This will be my topic of random questions regarding the use of the site, and how things should be properly classified. Move this topic as needed, as this "help us" section seems similar to the one that preceeds it.
1. I have "partial" toys for items that I can't properly select in the database. Example, I have Brainstorm's box, instructions and guns but no other items. It is impossible to add an item into your collection (or at least a box) if you do not own the figure. I have approximately 5 boxes without toys.
2. Will there be a time where pre-TFs are included into the database? I have a couple Diaclone and a Beetras toy obviously I can't add because those options do not exist. They do, however, use the same mold as other toys that are already existing in the database.
3. I saw another topic concerning bootlegs before and it didn't end up well. Personally, I consider bootlegs and "third part" toys to be in the same bunch. I do have some bootleg items that are noteworthy, but there is no option to add them into the database. Example here is MIB Kingdam Starscream, which is a Pre-TF (Diaclone) bootleg.
4. G1 package variations concerning Decoys. This is a tough subject concerning a database, with exception to the ones in the yellow cover. Sealed toys can have multiple different decoys with them. Even so, if a decoy is added separately, can they be associated with a specific toy? I haven't tried to add any decoys yet, since I haven't found them yet.
Oh and do not worry about the great reduction in my collection number. That was done by me as I re-inventory everything. So anything in my collection atm are confirmed to be owned by me. :mrgreen:
1. I have "partial" toys for items that I can't properly select in the database. Example, I have Brainstorm's box, instructions and guns but no other items. It is impossible to add an item into your collection (or at least a box) if you do not own the figure. I have approximately 5 boxes without toys.
You should be able to, I think...just add the toy to your collection, set the condition to Opened/MIB and then deselect everything that you're missing, including the figure. True, it's not really MIB, but at least it'll show up in your collection.
2. Will there be a time where pre-TFs are included into the database? I have a couple Diaclone and a Beetras toy obviously I can't add because those options do not exist. They do, however, use the same mold as other toys that are already existing in the database.
Expansion to other toylines is planned...stay tuned.
3. I saw another topic concerning bootlegs before and it didn't end up well. Personally, I consider bootlegs and "third part" toys to be in the same bunch. I do have some bootleg items that are noteworthy, but there is no option to add them into the database. Example here is MIB Kingdam Starscream, which is a Pre-TF (Diaclone) bootleg.
See above.
4. G1 package variations concerning Decoys. This is a tough subject concerning a database, with exception to the ones in the yellow cover. Sealed toys can have multiple different decoys with them. Even so, if a decoy is added separately, can they be associated with a specific toy? I haven't tried to add any decoys yet, since I haven't found them yet.
The U.S. decoys are a unique situation...as far as I know, it was possible to get any Autobot decoy with each of the Throttlebots or Autobot Combiner limbs and any Decepticon decoy with each of the Throttlebots or Decepticon combiner limbs, which would make for an astronomical number of possible package pairings.
If the decoys were available on their own, in some way, it would make life a heck of a lot easier. I've been told in the past that the decoys were available individually in vending machines, but I've yet to come up with any concrete confirmation that this was the case.
MIKE
engledogg
You should be able to, I think...just add the toy to your collection, set the condition to Opened/MIB and then deselect everything that you're missing, including the figure. True, it's not really MIB, but at least it'll show up in your collection.
Exactly right. Any objection to that approach, Trip?
I'm thinking that could skew the overall collection number. Would it be popular to represent that you have an item when you only have the box? While it would be fine for personal reasons, others can be picky about how things are counted.
I'm also thinking about particular pieces of a toy overall besides the box as well... Perhaps this conversation should be left for a future addition to the site, as it may not be particularly important right now, not even to me. Take these examples:
Brainstorm: I have the box but no toy or anything else. Of course I need these other items.
Powermaster Optimus Prime (Re-issue): I have the box and the foam, nothing else
Jetfire G1 US: I have everything except the gun clip, armor peices and the armor foam.
Blitzwing G1 Canada: I have everything except the cardboard backer
Sunstreaker G1: I have nothing except the plastic bubble
In addition to the normal wants of figure, accessories, tech spec/decoder, instructions, I have the following types of have/wants in my collection:
- box
- cardboard backer
- plastic bubble (ie I have the bubble for Blitzwing but not the cardboard backer)
- foam insert (as opposed to the cardboard backer/plastic bubble combination)
Hmmm this is a can of worms! So technically, I am seeing my US Jetfire as not being complete (I'm not concerned about the accessories right now because they are easy to find) until I can get the Armor foam for inside the box. Here is a picture example of what I mean:
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/collection/DSC00049.jpg)
Also regarding this picture, is it a problem for me to upload the picture of the Canada Jetfire even tho the gun clip is not in the picture or would you rather pictures be complete even for rarer items like this?
I'm thinking that could skew the overall collection number. Would it be popular to represent that you have an item when you only have the box? While it would be fine for personal reasons, others can be picky about how things are counted.
I don't think you need to worry too much about that--we have plans for a new, more robust ranking system that will have an "ownership" heuristic to decide how much credit you should get for each toy owned. The system will be smart enough to read your checklist, and tally accordingly.
I'm also thinking about particular pieces of a toy overall besides the box as well... Perhaps this conversation should be left for a future addition to the site, as it may not be particularly important right now, not even to me. Take these examples:
Brainstorm: I have the box but no toy or anything else. Of course I need these other items.
Powermaster Optimus Prime (Re-issue): I have the box and the foam, nothing else
Jetfire G1 US: I have everything except the gun clip, armor peices and the armor foam.
Blitzwing G1 Canada: I have everything except the cardboard backer
Sunstreaker G1: I have nothing except the plastic bubble
Sigh, another vote for tracking packaging inserts. I guess there's really nothing stopping us from tracking that stuff, other than sheer dread on the part of the people that have been doing most of the data entry. Personally I'd like to avoid doing it, just because it will sort of clutter things up more, and the g1 toys are already parts pinatas, and I would then be obliged to come up with photos for them all. But if there are more of you out there interested in this stuff, please speak up.
Also regarding this picture, is it a problem for me to upload the picture of the Canada Jetfire even tho the gun clip is not in the picture or would you rather pictures be complete even for rarer items like this?
Up to Engledogg really, as he does most of the reviewing, but I would think that if you took an otherwise stellar picture (see our infamously fussy guidelines), we would probably be grateful for even a photo of an incomplete rare item.
I've got to charge up my camera. I haven't used it in a few years now and I wanted to upload a picture of the Skywarp Numeral Candle. Unfortunatly, using a scanner wasn't a great idea!
