An Open Letter to The LEGO Group: SDCC Exclusive Minifigures

[AncientDayz]

Last I knew, this is a forum for adult fans of Lego. Hopefully at some point in our lives, each of us adults learned that we can't always have what we want.

Agreed. As I said before, I don't have a problem with people voicing an opinion to a company; maybe the company will see an opportunity to make money and will change policy. However, I do find any demands, anger, or crying about it being unfair a bit childish. A company has no obligation regarding its product for the masses. After all, if they make the wrong choice, they'll cease to exist if enough of their customers voice displeasure by using their wallets.

Anyway, you really did nail it. My father, grandfather, father-in-law, mentor, etc. etc. have all said: Life is not fair; deal with it. So a few people got (or purchased) an exclusive item: Good for them! There will always be things in life that I won't be able to get, and I'm sure there will be things I have that others want ...it's called life.

Anyway, almost done with that Sea Cow...

[AncientDayz]

But I was taught from a long time ago to stand up for what I believe in -- and to stand up for others as well.

Maybe I shouldn't open my mouth, but it's late; I have no filter - lol. I commend you on your willingness to stand up for what you believe and to stand for others, but (and I don't mean this to be harsh or to poke you) with all the crazy stuff in this world, is this worth the time? I respond to fires for the Red Cross in the middle of the night as a volunteer, and I help families that have lost everything. One of these little figures would melt pretty quick in a fire, and you better believe the victims are more concerned with their safety than their possessions. Wouldn't you want to fight and stand up for something that has a little more importance than not being able to get a molded piece of plastic which most in the world would quickly discard for some safe shelter, water, and/or food?

Maybe you already do a lot of that (I don't mean to judge or assume); if so, I digress. I just found that sentence of yours a bit "strong" for such a (in the bigger picture) meaningless hobby (even if we do really enjoy it and are invested in it). It's not like you are fighting an oppressive regime, company, or individual in this case - just a company that didn't make and release the number of figures that some wanted (at least they are still somewhat available, even if it's a bit of money).

Anyway, if this works for you, congrats. If not, I wouldn't get angry; enjoy what you do have. I work with many kids that don't even know when their next meal is let alone wanting or owning a single LEGO set.

[agoodfella77]

Why don't you put all of that effort into something productive like dismantling the NSA or something?

I'm good, but not THAT good.

Maybe I shouldn't open my mouth, but it's late; I have no filter - lol. I commend you on your willingness to stand up for what you believe and to stand for others, but (and I don't mean this to be harsh or to poke you) with all the crazy stuff in this world, is this worth the time? I respond to fires for the Red Cross in the middle of the night as a volunteer, and I help families that have lost everything. grats. If not, I wouldn't get angry; enjoy what you do have. I work with many kids that don't even know when their next meal is let alone wanting or owning a single LEGO set.

First of all, I think it's tremendous that you volunteer. Having said that, I do take issue with people who presume to know anything about me apart from my stance on SDCC Exclusives. People want to paint this picture as if this is my entire world and all I do is eat, breathe and sleep SDCC Exclusives issues -- nothing could be further from the truth (in fact it's a ridiculous charge). Lately, on this forum about LEGO products, yes, this is the issue I am the most vocal about. But don't presume to know anything about me from my posts about LEGOs.

And I will leave this food for thought -- when any discussion / debate or argument starts, the side that starts attacking the person rather than the issues (ad hominem) is the side that has the weakest case.

People are now starting to attack me as a person

Why don't you put all of that effort into something productive like dismantling the NSA or something?

This is not entirely unexpected -- but it does validate my view that my stance is stronger -- in fact much stronger.

Edited August 1, 2014 by agoodfella

[jodawill]

I'm good, but not THAT good.

First of all, I think it's tremendous that you volunteer. Having said that, I do take issue with people who presume to know anything about me apart from my stance on SDCC Exclusives. People want to paint this picture as if this is my entire world and all I do is eat, breathe and sleep SDCC Exclusives issues -- nothing could be further from the truth (in fact it's a ridiculous charge). Lately, on this forum about LEGO products, yes, this is the issue I am the most vocal about. But don't presume to know anything about me from my posts about LEGOs.

And I will leave this food for thought -- when any discussion / debate or argument starts, the side that starts attacking the person rather than the issues (ad hominem) is the side that has the weakest case.

