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Black Six

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Blog Entries posted by Black Six

  1. Black Six
    The new year is almost here and that means the LEGO convention circuit will be starting soon. The first big event is BrickFair Alabama, taking place January 17-20 in Birmingham. The Bionicle display last year was pretty nonexistent, and we want to change that this year. In fact, we want to make sure the Bionicle display at a bunch of events is amazing - and we need your help. Read on to see what you can do.
     
    UPDATE: BrickFair Alabama is over, so this article has been updated for Bricks Cascade. You can ignore anything that has been struck out.
     
    UPDATE 2: Bricks Cascade is now done too. Our new focus is on BrickFair New England in Manchester, NH. You can still ignore anything that has been struck out.
     
    UPDATE 3: BrickFair New England is also over. Our last event, BrickFair Virginia, is coming fast. Focus on the parts that have not been struck out.
     
    The Bionicle theme coordinators from four events are collaborating to help make sure Bionicle is well-represented. We want to make it easy for you guys to have your MOCs on display at as many events as possible, and we'll do our best to reward you for doing so. BrickFair Alabama is right around the corner, so you'll have to act fast to get in on that event. To make all this work, there's a lot of planning that has to happen, so please bear with us and the large paperwork trail required. We need to know what you are sending and what events you would like your creations to appear at. BrickFair Alabama is in January Bricks Cascade is in March BrickFair New England is in May and The last event we're covering, BrickFair Virginia, is in August, so this is a long-term commitment, but we plan to do our best to compensate you. We also have to worry about shipping costs. I've created the below to help organize things for the coordinators and the builders. When you PM me, please include answers to ALL the below questions.
     
    BrickFair AL 2013 - January 17-20, Birmingham, Alabama
    How are you sending MOCs?
    I'm bringing them (in person)
    I'm shipping them
    I'm not sending MOCs to this event
    How are you getting your MOCs back?
    I'm taking them (in person)
    I want them shipped back (include return shipping from Birmingham, AL 35203)
    I want them shipped to Bricks Cascade (include $4 per Toa-sized MOC, $8 per Titan-sized MOC, or total cost of shipping you paid for BrickFair AL, whichever is less)
    Bricks Cascade 2013 - March 7-10, Portland, Oregon
    How are you sending MOCs?
    I'm bringing them (in person)
    I'm shipping them
    They're being shipped from BrickFair AL 2013
    I'm not sending MOCs to this event
    How are you getting your MOCs back?
    I'm taking them (in person)
    I want them shipped back (include return shipping from Portland, OR 97232)
    I want them shipped to BrickFair NE 2013 (include $4 per Toa-sized MOC, $8 per Titan-sized MOC, or total cost of shipping you paid for Bricks Cascade, whichever is less)
    I want them brought to BrickFair VA 2013 (include $5 to cover baggage fees)
    BrickFair NE 2013 - May 9-12, Manchester, New Hampshire
    How are you sending MOCs?
    I'm bringing them (in person)
    I'm shipping them
    They're being shipped from Bricks Cascade 2013
    I'm not sending MOCs to this event
    How are you getting your MOCs back?
    I'm taking them (in person)
    I want them shipped back (include return shipping from Bel Air, MD 21014)
    I want them brought to BrickFair VA 2013 (free)
    BrickFair VA 2013 - August 1-4, Chantilly, Virginia
    How are you sending MOCs?
    I'm bringing them (in person)
    I'm shipping them
    They're being brought from Bricks Cascade 2013
    They're being brought from BrickFair NE 2013
    I'm not sending MOCs to this event
    How are you getting your MOCs back?
    I'm taking them (in person)
    I want them shipped back (include return shipping from Chantilly, VA 20153)
    Now you may be saying, "that's a lot of money for shipping and I won't see my MOCs for months, what's in it for me?" Don't worry, we've thought of that.
     
    Perks
    For each event your MOCs appear at, you get one prototype part
    If your MOCs appear at two or more events, you get a Proto boost
    If your MOCs appear at three or more events, you get a custom rank title of your choice (to be approved by the Administration)
    If your MOCs appear at four or more events, you get a free six month Premier Membership (No longer available except to those who shipped their MOCs to BrickFair Alabama.)
    Your MOCs will be seen by tens of thousands of people, inspiring children and adults around the country
    Many awesome pictures will be taken of your MOCs by BZPower staff and members and will appear on the front page
    We will try to get other goodies to return with your MOCs if we can - who doesn't like surprises?
    But wait, there's more!
     