Anyways, if we are to have the ability to add artifacts (so-called merchandise), I need a category in USBeast Wars for merchandise. Then I can add the Beast Wars Transforming Glass! :)
I was thinking about that Numeral Candle again. Is there a method for updating photos for items? The reason I ask is that the Skywarp Numeral Candle I have is pretty beat up. Do people have the ability to update a photo if they have something in better condition?
Also, how are we to treat merchandise? Is it an anything goes type thing? For example, should I add Transformers napkins?
... yes I actually have at least one pack of those...
But should we be staying away from things like books and video games? I already saw a card game was added, which was why I added Magnetix...
I'll leave it up to you and the mods to decide whether or not to add napkins and the like, but yes, if someone comes along with a better photo for something they are more than welcome to stomp over any existing photo (though you don't update it--you simply add the new one and delete the old one). Get snappin'!
I've noticed that a lot of the toys are separated by assortment, but there is no place that I can readily find that explains these differences. Some of the differences are in the toy descriptions, but not always. For example, I have a G1 Cosmos. I know it is not the Patch version (it is loose) but the descriptions for the other two options lend no comparison of their differences. That being said, i do not know which to pick. I imagine there may be other users that do not know the difference either, and likely choose the one that has the higher "owned" count.
EDIT: Actually after trying to add a bunch of G1 stuff, I see where my misunderstanding is. It is because both packaging and toy variations are all lumped in together. So if I am trying to figure out which loose toy I have, I can't possibly tell just based on assortment number. Especially since these assortment differences may both contain the exact same toy, as opposed to Snarl which does actually have two different toys.
Is the signature/stats generated based on total number of toys less package/figure variations? I think a major draw to this site could be to make it more user friendly to those who aren't hardcore enough to care about assortment numbers, mold variations or plastic vs rubber/metal parts. How you would go about making a change like this is beyond me, as it would be something that should be designed from the start.
When I first designed my TF database site (it never went live due to time constraints, instead my current site is what is left of it) was to keep loose and sealed figures separate. Of course it was a difficult task to design the database (which I did) but it appeared to be too much work for me so I scrapped it. Although I give you props for using UPC/Assortments because I hadn't thought of that. :D
Two things.
I was reading tfwiki today and was shocked to discover that the Jawbreaker toy doesn't actually exist. This is a problem for me because... I have it on my site, and have had for quite a long time. This was an older item that should be in my TF binder at home. Which is (btw) a list of all TF toys up until 2007 which is the date my website goes up to. Here is a picture of it. :mrgreen:
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/collection/th_DSC01320.jpg) (http://s85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/collection/?action=view¤t=DSC01320.jpg)
And I swore that I had gotten this information from the (now defunct) International Tech Spec Archive... since my very first "toy binder" was actually that entire website printed out... I may be mistaken, but I do believe I must have a picture of it at home somewhere, or perhaps more information on one of my archived sites.
Alas I notice it isn't listed here so that is a good thing.
And then I am reminded of another question... about pictures. I have a LOT of pictures for TFs, and a LOT of them are from a long time ago and from websites that no longer exist. I understand why the picture policy says that the picture must be yours but I am trying to think of another way to do that. At least you guys are taking the safe route, unlike my site which uses pictures from all over the place. Of course I do not remove watermarks at all and have only had one instance of an "internet battle" but that was with a fanartist on Allspark. :oops:
Anyways, so I am thinking what if I have a picture of something that isn't on here, but isn't mine and may be potentially watermarked. Is there a way to disclaim that out so I can use them? For example, what happens (no promise) if I find a picture of this elusive Jawbreaker (or some other rare item) what would I do with it?
Well that's enough rambling for now. I have a mission for when I get home!
Jawbreaker...do you mean Beast Wars Jawbreaker?
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/454/jawbreaker (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/454/jawbreaker)
MIKE
engledogg
Anyways, so I am thinking what if I have a picture of something that isn't on here, but isn't mine and may be potentially watermarked. Is there a way to disclaim that out so I can use them?
Well, we currently have permission to use photos from BBTS, so those are the only exceptions to the must-be-yours rule. All the others you have in your collection are out, I'm afraid. If it makes you feel any better, chances are very slim that any of them meet our notoriously fussy photo requirements, anyway.
Why not get yourself a camera and a light tent and join the fun? Rare and exotic items are all well and good, but there are plenty of common items that we need photos of...
Jawbreaker...do you mean Beast Wars Jawbreaker?
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/454/jawbreaker (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/454/jawbreaker)
MIKE
engledogg
Nope I got that one at release time. 8)
This one:
http://tripredacus.net/toys/tf/tf1988uk.php (http://tripredacus.net/toys/tf/tf1988uk.php)
I got ya Shmax. Maybe I should email my contact at unicron to see if my image permission also applies to here. Yes I had actually gotten permission from Unicron and BBTS back in the olden days. :)
Anyways, it appears I archived my TF images since most of the old stuff isn't on my PC anymore. Might be on my Win98 PC and I can check that this weekend, otherwise it will be DVD searching extravaganza time again...
EDIT: I wanted to add this. I was looking at my signature for collection after my post. I notice you have Korea Car Robots as the choice for the Korean (Sonokong) versions of the Car Robots toys. I had my Brave Max box translated a long time ago and it came out as "Car Bot" which may be close enough. What do you think?
Jawbreaker...do you mean Beast Wars Jawbreaker?
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/454/jawbreaker (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/454/jawbreaker)
MIKE
engledogg
Nope I got that one at release time. 8)
This one:
http://tripredacus.net/toys/tf/tf1988uk.php (http://tripredacus.net/toys/tf/tf1988uk.php)
Ah...he was released, in Europe, but under the name "Cackle".
MIKE
engledogg
Ah no not that one. Originally there was a problem where UK Comic calls Overbite "Jawbreaker" and there were some reports that Overbite was released as Jawbreaker in 1988 in the UK. Now why this shows up as an urban legend because other than those early ATT bits of info, it hasn't been proven to exist. Then again, I can't say for sure that I've seen a UK Overbite box, tech spec or instruction either, forget about seeing a Jawbreaker. But people in the UK and Europe remember having Seacon toys, alas unknown if they had Italian or even US import versions. Tomorrow is my TF day so I'll see if I can find my backups. I checked all my old website versions and I had it listed then too but no pictures, which isn't all that surprising.
Ha, I totally spaced on reading the date there on your link...my bad.
Yeah, I knew about the Overbite/Jawbreaker comics mix-up by Furman, but as far as I know, there was no release of Overbite called "Jawbreaker" on his packaging.