People are now starting to attack me as a person

It didn't sound to me like he was attacking you. He (and I too) was just saying that with all of the horrible things going on in this world, this is a pretty minor issue to be so vocal about.

Just relax, man. We're not out to get you. It just seems like you're taking this too seriously. It's just a little toy.

[AncientDayz]

First of all, I think it's tremendous that you volunteer. Having said that, I do take issue with people who presume to know anything about me apart from my stance on SDCC Exclusives. People want to paint this picture as if this is my entire world and all I do is eat, breathe and sleep SDCC Exclusives issues -- nothing could be further from the truth (in fact it's a ridiculous charge). Lately, on this forum about LEGO products, yes, this is the issue I am the most vocal about. But don't presume to know anything about me from my posts about LEGOs.

And I will leave this food for thought -- when any discussion / debate or argument starts, the side that starts attacking the person rather than the issues (ad hominem) is the side that has the weakest case.

People are now starting to attack me as a person

Please read my second paragraph again. I even said that I don't want to assume anything about you and that maybe you do a lot of work outside of this issue. If so (as I said), "I digress." At no point am I attacking you as a person. I even said multiple times in this thread that I don't have a problem with voicing opinions, and I said that if this works for you, good job (and I mean it). My ONLY point was that I thought your one sentence was a bit "strong" because after all, this is just a hobby. If you take this approach with topics of even greater importance, I really do commend you. You SHOULD stand for your beliefs.

Anyway, I think I summarized my thoughts on this topic rather fully so I don't have much more to add. I just wanted to make one last post to make sure that you knew that I didn't (or didn't intentionally) make any of this personal. I'm sorry if you feel attacked. At least on my end, that wasn't my intention. Again, my second paragraph eluded to this.

[agoodfella77]

Please read my second paragraph again. I even said that I don't want to assume anything about you and that maybe you do a lot of work outside of this issue. If so (as I said), "I digress." At no point am I attacking you as a person. I even said multiple times in this thread that I don't have a problem with voicing opinions, and I said that if this works for you, good job (and I mean it). My ONLY point was that I thought your one sentence was a bit "strong" because after all, this is just a hobby. If you take this approach with topics of even greater importance, I really do commend you. You SHOULD stand for your beliefs.

Anyway, I think I summarized my thoughts on this topic rather fully so I don't have much more to add. I just wanted to make one last post to make sure that you knew that I didn't (or didn't intentionally) make any of this personal. I'm sorry if you feel attacked. At least on my end, that wasn't my intention. Again, my second paragraph eluded to this.

Thanks for your clarification.

And yes I absolutely do stand up for my beliefs. Big or small.

Just relax, man. We're not out to get you. It just seems like you're taking this too seriously.

I'm very relaxed. "Out to get me"? Even if you were, what are you going to do? Stab me through the internet with your virtual pitchfork? As far as LEGOs go, yeah, I take this issue pretty seriously. It's my right.

[agoodfella77]

He (and I too) was just saying that with all of the horrible things going on in this world, this is a pretty minor issue to be so vocal about.

I have to respond to your latest edit about "horrible things going on in this world".

This is such a non sequitur comment. Really, I have to object. I mean, yes, there are horrible things going on in this world. Frankly, there have ALWAYS been horrible things going on in this world. At the risk of digressing too far -- having said that -- do you even realize that on a relative historical basis, the world is the safest, most transparent it has ever been in recorded human history? But again, what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?

Taken to the Nth degree of absurdity -- why are we even discussing LEGOs at all? These are just simple plastic toys are they not? Why don't we focus on all of the "horrible things going on in this world"? In fact, you, sir, are a hypocrite in this sense -- if you were really truly concerned about "all of the horrible things going on in this world" why are you even debating this seemingly "meaningless" issue at all? Shouldn't you be out there doing something more productive? Oh no -- because that would completely undermine your whole argument or for your even being on this website. Let's compare all of the heinous and horrendous things vs. any discussion about SDCC Exclusives because this particular topic is so frivolous -- but any OTHER LEGO topic -- well, that's a different story -- other LEGO topics have true merit and gravitas -- other LEGO topics are on par with all the "horrible things going on in this world"....

