Community Poll: The Future of Eurobricks & Alternative Brands (multiple choice)

[Jim]

Our Community & New Horizons
Eurobricks has always been built on a simple foundation: a respectful, open, and passionate community of builders. Following our recent announcement that Eurobricks is no longer partnered with LEGO, some of the platform restrictions we previously operated under might no longer apply.

This new freedom allows us to consider options that were previously off-the-table. Most notably, whether Eurobricks needs to open up to other ethical, high-quality brick manufacturers. And if so, in what manner.

Eurobricks’ Core Stance
Eurobricks exists to let builders interact, share creations, and discuss the hobby, not to police or regulate vendors. However, maintaining community integrity remains our top priority. We have long been a LEGO only forum (with some exceptions), but we see the world around us is changing. And it might be time to change with it.

If we expand (and you have a say in that), we will only welcome companies that respect intellectual property and independent creators. This is of utmost importance to us.

Quick Summary of Our Standards
Whitelisted (Allowed): Companies producing 100% original designs (e.g., Cobi, Mega), official media license holders (e.g., Pantasy, Keeppley), and brands that formally contract and pay AFOL MOC designers (e.g., CaDA, BlueBrixx).
Blacklisted (Banned): Direct 1:1 set clones (Lepin-style knockoffs), stolen fan MOCs, unauthorized pop-culture IP, and counterfeit minifigures.

Member Poll
We want your feedback on how Eurobricks should handle legitimate IP-respecting third-party brands. We have outlined four potential paths forward:

• Option 1: Only LEGO (No Change)
  • Do not open up to legitimate 3rd party brands at all; keep Eurobricks strictly LEGO-focused (with some exceptions).
• Option 2: Single Dedicated Forum
  • Open up to approved brands inside a dedicated "Alternative Brick" forum, keeping main forums LEGO-only.
• Option 3: Separate Brand (Sub)Forums
  • Open up to approved brands with dedicated, individual (sub)forums for major companies (e.g., Cobi Forum, CaDA Forum, Mega Forum).
• Option 4: Fully Integrated (No Brand Separation)
  • Open up with no brand separation at the forum level at all, allowing builds and sets from approved brands in main theme sections using mandatory thread tags (e.g., 

Please vote in the poll above and leave your thoughts, questions, or suggestions in the replies below. Whether you are a LEGO traditionalist or excited for new building systems, your voice matters as we shape the next chapter of Eurobricks together.

Edited August 2 by aFrInati0n
Added "multiple choice" to the title

[BrickBob Studpants]

I’m voting for option 1. It’s been founded as a LEGO forum, and I’d prefer to keep it that way

[aFrInati0n]

Disclaimer: Please note that this is purely my personal opinion as a singular community member and should not be taken as an official stance or policy of the Eurobricks staff team!

 

As someone who rejoined the brick hobby relatively recently, I may carry a slightly different perspective:

Because I wasn't around during the early days, I missed the era when third-party brands were primarily blatant copycats with zero respect for intellectual property (with Lepin being the most obvious historical example coming into mind).

Coming in with fresh eyes, it is easier for me to see how much the landscape has evolved: Today, several legitimate manufacturers clearly understand what builders value, choosing to dedicate themselves to 100% original designs rather than stealing from other vendors or fan creators.

At the same time, I completely understand and respect the deep emotional connection so many fans have with LEGO as a brand. They built this product into a world-famous system, popularized the hobby globally, and created generations of having wonderful memories with their product. Huge kudos to them for achieving that!

On the other hand, I am a firm believer in open markets and healthy competition. Funnily enough, that philosophy feels right at home here on Eurobricks — a platform whose name and logo draw inspiration from the European flag, representing unity, shared values, and open cooperation.

From a legal standpoint, I (not a professional in any domain of law!) understand the core patents for the interlocking brick system expired long ago. European legal precedent generally holds that "form follows function," meaning functional building elements belong to the public domain, even if specialized assets like the classic minifigure silhouette remain protected 3D trademarks. If the legal foundation is open, and ethical alternative brands are doing things the right way, I personally believe they deserve a fair chance.

To me, giving legitimate brands a seat at the table honors the original spirit of this platform: Uniting LEGO brick fans around the world, as I consider Eurobricks being about the brick-hobby & I understand its main purpose in connecting interested people for open & respectful dialog. 

[Jim]

12 minutes ago, BrickBob Studpants said:

I’m voting for option 1. It’s been founded as a LEGO forum, and I’d prefer to keep it that way

And care to provide some extra information? I understand how you feel, but having a separate forum for other brands doesn't basically change your current experience?

(I'm not judging, just asking for some extra explanation)

[BrickBob Studpants]

3 minutes ago, Jim said:

And care to provide some extra information?

Well, even the banner says “uniting LEGO fans around the world”. Personal opinion, but I’m here to discuss LEGO sets, not other brands  It’s like turning a Porsche forum into a general car forum.