MIKE
engledogg
Yeah it seems that way.
Also, in your signature, it says you own 46/45 Heroes of Cybertron toys? :shock:
This entry for US Race Track Patrol has the incorrect photo for the packaging.
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/13 ... ack_patrol (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/1395/race_track_patrol)
Added accessories for Skywarp Numeral Candle. I am going to guess that the actual Candle mold is unique from the Optimus Prime version. However, the Numeral sheet *may* be the same as the one for Optimus Prime, but not sure about the colors. I can see the sheet inside the package, but since mine is MOC I cannot see exactly what they look like. I took a photo of this (and a couple other things) so we will see how they turn out.
What do you think about this one?
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/4218/snapper (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/4218/snapper)
I have, what could be this entry but partly doesn't match up For example, the one I have says the name is Snapper/Snap and has a whole slew of languages on it. It does say Kenner on the front but it also has the GiG logo on the back. And to make matters worse, there is a price tag on it for £5.99... I see Engledogg submitted, so you have this carded? Want to compare notes?
I've just been editing this throughout the day btw. Been looking at stuff for quite a bit. Let's talk about Swerve:
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/142/swerve (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/142/swerve)
The one I have has a "Space Camp" sticker on it. Should I add a new entry for this toy but with this sticker?
Uh oh I found a big problem. Feel free to research this if you want to prove if I am correct or not (obviously I am likely incorrect on the Jawbreaker issue) ... It appears the European Beast Wars Biocombat all have the wrong years. For example, Claw Jaw was released in 1997, not 1998. You can confirm if you want. I originally had these items listed on my old site as the same years you do but I changed it. There was some research done about these international releases and it was determined what was what. While the "European" toys are Biocombat, and the Tri-Logo BW toys were primarily found in Canada. Which, btw I can't find ANY Tri-Logo BW toys, since you do not have them under either Canada or Europe... I will try to find this information.
OK ok I found it on Tformers (weird) and breaks down as such:
Biocombat is from Italy (yes they have Kenner on the front AND been sold in the UK BUT have GiG logos on the back)
Ani-Mutants is from France
Tri-Logo is from Canada
http://forums.tformers.com/talk/index.p ... mbat&st=10 (http://forums.tformers.com/talk/index.php?showtopic=52419&hl=biocombat&st=10)
Oh just found something silly. The ability to choose that you have a blind-packed toy MISB. How could you even know? lol. Is it possible to set an exception that you couldn't possibly have an SCF Clear Chromedome MISB... but you COULD have the box itself MISB without knowing what is in it... hmm...
What do you think about this one?
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/4218/snapper (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/4218/snapper)
I have, what could be this entry but partly doesn't match up For example, the one I have says the name is Snapper/Snap and has a whole slew of languages on it. It does say Kenner on the front but it also has the GiG logo on the back. And to make matters worse, there is a price tag on it for £5.99... I see Engledogg submitted, so you have this carded? Want to compare notes?
I submitted the record but I don't own the package in question.
I've just been editing this throughout the day btw. Been looking at stuff for quite a bit. Let's talk about Swerve:
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/142/swerve (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/142/swerve)
The one I have has a "Space Camp" sticker on it. Should I add a new entry for this toy but with this sticker?
From what I gather, the Space Camp stickers were likely put on at actual stores by Hasbro reps or people working on behalf of Hasbro ...so I'm not quite sure how to handle them at the moment.
Uh oh I found a big problem. Feel free to research this if you want to prove if I am correct or not (obviously I am likely incorrect on the Jawbreaker issue) ... It appears the European Beast Wars Biocombat all have the wrong years. For example, Claw Jaw was released in 1997, not 1998. You can confirm if you want. I originally had these items listed on my old site as the same years you do but I changed it. There was some research done about these international releases and it was determined what was what. While the "European" toys are Biocombat, and the Tri-Logo BW toys were primarily found in Canada. Which, btw I can't find ANY Tri-Logo BW toys, since you do not have them under either Canada or Europe... I will try to find this information.
OK ok I found it on Tformers (weird) and breaks down as such:
Biocombat is from Italy (yes they have Kenner on the front AND been sold in the UK BUT have GiG logos on the back)
Ani-Mutants is from France
Tri-Logo is from Canada
http://forums.tformers.com/talk/index.p ... mbat&st=10 (http://forums.tformers.com/talk/index.php?showtopic=52419&hl=biocombat&st=10)
Good catch...I'll fix those countries of release up...in r. jung's big ol' TF list I have from years ago, that's how the years were presented.
1997 - Transformers Year 14
--EUROPEAN AUTOBOTS--
The Maximals Optimus Primal (bat and gorilla), Rattrap, Razorbeast, Dinobot,
Polar Claw, Cheetor, Rhinox, Wolfang, and Armordillo were released in Europe
(see 1996 entries). Some parts of Europe sell the toys under the name "Beast
Wars Biocombat Transformers," while other ares use "Beast Wars Ani Mutants."
--EUROPEAN DECEPTICONS--
The Predacons Megatron (crocodile and T-Rex) Terrorsaur, Iguanus, Tarantulas,
Scorponok, Waspinator, Inferno, Insecticon, and Snapper were released in
Europe (see 1996 entries). Some parts of Europe sell the toys under the name
"Beast Wars Biocombat Transformers," while other ares use "Beast Wars Ani
Mutants." In some parts of Europe, "Predacons" were called "Predators."Do we know that this info isn't correct? For a while there during BW, it seemed that Europe was a year behind on some releases...
Oh just found something silly. The ability to choose that you have a blind-packed toy MISB. How could you even know? lol. Is it possible to set an exception that you couldn't possibly have an SCF Clear Chromedome MISB... but you COULD have the box itself MISB without knowing what is in it... hmm...
That's something we'll just have to live with as a majority of the packages out there aren't blind-packed and the system isn't really set up to treat those semi-rare individual instances as exceptions.
MIKE
engledogg
Hmm for now I think the years are fine. I can't remember why I changed from the "year behind" thing myself. That still sticks in my mind as being correct.
You know, looking at the actual packages, the dates do correspond with the dates of the U.S. releases (1996 for Rattrap, 1997 for Claw Jaw, etc.)...and it's sorta hard to believe that Europe actually went an entire year (1996) without any Transformers products released. Perhaps Jung's page was wrong...for now, I'm gonna put the dates I see on the packages. We can always change them back if need be. :-)
MIKE
engledogg
I need to see what I can do about my photos that were rejected. I should definately get some sort of white background, but my camera might not be good enough for proper photos. :cry:
But I will see about this weekend!
