MOC sites

[jxu]

Is there any significant difference between different sites for posting MOCs, such as Rebrickable, Studio Gallery, or in pictures on Flickr/Instagram/forums such as this one?

I saw Rebrickable had an interesting Premium MOC functionality and looks more developed than Studio Gallery but all other functionality looks the same. 

[jxu]

For now I decided to submit to Rebrickable. I noticed Studio Gallery had many 3D model downloads disabled "due to copyright" even if they were original creations. Rebrickable seems a lot better in this regard.

[Murdoch17]

1 hour ago, jxu said:

For now I decided to submit to Rebrickable. I noticed Studio Gallery had many 3D model downloads disabled "due to copyright" even if they were original creations. Rebrickable seems a lot better in this regard.

I would agree that Rebrickable is the among the best choices for posting files (I personally just use them for compiling LDD files into lists to order things from Bricklink). I use their also-owned-by-them site Bricksafe for actual LDD files for the public to download as it's easier for me to post pictures to Flickr and LDD files to Bricksafe which are then posted together here on Eurobricks. But it's whatever is easiest for you, @jxu!

EDIT: more thinking,

Here is what I have found over the years (links to each site in the name of the site):

Flickr - generally for photos and videos and has a great community, though on the slight decline due to Instagram and Facebook. (same could be said of Eurobricks' community, sadly.)

Bricksafe / Rebrickable - twin sites owned by the same guy: the first is generally for files / pictures only, the second is a full fledged site with premium features, forum, and parts library

Brickshelf - the dinosaur from 1997 in the room (and after the fall of MOCpages, is the presumed next head on the chopping block.) Not trying to jinx it, but let's be realistic... it's on borrowed time. (don't shoot the messenger!) Try to avoid.

Eurobricks - you are on it! Great community, fun games, neat contests, awesome members. But, as said before, it's on slow decline, like most older sites, even Brickset.

Brickset - the no 3 site after Bricklink itself and Lego .com - great site with news, set tracker (VERY, VERY helpful!), and tips and tricks articles, plus tips on Amazon deals in your country... well, most of them.

New Elementary - this blog chronlicles the parts and pieces of Lego we all use, including new ones, old ones, and sometimes rare ones. Check it out for some cool tip[s and contest that will blow your mind!

Bricklink - They don't call it "crack-link" for nothing. You can buy as much as your wallet will allow,  but the'res always so much more pretty stuff in the next store! *sigh*

Lego .com  - official online store and website, usually goes down when new stuff is released and everyone is super angry. Also has Bricks and Pieces for ordering new parts in bulk, which may be restricted due to COVID depending on your country. See this licensed forum topic for more info on that feature.

If anyone has anymore, please add them below, I was just trying to get the big ones out of the way!

Edited August 27, 2020 by Murdoch17

[jxu]

Thanks @Murdoch17 for the detailed response. I used LDD looong ago but got bored of it and later I heard it was officially discontinued. The introduction of Studio is amazing and I was pleasantly surprised how usable it was from the start.

Studio gallery has many very nice builds, but otherwise lacks functionality from Rebrickable such as following builders and tracking which builds have been liked (afaik). On the other hand, it does sometimes feel like Rebrickable is trying to push their paid premium options, though that's a small nitpick and I support builders being able to sell their MOCs if they desire, because some are just that incredibly good.

Personally I think community run sites are more appropriate for sharing creations than image sharing sites like Flickr, but I think it's popular with photographers so there's already a large community built up there. I'm also vaguely aware of old user groups like LUGnet but I much prefer the structure of web forums.

I have not used Lego.com's Bricks and Pieces because I'm so used to browsing Bricklink. I checked it out today and it doesn't look like a good shopping experience right now: 5-7 weeks to be delivered, very common pieces out of stock, the prices are more expensive than new pieces on Bricklink, and the UI isn't convenient for selecting many pieces. I also have a local Lego store with the Pick a Brick wall but I haven't used it yet.

 

[Murdoch17]

8 hours ago, jxu said:

Thanks @Murdoch17 for the detailed response. I used LDD looong ago but got bored of it and later I heard it was officially discontinued. The introduction of Studio is amazing and I was pleasantly surprised how usable it was from the start.

Studio gallery has many very nice builds, but otherwise lacks functionality from Rebrickable such as following builders and tracking which builds have been liked (afaik). On the other hand, it does sometimes feel like Rebrickable is trying to push their paid premium options, though that's a small nitpick and I support builders being able to sell their MOCs if they desire, because some are just that incredibly good.

Personally I think community run sites are more appropriate for sharing creations than image sharing sites like Flickr, but I think it's popular with photographers so there's already a large community built up there. I'm also vaguely aware of old user groups like LUGnet but I much prefer the structure of web forums.

I have not used Lego.com's Bricks and Pieces because I'm so used to browsing Bricklink. I checked it out today and it doesn't look like a good shopping experience right now: 5-7 weeks to be delivered, very common pieces out of stock, the prices are more expensive than new pieces on Bricklink, and the UI isn't convenient for selecting many pieces. I also have a local Lego store with the Pick a Brick wall but I haven't used it yet.

 

No problem @jxu! I love your avatar, by the way: Junkbot and it's sequel - Junkbot: undercover were where I spent many a afternoon in the early-2000's. (and he has a un-printed figure in the new Haunted house Adventurers-throwback / Fairgrounds set... check out the disassembled robot in the attic!)

Back on topic: yeah, it does seem like rebrickable does push the premium end of things... but if they didn't, they might not even be around. You just never know what's going on behind the scenes! (not that I would know for sure, I don't work for them and don't have any "special access" or anything of that nature. I just use the site as stated in my previous post.)

Yeah, LUGnet was 100% before my time... and while Peeron (another ancient site) has instruction scans for older sets Brickset doesn't even have (1960's anyone?), it's loading times and page limits are totally frustrating.

Another note:

Have you though about joining a LUG (LEGO user Group), basically a Lego club for Adults with a Lego interest? It's pretty rewarding, and fun too! (Although shows are a big no-no right now, as you can guess!)

Edited August 27, 2020 by Murdoch17

[jxu]

I had a lot of fun with old LEGO.com games like Junkbot, Beltz, Dreamz, and World Builder. I'm in the process of recreating in-game builds with Studio and will most likely buy the parts to create them.

I've considered joining a local Lego user group, but like you said now is not a great time for in-person meetups, and I am kind of busy right now with work. But as I get more involved with the adult Lego community I do hope to go to some meetups or expos in the future.

[bruh]

@murdoch17,

I'm kinda curious about joining a LUG, but how exactly do I find a LUG? Is there a website to find and sign up for, or what?

[Murdoch17]

11 minutes ago, bruh said:

@murdoch17,

I'm kinda curious about joining a LUG, but how exactly do I find a LUG? Is there a website to find and sign up for, or what?

@bruh I'm not sure if there is a list or website devoted to every LUG, but depending on where you live, you could Google search '*insert city where you live* LEGO club'. If there is anything local, it should pop up. You could even search by state, if nothing too local pops up. Most LUG's have a Facebook page or website you can see where / when they meet, and go to a meeting to see how it goes.

Edited May 30, 2024 by Murdoch17

[Yperio_Bricks]

18 minutes ago, bruh said:

@murdoch17,

I'm kinda curious about joining a LUG, but how exactly do I find a LUG? Is there a website to find and sign up for, or what?

There is a official website actually: https://lan.lego.com/clubs/overview

[bruh]

Thanks!