General Question

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collbri07
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General Question

Post by collbri07 »

Alright, I used to frequent this site quite a lot, however, I stopped using it (as well as legos) a long while ago. I am not sure if I am posting this question in an appropriate part of the site, so I must apologize in advance for any trouble. Anyway, I am looking for some excuses to open the old lego box. I am wondering why everyone is inspired to create and keep with it. At the present moment in time, I want to get rid of the voice telling me that it would only be time consuming and possibly a waste of money. Inspire me lego fans. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...
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Recluce
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Re: General Question

Post by Recluce »

collbri07 wrote:Anyway, I am looking for some excuses to open the old lego box.
Excuses? We don't need no stinking excuses....
I am wondering why everyone is inspired to create and keep with it.
For me it's less inspiration, more compulsion. I'd rate it as an addiction up there next to crack cocaine.
At the present moment in time, I want to get rid of the voice telling me that it would only be time consuming and possibly a waste of money.
If you're hearing the voice too it means you also have the addiction. Addictions are time consuming and costly so I'll not try to tell you they aren't. However, they also serve a psychological need for something.... all addictions do. My something is stress relief coupled with a need to not take things so seriously, and just do what makes me happy. You're the only one who can tell you your something... and as far as addictions go, Lego is not only not self-destructive but also a good investment, so it's one of the better addictions to have. :D
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wunztwice
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Re: General Question

Post by wunztwice »

collbri07 wrote:Alright, I used to frequent this site quite a lot, however, I stopped using it (as well as legos) a long while ago. I am not sure if I am posting this question in an appropriate part of the site, so I must apologize in advance for any trouble. Anyway, I am looking for some excuses to open the old lego box. I am wondering why everyone is inspired to create and keep with it. At the present moment in time, I want to get rid of the voice telling me that it would only be time consuming and possibly a waste of money. Inspire me lego fans. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...
Well, first of all I would have to say having TV is at least as much time consuming, and in my experience more of a waste of money. So you could do what I do. Go with-out TV and use the money on LEGOs instead! That's a somewhat drastic step for some folks, but I find TV to be a waste of both time and money. My little voice (er, at least the one you speek of) is quiet now most of the time in reguard to LEGO expenses.

As far as inspiration, I dunno for sure. I get mine from tons of places. One is to break out some of the old sets and build them again. I often get ideas based on something LEGO did in a set.

Another way I "get inspired" is to just start tinkering with parts. If there is a part I see laying around that I don't really use that much I try and base a MOC around it.

Also, just looking through all the super creations in a place like here at CC will make somethin' click in my head.

Those are just a couple of suggestions I utilize. Hope it works out for ya!

(BTW Welcome to Classic Castle!!!)
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Lonan
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Post by Lonan »

As your still small voice says, LEGO is time consuming and can be expensive. But it isn't only those things. As with any creative activity, the real measure is not the expense of what must be invested, but the personal satisfaction you achieve from taking an idea and making it tangible. Was the Mona Lisa worth the price of the paint and canvas? Was Michelangelo's David worth the price of the stone block?

Ultimately, that's what LEGO is. LEGO is not a toy. It is a medium through which we express our ideas. Through which we release our frustrations. Through which we show the contents of our imaginations when other outlets have failed. Most of us are not Michelangelos. (though a few definitely are) The majority of us are closer to being Bob Rosses. We might not be geniuses, but we make some darn good models and have a great time doing it. But unlike painting or sculpting, when we get tired of our masterpiece, we can take it apart and create a new one from the ashes of the old.

Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. You cannot put a price on the ability to take your thoughts and bring them to, well, not life, but bring them to plastic.

I don't know if this helps you any, but this is what keeps me going. LEGO is the medium in which I work.

p.s. I think Bob Ross is a genius
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Blueandwhite
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Post by Blueandwhite »

If you need somebody to convince you to continue with a hobby, then its probably just as well to give it up. As the voice in your head is telling you that LEGO is a waste of time and money, it would seem that you already have your answer. Find something that you have a genuine passion for instead.

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DARKspawn
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Post by DARKspawn »

I tend to agree with Blue that if you need convincing, it's already over :( At least for a little while anyway. For me it is a compulsion, I seem to need to find excuses not to go into that little room of mine somedays.

Also, this is definitely not an expensive hobby. It may look like it at face value - but everything is reusable, unlike must other constructive hobbies. I used to collect miniature fantasy armies & figures - now THAT is an expensive hobby - even considering landscape structure costs, while they may be initially cheaper, their reusability is next to zero (mostly)
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LORD DOOM
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Post by LORD DOOM »

Blueandwhite wrote:If you need somebody to convince you to continue with a hobby, then its probably just as well to give it up.
That's horrible! I disagree, nobody should give up their LEGO (Although if this message doesn't reach you, feel free to send your LEGO's to me.) what you need is a little positive reinforcment. Try getting involved, or perhaps buy a new set with some new elements to spice up your collection, maybe find something that actually DOES interest you and then put it in Lego form. Say for instance you like cars, try building cars, or if you're interested in mechanics, try working with Technic peices, expand expand expand your horizons. One of the best things about LEGO is it's limitless, (Granted you're limited by how many you posess.) the amount of combinations of creations is virtually inexaustable. I will never be bored of them. For me that's impossible. By getting involved here on CCF you can get inspired to build more, by posting your creations you can get critiqued, and probably get positive feedback that will get your creative motors going. There's no reason to QUIT. If all else fails you, just stop and put 'em in your closet. One day you'll be bored and you'll remember you have them and it'll feel like the answer to your prayers. Just because you're bored of them now doesn't mean it'll stay that way. YOU DON'T have to use them 24/7 take a break, go on a date, draw a picture, play some sports, read a book, throw a party, become an astronaut, raise a child etc, etc. When you're done, you're still gonna need something to do.

Not inspired? Be patient. Life would be dull without LEGO's. I'd hate to see you stray down that dark path. I've been there. Trust me. IT'S NOT WORTH IT MAN! I'T AINT BLOODY WORTH IT!!!
collbri07
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Post by collbri07 »

Thanks a lot to everyone who helped with my topic. Everyone was helpful in persuading me to continue with the world of lego. I would especially like to thank those of you who replied with extremely encouraging advice. Thanks for your time, I look forward to continued discussion with you all on this site.
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