A Guide to the Forums of BrickPicker

Hello, my username is Comicblast, and I will be your guide today. Please click here to follow along as the tour progresses. Enjoy!

1. Forum Topics
Once you go the the link above, you will come to the main BrickPicker Forums page. On this page are --- main categories of topics, and several other sub-categories. The first is the BrickPicker.com General Board. This category includes more general information, not so related to LEGO investing, but still important. If you intend on participating in the forums, I recommend you introduce yourself, but we’ll get around to doing this a little later.

The second category is the ***Members Only Forum***. In this area, you will learn about the opinions of other LEGO investors on set performances, as well as the ever important Special Deals section. Non-Members cannot view this section, but it is 100% free to view it!

Right below the ***Members Only Forum***, we come to the Investing & Collecting Forum. In this area, you will find topics discussing things more specific to themes and particular sets, as well as a general investing and collecting forum. Not every single theme is listed there, but the main ones are. If you have any questions on other sets, it is recommended to go to either the general investing and collecting forum or to the Buying and Selling forum. In this forum, you will find topics related to buying and selling, as well as popular destinations of buying LEGO’s, including eBay, Amazon, LEGO S@H, Toys R Us, Target Store/Online, and Walmart.

One of the sub-categories of the Buying and Selling forum is The Deal or No Deal Forum. In this category, you will be able to inquire about a specific set, it’s investment potential, and so on. This is a recommended place to start out on LEGO investing. If you choose to start a thread in this category, your title should follow the following format: Set Number - Set Name. If your question includes more than one set, put a “/” between each new set name and number.

2. Searching the Forums
Before asking a question and starting a new thread, it is smartest to first search through past threads first. You can go to the upper right corner’s search bar, put in your set number, name, or key word, and then select “Forums”. Often, there will be a few pages of threads including that set number, but you should browse through to find if any might answer your question. Not only does this keep the forums clean, it gives you a more immediate answer to your inquiry, and quite frankly, keeps other members from getting annoyed at you.

3. Starting a Topic
If you have searched the forums for any similar topics, and haven’t found one, you can now start a Forums Topic! First, go to the main Forums page, then select the category that you think best fits your inquiry or topic. Click on that topic, then click on the box that reads “Start a New Topic” that is located on right side, above the list of topics already made. Now, pick a topic title. Remember, that if your topic is in The Deal or No Deal Forum, then it must follow the Set Number - Set Name format. After you type something in, a box of 5 topics will be listed. This is your last chance to turn back. If nothing really meets your question, then move on to the next step. Next you can pick a few topic tags, though this is not mandatory. After you have typed in your title, a box of By choosing tags, it’s easier to find the topic later on.
Finally, you can type in your official inquiry. Make this section the place where you get very specific, on what your question is, and what information you are looking for. Questions like “What sets do I buy?” are in no way specific or direct. A better way to phrase this would be “Hi, I am new to LEGO investing, and came across a 7965 Millennium Falcon for $90 at my local Walmart. How does everyone think that this set will do, and how long should I hold it?” Often, there are answers to these questions buried in the forums, and difficult to find. Don’t get discouraged by members who say “Read the forums”, since you already have. Instead, wait a little while for other members to give their input. If there is really a long, extensive thread about it, then go ahead and take a look there.

4. Responding to Posts
Of course you can’t always ask questions! Sooner or later, you will come across a member who doesn’t know as much as you, and need guidance. They will take your question much more seriously and thoughtfully if you respond politely, and don’t insult their intelligence. If you disagree with what they are saying, don’t berate them on how they are a noob, or dim, even if they are. Ever hear the saying “Let’s agree to disagree”?

When a thread gets really filled up, it is easier to respond to someone by using a quote. Go to their response, and select MultiQuote. Then if that is the only person who is being quoted, click the small pop-up box that reads “Reply to 1 quoted post(s)”. If you no longer wish to quote, click “Clear”. If you are answering or responding to more than one comment, then you can click MultiQuote for every response that is being responded to.

While participating in the BrickPicker Forums, grammar is important. Not only are you taken more seriously, you look more professional. Correct grammar is also helpful to the eyes, and makes it easier for others to read what you are writing. If you have a streak of bad grammar, a member is sure to give you an embarrassing rant on it, which may not be the most exciting experience!

Finally, forum etiquette. Here’s a great response by a member named Emes. Though he disagreed with what a different user said, he recognized his different views, and then stated his case in a very polite and helpful fashion:

I do see your logic, I just don't agree, despite what LEGO says, that their primary market is children. In the 70's and 80's yes, today, no. Look at how many of the currently produced items LEGO sells, and how many are not really solely targeted towards children. When I go into a LEGO store I see tons of things that my 5 year old couldn't build on his own. My child has no idea what Minecraft is. I guess part of it is what we define as a "child".

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the BrickPicke Forums! Stay tuned for the Guide to the BrickPicker Price Guide!