I should definately get some sort of white background
Sounds good, but the white background is only the beginning. You'll need a light tent (or light box), some fancy lighting, and some minor knowledge of photo editing. Please see our photo guidelines page (http://www.shmax.com/photo_guidelines) for a more complete description of what is expected, a tutorial, and tons of sample pictures. Looking forward to your contributions... good luck!
I bought some stuff to start making a light tent. I worked on it a little today but I got bored. Even if I finished it today I don't have lights yet so its no big deal. Too bad I spent most of my afternoon running around shopping.
I saw another thread from a while back from Erik about Decoys. How goes the ideas with these now? They were available in three methods (two which are not accounted for):
1. On card (visible)
2. Vending Machine (visible)
But could you say that Vending Machine would count as blind packed? So either two visible methods, or the two blind packed methods. Of course the other blind packed method would be the Gestalt sets! Oops doesn't look like you have those in the database yet!
Ugg another picture I can't find. I'm going to have to boot up that other PC to see what it has.
Neither is the Canadian G1 TFs that came with Decoys too. Here is an example. (Oh btw I will post pictures here that obviously can't go in the database)
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/Transformers/1ebc_1.jpg)
OK here's another question. I have the Armada Street Minicon team... um... actually its not. It may be a one of a kind item, but it might not. How can I explain it. Ok I took a picture (its not a good one but should get the point across:
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/collection/DSC00010.jpg)
Compare that to this:
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/51 ... ded_bubble (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/5182/street_action_mini_con_team_rounded_bubble)
:mrgreen:
Aaand (for now) you need to add a new country! Portugal! Yes the Classic UK Throttlebots (at least) were released in Portugal. They are the exact same packaging except that there is a sticker (or in my case two) on the back. Check this one out:
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/collection/DSC00012.jpg)
back (I had to use the scanner for this):
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/img068.jpg)
Pretty neat huh?
But could you say that Vending Machine would count as blind packed? So either two visible methods, or the two blind packed methods. Of course the other blind packed method would be the Gestalt sets! Oops doesn't look like you have those in the database yet!
Ugh, blind-packs. It's a problem we simply haven't solved, yet, along with random insertions (an arbitrary decoy included with a larger figure). I just don't know how to handle it. I can imagine how random insertions would work in the collection--there could be the usual little checkbox, and then a drop-down where you can choose the specific decoy you own from the list--but how would we encode that one-of-many concept into the database, the product details page, and the record modification UI?
The blind-packing is even worse. We would have to boil down all the blind-packed skus for a toyline category down into a single record, and again, somehow link all the parts that COULD be included, while at the same time indicating that only one of them IS included.
I've been cooking up a new idea for a good year and a half now that may be able to handle some of these scenarios--it will be a drag and drop interface that lets you combine parts and skus into contextual groups, and I could see having a "one of" node that you could drag into the tree, and then populate with all the appropriate parts. It's a long way off, though, so in the meantime, all I can do is tell you to hang in there...
I have the Armada Street Minicon team
I don't understand--it looks like the Destruction Team in the Race Team packaging. Either a packaging malfunction at the factory, or someone doing a return at Target and getting fancy with the 'ol switcheroo. Either way, I don't know if we really need to track it in the database.
Aaand (for now) you need to add a new country! Portugal! Yes the Classic UK Throttlebots (at least) were released in Portugal. They are the exact same packaging except that there is a sticker (or in my case two) on the back. Check this one out:
Interesting! However, since this is apparently just the UK issue with a sticker applied, it wouldn't really be appropriate to create a whole new record for it--we can simply add "Portugal" to the "Release Info" list, and add a release comment noting that a sticker was applied. Feel free to do this yourself--you should see Portugal in the country drop-down.
I have an idea for these blind pack items, which include the following:
- gapashon (sic)
- kabaya
- decoys
- mini spies
- SCF
Are people really going to go Decoy or Minispy crazy? Alas, you may have solved this problem with your last post! Is it enough to say that I can have a mispackaged minicon team that doesn't need to be tracked on Shmax, AND that you can just have the SKU for Special Teams with Decoy on card? Do we need to list every variation of Mini-Spies or Decoys that came with each item? Not really. Here's how to handle Mini-spies and Decoys:
Currently we have (can I say we? I feel like I'm helping out... I can stop if that sounds weird) Special Teams as both with and without Decoy packaging. That is the end of it. Add all Decoys into the database as loose figures only. List them as the bagged type (or capsule if it is available). Make a note on each Decoy description that they are also included with select 1986 toys (or don't).
Basically, keep them as separate SKUs altogether. Am I making sense?
Then you can apply this logic to any other blind packed items, I'll take SCF for example.
Add each of the SCF Act boxes with the only option of MISB.
Add each of the SCF figures as the bagged type. Since you can have an SCF toy still sealed in bag, yet be out of its box. Then add the Act box as an accessory.
In other news, I turned on my other PC to find it devoid of TF images. This isn't good. I found some backup CDs but they aren't looking to promising. It would sure suck if I lost all those images, but we'll see how it goes. I'm doing a copy right now.
Are people really going to go Decoy or Minispy crazy?
I will. I love the things. I never had any decoys as a kid and only semi-recently (within the last five years) got into them.
Mini-Spies are something I've always collected and I'm still actively tracking them down. The Wiki is actually wrong about there being 24 possible variants - there are actually 48.
4 different mold types x 3 different colors x 2 different factions x 2 spoke types (thick vs. thin) = 48 potential Mini-Spies.
So, yeah...haha.
MIKE
engledogg
Another day of going through TFs... got another question.
I noticed here:
http://www.shmax.com/results/541?browse ... =soundwave (http://www.shmax.com/results/541?browse=0&searchterm=soundwave)
There are two different types of Soundwave fists. The pictures of each type do show the different in the fists, which is fine.
The problem is that I have one that isn't listed! It is WITH rubsign WITH hollow fists. I checked both and they are hollow on both arms. Another oddity, the NO rubsign WITH hollow fists has the battery cover being blank:
http://www.shmax.com/part_details/5224/battery_cover (http://www.shmax.com/part_details/5224/battery_cover)
Mine isn't blank. Actually I just noticed that all three entries have the same picture for the battery cover. So not knowing if I have an oddity or not, here is my info
- Rubsign on tape door
- both fists "hollow"
- battery cover has "Japanese characters" "Copyright" TAKARA CO., LTD. '74, '83 JAPAN
- weapon storage area has same markings as battery cover, but thicker letters.
Any ideas?
Yep, there is a hollow-fist rubsign Soundwave (I have one myself, just looking through my box of Soundwaves). I'll create that record ASAP, but I am going to hold off on filling it in for now.
