Lord of the Rings Ongoing Discussion

[McMurder_them_softly]

18 hours ago, Balrogofmorgoth said:

And now we’ve got all these reviews coming out by people who know absolutely nothing about LOTR and can’t pronounce anything to save their lives because lego gave them a free set. Lol

Yes!! Thank you! Wowza, the pronunciations have been poor overall. 

[Captain Pirate Man]

As a general rule, I don't "mind" LAN members. Will I EVER join LAN myself? No. Even though I AM a content creator, I don't like "having" to make content in order to appease anyone other than myself. 

 

Having said that, the LAN members are a joke, and the whole thing needs a MAJOR over haul. Lego needs to do a MUCH better job vetting who they are giving sets to. This is two years in a row, LOTR fans have been forced to suffer through LAN reviews by people that don't know the difference between Barad Dur, Orthanc, Moria, Erebor, etc. These reviewers are literally just getting the set because it's a big set they can get for free. Why Lego, why send a free review set to LAN members that don't know the theme? Would they send a friend's set to a SW reviewer? Or a HP to a Ninjago channel? No they wouldn't, but yet they send LOTR to people that are either uniformed about the films/books, or are unwilling (too lazy) to some proper home work on the set and theme. 

Surely in the Vast chasim known as YT, they can find ONE reviewer that knows the source material... It just causes MORE divide between REAL Lego LOTR fans, and the LAN community. There is already a BIG divide between REAL LEGO fans, and LAN members. REAL  Lego fans don't like LAN channels, and this is NOT helping.

Edited May 16 by Captain Pirate Man

[Mandalorianknight]

16 hours ago, Space Coyote said:

If it were me I'd go with Rivendell for the reasons you already mentioned but depending on what your display space situation is Rivendell would take up a lot less vertical space. BD will be just as likely to be around next year if not moreso. I guess it depends on how bad you want that GWP.

Oh and yes that sticker is one of the coolest I've seen in awhile!

Ironically, I have a lot more vertical space than horizontal space at the moment. Partially because of that, I might go with Barad-Dur.

2 minutes ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

Having said that, the LAN members are a joke, and the whole thing needs a MAJOR over haul. Lego needs to do a MUCH better job vetting who they are giving sets to. This is two years in a row, LOTR fans have been forced to suffer through LAN reviews by people that don't know the difference between Barad Dur, Orthanc, Moria, Erebor, etc. These reviewers are literally just getting the set because it's a big set they can get for free. Why Lego, why send a free review set to LAN members that don't know the theme? Would they send a friend's set to a SW reviewer? Or a HP to a Ninjago channel? No they wouldn't, but yet they send LOTR to people that are either uniformed about the films/books, or are unwilling (too lazy) to some proper home work on the set and theme. 

Surely in the Vast chasim known as YT, they can find ONE reviewer that knows the source material...

I think the issue here is that there was no existing LOTR theme. Star Wars has been running for forever, and they can send the newer in-house themes to the people like the TTV channel who focus on in-house, since it's the same audience. It was the better part of a decade between the last Tolkien stuff and Rivendell, so they probably didn't have any LOTR reviewers on-deck. And they were likely also not wanting to induct new people into LAN- if they could even find popular lego LOTR channels active pre-rivendell- for what could be just a few sets.

[icm]

9 minutes ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

As a general rule, I don't "mind" LAN members. Will I EVER join LAN myself? No. Even though I AM a content creator, I don't like "having" to make content in order to appease anyone other than myself. 

 

Having said that, the LAN members are a joke, and the whole thing needs a MAJOR over haul. Lego needs to do a MUCH better job vetting who they are giving sets to. This is two years in a row, LOTR fans have been forced to suffer through LAN reviews by people that don't know the difference between Barad Dur, Orthanc, Moria, Erebor, etc. These reviewers are literally just getting the set because it's a big set they can get for free. Why Lego, why send a free review set to LAN members that don't know the theme? Would they send a friend's set to a SW reviewer? Or a HP to a Ninjago channel? No they wouldn't, but yet they send LOTR to people that are either uniformed about the films/books, or are unwilling (too lazy) to some proper home work on the set and theme. 

Surely in the Vast chasim known as YT, they can find ONE reviewer that knows the source material... It just causes MORE divide between REAL Lego LOTR fans, and the LAN community. There is already a BIG divide between REAL LEGO fans, and LAN members. REAL  Lego fans don't like LAN channels, and this is NOT helping.

