Chat with Greg Farshtey

ScribeGT6817

2014-04-01 08:31 UTC–5

maletoaofwater wrote:
I know you've metioned in the past that certain social media policies of LEGO prevent you from interacting with fans on sites like BZpower... could you elaborate more on rules such as those? Are there any rules (copyright/intellectual property or otherwise) that would prevent you from continuing the BIONICLE saga on you own, if you had the time?

In a nutshell, LEGO employees are not allowed to post on non-LEGO sites where there might be kids under the age of 13, because it would potentially violate online child protection rules (protection from marketing, etc.) BZP has no age verification system, so there is no way to know how old the members are, so that was why I had to stop going there. Wasn't by choice, just following the rules.

As for BIONICLE, anything I wanted to do for it, anywhere, I would have to get permission from LEGO Company. I can't write "fan fiction" for anything LEGO because I work here.

ScribeGT6817

2014-04-01 08:33 UTC–5

Permalink

maletoaofwater wrote:
WEBCIC1 wrote:

I allways thought they were real pepole... But maybye not!

Also for some reason my spell check isn't working...
Yeah, mine isn't working either...

But anyway, this guy brings up a good point - since the Matoran/Toa/etc are just AI built by the great beings, what makes them any different from any other machines, such as the Vahki? Even if their AI is of a higher caliber than those machines, aren't they still just... well, machines?

Another related thing, you mentioned that Velika's consciousness wouldn't be able to transfer in the RS... why not? If it was stored on a matoran body just like the other matoran...?

1) The Vahki were purely machines, able to do only what they were programmed to do. Matoran are bio-mechanical, and their AI is capable of learning, feeling emotion, understanding intangible concepts, and way more than a normal machine AI can do.

2) My feeling on Velika is that, while his consciousness had to be placed into the Matoran body, it was not AI ... it was an actual brain pattern ... and while a brain pattern could be transferred, the RS tech is not made to do that. It's made to work with AI only.

ScribeGT6817

2014-04-01 08:33 UTC–5

Permalink

fighterlord wrote:
ScribeGT6817 wrote:
fighterlord wrote:
I know that the location of Voya Nui was sometimes called "The Daggers of Death" or "Island of Doom". Since "Nui" means "great" (as in Metru Nui =Great City, Karda Nui = Great Heart), what might "Voya" mean?
1) I always thought it meant voyage.
So the village (it was originally the village, not the island, I think) was named Voya Nui because the Matoran and the island had taken a "Great Voyage" when the Great Cataclysm happened?

Bingo.

ScribeGT6817

2014-04-01 08:34 UTC–5

Permalink

zachbat81 wrote:
The great beings are completely organic right?

My feeling (and this is just my feeling) is that are most likely a related species to the Agori and Glatorian, and so would not be bio-mechanical.

ScribeGT6817

2014-04-02 09:03 UTC–5

Permalink

diglett809 wrote:
Greg, get you do/get fooled by any April Fools Day jokes today?

I really didn't run into any, I was in meetings almost all day.

ScribeGT6817

2014-04-02 09:07 UTC–5

Permalink

TwistLaw wrote:
I'm writing these answer again since I didn't get a response. Hope you'll find the time!

1) Was Bionicle on a costant decay from 2003 until 2009, or did some years like 2006 outsell 2005?
2) Low sales in following years didn't raise any suspect amongst designers and the rest of the staff?
3) The franchise hadn't had any movies after WoS, and after four whole years they planned another TRILOGY. Was LEGO trying to revitalize BIONICLE, or anything?
4) As long as you know, has Hero Factory sold more than BIONICLE in its later years? At least, are you aware if HF year 1 sold more than BIONICLE year 9?

1) I don't have this information

2) Not sure I understand your question. You also have to realize that BIONICLE's 2002 sales were in the stratosphere, so a slow decline still had it selling really well. It took several years before it became enough of an issue anyone had to worry about it.

3) I wasn't involved in the deal on this, but I do know WOS did not sell as well as the second film, which did not sell as well as the first film, so the natural feeling was that fans were taking the movies somewhat for granted and it made sense to take a break. In a lot of cases, these kinds of deals happen when someone credible approaches you about doing them. You can't just get movies made cause you feel like it

4) I don't have this information.

ScribeGT6817

2014-04-02 09:10 UTC–5

Permalink

dhanurendra wrote:
Greg, in the BIONICLE Universe, what is the smallest particle that gave matter to the universe, would it still be the average atom or a fictional substance of some sort?
Can you explain me a complete scientific description of how life and matter works in the BIONICLE Universe?
Could you create a complete graphic novel of the BIONICLE trilogy into one big book?
Are there any plans to create a continuing story for the BIONICLE trilogy?

-Also, thanks for creating such amazing stories that amused me and the other LEGO enthusiasts hidden in planet earth.

1) Not something I have had reason to think about

2) No. I would need weeks to do that and I don't have the time. Plus if you take all the mystery out of something, it stops being interesting.