    Blog Assistant Nukaya has volunteered her time and talent to take professional studio-quality pictures of your MOCs if you send them to three or more events. Here's the scoop:
    You can have up to three pictures taken. The pictures can be of three different MOCs, the same MOC in three different poses, or some combination therof.
    If she has the time/is feeling generous, you might get more pictures.
    Pictures can be standard photographs (Example) or fancy (Example).
    Only one MOC can be in each photo. No group shots of multiple MOCs will be taken.
    PM Nukaya to let her know which MOCs you want pictures of and if you want standard or fancy.
    Any questions about the process can be directed to Nukaya as well.
    Please note, the above perks stack, so if you send MOCs to all four events, you will get four prototype parts, a Proto boost, custom rank title, professional photographs, and a Premier Membership. Pretty cool, right?
     
    Money
    Obviously this is all going to cost something, and information on shipping costs to be included are mentioned above. There are several ways you can send us the money:
    Include cash in your package (not recommended for international shippers)
    Include check or money order in your package (PM Black Six for information on who to make it out to)
    Send money via PayPal (PM Black Six for PayPal account information)
    Any money left over after all shipping is done will go to support BZPower via hosting costs, contest prizes, and future events like this.
     
    Shipping
    Here are some requirements and tips for shipping your MOCs:
    All MOCs MUST be shipped inside a ziploc bag, one MOC per bag, unless they are small, simple MOCs.
    MOCs often break in transit and a ziploc bag will contain the parts and keep them from getting mixed up.
    If your MOC is especially large, break it up into sections and put each in a bag.
    Each ziploc should have your username and the name of your MOC. This can either be written on the bag in permanent marker or written on a slip of paper and inserted in the bag.
    DO NOT use packing peanuts or similar packing - they make a big mess. Bubble wrap and tissue paper or newsprint are best.
    Include two copies of your return address in the box.
    Pictures of the completed MOC should be included, as well as a few simple building steps if necessary.
    Put your username and the MOC name on the pictures to help keep things from getting mixed up.
    If you've read the above and want to participate, here's what you need to do:
    PM Watashi Wa for his address if you are shipping for stuff to BrickFair Alabama.
    If you don't want to send things to BrickFair Alabama, we'll have shipping information for future events soon.
    PM DeeVee to let him know you are sending something to Bricks Cascade. MOCs should be shipped to:
    Patrick Biggs
    230 NE 99th Avenue
    Portland, OR 97220
    USA
    PM Black Six to let him know you are sending something to BrickFair NE. MOCs should be shipped to:
    Andrew Bulthaupt
    516 Mast St.
    Bel Air, MD 21014
    USA
    PM ChocolateFrogs to let him know you are sending something to BrickFair VA. MOCs should be shipped to:
    Benjamin Paczak
    6008 Jan-Mar Dr.
    Falls Church, VA 22041
    USA
    PM Black Six with your answers to the above questions so I can keep track of everyone's MOCs.
    Also include what MOCs you are sending, as well as descriptions of the creations (for MOC cards), links to BZPower topics, Brickshelf galleries, or any other pictures or info on your MOC.
    Figure out how much money you need to include/send.
    Package up your MOCs, along with pictures, return address info, and money (if not sending via PayPal)
    Ship the packages. Confirm that they will arrive at their destination by Friday, July 26, 2013.
    Send payment via PayPal if applicable.
    Please note: failure to follow the above instructions and recommendations could significantly delay the time it takes to get your MOCs back. We will do our best to return everything, but if we are missing information or payment, it will take longer.
     
    FAQ
     
    Can I send art?
    Yes! Follow the same process as above. If you are sending artwork, we suggest getting a large printout from somewhere like Staples or Kinkos and send it in a shipping tube
     
    I want to build something new, but don't have enough time for BrickFair Alabama. What do I do?
    You can send some existing MOCs you have to BFAL and then your new stuff to the next event you're able to. If there's enough room, we'll combine everything and send you one box back, otherwise you'll recieve multiple packages when all is said and done.
     