Lots of hasty generalizations there. Should Lego make every LAN Youtuber take a subject matter competency/knowledge test for each major IP set? Does Lego even distinguish LAN members by the themes they prefer?

I don't think so.

Please don't gate-keep like this. Saying that "REAL Lego fans don't like LAN channels" is false and unnecessarily negative.

[Captain Pirate Man]

8 minutes ago, icm said:

Lots of hasty generalizations there. Should Lego make every LAN Youtuber take a subject matter competency/knowledge test for each major IP set? Does Lego even distinguish LAN members by the themes they prefer?

I don't think so.

Please don't gate-keep like this. Saying that "REAL Lego fans don't like LAN channels" is false and unnecessarily negative.

Well, I think I'm probably a little more qualified to speak on this topic than you are, since I AM in the mix of it all, as a YouTuber. I will tell you as a FACT that there is a LARGE section of the Lego fan base that absolutely can not stand the LAN channels. Is it the majority? IDK? But it's a large section of it, I will tell you that. I will also add, that this section of Lego fans tends to be FAR mor knowledge (from my experiences) with Lego themes, Lego building techniques, Lego history, etc than those that you can find in a LAN members audience. So I don't feel like I'm gate keeping, I'm calling it like I see it. You might not agree, and that's fine. But at the same time, I'm not just making this stuff up. 

 

[Arjo]

More pics of the fell beast on hothbricks’ website. Not that bad, the wings add a lot to the build and have more details than first available pics showed.

[Captain Pirate Man]

13 minutes ago, Mandalorianknight said:

Ironically, I have a lot more vertical space than horizontal space at the moment. Partially because of that, I might go with Barad-Dur.

I think the issue here is that there was no existing LOTR theme. Star Wars has been running for forever, and they can send the newer in-house themes to the people like the TTV channel who focus on in-house, since it's the same audience. It was the better part of a decade between the last Tolkien stuff and Rivendell, so they probably didn't have any LOTR reviewers on-deck. And they were likely also not wanting to induct new people into LAN- if they could even find popular lego LOTR channels active pre-rivendell- for what could be just a few sets.

While I agree, that is probably a factor, I still contend it's laziness on Lego's part. I've been making Lego content since before LAN even existed. LOTR Lego channels do exist (Brotherhood Workshop) for example. But the problem with LAN is, content creators run to LEGO to join LAN, as opposed to Lego approaching content creators. That's a MAJOR difference. Lego holds all the cards this way, which works out great for them (I get it). But if LEGO were reaching out to content creators on a set by set or theme by theme, scenario things would be MUCH different. The way things currently stand, you just have a bunch of hungry content creators willing to do whatever they can to get the set (for free), and then get those views and subs. So you end up with the situation as it currently stands. But if LEGO were the ones reaching out to content creators saying "We really like the content you make for LOTR, would you be interested in this ONE TIME offer of a free Barad Dur in exchange for a review? It gives both parties more equal footing for one, plus it would allow sets to be in the hands of more appropriate content creators. 

 

Before someone jumps down my throat saying "I don't know what I'm talking about, etc." I will say this, I have had zero contact with Lego in regards to LAN. Having said that, I was in a similar situation with an Arcade manufacturer known as iiRcade. I was in their LAN equivalent. So I know how these things operate, and I was glad to be free of it (after the company went out of business). They would send me news or insider info or free game, and I was expected to drop what I was doing, and hurry up and make content on it. Which can be pretty time consuming, tbh. It didn't matter what was going on in my personal life, or if I was already in the middle of creating a video, I had to stop and make my over lord's happy. All while I was called a "shill" by the regular Joe's of the community. So NO I don't want to do that again for a free Lego set. If Lego reached out to me, yes I would listen to whatever offer they would make. But I'm not reaching out to them, that's the difference.

 

 

[icm]

55 minutes ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

Well, I think I'm probably a little more qualified to speak on this topic than you are, since I AM in the mix of it all, as a YouTuber. I will tell you as a FACT that there is a LARGE section of the Lego fan base that absolutely can not stand the LAN channels. Is it the majority? IDK? But it's a large section of it, I will tell you that. I will also add, that this section of Lego fans tends to be FAR mor knowledge (from my experiences) with Lego themes, Lego building techniques, Lego history, etc than those that you can find in a LAN members audience. So I don't feel like I'm gate keeping, I'm calling it like I see it. You might not agree, and that's fine. But at the same time, I'm not just making this stuff up. 