3) Which trilogy? The movie trilogy planned for 2009-2011? Probably not, no stories were ever written down for 2010 and 2011, and since BIONICLE is not an active line, it is doubtful any publisher would want to put something like that out. Publishers rely on the sets to be "free advertising" for them. Once the line ends, the books do too.

4) No. As I said, the line is no longer active, so LEGO resources are going toward lines that have sets we are trying to sell.

maletoaofwater	2014-03-31 17:37 UTC–5 Permalink I know you've metioned in the past that certain social media policies of LEGO prevent you from interacting with fans on sites like BZpower... could you elaborate more on rules such as those? Are there any rules (copyright/intellectual property or otherwise) that would prevent you from continuing the BIONICLE saga on you own, if you had the time?
maletoaofwater	2014-03-31 17:42 UTC–5 Permalink WEBCIC1 wrote: I allways thought they were real pepole... But maybye not! Also for some reason my spell check isn't working... Yeah, mine isn't working either... But anyway, this guy brings up a good point - since the Matoran/Toa/etc are just AI built by the great beings, what makes them any different from any other machines, such as the Vahki? Even if their AI is of a higher caliber than those machines, aren't they still just... well, machines? Another related thing, you mentioned that Velika's consciousness wouldn't be able to transfer in the RS... why not? If it was stored on a matoran body just like the other matoran...?
fighterlord	2014-03-31 22:04 UTC–5 Permalink ScribeGT6817 wrote: fighterlord wrote: I know that the location of Voya Nui was sometimes called "The Daggers of Death" or "Island of Doom". Since "Nui" means "great" (as in Metru Nui =Great City, Karda Nui = Great Heart), what might "Voya" mean? 1) I always thought it meant voyage. So the village (it was originally the village, not the island, I think) was named Voya Nui because the Matoran and the island had taken a "Great Voyage" when the Great Cataclysm happened?
zachbat81	2014-04-01 01:01 UTC–5 Permalink The great beings are completely organic right?
ScribeGT6817	2014-04-01 08:31 UTC–5 Permalink maletoaofwater wrote: I know you've metioned in the past that certain social media policies of LEGO prevent you from interacting with fans on sites like BZpower... could you elaborate more on rules such as those? Are there any rules (copyright/intellectual property or otherwise) that would prevent you from continuing the BIONICLE saga on you own, if you had the time? In a nutshell, LEGO employees are not allowed to post on non-LEGO sites where there might be kids under the age of 13, because it would potentially violate online child protection rules (protection from marketing, etc.) BZP has no age verification system, so there is no way to know how old the members are, so that was why I had to stop going there. Wasn't by choice, just following the rules. As for BIONICLE, anything I wanted to do for it, anywhere, I would have to get permission from LEGO Company. I can't write "fan fiction" for anything LEGO because I work here.
ScribeGT6817	2014-04-01 08:33 UTC–5 Permalink maletoaofwater wrote: WEBCIC1 wrote: I allways thought they were real pepole... But maybye not! Also for some reason my spell check isn't working... Yeah, mine isn't working either... But anyway, this guy brings up a good point - since the Matoran/Toa/etc are just AI built by the great beings, what makes them any different from any other machines, such as the Vahki? Even if their AI is of a higher caliber than those machines, aren't they still just... well, machines? Another related thing, you mentioned that Velika's consciousness wouldn't be able to transfer in the RS... why not? If it was stored on a matoran body just like the other matoran...? 1) The Vahki were purely machines, able to do only what they were programmed to do. Matoran are bio-mechanical, and their AI is capable of learning, feeling emotion, understanding intangible concepts, and way more than a normal machine AI can do. 2) My feeling on Velika is that, while his consciousness had to be placed into the Matoran body, it was not AI ... it was an actual brain pattern ... and while a brain pattern could be transferred, the RS tech is not made to do that. It's made to work with AI only.
ScribeGT6817	2014-04-01 08:33 UTC–5 Permalink fighterlord wrote: ScribeGT6817 wrote: fighterlord wrote: I know that the location of Voya Nui was sometimes called "The Daggers of Death" or "Island of Doom". Since "Nui" means "great" (as in Metru Nui =Great City, Karda Nui = Great Heart), what might "Voya" mean? 1) I always thought it meant voyage. So the village (it was originally the village, not the island, I think) was named Voya Nui because the Matoran and the island had taken a "Great Voyage" when the Great Cataclysm happened? Bingo.
ScribeGT6817	2014-04-01 08:34 UTC–5 Permalink zachbat81 wrote: The great beings are completely organic right? My feeling (and this is just my feeling) is that are most likely a related species to the Agori and Glatorian, and so would not be bio-mechanical.
diglett809	2014-04-01 15:05 UTC–5 Permalink Greg, get you do/get fooled by any April Fools Day jokes today?
