans, although this obviously changes the focus of the submission.

Or the official CMF 'flying V'?... With custom DOBLY sound system :P

atkinsar

Thinking with Portals hit 10,000 votes earlier today, strangely can't view the project on CUUSOO at the moment, but here it is saying its in the review stage: http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/18258#

No comment from the CUUSOO team yet.

LegoFanTexas

Notice that Portal passed 1,000, then 5,000 so quickly, there is no comment at the usual 1,000 supporters mark, it went that fast...

Amazing, really. ;)

501Medic

So about 5 days ago V&A Steamworks put out a GREAT Kickstarter Project for a deck of cards.

Now it has vanished.

Anyone hear anything about this?

As a significant backer, I am just wondering what happened... I thought it was a great project.

Cheers,

501Medic

LegoPodcaster

I am wondering the same thing. He hit the 1st stretch goal and then it just vanished.

LegobrandonCP

LEGO copyright? The cards do look pretty cool.

ringleheim

Cuusoo is turning into a big disappointment for me at least.

If you spend enough time studying the projects there, you will quickly see that the best, most mind blowing MOCs usually have 347 votes. And then things like these little Portal ideas hit 10,000 in a week.

Cuusoo may be a marketing success from Lego's perspective as it does seem like many of the successful projects are catching the attention of non-Lego types.

But as a way of getting really cool Lego sets made for Lego fans, it stinks! I think this Portal set will have a great shot at being made. And then all of the officially made sets will be universally boring, small, and "who cares" type creations.

All while some brilliant stuff sits around at 266 votes.

Cuussoo simply proves what herd animals people are! If you build something associated with the right theme, and do an acceptable job of it, you will get the herd of fans to rally round and vote.

It is precisely these same voters, however, who will not buy these sets once they are released! Mark my words. They will leave Lego high and dry every time.

And I'm a huge Portal 2 fan! Just finished the game a few months ago and thought it was brilliant.

These sets are "ok" but not brilliant Lego creations. So the voting power of "the herd of non-Lego fans" outweighs the creative power of some brilliant MOCs made by Lego fans at cuusoo...again.

I don't like that.

Maybe that is precisely what Lego wanted with Cuusoo...a way to bring in non-Lego people. As a Lego person however, this make me lose interest in the whole Cuusoo thing rather quickly.

LegoFanTexas

^ I suspect the market for huge Lego sets is not that large, thus not as many votes.

For the record, I have every intention of buying the Portal sets when released, the presentation was really well done and Portal is one of the best games released in the past 10 years.

Reekardoo

I really like this - and think it deserves some support
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/17865

As for Portal 2 I won't buy the set if it makes it! Presentation isn't all. The game is phenomenal but not everything can be turned to LEGO and still be smart. I'd be disappointed with a LEGO portal 2 set despite how great a design it might be.
There are so many fantastic things on CUUSOO and most people don't bother to check the projects over the 5th discover page. Now that's a shame. They should make random publications in the front page so everybody could get some exposure and they should trim some projects down as they clearly demonstrate no viability and even conflict with LEGO and CUUSOO prerrogatives.

SilentMode

All right, I've updated my studio project with some new photos of the studio with figures in it.

I'm also running a poll for a specific (fictional) band or act to be in the set, so go and vote and/or make some more suggestions.

I had thought about using the Brickforge guitars (I have two of them somewhere) and perhaps drumsticks, but I didn't want to "cheat" by using non-LEGO parts in the project - although some may be able to get away with it.

caperberry

Really cute idea @SilentMode and a fun couple of minutes looking at your hilarious acts! Brickney got a vote just for the pun alone.

khmellymel

I'd buy the Portal set if the cubed rooms were companion cubes on the outside, LOL.

legohead

What about a Monster Truck, here's the link: http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/20451

Perijove

I figure that it's about time I mention my own CUUSOO model here. It is the Mars Science Laboratory rover, named Curiosity and it is landing early next month, August 2012. It will investigate the habitability of Mars.

The project hasn't done too badly gathering support considering it is mostly an educational model and is not based on a popular video game or other license. It does, however, boast plenty of working features that make the play experience out of this world! I am a Mechanical Engineer who worked on the real Curiosity rover at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which helped me to create as accurate of a model as possible .

As an added treat, I've just updated the CUUSOO page with links to a LEGO Digital Designer file along with step-by-step .pdf instructions that I created myself for any fans or educators who are interested in the model and can't wait for it to get enough support.

ringleheim

LegoFanTexas said:

^ I suspect the market for huge Lego sets is not that large, thus not as many votes.

For the record, I have every intention of buying the Portal sets when released, the presentation was really well done and Portal is one of the best games released in the past 10 years.

I'm not talking about huge kits here necessarily. Some of the tastiest things at Cuusoo are small. The micro Star Wars collection is a good example. I also really like the trebuchet which only has a little over 100 parts.

Portal is a great video game. That doesn't make it a great Lego set. I like what this guy at Cuusoo did with it; it represents the game well. But it's just a small display piece devoid of playability/functionality. It looks like something Cuusoo creators would have commissioned from Lego to present to their corporate clients as a polished little display piece.

It just doesn't do anything for me, nor does it represent clever/sophisticated Lego building. It's just a corporate gift being ram-rodded through the system by marketing and the video game's widespread appeal. As Lego enthusiast, that process or system doesn't really help me!

ringleheim

ringleheim said:

LegoFanTexas said:

^ I suspect the market for huge Lego sets is not that large, thus not as many votes.

For the record, I have every intention of buying the Portal sets when released, the presentation was really well done and Portal is one of the best games released in the past 10 years.

I'm not talking about huge kits here necessarily. Some of the tastiest things at Cuusoo are small. The micro Star Wars collection is a good example. I also really like the trebuchet which only has a little over 100 parts.

Portal is a great video game. That doesn't make it a great Lego set. I like what this guy at Cuusoo did with it; it represents the game well. But it's just a small display piece devoid of playability/functionality. It looks like something Cuusoo creators would have commissioned from Lego to present to their corporate clients as a polished little display piece.

It just doesn't do anything for me, nor does it represent clever/sophisticated Lego building. It's just a corporate gift being ram-rodded through the system by marketing and the video game's widespread appeal. As Lego enthusiast, that process or system doesn't really help me!

Sorry! Meant to say "Portal Creators would havecommissioned from Lego to present to their corporate clients".

LegoFanTexas

ringleheim said:

I'm not talking about huge kits here necessarily. Some of the tastiest things at Cuusoo are small. The micro Star Wars collection is a good example. I also really like the trebuchet which only has a little over 100 parts.

I'm assuming you mean this:

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/783

If so, that is indeed nice and all, it seems like some thought was put into it. But that would take, what, 10 minutes to put together and cost $20?

Is it fine and all, but it isn't anything put a curious thing.

Give me a 1,000 part version that is 2 feet tall, and I'll be more impressed. But then that is what I have found I really like about Lego, the really big display sets. The small stuff, less so.

The one great exception to this is the Architecture line, my wife has been building those and indeed they are cute. Don't really interest me, but I can see why they are of interest to some people, and we have a shelf of them on display.

She just built the Big Ben set, nice considering the small number of parts, but I'd prefer a Tower Bridge sized version of Big Ben, that one I'll build.

My 2.3 cents worth.

richo

Well, my re-modelled Mos Eisley Cantina has gone careering past the 100 mark. lol.

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/16506

dougts

supported both:
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/783
and
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/3431

to me, this is exactly what Cuusoo should be about: interesting, unique, original designs in a size/price point that is realistic for production. The vast amount of things on Cuusoo are either licensed or massive 10,000 piecs MOCs. The former don't interest me, for reasons discussed previously, and the latter are completely unrealistic for production/sales reasons.

ringleheim

Yep, that's the trebuchet I was talking about! I would like it in a much bigger size as well, but it's still an interesting and outside the box piece of Lego design.

I suppose my point is that "success" at Cuusoo is seemingly defined by getting a small army of voters behind a concept, based not on the concept itself as a Lego creation, but the underlying IP and the success/popularity of that.

It should be precisely the opposite: the stuff that gets 10,000 votes and made by Lego should be unbelievably clever, interesting pieces of Lego design. If they happen to jive with pre-existing interest in some movie or video game, so be it.

The wrong dynamic is pushing the successful projects through Cuusoo at the moment.

Off-topic, but I also find the architecture kits confusing. Some are more clever/impressive than others. I currently own Brandenburger Tor (built and on display) and Big Ben (still in box waiting to open).

I think it took me 15 minutes to build Brandenburger Tor, and afterward, was left with a somewhat hollow, unfulfilled feeling. I was kind of like "What's the point here excactly?"

They are just too small with too few pieces to warrant real interest on my part, even if a multitude of them on display does look pretty cool. They definitely make more sense displayed in a group of 5 than they do on their own.

samiam391

UPDATE on my Combine-able Battlepacks idea. New sets- Theed Palace.

If you have questions about the set or idea, or even have an idea for another iconic movie scene that I could create, please let me know! I love to hear feedback and always want to try to improve my project towards the best wishes of the LEGO community!

LegoPodcaster

Another project with "Inappropriate content."

http://technabob.com/blog/2012/07/26/street-fighter-ii-minifigs/

BuriedinBricks

Not really shocked by this. Is Street Fighter even relevant anymore, outside of the random Marvel vs. Capcom game?

The_Brick_Builder

It's a game about fighting, what to expect?

LegoFanTexas

The_Brick_Builder said:

It's a game about fighting, what to expect?

Well lets see...

Star Wars
Lord of the Rings

Need I say more? Truth be told, TLG breaks this rule when there is enough money on the table, and Street Fighter isn't it.

forumreader

iccarus said:

Not really shocked by this. Is Street Fighter even relevant anymore, outside of the random Marvel vs. Capcom game?

Street Fighter IV sparked a huge revival for fighting games. It's a pretty popular license.

Interesting side note: Sanrio, another company with a clean, fun-first image, recently partnered with Capcom for a Hello Kitty X Street Fighter merchandise line.

lulwut

Yes, the influx of new fighting games coming out are in part due to Street Fighter IV. I don't play them anymore but still watch the pros play.

I think this would have done superbly as a cuusoo exclusive; it's one of the most iconic franchise in the video game world. But whatever Lego.

Coolsplash

Seeing the Street Fighter mini figures, my 8 year old son is now trying to read information on how to make his own customized mini figures, as these mini figures are that amazingly designed. Too bad they didn't make it through Cussoo.