It is a fact that there is a large section of the Lego fan base that absolutely cannot stand the LAN channels.

It is NOT a fact that "REAL Lego fans don't like LAN channels." That is your opinion, and that is gatekeeping.

I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about Lego themes, Lego building techniques, and Lego history. I've been following Lego releases pretty closely for about 25 years, through catalogs and the internet. I appreciate many LAN members and their content. I also appreciate many non-LAN Lego content creators and their content. I do NOT appreciate LAN and non-LAN content creators sniping at each other, putting each other down, and gatekeeping.

Play well, everybody.

Edited May 16 by icm

[Space Coyote]

1 hour ago, Mandalorianknight said:

Ironically, I have a lot more vertical space than horizontal space at the moment. Partially because of that, I might go with Barad-Dur.

Yeah if that's the case I say go for it and get that sweet GWP,  Rivendell probably isn't going anywhere for a bit, if it does retire next year there's always after market.

Edited May 16 by Space Coyote

[Captain Pirate Man]

10 minutes ago, icm said:

It is fact that there is a large section of the Lego fan base that absolutely cannot stand the LAN channels.

It is NOT fact that "REAL Lego fans don't like LAN channels." That is your opinion, and that is gatekeeping.

I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about Lego themes, Lego building techniques, and Lego history. I appreciate many LAN members and their content. I also appreciate many non-LAN Lego content creators and their content. I do NOT appreciate LAN and non-LAN content creators sniping at each other, putting each other down, and gatekeeping.

Play well, everybody.

I'm passionate about Lego Castle, Pirates and LOTR. So will I "gatekeep" when I see a review by a reviewer that doesn't know what they are talking about? Guilty as charged. 

I look at like this, I don't collect SW. So are my opinions, views or thoughts REALLY relevant in a LEGO SW review? Not really. I'll call myself out, as well as take appropriate criticism from others. So I'm just holding others to that standard. Which perhaps you don't agree with, which is fine. But that's just how I see it.

I would also add that "gatekeeping" isn't a bad thing, it's necessary. Otherwise people put out false information "fake news." Plus Lego themselves are "Gatekeeping" this theme behind massive pay walls. So at VERY least we should be getting reviews from people that know the theme. Since ONLY hardcore LOTR fans are going to buy this set anyways. 

On a side note, many LAN members will say "my audience, I built my audience, etc." Which I agree and disagree with. Sure, they have a large following, which I'll give them that. But in regards to set review on the scale of Barad Dur, if I were given this set to review, I could post a BRAND new video on a brand new channel, and get a TON of views, because it's a hot topic. So audience size doesn't matter as much as timing, when it comes to a video like this. Early bird gets the views, period. 

Edited May 16 by Captain Pirate Man

[icm]

The world, and Youtube, and the Lego community, are big enough to accomodate multiple types of reviews. They each have their purpose.

Reviews of IP sets by casual fans of Lego without deep knowledge of the IP are valuable, because they show a casual fan what they can expect when appreciating a set simply for its own merits as a Lego build, as a parts pack, as a playset, or as a display set with aesthetic and tactile appeal.

Reviews of IP sets by fans of the IP with deep knowledge of the IP are valuable, because they show fans with deep knowledge of the IP what accuracies and inaccuracies to expect relative to the source material, with commentary on how to improve the set for those objectives.

Both types of reviews are entirely valid and useful in the commercial space. You, as a deeply invested LOTR fan with considerable knowledge of and passion for the lore, are not the audience for the Barad-Dur review by BrickYouTubeFan123 (just making up a name, so as not to single anybody out). I'm sure there will soon be a very detailed lore-focused review by BrickRingsFan789 (just making up a name, so as not to single anybody out). You don't have to disparage one type of review to promote the other.

Depending on their personal interests, any reviewer may make either type of review for different IPs. A passionate LOTR fan like you may make a casual SW review. And that's fine. A passionate SW fan may make a casual LOTR review. And that's fine.

Just  - play well.

Edited May 16 by icm

[Captain Pirate Man]

2 minutes ago, icm said:

The world, and Youtube, and the Lego community, are big enough to accomodate multiple types of reviews. They each have their purpose.

