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!!!

Slow and steady wins the race baby! That and me avoiding other work by writing reviews. I find I do my best work when I have ten other things that actually need to be completed in my life. If I win - it will be purely because I was too lazy complete my real responsibilities. :)

I think most of us who started writing a lot have reduced our output in some way. Just remember how it was when the contest was just announced. I know I was writing at least 2 per day, Mike was doing around 4 or 5 (or more lol), same with Blackjack. It would not be possible to maintain that level for the long time the contest is going to last.

I think the output some of have done is just admirable. It was tough trying to come up with a fair amount of time. We know everyone has a different ability for writing. Some LOVE to do it and it just flows out of them while others it takes time. We also have a new group of people registering everyday, and don't want them to feel that there is no chance to compete if it was too short of span. Regardless, everyone is just doing great.

I think a good way to not get writer's block during a review is to build/re-build the set. I find that it keeps me interested and refreshes my memory. I have noticed a slowdown in the reviews from a few members, though. It also really, really helps to read other reviews and see what they are about, and maybe write about similar things.

I think most of us who started writing a lot have reduced our output in some way. Just remember how it was when the contest was just announced. I know I was writing at least 2 per day, Mike was doing around 4 or 5 (or more lol), same with Blackjack. It would not be possible to maintain that level for the long time the contest is going to last.

I just did four battle pack reviews today, and it was so grueling. :sick:

I think the output some of have done is just admirable. It was tough trying to come up with a fair amount of time. We know everyone has a different ability for writing. Some LOVE to do it and it just flows out of them while others it takes time. We also have a new group of people registering everyday, and don't want them to feel that there is no chance to compete if it was too short of span. Regardless, everyone is just doing great.

Right, and you guys did right in choosing that timeframe. What I was trying to say is that, even if some of us are not going at the rate we were before, that should not make us feel as if we are falling behind.

I think a good way to not get writer's block during a review is to build/re-build the set. I find that it keeps me interested and refreshes my memory. I have noticed a slowdown in the reviews from a few members, though. It also really, really helps to read other reviews and see what they are about, and maybe write about similar things.

I think most of us who started writing a lot have reduced our output in some way. Just remember how it was when the contest was just announced. I know I was writing at least 2 per day, Mike was doing around 4 or 5 (or more lol), same with Blackjack. It would not be possible to maintain that level for the long time the contest is going to last.

I just did four battle pack reviews today, and it was so grueling.

Lol, I can only imagine.

I think a good way to not get writer's block during a review is to build/re-build the set. I find that it keeps me interested and refreshes my memory. I have noticed a slowdown in the reviews from a few members, though. It also really, really helps to read other reviews and see what they are about, and maybe write about similar things.

I think most of us who started writing a lot have reduced our output in some way. Just remember how it was when the contest was just announced. I know I was writing at least 2 per day, Mike was doing around 4 or 5 (or more lol), same with Blackjack. It would not be possible to maintain that level for the long time the contest is going to last.

I just did four battle pack reviews today, and it was so grueling.

Lol, I can only imagine.

You have to say exactly the same thing four times with different phrasing.

Anyone else find themselves slowing down? I'm starting to lose momentum and consistently get writer's block when I try to start a new review.

I know I got burnt out right after my review of Market Street; it gets exhausting trying to find the time to write consistently detailed reviews almost every single day, especially when I have work at home that needs to be done. (BIG emphasis on needs to be done.) I'm fine with doing a review here and there just for fun really.

This is one of those where you have all things to consider like time taken, effort used, and possible outcomes that could better help your current financial situation. I have some side projects that I really must put more effort into and have to choose between putting that energy into another review, or doing my job as a moderator, or a personal side project, or work even. I'll try and see if I can chaulk up another review throughout the week but I can't promise anything. My mind is in another playing field entirely.

I know I got burnt out right after my review of Market Street; it gets exhausting trying to find the time to write consistently detailed reviews almost every single day, especially when I have work at home that needs to be done. (BIG emphasis on needs to be done.) I'm fine with doing a review here and there just for fun really.

This is one of those where you have all things to consider like time taken, effort used, and possible outcomes that could better help your current financial situation. I have some side projects that I really must put more effort into and have to choose between putting that energy into another review, or doing my job as a moderator, or a personal side project, or work even. I'll try and see if I can chaulk up another review throughout the week but I can't promise anything. My mind is in another playing field entirely.

For an adult, the monitary rewards you would get in relation to the time taken to wite the review make this contest a waste of time, and you could make way more money just doing your job.

I try to skim all the reviews, but don't necessarily read all of them. I can't believe the amount of work that has been put into some reviews.

Question for Ed; is the contest producing the amount and quality you expected? It sure has past my expectations from the first time I heard about it. Nothing motivates like a couple big Lego sets.

I think the reviews being turned in are quite impressive and Jeff and I want to thank everyone for their efforts. There are about a dozen members that have a chance at this and there are some members that have not turned any in for approval. They are writing them and leaving them in edit mode, so there might be a large influx of new reviews being submitted at some point. Regardless, when this is all done, Jeff and I will take a look at all the top reviewers and come up with a fair system of giving people some sort or reward for their efforts.

