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!!!

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

Jeff is finishing up combining the review points with the blog and forum points.  He has shown me some cool stuff on how we will implement a store using the Brickpoints. The 9 or 10 of you that have received the sets will have points deducted at that time.  It's about the fairest way possible to make it equal for everyone.  This is not meant to be a penalty.  This will enable members to track their own Brickpoints and purchases.  The original program was a nice idea, but hard for Jeff and I to monitor.  This will make is simpler and more fun for members.  Trust me.  

What time on August first is the contest ending? I am assuming it will be at 11:59 pm est like last time, is this correct? (just wondering when to stop procrastinating lol). Thanks.

What time on August first is the contest ending? I am assuming it will be at 11:59 pm est like last time, is this correct? (just wondering when to stop procrastinating lol). Thanks.

I believe that's right. I feel like I've already been procrastinating too much, seeing where FCB and Quacs are at. LOL

I believe that's right. I feel like I've already been procrastinating too much, seeing where FCB and Quacs are at. LOL

Don't forget DNIIM, he's making a powerful run too. Ah, contests.

Six day sprint. Keep up the fantastic content everyone!

I know right - if only I could sprint.

Six day sprint. Keep up the fantastic content everyone!

Oi vei, don't remind me!

I still need to put the finishing touches on my Planets evaluation article.

Seems like articles are slowing down, if anything. We have one of the oldest articles ever on the Latest Community Blogs list, with DNIIM's article being 2 days old!!

Seems like articles are slowing down, if anything. We have one of the oldest articles ever on the Latest Community Blogs list, with DNIIM's article being 2 days old!!

 

Everyone is dead from writing them.

 

I have a few that are almost done, just finishing. And I don't think anything that has been submitted last night is up.

Everyone is dead from writing them.

 

I have a few that are almost done, just finishing. And I don't think anything that has been submitted last night is up.

 

 

I made 2 blogs and fixed my first one like 3 days ago and none was reviewed and approved so far...

I made 2 blogs and fixed my first one like 3 days ago and none was reviewed and approved so far...

It takes time. They have to read and approve each one. I wonder how many articles I can get done in the 24 hr period before the end of the contest...

I made 2 blogs and fixed my first one like 3 days ago and none was reviewed and approved so far...

Are you submitting it for publishing, because I haven't seen it.  Let me look.

Alcarin, there is nothing entered in your personal blog.

Seems like that got sorted out, all three are out now. Cmon people, keep pushin'!

Seems like that got sorted out, all three are out now. Cmon people, keep pushin'!

I still have plenty of ideas left. There is only one thing, I cannot write about all of that short of amount of time.

I still have plenty of ideas left. There is only one thing, I cannot write about all of that short of amount of time.

This is the time when you have to create 10 robots that can type out all of your thoughts for the blog.

This is the time when you have to create 10 robots that can type out all of your thoughts for the blog.

I wish I could do that, but I only have one NXT 2.0 robot and I am currently programing it to solve my Rubix Cube. I cannot give up on that project.

Im goin - running out of good ideas though. I have a few more though - and some other good sets to build.

Im goin - running out of good ideas though. I have a few more though - and some other good sets to build.

Most of us have too many ideas and not enough completed articles. You are such a beast that you have too many completed articles and not enough ideas. Perhaps we should set up a thread for possible articles, so we could claim ideas so we dont have five people doing the exact same thing (although I do enjoy different views) and people who dont have enough time to write articles could "donate" article ideas.

Most of us have too many ideas and not enough completed articles. You are such a beast that you have too many completed articles and not enough ideas. Perhaps we should set up a thread for possible articles, so we could claim ideas so we dont have five people doing the exact same thing (although I do enjoy different views) and people who dont have enough time to write articles could "donate" article ideas.

 

I like this idea. Some of them I have pulled from comments other people have made and I have just emailed them asking them if they mind if I use it.

Most of us have too many ideas and not enough completed articles. You are such a beast that you have too many completed articles and not enough ideas. Perhaps we should set up a thread for possible articles, so we could claim ideas so we dont have five people doing the exact same thing (although I do enjoy different views) and people who dont have enough time to write articles could "donate" article ideas.

 

 

I have an idea for this.  Let me work something out..

I have an idea for this.  Let me work something out..

 

Go Jeff Go!!!

I also like this idea.

Yeah, I've noticed people covering articles other people are also doing recently... for example I think that three or four people are working on/have done LOTR wave 2 LOL

Yeah, I've noticed people covering articles other people are also doing recently... for example I think that three or four people are working on/have done LOTR wave 2 LOL

I think the new system would make articles less repetitive and more original.