At the time of creating the records, we weren't super concerned with stampings (and even now, it's sorta "back-burner" as I can only imagine the public outcry if we listed every stamping variant that every Transformer could have possibly had over the years). A Seaspray is a Seaspray is a Seaspray no matter if it was made in Macau or Japan, unless it had some major mold change from one country of production to the other. But, getting back, as far as the Soundwaves and his battery covers go, courtesy of Fred's Variations Page:
Type 1: Takara-only (inside), solid fists
Type 1a: Takara-only (on battery cover), solid fists
Type 2: Takara-only with dates(inside), hollow fists
Type 3: Hasbro-Tak with dates(inside), hollow fists
So...yours would likely be a Type 2...but, as I understand it, that doesn't necessarily mean it will have a cover with stamping on it. It's possible that it might, but it also might come with a blank cover. You could have a hollow-fist, rubsign Soundwave with stamping on HIM and HIS DOOR or a hollow-fist, rubsign Soundwave with stamping only on HIM and nothing on his door.
Looking at my Soundwaves, I just ran across a blank cover, but it's different than the standard blank cover. This one actually has a squarish area that looks to be "blocked out". Neat.
So, as you can see, lots of "fun" can be had trying to put Soundwave's variants together.
Give me a bit more time to research it and maybe I'll come up with more info. I do agree that the stamped vs. non-stamped battery cover piece should probably warrant a new part record...
And of course, variants as a whole are a "work in process". To me, the more accurate we are, the better the site is, so I'm all for finding "new" legit variants.
MIKE
engledogg
I am thinking that maybe all these mold variants may be overwhelming to users. For me It just means I need to go look at something ;)
But what if, at some point in the future, you were to combine all the variants as 1 item, as far as counting goes. And them a sub-category of that item with the different variants.
What is it that the users here want, do they want to be overwhelmed with variations or do most of them want a simple checklist. It would be interesting to find out for sure.
Another notice here:
The picture of the robot and vehicle mode for Megatron:
http://www.shmax.com/part_details/2321/megatron (http://www.shmax.com/part_details/2321/megatron)
Appears to be a render or custom. It does not match the carded pictures or the one I have loose.
I am thinking that maybe all these mold variants may be overwhelming to users. For me It just means I need to go look at something
But what if, at some point in the future, you were to combine all the variants as 1 item, as far as counting goes. And them a sub-category of that item with the different variants.
What is it that the users here want, do they want to be overwhelmed with variations or do most of them want a simple checklist. It would be interesting to find out for sure.
At the moment, we only truly consider
significant packaging and figure variants (i.e. mold change, rubsign vs. nonrubsign, etc.)...ignoring the multiple stampings and such, so it shouldn't be too overwhelming for anyone. Sometimes it does seem like people are a tad too wrapped up in rank and completion percentage. Our goal is to make this the most complete Transformers information site that we can. And, if that's too much for the average user...I'm not sure what to tell ya. :)
Another notice here:
The picture of the robot and vehicle mode for Megatron:
http://www.shmax.com/part_details/2321/megatron (http://www.shmax.com/part_details/2321/megatron)
Appears to be a render or custom. It does not match the carded pictures or the one I have loose.
That's just an early stock photo from Hasbro. If you hover over the smaller images, it'll tell you whose pic it is. As always, any pic from Hasbro is up for replacement with a user-submitted photo.
MIKE
engledogg
Found an error on one of my submissions! See this:
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/57 ... municators (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/5781/walkie_talkies_combat_communicators)
The picture of the box AND the walkie talkie are incorrect. You see I submitted assortment number 3620, but the picture is for assortment 3622. Here is what 3620 looks like:
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/collection/DSC01746.jpg)
I changed the number from 3620 to 3622 on the existing record. There's too much associated with the existing record as it is to just kill the pic and all that info. Just create a new record for the item in the pic (3620).
MIKE
engledogg
Also, I just picked up that Magnetix set on eBay. Interestingly (to me, anyway haha), it's got different magnets than yours does. Mine actually has the Sludge and Slag magnets (as pictured on the front), but lacks some of the ones you mention.
Mine came with:
Jazz
Laserbeak
Optimus Prime
Ravage
Shrapnel
Slag
Sludge
A planet
A firing gun or missile
An exploding planet
Pretty cool. :)
I'll eventually create a new listing for this "version 2" of the set.
Also, you were right, those basement flood pics over on 2005 did make me sad. :(
MIKE
engledogg
I'll eventually create a new listing for this "version 2" of the set
What about the assortment number, is it the same as mine? Do you think these things just got random magnets mixed in?
Same product number (5202), if that's what you mean (no assortment number).
As far as random magnets, I'm not quite sure...we'd probably have to find another set that contained exactly the same contents as either yours or mine to rule that out.
MIKE
engledogg
Just found confirmation of my set:.
Magnetix magnet set (10 magnets: Ravage, Laserbeak, Shrapnel, Sludge, Slag, Jazz, Prime, Earth, exploding asteroid, missile), Presto Magix (magnet sheet itself says Produced by American Publishing Corp.), © 1985, U.S.
Found at http://tfwiki.net/~fortmax/artifacts/artifacts.html (http://tfwiki.net/~fortmax/artifacts/artifacts.html).
They mention a larger set:
Magnetix magnet set (30+ magnets) Presto Magix 1985 U.S.
No pictures available, unfortunately.
MIKE
engledogg
Unless it is possible the set you bought was originally owned by the guy who wrote that page?
Unless it is possible the set you bought was originally owned by the guy who wrote that page?
Ha, possible...but, I'm sorta doubting it. This list was compiled by Raksha (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Raksha (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Raksha)) and I didn't buy it from her (I got these from some dude named Michael on eBay).
That and the included planet, Slag, and Sludge magnets are actually shown on the front of the box...like everything else found in mine. :-)
MIKE
engledogg
Oh I missed the Raksha part at the top of that page. I thought it was a different list since her site has been gone for quite awhile.
Yeah, it's been absorbed by the Wiki. I don't think it's maintained anymore, but it's still nice to see the merchandise that was available during G1.
MIKE
engledogg
How can I add accessories to my want list for toys I already have in my collection? For example for my US Jetfire I'd like to add the parts but I can't seem to figure out how to do that. Is it even possible?
How can I add accessories to my want list for toys I already have in my collection? For example for my US Jetfire I'd like to add the parts but I can't seem to figure out how to do that. Is it even possible?
Are you talking about the wishlist? It's pretty bare bones for now, I'm afraid. But if you're looking for parts, you can always add that toy to your "watchlist", and select "Parts".