The upgraded Brickpoints scoring system helps give members another way to obtain a set for free. I'm giving away basically 10 Brickpoints for every 1000 characters, sometimes some more for special reviews. Basic EC or Blog articles get 500 Brickpoints in addition to their content going towards the contest. Some of you will be getting a second STAR WARS mini set before many get their first. I mark each top review in the system with a special designation so that Jeff and I can also consider those in the final judging. As I stated before, there will be a large Member's Choice winner as well as the TOP 3 and the other smaller awards.

As Jeff stated, I don't want new members to be afraid to turn in articles or blogs or reviews or any content for fear of not having a chance to win. An exceptional article can win a prize by itself, so keep that in mind. There could be more prizes given out than we originally planned. As a matter of fact, you can count on it....

At the start, you mentioned $25 gift cards, are those still prizes?

At the start, you mentioned $25 gift cards, are those still prizes?

I assume that's still the case, but remember those are only for 4 EC articles.

I assume that's still the case, but remember those are only for 4 EC corner articles.

Crap muffins. >:(

At the start, you mentioned $25 gift cards, are those still prizes?

Yes...they will be like honorary mention sorts of things. Great article or maybe you did a good job, but didn't finish in a top spot. Those sorts of things.

Yes...they will be like honorary mention sorts of things. Great article or maybe you did a good job, but didn't finish in a top spot. Those sorts of things.

That's my goal. :coolmad:

Here's an updated list of articles that were submitted:

Veegs: Creator House Evaluation Corner(EC) article

Quacs: Legends of Chima EC article

Strytlr: Parting Out Blog article

Mikeur86: Avengers EC article

Fcbarcelona101: LOTR EC article

Brianl3: Pick a Brick Blog article

adewar: Winter Village EC article

Fcbarcelona101: Architecture EC article

TheOrcKing: Planet Set EC article

Quacs: LEGO Truths and Myths Blog article

Comicblast: Spongebob EC article

Quacs: Beginner's Guide to Investing...LEGO Style

Also, Brianl3 is working on a "Top Sets for 2013" article. We will be releasing Quacs article on the Legends of Chima tomorrow. We are working on Stryllr's article now. We will try to release a new article in short intervals, in the order in which they were submitted. It is time consuming to convert from the Word to HTML format, so bear with us. Brickpoints will be awarded when the articles are live. Thanks.

I just got an EC article today from Mikeur86 on the Lone Ranger sets and Strytlr is doing an EC article on Western themed LEGO sets. Please try to contact me before writing an article so I can make sure of no conflicts or repeat articles. Thanks. Ed

I just got an EC article today from Mikeur86 on the Lone Ranger sets and Strytlr is doing an EC article on Western themed LEGO sets. Please try to contact me before writing an article so I can make sure of no conflicts or repeat articles. Thanks. Ed

I hope you are publishing both anyways....? BTW who comes up with all the excellent article titles?

I just got an EC article today from Mikeur86 on the Lone Ranger sets and Strytlr is doing an EC article on Western themed LEGO sets. Please try to contact me before writing an article so I can make sure of no conflicts or repeat articles. Thanks. Ed

Ouch. I figured that was bound to happen eventually but still :down:....

Maybe there is a way to come up with a compromise between the two articles?

I really don't know much about any of the western themed sets that precede the Lone Ranger, but I assume (I obviously don't know how similar or different the articles are) that it still makes sense to have both articles published. What you probably would like to do is try to have them published at very separate dates so that there is not as much overlap.

I just got an EC article today from Mikeur86 on the Lone Ranger sets and Strytlr is doing an EC article on Western themed LEGO sets. Please try to contact me before writing an article so I can make sure of no conflicts or repeat articles. Thanks. Ed

I hope you are publishing both anyways....? BTW who comes up with all the excellent article titles?

Yes, I believe there is enough difference between the two to publish both. Article titles are my specialty in a lot of the cases. LOL. We also have two articles by Grolim...one on the 10179 and another on remakes and an article from Comicblast about Harry Pottter sets. Also, Fcbarcelona101 is doing one on the entire Modular theme. That's the most recent updates.

Yes, I believe there is enough difference between the two to publish both. Article titles are my specialty in a lot of the cases. LOL. We also have two articles by Grolim...one on the 10179 and another on remakes and an article from Comicblast about Harry Pottter sets. Also, Fcbarcelona101 is doing one on the entire Modular theme. That's the most recent updates.

Wow! At this rate, the BrickVesting and EC database will double or more! Great articles guys...

Wow! At this rate, the BrickVesting and EC database will double or more! Great articles guys...That's the idea. Provide the members with some new and fresh content. We will try to spread it out as much as possible so that new articles get some attention from members.

Here

I am EXTREMELY interested in Grolim's remakes article. It;s something a lot of us wonder about, especially with the new X-Wing, but it will be great to have an actual analysis on the impact they have on previous versions.

I am EXTREMELY interested in Grolim's remakes article. It;s something a lot of us wonder about, especially with the new X-Wing, but it will be great to have an actual analysis on the impact they have on previous versions.

He has a very creative title for it but I won't ruin it. ;-P

He has a very creative title for it but I won't ruin it. ;-P

One of my rare moments of creativity ;-P