TwistLaw	2014-04-01 22:10 UTC–5 Permalink I'm writing these answer again since I didn't get a response. Hope you'll find the time! 1) Was Bionicle on a costant decay from 2003 until 2009, or did some years like 2006 outsell 2005? 2) Low sales in following years didn't raise any suspect amongst designers and the rest of the staff? 3) The franchise hadn't had any movies after WoS, and after four whole years they planned another TRILOGY. Was LEGO trying to revitalize BIONICLE, or anything? 4) As long as you know, has Hero Factory sold more than BIONICLE in its later years? At least, are you aware if HF year 1 sold more than BIONICLE year 9?
dhanurendra	2014-04-02 02:52 UTC–5 Permalink Greg, in the BIONICLE Universe, what is the smallest particle that gave matter to the universe, would it still be the average atom or a fictional substance of some sort? Can you explain me a complete scientific description of how life and matter works in the BIONICLE Universe? Could you create a complete graphic novel of the BIONICLE trilogy into one big book? Are there any plans to create a continuing story for the BIONICLE trilogy? -Also, thanks for creating such amazing stories that amused me and the other LEGO enthusiasts hidden in planet earth.
geek7534	2014-04-02 06:54 UTC–5 Permalink I repost these questions in mind that you have forgotten them. If this is not the case and you haven't had time to answer them, sorry for this repost. "Hello Greg, In the hoping you can answer at my questions : 1) In 2010, when Tahu use the Golden Armor, she has normally destroyed all the Solid Antidermis on Spherus Magna, so all the Rahkshi. Like those others in the Great Spirit Robot? 2) In 2010, the fight between Mata Nui and Teridax seems to be short while the Battle of Bara Magna at the ground seems to be the during of an afternoon. It's explained by the size of the two robots? 3) In 2010, we know that members of the Order of Mata Nui, Matoran, Agori, Glatorian, Toa and some others being participated to the Battle of Bara Magna. How many Toa? How many Glatorian (those presents in the Wastelands?)? 4) The Barraki, before their imprisonment, were greats Warlords created specially for this task by Mata Nui. They had physical abilities increased like great strength or enhanced speed to impose them as Warlord, or they were simply respected by all? 5) Can you give some details about the Jerbraz's apparence? 6) The Protodermis, under all his forms, are created by the disenergization of Energized Protodermis ? Thank you in advance for your answers and your time ^^ "
ScribeGT6817	2014-04-02 09:03 UTC–5 Permalink diglett809 wrote: Greg, get you do/get fooled by any April Fools Day jokes today? I really didn't run into any, I was in meetings almost all day.
ScribeGT6817	2014-04-02 09:07 UTC–5 Permalink TwistLaw wrote: I'm writing these answer again since I didn't get a response. Hope you'll find the time! 1) Was Bionicle on a costant decay from 2003 until 2009, or did some years like 2006 outsell 2005? 2) Low sales in following years didn't raise any suspect amongst designers and the rest of the staff? 3) The franchise hadn't had any movies after WoS, and after four whole years they planned another TRILOGY. Was LEGO trying to revitalize BIONICLE, or anything? 4) As long as you know, has Hero Factory sold more than BIONICLE in its later years? At least, are you aware if HF year 1 sold more than BIONICLE year 9? 1) I don't have this information 2) Not sure I understand your question. You also have to realize that BIONICLE's 2002 sales were in the stratosphere, so a slow decline still had it selling really well. It took several years before it became enough of an issue anyone had to worry about it. 3) I wasn't involved in the deal on this, but I do know WOS did not sell as well as the second film, which did not sell as well as the first film, so the natural feeling was that fans were taking the movies somewhat for granted and it made sense to take a break. In a lot of cases, these kinds of deals happen when someone credible approaches you about doing them. You can't just get movies made cause you feel like it 4) I don't have this information.
ScribeGT6817	2014-04-02 09:10 UTC–5 Permalink dhanurendra wrote: Greg, in the BIONICLE Universe, what is the smallest particle that gave matter to the universe, would it still be the average atom or a fictional substance of some sort? Can you explain me a complete scientific description of how life and matter works in the BIONICLE Universe? Could you create a complete graphic novel of the BIONICLE trilogy into one big book? Are there any plans to create a continuing story for the BIONICLE trilogy? -Also, thanks for creating such amazing stories that amused me and the other LEGO enthusiasts hidden in planet earth. 1) Not something I have had reason to think about 2) No. I would need weeks to do that and I don't have the time. Plus if you take all the mystery out of something, it stops being interesting. 3) Which trilogy? The movie trilogy planned for 2009-2011? Probably not, no stories were ever written down for 2010 and 2011, and since BIONICLE is not an active line, it is doubtful any publisher would want to put something like that out. Publishers rely on the sets to be "free advertising" for them. Once the line ends, the books do too. 4) No. As I said, the line is no longer active, so LEGO resources are going toward lines that have sets we are trying to sell.