THE BRICKPICKER LEGO SET REVIEW/BLOG ARTICLE CONTEST IS HERE!!!

Jeff and I are proud to announce this contest for all registered BrickPicker members. It will be based on LEGO set reviews, Evalution Corner and Blog articles. We will judge the winners on several aspects, such as overall quantity, content and quality. We will take into consideration the quantity of reviews and articles you submit and the content and quality of those reviews/articles/blogs. Just because you pump out more reviews than other members, if your content and quality are subpar or very average, we can elect someone else the winner.

The basic BrickPicker Set Review will be accepted at 1000 characters. No less. Unlike the earlier Set Review version, you will be required to submit content for each of the 10 basic categories below:

First Impression(WOW Factor) & Introduction

An introduction and first impression of the LEGO set. Does the LEGO set "WOW" you? Is it or will it be an "iconic" LEGO set? When you see this set, you say to yourself, "I just have to have one!?

Unique Parts/Minifigures

Does the LEGO set have rare or unique minifigures? Are there rare parts/colors in the set? Does the set have a large amount of minifigures or parts that make it more desirable?

Playability/Build Experience

Does the set have elements that make it an extremely "fun" set to play with or to build, thus affecting it's popularity and future viability as an investment?

Value for money(new)

Is the set a bargain? Does the set give you a "bang for your buck" when considering piece to price ratio or is the price of the set extremely high priced for the amount of pieces included? This rating also plays into LEGO collectors/investors who like to "part out" LEGO sets to make money...Could the set be used to "part out for a profit"?

Theme Popularity

Is the LEGO set from a popular LEGO theme that sells well in the primary retail LEGO market and will most likely translate to positive growth in the secondary LEGO market?

Exclusivity

Is the set an "exclusive" set and is marked accordingly so? Is the set limited in production in any way? Is the set from a Toy Fair or Comic Con or other LEGO trade show that has limited production runs?

Packaging

Does the set have unique packaging that makes it stand out from the typical LEGO set? Does the set have special markings on the box that differentiate it from other LEGO sets?

Growth Potential

What is the potential growth of this set in the secondary LEGO market? Will this set appreciate or depreciate after being retired(EOL)?

Display Attributes

Does this set when built display well? Is it a topic of conversation when built and displayed in a office or den? Does it make for an impressive or unique set when compared with other LEGO set

Final Analysis & Conclusion

Your overall final impression of the set, taking into consideration all the above factors. A final synopsis or conclusion about the LEGO set. The numerical rating is for the entire set, with a 10 being the ?perfect? LEGO set, a 5-6 being about average and a 1 being the bottom of the barrel.

Each category can range from a sentence to several paragraphs if necessary. The combined total for all the category content needs to be 1000 characters to be accepted. You will be asked to leave a numerical 1 to 10 rank for each category as well, with 4,5 and 6 being considered "average" LEGO set rankings. You do not have to own a set to review one, but it would help and this will be noted on each review. Here is a sample of a REVIEW I did for the 10227 UCS B-Wing Starfighter. It is a 5000 character review and I would consider it an above average review. You can do more or less, but proper grammar and spelling is also important.

We will take a snapshot of the current review totals and start from there. A BrickPicker member can look over their personal reviews in our new REVIEW LOG. You will have the ability to resubmit an older review and improve it, with it counting towards the contest. Jeff and I will approve or disapprove each resubmission. What is neat about the new review system is that Jeff and I will be able to award BONUS BRICKPOINTS for above average and special reviews. A basic 1000 character review will be awarded 10 Brickpoints, but we can give up to 500 Brickpoints or more for some in depth and special reviews.

The contest will start immediately and conclude at 11:59 PM(Eastern Time) on July 3rd, 2013. There will be three main prizes:

1ST PLACE: 10228 HAUNTED HOUSE or $200 LEGO GIFT CARD

2ND PLACE: 10232 PALACE CINEMA or $150 LEGO GIFT CARD

3RD PLACE: 9516 JABBA'S PALACE or $100 LEGO GIFT CARD

We will adjust all prizes to the winner's country and situation. Jeff and I understand that some members have to pay more for LEGO sets and we will adapt to each situation. We have the right to change the prizes to equivalent LEGO sets if these become retired or out of stock.