[Jim]

4 minutes ago, BrickBob Studpants said:

Well, even the banner says “uniting LEGO fans around the world”. Personal opinion, but I’m here to discuss LEGO sets, not other brands  It’s like turning a Porsche forum into a general car forum.

Not really. It would be like adding an additional forum to discuss other car brands hehe. But I appreciate your opinion. There will probably be more members feeling the same. 

[aFrInati0n]

It is a super legit point and perspective, so thanks for sharing it with us @BrickBob Studpants !

If we would find a possibility at Eurobricks for allowing the users to decide on their own (via self service) to configure which brands they would like to see listed in their personal contents, would that somehow address your legitimate painpoint?

[Jim]

My vote goes to a single dedicated forum for all other brands. Reasoning is that we don't have to change a thing. We will keep the banners, stating we are uning LEGO fans. With the exception that there will be a single forum supporting other brands.

[BrickBob Studpants]

In the end, it’s a democratic decision and of course I will accept the result  

@aFrInati0n: A toggle like that would be nice to have! What I definitely wouldn’t be happy with is the Licensed forum for instance being flooded with threads about themes from other brands. If it’s clearly separated, I can live with it

[Jim]

Just now, BrickBob Studpants said:

What I definitely wouldn’t be happy with is the Licensed forum for instance being flooded with threads about themes from other brands. If it’s clearly separated, I can live with it

Cool! Noted.

[Murdoch17]

22 minutes ago, Jim said:

My vote goes to a single dedicated forum for all other brands. Reasoning is that we don't have to change a thing. We will keep the banners, stating we are uning LEGO fans. With the exception that there will be a single forum supporting other brands.

I can live with that option as you have stated it @Jim although I would personally prefer option 1, although I didn't vote that way for reasons of trying to be more open minded and flexible. Thus I have voted for Option 2 because I've realized it is more structured than the other two (especially option 4!) but more freeing for some people than Option 1. What I was afraid of in the other thread was the chaos of everything being allowed everywhere... I couldn't continue to use the site if that happened. Just talking about that is driving my OCD, Autism, and other issues crazy. (I like order and reason, which 4 does not seem to be logical and could the tagging of MOCs could easily be misused or disregarded)

Edited August 1 by Murdoch17

[thomasanderson]

Voted Single Dedicated Forum (Mix all other brands) since it seems that will be good compromise with people who would prefer forum LEGO only but i'm also ok with Separate Brand (Sub)Forums and Fully Integrated (No Brand Separation)

1. site name is eurobricks not eurolego
2. many SEC models already use non LEGO parts (mainly wheels, tires and custom 3-d printed parts, sails for ships)
3. Quick Summary of Our Standards covers what i wanted to say here
4. for users that would like to keep it LEGO only - what @aFrInati0n says seems like good idea - used brands could be mentioned via tags (LEGO tag would be optional for backward compatibility)
5. LEGO itself decided that they don't want be our partners so why we should limit ourselves?

Edited August 1 by thomasanderson
typo

[msk6003]

I also voted for a single dedicated forum, but I think it is necessary to separate them by theme, just like how Lego themes are currently handled.

Well, anyway, since TLG kicked out Eurobricks first, they can't really say anything about whether they handle parts from other brands or not.

[lifeinplastic]

I’ve never previously been particularly interested in other brands but feel Lego are forcing their long-term customers away with ludicrous prices and quantity over quality products, cashing in on fans of licenses, rather than long-term , loyal Lego fans. It’s made me very resentful of the company and I haven’t actually bought anything this year, except a clownfish CMF. I used to buy regularly and spend a lot.

[Jim]

13 minutes ago, msk6003 said:

I also voted for a single dedicated forum, but I think it is necessary to separate them by theme, just like how Lego themes are currently handled.

That is something we can consider in the long run. Having lots of theme topics might be overkill at the moment. But if we proceed, we will closely monitor that situation. Having Technic sets in the same forum as Lumbricks SciFi sets feels a bit weird, but I do think it's best to start with that. And go from there.

6 minutes ago, lifeinplastic said:

I’ve never previously been particularly interested in other brands but feel Lego are forcing their long-term customers away with ludicrous prices and quantity over quality products, cashing in on fans of licenses, rather than long-term , loyal Lego fans. It’s made me very resentful of the company and I haven’t actually bought anything this year, except a clownfish CMF. I used to buy regularly and spend a lot.

I reckon you are not alone.

22 minutes ago, Murdoch17 said:

I can live with that option as you have stated it @Jim although I would personally prefer option 1, although I didn't vote that way for reasons of trying to be more open minded and flexible. Thus I have voted for Option 2 because I've realized it is more structured than the other two (especially option 4!) but more freeing for some people than Option 1. What I was afraid of in the other thread was the chaos of everything being allowed everywhere... I couldn't continue to use the site if that happened. Just talking about that is driving my OCD, Autism, and other issues crazy. (I like order and reason, which 4 does not seem to be logical and could the tagging of MOCs could easily be misused or disregarded)

Cool. I was/am happy with your #2 vote.

