Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
I find the general Stamp Auction Categories inadequate...confused and unstructured.
Should the categories reflect the current offerings (as it seems to do...but maybe I am wrong) or should it be a Structural System that is systematic, best satisfies the needs of collectors and sellers alike, and allows for simple expansion if needed.
In all cases, it needs to be refined and recast, in my opinion.
The current Auction Category System itself seems to recognize some of its shortcomings.
Example: I collect Middle Eastern Stamps, and I find it deserves its own category (it is currently lumped with Asia and cannot be separated in a sort). What would trigger its being granted equal status?
I also wonder if Europe does not merit its own label (and countries would then ratchet down one level), Latin America and Caribbean deserve separate status, The colonial powers and their colonies deserve setting sub levels..etc..etc..
Now that being said, I remember we had quite a big discussion on Categories over the years, on other forums. A more refined and structured category system, in my opinion, helps doing business.
When sorting, it helps locate items. A hierarchical system with better groupings and more refined levels would be my recommendation.
I was distracted in my efforts to post some items for auction, and in my search for auction items of interest by the current limitations of the existing structure, and the limitations of the sort function.
Should we take a look at it from the bottom up?
I am new here, and I don't wish to create more work just for the sake of my perception of a proper system, or rock the boat (when the boat seems to be sailing well)...so I am asking: what do you think?
rrr...
On a separate question, where do watched items go and how do you retrieve them?
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The list of items that you are Watching is shown on the Open Lots screen under the Buyers dropdown.
Tim.
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Thanks Tim...Re Watched List: I looked and I have nothing showing...and yet I did put some items on my watch list, so I wonder if I may have missed a step.. I will test just to see where I went wrong.
rrr
PS: Got it...
must have made a wrong maneuver. It works! Thanks for the prompt response.
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It has been quite a while since we reviewed the Auction categories, so I'm open to reviewing them. As you think about them keep a couple of things in mind.
1. The Auction is written with a single level of categories. Some sites are more elaborate and break the category structure down in a complex tree structure. I don't want to do that, for many reasons, the largest of which would be the amount of work for me.
2. Picture the Post a New Lot screen and the list of category check boxes that you have to chose from. You don't want to make it to complex so that it is difficult to post a new lot.
3. Picture the Auction Categories screen. You don't want so many categories that this screen goes on forever.
That said, the categories can be placed in any order. They aren't sorted alphabetically, they are ordered by a redetermined sequence number.
So, like rrraphy, I'm interested in your thoughts.
Regards ... Tim.
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What I have noticed is that when the auction ends it is removed or deleted from the watch list.
Tim what happens to the pictures of a delete auction. I did notice that in the members area that all the picture I have uploaded remain. At some point do I need to delete them also.
Ross
Edit-spelling
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The pictures associated with all auction lots are held on the server. Unsold lots can be relisted and will use the same image files. I have a maintenance program that runs on a regular basis and cleans up very old auction images.
Tim.
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That's good to know about the pic files. I was wondering that myself. It seemed the list of stored image files could get gargantuan in size.
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Doug,
All true about the number of image files. Each image file is tracked in the database so we know what it relates to so we know when it is appropriate to delete it.
Regards ... Tim
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Keeping in mind Tim's request of staying in a single layer, and keeping the size of the list under some constraints, for size reasons, I am suggesting the following minor changes in the Category List.
1. USA and Territories (cat name change) (If you use the Scott specialty catalog as a guideline, UN could go there...deleting one existing layer with just a few items)
2. Add PORTUGAL and COLONIES
3. Add (Former) EAST EUROPE
Split
4. ASIA
5. MIDDLE EAST
Split
6. LATIN AMERICA
7. CARIBBEANS
I can see the need, down the road, for possibly splitting the other European Colonial Empires (Italy & Col) (Spain & Col) (Belgium & Col), but only if requested and supported by the volume of auction items.
For now, I am just throwing these simple changes for perusal and comments. What do you think?
I also suggest that we establish a Second Layer, FOR DEFINITION PURPOSES. as people may be confused by the first layer, (or am I assuming too little/much) (and List alphabetically in this second layer)
But we should at least keep it in mind, should we wish to go to a hierarchical structure one day (2 layers?).
I wonder if there is a way to display the total number of items currently in the Auction Categories, at the top of each category (country or area), when sorted on it.
Trying hard not to get carried away. No point in just creating more work 
...so your suggestions are requested.
These are just mine 
.
Rrr...
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When you say you'd like to see the total number of auction category, do you mean once you go into the auction category you'd like to see the total in the category displayed ?
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Yes, the number of items. a running total.
For example on a keyword search (France) what are the number of items listed:
Total.
Closing in 24 hours
New (Added in last 24 hours?)
This would save a lot of time, especially if the number is shown at the top of the page.
rrr....