There will also be four $25 LEGO GIFT CARDS given out to those exceptional reviews in which I can convert to content for the EVALUATION CORNER. One person can win them all. Look at my reviews for an example of what I am looking for. You do not have to go through the normal review processor if it is easier to produce a large and quality review and analysis on a word processor like OPEN OFFICE(which I use). If you are doing a "special" review, you can contact me. I can guide you. What I don't want is something I have to rewrite. It needs to be quality content and properly written. I can tweak it and help with data and charts, but the overall written content needs to be very, very good.

Depending on the response, we can throw in some other prizes along the way. Maybe some "Honorable Mentions" or some other prize for some review or content that tickles my fancy. This is a serious competition and Jeff and I want the content of the LEGO set reviews to become a very important part of our site. Unlike the quality reviews on top sites like Brickset or Eurobricks, I want our reviews to focus on aspects of LEGO sets that will affect its "investment" potential and value. You can discuss anything you want, but you should have a serious investment correlation in your reviews when discussing many of the categories. The basic categories are set up like an essay, with an introduction, body & content and then a conclusion. Think of the reviews in proper English class terms and you will do well.

That's about it. Good luck with your reviews and any questions can be posted below. Winners will be announced on July 4th, 2013. Thanks.

Ed Mack

EDIT: JEFF AND I WILL ALSO ACCEPT EVALUATION CORNER/BLOG ARTICLES TOWARDS THE CONTEST AS WELL!!!

Sounds good.

 

Not that I had any real problem with your technicolor thread.

Sounds good.

 

Not that I had any real problem with your technicolor thread.

To be quite honest, it was and is for my own personal use more than anyone elses.  It helps me and will help me judge the contest and keep track of it.  

To be quite honest, it was and is for my own personal use more than anyone elses.  It helps me and will help me judge the contest and keep track of it.  

Ah, I see. I'm guessing the Brickpoint values are a pretty good gauge of how we are doing?

Ok, I need off work and plenty of meth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0tpx1lPyjM

Hmm, might need some Redbull, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYrENgtcq-0

Ah, I see. I'm guessing the Brickpoint values are a pretty good gauge of how we are doing?

Pretty much sums it up...

 

Remember, I am being very generous with the Brickpoints right now, so even if you don't win the contest, you can still win a prize.  For every 5000 Brickpoints, you get a STAR WARS mini set.  Jeff will be adding in the review Brickpoints as well shortly.  Or...you can save your points for future use...which could be a nice option for many.  

I am going to post the up to date blog results and data here from now on...

Remember, I am being very generous with the Brickpoints right now, so even if you don't win the contest, you can still win a prize.  For every 5000 Brickpoints, you get a STAR WARS mini set.  Jeff will be adding in the review Brickpoints as well shortly.  Or...you can save your points for future use...which could be a nice option for many.

I was wondering how those BrickMaster polybags would still play out with the Brickpoint system after you made mention of being able to use your earned points towards certain things (not yet determined at this time). Would it be like trading in 5,000 Brickpoints per polybag now or is it just like before where every 5,000 points milestone nets you one but you keep the points you've earned thus far?

I'm not sure if my question makes sense cause now I'm confused. :wacko:

I was wondering how those BrickMaster polybags would still play out with the Brickpoint system after you made mention of being able to use your earned points towards certain things (not yet determined at this time). Would it be like trading in 5,000 Brickpoints per polybag now or is it just like before where every 5,000 points milestone nets you one but you keep the points you've earned thus far?

I'm not sure if my question makes sense cause now I'm confused.

Are you asking if the brickpoints would be "used up" when you get a polybag?

Are you asking if the brickpoints would be "used up" when you get a polybag?

Yeah, basically that.

Looks like I would get more done with the Red Bull, if Family Guy is any indication ?

Looks like I would get more done with the Red Bull, if Family Guy is any indication

LOL. Where I live, its 12:33 am (I am going to work until 3 as there is no point sleeping because I have to leave at 3:30). I haven't ingested anything for hours as I sit at my computer. Good way to die...

 

Yeah, basically that.

I think his wording suggests you either use them for a polybag or save them for a discount/free listing, not both.

