Why Can't LEGO Click?

A reader writes "This article from FastCompany.com contains a fascinating history of Lego, from wooden toys and the basic eight-stud brick to Star Wars kits and Mindstorms. According to the article, changes in the way children play has made the Danish toymaker struggle to adapt, while holding on to the values that helped build it's reputation. 'Once, for a brief moment, Lego changed the way kids played as well as the way kids learned to think. Lego hasn't been that kind of leader in a long time.'" The article itself paints a sad picture - LEGOs were such an integral part of my growing up, I can't imagine growing up without them. My favorite thing was to construct vast cities, and then launch billiards balls at them, pretending it was meteors coming down. Hurm. I think that may disqualify me from ever being put in charge of heavy weapons ordnance.

Logo Movies

[null-und-eins]

Just today the German news magazin Der Spiegel [spiegel.de] has a story about Lego cult and especially movies made with Lego characters. If yo don't speak German, just visit the box on the right of the page for the links.

Smash 'em up!

[Kenyaman]

My brother and I used to build Lego cars (sorry, build cars from Lego brand bricks). We'd then smash them into each other until one or the other was destroyed. Whoever's car lasted longest won.

My Mom stopped it because she was afraid we'd damage the bricks. A few months ago I saw in the store a kit where kids could build a couple cars and do a "demolition derby" with them.

But why lego?

[All Dat]

Yes, lego was absolutely the best toy I had, even GI Joe and the vast armies of He-Man didn't give as much joy. :) (But it was close)

Here's why.

It was durable. ONLY lego could take the stress of being hit with billard balls, trampled on by feet, and being swallowed by the rubber godzillas repeatedly.

It was reusable. I STILL have my lego today, my uncle's and aunt's have their buckets. and still my little nephews build cities, starships, and moon bases, tear them all down, and do it all over again.

It was limitless. Didn't like the guys face? Change it, even the damn tiny HOOKS for the arms were tough to break. You could snap weapons in and out all day long, and it wouldn't let you down. Try that with a batman figure from today, see how long it lasts....

I know that while lego may not be able to compete on a technical level with some of the newer toys, I still smile when I see my little relatives running around the basment with my LEGO, when just around the corner is the Playstation. I guess some things just don't die.

Lego, you GO! :)

Re:Logo Movies

[Monkeyman334]

Here's a good group with a few good lego movies:
Liquid Plastic Productions [gliebster.com]
Including the matrix, a milk ad, and a drunk guy.