PhoncipleBone
Banned
Lame without a pic.
The LEGO Thread
- Thread starter wetwired
- Start date
- Status
Lame without a pic.
No, not yet. I should jump on it, I think that plus Brickley would be nice presents for my daughter. Don't expect impressions soon though, I might hold onto them for her birthday in June..
Hmm. Price is good, piece count is...ok I guess. Intrigued by how well they do the engine, and how the controls work - cable based would be unique for Lego?
The Friendly Monster
Member
nicoga3000
Saint Nic
Ugh, the close mindedness and opinions of certain individuals blows me away. RANT TIME.
One of my coworkers wants to take his daughter to the Lego store this weekend because she is interested in the Friends line. He came to me asking about the store, pricing, info, etc. since I'm the Lego guy, haha. I gave him my input and I'm giving him my 10% off coupon to use for his daughter this weekend (yeah, I'm a nice guy, boom).
So I told the guy I carpool with about how my OTHER coworker's daughter is interested in the Friends line. I had to explain it to him because he'd never heard of it.
"The Friends line was recently introduced as a way of targeting those not interested in your standard Castle, Ninjago, City, Star Wars, etc sets. It was mostly aimed at younger girls (as they were more inclined to shy away from Star Wars and such), but it isn't explicit for girls like Barbie comes off as."
He started saying how it's incredibly sexist of Lego to do that and how it shows that they're a bad company only concerned about business. To me, it makes PERFECT sense for Lego to create a line targeted towards females - it's expanding their demographic. A little girl who has no interest in Lego because she doesn't like what she sees at the toy store may find a new love for the toy when she gets to play with the new Friends Lego. Maybe she decides she wants others, maybe not - the point is, she's playing with Lego (a brand).
I equated it to how GI Joe and Barbie are most clearly targeting males and females respectively. Nobody cries out for that, but the second Lego introduces a line that's aimed more towards the female demographic, people start saying how Lego is sexist. It makes no sense to me.
It shouldn't bother me as much as it does, but I can't stand when people disagree and argue something like that and can't seem to find any good in the matter. Creating a line geared towards girls is, in my opinion, incredibly smart - it increases sales and introduces a new group of kids to the Lego brand that may have never been interested before.
Am I being a terrible person by not seeing his side of the argument (that Lego is sexist and terrible now that they've introduced a line targeting females)?
One of my coworkers wants to take his daughter to the Lego store this weekend because she is interested in the Friends line. He came to me asking about the store, pricing, info, etc. since I'm the Lego guy, haha. I gave him my input and I'm giving him my 10% off coupon to use for his daughter this weekend (yeah, I'm a nice guy, boom).
So I told the guy I carpool with about how my OTHER coworker's daughter is interested in the Friends line. I had to explain it to him because he'd never heard of it.
"The Friends line was recently introduced as a way of targeting those not interested in your standard Castle, Ninjago, City, Star Wars, etc sets. It was mostly aimed at younger girls (as they were more inclined to shy away from Star Wars and such), but it isn't explicit for girls like Barbie comes off as."
He started saying how it's incredibly sexist of Lego to do that and how it shows that they're a bad company only concerned about business. To me, it makes PERFECT sense for Lego to create a line targeted towards females - it's expanding their demographic. A little girl who has no interest in Lego because she doesn't like what she sees at the toy store may find a new love for the toy when she gets to play with the new Friends Lego. Maybe she decides she wants others, maybe not - the point is, she's playing with Lego (a brand).
I equated it to how GI Joe and Barbie are most clearly targeting males and females respectively. Nobody cries out for that, but the second Lego introduces a line that's aimed more towards the female demographic, people start saying how Lego is sexist. It makes no sense to me.
It shouldn't bother me as much as it does, but I can't stand when people disagree and argue something like that and can't seem to find any good in the matter. Creating a line geared towards girls is, in my opinion, incredibly smart - it increases sales and introduces a new group of kids to the Lego brand that may have never been interested before.
Am I being a terrible person by not seeing his side of the argument (that Lego is sexist and terrible now that they've introduced a line targeting females)?
