Should I share instructions for "Lego Ideas" project

[mihao]

I never submitted any "Lego Ideas" project, and I planed to do that now. So a general question is - if I have instructions for the project, should I share it on internet while running the "Lego Ideas" project? or I should hold it in private until my "Lego Ideas" project reaches its conclusion (approved or rejected).

Thanks in advance for your suggestion.

 

[NathanR]

I would say no.  If people can just grab the instructions and build your model, they will not be so keen to share the project and push to have Lego make it as a set.  Worse, if the project does not pass the final review, the instructions will make it easier for evil clone brick companies to steal.

[1963maniac]

25 minutes ago, NathanR said:

I would say no.  If people can just grab the instructions and build your model, they will not be so keen to share the project and push to have Lego make it as a set.  Worse, if the project does not pass the final review, the instructions will make it easier for evil clone brick companies to steal.

I agree; definitely, hold it in private until your "Lego Ideas" project reaches its conclusion.

[knotian]

I believe that if you submit you are prohibited from publishing plans.

[dr_spock]

The LEGO Ideas rules allow you share your build instructions.  What you can't do is sell them.

You MAY NOT SELL ANYTHING related to your Product Idea.

You may share photos and building instructions free of charge on your own website and online profiles. However you may not sell building instructions, custom kits, or anything related to your product idea. We will remove product ideas without notice if we learn you are commercializing content submitted to LEGO Ideas.

[MAB]

17 hours ago, NathanR said:

I would say no.  If people can just grab the instructions and build your model, they will not be so keen to share the project and push to have Lego make it as a set.  Worse, if the project does not pass the final review, the instructions will make it easier for evil clone brick companies to steal.

Worse still they can copy it before it gets to review. Plus someone else will copy and sell them.

[anothergol]

20 hours ago, NathanR said:

If people can just grab the instructions and build your model, they will not be so keen to share the project and push to have Lego make it as a set.  Worse, if the

MOC instructions is really a niche - if your MOC is very successful, at best a few hundreds will build it. That's insignificant compared to the 10k votes you need.
Very few people are interested in instructions - not because they're not interested in MOCs, but because gathering parts is painful & not fun.

So I'd say if you find your fin in releasing instructions, just do it. As written above, Lego only has a rule against selling them.

Now, keep in mind that you're restricting yourself if you suggested a buildable idea, considering that recolors are acceptable in an Ideas project.

Edited July 27, 2019 by anothergol

[mihao]

Thank you all for the responses.

The most risk comes from "someone will grad the instructions and sell them". I just checked the famous someone "lepin.com", and it really makes my eyes wild open. A lot of things are so familiar. Although, Lego ideas only prevents the author from monetizing the design, but who knows, if your design is already sold by someone, it is hard to imagine your Lego ideas project can move along smoothly.

Ok, seems like that holding the instructions myself for now is a better choice.