Reviews of IP sets by casual fans of Lego without deep knowledge of the IP are valuable, because they show a casual fan what they can expect when appreciating a set simply for its own merits as a Lego build, as a parts pack, as a playset, or as a display set with aesthetic and tactile appeal.

Reviews of IP sets by fans of the IP with deep knowledge of the IP are valuable, because they show fans with deep knowledge of the IP what accuracies and inaccuracies to expect relative to the source material, with commentary on how to improve the set for those objectives.

Both types of reviews are entirely valid and useful in the commercial space. You, as a deeply invested LOTR fan with considerable knowledge of and passion for the lore, are not the audience for the Barad-Dur review by BrickYouTubeFan123 (just making up a name, so as not to single anybody out). I'm sure there will soon be a very detailed lore-focused review by BrickRingsFan789 (just making up a name, so as not to single anybody out). You don't have to disparage one type of review to promote the other.

Depending on their personal interests, any reviewer may make either type of review for different IPs. A passionate LOTR fan like you may make a casual SW review. And that's fine. A passionate SW fan may make a casual LOTR review. And that's fine.

Just  - play well.

Fair enough

[icm]

20 minutes ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

I would also add that "gatekeeping" isn't a bad thing, it's necessary. Otherwise people put out false information "fake news." Plus Lego themselves are "Gatekeeping" this theme behind massive pay walls. So at VERY least we should be getting reviews from people that know the theme. Since ONLY hardcore LOTR fans are going to buy this set anyways. 

On a side note, many LAN members will say "my audience, I built my audience, etc." Which I agree and disagree with. Sure, they have a large following, which I'll give them that. But in regards to set review on the scale of Barad Dur, if I were given this set to review, I could post a BRAND new video on a brand new channel, and get a TON of views, because it's a hot topic. So audience size doesn't matter as much as timing, when it comes to a video like this. Early bird gets the views, period. 

Gatekeeping and countering misinformation are entirely different things. Gatekeeping is saying that someone else isn't a "REAL Lego fan" or a "REAL LOTR fan" because of one petty reason or another. It's about deciding who can and can't participate in a group or culture. Countering misinformation is noting that something that someone has said is false (intentionally or not) and putting the truth out there. It's about availability of accurate and factual information, not about group membership or participation. If you're going to use the term "gatekeeping," please use it correctly so that I can understand what you really mean.

I'm quite sure Lego doesn't give review sets to brand-new channels. If a YouTuber wants to post a lore-focused review of Barad-Dur, it may not be the first review out of the gate and get the most clicks, but I'm sure in the end it will get plenty of views from those persons who are looking for that kind of review.

Edited May 16 by icm

[JimBaggins]

2 hours ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

Having said that, the LAN members are a joke, and the whole thing needs a MAJOR over haul. Lego needs to do a MUCH better job vetting who they are giving sets to. This is two years in a row, LOTR fans have been forced to suffer through LAN reviews by people that don't know the difference between Barad Dur, Orthanc, Moria, Erebor, etc. These reviewers are literally just getting the set because it's a big set they can get for free. Why Lego, why send a free review set to LAN members that don't know the theme? Would they send a friend's set to a SW reviewer? Or a HP to a Ninjago channel? No they wouldn't, but yet they send LOTR to people that are either uniformed about the films/books, or are unwilling (too lazy) to some proper home work on the set and theme. 

Surely in the Vast chasim known as YT, they can find ONE reviewer that knows the source material... It just causes MORE divide between REAL Lego LOTR fans, and the LAN community. There is already a BIG divide between REAL LEGO fans, and LAN members. REAL  Lego fans don't like LAN channels, and this is NOT helping.

I have to say this is a major overstatement/generalization of the LAN community. Some of the first LAN sponsored sites/blogs I go to, such as Brickset, Jay's Brick Blog, or New Elementary all have reviewers that are experts or do lots of research on the IP of the sets, including LOTR, and give very in depth and detailed reviews on all different aspects of the set. Perhaps the issues are much worse on Youtube compared to Blogs, but I find it hard to believe that all or a majority of creators are greedy/Lazy with their set reviews, or that the average LAN creator is much worse than the average normal Lego creator. 