PhoncipleBone
Banned
Fuck him. Right in the ear. I like that Friends are getting more girls wanting to buy Lego.
Ask this guy if he thinks he knows better than Lego's market researchers.
They're making toys to appeal to kids. If he has a problem with the fact that most girls prefer to play with pink and purple bricks and cutesy minifigs... well, he should be ranting about society and not Lego.
They're making toys to appeal to kids. If he has a problem with the fact that most girls prefer to play with pink and purple bricks and cutesy minifigs... well, he should be ranting about society and not Lego.
nicoga3000
Saint Nic
*phew* OK, I'm glad it's not just me over-reacting to his ignorance here. I agree with all of the above statements 100%.
E: I should add, I mentioned that girls tend to gravitate towards pinks, purples, pastels. He accused me of being sexist, haha. But if you put a Lego Friends set and a Ninjago set in front of a little girl, or you put a Barbie and a GI Joe in front of her, I would say 90% (making up a number that feels right) would go for the more feminine toy. I don't think it's wrong for her to grab the Ninjago or the GI Joe, I simply think she'll gravitate towards the more feminine object.
People are just becoming more aware of marketing 'tricks' and people trying to be 'politically correct' by going against anything that defines a group by their sex, ie anything pink must be for girls.
If people don't like it then they don't have to buy them. Lego aren't doing anything wrong, they are making a product for a different market segment to their usual products, that's just business sense.
People seem to forget that Lego did exactly the same thing 18 years ago with Belville. And have done the same thing again and again. It's just none of them have stuck.
Lego's tactic hasn't changed, its a common business practice, it's just peoples views on what's acceptable has changed.
The only thing I disagree about with the Friends line is the fact that they don't use normal minifigs, it seems daft to me to reduce the ability of girls who get those sets to "migrate" into other ranges, by making their existing figures not match.
I really don't get why people complain about companies making pink toys for girls though. I'm no market researcher, but I'm pretty sure that if girls mostly didn't honestly like pink, then the millions of toy makers wouldn't make stuff in that colour. No one is saying that girls can't play with Star Wars sets or whatever, I think some people just like having something to complain about to be honest.
I really don't get why people complain about companies making pink toys for girls though. I'm no market researcher, but I'm pretty sure that if girls mostly didn't honestly like pink, then the millions of toy makers wouldn't make stuff in that colour. No one is saying that girls can't play with Star Wars sets or whatever, I think some people just like having something to complain about to be honest.
Gary Whitta
Member
Does the Sopwith Campel have a release date?
nicoga3000
Saint Nic
While they don't LOOK the same, their accessories are interchangeable, so at least they made sure to do that! I agree that the minifigs are a bit too Polly Pocket for me in the Friends line.
And I actually said your bolded line to him when we were talking earlier (I included Ninjago and Pirates), and he still felt the need to argue it.
"Politically correct" is equated to "intellectually lazy", IMO. I despise the term and its warping to suit whatever agenda is the cause of the day.
And yes, LEGO is a business, so they should be primarily concerned about business, just as parents should be primarily concerned about parenting, but that connection seems to be lost on many people these days.
And finally, the one major failing of the Friends line is the crappy minifigs. Why are the legs stuck together as one single unit? Bad design.
Back to other thoughts...
And yes, LEGO is a business, so they should be primarily concerned about business, just as parents should be primarily concerned about parenting, but that connection seems to be lost on many people these days.
And finally, the one major failing of the Friends line is the crappy minifigs. Why are the legs stuck together as one single unit? Bad design.
Back to other thoughts...
Affeinvasion
Member
As far as I can tell the Friends line is selling really well too.
PalaceBrother
Member
I'm one of the complainers. I've bought my daughter a few of the sets (she loves them) but I absolutely think the theme is a bit insulting.
The thing with marketing to little girls is that (as you said) everything is pink. Everything. I've got two girls and my house is awash with branded pink merchandise. My problem with the Friends theme is that because of this pervasiveness, all other Lego automatically becomes "boy" Lego. I know you might say "teach her that's not the case", and we do...but girls are trained from the get-go to love pink/purple and it's unavoidable.