    I want to send stuff but don't want to wait until August to see it again. Can I get it back after each event?
    Yes, if you include return shipping we can send it back to you after an event and you can then ship it to the next one. This will likely be more expensive though, and we do not recommend it.
     
    Where do I ship things if I don't want to send them to BrickFair Alabama Bricks Cascade BrickFair NE?
    We will have shipping information for other events in the near future.
     
    Can I just send one MOC and still get the perks?
    Yes, you aren't required to send multiple MOCs. But the more the merrier!
     
    Will perks be rewarded to pieces of art?
    You bet!
     
    Do we get perks if we bring MOCs in person to multiple events?
    Yes, if you bring them it still counts as long as you let us know in advance so we can keep track of them.
     
    My printer is broken so I can't include pictures, what do I do?
    While we really prefer it if you include at least a couple actual pictures, you can send us links to them on the Internet. In fact, we suggest everyone sends us additional pictures digitally, via BZP topics, Brickshelf galleries, or otherwise. We'll have smart phones and laptops on hand to look them up on, and having more angles will make it easier to reassemble your MOCs.
     
    I live in (insert country here). Can I participate? How much do I have to pay?
    Yes, everyone is welcome to participate! Please note, all costs above are in US Dollars. You will be responsible for paying the shipping costs from your country to the first event your MOCs will be displayed at. Then you need to include the appropriate amount based on the rules above to get your MOCs to additional events. Finally, you will need to include the same amount it cost you to send your MOCs to us, but converted to US Dollars. We suggest using PayPal for sending the money as it's less of a pain to deal with customs and will handle the conversions for you. Most importantly - check with your post office to find out how long it will take your MOCs to be delivered and send them with as much time to spare as you can.
     
    I'm still confused...
    PM Black Six or post in the comments.

  2. Black Six

    New Feature Incoming

    By Black Six,

    We're currently entering the final phases of prepping a new feature for BZPower. It's something I've had in mind for a while and finally found a tool we could use to accomplish it. I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys think and hope it will help in determining how we can continue to improve BZPower.
     
    I need you guys to help me out though. The feature will only help if you actually use it and use it as intended, so you all have to promise not to be silly.
     
    Think you can do that?
     
    Didn't think so.
     
    But I'll keep my fingers crossed.
  3. Black Six
    Somehow over the past few years I've accumulated a bunch of Nerf guns that have been taking up a lot of space. I'm looking to remedy that issue by getting rid of some. Most of the below were bought used, but they all work and I've cleaned them all up to the best of my ability (in some cases that includes taking them apart and running the plastic pieces through the dishwasher). I've removed the air restrictors from several of the spring guns. No ammo is included.
     
    UPDATE: The Titan, Hornet, and orange Hyperfire have been sold. All the rest are still available.
     
    Make an offer, I'm really open to anything. Just note that you'll also be paying for shipping on top of whatever you offer.
     
    Thanks!
     

  4. Black Six

    2013 Fan Conventions

    By Black Six,

    So what conventions is everyone going to next year?
     
    My current plans include BrickFair Alabama, BrickFair New England, and BrickFair Virginia. I think there's a pattern there... I'm actually going to be the Bionicle Coordinator at New England, so expect me to bug you guys about sending in MOCs.
     
    Anyway, I'm considering seeing if I can squeeze in a fourth event, because I'm crazy and stupid like that. Bricks Cascade is unfortunately out, because they moved it to right around the time that PAX East is, and two vacations that close just isn't feasible. Bricks by the Bay is out too, since that's the week after Brick Fair Virginia. Apparently Brick Magic isn't happening next year, so I guess I can't go there either.
     
    The top two I was considering then were BrickWorld Chicago and Brick Fiesta. They haven't released any details for the latter yet, but I recall hearing it was going to be in San Antonio or Dallas next year. Neither is really high on my list of places to visit, and I've never been to Chicago, so I'm kind of leaning towards BrickWorld.
     
    I'd like to see where other LEGO fans will be though, since that could help my decision.
  6. Black Six

    Graphic Design Help

    By Black Six,

    I'm looking for some help from one of you creative types out there. I would like some overlay images we can use during BZPower's streams, both for builds and games, to help share info for people who tune in part-way through and give them more of a BZPower-feel.
     