I was wondering how those BrickMaster polybags would still play out with the Brickpoint system after you made mention of being able to use your earned points towards certain things (not yet determined at this time). Would it be like trading in 5,000 Brickpoints per polybag now or is it just like before where every 5,000 points milestone nets you one but you keep the points you've earned thus far?

I'm not sure if my question makes sense cause now I'm confused.

 

This has also been on my mind.

Is this for build or investment? For building, I'm game for all of them. They are all stunning sets! Investment, go for the SSD. It's hard to compete with everyone else who got it for $100 in the investing world, and the X-Wing being a remake is just uncharted territory.

This would be for building, not investing.

I was wondering how those BrickMaster polybags would still play out with the Brickpoint system after you made mention of being able to use your earned points towards certain things (not yet determined at this time). Would it be like trading in 5,000 Brickpoints per polybag now or is it just like before where every 5,000 points milestone nets you one but you keep the points you've earned thus far?I'm not sure if my question makes sense cause now I'm confused.

It's very simple really. When Jeff adds the Brickpoints earned from the reviews to the rest of the forum and blog Brickpoints, we will have one total. From that total I will subtarct 5000 points or more from whoever received a STAR WARS mini set. Right now that is about 9 or 10 of you. This not only enables people to get a prize for their efforts, it maintains our original offer of giving out minisets to the first 100 members who reached 5000 BPs. There will be a time when we will offer various sets as rewards and there will be some sort of store. You will pay for the sets with Brickpoints. If all goes as planned, you will be able to buy advertising space on the Brick Classifieds with the Brickpoints.

This is a slow process and conversion. Jeff is working on the review situation now and trying to add the Brickpoints from the forums and blogs to a different type of programming setup that the reviews are tracked by. When he finishes that, he will be able to make it work in conjunction with the Classifieds. There are multuple issues and levels of programming going on here and it is very time consuming and tedious. I know people are growing impatient, but the end result(we hope) will be very enticing to members. What other LEGO site gives you LEGO sets or post items for sale for site activity?

 

Updated article tally...

It's very simple really. When Jeff adds the Brickpoints earned from the reviews to the rest of the forum and blog Brickpoints, we will have one total. From that total I will subtarct 5000 points or more from whoever received a STAR WARS mini set. Right now that is about 9 or 10 of you. This not only enables people to get a prize for their efforts, it maintains our original offer of giving out minisets to the first 100 members who reached 5000 BPs. There will be a time when we will offer various sets as rewards and there will be some sort of store. You will pay for the sets with Brickpoints. If all goes as planned, you will be able to buy advertising space on the Brick Classifieds with the Brickpoints.

This is a slow process and conversion. Jeff is working on the review situation now and trying to add the Brickpoints from the forums and blogs to a different type of programming setup that the reviews are tracked by. When he finishes that, he will be able to make it work in conjunction with the Classifieds. There are multuple issues and levels of programming going on here and it is very time consuming and tedious. I know people are growing impatient, but the end result(we hope) will be very enticing to members. What other LEGO site gives you LEGO sets or post items for sale for site activity?

That answered the whole shebang and then some. Thank you, Ed.

It's very simple really. When Jeff adds the Brickpoints earned from the reviews to the rest of the forum and blog Brickpoints, we will have one total. From that total I will subtarct 5000 points or more from whoever received a STAR WARS mini set. Right now that is about 9 or 10 of you. This not only enables people to get a prize for their efforts, it maintains our original offer of giving out minisets to the first 100 members who reached 5000 BPs. There will be a time when we will offer various sets as rewards and there will be some sort of store. You will pay for the sets with Brickpoints. If all goes as planned, you will be able to buy advertising space on the Brick Classifieds with the Brickpoints.

This is a slow process and conversion. Jeff is working on the review situation now and trying to add the Brickpoints from the forums and blogs to a different type of programming setup that the reviews are tracked by. When he finishes that, he will be able to make it work in conjunction with the Classifieds. There are multuple issues and levels of programming going on here and it is very time consuming and tedious. I know people are growing impatient, but the end result(we hope) will be very enticing to members. What other LEGO site gives you LEGO sets or post items for sale for site activity?

