I can’t fathom knowing my exact inventory, much less having it on a spreadsheet. That is a level of OCD that I just cannot reach, but I applaud and respect those who can. Kudos!

I’m just shocked as hell, I thought Heather was the only female AFOL.

I think it’s good to point out the women builders since they’re such a (sadly) minority. We’ve kinda done ourselves a disservice in using pseudonames online because you have no idea if a builder is a man or woman unless you specifically try to find out more about them. Knowing that a builder is male or female doesn’t influence what we think about their work, it’s just nice to know more about the builder.

I’m sorry, but someone who speaks five or six languages should not have a hatred for capital letters…

But the demographics of Lego hobbyists in general and AFOLs in particular /do/ skew overwhelmingly male. Overwhelmingly–I think I recall seeing a study or poll that put their numbers at upwards of 90%. There actually are far fewer notable female builders–not because women are less talented than men, but because there are statistically fewer women in the hobby. You and Deborah are standout examples, and I’m glad to see that she got featured.

Keith’s treatment of the gender issue in the intro was superficial and full of cliches, but I read that less as a tokenization of Deborah’s gender than as part of the consistently tongue-in-cheek style that Keith brings to all of his interviews, regardless of the subject matter or the gender of the builder.

I think its awesome that deborah was recognized for her unbelievable talent, keen eye, and detailed expressions of creativity particularly since she is someone that has chosen to fly under the radar often. Besides I am lucky to not only know her works, but consider her a very close friend.

However, I being a female in this hobby, I’m beginning to feel that playing the “female card” is getting a bit worn out. I understand the novelty of it, and I am trying to overlook it, but truly deborah is a fantastic and competent builder/architect/designer, regardless of gender. I guess I couldnt complain if every intro of a male builder declared his gender.

One of my biggest complaints about this hobby is the narrow minded thinking of a company that doesnt consider LEGO as much as a girls toy as they do a boys toy. I fight that misconception at work (when I sell Lego), at shows (when I display Lego) or at workshops (where I teach Lego). “It’s a boys toy” mentality grows old, and my patience wears thin. This is not an attack on you Keith, I just really had hoped you would avoid the gender thing, and rise above.

As for d-higdon, her architecture and furniture pics make up some of the coolest flickr LEGO galleries I have ever seen. I get lost looking through them. Awesome creations live there!

I really enjoyed reading this interview. But then anyone that much in love with chocolate and 1×1 tiles must be a kindred spirit.