    For a visual style, I'm thinking something like the overlays we use for our YouTube thumbnails, with the angled line and the gears, but obviously smaller so it takes up less space. Maybe one in the bottom left and one in the top right. One would have generic BZPower info, the site name, URL, and social media names and icons. The other would be mostly empty to be customized for each stream. For sets it would have the set name, piece count, and price. For games it would have the game name. An overlay with directions for the giveaways we do might be a good idea too.
     
    Resolution should be 1920x1080 minimum and the file format should be something I can easily edit in GIMP to add the required text, so XCF or PSD probably.
     
    I am ready to be wowed.
  7. Black Six
    Every now and then in conversation someone will mention a movie they love that I haven't seen. There's also a bunch of films from the past few years that I wanted to see but never got around to. So I've decided to finally make a list of all these films to keep track of and help motivate myself to actually watch them.
     
    Below is the list I have so far, but I'm sure it's not complete. That's where you guys come in. What are some of your all-time favorite movies, or movies that you think are worth seeing for their artistic or storytelling merits?
     
    Please make your suggestions in the comments. If there are movies people suggest multiple times that I've already seen, I'll make a separate list of those to help with duplicates.
     
    To Watch:
    The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
    Terminator Salvation
    The Hurt Locker
    The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
    X-Men: First Class
    BZP Lovers 3
    The Dark Knight Rises
    Argo
    Wreck-It Ralph
    Skyfall
    A Good Day to Die Hard
    Monsters University
    The Wolverine
    The Wolf of Wall Street
    The Amazing Spider-Man 2
    X-Men: Days of Future Past
    Boyhood
    Birdman
    Interstellar
    The Imitation Game
    Kingsman: The Secret Service
     
    Thanks everyone!
  8. Black Six

    Furlough Fundays

    By Black Six,

    For better or worse starting July 8th I'm going to be off every Monday for eleven weeks. As those of you who have spent time with me on days off know, they're usually spent on the phone or replying to emails for various work-related things. For the government furloughs, however, we are expressly forbidden from doing any work-related activities. What am I going to do with my extra day off then? I know, maybe finally play some of the many videogames I have acquired over the years but never finished or in some cases even played.
     
    And you're going to help.
     
    Below is a list of games and series that I need to play to some varying degree, with descriptions. You tell me what I should play.
    Halo - I never did beat Halo Wars, and there's plenty more achievements to get in the others. I never got all the way through Anniversary either, come to think of it...
    Mass Effect - I need one more achievement in the first game, then I need to bring my character through the second game again, and I haven't even played the third game yet.
    Dragon Age - I played the first one all the way through but never got through all the DLC. Only played the demo of the second one.
    Bioshock - I played the first one, would probably play it again to harvest instead of save. Haven't played the second one or Infinite.
    Gears of War - I've played the first game multiple times and used to LAN it. Only played Horde Mode on the second. Never played the third or Judgement.
    Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - I have the Ultimate Sith Edition but never played it. Don't have the sequel though.
    Batman Arkham Asylum - Own it but haven't played it.
    Fable - Beat the first one, own the second and the third (it's free on Games on Demand!) but never played them.
    Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay - Heard this was pretty good, picked it up cheap but never played.
    Ghostbusters - Same as above.
    Watchmen: The End is Nigh - Ditto.
    Dead Rising - Fourpeat.
    Guitar Hero/Rock Band - There's always more songs to play and more achievements to get.
    Have at it!
  9. Black Six
    I have a lot of stuff to send to people, now that BrickFair is over. I hope to get things sent out as soon as possible, but as you'll see below, there's really a LOT. If you don't see your name on the list below, add a comment or PM me to make sure I'm not missing you. Right now I'm not adding any names (except for a couple exceptions) because I don't have all the MOCs and prizes in front of me. As I have time, they'll all be added to the list.
     
    Convention MOCs
    All the people who sent MOCs that were displayed at BrickFair Alabama, Bricks Cascade, BrickFair New England, and BrickFair Virginia and have not gotten them back yet.
    Tomaku
    Wasp - Shipped 8/19/13
    Obsessionist - Shipped 8/12/13
    Takua Dragonstar7 - Shipped 8/12/13
    Klatix the Fire Agori - Shipped 8/12/13
    Atamai - Shipped 8/12/13
    Bfahome - Shipped 8/12/13
    Imatron - Shipped 8/12/13
    Great being Velika - Shipped 8/12/13
    Soldier 1st class Voxumo - Shipped 8/12/13
    Malignus - Shipped 8/12/13
    DeeVee and Nukaya - Shipped 8/12/13
    I have a box full of stuff for them that wouldn't fit in their luggage.
     