Your logic does not follow because it is devoid of any. Not to mention the hypocrisy (and irony) is palpable indeed.

Edited August 1, 2014 by agoodfella

[MAB]

Um, no it absolutely, positively does not mean that I choose not to spend money to go to SDCC.

Some people from the US amaze me. Many are so insular. Many are so US-centric. The world revolves around the US amirite?

You do realize that LEGO is a non-US brand right? (it's from Denmark in case you were wondering) You do realize you are posting on a forum called "Eurobricks" not "Mericabricks", right? You do realize that LEGO is a global brand, do you not? You do realize that LEGO sells product all around the world? You do realize that not everyone lives in the US? You do realize that many non-US countries require a visa to visit the US and you do realize that many people will never have the opportunity to visit the US? You do realize that some people cannot fly (due to health reasons, medical reasons, disabilities etc). I mean really the list goes on and on and on. This default assumption that the only possible reason that someone could not go to SDCC is because they are a cheap bastard -- it's so profoundly ignorant, it's almost sublime.

Your assumptions are completely incorrect, and in fact are insulting -- to yourself -- because of your own ignorance -- and I don't mean that as a personal insult, I mean that at face value. You don't know what you don't know. Which is fine if you kept that to yourself. You make these "matter of fact" assumption (and in such a condescending way mind you) but the funny thing is -- you are completely and utterly wrong at times. The sheer irony is something to marvel really.

As I said, some people will never be able to go to SDCC (and not because they are cheap bastards).

I'm from the UK, which is in Europe.

Have you ever been refused a tourist VISA to the US? Virtually every European country has visa agreements with the US which makes getting one simple. Not being able to get a visa to visit the US is a fairly bad argument to use against exclusive lego minifigs only being available in one place.

I do realise that lego is sold around the world. I realise that some things are exclusive to particular regions too. Year of the Snake, exclusive to the Far East. Marina Bay Sands, similar.

These are comic book heroes from films, Hollywood characters. They are exclusive to where the studios choose to hold the conventions.

Edited August 1, 2014 by MAB

[agoodfella77]

I'm from the UK, which is in Europe.

Have you ever been refused a tourist VISA to the US? Virtually every European country has visa agreements with the US which makes getting one simple. Not being able to get a visa to visit the US is a fairly bad argument to use against exclusive lego minifigs only being available in one place.

I do realise that lego is sold around the world. I realise that some things are exclusive to particular regions too. Year of the Snake, exclusive to the Far East. Marina Bay Sands, similar.

These are comic book heroes from films, Hollywood characters. They are exclusive to where the studios choose to hold the conventions.

Thanks for your response. Europeans generally have no issue with visas to the US. Asia and other regions are not so lucky however.

Besides, even if someone who lives outside the US is lucky enough to take a trip there -- lucky enough to visit San Diego -- lucky enough to be there and attend SDCC, odds are they aren't making that an annual trip, every single year straight, until the end of time. It's frankly a crazy thing to ask.

But it doesn't have to be this way. That is my whole point.

Edited August 1, 2014 by agoodfella

[CopMike]

And now this thread has derailed quite a bit!

• Anyone who thinks the way the exclusives are given out/being handled/maybe not released to the general public - take agoodfella´s advice and contact TLG.
  
• If you don´t have a problem with it - don´t take agoodfella´s advice.
  

Thread put on a temporaly hold.

[TheLegoDr]

I am not trying to come off as a kiss megablocks or anything, but I think the above post by CopMike pretty much sums this up.

[agoodfella77]

Glad to see this thread re-open.

I would like to say that all of my posts in thread going forward will relate 100% to the topics at hand. I will not respond to personal attacks or baiting.

[dr_spock]

Did you get a reply from LEGO regarding your letter? What did they say?

[agoodfella77]

Did you get a reply from LEGO regarding your letter? What did they say?

Thanks for your question.

TLG has not (yet) officially responded to this Open Letter.

Edited August 4, 2014 by agoodfella

[merman]

I sent Lego an e-mail July 21st with basically the same message. They never even replied...

Edited August 5, 2014 by merman

[BrickG]

They're almost certainly not going to.

[CrazyDalton777]

I think its good that LEGO has exclusive figures. The figures offer a reward for getting to go to the event plus, if someone has that figure they may say "I might buy something to go along with this guy" and before you know it, LEGO has a new customer which brings LEGO more money.

