Is it right to refuse to sell a MOC?

[pgplay]

Sariel, the situation would actually be funny if it wasn't so real and tragic. I very much appreciate the things you do, to be honest, a lot more than beeing handed instructions.

What you do is give us an idea and tools to creat something of our own. Making simple copies of someone else's work is dull.

Ignore idiots and keep doing what you do best.

[spadgy]

I know I shouldn't be surprised by anything in Youtube comments, but tha person's angle seems absurd. Youtube is a video platform; not a store front, so why he feels entitled to buy something from you is beyond me. I guess people don't like to be told they can't have something when they feel they can get what they want with their money. Still, with all that aggression from this person, I don't think he deserves much in the way of bending to his demands.

Anyway, I take a great deal of pleasure and learning from your MOC and review videos Sariel. And I've built plenty of elements and systems from your available instructions, from gearboxes to Schmidt couplings, and I've learned loads and always appreciated them (you may have seen me post those on Twitter and adding you to the Tweet). In fact, while I've enjoyed and appreciated many 'full model' instructions from other builders, I do get something distinct and valuable from the 'component MOCs' you release instructions for Sariel. Because your MOC instructions focus on one element or system, I'm more focused on that and learn more about it as I builf. With those 'full model' builds from other (again greatly appreciated!) MOC builders, sometimes I can complete whole sections of the model without really appreciating what system or function I've been working on, and exactly what's going on within it.

Keep up what you're doing just as you;re doing it, I say!

EDIT: Also, what pgplay said!

Edited December 2, 2015 by spadgy

[aol000xw]

I think I know what is happening....

[Sariel]

Anyway, I take a great deal of pleasure and learning from your MOC and review videos Sariel. And I've built plenty of elements and systems from your available instructions, from gearboxes to Schmidt couplings, and I've learned loads and always appreciated them (you may have seen me post those on Twitter and adding you to the Tweet).

I've seen your post, actually, made my day better every single time. Thank you :)

I think I know what is happening....

LOL, they're actually more into gaming ;)

Edited December 2, 2015 by Sariel

[Anio]

As far as I am concerned, people sell my MOCs instead of me.

[Geekphysique]

Sariel,

I can actually relate to this as it happens to me quite often (on a few other social media platforms). While I'm just an amateur when it comes to lego, I have a bit of a presence when it comes to Aquarium keeping.

Every time I post somewhere, I inevitably get many harassing comments from people asking me to build them custom things. Not even providing them instructions, but actually demanding custom creations.

In almost every instance people seem to think that because they are willing to pay me something, they feel entitled to it, a "No" simply isn't acceptable.

This tends to happen a lot in the US/Canada where the culture is significantly consumer driven.

My advice is simply ignore these requests, if you respond to everyone you will only frustrate yourself, and draw attention to someone that will only make it worse.

Edited December 2, 2015 by Geekphysique

[SevenStuds]

That's priceless, no really! You must be kidding? This guy is probably 14 years old, tired of playing Minecraft HD (Yes we know) and is looking for someone to bother.

Ignore it. No one is obliged to sell anything just because they published it publicly.

Which part of "Not a LEGO set and not for sale" did he not understand?

[Jeroen Ottens]

This guys logic reminds of this somehow:

It's OK if you disagree with me...

I can't force you to be right

[Ondra]

Its your creation, you are mastermind of your all action.If you want to sell it, then sell it or make instructions if you want .You are BOSS in this situation!

P.s.:Internet is full of idiots including me .Remember that, everytime!

[M_longer]

Ignore idiots, that's all I guess.

I have been asked many times about selling my MOCs, usually after that person heard price, conversations ended with "no way, it is just LEGO, it can't be that expensive".

[Sariel]

I have been asked many times about selling my MOCs, usually after that person heard price, conversations ended with "no way, it is just LEGO, it can't be that expensive".

I had a guy insist I give him a really huge MOC for free because it's his birthday. Beat that.

[Geekphysique]

I had a guy insist I give him a really huge MOC for free because it's his birthday. Beat that.

That's crazy. I had someone ask me to build a custom LED lighting rig for an aquarium. This light required over $1500 in materials, 90+ hours of soldering and assembly, and at least $500 just to ship it.

They wanted to pay me $200 and "advertise" my work for me

[TinkerBrick]

First impression: that guy was drunk. I mean like really drunk.

It is easy to say 'Ignore those trolls'. But I know it must be nagging oneself.

I appreciate it a lot how you and your hamsters contribute to the community.

Btw, isn't there some kind of 'Block' button to get rid of him.

[N-4K0]

Such a kind, understand individual this person is (yeah, right)

Lego is for everyone, but a model you designed and created, is technically yours. It's your work put down into design, creating, parts, even making instructions if you have that for the specific MOC.

If he really loves it, it's understandable from his side to some degree, but he can't demand you to sell it to him.

A no is a no, but unfortunately some people doesn't understand that.

[Sariel]

They wanted to pay me $200 and "advertise" my work for me

"And you can add it to your portfolio", right? ;)

[Jay Psi]

If you think that's bad, take a few minutes to find one of those "Sweet 16th Gone Wrong" videos and despair at the fate of the human race. I remember watching one where the birthday girl demanded her $50k Lexus be returned because it was given to her at the wrong time in her birthday itinerary, because her parents wanted it to be a surprise.

