LEGO Ideas Discussion

[The Real Indiana Jones]

I've also noticed you can not search by user name......like mine "lightning51", if you had a project designer you want to support some or all his or her projects it's not that easy....unless I'm blind ....again ?

First just find one of their projects, then click on their name by their avatar, and then go to their "Projects Tab".

It is like the old "Projects Page" from Cuusoo.

Have fun! =)

[Faefrost]

And what about sorting by "relevevance"? Relevant to what exactly, and I don;t understand what that is doing.

I noticed that when I selected Relevance a search box popped up in the upper left. I am not quite sure how it works, but it seems to be a way to do some sort of targeted search.

I was also impressed that you can now simply use a pull down to select common tags as a filter.

You know what I miss from Cuusoo.....the scrolling down the side of activity going on every few seconds.....who's commenting on or supporting or updating one of the projects...unless I'm blind ?

I agree. It was the best way to spot interesting projects that weren't new in the past few days. Just glance at the activity feed. The new activity feed is pretty worthless. I really don't care as much about who updated their projects. (Honestly if you didn't sell me with your initial published pitch. Chances are updating it won't help much.)

[Oky]

Looks like they fixed the email issue. I had the email resent again two days ago and I finally got it and was able to activate my old account.

Some observations:

• The activity/news feeds aren't as useful anymore. I'm usually only interested when people comment on my projects or my comments on other projects, not any of their other activity, which is what it mostly consists of now. Also, as it has been mentioned, the feature showing the current activity on the site is now gone which was always useful.
  
• The Clutch Power points seem kind of pointless (no pun intended). Correct me if I'm wrong, but aside from putting you on the leader board if you're in the top 10, they're just imaginary internet points and therefore pretty useless.
  
• I like that you can edit comments now.
  
• On the other hand, you cannot edit your projects anymore. I get the idea behind keeping the original pitch and updates separate, but what if you just want to fix something on the main page?
  
• And needless to say, the new deadline seems pretty short. It's going to be much harder for projects to reach their goal now without spamming up social media and fan sites with support requests.
  

So yeah, this seems like a step back for me and I'm not sure how much I will continue to use it now, but lets see how it goes.

[Meiko]

And needless to say, the new deadline seems pretty short. It's going to be much harder for projects to reach their goal now without spamming up social media and fan sites with support requests.

All the projects that have been made into sets, and near all that have reached 10k supports, reached the mark in under 365 days, so I don't think its too bad. Sure, its less than the previous deadline of infinity, but I think its enough for the good projects to make it.

[TheNerdyOne_]

Looks like they fixed the email issue. I had the email resent again two days ago and I finally got it and was able to activate my old account.

Some observations:

• On the other hand, you cannot edit your projects anymore. I get the idea behind keeping the original pitch and updates separate, but what if you just want to fix something on the main page?
  

I've found the fact that you can no longer edit projects pretty annoying. I was planning on updating quite a few of my projects with updated models to help them reach 10,000 supporters before the deadline. Adding an update doesn't really help bring in new supporters when the first thing they see is the less than adequate old model. I'm betting a lot of people won't bother to check the updates anyway, especially those coming from non-LEGO communities.

[Meiko]

I've found the fact that you can no longer edit projects pretty annoying. I was planning on updating quite a few of my projects with updated models to help them reach 10,000 supporters before the deadline. Adding an update doesn't really help bring in new supporters when the first thing they see is the less than adequate old model. I'm betting a lot of people won't bother to check the updates anyway, especially those coming from non-LEGO communities.

But then again, most other crowdsourcing platforms such as Kickstarter have the same restriction on editing the initial submission, and require you post updates instead, just like LEGO Ideas.

[Faefrost]

All the projects that have been made into sets, and near all that have reached 10k supports, reached the mark in under 365 days, so I don't think its too bad. Sure, its less than the previous deadline of infinity, but I think its enough for the good projects to make it.

A fair point. And one that we probably don't think on much. How much has the review process payed attention to not simply the projects but the rates of voting as a gauge of interest? (Granted not the exclusive gauge. Ie it didn't help ol Purdue Pete.) I would guess within certain parameters speed does count a bit. For example 2 weeks may not be better than 12 weeks in review, but it's better than 24 months.

We also often forget that our goals for reviews are different than TLG's. We like lots of projects hitting review. It's news. It's exciting. It means something we like might get made. Whereas TLG wants or better benefits from fewer better quality sets hitting review within a finite period of time. The review process is people intensive and time consuming. In other words it's expensive. Each set in review costs them. So they seek ways to screen out those that would be known or certain failures. A set that took 6 years to get 10k votes will not be a successful product. It will not pass the business review. There just isn't a driving support or fan base. The one year threshold is reasonable. Some argument may be made for giving an extra 6 months if it hits 5k. But the boundaries make perfect sense when you look at it from the point of view of what happens when a set enters review. How much effort and resources each review takes. It's in the review teams interest to put the time limit.