    BBCC 65 Finalists
    I'm keeping them separate from the convention MOCs because I can.
    Ballom - Shipped 8/15/13
    Mushy the Mushroom - Shipped 8/14/13
    Force_UnBleached - Shipped 8/14/13
    Arpy - Shipped 8/14/13
    Bundalings - Shipped 8/14/13
    ghidora131 - Shipped 8/14/13
    Set Reviewers
    I have no idea what you're talking about.
    ChocolateFrogs - Shipped 8/17/13
    Nuju Metru - Shipped 8/16/13
    xccj - Shipped 8/16/13
    Sisen - Shipped 8/16/13
    Bfahome - Shipped 8/12/13
    DeeVee - Shipped 8/12/13
    BioniLUG Members
    Some members still need stuff.
    Jedi Master J. - Shipped 8/21/13
    EmperorWhenua - Shipped 8/21/13
    Trydeltix - Shipped 8/21/13
    Klatix the fire Agori - Shipped 8/12/13
    Brickthing - Shipped 8/12/13
    GBV - Shipped 8/12/13
    Bfahome - Shipped 8/12/13
    Raffle Winners
    Free sets and videogames.
    Bionicle Raptor
    LockmanCapulet
    Javi
    Cratak
    Zrel - Shipped 8/19/13
    Meiko - Shipped 8/19/13
    SmoothJazz - Shipped 8/14/13
    DeeVee - Shipped 8/12/13

  10. Black Six
    BrickFair Alabama is eight days away! So much stuff to worry about! To help me not forget anything, I'm going to make a list here. Let me know what's missing.
    Clothes
    Toiletries
    Wallet
    Passort/drivers license
    Boarding passes
    Snacks
    MOCs
    Brick badges
    Prototypes and other pieces to give out
    BZPower Guestbook
    BZPower business cards
    Camera
    Laptop
    Phone
    Other phone
    iPod
    Packing tape
    Umbrella
    Tablet (maybe)
    I'm sure I'm overlooking something...
  11. Black Six
    That's what I said almost a month ago when I decided to dig out my Gameboy Advance and copy of Pokemon Blue. I kept reading people talking about the newer games and it made me recall the fond memories I had playing the original back in the day. I've been going through the game again, having a lot of fun the whole way. I even picked up a used GBA SP because how did we ever live without backlit screen? I mean seriously you expect me to play in only the most ideal lighting conditions?
     
    Anyway, I'm currently in Celadon working my way through the basement of the totally-not-a-casino fighting off the evil Team Rocket. Then I'll be taking on Erika assuming I'm leveled up enough. My current team consists of:
    -Bulbasaur
    -Pikachu
    -Geodude
    -Gyrados
    -Drowzee
    -Machop
     
    I really wish I had a fire Pokemon to help out with Erika, but I've yet to come across any. I've been working on training up Drowzee so hopefully he'll be enough to carry the team.
     
    I've also ordered copies of Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, so I get to try out some more recent (only a decade old) Pokemon games. I can't really justify a DS, so nothing past that for me, unless I get really into it.
     
    Let me know if you have some suggestions for my team. Also - what should I evolve my Eevee into?
  12. Black Six
    I meant to get something like this posted earlier this weekend, but commitments to BrickFair New England prevented that from happening in a more timely manner, so I'm sorry for that.
     
    In light of some recent developments on and off BZP, I think it's important for us to talk briefly about how the staff take action. Sometimes a situation arises and the staff need time to sort things out, so member accounts are suspended to stop further posts until we can get to the bottom of things. This is generally a temporary measure.
     
    At this point there will be a lot of discussion and research before any permanent action is taken. When the staff does finally take administrative action, such as removing Proto or banning someone, we do so using all of the information available to us at the time. Often we have more insight than the general membership: for example there may be private messages, emails, or server logs that can provide information to help us make our decision. Because much of this is personal, we do not usually openly share it out of respect for people's privacy, especially since there may be other members involved apart from the ones action is being taken against.
     
