Unpopular Opinions about LEGO

[MAB]

7 hours ago, Lego David said:

like who in the world asked for a LEGO Shoe? Or a LEGO Electric Guitar? Or a Typewriter?

The typewriter is an IDEAS set, so 10,000 people asked for it.

7 hours ago, Lego David said:

I mean, sure, they are impressive on a technical level in terms of size and design, but after you've built them once, what in the world are you supposed to do with them? Just put them on a shelf and let them to gather dust for the rest of eternity.  

Yes, they are display models. Like the UCS SW range,  the Modulars, and many sets aimed at an older age range. A display model of an electric guitar is not really that different to the Saturn V or space station. Just a different subject.

7 hours ago, Lego David said:

Those types of products feel like they completely go against what LEGO is supposed to stand for (to me at least)... Build your own things, think outside the box, be creative. Yet those feel like their supposed to be treated simply as display models. 

Most sets are like that though. Very few sets are build your own things. 

7 hours ago, Lego David said:

Every time I walk into a LEGO Store and see all those dozens of black boxed sets, the first thought that always comes to my mind is just "soulless". 

I like them. If you don't, just look the other way. There will be many, many more brightly coloured boxes in your eye line instead.

[koalayummies]

LOL until now I hadn't seen the shoe. That's awesome. You will now build popular Lego set shoe and shoelace; shoe and shoelace, one is meaningless without the other.

[Lego David]

6 hours ago, MAB said:

The typewriter is an IDEAS set, so 10,000 people asked for it.

The thing is, I am really starting to question the LEGO Ideas 10k system. From what I can see, most people who vote for those creations are just looking around the site, and just press the "support" button because they think it looks cool, but have no real interest in buying it. With so many LEGO Ideas projects reaching 10k those days, it is hard to see it any other way. 

There is a big difference between simply pressing a button and spending 300$+ dollars on a set. 

6 hours ago, MAB said:

Yes, they are display models. Like the UCS SW range,  the Modulars, and many sets aimed at an older age range. A display model of an electric guitar is not really that different to the Saturn V or space station. Just a different subject.

I am not really a fan of those either, but those at the very least often include exclusive desirable Minifigures and that kinds of stuff. 

But still, I am not a fan of "Collector's Display Model" sets regardless of the subject. I cited those more as an example on how random those new 18+ sets tend to be.

While you could argue that the Typewriter was asked for, the LEGO Adidas Shoe was definitely not.

[RichardGoring]

3 hours ago, Lego David said:

The thing is, I am really starting to question the LEGO Ideas 10k system. From what I can see, most people who vote for those creations are just looking around the site, and just press the "support" button because they think it looks cool, but have no real interest in buying it. With so many LEGO Ideas projects reaching 10k those days, it is hard to see it any other way. 

There is a big difference between simply pressing a button and spending 300$+ dollars on a set. 

I am not really a fan of those either, but those at the very least often include exclusive desirable Minifigures and that kinds of stuff. 

But still, I am not a fan of "Collector's Display Model" sets regardless of the subject. I cited those more as an example on how random those new 18+ sets tend to be.

While you could argue that the Typewriter was asked for, the LEGO Adidas Shoe was definitely not.

While it's true that 10,000 people voting for something on Ideas doesn't mean that all of them will buy it, the Ideas platform does a few interesting things for LEGO. It most obviously gives them an idea of whether unusual sets may be popular. They know how many people use the platform, how many visitors/sessions they have on the site, and what proportion of people that view a page/project then vote for it. The metrics behind the 10,000 votes may be very revealing. But they only use Ideas for a tiny fraction of sets they release each year, so they may not need the metrics the platform provides.

It also allows them to try out new things that may be trickier otherwise. Would they have done Minecraft, sitcom sets, or buildable objects (in quite the same way) if it weren't for Ideas? I suspect that the Ideas platform means they can release stuff that doesn't fit into one of their existing themes very easily. Partly that means it's easier to market to consumers, but also means they can easily deal with internal company structures/budgets/politics, and find ways to test out or expand license partnerships.

