BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Suggestions, bje writes:

In Suggestions, searme writes:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

Besides - if you know sellers who are listing items they do not have on hand,
you must report those lots to BrickLink

I'd love to but how do you suggest I prove that, short of raiding seller's
home/shop?

Per your original post - you and other LUG members are aware of those sellers,
so you and your fellow LUG members all report those lots and wait for BL to sort
it out. You are not prosecutor, judge, jury and executioner and neither are you
the policeman. But it also does not help matters if you just talk among yourselves
about it. If you and all other members of your LUG really feel there is a real
serious problem here with a specific subset of sellers, you all report the problem
lots. I'm sure BL can investigate the matter evenhandedly.

On the other hand, if there is nothing in your original statement, then we do
not need this badge idea, as all you have to do is ask the seller to ship to
your timeframe and keep the proof as you require.

In addition to what Jean has mentioned you also need to be aware that the suggestion
program has not worked for a long time as development on the classic site is
no longer part of Bricklink's plans. They have agreed publicly to continue
to support it but all work (development) is being aimed at the "Future of Bricklink
e.g. Bricklink XP" as stated in the Presentation at Brickworld. When and if that
happens it appears the business model will change - to what is really unknown
at present with only very sketchy details available. That plus the fact that,
again publicly, Bricklink have stated they are somewhat in limbo over the future
direction they want to decide on means that modifying the classic site is even
further down the line for anything to be done.

Using the existing feedback system is really your only avenue to deal with things
like this. I would think most people agree that system is flawed, not used correctly,
and in need of a facelift - but it doesn't really appear that is likely.

Things can of course change and there are lots of us who want to see that happen
but for the time being use the tools that are already there.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 13:31

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

I don't monitor all the most used AFOL forums, but my impression that the
BrickLink Forum has been the leading and most active AFOL forum for a long time
now, despite it's archaic appearance and limitations. To the extent that
that is true, we don't want to break something that is performing so well.

I don't think it is, at least not for general LEGO discussion, MOCs, new
sets, etc. Eurobricks is more active and has way better content than here.

However, the BL forum is the most active and leading forum when it comes to Bricklink
issues, and aspects of buying and selling on BL. And isn't that primarily
what it should be? A forum that supports BL users with issues when using BL.

So what if the forum is a bit old fashioned looking. It is functional, I'd
hate to lose things like the easy tagging in of sets, parts and minifigures,
and so on.

Sorry for this

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 13:07

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Admin_Russell writes:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

[…]
Just like to add that our forum has all the functionality of this one as well
as the ability to edit, add attachments, conduct polls, plus more and its free
software - phbbs forum. It took our web guy an hour or so to get it installed
and me about a day to learn all about it (and I still don't know all there
is to know) […]

Take a look at http://forum.bricklink.com/ ….

From the front page:

Most users ever online was 20 on Wed Sep 12, 2018 4:25 pm

That was around the time ADP was announced.

Considering that was from 35 total users at that date and we have a very restricted
membership that isn't worrying. We are still growing there and as things
develop I am sure more will participate. I am not purporting that our forum is
better than this one far from it, but at the same time it shows what can be done
in a short space of time where there is a will.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 13:02

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Admin_Russell writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

You use the word "richer", but in some ways BrickLink's Forum is much richer
than these one-size-fits-all applications. It is fully integrated with the site
- Inv Change requests, Catalog and suggestions, moderator tools, messaging system,
macro tags, ID cards, and the list goes on and on. Sure, you can set up something
cheap and quick, and because it is new, it has some richer features. But overall,
if we did something like that, it would severely cheapen the BrickLink experience.

It's true that the Forum (as well as all the old code on the site) needs
to be completely rewritten and possibly redesigned. But we need to be sure while
doing that that we don't water down a core feature that made the site great.

So does this mean that is what is going on? Or is the focus still the new tangent
XP?

I don't monitor all the most used AFOL forums, but my impression that the

BrickLink Forum has been the leading and most active AFOL forum for a long time
now, despite it's archaic appearance and limitations. To the extent that
that is true, we don't want to break something that is performing so well.

I think the OP first and susbsequent messages has shown statistically that the
forum is not being used as much as t it had been in the past, and whilst I agree
it is a little like the weather, constantly changeable, he may have a point from
strictly the number side. Don't get us wrong - we enjoy using the forum -
it is really the only communications that goes on on the site, other than comms
via the messaging system.

Still, as we and others have said there are many more important things to be
done than the forum or messaging. My earlier point was it could be done quickly
and easily with plug ins (which is the way most modern software is put together.

Mo one, anywhere can do it all, not today, anyway. Dan and Eric had a head start
and brought this site to what it is today and we, like many others will not forget
that. Of course, improvement and updating is needed, but where and what that
transpires to be is currently outside of our knowledge.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 12:53

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Leftoverbricks writes:

I agree, the Forum needs an update.