[BitByBrick]

Haven’t watched reviews yet. Any good detail on the build, maybe some fun hidden gems, parts usage, or Easter eggs? I will probably buy the set to build it with my son, and then maybe keep only the figures and GWP, haven’t decided yet. Rivendell is currently on prominent display, in all of its grandeur. Probably nothing else this year, but still hoping more sets will come out next year, big or small. Absolutely love the battle pack idea list! I vote for the first 6 or so in the list. ;) 

[Balrogofmorgoth]

13 hours ago, MAB said:

I somehow cannot see them doing 15 battlepacks. Even if they paired them up doing two from each faction, that would still be 8 battle packs, and 4 packs if they did just one figure of each type and put four in a pack. But the bigger issue is who would buy and, just as importantly, sell them? Retail stores would not want them if there were no other LOTR sets to sell alongside them, as buyers that cannot afford the ICONS sets would have little interest if they cannot get the core figures. LOTR is being marketed in such a different way to Star Wars, Harry Potter and Marvel, that what works when it comes to distribution for those themes would not work for LOTR. They would need to change the approach completely if they wanted to sell battle packs to the more general LEGO buyer. Of course, they could do them as LEGO exclusives and sell them only from LEGO stores and online, but that would restrict the volume of sales compared to battle packs from other themes.

I’m not saying they would do every single one, or that there shouldn’t be other sets to go with them

[RichardGoring]

3 hours ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

While I agree, that is probably a factor, I still contend it's laziness on Lego's part. I've been making Lego content since before LAN even existed. LOTR Lego channels do exist (Brotherhood Workshop) for example. But the problem with LAN is, content creators run to LEGO to join LAN, as opposed to Lego approaching content creators. That's a MAJOR difference. Lego holds all the cards this way, which works out great for them (I get it). But if LEGO were reaching out to content creators on a set by set or theme by theme, scenario things would be MUCH different. The way things currently stand, you just have a bunch of hungry content creators willing to do whatever they can to get the set (for free), and then get those views and subs. So you end up with the situation as it currently stands. But if LEGO were the ones reaching out to content creators saying "We really like the content you make for LOTR, would you be interested in this ONE TIME offer of a free Barad Dur in exchange for a review? It gives both parties more equal footing for one, plus it would allow sets to be in the hands of more appropriate content creators. ...

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I do feel this misses some of the key considerations. Creators that apply to LEGO/LAN may not have the subject matter expertise for each theme, but they are generally LEGO fans and represent some portion of the LEGO community. And what they lack in subject matter expertise for a thoroughly detailed and thought-through review, they make up for with generally high viewing figures. LEGO fans looking for LEGO reviews will find it most easily on LEGO-focused channels. Being first to review it is clearly an advantage, but I don't think you can say that anyone would get high views on sets early. There are many variables, but subscriber numbers and content matching recommendation algorithms are probably as important, maybe more so?

The idea of going to a specialist channel and asking them to do a review is a nice idea, but in practice it's hard. Hard for LEGO to find the right people, get them under NDA or appropriate agreement (which a large corporation like LEGO would have to do in some form). It's also hard for the creator. YouTube can really penalize channels for posting unpopular videos or non-conforming videos, so it's a big risk to them. Also, the opportunity cost is probably huge. Barad Dur is probably a 10-12 hour build? Especially for an inexperienced builder. Then you've got the time required to script, film, edit, and release the video. All for something that the channel's core audience don't want? Far better to put that time into content that people who subscribe to the channel actually want? You could say that LEGO could pay the creator to do it, but then does that invalidate the review? Especially as it would have to be marked as an ad. And no one will respond well to that.

LEGO does sometimes send out sets to subject matter appropriate channels. I remember Tavarish (a car channel) doing some of the Technic supercars. His videos typically get 0.5 - 3 million views. His Technic Bugatti Chiron video got 2m views - not bad! His Porsche 911 GT3 RS got 45k views, which is terrible and a huge opportunity cost wasted.

2 hours ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

I look at like this, I don't collect SW. So are my opinions, views or thoughts REALLY relevant in a LEGO SW review? Not really. I'll call myself out, as well as take appropriate criticism from others. So I'm just holding others to that standard. Which perhaps you don't agree with, which is fine. But that's just how I see it.

I don't know much about Star Wars, but actually I've bought a few Star Wars sets after watching non-Star Wars LEGO channels review a couple of the sets. I've tried watching SolidBrixStudios videos - a Star Wars channel - and I just don't like it. There is something much easier to get into for a casual observer to watch a casual reviewer, who looks at things as I would look at it.