    Of course if more information is brought to light after the fact we can and do reevaluate our decisions and can reverse or take take additional action. We are not all-knowing robots that monitor everyone all the time.
     
    Finally, we take personal threats to the safety of our members and staff very seriously, and this can often have an impact on the action we take.
     
    I hope that helps clear things up. If you have any general questions, I'm always happy to answer them. I will not be going into any specific details about any actions we have taken though.
     
    Thanks as always to all of our members for their understanding and support.
  13. Black Six
    So tonight I finally sorted through all the pieces Kelly (Binkmeister) gave me at BrickFest this year. These are all for contest prizes and other giveaways we'll be doing in the future.
     
    Sorting is not something I do much of these days, especially with so many pieces, so it was a pretty interesting time.
     

    Click for larger versions.










     
    The pieces mainly fell into two categories: old 2001 masks and 2008 and 2009 color test molds. Lots of them are just variations of the same two colors on the same piece, but there are a few that seem pretty much one-of-a-kind. There were some Zamor prototypes in there too - according to Bink some of them change colors when you hold them, but I've yet to try it out.
     
    When I pick out the pieces to give to Arpy for his contest prize I'll probably take some close up shots of the pieces, but you'll have to wait until then.
  14. Black Six

    Camera Adventures

    By Black Six,

    I really wasn't satisfied with my recent set review pictures, they were way too dark despite me having tons of lights on and using my flash (indirectly). So I did some research and pulled out my camera's manual and learned how to adjust the shutter speed. A bit of experimentation later, and brighter pictures appeared.
     
    The only problem is that now I have to make sure to be very still so that I don't shake the camera when I hit the shutter button. I'm doing a 0.5 second exposure so that can have a lot of impact.
     
    So I thought to myself, 'I wonder if I can get a remote to trigger the shutter so I don't have to touch the camera?'
     
    The short answer is no.
     
    The long answer is, if I put some open-source, aftermarket firmware on my camera, it can support a remote shutter release, but I have to make the remote myself.
     
    Needless to say, I'll be installing the firmware this week and making a trip to RadioShack on Friday.
     
    I get to play with my soldering iron!
  15. Black Six

    Milestones

    By Black Six,

    Tomorrow is August 2, 2012. That will be the eleventh anniversary of my joining BZPower.
     
    It is also the first day of BrickFair 2012 Virginia, the fifth such event held. (Congrats Todd!)
     
    BrickFair 2012 Viriginia will be the tenth AFOL fan convention that I've attended.
     
    Sunday, August 5 is my twenty-fifth birthday. A quarter-century!
     
    Monday, August 6, will mark my eleventh year as a member of the BZPower Staff.
     
    All this right after BZPower celebrated its eleventh anniversary.
     
    It's crazy to think about all that - I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it all.
     
    But I know one thing - I couldn't ask for a better group of people to celebrate it with than my friends from BZPower. I just wish more of you all could be there!
  17. Black Six
    I've seen lots of events and a few websites do parts drafts over the years, but I've never seen one done with a constraction set. So I thought, 'we should fix that!'
     
    For the uninformed - a parts draft is where you gather a bunch of copies of the same set, open them up, mix all the pieces together, then sort each different type of part into its own pile. Then people take turns picking piles until they're all gone. There's a little more too it, but that's the main gist. In the end, you get a bunch of a few different kinds of pieces, instead of a few of a bunch of different kinds of pieces like if you had just bought one copy of the set. It can help expand the depth of your building collection.
     
    In our case, I was thinking that BZPower would provide a bunch of copies of a single set, probably ten of them. People who want to participate would then pay a set amount, probably around the cost of the set but hopefully a little less, to buy a spot. Once the spots are sold, we'd have the draft.
     
    As far as how we do the draft, I had three ideas:
     
    First option would be to do the whole thing by PM. I would have to sort the sets into lots, tell people what they are, and you'd take turns via PM selecting which lot you want. This could take a while since you have to wait for each person to reply.
     
    Second idea is to do it live online, where everyone is in a video or voice chat taking turns selecting pieces. We could even livestream it for fun.
     
    These two ideas would probably cost more as I'd also have to pay to ship each person their pieces.
     