Oh and speaking of Purdue Pete. It looks like there is another one looming. This time cleverly masked as an Architecture set and a thousand cries of "go bears". /sigh!

[AndyC]

I've found the fact that you can no longer edit projects pretty annoying. I was planning on updating quite a few of my projects with updated models to help them reach 10,000 supporters before the deadline. Adding an update doesn't really help bring in new supporters when the first thing they see is the less than adequate old model. I'm betting a lot of people won't bother to check the updates anyway, especially those coming from non-LEGO communities.

I think this is one of the better changes. Firstly it forces people to actually put some effort into their initial pitch, no more slapping up some quick LDD screenshots in some sort of attempt to claim you did something first. Instead you need a strong coherent idea that's mostly fully formed at the outset, which like the one year limit, should lead to higher quality submissions. Secondly it makes it much clearer what people actually voted on. Under the old system you could have put up a Jurassic Park licensed dinosaur model, reached 9000 odd votes then changed the whole thing into a giant purple Barney model. As a voting system, that was always a fairly major flaw in Cuusoo.

[Blondie-Wan]

[*]The Clutch Power points seem kind of pointless (no pun intended). Correct me if I'm wrong, but aside from putting you on the leader board if you're in the top 10, they're just imaginary internet points and therefore pretty useless.

True, but I think they're just meant to be for fun. It's not as though they're fundamentally different from all the other badges, ranks, etc. one might garner for one's online presences and avatars in innumerable other online venues, like gaming sites, etc., including Eurobricks. We don't really have "uses" per se for all those badges and whatnot below our avatars here, but that doesn't keep us from enjoying having them, does it?

Moreover, aside from the possibility of being used for something specific in the future (a contest, for example), I think they might have one purpose now - they could act to encourage more active participation on the site. So many of the other changes, while they're sure to improve the overall quality of submissions and competition, might discourage some people from bothering to be active on the site at all. The Clutch Power points might help to give folks a little more incentive to put in quality effort. I don't know if that's the thinking behind them, or whether it will work if so, but it could be something else they're just trying, just to see.

If nothing.else, I do think the CP will be, well... fun. :)

[TheNerdyOne_]

I think this is one of the better changes. Firstly it forces people to actually put some effort into their initial pitch, no more slapping up some quick LDD screenshots in some sort of attempt to claim you did something first. Instead you need a strong coherent idea that's mostly fully formed at the outset, which like the one year limit, should lead to higher quality submissions. Secondly it makes it much clearer what people actually voted on. Under the old system you could have put up a Jurassic Park licensed dinosaur model, reached 9000 odd votes then changed the whole thing into a giant purple Barney model. As a voting system, that was always a fairly major flaw in Cuusoo.

I agree that it will probably lead to higher quality projects, but I think they should allow us to edit old project that were brought over from Cuusoo, especially because they changed a few guidelines and are now asking people to not put things like explanations of what Ideas is or links to other projects in their project. Those that already had those from Cuusoo are now stuck with them, and the vast majority use the word Cuusoo rather than Ideas, which could lead to quite a bit of confusion. I'm fine with not being able to edit new projects, if you plan it right updates rather than edits can work to your advantage, it's just the old projects that are frustrating.

As far as I know someone changing their project like that after gaining a ton of support only happened once or twice due to the licence not being available or something similar, and the Cuusoo team shut the project down and told them to restart.

[Blondie-Wan]

Yes, "relevance" is a brand new metric, so maybe it will become clear as the site compiles more data on the connections between voters (?)

And try looking at the page on a full computer, and make sure you are logged in... Which projects appear under "Projects of Interest"?

I am wondering if they are the exact same for everyone, or if they are customized to be different for each person. That would be cool.

Okay, I'm on the site now, logged in on a Windows laptop, and... I still don't see "Projects of Interest." Huh.

[Aanchir]

And what about sorting by "relevance"? Relevant to what exactly, and I don;t understand what that is doing.

Relevant to your search term, if you have one. Not sure how that's measured exactly. I'm sure how many times the search term appears in the project description is one factor, but I'm sure there are also others.

If there is no search term, the "sort by: relevance" button displays projects in the same order as "sort by: ending soon".

As for the "Projects of Interest"... that doesn't show up on the LEGO Ideas home page for me at all, whether I'm logged in or not.