The forum and many other parts of this site are written in extremely old code
and it would require lots of time and effort for programmers to change this.
It's not like changing old code, they have to develop a completely new environment
from scratch. To make the forum 2019-proof they also have to make the forum responsive
for phones and tablets.

We must not forget their promise to the users after their acquisition

"Message from Jung-Ju “Jay” Kim, founder of the online game company Nexon, incoming
owner of BrickLink.com:

(As of June 5th, the Hong Kong-based company Bricklink Limited has acquired the
assets of BrickLink.com. Bricklink Limited is a subsidiary of NXMH.)

Dear BrickLink Community,

I am extremely pleased to be taking over the operations of BrickLink.com. I’ve
been a LEGO fan for 40 years and an avid user of BrickLink.com for over a decade.
My first plans are to upgrade the website, and do our best to make users happier
and more prosperous, while staying true to the original vision of BrickLink.com
founder, Daniel Jezek. We will work hard in order to ensure that BrickLink.com
becomes stable, secure and as user-friendly as possible.

I want to sincerely thank the family of Daniel Jezek, especially his mother Eliska,
as well as the BrickLink.com Community, for the opportunity to upgrade and operate
such a beloved website as BrickLink.com. In order to expedite the process of
renovating BrickLink.com, I and Bricklink Limited will be asking users to e-mail
us with their ideas for the improved functionality of the site, as well as any
current issues that need to be addressed in order to provide users with the best
possible selling and buying experience. We’ll establish those lines of communication
very soon.

Thank you for your continued patronage and support of Brick"Link.com

Jung-Ju Kim, incoming owner of BrickLink.com

Not really sure we have seen any of the promises turn into reality, but willing
to listen to debate about that.

In the past two years or so the owners of Bricklink showed no interest whatsoever
in changing the old 1990's code. Maybe they think 'don't change a
thing while it's working'.

Their wording was 'Spaghetti code' at the Brickworld conference in Octboer
of last year.

Changes to the forum?
This will not happen.
I wish it would.
But I'm sceptical.

As are we all

BL is really something special: it's outdated but yet thousands of sellers
earn a nice income using the outdated interface.
So I can understand BL's POV: never change something that already works fine.

I think they have bent that guideline several times with updates to the system.

But it's bad anyway. BL is 1990. We need 2019!

They should have started that with a proper system analysis and design project
coupled with liaison with the membership. (It was over 6 years ago and re-doing
this site is not a 6 year development project,

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 12:46

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Take a look at http://forum.bricklink.com/ ….

That is a more up to date forum but as we are not either users or interested
in stud.io we don't see it.

Does prove they can do it if they want to, but that also shows where their focus
is and it isn't the classic site.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 12:08

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Admin_Russell writes:

In Suggestions, Nathan123 writes:

It seems the forum isn't getting the same kind of community involvement as
it once did. It is fairly common to see less than 100 messages per day and I
had to go back to July to find a day that had over 200. The way the forum works
right now it can be very frustrating and time consuming finding posts of interest
as even new posts get buried quickly under 2 or 3 more active posts and that
makes it difficult to participate in the forum if you do not have the time to
browse or search through it. In terms of utility the bricklink forum is not as
easy to use and enjoy as say brickset forum. There are a lot of good parts of
the BL forum but I feel it is largely being ruined.

My suggestion is that when a post is responded to the post itself moves to the
top but it doesn't show up as a new message, so if a post is made and has
10 replies it will still just look like one post on the forum. I would also like
to recommend that certain categories get put into a different area apart from
the forum so maybe for example buying and selling, inventory change requests,
and sales posts could be seperated from the rest so they don't bury the rest
of the posts out there and stagnate the forum.

The goal would be to allow more people and ideas to participate in the community.

There are certainly some improvements to be made - pinning posts, notification
/ subscription plans, ability to edit or completely remove posted material -
but most of what you are asking for here can already be done.

First, the BrickLink Discussions Forum is actually many individual Forums all
joined together, including hidden Forums backstage for our community admins.
If you don't wish to read everything, start on this page and read only what
interests you:

https://www.bricklink.com/messageTopics.asp?utm_content=subnav

Second, you can customize the Forum to your exact specifications, including viewing
each thread without the replies. You can also block certain Forums (e.g. sales
posts). See the settings on this page:

https://www.bricklink.com/messageFilter.asp?viewFrom=P

I've never seen a Forum with this level of user customization, and I believe
most members don't even know about these options. Try out these suggestions
and see if that helps your impression.

I have been reading the Forum consistently for over 10 years, and I've noticed
that like rainy and dry periods with the weather, Forum participation ebbs and
flows with time. And if by "community involvement" you mean people like Foster
and Dan/Jon beating each other up on a regular basis, that sort of behavior isn't
tolerated anymore.