As said, whining about it isn't going to do anything. This is what LEGO has chosen to do and it has been successful so they will keep doing it. If it failed then they would have stopped but they didn't so it was not a failure.

[Cwetqo]

Well, TLG was notified about this and here is their answer (official from LEGO Brands Relations department via Kevin Hinkle)

"We appreciate the feedback you are sharing and please know that it is being routed to the appropriate teams internally for review. We hope that you know it is never our intention to disappoint the LEGO fan community. We understand the perspective that you’re providing, but we also hope that you know that having exclusives available at an event such as San Diego Comic-Con is a routine activity for just about every major brand on the show floor. We are discussing ways in which we may possibly meet the needs of a Con fan and the needs of our LEGO fans beyond the Con, but we also understand that we cannot always make decisions that suit everyone. We value the connection and dialogue we have with LEGO fans, and we have many programs and opportunities in place that demonstrate our commitment to you. Again, thank you for sharing your feedback and know it is being shared internally with relevant decision makers."

[obsidianheart]

Did not actually expect to see an official response. Very cool that they did that.

[opn2]

Edited September 27, 2014 by opn2

[BrickG]

That's a non-answer that basically means "we're going to keep doing that, can't please everyone" ;p.

[agoodfella77]

Well, TLG was notified about this and here is their answer (official from LEGO Brands Relations department via Kevin Hinkle)

"We appreciate the feedback you are sharing and please know that it is being routed to the appropriate teams internally for review. We hope that you know it is never our intention to disappoint the LEGO fan community. We understand the perspective that you’re providing, but we also hope that you know that having exclusives available at an event such as San Diego Comic-Con is a routine activity for just about every major brand on the show floor. We are discussing ways in which we may possibly meet the needs of a Con fan and the needs of our LEGO fans beyond the Con, but we also understand that we cannot always make decisions that suit everyone. We value the connection and dialogue we have with LEGO fans, and we have many programs and opportunities in place that demonstrate our commitment to you. Again, thank you for sharing your feedback and know it is being shared internally with relevant decision makers."

That's awesome that they responded. Thanks for posting this.

Did not actually expect to see an official response. Very cool that they did that.

Very cool indeed.

Bravo, TLG, bravo.

Ecstatic that there's an official response. Hopefully now we won't need three threads of the same topic on the front page of The Embassy.

At least not until next year. This is nowhere near the end, this is just the beginning.

That's a non-answer that basically means "we're going to keep doing that, can't please everyone" ;p.

That's not at all the takeaway. The takeaway is the TLG is aware of this issue. The takeaway is that they are considering all sides. Small steps folks. If we continue to raise awareness and continue to let TLG know we want change, it's only a matter of time.

I am absolutely encouraged by this. It's fantastic news really.

[agoodfella77]

The posted LEGO response had me wondering why I didn't get one, and in fact, I did.

It was buried in my Spam Folder for some reason but it did come through a couple of weeks ago, and here it is:

Thank you for getting in touch with us.

We can understand how you feel about the San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) LEGO® Exclusive Minifigures. We do understand that loyal LEGO fans want to have access to all the items available.

I also like to collect as many as I can of a series. I would not personally recommend buying these items from scalpers who want to make a profit from them, as that is unfair in my opinion. I must say I would also love to attend the SDCC, but am unable to do so. We do appreciate your feedback and will be considering it carefully so thank you for your email.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

[uPDATE]

I just wrote them back to thank them for their reply.

This is fantastic news.

Edited August 7, 2014 by agoodfella

[Faefrost]

Bravo, TLG, bravo.

Ecstatic that there's an official response. Hopefully now we won't need three threads of the same topic on the front page of The Embassy.

The posted LEGO response had me wondering why I didn't get one, and in fact, I did.

It was buried in my Spam Folder for some reason but it did come through a couple of weeks ago, and here it is:

[uPDATE]

I just wrote them back to thank them for their reply.

This is fantastic news.

