shmax.com forums

Is it just lack of anyone's effort that the original Machine Robo toys from Bandai aren't in the DB? If so, I'd be happy to take a stab at it. I just didn't want to start working at it if there was a good reason for its absence.   :-*

Sounds like a good deal; lets see what Shmax says. Hopefully its a go!

lets see what Shmax says

Shmax says shmax is only in charge of keeping the lights on these days--the moderators decide which toylines to support. That being said, I can't imagine any of them having any issues with it; probably just a matter of waiting for them to get around to it.

So...we're looking at something like:

Machine Robo
 > Machine Robo
         - Battle Armor Five
         - Big Machine Robo
         - Devil Invaders
         - Double Machine Robo
         - Machine Puzzler
         - Machine Robo Best 5
         - Machine Robo Series
         - Martial Arts Robo
         - Playsets
         - Scale Robo DX
 > Revenge of Cronos
         - Chara Collection
         - Chara DX Collection
         - Devil Satan Six
         - Double Machine Robo
         - Martial Arts Robo
         - Playsets
         - Rock Monsters
         - Rock Robo
         - Wheelmen

Of course, the above isn't likely a complete list...but it's a good start, I would think.

One thing about all this though, before we go crazy and make a ton of product listings, it would be a good idea to create them slowly, filling them up with contents as we go along...otherwise, we'll end up with a bunch of empty products.

MIKE
engledogg

Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking. I was going to start with what's available here:
http://counter-x.net/gobots/checklist/machine_robo.html

I own some of these sets and I can add great pictures and scans of instructions.

I would be more than happy to also flesh out each product and get the release dates, accessories, etc added in. Also, I would be thrilled to start with just the Machine Robo series and tackle the Cronos era down the road.

I'm happy to help and chip in around here. I'm just not privileged enough to add the top level categories.

Is there a way to add products other than the GUI? Like a CSV or something? That would make it much quicker for me to just fill out a spreadsheet to get the skeleton in place.

Is there a way to add products other than the GUI? Like a CSV or something?

We've had a few people suggest that kind of thing over the years, but I just can't see it as being practical. Many of the data fields on a shmax record are complex (color checklists, multiple part types) or compound values (category tree paths, multiple release rows) and it would be nigh impossible for me to come up with a parser that could make sense of a spreadsheet that wasn't itself computed from our end.

A more reasonable idea might be to come up with some kind of batch UI for uploading multiple records at once, but there are a *lot* of fields to fill in on both product and part records, and it's hard enough keeping it all manageable and coherent for even a single record.

The easiest way to get this done will probably be to take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and... get KidTDragon and SoS to do it.

I think the best way to tackle this is one subcategory at a time - once we get that subcategory completely finished (meaning contents, mold #s assigned, etc.), we'll move on to the next one.  I'd recommend starting with the basic Machine Robo Series subcategory (the one that is the equivalent of our basic Gobots - Scooter, Turbo, Crasher, and friends).

MIKE
engledogg

I figured a CSV would be a big ask :D

Let me know when I can start building a category and I can get it filled in. The Machine Robo 600 sub-line should be pretty easy since there aren't too many bits and pieces for those toys. A lot of this I can do while I wait on things at work so it shouldn't feel like too much of a drag.

Just to reiterate (as I recently checked the queue), ideally, I'd like to have the contents of these completed as we go, before we create dozens of empty records.  I approved a few of them...let's fill in those first.

Thanks,
MIKE
engledogg

Also, before creating figures and accessories (especially those entered with no mold information), it's a good idea to check the existing Gobots counterparts first to obtain the mold numbers for those parts. 

Entering those numbers during your submission for the Machine Robo equivalent part makes the process (and everyone's jobs) much smoother.

MIKE
engledogg

shesmovedon,

You know what, just create the products...I'll handle the contents.  It's much easier, as a mod, to do a quick clone from the Gobots counterparts rather than go through these individually-submitted parts.

I'll get to your product submissions in the morning as it's almost 1 am here.

Thanks,
MIKE
engledogg

I have a couple of progress bars I was waiting on for work so I added some products. I'll get to the rest of the list in the morning when I'm back at work.

I'm happy to work with whatever is easiest / best for the site, just let me know if I'm doing anything annoying :D

I think I'm done adding the original 600 series. I'll go back through and add the label sheets and instructions as they get approved.