Hi Russell and thank you for your comments on this topic (which isn't ours)
as you can tell.

Just like to add that our forum has all the functionality of this one as well
as the ability to edit, add attachments, conduct polls, plus more and its free
software - phbbs forum. It took our web guy an hour or so to get it installed
and me about a day to learn all about it (and I still don't know all there
is to know)

The Bricklink forum and messaging system , as you know, are well out of date
and whilst most of the regular members love this archaic piece of software (and
we have a liking to it as well), newer users are used to much richer applications.

There are lots of things that are more important than the forum and as you have
said in many comments here development time is at a premium whilst the company
determines which direction(s) it is going to take for the future. Might not be
a bad idea to keep the members informed - I know that kind of contravenes current
policy but it would engender a lot more respect for what is happening or about
to happen.

I have been a member for a long time now both as a buyer only (3 years before
we became a store) and nearly 9 years as a store, and feel, like most, that we
are kept in the dark about what is happening with the site. As for earlier times
and forum discussions/debates etc, we remember most of them - but again most
of those members are no longer involved with Bricklink. We get PM's from
some of them from time to time when they read something on the forum and want
an insiders view (Not really sure why they believe we have an insiders view but
still). It is nice to hear from them and we try to comment on what they are asking.

Life, forums, business , relationships are all about multi-directional communications
and this site is no different than any others. Keep your customers happy and
you will grow and prosper - give them cause for concern and you will not see
the real benefits you are looking for, regardless of the dir4ection you choose
and we all kow no one can do it on their own.

Bill & the Team @ Calsbricks.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 01:28

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jennnifer writes:

In Suggestions, Nathan123 writes:

I love the way this old Forum works. Sorry if I am in the minority. I would argue
that the lack of community involvement is directly related to the management's
antipathy.

Jen

+ several

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 16, 2019 12:38

Subject:

Re: HP184 onwards

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

Inventories

In Inventories, axaday writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

The minifigs in set 75948 do not appear to have been inventoried yet and according
to the catalogue page it is not pending - is there a problem with these?

I just ordered the set and reserved all the minifigs.

Great - it is a very good set (In our humble opinion, of course)

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 16, 2019 12:37

Subject:

Re: HP184 onwards

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

Inventories

In Inventories, axaday writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

The minifigs in set 75948 do not appear to have been inventoried yet and according
to the catalogue page it is not pending - is there a problem with these?

They are all in one set. Just no one has done it. Do you want me to?

Yes please, if you can - we are in the process of parting out several of them
(Sets)

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 16, 2019 11:59

Subject:

HP184 onwards

Viewed:

115 times

Topic:

Inventories

Status:

Open

The minifigs in set 75948 do not appear to have been inventoried yet and according
to the catalogue page it is not pending - is there a problem with these?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 10, 2019 10:22

Subject:

Re: 49699 a Panel?!

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

Catalog

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog, firestar246 writes:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

49699 Panel 1 x 6 x 4 1/3 with Window and 4 Pin Holes
Parts: Panel

I can't discover anything panel-ish about this part. I'd say it's
window, door, technic, other, vehicle, or pretty much anything except a panel...

What do you think it should be?

My first thought is technic or window frame

Well:

1. Window (or door) frame implies you could put a glass or panel (or door)
inside. That seems very unlikely with the technic holes in the way.

2. It’s been used in System (City) sets for now BUT it sure looks like a Technic
Brick, yet not really.
So Technic could do but not really “Technic Brick” and there are no similar parts
(that I know of) in the other Technic categories, that would mean it should fall
in the general “Technic” category, which is already overpopulated.

I’m not envying the catmins

Yep certainly a tough one. It's very clear what it is: A hatch. But how to
catalog it in the existing categories?
I'm voting Door Frame. Alternatively, Vehicle. It may be used in space bases,
but the whole point of hatches is that things are built up from compartments
that have been vehicles at some point.
Hmm, anyone remember the days when we had a "Space" category?

Funny this one - Lego put it into their Bricks, Special category where most of
the modified bricks go. It does look a bit technic Panel, though.

Really do wish we could edit messages. Forgot to say technic bricks are also
in the Bricks, special Lego category - so technic panel could be the right answer????

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 10, 2019 10:19

Subject:

Re: 49699 a Panel?!

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

Catalog

In Catalog, Teup writes:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog, firestar246 writes:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

49699 Panel 1 x 6 x 4 1/3 with Window and 4 Pin Holes
Parts: Panel

I can't discover anything panel-ish about this part. I'd say it's
window, door, technic, other, vehicle, or pretty much anything except a panel...

What do you think it should be?

My first thought is technic or window frame

Funny this one - Lego put it into their Bricks, Special category where most of
the modified bricks go. It does look a bit technic Panel, though.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 20, 2019 12:54

Subject:

Re: Layout

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, ihave36paws writes:

How can you change the Classic Layout. If you are going to make changes to things
it would be the new Layout.