And don't forget the PR it gives them. Ideas sets seem to be picked up by mass media far more than regular sets and the narrative around being designed by the fans appears to be compelling to both journalists and readers. Many in the AFOL community complain that 'Ideas is broken' because they choose fewer than 10% of 10k supported ideas to make into sets. And yet the other 90%+ of 10k sets also make great PR for them, as does the platform in general. How often have you seen something outside of the LEGO community where someone has written 'X could be a real LEGO set'. They write about the potential, without ever saying that it's extremely unlikely to happen, and even if it does it will likely be dramatically different. It's just a good story and another way to keep LEGO in the news in a very positive way. People want to like LEGO, and this is the kind of story that helps people continue to like it and think about it nostalgically.

And then, LEGO can use the Ideas for things like high quality buildable objects, see that it does well, and start targeting non-LEGO communities with things like the Adidas shoe, and they will sell really well.

Could you say that it's the Ideas sets that are responsible for the new 18+ Adults Welcome rebranding of Creator Expert? Maybe. I suspect it's at least contributed to it.

LEGO isn't always great at coming up with the best ideas for themes or sets. But they are good at shutting things down if they're not doing well - Hidden Side and Vidiyo recently. Ideas is clearly doing well for them.

[Peppermint_M]

The other things to remember about the 18+ things, LEGO Is cashing in on the trend of Adults indulging in their pop-cultural favourites across the board. Pop! Vinyl etc sell well because the handful of dedicated collectors who want them all are not the main target. They cover every possible thing you can imagine so that someone, anyone, will buy one if they think it is neat object. Here in the UK, they sell at £10 or a little less, so an impulse buy for the type of person who would want it and also a decent price for something to Gift to someone who is a fan of the theme. 

A forty-something woman wouldn't normally(per society norms) collect abstract caricatures of characters from TV. But she might want to get a Rachel Green Pop figure for her desk because she loves Friends. 

The same principal is there for the LEGO set, lots of people had LEGO as children, so it is a nostalgia hit for them. Then they find a "premium" looking set that is based on something they enjoy then they could treat themselves to it. 

Also, here in the UK at least, LEGO is being marketed as a nice de-stressing activity

 

Also, as anyone else mentioned: These days, Creator is the only theme that reminds us we can build LEGO sets how we want to. Go look for any of the Theme discussion (Especially in City) and you will find people demanding sets to fit their Collection requirements without a word for creating their own to fill the gap!

[MAB]

6 hours ago, Lego David said:

The thing is, I am really starting to question the LEGO Ideas 10k system. From what I can see, most people who vote for those creations are just looking around the site, and just press the "support" button because they think it looks cool, but have no real interest in buying it. With so many LEGO Ideas projects reaching 10k those days, it is hard to see it any other way. 

There is a big difference between simply pressing a button and spending 300$+ dollars on a set.

You did not say who buys a LEGO typewriter, your comment was who asks for one. By voting for it, I take that as asking for one whether or not they plan to buy one.

 

6 hours ago, Lego David said:

I am not really a fan of those either, but those at the very least often include exclusive desirable Minifigures and that kinds of stuff. 

But still, I am not a fan of "Collector's Display Model" sets regardless of the subject. I cited those more as an example on how random those new 18+ sets tend to be.

I am also not a fan of absolutely every set that LEGO currently makes or has made in the past. The company would be in trouble if I was, as it would be a very narrow range of products. For LEGO to be able to market products from DUPLO through to adults, from fire trucks, spaceships to buildable flowers or a ship in a bottle means that not everyone is going to like every product. If you prefer the more toy-like playable models, then there is a range for you. If others like the more build-and-done style display models, there is a range for them. Eliminating detailed display models just means that LEGO would alienate people that want detailed display models and lose customers.

I have Saturn V as a display model on my desk. I enjoyed building it. I enjoy looking at it every day. I won't take it apart and chuck parts in my MOC bins. I don't swoosh it around. I'm glad they made a beautiful display model instead of something half the size aimed at a kid that can be played with minifigures. Of course, they have also made a spaceship half the size with minifigures that a kid can play with (and done it many times) but I would not want those as a display model on my desk. If others want a typewriter, or a shoe, or a guitar, or a piano that plays tunes on their phone as it fits with their interests, then there are products for them to display like I display a rocket. That those display models exist takes away nothing from the range aimed at people that want to play.