Is it appropriate to use the figure Comments field to communicate unclear information? For example, MR-10 Fire Robo looks to have had a release with 3 guns and another with just 1 gun, along with slightly different boxes. I'm researching to figure out which was first and why.

Is it valuable to capture the colors differences between the USA and Japan releases?

Is it valuable to note which toys were not released outside of Japan?

Thank you for all your efforts with helping us catalogue our collections! <3

I think I'm done adding the original 600 series. I'll go back through and add the label sheets and instructions as they get approved.

I can handle the labels and instructions...I just have to clone a certain product's accessories to instantly get those.

Is it appropriate to use the figure Comments field to communicate unclear information? For example, MR-10 Fire Robo looks to have had a release with 3 guns and another with just 1 gun, along with slightly different boxes. I'm researching to figure out which was first and why.

A different box with different contents would warrant a new product record.

Is it valuable to capture the colors differences between the USA and Japan releases?

At this point, probably not, unless there are glaring differences.  However, once we get of photos of everything, those differences will be obvious.

Is it valuable to note which toys were not released outside of Japan?

The release info should take care of that.

Thank you for all your efforts with helping us catalogue our collections! <3

No problem.

MIKE
engledogg

Bear with me on the Best 5 series. I'm trying to work out how giftsets work on Shmax <3

If you want me to stop, just ask.

Yeah, hold off on the contents.  I'll just use the clone to fill up the packages.

MIKE
engledogg

Just updating the first post here for the second page...

Machine Robo
> Machine Robo
      - Big Machine Robo
      - Devil Invaders (did these guys have label sheets?)
      - Double Machine Robo
      - Machine Puzzler
      - Machine Robo Best 5
      - Machine Robo Series
      - Martial Arts Robo
      - Playsets (finished only with Battle Armor Five, working on Land Commander Five, everything else is empty)
      - Scale Robo DX (mostly finished - still need MR-DX06 Saladin Mk. II version)
> Revenge of Cronos
      - Chara Collection
      - Chara DX Collection
      - Dash Robo
      - Devil Satan Six
      - Double Machine Robo
      - Gyandlar Devils
      - Large Figures
      - Machine Robo Series
      - Martial Arts Robo
      - Motorised Vehicles
      - Playsets
      - Rock Monsters
      - Rock Robo
      - Wheelmen

Subcategories with strikethrough text are considered to be "complete" (of course, if anyone else has any more additions, feel free to add) in that they have both products and completed contents. 

Subcategories in italics have products and some contents. 

Subcategories in bold text have products, but no contents.   

Subcategories in plain text are empty, having neither products nor contents.

MIKE
engledogg

Thanks, Mike. I'll get to filling in all the that I can :D

Please check your PM box/e-mail regarding photo submissions.

Thanks!
MIKE
engledogg

Thanks for the note.

My understanding was that a black background was acceptable even if white is preferred. I find it infinitely easier to get a clean shot from a black background than white, given my current photographing skill level. If white is mandatory then I will just have to improve my skills (and get a better white backdrop :D

Additionally, I have been hitting the max upload limit of ~1MB and have been limiting the res of my photos. I would LOVE to upload higher res but I can't bear to compress a JPG aggressively to get more pixels out of a pic. I am open to any suggestions on this one.

edit: I updated my notification prefs so I'll get emails now #thumb

Yes, white backgrounds are mandatory for any photos that serve a "primary" purpose.  For example, primary part photos, form photos, and product front/back photos all require a white background.  A black background can be used for photos, but only for those photos that serve only as gallery ("non-primary") photos.  Basically, for all important photos, a white background is required.  Having said that, photos with black backgrounds can be accepted but will not serve as primary photos.

Regarding size, your photos are coming through much smaller than 1MB...for example, the photos you submitted for Police Robo are 176K and 184K.  The Shuttle Robo front and back photos are 153K and 174K, respectively.

MIKE
engledogg

That's weird. When I "Save for Web..." from Photoshop, they come through at 900ish KB. I try to get as close to 1024 KB, by adjusting the image size (pixels), without driving myself insane. I'm using Chrome on a Mac if that is meaningful information.

I'll work on getting my act together for white backgrounds :D

I just uploaded this image for MR-13 front (uploaded to Imgur and attached to this post):
(http://i.imgur.com/erQIZmo.jpg)

Let me know if that size came through wacky.

