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Daniel Jezek – one year later…

by Thita (admin) on September 24, 2011

in Community News

Daniel Jezek, June 25, 1977 – September 24, 2010

It was exactly one year ago, on September 24th 2010, when Daniel Jezek, the visionary and founder behind BrickLink, tragically passed away. He was only 33 years old.

In memory of Dan’s life and accomplishments, and to connect with BrickLink members on this day, his family posted the following message. (You can read the original post here: Daniel Jezek – One Year Later)

To the BrickLink.com Community:

September 24, 2011 marks the one-year anniversary of our son Daniel’s death. What he conceived of 12 years ago as a website that facilitates the exchange of LEGO is still going strong today. With your help, we intend to continue what he began. Dan would have it no other way. At the time of his passing, some 50 million visitors had stopped by BL for one reason or another. That number is now 75 million and counting. Dan’s dream continues to grow and we will be adjusting to accommodate that growth and insure the BrickLink experience remains one that all members – buyers and sellers – can depend on as both positive and productive.

Dan just wanted to build a site where people could talk about and trade their LEGO. That’s all. If BrickLink.com still seems like that to you, he succeeded.

Following Dan’s legacy, Eric Smith, of Northstar Computer Systems, has continued admirably with the administrative duties required in the day-to-day operation of BrickLink.com. At our direction, Eric is currently involved in expanding the server hardware to allow the site to keep up with increased user demands. In addition, he has begun work on a new and improved web site that will allow for future enhancements as well as increased security for our valued users.

We also thank the many volunteer administrators who make BrickLink a true community and one that reflects participation from across the globe.

Please, if you can, take a minute to think of Dan Jezek today. Although he preferred anonymity that caused many of you to interact with him only briefly, the membership of BrickLink.com was always on his mind and his highest concern. He would certainly be proud and elated that so many continue to visit and that so many new members are drawn to his website. We only wish he’d lived to learn of the many ways he touched the worldwide LEGO community during his time with us.

His dream, your community. Thanks to you all.

The Jezek Family

Visiting BrickLink for the first time is always an exciting feeling for LEGO fans. With all the LEGO sets, parts, catalogs and accessories available from all over the world, it is like a dream coming true!

As LEGO-fans we owe immense gratitude to Daniel Jezek, and also to his family, friend and all the hard-working volunteers of BrickLink who are continuing to keep his legacy alive. Rest in peace, Dan!

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LEGO Bayer test-strikes – PART 2

by Thita (admin) on September 23, 2011

in LEGO History

(Written by Maxx)

First of all, I would like to thank all of you who commented on LEGO Bayer Test-Strikes – Part 1. I really enjoyed your comments.

The first part on “Bayers” (short for Bayer-test-strikes) and LEGO was an introduction into test-bricks. It allowed me to tell you the broad story.

Maybe now I can show you some other things about the strange but wonderful world of LEGO Bayer test-bricks and things involved in making them.

Remember; here you have one great company (LEGO) asking another great company (Bayer) to improve their product. LEGO – and presumably Bayer – agreed to hold it secret and this seemed to work. Myself and others have tried to find out more, but neither parties would tell us anything (or they simply don’t know).

You can imagine my excitement when I found this ad on Ebay from a collectibles seller! (You can click on the picture for a larger view.)

“We make the chemicals out of which the biggest toy (game) of the decade is made.

This toy (game) is hard work for Bayer, the man who had this idea came to us and set requirements: he needed building bricks of a specific hardness and a specific elasticity. They must have beautiful, long lasting colors, be absolutely resistent to change – and kids must be able to put them in their mouths. Only if all of these requirements are met – when we have found the right plastic, only then a big idea becomes the biggest toy of the decade.

Newer and better developments: that is Bayer!“

So here is Bayer using LEGO in their ad, not naming names, but clear for all to see. Telling the world excactly what they did!!!

And for those that did not catch the connection the first time, yes, this is the same Bayer that makes aspirin! Chemicals are chemicals after all and it may explain why these bricks never give me a headache. 🙂

This ad originates from 1967, so right after Bayer succesfully completed their first few years of testing for LEGO. It was printed in a German magazine, called “Der Spiegel” in the number 29 issue of that year. Copies can still be found online.

I could not wish for a better connection between the two companies to add to my collection. Just shows you how interesting developments can happen in the life of a collector at any time. It’s not enough – there are still many more secrets to find out – but it’s a start. And it gives my collection extra depth.

Now comes the hardest part, finding a nice frame to hold my new-found treasure. 😀

If you are interested in LEGO Bayer, LEGO colors and LEGO history you may also like to read:

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Daniel Jezek – one year later…

LEGO Bayer test-strikes – PART 2

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