[Lego David]

6 hours ago, Peppermint_M said:

Here in the UK, they sell at £10 or a little less, so an impulse buy for the type of person who would want it and also a decent price for something to Gift to someone who is a fan of the theme. 

The thing is, I really question how many non-fans just walking into a LEGO Store out of curiosity are going to buy those huge 300$+ sets. Dedicated LEGO fans who are already used to the price of LEGO surely might, but how many non-fans would? I am willing to bet someone who hasn't touched LEGO in years just randomly walking into a LEGO Store might get quite shocked at how expensive some of those sets can get. This is completely different from an impulse buy like Funko Pops. I'd actually even argue most people who buy those sets come to the LEGO Store specifically to get one of those big sets, it isn't simply something they see on a shelf and say "oh that's cool, I guess I'll buy it".

4 hours ago, MAB said:

Eliminating detailed display models just means that LEGO would alienate people that want detailed display models and lose customers.

I never suggested they should completely eliminate them, but that they should not oversaturate the market with it like they've done for the past year it (in other words, don't make those sets your primary focus). By making dozens of those black boxed sets, they alienate the other types of fans such as me that enjoys the toy aspect of LEGO more. 

Edited November 4, 2021 by Lego David

[williejm]

On 7/24/2021 at 10:33 AM, 1974 said:

 

The reality is that each novel set, seemingly strange licence, or risk taken in a new set opens Lego up to new people. That’s just a fact. I know friends who have never looked twice at a Lego set until one came along that burst into their world, such as ghostbusters, Home Alone or Adidas. 
 

 

( sorry, dunno why that quote tag won’t go away) 

16 hours ago, koalayummies said:

LOL until now I hadn't seen the shoe. That's awesome. You will now build popular Lego set shoe and shoelace; shoe and shoelace, one is meaningless without the other.

It’s the gateway set to the thigh length red leather *Kinky Boots* set 

Though … now that I have typed it, I’m realising a Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers set is a genuine possibility … 

[Peppermint_M]

The Shoe was a Cross Promotion with Adidas and "Sneakerheads" were the target market. Those guys will drop multiple 100s of $ and £ on a shoe that then sits in a box in a special case in their collection. I think a buildable shoe for them to add to this collection is a clever move. 

 

[Kim-Kwang-Seok]

3 hours ago, Lego David said:

The thing is, I really question how many non-fans just walking into a LEGO Store out of curiosity are going to buy those huge 300$+ sets. Dedicated LEGO fans who are already used to the price of LEGO surely might, but how many non-fans would? I am willing to bet someone who hasn't touched LEGO in years just randomly walking into a LEGO Store might get quite shocked at how expensive some of those sets can get. This is completely different from an impulse buy like Funko Pops. I'd actually even argue most people who buy those sets come to the LEGO Store specifically to get one of those big sets, it isn't simply something they see on a shelf and say "oh that's cool, I guess I'll buy it".

I never suggested they should completely eliminate them, but that they should not oversaturate the market with it like they've done for the past year it (in other words, don't make those sets your primary focus). By making dozens of those black boxed sets, they alienate the other types of fans such as me that enjoys the toy aspect of LEGO more. 

You mention one of the factors which I think is part of the downfall of this brand.

In the last years we saw TLG desperately trying to open the market further: digital stuff, social media, and Diversity. Yes sorry I'm going to go there: Lego came defacto from a time that used to be much more conservative and excluding in it's depiction of life. I know yellow figures are supposed to be without colour but in reality the only afro piece until the one for Fin Dameron or whatever his name was (Star Wars sequels) was a clown hairpiece. What I mean is that Lego was done for white guys and other people weren't considered. It's ok, different times. But as they already have exploited that group - kids or AFOL's, they try to reach an audience they haven't reached. Of course also due to the media produced which are doing the same thing; Marvels black Panther was a big cash grab. According to rumors the SW characters of Lando and Mace Windu were created for just this reason. Or does anyone think George Lucas cared or knew about the life reality of afro american people in the 70's?