There's probably a larger discussion here, but what's the first thing you say when you see a little girl who is a relative etc.?
"I love your dress!"
"Fancy shoes!"
"Nice barrette!"
etc. Society trains girls to put a high value on looks, style and "things".
Anyway-back on the Lego track...I do appreciate that one of the sets is an invention workshop. That's encouraging! And they are fun to build of course.
Man, I sound like a wackjob.
CrunchinJelly
formerly cjelly
PeteZaTheHutt
Member
Currently in the middle of building the Tantive IV. I just about dropped a deuce in my pants when I opened up the box yesterday only to discover that the bags were not numbered. Hesitantly, I opened all of the bags and dumped all the pieces together. I became a man that day...
And damn you, people. Damn you all. Using the free shipping on Lego.com as an excuse, I just now ordered the Mini-Modulars set and the Grand Emporium. I've never tried a modular before, but everyone's enthusiasm on this thread convinced me to try them. Plus I'm trying to accumulate as many VIP points as possible in order to justify buying the Super Star Destroyer at the end of the year. My wife is going to kill me for spending so much money. Who else is up for starting a support group for LEGO collectors who have PO'd SO's? We could call it "LEGOPOSO"...
And damn you, people. Damn you all. Using the free shipping on Lego.com as an excuse, I just now ordered the Mini-Modulars set and the Grand Emporium. I've never tried a modular before, but everyone's enthusiasm on this thread convinced me to try them. Plus I'm trying to accumulate as many VIP points as possible in order to justify buying the Super Star Destroyer at the end of the year. My wife is going to kill me for spending so much money. Who else is up for starting a support group for LEGO collectors who have PO'd SO's? We could call it "LEGOPOSO"...
Didn't realise that - sucks because you can't play with them as flexibly. I like the friends sets - much more 'play set' than even creator houses, with open backs etc, and I love the interior detailing and furniture, whereas creator sets can be quite empty inside
At least they aren't all pink, hey have some purple and white in there too
Gary Whitta
Member
Is that a WipeOut racer? Awesome!
The Lamonster
Member
Just in time for Easter.
nicoga3000
Saint Nic
No, I don't think you're wrong here (you're generalizations are pretty correct), but I don't think Lego is at fault for what they're doing. They can't change the fact that pinks and purples and dresses/frills are associated with girls. I think they are simply trying to expand their demographic and help draw girls into Lego using the Friends line.
@ghostmind That's pretty much amazing. Nice find!
Snkfanatic
Banned
Me like!
PalaceBrother
Member
Agreed 100%! Introducing the line will prove to be a huge win for them no doubt. I don't take issue with them doing it either-just trying to explain why the theme doesn't seem quite "right" to me. It's hard to put into words.
THIS IS AMAZING. Want.
megashock5
Member
Was just about to post this same thing, it's my only real problem with the Friends line - makes the scale seem different than the rest. Other than that, cool.
nicoga3000
Saint Nic
And this is a completely fair argument. It's fine to look at the generalization of young girls and have some level of disdain for it - it seems unfair to attack The Lego Group for their decision (like he's done).
OK, I'm sorry for bringing that whole thing up in this topic...BUT! It is the Lego thread, and I feel like anything and everything is fair game (given that it pertains to Lego)!
Thanks all.Back to posting cool shit that pumps people up!
New question - I've asked before, but does anyone do a lot of Technic building? I love the functionality, and it would be cool to see some creative approaches to that line of Lego.
My point in posting that sweet racer MOC, is that regardless of the theme, these are all just building blocks, limited only by our imaginations.
For those that missed the edit, the racer was primarily made with the following sets:
3933 Olivia’s Invention Workshop
3187 Butterfly Beauty Shop
2X 3183 Stephanie’s Cool Convertible
2X 3936 Emma’s Fashion Design Studio
I personally know of a couple AFOL's (who don't have girls) who have purchased the Friends sets, because the bottom line is that they contain some pretty cool (and rare) parts!
For those that missed the edit, the racer was primarily made with the following sets:
3933 Olivia’s Invention Workshop
3187 Butterfly Beauty Shop
2X 3183 Stephanie’s Cool Convertible
2X 3936 Emma’s Fashion Design Studio
I personally know of a couple AFOL's (who don't have girls) who have purchased the Friends sets, because the bottom line is that they contain some pretty cool (and rare) parts!
I like the Friends line. The minifigures are pleasant to look at, and they're the same size, making them fit in any regular scale building. They can hold the same objects, although their hands don't rotate. Hairs are interchangeable. Sitting is a bit awkward though since you can't peg them down due to lack of holes in their butt/back of legs. The legs not being split is I think because they want them to wear skirts, although they should make alternate legs which are split if they're supposed to be wearing pants.
And yeah, the sets themselves have some very useful parts. So even if you don't like the minifigures, the sets provide interesting accessories you can give to your regular minifigures.
And yeah, the sets themselves have some very useful parts. So even if you don't like the minifigures, the sets provide interesting accessories you can give to your regular minifigures.
Lord Error
Insane For Sony
The WW2 biplane and Wipeout racer are glorious! Fantastic job ghostmind!
People spout stuff without thinking about it first. Should have started with the clothes/shoes makers first, before you even got to toys comparisonnicoga3000 said:
Lord Error
Insane For Sony
G4 interviewing a Lego designer:
http://www.g4tv.com/videos/57795/rad-jobs-with-lego/?quality=hd
http://www.g4tv.com/videos/57795/rad-jobs-with-lego/?quality=hd
megashock5
Member
Man, the Marvel sets on walmart.com are already sold out. I hope once they're actually out in the wild, they're not THAT hard to obtain.
Snkfanatic
Banned
Wow, glad I ordered that one set this morning lol
GOD DAMN IT
For once I'm fairly happy with this being my wife's doing and not mine though!
I think the only Marvel set I would get is the $20 one that has the Wolverine/Deadpool/Magneto minifigs; don't care about any of the actual sets, and out of all of the Marvel minifigs I only really want Deadpool and Magneto for mostly hilarity value.
For once I'm fairly happy with this being my wife's doing and not mine though!
I think the only Marvel set I would get is the $20 one that has the Wolverine/Deadpool/Magneto minifigs; don't care about any of the actual sets, and out of all of the Marvel minifigs I only really want Deadpool and Magneto for mostly hilarity value.
ConfusingJazz
Member
Fixed, sorry, was bugging me.
FYI: Grand Emporium back in stock @ TRU
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4057248
edit: not anymore :/
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4057248
edit: not anymore :/
nicoga3000
Saint Nic
lol That lasted all of 5 minutes.
vicissitudes
Banned
Why is it so popular at TRU? Is there a deal going on?
Edit: nvm, buy 1 get 1 50% off. That's pretty good.
Shawn of the Dead Lego set
I wish this was real.
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/7451
6k people to go.
A little late to the Friends talk, but yeah the scale, and limited articulation, of the minifigs are a bit weird to me. Not sure what the thinking was behind that design decision. Anything that limits play options with Lego seems counter to it's point.
But outside of that curiosity, I don't think the Friends line is sexist. It's a far cry from their Homemaker line from the 70s. But I can't see why the sets are not displayed in the same aisle as the rest of their lines. Not sure about every store, but my local Target has Friends firmly planted in the same row as Polly Pocket, and everything else Lego is about five rows down. Nothing wrong with trying to appeal to little girls, but Harry Potter, Spongebob, Creator, etc could too. They should be able to see all the options available to them. Not to mention, if they were displayed together, little boys would have the chance to see that girls toys can be cool too! The tree house and convertible are pretty neat sets, no matter your gender.
nicoga3000
Saint Nic
The BOGO 50% deals wreck the high dollar sets at Lego. There's a TRU near me that sells some of those mega sets on the shelves. Pretty insane.
The Lamonster
Member
Any guesses as to when Lego will open preorders for R2-D2?
And will it be available on Amazon? shop.lego.com shipping prices are ridiculous.
And will it be available on Amazon? shop.lego.com shipping prices are ridiculous.
BattleMonkey
Member
The UCS stuff is generally made widely available and will be around for a while.
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