[TheBrickPal]

The recent deadline for projects has ended and six projects have qualified for the review. They are LEGO Bird Project, Modular Apple Store, BTTF - Jules Verne Train, Doctor Who, The Big Bang Theory, and Doctor Who and Companions. More details here https://ideas.lego.com/blogs/1-blog/post/2.

[Faefrost]

The recent deadline for projects has ended and six projects have qualified for the review. They are LEGO Bird Project, Modular Apple Store, BTTF - Jules Verne Train, Doctor Who, The Big Bang Theory, and Doctor Who and Companions. More details here https://ideas.lego.com/blogs/1-blog/post/2.

Right now my money is on the first Dr. Who project, barring license issues. Of the others;

Bird Project would be the first runner up. But will probably fail on its long slow climb to 10k. It can go either way. It's a distinctly niche set and subject. But TLG has a certain fondness for organics.

BTTF Jules Verne Train - will probably fail as an subsequent follow up to an existing CuuSoo derived license. If they want more BTTF they will do like Minecraft and open up a broader internal theme.

Modular Apple Store - Fail, Lego does not pay to do advertising or marketing for other brands like this. The only way Lego would offer an Apple store would be if Apple paid them to do it. Granted you never know, Apple might, or they might reach some back end charity deal. But still unlikely. Plus it's not a great compelling set. Kind of just a flat grey box.

Big Bang Theory - fail. It's sort of a North American only subject. Plus Dr. who is far more well known and universal nerd porn. Why make a set about Dr. Who fans when you can make a Dr. Who set?

Other Dr. Who set - will not even enter full review unless the first one fails in a way that doesn't invalidate the subject or IP. So if the first project requires new parts or non Lego parts it might get called up. Otherwise it's Dead Jim.

[Fritzy]

Hopefully LEGO sees the market potential for the bird project (the fact that it reached 10,000 supporters should indicate that such exists), as that's the project I'm most rooting for in this group. I'd be very surprised if the Modular Apple Store passed review, but if it does, then I'd be happy for the designer as I'm sure they went in realizing LEGO's general attitude towards sets of this nature.

Soon we'll learn of their decisions on projects from the previous review period, and that's something I'm looking forward to.

[dvsntt]

Relevant to your search term, if you have one. Not sure how that's measured exactly. I'm sure how many times the search term appears in the project description is one factor, but I'm sure there are also others.

If there is no search term, the "sort by: relevance" button displays projects in the same order as "sort by: ending soon".

As for the "Projects of Interest"... that doesn't show up on the LEGO Ideas home page for me at all, whether I'm logged in or not.

Thanks, I get it now.

[Blondie-Wan]

Right now my money is on the first Dr. Who project, barring license issues. Of the others;

Bird Project would be the first runner up. But will probably fail on its long slow climb to 10k. It can go either way. It's a distinctly niche set and subject. But TLG has a certain fondness for organics.

BTTF Jules Verne Train - will probably fail as an subsequent follow up to an existing CuuSoo derived license. If they want more BTTF they will do like Minecraft and open up a broader internal theme.

Modular Apple Store - Fail, Lego does not pay to do advertising or marketing for other brands like this. The only way Lego would offer an Apple store would be if Apple paid them to do it. Granted you never know, Apple might, or they might reach some back end charity deal. But still unlikely. Plus it's not a great compelling set. Kind of just a flat grey box.

Big Bang Theory - fail. It's sort of a North American only subject. Plus Dr. who is far more well known and universal nerd porn. Why make a set about Dr. Who fans when you can make a Dr. Who set?

Other Dr. Who set - will not even enter full review unless the first one fails in a way that doesn't invalidate the subject or IP. So if the first project requires new parts or non Lego parts it might get called up. Otherwise it's Dead Jim.

I think the Back to the Future train and the Apple Store are both indeed unlikely, but not for those reasons. With the Back to the Future train, the existing set's license should be an issue only if they've already internally committed to a full theme, and we've seen no indication of that. It happened with Minecraft because it was such a huge, quick seller, and that obviated / preempted more CUUSOO sets, but it hasn't happened yet with Back to the Future, while at the same time it appears popular enough for TLG do be willing to do more sets even if they don't initiate them. I think the biggest obstacle for the Back to the Future train will be simply that it's a train, and therefore a larger, more expensive set candidate than anything that's made it through so far. And the Apple Store isn't just some logo or mascot, but a whole business building - something that would fit right in to the City and/or Modulars line(s), that merely happens to be branded. LEGO does still do sets pertaining entirely to other companies' businesses and products - heck, Maersk and VW are practically their own themes; they just don't do sets that are nothing but logos or mascots, which a store is not. The sticking point I see is that Apple itself probably won't go for it - they've really gotten away from the kind of brand licensing they used to do in the '80s and '90s, and I think it's unlikely they'd want to let LEGO make a set of one of their stores.

I do think you're right about the others, with the additional note that The Big Bang Theory likely wouldn't pass on brand fit - it has an awful lot of adult content for LEGO, I think.

[Artanis I]

I can see a tardis & couple of minifigs make it (pending licence). I would prefer that they made the more popular renditions of the Doctor & co, perhaps as suggested in the last project. A K-9 or dalek would be great inclusions. I don't expect that project to be successful unfortunately. It has nicer minifig design though.

I think the birds have a chance. It looks like a Creator line product.

The others? I would be very surprised.

[dvsntt]

The activity feed seems to be more like it was before, showing when someone supports a project (still dont see any updates when a comment is added, which is OK by me).

Edited May 6, 2014 by dvsntt

[Meiko]

I'm expecting Doctor Who to pass review. I'd also like to see the birds pass review as well, since if I recall correctly, that was the first project I ever supported on CUUSOO. The only problem I see in it is that it isn't the typical LEGO set featuring a vehicle or building, like 99% of other LEGO sets end up being, since the birds are basically display-only. I don't think The Big Bang Theory will pass review, whether it be because of licensing or that it doesn't fit the LEGO brand. BTTF train may or may not make it, but personally I think one BTTF set was enough. I hope the Modular Apple Store doesn't make it. I don't like Apple as a company, and since the Android robot was rejected, I'd be upset if they approved Apple over that.

[dvsntt]

I hope the Dr. Who passes review, it is a very cool theme and any people I think would love to have that set. The birds, while I supported it, I am less anxious for, but I do like it.

[Sarah]

Hopefully LEGO sees the market potential for the bird project (the fact that it reached 10,000 supporters should indicate that such exists), as that's the project I'm most rooting for in this group. I'd be very surprised if the Modular Apple Store passed review, but if it does, then I'd be happy for the designer as I'm sure they went in realizing LEGO's general attitude towards sets of this nature.

Soon we'll learn of their decisions on projects from the previous review period, and that's something I'm looking forward to.

Agreed. I would REALLY love to have the Birds project win. Got some ideas to purchase it for as gifts already.

I know people would buy Dr. Who because of the licensing. But I'm not personally interested.

[Faefrost]

I can see a tardis & couple of minifigs make it (pending licence). I would prefer that they made the more popular renditions of the Doctor & co, perhaps as suggested in the last project. A K-9 or dalek would be great inclusions. I don't expect that project to be successful unfortunately. It has nicer minifig design though.

I think the birds have a chance. It looks like a Creator line product.

The others? I would be very surprised.

Isn't there something weird with the licensing of the Daleks?

[The Real Indiana Jones]

Hmm... Well there was definitely a burst of activity last week, but now it looks like the vote rates have returned to normal.

Essentially, if Lego does not publicize this site at all, then there is no hope for any unlicensed sets to ever pass!

Did I miss something? Is there any unlicensed set that is getting enough votes to pass within one year?

[Faefrost]

Hmm... Well there was definitely a burst of activity last week, but now it looks like the vote rates have returned to normal.

Essentially, if Lego does not publicize this site at all, then there is no hope for any unlicensed sets to ever pass!

Did I miss something? Is there any unlicensed set that is getting enough votes to pass within one year?

"Define Unlicensed" By that I mean it isn't quite as simple as you might think. There is more than a binary license/no license going on. At least as it regards our assumptions. At one end you have the clear uni=equivocal pop culture licenses with active independent fan bases. At the other far end you have those truly unique pieces or projects. Not something with no third party ties, but something that has not been seen before (for good or ill) Sculptures, Little billy's "RED CAR", Some weird robot from a bit of personal fan fiction or the story in the creators head. etc. In between those two binary states there are some median stages. Not licensed but familiar. Things like Famous Buildings, Pirate Ships, Real World Models like specific and well detailed cars, etc. Or things that relate back to Themes or Things that they like. Lego Licenses if you will. A nice new Pirate Ship, A Nice Castle, etc. The only things that probably have no chance of making the one year deadline are those truly unique with not just a license tie, but no pre existing familiarity of the subject, type of subject etc. And to be honest as we have seen during CuuSoo's run, 6 years wouldn't make a difference for these.

The clearly licensed stuff with fanbases to call on will hit 10k fastest. But the more basic Familiar stuff will have a good chance of finding its audience and making the cutoff, if presented and marketed well.