So are we getting 'charged' for the polybags from the 100 like these upcoming 'store' sets, or do we keep the early BP?   This is not an angry question, even though it is kind of phrased that way.

So are we getting 'charged' for the polybags from the 100 like these upcoming 'store' sets, or do we keep the early BP?   This is not an angry question, even though it is kind of phrased that way.

Yes I'm pretty sure, if you get the polybags it will cost you 5000 brickpoints; Ed has stated multiple times that they will become a sort of "currency". I'm not sure why everyone is so surprised brickpoints are getting deducted for the polybag, just because they are adding new features for the brickpoints system that you can "spend" your points on other things it doesn't mean they are going to throw in a two for one. As I said early, Ed has compared the points to currency. You can't spend the same money twice unless you earn it back. Hope that helped 

I understand BJ's question a little differently. Will everyone who gets to 5000 BPs automatically get the polybag as part of the First 100 contest, or will they be able to save those points to get something better?

I understand BJ's question a little differently. Will everyone who gets to 5000 BPs automatically get the polybag as part of the First 100 contest, or will they be able to save those points to get something better?

You get to choose. Ed recommended people should wait until they can see all the options instead of cashing in on polybag right away. I'm getting the feeling that the BrickClassifieds update is going to be huge.

Ok guys.  I know that people can choose to buy sets with BP in the future, and that they will obviously be deducted.  I am wondering if the SW polybags count for this, as they are in a separate contest as I saw it.  Please don't question my appreciation of the Mack's generosity, as I don't think that there are any other sites that give Lego sets to people for just BS'ing about Lego!

Ok guys.  I know that people can choose to buy sets with BP in the future, and that they will obviously be deducted.  I am wondering if the SW polybags count for this, as they are in a separate contest as I saw it.  Please don't question my appreciation of the Mack's generosity, as I don't think that there are any other sites that give Lego sets to people for just BS'ing about Lego!

 

No, you pretty much got it.  You will still get your Polybag if that's what you choose to "buy" with it.  You cash in your Brickpoints and get your set.  So yes, the Star Wars Polybags are included in this.  The only other contest right now is the Blog one.

No, you pretty much got it.  You will still get your Polybag if that's what you choose to "buy" with it.  You cash in your Brickpoints and get your set.  So yes, the Star Wars Polybags are included in this.  The only other contest right now is the Blog one.

 

Will Bj's account be retroactively deducted 5,000 points for the first polybag he received?

Ok guys.  I know that people can choose to buy sets with BP in the future, and that they will obviously be deducted.  I am wondering if the SW polybags count for this, as they are in a separate contest as I saw it.  Please don't question my appreciation of the Mack's generosity, as I don't think that there are any other sites that give Lego sets to people for just BS'ing about Lego!

By charging members 5000 Brickpoints for the minisets, it enable us to move ahead with the next site feature.  We are trying to simplify things and make it where it does not penalize people.  If you reach 5000 points and want one, you will be able to get one and everyone who wants one will pay the same amount.  You will see when the future "store" sets are released that these mini sets were a great value.  We might change it up the prizes after 100 are "bought," but this way we honor our original promise of reaching 5000 Brickpoints and you get a STAR WARS mini set.  Remember, we never said we wouldn't take points away. Almost two years ago when we started that program, there were no other ways to spend your points.  Very soon, there will be many ways, but that is just progress and the site improving.  

 

As Spock said...

 

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one.

By charging members 5000 Brickpoints for the minisets, it enable us to move ahead with the next site feature.  We are trying to simplify things and make it where it does not penalize people.  If you reach 5000 points and want one, you will be able to get one and everyone who wants one will pay the same amount.  You will see when the future "store" sets are released that these mini sets were a great value.  We might change it up the prizes after 100 are "bought," but this way we honor our original promise of reaching 5000 Brickpoints and you get a STAR WARS mini set.  Remember, we never said we wouldn't take points away. Almost two years ago when we started that program, there were no other ways to spend your points.  Very soon, there will be many ways, but that is just progress and the site improving.  

 

As Spock said...

 

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one.

 

That should answer it.  Thanks, Ed.  I am really looking forward to seeing the new feature!