We hate the way they removed the (My Order Note) line from under the order.

Now you have to travel way over to the right to see it, unless you have your
screen so small that you can't read it.

Please change it back.

You can do that yourself here;

That is at the top of your ofrder detail page. Is that what you meant?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 15, 2019 10:19

Subject:

Re: Search setting: seller location filter

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Brickman4you writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, Nowaker writes:

I'm interested to see offers from United States only.

Each time I'm on a hunt for something, I have to open the filtering options
and select selector location United States.

Please make it possible to set a default filter for all searches. It should be
available here: https://www.bricklink.com/searchSettings.asp?viewFrom=P

This will improve the shopping experience immensely.

Thank you.
-Nowaker

Capability already exists

https://www.bricklink.com/searchAdvanced.asp

How to save these check boxes so they default? That is how I understood the
question.

You are right - missed that. Ignore my response.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 15, 2019 04:15

Subject:

Re: Search setting: seller location filter

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Nowaker writes:

Capability already exists

https://www.bricklink.com/searchAdvanced.asp

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 12, 2019 13:49

Subject:

Re: Change NPB Timeline

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

Once again a constant thread and everyone agrees with it except Bricklink for
some strange reason. Why should we have to let our inventory be tied up for two
weeks or longer when someone isn't going to pay for their order.

Bring the business side of the site into the 21st century, please - IC doesn't
work for all and for those that do not use it this is a real pain and totally
unnecessary.

That is probably why they will never do anything about it - it is another push
for non-IC adopters to adopt IC.

Sorry 1 more thing coming from someone who has spent a great many years in the
software development world. Software is normally designed to suit end users and
it is normally designed and developed in conjunction with them. That hasn't
happened here at Bricklink, On the other hand gaming software often comes from
the developers themselves rather than the end user - and quite often that works.
But when it comes to serious applications it never does unless the developers
have a rock solid systems spec which has been put together by a quality experienced
systems analyst - again doesn't happen here or at least it does not appear
so. When was the first, or last time as a seller or buyer you were asked what
you wanted to see in the software?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 12, 2019 13:39

Subject:

Re: Change NPB Timeline

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

That is probably why they will never do anything about it - it is another push
for non-IC adopters to adopt IC.

There is a simple answer to that - make it applicable for all regions - redesign
it so those of us who use multiple boxes (3 large letter styles, and 11 small
parcel styles) do not have to set up a delivery method for each of those across
all boxes. 14 first class; 14 first class confirmed; 14 2nd class confirmed;
14 next day delivery; 14 air mail; 14 air mail confirmed. Good grief - all day
every day just setting up delivery methods and the design of that is totally
flawed - IC should have been regionalised to accommodate not just weight systems
but weight and volume systems. Yes I know we could try and reduce boxes but that
is not convenient for us nor our customers. We don't send out half full boxes.
In addition if the design had been better it would have allowed them to make
the simple changes to accommodate the changes in the US postal system where everything
is being done by workaround.

Forcing people to use a feature is a non-starter - usage should be up to the
individual not a method which doesn't work 100% of the time and also has
over 40,000 items in its catalogue without dimensions. but you are probably right
- yet another wonderful idea just like pp for marketplaces, dropping paypal offsite
- again to force IC. NO matter what the take-up is in real terms the feature
needs re-thinking.

What next force members to use their new Order detail page ; or their new My
BL page -- you must now use Stud.io to design anything. Oh and lest we forget
you must use the new wanted list (but after clamour we will leave the classic
one available, and we will reinstate paypal offsite).

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 12, 2019 10:58

Subject:

Re: Change NPB Timeline

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, mscheaf writes:

In Suggestions, MidwestBrick writes:

I had enough of these in the last few weeks that waiting 2 full weeks is painful
to complete them.

I don't mind the 1 week to pay before it is started. But another full 7 days
to complete the NPB is not necessary.

I would propose 3 additional days and that is it. Let us get our stock back
in our stores to sell to someone else instead of being held at our will for 14
full days when 10 is plenty enough.

I can't be the only one that feels this way and 14 days might have worked
10-15 years ago when access to Smart-Phones wasn't as widespread, but these
days, you can't go far without having the ability to respond. Thanks

This is exactly why I just cancel the order and never file NPB. It just takes
two long. 2 weeks is insane. It shouldn't take a week to pay. It shouldn't
take more than a few days to pay, if you don't have the money don't order
stuff, pretty simple. I know a lot of buyers are getting let off the hook by
this but I don't have the time or patience and I don't want my inventory
constantly tied up for a fortnight. I just cancel the order ban the buyer and
move on.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 12, 2019 10:55

Subject:

Re: Change time zone

Viewed:

38 times

Topic: