AncientDayz

You already nailed it on the head. There was a tendency for these helmets to crack. I know I had several. That's probably why (or part of the reason why) the new helmets are made of thicker plastic in that area.

Great use of color. I love the carving and rock formation. Nice job!

As others have said, I really like the tree (shape and colors) and the fact that the border/layout is forced into a square, rectangle, etc. The layout and grass (along with the color of the tree) invites you into the MOC. Nice job!

I think the latest comments have secured my decision. I was already leaning away from the set. This is a pass.

I really liked the idea that an earlier post had of a laundry mat and detective's office. I can see a bank being a popular way to go, but the idea doesn't thrill me (then again, I will probably change tune once I see the great job they usually do with these). Personally, I would really like a police station (I know City is over-run with cops, but I don't have a place for my collectible minifigure police), a hospital, or to a smaller extent, a school. Anyway, I asked at the Orland Park, Illinois, store, and they honestly had no idea about the type, price, or timing of a modular. They were just sure that there wouldn't be anymore this year (which I think we all assumed already given the date).

That is tricky. I missed that little notice. Thanks for pointing it out. I'll still get the Space guy with the Tumbler, but now I'll hold off on the winter set until double VIP points. Again, thanks for making me aware of that!

Sweet! Looks like it'll be a win-win for me: tumbler and classic space minifigure on September 1st then a chance (if any are left) at another space guy with the winter set later in the month!

Please read my second paragraph again. I even said that I don't want to assume anything about you and that maybe you do a lot of work outside of this issue. If so (as I said), "I digress." At no point am I attacking you as a person. I even said multiple times in this thread that I don't have a problem with voicing opinions, and I said that if this works for you, good job (and I mean it). My ONLY point was that I thought your one sentence was a bit "strong" because after all, this is just a hobby. If you take this approach with topics of even greater importance, I really do commend you. You SHOULD stand for your beliefs. Anyway, I think I summarized my thoughts on this topic rather fully so I don't have much more to add. I just wanted to make one last post to make sure that you knew that I didn't (or didn't intentionally) make any of this personal. I'm sorry if you feel attacked. At least on my end, that wasn't my intention. Again, my second paragraph eluded to this.

Bruised heal. Sore finger. Separated nail ...however, no blood or battle scares. How will I ever show my face around the LEGO table when old "war" stories become the major topic (picturing the scene in Jaws when they're drunk and showing their shark bite scars)!?! "Show me the way to go home / I'm tired and I want to go to bed / Had a drink about an hour ago, and it went straight to my head... Dum dum dum..." Good movie. Sorry for the singing.

Maybe I shouldn't open my mouth, but it's late; I have no filter - lol. I commend you on your willingness to stand up for what you believe and to stand for others, but (and I don't mean this to be harsh or to poke you) with all the crazy stuff in this world, is this worth the time? I respond to fires for the Red Cross in the middle of the night as a volunteer, and I help families that have lost everything. One of these little figures would melt pretty quick in a fire, and you better believe the victims are more concerned with their safety than their possessions. Wouldn't you want to fight and stand up for something that has a little more importance than not being able to get a molded piece of plastic which most in the world would quickly discard for some safe shelter, water, and/or food? Maybe you already do a lot of that (I don't mean to judge or assume); if so, I digress. I just found that sentence of yours a bit "strong" for such a (in the bigger picture) meaningless hobby (even if we do really enjoy it and are invested in it). It's not like you are fighting an oppressive regime, company, or individual in this case - just a company that didn't make and release the number of figures that some wanted (at least they are still somewhat available, even if it's a bit of money). Anyway, if this works for you, congrats. If not, I wouldn't get angry; enjoy what you do have. I work with many kids that don't even know when their next meal is let alone wanting or owning a single LEGO set.

Agreed. As I said before, I don't have a problem with people voicing an opinion to a company; maybe the company will see an opportunity to make money and will change policy. However, I do find any demands, anger, or crying about it being unfair a bit childish. A company has no obligation regarding its product for the masses. After all, if they make the wrong choice, they'll cease to exist if enough of their customers voice displeasure by using their wallets. Anyway, you really did nail it. My father, grandfather, father-in-law, mentor, etc. etc. have all said: Life is not fair; deal with it. So a few people got (or purchased) an exclusive item: Good for them! There will always be things in life that I won't be able to get, and I'm sure there will be things I have that others want ...it's called life. Anyway, almost done with that Sea Cow...

The site allowed me to add it to my bag and has it listed as available now (in U.S.), but it also has a disclaimer about VIP Points and availability due to technical difficulties. All the better for me, I guess. I decided to use the problem as an excuse to back out and save my money for the batmobile, especially after some rather large purchases lately (Sea Cow, Mini Cooper, etc. etc.). Hopefully it'll be available come September (and hopefully I'll have money for both), but if not, congrats to all that managed to grab it - I thought - like many of you - that this one would be a hot item.

I vote for a "click" of minifigs.

I really don't have much to add to this conversation except to say that I don't have a problem with exclusives at all. In fact, to expect a company to produce enough of something or a cheap enough version of something to meet your own expectations sort of falls into this whole entitlement culture that I see everywhere, especially with the younger generations. If you think about it, everything is limited to certain extents. I would love to head to the Super Bowl or the World Series, but due to limited seating and ticket prices each year, I choose not to go. I can't blame them for not producing enough seats or cheap enough seats. I would love a Picasso, but there are only so many in existence, and I'm not going pay for one. I guess my "want" is not enough. In fact, the limitations are what makes a lot of these items (arguably) more desirable and/or valuable. Our family had a '67 Camaro SS; while I love the car, the fact that I don't see it on every street corner increases the specialness of the car, but if I didn't have one, I can't blame Chevy. Anyway, I know we are talking toys, but I guess that's why I find any "demand" even more silly. So a few lucky people get an exclusive. Good for them! I wish I had the batmobile, but my "want" isn't strong enough to pay the expected price right now. However, that's my issue, not TLG's. In fact, I congratulate them on drumming up desire, conversations, interest, etc. That's good marketing (despite the few that are offended, but let's be honest: that can happen with anything. ex. The Friends Sets). Now, if we turn this conversation to "needs" like food and shelter, perhaps I could change some of my thoughts. However, for a "want," I don't see the point of anyone demanding or being mad at TLG for an exclusive. They are a business; it's not their job to fulfill every expectation. One final note (just to be clear): I don't see any problem with expressing your desires to a company. Maybe they will change their mind. If they do, good for you (not sarcasm)! I just find an expectation, or any anger, or a demand to be a bit silly and over the line. Anyway, back to building my Sea Cow... :)

Overall, this series doesn't have me excited like past ones save for the awesome pizza box. Finally, I can build my original Uno's Pizzeria in Chicago and serve my town some good deep dish pizza. I will need quite a few of those boxes, please!

I just got two replacement parts for my Delorean in the mail this week. Overall, I was happy wih the process and the speed, but I was asked a lot of questions. For instance, they checked my purchase/receipt on their end (since I ordered it online), and they had me read the numbers off the back of the instruction booklets as well as answering few more questions. I thought it was a bit odd since I've only ever contacted them one time before for a small bag missing from a modular set I ordered through them a few years ago. Despite the questions though, I'm quite satisfied, but as somebody else just pointed out, I still use BrickLink a lot (for instance, I'm snatching four replacements for some broken modular pieces today).

Although I bought them nearly two months ago, I just received my NACM Custom Ghostbusters arms in the mail. I know the purchase was a long time ago, but I am too excited so I had to share. They look really good, and I can't wait to get home and put them to use.

While visiting my hometown of Chicago today, my wife surprised me with the Mini Cooper and Metal Beard's Sea Cow; plus, I got the free Shredder and Mini Mini Cooper - a good day, indeed.

This would be a dumb idea. It's aggravating for the customer and increases cost/time for the company/employees. And, I read an article that suggested the chances of a person buying a product once they touch it goes up dramatically - something about the person having a subconscious feeling of ownership right away. If true, glass would be hindering a lot of those experiences and, in return, a lot of potential sales. Besides, as many have already said, there's just something about the experience of feeling, shaking, and looking at a LEGO box.

Just ask. I was at TRU one time feeling minifigure packages when I found 8 of them with an extremely clean slice in the back - enough to check contents, but clean and small enough where you probably wouldn't notice unless you were feeling them like me. Anyway, nothing was missing from them that I could tell at the time, but I brought them up to customer service just to let them know and turn them in. As I was walking away to go back to my shopping, they actually stopped me and offered them to me with a huge discount because they couldn't sell them now anyway. They'd (assuming the person you ask isn't a jerk) probably just give it to you. But definitely, ask. As the post above says, stealing is stealing whether or not somebody started the crime. You would still see it as stealing if I took the last few pieces of Jewelry from your house that the burglar before me left behind (okay, a little exaggerated, but the point is still there :)

I absolutely love this. The individual tables are really well done. I'm looking forward to the rest, especially the exterior.

This set just doesn't seem to wow me at all. I like the idea. I like the dinosaur. The collection of three little sets just seems to leave me wanting, but I can't put my finger on exactly why. They just seem very disjoint and a bit underwhelming. I haven't decided if this is worth a purchase. It'll probably be a last minute decision based on the amount in my wallet after I get everything else I want.

Brickset puts me in the realm of 67,000. If I factor in all the loose minifigures, bricks, and half sets not entered into Brickset, I'm in the area of 75,000. I think I just made my wife flip - oops!

I'm surprised to keep hearing from people on here that these minifigures are so popular. I usually have to rush to get the normal series, or I'm out of luck. TRU and Target can't seem to sell these in my area (mid-Atlantic states). The same boxes just keep sitting there. Hmmm...