Yes, it would be nice if a specialist could review them too. But to me it would be a huge mistake if it was only a specialist.

1 hour ago, JimBaggins said:

I have to say this is a major overstatement/generalization of the LAN community. Some of the first LAN sponsored sites/blogs I go to, such as Brickset, Jay's Brick Blog, or New Elementary all have reviewers that are experts or do lots of research on the IP of the sets, including LOTR, and give very in depth and detailed reviews on all different aspects of the set. Perhaps the issues are much worse on Youtube compared to Blogs, but I find it hard to believe that all or a majority of creators are greedy/Lazy with their set reviews, or that the average LAN creator is much worse than the average normal Lego creator. 

Completely agree. Brickset, Jay's Brick Blog, and New Elementary are all excellent.

[Captain Pirate Man]

Again everyone, this is something I FIRST HAND experience with. You might not like what I'm saying, but that doesn't make it wrong. Also I will say, yes there are PLENTY of content creators that are in LAN that make good content, and are knowledgeable, etc. I could go on and name quite a few that I have a TON of respect for, and watch their content myself. But unfortunately that's not everyone. 

I've watched creators go from being VERY pro fan, really engaging with their audiences, and overall being a GREAT Lego channel. Then they get into LAN and it all changes. The things that got them there are gone, they become more "corporate." Spending time with there fans used to be something they enjoyed, now it's like "I'm too important for that." Which unfortunately LAN has kinda become this badge of honor they all wear. If you are NOT in LAN, you are not one of the cool kids, essentially. It's ALL very high school, unfortunately. Which this response isn't Lego's fault, but it is a by product of it. 

Also, let me add that through LAN, Lego IS controlling the narrative. The LAN people get the news first, the sets first, the reviews first, etc. So it makes it VERY hard for other voices to be heard. It's not impossible, but VERY difficult. When you are making content, and you are essentially "competing" for views with people that have a push from Lego themselves, it feels... Insurmountable at times. That's the side of it that I think people in this thread don't understand. Which these feelings have helped foster the "antiLAN" sentiment. When a certain group of people have power, there will be another group that is the opposite of the group in power. It's just human nature. 

BTW, I am only talking about LAN members that make videos, whichever platform they choose. I understand there are LAN members from LUG groups or blogs, etc. That's a different thing all together. 

 

My FINAL point on this topic is Jang NEVER sold out and went to LAN. I have MAD respect for him for that. I wish more content creators followed his lead. But that just isn't reality. So many JUMP right to LAN. 

 

Edited May 17 by Captain Pirate Man

[ForgedInLego]

16 minutes ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

Also, let me add that through LAN, Lego IS controlling the narrative. The LAN people get the news first, the sets first, the reviews first, etc. So it makes it VERY hard for other voices to be heard. It's not impossible, but VERY difficult. When you are making content, and you are essentially "competing" for views with people that have a push from Lego themselves, it feels... Insurmountable at times. That's the side of it that I think people in this thread don't understand. Which these feelings have helped foster the "antiLAN" sentiment. When a certain group of people have power, there will be another group that is the opposite of the group in power. It's just human nature.

Regardless of LAN, there is just a LOT of competition in the review space, it's very hard to stand out. I'm also on YouTube as a MOC maker rather than a reviewer, but I get it.

For me, the antilan comes from the "Why This $20000 Set is a MUST BUY" review coming out just about every month nowadays. They know that the more positive they are, the more stuff they get for review and the more $ they get from any affiliated links. On the other hand, it is valuable to have reviews out before a set releases to get more details on the product you want to buy potentially day one, and there are some genuinely very good videographers out there. I just wish reviewers could be negative about a set without compromising their standing in LAN.

Anyway I'm biased, so feel free to ignore everything I say

[Mandalorianknight]

8 hours ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

Well, I think I'm probably a little more qualified to speak on this topic than you are, since I AM in the mix of it all, as a YouTuber.

This rubs me the wrong way. Saying you're more qualified than other people to speak on it, talking about being a youtuber, and saying you wish Lego would reach out to the youtubers... if you really feel this strongly, why didn't you reach out to lego yourself? 