The new photo on the submission is 180K.  It still needs a bit of cleanup as it still has some background gunk - on the right side of the image, starting about halfway down and continuing to the bottom.  Getting closer...

MIKE
engledogg

I recognize I have some work to do on the white balance. However, the exact same file that I uploaded was attached to that last post and uploaded to imgur. It's ~900 KB. I don't understand why it would get hacked down to less than 200 KB. I think that is a site issue or I am doing something really dumb when I upload the photo.

I took some screenshots of the upload process and attached them to this post. In the Finder, the file is ~900 KB. When I upload, the file is processed by the site for a moment and then hacked down to 196 KB.

According to Photoshop, the image should be 1020x1371 at 72 dpi.

It's ~900 KB. I don't understand why it would get hacked down to less than 200 KB.

I compress the files when doing all the automatic cropping and other processing. Is it causing a noticeable drop in quality?

I don't really see any drop in quality:


(http://static.shmax.com/photos/l/57666)


vs


(http://i.imgur.com/erQIZmo.jpg)

MIKE
engledogg

On a side note, I downloaded an extension that allows you to right-click on an image to quickly see the dimensions and size of the image while in Chrome.  Funny I never noticed the lack of this feature until now.

MIKE
engledogg

Quote from: shesmovedon on July 14, 2016, 08:45:53 AM

It's ~900 KB. I don't understand why it would get hacked down to less than 200 KB.

I compress the files when during all the automatic cropping and other processing. Is it causing a noticeable drop in quality?

I feel much less crazy now.

Also, I figured out, when I'm editing the photos, I can grow the Canvas and include a (255,255,255) white background so I know when the background of the photo is white. I'll plug through a few more submissions and see how it goes.

Cheers!

I have a couple actions I've saved in Photoshop over the years that I use on pretty much every photo I submit to Shmax. Basically, there is one to add a 50px white border to my photo (so I know where the shadows are still lurking near the edges) and one that cranks up the contrast to max so I can see where what I think is white in not actually white (helpful to find that gunk Engledogg mentioned). I also make use of the quick mask + gradient fill to help me eliminate the darker lower half that my photos almost always have because of my lighting setup. I mainly use levels + eraser with a soft edge to clean up the gunk.

I can try to do a more detailed write-up if anyone is interested, I just don't have time right now to do it :)

Thank you for the tips! I'll give that a shot.

I always a enjoy a good tutorial, as time allows :D

You've probably seen this already, but there are also some good tips here:
http://www.shmax.com/photo_guidelines

and here:
http://www.shmax.com/forum/index.php?topic=532.0

And finally, I'll mention that I provide an equipment voucher to fund anyone serious about contributing photos on a regular basis. Send me a private message if you're interested.

I found it easier to dial in my settings on something that isn't crazy colorful. I did a proof of concept on G1 Thunderwing's small laser. Let me know what ya'll think of it (it seems grainy).
http://www.shmax.com/part_details/4408/small_laser
(http://static.shmax.com/photos/l/57726)

I'm very motivated to fill in all the gaps on Shmax with anything I can. I think I have my lighting set up well, now I just need to work on the camera settings. I work at a college and have access to all sorts of equipment for free. The camera I'm using isn't a DSLR which I think is my problem. Once I get my hands on one of those, I should be able to more accurately follow the camera settings guide. Basically, I'm trying to get myself into a position where I don't have to do a _ton_ of post processing, otherwise I'll just drive myself batty.

Looking good! It does seem a touch noisy--you might try lowering your ISO setting. Regarding the camera: I did eventually get a DLSR, but you can still have a grand old time without one. All of the settings discussed on the guidelines page can be found on any low to medium range digital camera.

Try a figure next!

MR-11
(http://static.shmax.com/photos/l/57807)

 8)

I'm going to be pretty busy for the next couple of weeks but I'll pick up my efforts in ernest after that.

Nice shot! Only two pieces of feedback:

1. subject not smiling.
2. Maybe a bit too much level tweaking in post, or possibly too much exposure? I say this because the shadow has virtually disappeared; we consider a soft, but distinct shadow to be desirable.

That said, I'm sure none of the mods would hesitate to accept the photo. Do some more!