I see many people being impressed by things like the grand piano or the TV show sets. People of different backgrounds and people who are no AFOL's. But overall I doubt this is enough. If you look at classic sets, Lego has been outrun by it's competitors already. I don't support them but I have to say the quality is already better (parts, prints, builds, colour consistancy) and due to a lower price they are able to build something worth getting.

I'm not saying even it's Legos fault. the alternative brick-brands will also get more expensive with time and Lego probably has it's own heavy structure causing the current prices. I'm just saying I doubt some diversity-AFOL sets will keep them where they are now long term.

[williejm]

Yeah, sure. This diversity stuff, I mean who is it even for? Women? People of colour? LGBTQ+ people? People with disabilities? Like they can’t buy stuff, can they? Is it even allowed?! 
Maybe have a look at what you’re saying … diversity is a thing, because people *are* diverse. That’s not going away. 
 

 

[koalayummies]

3 hours ago, williejm said:

It’s the gateway set to the thigh length red leather *Kinky Boots* set 

Though … now that I have typed it, I’m realising a Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers set is a genuine possibility … 

Mmmmmm!

2 hours ago, Peppermint_M said:

The Shoe was a Cross Promotion with Adidas and "Sneakerheads" were the target market. Those guys will drop multiple 100s of $ and £ on a shoe that then sits in a box in a special case in their collection. I think a buildable shoe for them to add to this collection is a clever move.

Plus its only one shoe! They need to complete the pair. I wish I thought of that. And worked at Lego.

[williejm]

Just now, koalayummies said:

Mmmmmm!

Plus its only one shoe! They need to complete the pair. I wish I thought of that. And worked at Lego.

If only there was some way to make a pair of shoes from a set of an individual shoe … 🤔

[Lego David]

31 minutes ago, williejm said:

Yeah, sure. This diversity stuff, I mean who is it even for? Women? People of colour? LGBTQ+ people? People with disabilities? Like they can’t buy stuff, can they? Is it even allowed?! 

Yeah, also known as the people Woke Culture wants you to think of as "diverse". If you want to be truly diverse, how about also including minifigures that belong to identifiable ethnic groups? Asian, Indian, African, Middle-Eastern, and the like? And while we're at it, let's acknowledge the all the diverse beliefs, religions and cultures of those ethnic groups as well. 

Yes, people around the world are incredibly diverse. So diverse, in fact, that it virtually impossible to represent everyone. But guess, what? Most people don't care. They would rather just have LEGO continue to produce quality toys instead of trying to stress themselves out by trying to be "diverse". 

 

 

[williejm]

1 minute ago, Lego David said:

Yeah, also known as the people Woke Culture wants you to think of as "diverse". If you want to be truly diverse, how about also including minifigures that belong to identifiable ethnic groups? Asian, Indian, African, Middle-Eastern, and the like? And while we're at it, let's acknowledge the all the diverse beliefs, religions and cultures of those ethnic groups as well. 

Yes, people around the world are incredibly diverse. So diverse, in fact, that it virtually impossible to represent everyone. But guess, what? Most people don't care. They would rather just have LEGO continue to produce quality toys instead of trying to stress themselves out by trying to be "diverse". 

‘Most people’ in the real world does not equal ‘most people’ on this forum. 
Try, and hope as you might, this toothpaste ain’t going back in the tube … 

[icm]

59 minutes ago, koalayummies said:

Mmmmmm!

Plus its only one shoe! They need to complete the pair. I wish I thought of that. And worked at Lego.

The set includes parts to be built either as the right shoe or the left shoe, obviously so you can buy two copies of the set and build a complete pair.

[RichardGoring]

11 hours ago, Peppermint_M said:

Also, here in the UK at least, LEGO is being marketed as a nice de-stressing activity

 

 

I'm from the UK but live in the US now. It's so strange, but British adverts (on the rare occasion that I see them) are actually a joy to watch, compared with the terrible stuff in the US (not that I watch them either much with Netflix, Prime etc). These are great!

[Toastie]

17 minutes ago, Lego David said:

But guess, what? Most people don't care

As I don't want to propel this subject again and again and again into a brick wall and overly ambitious discussion:

I believe what really helps in this regard is to replace "Most people", "all folks I know", "everyone", "the world", "many"  - simply with "I believe" and then reuse all the remaining text.

Just an idea. I have no clue at all what other people really think, maybe of a very selected non-representative minority.

All the best,
Thorsten

Edited November 4, 2021 by Toastie

[JaBaCaDaBra]

11 hours ago, Lego David said:

all the diverse beliefs

Yeah
And please let 'm not forget the Pastafari.

12 hours ago, koalayummies said:

its only one shoe!

Ha,
Even Johan Cruyff absolutely refused to wear any stuff with three white lines.

Edited November 5, 2021 by JaBaCaDaBra

[Peppermint_M]

You don't have to get started on this again. Please. Move past it, ignore it, but please stop beating this dead horse. We get it, your opinion is not positive in regards to these things. 

19 minutes ago, RichardGoring said:

I'm from the UK but live in the US now. It's so strange, but British adverts (on the rare occasion that I see them) are actually a joy to watch, compared with the terrible stuff in the US (not that I watch them either much with Netflix, Prime etc). These are great!

Dave also had "bumpers" where certain entertainment blocks were sponsored by LEGO. Those were fun ads too 

[MAB]

6 hours ago, Lego David said:

I never suggested they should completely eliminate them, but that they should not oversaturate the market with it like they've done for the past year it (in other words, don't make those sets your primary focus). By making dozens of those black boxed sets, they alienate the other types of fans such as me that enjoys the toy aspect of LEGO more. 

Who gets to say that the market is oversaturated with them? It shouldn't be someone that doesn't like them. If they sell, the market is not oversaturated. 18+ sets are hardly the company's primary focus.

And as for alienating people that enjoy the toy aspect more than the display aspect, is there really not enough choice in the 500+ other sets that LEGO produce each year. 

[Lego David]

6 hours ago, MAB said:

If they sell, the market is not oversaturated. 18+ sets are hardly the company's primary focus.

Well, that's the thing. Brickset recently made a survey to find out which of all those 18+ sets were the most popular, and indeed, only a small fraction of them were actually popular (with the people on Brickset, at least)

6 hours ago, MAB said:

And as for alienating people that enjoy the toy aspect more than the display aspect, is there really not enough choice in the 500+ other sets that LEGO produce each year. 

I may sound like a broken record at this point, but despite the number of sets produced being higher than ever, they just focus mostly pumping as many sets for the already well established themes like Ninjago, Friends, and City, which I don't even care that much about, and we don't get as much of the kind I would personally want more of. We still get stuff like Hidden Side or Monkie Kid from time to time, but those are much scarcer compared to the sheer amount of stuff they pump out every year for the "popular" themes. 

But hey, this is just how I'm feeling. If you're happy with LEGO's current offerings, than more power to you. I wish I could be too, but as I said earlier, every time I visit a LEGO Store or LEGO Isle, I always walk out emptyhanded and disappointed. 

[metalgeekzy]

So. I might get a little bashed for this. But this is just MY opinion. 

I was really big into legos during the 90s and very early 2000s. And the colors were a lot more basic. Like, i look at the Classic sets you can get at walmart. And im like, where did this rainbow of colors come from? It would be nice to buy something like that with just basic basic colors. Back in my day (ya i know, kids get off my lawn) you could get bucket with just basic bricks with basic colors. Now its like, im swimming in a sea of purple and 4 shades of yellow and how many blues do we need? 

Dont get me wrong. Its nice having some of these to kinda flush out some builds. But finding any set with a decent collection of white basic bricks is unicorn rare these days. 

[JaBaCaDaBra]

2 hours ago, metalgeekzy said:

legos

There is no such thing as "legos"
LEGO is a brandname

[danth]

6 hours ago, JaBaCaDaBra said:

There is no such thing as "legos"
LEGO is a brandname

Meh, that's on them, not us. Maybe they should put "LEGO Bricks" on the box. Or make other toys that aren't bricks so we'd have to specify.