I have noticed that the Optimus Primes listed, and have some questions...
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/30 ... ccessories (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/300/optimus_prime_purple_roller_trailer_stickers_standard_accessories)
All of them (except Pepsi) say 1984, which would normally mean they are all pre-rub. Is the rubsign Primes listed somewhere else? I have the one in the above link but its the 1985 version.
Notice how there is no picture for Quickstrike's instructions here:
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/23 ... e_showdown (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/2350/vs_45_airazor_vs_quickstrike_heatwave_showdown)
That is because C-45 Airazor comes with VS pack instructions. It is likely that D-45 Quickstrike comes with them as well.
Release date of Rock bubble BW toys is 1995. Similar to how first wave of G2 came out slightly earlier than the rest of the "first" year of G2.
http://www.shmax.com/database/470?browse=0 (http://www.shmax.com/database/470?browse=0)
I do not know what month.
All of them (except Pepsi) say 1984, which would normally mean they are all pre-rub. Is the rubsign Primes listed somewhere else? I have the one in the above link but its the 1985 version.
I'm not quite sure if a standard (purple roller, standard accessories, etc.) version was released without a rubsign (can anyone confirm this?), but the one you linked is the rubsign version, so I'll switch the listing up to 1985.
Notice how there is no picture for Quickstrike's instructions here:
http://www.shmax.com/product_details/23 (http://www.shmax.com/product_details/23) ... e_showdown
That is because C-45 Airazor comes with VS pack instructions. It is likely that D-45 Quickstrike comes with them as well.
Yep, all the Metals VS sets are like that...I'll fix 'em up ASAP.
Release date of Rock bubble BW toys is 1995. Similar to how first wave of G2 came out slightly earlier than the rest of the "first" year of G2.
http://www.shmax.com/database/470?browse=0 (http://www.shmax.com/database/470?browse=0)
I do not know what month.
Yep...in fact, in my records, I have them down as being 1995, as well.
Thanks for the help!
MIKE
engledogg
*speechless*
Did all the 1997 Beast Wars JP toys come in both regular box and including the TV show ad sticker? For example, I know C-1 Convoy has both version, and so does Megatron, but I can't find any pictures of VS-1 that is without the sticker.
Also, speaking of Canadian TFs, should there be some standard format to naming them? I've noticed that the ones I've added aren't very uniform... What do you think?
Jetfire/Bolide (plain wing)
http://shmax.com/product_details/8486/j ... plain_wing (http://shmax.com/product_details/8486/jetfire_bolide_plain_wing)
Astrotrain
http://shmax.com/product_details/8466/astrotrain (http://shmax.com/product_details/8466/astrotrain)
Technically, Astrotrain is Astrotrain/Astrotrain, since there is no translation for it.
Blitzwing (Le Blitz)
http://shmax.com/product_details/8465/b ... g_le_blitz (http://shmax.com/product_details/8465/blitzwing_le_blitz)
If there's no translation, why would we need another name for it? Isn't there just ONE name on the package?
As far as the / vs ( ), yes, that should be cleaned up at some point.
MIKE
engledogg
If there's no translation, why would we need another name for it? Isn't there just ONE name on the package?
You'd think that huh. I don't have a better picture of it right now, you can barely see it that the name is actually listed on the box twice. Right behind Unicron's hand that is holding the Matrix, you can see it:
(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/Tripredacus/collection/DSC00018.jpg)
OK also, since you can use BBTS images, what is the procedure to add a picture to an item that BBTS has on their site? Example, here is the Canadian Animated Blitzwing picture:
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod ... picture=in (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS19815&mode=retail&picture=in)
Yep, and Carnivac's has his name listed once. So, even Hasbro isn't consistent with that, I suppose.
[attachment=0:108wh33z]carnivac1front.JPG[/attachment:108wh33z]
But, If there's one name, even though it's listed twice, with NO CHANGES from one name to the other, there is definitely no need to list the name twice...
To submit a BBTS photo, and I'm not sure that users have this ability, you'd save the image from BBTS to your computer, and upload it like you would your own photo, but give credit to BBTS instead of yourself.
I looked through the rest of those Animated tri-logo pics BBTS has, I'm thinking that they're all too small, unfortunately.
MIKE
engledogg
Yeah fortunately my own particular needs for product pictures are 200x200 max. I just went about and updated my Blitzwing page. Which reminds me, is there any links/banners for shmax?
Update1: I've found something that I wanted to change but can't figure it out. Concerning Movie Barricade listings.
On this one:
http://shmax.com/product_details/7888/b ... con_frenzy (http://shmax.com/product_details/7888/barricade_w_decepticon_frenzy)
the additional toy is Frenzy, but the entry name says Decepticon Frenzy. If I modify package, I can't rename Frenzy as Decepticon Frenzy. if I click on Frenzy, it goes here:
http://shmax.com/part_details/12064/frenzy (http://shmax.com/part_details/12064/frenzy)
Which shows that this item is also in the US release as well and named Frenzy. The package scan of the US version:
http://shmax.com/product_details/2398/b ... con_frenzy (http://shmax.com/product_details/2398/barricade_w_decepticon_frenzy)
Does not mention Frenzy or Decepticon Frenzy on the front. The Zeller's version has Frenzy listed as Decepticon Frenzy, but the package name is just Barricade.
http://shmax.com/product_details/7901/barricade (http://shmax.com/product_details/7901/barricade)
1. How would you go about changing a figure name?
2. In this case, which of these should actually be changed? Should the Zellers one match the other two as far as the Frenzy figure included name?
Update2
Finally got a "better" picture of a dual-named Canadian TF:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss236/tpx_bst/2011-05-18194209.jpg)
Update 3
I'm wondering if it is possible to see who else has items in reference to the "number collected by shmax users" thing...
Also this dandy of a confusing question I posted on TFW but no one answered
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transform ... n-tfs.html (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/405865-asian-version-tfs.html)
Whats the story with this Dinobot?
http://shmax.com/product_details/4686/dinobot (http://shmax.com/product_details/4686/dinobot)
Is it a 2008 as the section it is in, or a 2009 like the release date says?
The universally-accepted name of the line is Universe (2008) to differentiate it from the original Universe. If you would have looked around, you'd have found many more Universe (2008) figures that weren't actually released in 2008...figures were released under this line up through 2010.
So, yeah...that's the story with Dinobot...
MIKE
engledogg
Yeah fortunately my own particular needs for product pictures are 200x200 max. I just went about and updated my Blitzwing page. Which reminds me, is there any links/banners for shmax?
