On behalf of the entire Blocks team, I was saddened to hear about the passing of Joe Meno, editor of BrickJournal, the longest running LEGO fan publication.
I didn’t know Joe really, we only exchanged messages a handful of times – but I do know that everyone I spoke to about him had great things to say. He was someone who had a big and positive impact on the community.
Unfortunately I can’t call myself a regular BrickJournal reader either – partly through being based in the UK and not coming across it when I was a young enthusiast, but then once I was working on Blocks I tended to avoid other magazines, as I didn’t want to unintentionally plagiarise any ideas that had seeped in subconsciously.
I do know, however, what it takes to put together a magazine. I know the passion and dedication requires, the care and attention that goes into every page, the desire to deliver something to your readers. Joe could not have published BrickJournal without passion and dedication.
I also think that Joe started a magazine during one of the buzziest, most exciting and innovative times in the LEGO community’s history. When more people were getting online, more fans were able to connect, the US convention scene was kicking into gear and Joe went out on a limb to produce a magazine for the fan community – like the other fan projects of the era, the goal was to share with other LEGO devotees and enhance the hobby for everyone. To be featured in BrickJournal has always been considered a great accolade and, in an era when social media was pretty ropey, Joe provided a way for fans to share their creations in a nice format.
While I may not have known Joe, I knew him in the way that many LEGO fans ‘know’ each other – through his excellent builds. I felt connected to him as I always admired his Disney models, which were often specifically tied to the theme parks, at a time when that was less common in the fan community. Those builds always made me smile.
Joe leaves a huge legacy based on the positive impact he had on those who knew him. But he also left a very tangible legacy in 92 issues of BrickJournal (and counting), lovingly produced for the benefit of AFOLs around the world.
I will be raising a glass to Joe Meno tonight. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
– Graham E. Hancock, Editor, Blocks magazine
Featured photo credit: Bill Ward
We will share a more complete tribute to Joe Meno’s contributions to the LEGO community in an upcoming issue of Blocks magazine.