[aFrInati0n]

One observation I can share as a member of two mainly-car-related Facebook groups with over 20/40k members: Fans of Alt-Bricks are happily living together in a shared space.. My hopes are this might allow people having prejudices to believe of them also being human beings & them being kind and respectful.

[Sven J]

I could well live with any option from 2-4.

What I really would appreciate, though, would be to officially and generally permit the use of special elements not available from Lego for any kind of MOC.
Even though using them "unofficially" is already tolerated — which I think is a good thing — it remains something of a grey area.
For instance, there are those incredibly useful parts from Gobricks:

I would very much welcome a clarification stating that such items are officially permitted, just as BBB train wheels have long been.

Edited August 1 by Sven J

[Jim]

2 minutes ago, Sven J said:

I could well live with any option from 2-4.

What I really would appreciate, though, would be to officially and generally permit the use of special elements not available from Lego for any kind of MOC.

And by permitted you mean...? Permitted to use in your trains? Permitted by whom? Not sure how the Train forum works lol

[aFrInati0n]

@Sven J I strongly agree to your point, as my inventory of 25-30k-ish brickparts may contain less than even 0.1% from the brand LEGO... so from my user perspective I needed to be cautious for not showing pictures with logoless studs.. it just always felt like a pain to allow the quality others are enforcing to one.

Again, only my very personal stance here: I would believe any part policing should be stopped - Minifigures or other still IP-relevant part discussions would need to go to the correct brand forum then, but in the "shared" forums I personally would allow all parts to be mentioned there - this would from my understanding allow users to post any not-mainly-brand-related topic into shared spaces.

[Sven J]

Sorry, picture upload didn't work.
I was specifically referring to these:

With "permitted" I mean that it should be allowed to use non-Lego parts that offer additional functionality for MOCs without needing to "flag" them - and without  needing to shift the MOC to a "Another Brands" subforum when apart from these special elements it's made from Lego.

Edit: I would even go as far as to support @aFrInati0n's proposal. 

Edited August 1 by Sven J

[MstrOfPppts]

Interesting to see how things are moving after half a year of my very vague following of the online communities! I voted for option 1, though I see no problem with 2 and 3. Somehow I am against option 4! But we all have to bare in mind that sometimes, the same door may reopen again - relating to the other topic about the TLG support ...

I've always been a LEGO (bricks) fan and a purist. Despite TLG making various (for most of us) unreasonable decisions regarding their fan connections and support. I do think that this might turn back on them and in a few years another 2000s may be coming? Or maybe they just have things figured out in a way, we refuse to understand. Anyway, I've never had any interest nor need to invest money or time into research of any alternatives, since LEGO despite their attitude still fills up all my "needs"! Also my slight ACDC would not be fine with mixing different brands when colors, minifig shapes or even just the stud toppings don't match. Although I do understand @aFrInati0n point of view, I imagine that there are many older, more hardcore fans around here, that would have a problem with either option but 1. But how many are still here checking regularly, how many are still active?

[Jim]

3 minutes ago, Sven J said:

With "permitted" I mean that it should be allowed to use non-Lego parts that offer additional functionality for MOCs without needing to "flag" them - and without  needing to shift the MOC to a "Another Brands" subforum when apart from these special elements it's made from Lego.

Okay clear!

In Technic we kinda allow these kinda things. When it's like 99% LEGO.

[howitzer]

1 minute ago, Sven J said:

Sorry, picture upload didn't work.
I was specifically referring to these:

 

With "permitted" I mean that it should be allowed to use non-Lego parts that offer additional functionality for MOCs without needing to "flag" them - and without  needing to shift the MOC to a "Another Brands" subforum when apart from these special elements it's made from Lego.

This is a very good point, before voting it would be important to discuss how MOCs that mix parts from different brands are going to be treated if option 2 or 3 ends up becoming chosen.

[Jim]

1 minute ago, MstrOfPppts said:

Also my slight ACDC would not be fine with mixing different brands when colors, minifig shapes or even just the stud toppings don't match. 

You probably mean OCD lol

1 minute ago, howitzer said:

This is a very good point, before voting it would be important to discuss how MOCs that mix parts from different brands are going to be treated if option 2 or 3 ends up becoming chosen.

Yup, fair point. We haven't thought about this yet.

[Jack Sassy]

While I do like things like MEGA BLOKS (late 2000s PotC theme) I still voted for option 1. I fear it might become rather messy to differentiate what everyone is talking about in the discussions. For some time now I have wondered if someone has created complete lists of other toy manufacturers and so on. While the idea of letting these brick companies in on the conversation is very good, mostly I do prefer to talk about LEGO.