Regardless, I don't think "being a youtuber" makes you all that much more qualified than other people on this forum. And I don't think LAN "controls the narrative" by any means. If they did, there certainly wouldn't be so many youtubers with mock-outrage at lego every time anything clone trooper related isn't perfect, for one thing. You'd think they'd get that tamped down. For another, Jang is very popular and isn't a LAN member. And many people who do get sent free lego for these, like AshnFlash, consistently talk about issues they have with sets or problems they see in themes. I'm sure there are shills out there, but I don't really think this "I'm more qualified then you, and the correct/informed opinion is LAN bad" mentality makes much sense. 

7 hours ago, Space Coyote said:

Yeah if that's the case I say go for it and get that sweet GWP,  Rivendell probably isn't going anywhere for a bit, if it does retire next year there's always after market.

Thanks! There's usually some warning before a set retires, but even if it catches me by surprise, like you say, always aftermarket, and I doubt Rivendell would skyrocket too much immediately after retirement.

Edited May 17 by Mandalorianknight

[squiz18]

12 minutes ago, Mandalorianknight said:

This rubs me the wrong way. Saying you're more qualified than other people to speak on it, talking about being a youtuber, and saying you wish Lego would reach out to the youtubers... if you really feel this strongly, why didn't you reach out to lego yourself? 

Regardless, I don't think "being a youtuber" makes you all that much more qualified than other people on this forum. And I don't think LAN "controls the narrative" by any means. If they did, there certainly wouldn't be so many youtubers with mock-outrage at lego every time anything clone trooper related isn't perfect, for one thing. You'd think they'd get that tamped down. For another, Jang is very popular and isn't a LAN member. And many people who do get sent free lego for these, like AshnFlash, consistently talk about issues they have with sets or problems they see in themes. I'm sure there are shills out there, but I don't really think this "I'm more qualified then you, and the correct/informed opinion is LAN bad" mentality makes much 

Well said 

[kuzyabricks]

I feel the issue I have  with LAN is that the big YouTubers  getting the sets don’t put time into their reviews on specific IPs and glaze over issues. HOWEVER it makes sense why they get these sets. Their channels are huge and bring plenty of attention. I enjoy LOTR but am not a super fan by any means. I got into LOTR as a kid thanks to Lego. If small channels that knew LOTR sets were the only ones reviewing them early I doubt I would even hear about these sets coming out. I feel like the system isn’t the best but it isn’t as awful as people say.

4 hours ago, Captain Pirate Man said:

Again everyone, this is something I FIRST HAND experience with. You might not like what I'm saying, but that doesn't make it wrong. Also I will say, yes there are PLENTY of content creators that are in LAN that make good content, and are knowledgeable, etc. I could go on and name quite a few that I have a TON of respect for, and watch their content myself. But unfortunately that's not everyone. 

I've watched creators go from being VERY pro fan, really engaging with their audiences, and overall being a GREAT Lego channel. Then they get into LAN and it all changes. The things that got them there are gone, they become more "corporate." Spending time with there fans used to be something they enjoyed, now it's like "I'm too important for that." Which unfortunately LAN has kinda become this badge of honor they all wear. If you are NOT in LAN, you are not one of the cool kids, essentially. It's ALL very high school, unfortunately. Which this response isn't Lego's fault, but it is a by product of it. 

Also, let me add that through LAN, Lego IS controlling the narrative. The LAN people get the news first, the sets first, the reviews first, etc. So it makes it VERY hard for other voices to be heard. It's not impossible, but VERY difficult. When you are making content, and you are essentially "competing" for views with people that have a push from Lego themselves, it feels... Insurmountable at times. That's the side of it that I think people in this thread don't understand. Which these feelings have helped foster the "antiLAN" sentiment. When a certain group of people have power, there will be another group that is the opposite of the group in power. It's just human nature. 

BTW, I am only talking about LAN members that make videos, whichever platform they choose. I understand there are LAN members from LUG groups or blogs, etc. That's a different thing all together. 

 

My FINAL point on this topic is Jang NEVER sold out and went to LAN. I have MAD respect for him for that. I wish more content creators followed his lead. But that just isn't reality. So many JUMP right to LAN. 

 

 

[Artanis I]

All you guys talking about LAN on a Friday night are making me nostalgic, and hungry for pizza

[Captain Pirate Man]

I didn't mean to upset anyone, so if I did I apologize. At the end of the day, it all doesn't really matter much to me. It's just an interesting talking point, so I share my thoughts on it. 

 

Anyways... Back to LOTR.

[MKJoshA]

We are WAY off topic here. Please start a new thread for LAN discussion and keep this thread for talk about LOTR sets.