    Final idea is to just do it at BrickFair Virginia. There's usually enough members there that I think we could get the requisite ten people to do the draft.
     
    What are your thoughts? Would you be interesting in participating? What sets do you think would be good ones to draft?
  18. Black Six

    Better Know An Admin

    By Black Six,

    It's time.
     
    So, here's how it goes: You ask questions, I answer them. Anything BZPower-friendly is fine, though I reserve the right to not answer any given question. Questions of inappropriate nature will be deleted.
     
    So tell your friends and let's get this started!
  19. Black Six
    Recently with the new Tracker, I made some blog entries about some of the tickets that were resolved, to help get the word out. Now I know not everyone reads my blog and it seems clear that not everyone has quite gotten the hang of the Tracker or is aware of it yet, so I'm trying to figure out the best way to make people aware of tickets that have been closed.
     
    I don't want to keep posting blog entries, because I feel like I have better things to post here, plus not everyone reads it. (But they should!)
     
    I'm considering a topic in GD that would keep a running tally of things that are fixed and added. Maybe pinned, maybe not, but as tickets get closed, I'd make a post so people are aware and can comment or discuss it.
     
    What do you guys think? Any better ideas?
  20. Black Six

    BZPower Company

    By Black Six,

    No, BZPower is not getting incorporated.
     
    Halo 5: Guardians is releasing next week, and today 343 Industries announced their clan feature for the game and started to allow people to make and join them.
     
    BZPower, the Halo 5 company.
     
    I'm pretty excited for this game, although I'm sure I won't be able to play as much as I'd like. Still though, I think it might be fun to play with BZPower members. If you're planning on picking up Halo 5, feel free to join the group!
  21. Black Six
    I'm still catching up on a lot of things after BrickFair New England, which was a blast. I had some of the most fun there that I've had at any other convention, met a bunch of awesome people, and caught up with some old friends.
     
    But before the convention, I asked you guys for some questions. At Kevin Hinkle's TLG Q&A I asked a few, but wasn't able to get them all in. So on Saturday during the public hours we sat down away from the crowds for a little bit to chat and go through some others. What you see below are not exact quotes, they're sentences constructed from the notes I was taking on my tablet typing away as fast as I could. Please do not treat them like infallible quotes that could not possibly be wrong and must certainly represent LEGO perfectly.
     
    Questions are in italics, responses are in bold.
     
    How long until Galidor comes out on DVD?
    When you find it and burn it to a disc.
     
    How are you doing?
    A little overwhelmed lately due to the changes on the team - really just trying to continue to deliver on the expectations of the community and assume the new responsibilities. It's tough but I'm hanging in there.
     
    When are we getting old fire back?
    [Kevin had a really clever reply for this that I forgot to write down. ]
     
    Who's your favorite Toa?
    Lhikan.
     
    What year of BIONICLE was your favorite?
    2006 because of the cartoony styles of the Piraka.
     
    Were Bionicle-themed sandwiches ever considered a viable option during the theme's 9-year long run?
    I can neither confirm nor deny. Sandwiches? Really?
     
    Q: THANK YOU FOR THE PIZZA
    Q: ALSO YOU'RE RIGHT THE SUPERMAN: RED SON ARC IS BRILLIANT
    Q: YOU ARE MY HERO KEVIN
    I'm glad to know you read that.
     
    How is the Hero Factory theme doing in terms of sales?
    Okay, not stellar, but not 'oh my god get rid of this line right now.'
     
    How is the constraction category as a whole doing?
    We're still trying new things to see what we can do with it.
     
    Is there ever any chance of bringing Christoffer Raundahl or another Hero Factory designer to a convention in the United States?
    That would be awesome but I do not get a say. I just decide which event gets designers - only one or two a year to spread across the conventions.
     
    What has The LEGO Group's experience with their expanding social media presence been like?
    They've learned a lot from it - testing new waters and expanding. They're trying to rope it into a single voice/channel of communication.
     
    What kind of considerations go into determining whether a theme gets a page on a social networking site? As an example, currently LEGO Ninjago, Duplo, and Legends of Chima all have official pages on facebook, whereas LEGO Friends does not and the LEGO Hero Factory one has not been updated in over two years.
    It's based on marketing drive - what does the company want to push and when?
     
