Classic-Town User Survey

[WesternOutlaw]

Those of us who blog on Classic-Town can benefit from your feedback. Attached is a brief survey to tell us what you think of Classic-Town, and what we can do better.

Please take a few minutes completing the five poll questions and provide any thoughts/or comments related to the questions.

Your feedback is important to us!

[Ricecracker]

Well, I haven't voted yet, because I think you should make question #3 a multiple choice question. One thing I've noticed recently, though, is that you've been doing the bulk of the blogging, with contributions from the others once in a while. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's starting to feel like it's your blog.

It'll also be a bit difficult for me to answer question #1, because on Safari, I use something called Top Sites, so I only check Classic-Town when there is something new. Although there is something to be said for having it in my top sites anyway .

To answer question #2; no I would not like to see any other themes covered. It's really nice to have one spot to catch up just town and city news and MOCs. Many of the other themes already have their own blogs anyway, and if they don't, they'll be picked up by all-inclusive blogs, like The Brothers Brick.

Hmm... question four is a toughy for me, because I don't really like to rate things. I'd say it's average in delivering what you promise. Plus you chose a pretty high bar to be compared to .

For question five, I'll go with Vehicles (cars and trucks). I like building them, and seeing how others overcome obstacles that I can't. Emergency Rescue is a close second, for the same reasons.

[Klaus-Dieter]

Here are my answers/thoughts:

I visit CT only very seldom.

I'd like to see other themes included in CT. (But aren't there already other themes apart from City/Town?! If I remember right I commented in spring to some Ninja Fortress and another Ninja MOC.) Since Caslte and Pirates belong to the classic line of Lego themes I'd say it wouldn't be wrong if they were included in CT, too. Plus other themes with classic or very near to classic elements/structures: Ninja, Adventures, Western. Model Team/Technic would surely for some people very interesting, too.

I'd like to see more MOC highlighting/spotting. News about upcoming sets and reviews do imo mot make much sense to put there. Like on BB and many other websites then there is only discussed again and again the same which already has been discussed and reported on EB (at least in the most cases it's the case, not in all). But MOCs are something mostly inimitable since everyone has his or her own style and technic how to build.

Imo CT is above average. The banner and the design of the homepage are great - as do the articels with very friendly, interesting and sometimes even a bit funny explanations, descriptions and little stories.

I personally do like all types of Town/City MOCs (nearly) equally. Of course there are some in which I'm more interested (like e. g. shops, family houses, ...) and some in which I'm less interested (e. g. airplanes and trains). But imo it would be wrong to only concentrate on some of them and pass on some of the others since the mixture makes it - having different types of MOCs makes your site much more attractive and interesting than only to specialise on some few of them.

All in all I must say that you, WhiteFang and Hinckley are doing a great job with CT (as well as of course here on EB, too)! Keep on the good work!

Klaus-Dieter

[MetroiD]

I visit Classic-Town.net on a daily basis. In fact, it's one of the 7-8 sites which I've added to the LEGO folder on my Mozilla Firefox Toolbar and definitely the one I visit most often (the other LEGO blogs I follow are Brothers Brick, BrickTownTalk and Classic-Pirates). I rated the site "Above Average" in all fairness, even though I obviously love it, with some points deducted for failing to include a number of wonderful Town MOCs in favour of other creations which have not been that ground-breaking. But I'll expand on this later.

What I really enjoy about Classic-Town is the fact that the blog is not cluttered with tons of information. In comparison, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount of material that Brothers Brick presents to its readers - but then again, I guess that's only natural, since the latter is a blog which tries to cover absolutely every single aspect of LEGO, along with MOCs from all different themes (and mechas... and robots... did I mention mechas? ). Classic-Town, in contrast, focuses on one of my favourite LEGO themes - City / Town - and thus offers just about enough information for me to feel like it's worth being my primary source of Town-related information. I'm not necessarily a huge fan of the "Classic Town" style per se, especially not after the introduction of the Modular Houses standard, but I still enjoy almost all of the MOCs that are brought to Classic-town.net viewers' attention.