Unfortunately there are a lot of entitled people around and there's not much you can do but ignore them or, on occasion, turn them into sources of low-brow amusement. I've had to deal with this in a similar manner to Geekphysique, but for me, it is actually my job so I've had people haranguing me, harassing me, and (in one instance) assaulting me into accepting more work because WE WILL PAY YOU AND OUR MONEY BUYS YOUR CONSENT*.

Sariel, they're your bricks. You bought them, you build with them and should you ever part with them, assembled or in pieces, it will be because you want to do so.

*Actual quote, from the aforementioned incident

[Geekphysique]

"And you can add it to your portfolio", right? ;)

I get that all the time.

[JohnBS]

Pavel,

Of course, you are under no obligation to sell anything and anyone capable of emailing such a diatribe is someone I would want to totally avoid. I think that all you can do is reply with a clear NO in the first instance, then not respond at all to any future correspondence. To argue only encourages them !!

I remain greatly inspired by your superb books and your many helpful instructions and videos. Don't let the b*****ds grind you down !

Very best wishes and my total support,

John

[Scorpion]

Sariel, unless it has been commissioned by someone or you solemnly promised to give a certain destination, it's your creation and your property and you can do anything you bloody well want to with it, be it selling it, keeping it, burning it in a fire or build power armour for your hamster from its components.

Go forth and keep amazing us with your technic constructions!

[Paul Boratko]

I can't wait to see this video that he is going to make of how much of a wanker that you are...

I am going to take a wild guess and say this cat is from the U.K.

[Blakbird]

There's nothing wrong with someone asking if you would be willing to sell something. It is actually flattering that they appreciate your work. However, they often have no appreciation of the value of what they are asking. If you spent 100 hours designing something, then lots more hours and money acquiring the parts just tell the person, "I suppose I could sell it for the right price, but it would have to be at least $10,000 to cover my costs." If they think that's too much then they don't understand and no further communication is necessary. If they say yes, then you made ten grand. Some people are actually willing to spend that. You might be surprised! Probably not this wanker though.

[nerdsforprez]

Sariel, I did not read the whole post but I read the first few, and I reflect comments made by others that you absolutely do not have to sell or offer instructions.

I have followed alot of your work for quite a while, and am proud to say that your creations helped me come out of my own "dark ages" -- I say this because in the process I think I have learned a bit (just a bit) about you as a person. How people act online says an incredible amount of who they are (I, for instance was referred to as "Mr. Nerd" earlier today , a play on words based on my username to be sure but chose not to react because such as response says much more about the person on the other end of the social web than myself).

This applies to your query in this post. From the little I have gathered from following your work, you seem like a perfectly rational , logical person (other than the hamster infatuation ) who actually cares about what others think of him/her. I hope this does not offend, but I don't really think for a second that you think you actually have to provide anything to this individual. I think you posted this because you feel guilty, which is totally a normal, humane (not human) and IMO even reflects what a good guy you are. Don't let this bully manipulate your good-natured-ness into feeling shame or guilt. I see this everyday and I think it is a shame. People with good heads on their shoulders, caring, socially responsible people feeling shame or guilt because of the shallowness or laziness of others......You do NOT have to carry the burden of the sloven behavior of others.

Ignore idiots, that's all I guess.

I have been asked many times about selling my MOCs, usually after that person heard price, conversations ended with "no way, it is just LEGO, it can't be that expensive".

On a lighter note... @M_longer - I have loved your cranes for the longest time. I demand you make instructions for them.... NOW!!! :laugh:

[Saberwing40k]

I just love it when people with a massive sense of entitlement crawl out of the woodwork and whine about how what they were given not being good enough for them. Parents really need to impart gratitude and the idea of earning something to their children, which I feel is just not being done.

By the way, Sariel, do you think you could send me the 42052 Helicopter you have as an early Christmas present? Of course, I'm just kidding, but out of curiosity, what happens to the models you review? Do you part them out, keep them on display, or do you have to send them back to Lego? If you get to keep them, it might be interesting if you had a raffle or contest to give them to other fans. Although, you probably would not want to deal with that hassle. Although, if you were allowed to, they might make good prizes for contests on this forum.

[Tommy Styrvoky]

You aren't alone, I get plenty of comments of people wanting to purchase my MOCs, and also suggest that I should build a specific model next. Sometimes the suggestions can provide me with new ideas, but most of the time it's people that play WOT and want me to copy another tank from the game. I personally have been providing lots of images of the disassembly/building process, so I can refer them to that if they ask for instructions, but I understand that this is my hobby and in the end it will be my decision if a model could be replicated for instructions. My solution to dealing with these individuals is to ignore their comments if they persistently ask for instructions/purchasing my MOCs. Some people think the models are cheap and could be purchased for around $200, but they fail to understand the total price of the model, and the time involved. They think since it's Lego it is therefore cheaper, but the actual cost would be upwards of $500 for the bricks and PF components.

I wouldn't bother personally dealing with them, if they want instructions or a model, just tell them to make it themselves, it's not being a bad youtuber or person, it's your choice to show these models to the rest of the world. if they want a model so badly let them reverse engineer it. It is only Lego, it can be replicated with ease, as compared to something that is fabricated. I wouldn't let one individual get in the way of your channel, they are one of many thousands of individuals that watch your videos, most people appreciate your work, by complimenting it, but have the mental capacity to understand that if one says that it isn't for sale they won't ask about purchasing it.

Edited December 3, 2015 by Tommy Styrvoky

[dr_spock]

It is possible to block YouTube users if required.

https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/56113?hl=en