    What can expect from the future of LEGO Digital Building?
    It will still be in existence, we're still exploring that realm of the LEGO experience.
     
    How Chima doing? Is doing as well as LEGO has hoped?
    It is doing well; there's still a lot more data to collect.
     
    What sort of opportunities are there within LEGO for mechanical engineers?
    Most likely in the Czech Republic and Mexico where a lot of the moulds are made and manufacturing is done.
     
    How successful is the Collectible Minifigure line lately? Are they going to continue?
    Extremely successful and has introduced LEGO to other retailers. Definitely going to continue.
     
    Have you guys made any strides in the color purple? I've seen purple in a considerable number of new sets, so I'm wondering if there's anything behind that (new science, heightened demand, market research, etc).
    It's a little of all of those. If it's a licensed set it's going to have it, but otherwise they're always making improvements in quality and color consistency.
     
    I'd like to thank the BZPower Community for all their love and support and have very much enjoyed meeting the staff and members at conventions. I enjoy talking to you all - keep up the great stuff and keep Bionicle alive!
     
    As always I want to thank Kevin for supporting BZPower (and now BioniLUG). We really appreciate all your hard work and look forward to hanging out with you whenever we can!
  23. Black Six

    Milestones

    By Black Six,

    The past few days have been full of milestones that really have been putting things in perspective for me.
     
    I was born on August 5th, 1987. Today I turn twenty-eight! Go me for surviving this long!
     
    I joined BZPower on August 2nd, 2001. I've been a member for fourteen years now. This site has become a huge part of my life for so many reasons.
     
    An interesting thing happens when you combine those two dates and do a little math. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet I can tell that I was alive for 5111 days before I joined BZPower.
     
    Similar magic tells us that 5111 days after August 2nd, 2001 was July 31st, 2015. So as of last Friday, I had been a member of BZPower for the same amount of time that I hadn't been a member. That means that as of last Saturday, I've now been a member of this community for over half of my life. That is crazy and scary and awesome.
     
    Tomorrow, August 6th, 2014, will be my fourteenth anniversary of joining the staff. I was not always the most active staffer, but I've managed to hang in here for almost a decade and a half.
     
    This came up at BrickFair this past weekend, but it's worth reiterating here, I think. I just can't imagine what my life would be like without BZPower. There's so many meaningful relationships I've made through this site, both personal and professional, that I wouldn't have otherwise. Without BZPower, I would have likely fallen out of Bionicle and LEGO in general. I probably never would have gone to a LEGO convention, especially as an exhibitor, let alone the twenty-six that I've been to now. (That is scary!) I wouldn't have run a podcast for four years, or be a LEGO Ambassador, or have gone to New York Comic Con to help relaunch Bionicle. So many things that have helped shape my life would not have happened that I'd probably be a different person. All because of one little website.
     
    I'm so thankful that I stumbled upon this place fourteen years ago and that the community has been so open and welcoming to all the fans that have come joined me here since then. You all make it worth coming back to each day and working to do better and make the site even more awesome.
     
    Here's to another fourteen years?
  24. Black Six

    Fun in RPG Land

    By Black Six,

    The Bionicle RPG forum has some of our most active topics and the BZPRPG is a pretty popular game.
     
    The LEGO RPG forum, not so much.
     
    I've been thinking a little bit about what we can do about that. I'm open to suggestions. I have considered merging the two, but then we'd have to figure out what to do with Bionicle RPGs selected via contests and LEGO RPGs selected via judging. Certainly not an insurmountable problem, but something to consider.
     
    I'd like to hear what you guys have to think about the state of the RPG forums and how to run things moving forward.
  25. Black Six
    So I mentioned over here about some hiccups during the upgrade. Nothing major, but it was all your fault. Yes you, the blogging populace of BZPower.
     
    Here's a quote from the IPS rep we worked with:
     
    Geez guys, you got a little carried away over here, you think?
     
    Anyway, they got through all the tags in the end, and hopefully it won't cause any problems in the future.
     
    As a result of this, however, I have changed some settings for tags:
    Maximum length per tag: 20 characters
    Maximum tags per item: 5 tags
     
    I think this should still be plenty for all your tagging needs.
     
    We're not going to implement any new rules other than the above, but please try to take it easy with the tags.
     
    Thanks!
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