Well, TLG was notified about this and here is their answer (official from LEGO Brands Relations department via Kevin Hinkle)

"We appreciate the feedback you are sharing and please know that it is being routed to the appropriate teams internally for review. We hope that you know it is never our intention to disappoint the LEGO fan community. We understand the perspective that you’re providing, but we also hope that you know that having exclusives available at an event such as San Diego Comic-Con is a routine activity for just about every major brand on the show floor. We are discussing ways in which we may possibly meet the needs of a Con fan and the needs of our LEGO fans beyond the Con, but we also understand that we cannot always make decisions that suit everyone. We value the connection and dialogue we have with LEGO fans, and we have many programs and opportunities in place that demonstrate our commitment to you. Again, thank you for sharing your feedback and know it is being shared internally with relevant decision makers."

The posted LEGO response had me wondering why I didn't get one, and in fact, I did.

It was buried in my Spam Folder for some reason but it did come through a couple of weeks ago, and here it is:

[uPDATE]

I just wrote them back to thank them for their reply.

This is fantastic news.

Nice polite responses. Basically what they said is what I suspected. They have forwarded the letter to Marketing and events, and are probably dumping any inquiries there way as well (while lending moral support to the inquirer. Most CS departments I've encountered tend to get very ornery when problems from Marketing schemes or events land in their laps and increase their already very high volume. Especially for wholly internal stuff that they have no buy in, no feedback, no briefings and no recourse. They will forward every report, every complaint, every comment, every possible negative over to those that they hold as responsible.

[Jared]

For brevity's sake I'm going to just cut out the hypothetical situation I presented. You are right that it is not a perfect analogy, though personally I think it still has some merit. With a prototype, at least, you're dealing with something that was at one point supposed to be made widely available to fans, whereas with these exclusives that was never the intent.

No, of course not. As you say, you choose to be a collector. It's not something you're locked in to doing, and you're free to set different goals for your collection whenever you like. If you think the alternative to being able to get every single item you want (want, not need) is suicide, that's unhealthy, whether you are talking about LEGO or life in general. You are willfully putting your own life in the hands of a toy company that is under no obligation to accept your demands. Making the choice to try and collect a certian thing shouldn't mean giving up the choice to alter your goals according to the circumstances.

As I was trying to say, smart and mature compared to a child who has learned that sometimes you can't get everything you want, and you have to take no for an answer. That doesn't mean you have to stop wanting the thing, naturally. There are plenty of things I know I can't have that I would still like to have. Sometimes it frustrates me. But you shouldn't confuse that want for a need, no matter how strong it might be.

I respect your decision to make your opinion clear, and I appreciate that you were so civil in your reply. I think we are both a little bit frustrated by the way this issue divides the community, but we simply have different explanations for how the problem should be solved (if it can be solved at all). You feel that the LEGO Group should make all minifigures and sets available to every fan who can afford the cost. I feel that fans should learn to admire and respect each other's collections without feeling like their own collections are made less valuable by the existence of items that are, through no fault of their own, not available to them. Sometimes I am also jealous of other people for things they have that I want: a stable job, a loving partner, the means to support their families and friends, the skills and confidence to create things that are beautiful and admired. But I reserve my right not to let those feelings divide me from the people who have things I wish I had for myself. I admire their gifts and their good fortune, but I remain appreciative of the gifts and good fortune I myself am privileged to have, not bitter over those that I lack.

I like collecting things myself — growing up I've collected Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, BIONICLE sets and collectibles, other LEGO sets, coins, and all sorts of other things. But I do not think it's healthy for fans to set goals for themselves that they cannot change or control. Even if the LEGO Group did try to make all products available to anyone who could afford them, there's always the chance that you might one day find yourself unable to get a complete collection, due to financial trouble or other factors outside your control. And in that case, you have to be able and willing to adjust your goals to be more realistic. Collecting should be a fun hobby, not a burden, and when people treat a 100% complete collection as the only collection worth striving for, I feel they set themselves up for frustration and disappointment.

+1

Whether you like or hate comic con figs, LEGO is a company first and foremost. They're there to make money (by promoting a product). They could care less about stuff like "loyal customers" and "fans". Remember, to a corporation, a "fan" is just a person who will buy excessive amounts of product no matter what, because they like said product and want as much of it as possible. They are disposable incomes, like any other customer, and that's it. The only "advantage" is that these "fans" are willing to pay more to support the product. Industry 101.

I'm sorry if that sounds a little harsh on LEGO, but you should never lose sight of the main picture.