Update1: I've found something that I wanted to change but can't figure it out. Concerning Movie Barricade listings.
On this one:
http://shmax.com/product_details/7888/b ... con_frenzy (http://shmax.com/product_details/7888/barricade_w_decepticon_frenzy)
the additional toy is Frenzy, but the entry name says Decepticon Frenzy. If I modify package, I can't rename Frenzy as Decepticon Frenzy. if I click on Frenzy, it goes here:
http://shmax.com/part_details/12064/frenzy (http://shmax.com/part_details/12064/frenzy)
Which shows that this item is also in the US release as well and named Frenzy. The package scan of the US version:
http://shmax.com/product_details/2398/b ... con_frenzy (http://shmax.com/product_details/2398/barricade_w_decepticon_frenzy)
Does not mention Frenzy or Decepticon Frenzy on the front. The Zeller's version has Frenzy listed as Decepticon Frenzy, but the package name is just Barricade.
http://shmax.com/product_details/7901/barricade (http://shmax.com/product_details/7901/barricade)
1. How would you go about changing a figure name?
2. In this case, which of these should actually be changed? Should the Zellers one match the other two as far as the Frenzy figure included name?
The name of the figure in EVERY instance is Decepticon Frenzy...just like it says on the package here:
http://shmax.com/img/transformers/large ... 1272674603 (http://shmax.com/img/transformers/large/7000/7773.jpg?1272674603)
and twice here:
http://shmax.com/img/transformers/large ... 1271036528 (http://shmax.com/img/transformers/large/6000/6364.jpg?1271036528)
and here:
http://shmax.com/img/transformers/large ... 1271444248 (http://shmax.com/img/transformers/large/6000/6759.jpg?1271444248)
and here:
http://shmax.com/img/transformers/large ... 1270604091 (http://shmax.com/img/transformers/large/5000/5855.jpg?1270604091)
and here:
http://www.shmax.com/img/transformers/l ... 1271461721 (http://www.shmax.com/img/transformers/large/6000/6820.jpg?1271461721)
As far as the database is concerned, none of the figures should be named as "Frenzy" is his fiction-associated name.
The only time you'll see "Frenzy" without "Decepticon" in front of it (in the U.S. anyway) will be associated fiction. They had to name the figure Decepticon Frenzy to obtain the trademark/copyright/whatever as "Frenzy" by itself could not be used for the figure.
Just like with "Autobot Grapple" from the Commemorative Series reissue line. Or Autobot Jazz, or Autobot Ratchet, and so on...
1. How would you go about changing a figure name?
You'd submit the name change the same way you'd provide a picture or release info.
MIKE
engledogg
Hi folks.
I noticed that there's a category for 3rd party items. I don't want to open up a can of worms debate about this thing, but I think the SHMAX database should really focus on "real" Transformer toys, i.e. toys manufactured under licence from Hasbro/Takara(TOMY) and marketed as part of their Transformers brand.
Because if we are to allow 3rd party toys to be included, then where do we draw the line of where people can subjectively and arbitrarily include toys that aren't really part of the Transformers brand, but they like to think they are? e.g. counterfeits (knockoffs), pre-Transformers (imagine adding all sorts of Macross VF-1S toys to a so-called "Transformers" database?!), customs etc.
If people really want to have a database to keep track of these other sorts of things, then perhaps set up a separate database for them. But I'd really rather not have anything that's not a legit Transformer in the database if that's okay. If not, please let me know and I'll respectfully withdraw my membership here, because I don't want to waste my time filling out a SHMAX database for my collection if in the end the numbers don't match up to what I consider to be "Transformers." I mean no disrespect to people who collect these sort of things, but I just set up this account earlier this afternoon and I've spent most of my day adding stuff to my collection here... and I've barely scratched the surface. It's gonna take me a long time to add my collection here, and I'd rather not waste my time doing this if the database is going to include any "Not Transformers."
Thank you very much.
Not to worry, it's just temporary. We've had a lot of people over the years asking us to add support for some of the garage kits, and while it's something we've always planned to do, we wanted to add it to a new category that is outside the "Transformers" branch. There are some snarly technical issues to resolve before we can do that (we're working on it now), and I got tired of promising people we'd get to it someday, so in the meantime I just snuck the "3rd party products" cat in there (we're drawing the line at knock-offs for now, though someday we'll probably support those as well). It will move away to its proper home once we're ready for it, so don't despair.
An idea about this concept would be that the "reporting" of one's collection be able to be separated from other things. For example, once Diaclone is added to the database (a non-TF property) there should be differences in how it is reported. You can have either an overall collection, with subsections for Diaclone or Transformers.
I'm thinking of how things are currently reported. If you were to add G.I.Joe, how would this reflect in the Collector ranking? Currently the ranking is only for TF products, but if I were to add G.I.Joe items, that ranking could increase. That particular ranking would only be related to "total toys" instead of the "total TFs" as it is now. It would be the chagrin of people that only collected Transformer items if their numbers were skewed by hardcore collectors of other products, such as Star Wars which has more items than Transformers does.
How to figure out the best way to do this, I can't say. But once new lines are added, there should be a separation so that collectors of different things can relate to other people who collect the same things they do. Third Party TFs or KOs shouldn't count towards a total TF count, but if a user wants them to, they should. Maybe in the future, the different types of series could be chosen at random to reflect one's collection. Whether this be on some leaderboard, or even in the Shmax signature.
Can't we have entirely separate databases for toys outside of the Transformers franchise? I for one would definitely be miffed if my ranking was affected because I was being compared with people who were including toys outside of the TF franchise in their collections.
Would it be possible to have different ranking options/settings? e.g. allow people to choose if they want to display their ranking as a specific franchise collector (e.g. Transformers) or as an overall toy collector? Or can the database display both ranks?
e.g. Your Transformers collector rank is X, and your Toy collector rank is Y.
I just noticed that the photos of the loose 1985 Seekers are mistransformed.
e.g. G1 Ramjet
SHMAX's image: http://www.shmax.com/part_details/867 (http://www.shmax.com/part_details/867) (the stickers are also horrifically misapplied, but anyway)
Correct transformation: http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/c/c0/G1Ramjet_toy.jpg (http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/c/c0/G1Ramjet_toy.jpg)
I just noticed that the photos of the loose 1985 Seekers are mistransformed.
e.g. G1 Ramjet
SHMAX's image: http://www.shmax.com/part_details/867 (http://www.shmax.com/part_details/867) (the stickers are also horrifically misapplied, but anyway)
Correct transformation: http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/c/c0/G1Ramjet_toy.jpg (http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/c/c0/G1Ramjet_toy.jpg)
So take some new photos...
