The internet is a modern marvel made for crossing borders and connecting with people from all over the world. No matter how obscure your hobbies are, there’s always a place for you online to connect with like-minded people.
For LEGO lovers, those spaces are LUGs.
LEGO User Groups, or LUGs, are dedicated communities of AFOLs (Adult Fans of Legos) to connect over their love of Lego. While many LUGs hold events and meet-ups in real life, many enthusiasts also just join online communities like LUG forums or FaceBook pages. In the age of social media, anyone can join and share LEGO memes, show off their impressive collections and ask for advice about their own collections and of course, keep up-to-date on the latest products and news. Some LUGs even hold contests for members to win prizes!
(image via BricksFanz.com from Flickr)
Though not all LUGs are recognised officially with LEGO, there are over 400 recognised online communities and LUGs worldwide that are listed on LEGO’s official website. So you can probably imagine how many more LUGs there are unofficially.
So whether you’re a LEGO enthusiast in Germany or Spain, you’ll be able to find a LUG in your area and in your preferred language. LUGs aren’t just limited to countries, there are many that span across regions like Asia.
If you’re a new enthusiast, a collector or a photographer who hasn’t joined a LUG, here are a few reasons why you should!
Find a sense of community
Let’s be honest, lego are widely (wrongly) assumed to be toys for children and if you’re an AFOL, the chances of organically finding a group of people who love lego as you are pretty low. So, why not go online and join a community with people who share and understand the same passion for Lego as you?
Inspiration and Ideas
Many users share videos and photos of MOCs (My Own Creation), meaning self-built creations that weren't bought in a set. If you’re looking to create something of your own, these are a great way to get some ideas for your next project.
(image via BricksFanz.com from Flickr)
Advice and Tutorials
If you’re a beginner and looking for advice about your lego, LUGs are a great way to get in touch with experienced collectors and builders and die-hard enthusiasts about your burning questions. Some users even share their tutorials of their creations so that you can re-create them easily.
If you’re a fledgling Lego enthusiast who is just starting out, just know that you aren't alone and in the age of the internet and social media, you're only one click away from joining an LUG and finding your community.