That has a lot to do with the C-T bloggers' selection of MOCs to feature. I really enjoy all the work that you've been putting into this, Brickster, and the thing I love most of all is the fact that you don't only feature MOCs seen here on Eurobricks, but instead constantly roam Brickshelf and flickr to find wonderful creations. Obviously, I enjoy all Town-related MOCs, but it's architectural creations that top my list - those MOCs that go one step higher up the ladder than, for example, the Cafe Corner and Green Grocer sets.

However, just like Ricecracker, I'm starting to feel a bit concerned about the amount of input by other bloggers on the site. I was thrilled when Dave (of ToTLUG) joined your crew since I regard him as not only a brilliant MOCcer, but also a great guy with an eye to fine detail - which shows in the articles he's been writing. I must admit though that I was looking forward to some more activity... I guess with Hinckley being professionally full-time engaged with LEGO now and WhiteFang taking a break, things are not running as smoothly as one could have wished, but on the bright side - I don't consider this to be such a huge problem. Especially bearing in mind that you're all sacrificing your spare time in order to bring this site to us. I have to say that I would however like to see more articles published by contributors other than the Brickster - not because I don't enjoy yours mate, you know I do - but because I'd like to have someone else's take on things also featured and I believe that would take a bit of the load off of TheBrickster's shoulders.

Talking about the crew, I must also mention that I thoroughly enjoy the range of themes included in Classic-Town, but I would most definitely be happy to see more articles like this one for example - which is not Classic Town in any way, but is still a wonderful MOC I would have otherwise missed. Another perfect example of a MOC I would have loved to see featured on Classic-Town.net, even though it actually belongs to a different theme, is for example Kingdom in a Box, which was an entry for a Classic-Castle contest, but is still one of the most innovative and creative MOCs I've seen recently. As you can probably tell, I feel that crossing the borders every once in a while is actually a good thing and the site must not remain limited to "City and Town only", let alone "Classic Town" only.

Obviously, my favourite part of the site are the MOCs that are featured there. And so it comes as no surprise that I would love to see even more of them - regardless whether those are MOCs posted here on Eurobricks or wonderful creations found elsewhere on the 'net. Furthermore, I feel that would up the ante a bit, which would also be a lovely thing. The features I least care about are reviews - probably since I hardly ever pay attention to those. I'm just not the kind of guy who likes to read actual reviews, especially not reviews of LEGO sets - even though I have been writing reviews professionally and have also tried my hand at writing reviews myself for the local Academy.

Adding some interviews with specific builders would perhaps add a nice community feel to the Classic-Town site, especially if the spectrum of the blog does get expanded further on beyond the horizons of Eurobricks. A good example of how that could be achieved in a most interesting way are the 'Behind the Helm' series currently produced for Classic-Pirates by Captain Zuloo...

Aaand I guess that just about sums it all up. Please excuse my rant, I sometimes tend to do these things, you know... I do hope however that I have been helpful in some way.

Edited October 10, 2009 by TheOtters

[mikey]

I really like Classic Town, and I visit every few days. I also visit Brothers Brick/ Model Building Secrets Blog with the same frequency. I do not really visit the Picture Share sites (brickshelf/ mocpages?, I'm not really sure what they are called!), and to be honest I rely on this site, plus Classic Town, to point me in the right direction to see outstanding MOCs!

What I value about Classic Town is the highlighting of really good MOCs, and I like to also see examples such as the Ancient Egyptian Villa, and the recent Chinese Garden. So I do like to see 'other themes', and not the mecha onslaught that Brothers Brick can unleash!

As for my favourate type of MOC, I am easy, I like them all, but I do think that the 'classic' should maybe limit itself to the Yellow MiniFig. As to me all Lego is Classic, but maybe the Licensed Flesh Tone is somewhat Modern? I don't know really but I hope you all continue with this Blog, because I do value it as a source of Lego Eye Candy!

I also think The Otters suggestion of interviews with builders would be a really good idea. Or some kind of Technique post, where we are given pointers towards developing a specific type of building style.

Edited October 10, 2009 by mikey

[Rick]

I definitely think you shouldn't try to expand into other themes. Classic-Town.net, coupled with the forum on EB is probably the best Lego Town blog, like Classic-Pirates.com together with the corresponding EB forum is the best Lego Pirates blog. Focus and build on these strengths. What I think is useless on the blog and not used very often is the comments. For most MOCs and other news posts there is a corresponding EB topic, which can be used for comments. What you might think of when you link off-site (i.e., not on Eurobricks) MOCs, is to create a topic in the Town or Train forum to discuss that MOC. I think that would work better to stimulate discussion. To illustrate, I never bothered to sign up to Classic-Town.net just to leave comments. I would prefer to do that on the EB forum.

Thanks to the team for all the efforts!

[Captain Zuloo]

Classic-Town.net is a fantastic website for town and city fans, and like Classic-Pirates.com it resembles it's matching Eurobricks forum. I think what Classic-Town.net suffers from though, is perhaps it has such an easy to use simple layout that it might be causing viewers to glance over it...then leave. A website needs to attract to the eye, and Classic-Town.net just doesn't have that WOW factor that Classic-Pirates.com or The Brothers Brick has. I don't mean any offence to whoever designed it, but I think it could be improved to appeal more to new viewers.

My 2c worth anyway.

[Davey]

Thanks for the feedback and support so far everyone! I must apologize for being somewhat absent lately in terms of posting. Work has been incredibly busy lately and I am doing a lot of traveling for work which is not leaving me as much time for other stuff as I would like. In addition, I'm doing a little contest on MOCPages which has been eating up a lot of my time as well. However, I expect to be back in the swing and blogging a lot more by mid-November! Thanks for the support everyone. I'm really enjoying being a contributor and I am glad a lot of you have liked my postings thus far. I promise I will try to be more diligent about it!

Much love Eurobrickers!

-Dave

[WesternOutlaw]

Dave: it's great to have you part of the Classic -Town blogging team. I enjoy reading your entries and I think you're a great contributor!

[Sajer]

I recently started visiting Classic Town and I find its pretty good, especially to get ideas on town layouts and how to display my vehicles. You guys shouldn't really expand into other themes, at most perhaps Creator houses, of which I have not seen yet while reading past articles. When you guys do touch on other themes such as Western or whatnot, there is still the connection to 'Town' theme which is good.

What could be improved should be the inclusion of news regarding new sets though, as one sometimes has to troll forums and websites endlessly just to dig out news.

Overall, there still is a good balance in article posting, with events such as competitions well covered and commented and also reviews of sets old and new. Review postings have been timely, just right for readers to decide whether to buy a set when it comes out.

Keep up the good work!

[WesternOutlaw]

For those of you who took the time to complete this survey and provide your feedback, thank you. I'd like to see some improvements to the site in hope of generating more comments and discussion, as few blogs ever receive feedback. I've been contemplating if I want to continue blogging after the end of October, but still unsure. If you should see a decrease in blogging, please know that the other Classic-Town bloggers, like WhiteFang, Dave, and Shadows will still be around. I won't be going very far as I'm still here within our Trains & Town forum, as well as other places on EB.

Thanks for your support of Classic-Town.

[BlueBard]

Please let me start congratulating you, Classic-Town team, for the amazing job you do since the start of your blog where I've had some times the honour of being included, so congratulations and thanks

Now for the survey:

-I visit your blog daily, even few times a day sometimes, as I consider it the best Lego City/Town/Trains "summary" blog in the net.

-I don't consider other themes should be included in your blog but the specifically related with City/Town/Trains.

-I would like to see more MOC highlighting (even if we use to see a lot ) but also more building tips (maybe some kind of "index"?)

-Campared to other Lego main blogs I consider yours "Above Average"!

-About my favourite type of MOC I like them all equally but as a Modular fan I specially appreciate houses and mansions.

Hope this helps!

[Adam]

I visit the blog on a daily basis, sometimes more, sometimes less - although I'm not a forum regular, so to speak.

No. There is the Town theme, which is comprised of its separate subthemes: City, Fire, Farm, etc.... And then you have Trains, which - although "town" related - is a theme separate from "Town." If this forum were expanded, then you would have quite a few subforums, since the only other themes that could be added are City, Fire, Farm, and the rest.

Captain Zuloo hit the nail on the head: Classic-Town.net's simple layout, though easy to use, gives the impression of a simple site. Take TBB, for example: it clearly states the contributers, archives, and multitudes of other categories, all in nice, mid-sized lettering. There are even LEGO.com and Flickr links on the left hand column. Meanwhile, Classic-Town.net has five categories, four pages, and a friend list. Presenting a lot of information in a handsome way gets people thinking that the site is well organized and extensive.

For me, this is an above average website. The only problem is that it looks small, even if that isn't true.

I'm a big Trains fan, so I chose that option without hesitation.

Classic-Town.net is an awesome site - but it suffers from some... difficulties that CP also faces. You guys are doing a great job!

[ILikePi]

I visit the blog weekly - there are so many LEGO websites that I keep forgetting to visit, and Classic-Town.net is one of them.

I would not like to see other themes on the blog because it's called "Classic Town" for a reason.

Out of all of the choices for question 3, what I would like to see most are more reviews of the week. I enjoy reading all good LEGO reviews, so that's an easy choice for me.

Compared to other well-known blogs, I have to give Classic-Town.net a 4 out of 5. You guys have great banners and visuals, and blog creations that are top-notch.

And finally, for the last question, I voted that I like all of the choices equally. There's too many to choose from!

Edited October 23, 2009 by ILikePi

[MetroiD]

I'd like to see some improvements to the site in hope of generating more comments and discussion, as few blogs ever receive feedback.

That's true, but I don't feel it reflects how people feel about the blog. In any case, a suggestion I have regarding that would be to remove the whole moderation process - any one of the bloggers should be able to remove stupid / offensive comments if there are such, which in my point of view is a better alternative than waiting half a day until your comment actually gets posted - by then that MOC you've commented on is already old news.

I've been contemplating if I want to continue blogging after the end of October, but still unsure.

Should be a tough call, I know you're really enjoying it... And so are C-T's readers! But whatever you decide, it's good to know you'll still be around slipping people the Johnson Rod

[WesternOutlaw]

But whatever you decide, it's good to know you'll still be around slipping people the Johnson Rod

Good suggestion Otters, and thank you. You always seem to bring a smile to my face. Better watch out for those Johnson Rods. You never know where they may end up.

[Ratshot]

Classic-Town is great, BUT I don't think that the Town forum has enough contests. (That doesn't include the Train Forum)

Some of the good points of this site are...

1. Its user friendly, meaning you can find stuff quickly.

2. The Mods and Admins seem to be very quick at there duties, not to mention that there efficient.

3. Its always seems to have fresh/new topics.

That's all I have to say

Ratshot

[WhiteFang]

First and foremost, thanks to all EB members whom have taken their time to drop their preferences inside this poll survey and to members whom have written their thoughts for the Classic-Town.net bloggers to share each other thoughts. Let's treat this like an ongoing Classic-Town.net open communication channel platform between us and the bloggers, so we are able to live up to the expectations to our readers. Your feedbacks are always appericated.

Lastly, I must apologise that for the past few months, I wasn't very active due to work commintments but I will try my best to provide the most comprehensive coverage that extends not only in Classic Town but as well in City aspects with some surprises, of course.

Adding some interviews with specific builders would perhaps add a nice community feel to the Classic-Town site, especially if the spectrum of the blog does get expanded further on beyond the horizons of Eurobricks. A good example of how that could be achieved in a most interesting way are the 'Behind the Helm' series currently produced for Classic-Pirates by Captain Zuloo...

We will consider this suggestion. Thanks.

I also think The Otters suggestion of interviews with builders would be a really good idea. Or some kind of Technique post, where we are given pointers towards developing a specific type of building style.

Noted. This suggestion will be taken into consideration for future planning. Thanks.

Classic-Town is great, BUT I don't think that the Town forum has enough contests. (That doesn't include the Train Forum)

There was an EBCTC held in April to May 2009. I just noticed that you stated this without including the Train Forum. We will take note of this. Thanks.