And as far as "horrifically-misapplied stickers" go, when you get figures secondhand, as some users no doubt do, you're sort of at the mercy of the previous owner.
MIKE
engledogg
An idea about this concept would be that the "reporting" of one's collection be able to be separated from other things. For example, once Diaclone is added to the database (a non-TF property) there should be differences in how it is reported. You can have either an overall collection, with subsections for Diaclone or Transformers.
I'm thinking of how things are currently reported. If you were to add G.I.Joe, how would this reflect in the Collector ranking? Currently the ranking is only for TF products, but if I were to add G.I.Joe items, that ranking could increase. That particular ranking would only be related to "total toys" instead of the "total TFs" as it is now. It would be the chagrin of people that only collected Transformer items if their numbers were skewed by hardcore collectors of other products, such as Star Wars which has more items than Transformers does.
How to figure out the best way to do this, I can't say. But once new lines are added, there should be a separation so that collectors of different things can relate to other people who collect the same things they do. Third Party TFs or KOs shouldn't count towards a total TF count, but if a user wants them to, they should. Maybe in the future, the different types of series could be chosen at random to reflect one's collection. Whether this be on some leaderboard, or even in the Shmax signature.
Can't we have entirely separate databases for toys outside of the Transformers franchise? I for one would definitely be miffed if my ranking was affected because I was being compared with people who were including toys outside of the TF franchise in their collections.
Would it be possible to have different ranking options/settings? e.g. allow people to choose if they want to display their ranking as a specific franchise collector (e.g. Transformers) or as an overall toy collector? Or can the database display both ranks?
Yes, guys, the whole plan is to segregate the different toylines, and this includes rank. We're sort of getting ahead of ourselves here, as we're just getting started on this, but I think there will a sub-site for each domain, so that when you're viewing "Transformers", everything you see, including rank, sig, and everything else, is just about Transformers. Same for G.I.Joe, Star Wars, and the rest. There will also likely be an "All" category, that lets you browse everything, or generate a sig that shows your overall rank.
Please, be patient, and have a little faith!
I'd have more faith if that 3rd party item category weren't there. Can't it just be removed from the Transformers database? If people want to have a database for it and any other not Transformer toys, then these can be added to appropriate separate databases. Why lump them in with Transformers, even as a temporary measure? It's not as there's GI Joe, Star Wars, Macross, My Little Pony etc. currently residing in the Transformers database... so I see no reason why the 3rd party category should be existing there right now.
Why lump them in with Transformers, even as a temporary measure?
Because we've had several requests from Transformers collectors over the years to track them, they're at least Transformers-related, one of our users has volunteered to begin taking photos, one of our mods has volunteered to administer the data, and technically it's harmless, as we have the ability to move the section easily when the time comes.
It's not doing you or anyone else any harm at the moment, and I've already told you that it's just a temporary workaround. Can you really not just roll with it for a while, or is this actually causing you real distress?
I'd have more faith if that 3rd party item category weren't there.
What do you mean by "have more faith"? For God's sake, the category has ONE ENTRY IN IT, as of this writing.
You managed to join right at the beginning of a transition point - the transition from only Transformers to other toylines, so please be patient, sit back and enjoy the ride.
And as far as adding a new database, it's not a "me add new database, me get it done in ten seconds" situation. This takes time, especially if you want to do it right.
Your rank, percentages, and all that stuff will be fine because as shmax said, toys like this will get their own devoted category(ies) in the near future, so this is just a TEMPORARY situation.
I don't collect third party products, either, but I realize that it had to be done this way. It's a temporary solution to allow users to enter their third party products now, which will cut down on time entering them in the future, when they get their own category.
My advice, chill out and make do with that one entry. Or, if you really are bothered that much, take a leave of absence for a while, and when you come back, bask in the glow of one of the best toy databases that you'll find on the Internet today.
MIKE
engledogg
Does this lone Third-Party TF count as a figure? I am asking because (example) my Skywarp Numeral Candle or the magnet set doesn't count as a figure... Unless that was changed... I should add my napkin sets then. :P
A candle or a magnet are classified as merchandise.
And to answer your original question...it's currently in the database as an accessory. It will also likely be labeled as such once it is ported over to the upcoming 3rd Party category.
Something like that 3rd party Springer (the name escapes me at the moment), once it is added, will likely be called a figure, following the qualifications for a figure that we currently have in the database. I would imagine SW, GIJoe, etc. would also be subject to similar criteria.
MIKE
engledogg
OK so is there an easy way to create a product record by using an existing one? I got some more data for Canadian G1 I'd like to add. For example.. .
http://shmax.com/product_details/1779/grimlock
Take this product, put into 1986 Canada G1. Remove the photo for the box and instructions. Change product name to Grimlock / La Menace. The product and assortment code are the same.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/TheShape84/canadian%20boxes/th_IMG_20120504_195126.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v208/TheShape84/canadian%20boxes/?action=view¤t=IMG_20120504_195126.jpg)
Similar for Doubledealer.
http://shmax.com/product_details/1195/doubledealer
But I don't know the year! If it follows the standard, it would probably 1989, since Canada is usually a year behind. Product Code is the same, no assortment number. Name is Doubledealer / Doublejeu. The powermaster engines do not have a French name on the box.
I got some photos from a guy on TFW.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v208/TheShape84/canadian%20boxes/
OK so is there an easy way to create a product record by using an existing one? I got some more data for Canadian G1 I'd like to add. For example.. .
http://shmax.com/product_details/1779/grimlock
Take this product, put into 1986 Canada G1. Remove the photo for the box and instructions. Change product name to Grimlock / La Menace. The product and assortment code are the same.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/TheShape84/canadian%20boxes/th_IMG_20120504_195126.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v208/TheShape84/canadian%20boxes/?action=view¤t=IMG_20120504_195126.jpg)
Similar for Doubledealer.
http://shmax.com/product_details/1195/doubledealer
But I don't know the year! If it follows the standard, it would probably 1989, since Canada is usually a year behind. Product Code is the same, no assortment number. Name is Doubledealer / Doublejeu. The powermaster engines do not have a French name on the box.
I got some photos from a guy on TFW.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v208/TheShape84/canadian%20boxes/
We have basic moderator tools for doing this kind of thing, but I have yet to get around to exposing them for general usage. Can ya keep on roughing it for a while?
Yes, eventually. Maybe I can later today. Can't you tell I was secretly asking a mod to do this work for me? ;)
I knew about that mod ability already, I think it was brought up before.