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Rrr,
I've gotcha (I think) on this one.
Considering that I have a limitation on the the number of category levels, do you thing that offering he concept of tags would help?
Regards ... Tim
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Webmaster (Tim Auld):
I respectfully request we defer any action on this request until the Auctioneer (David Teisler) weighs in.
My experience tells me he has to be a part of resolving this issue.
As a buyer, I am not interested in more categories, please keep it simple.
John Derry
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Hi John,
You can relax on this one. This thread, as I'm sure Rrr will agree, is to collect ideas. David is our Auctioneer and I know when he feels it appropriate, he will join the discussion.
Regards ... Tim
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I did write elsewhere but it hasn't been picked up yet.
So as this thread is 'hot' I'll have another pop.
Just like on the discussion board, except for the USA, there is no section for Cinderellas.
Could this be rectified ? In both areas ?
Without them it makes posting and selling very difficult about that area of Philately.
Any thoughts?
Londonbus1
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Just to underline my point, member Martin has just posted a question about Australian Cinderellas in the USA Discussion section !!
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07:01:49am
" .... You don't want to make it to complex so that it is difficult to post a new lot. ...."
Or difficult to view lots that have been listed.
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Michael, I couldn't find Martin's post about an Australian Cinderella. Can you supply the URL just so i can see.
As to developing categories in the auction and DB for Cinderellas, I'm not vehemently opposed to either, but until your arrival, there were only four of us who ever even knowingly touched a Cinderella: another Mike, from Florida; Liz, up Salt Spring Island way; Kathy, who hasn't participated much in the last several years; and me. Lee occasionally posts some oddities in the auction on my behalf. And Gene added one this week. Pretty sparse pickings. We used to be blessed with the presence of Anne Mette Heindorff, who's Danish seal collection and knowledge were second probably to none (well, maybe to Paaby's), but she's left us far poorer.
I don't want to be adding categories in either forum if there isn't some critical mass. And, with the participation levels we see now in both media, I don't quite see it.
I am not against Cinderellas; far from it. I've added a couple of short articles on them here, and am fairly active in a couple of seal areas.
A number of us continue to talk about revising our categories (the DB sections underwent a major overhaul not long ago; and enormous energy went into what you see now).
I say all this so you will know we're not deaf to your entreaties. We're discussing it.
David
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Here's the URL David
http://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=7077#44914
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10:55:42am
If sellers would title their auctions more precisely, there would be no need for any renaming or re-categorization. The "Search" by "key word" function is fast, accurate and complete if the "key word" is in the title. There is ample room to include a lot of information in the title (more so than eBay) and if a seller lists a "Cinderella" with "Cinderella" in the title, a search" will find it. Same with "Portuguese" for Portuguese colonies or “colonies†for any colonial possession.
I think if we would spend our time educating Sellers on how to better title auctions and Buyers on how to use the Search function, this entire discussion would be academic.
Just an opinion...
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I'm with Dryer and Bobby on this one. KISS!!!
Mike
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This may surprise my friends from bidStart, as I was one of the biggest proponents of more relevant categories for selling over there, but ... I'm with Bobby and Mike here too. This is not a commercial sales site and I agree, a well titled item is sufficient for what we can do here. I said in another post that category specialization will never please everyone; each collector will have a specific area that they feel is not sufficiently represented, as we all "fly speck" and micro-organize what we have.
Giving his 2c worth,
Peter
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Well said, Peter. Stamporama has been discussing stamp categories since its inception
and periodically modifying same. It's in our club's DNA.
My personal book library has two categories, fiction and non-fiction. My public library
uses the Dewey decimal system to categorize its inventory and, apparently,
an infinite number of categories is still not enough to slot all its books.
As repeatedly suggested, an aptly described auction lot and use of the "search" tool should help members
such as myself who are too easily led astray by electronic bells and whistles.
John Derry (micro-organizer)
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Count me in as a proponent for fewer categories and better titles with search terms.
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11:10:27am
".... I think if we would spend our time educating Sellers on how to better title auctions and Buyers on how to use the Search function, this entire discussion would be academic. ...."
Hear! Hear!
Came the roar from the back benches along with stomping of feet and thumping of thick frosty mugs.
And a few sellers might just spend a little time getting the country right for the items they list.
A few, not a lot, but sometimes far enough from accurate to cause me to choke on the swill we serve here in coffee mugs.
I usually laugh and figure someone was posting lots long past his, or her bedtime.
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Even at bidStart, and with experienced long time sellers (such as some here now!), with all those categories and subcategories, etc. ... I've found listings in the wrong category, but rarely was the country in the title inconsistent with the image. For example, one seller had about 50 stamps showing German stamp images, with a title "Germany" followed by the Scott number, any topical description, condition, etc., BUT all 50 were listed in a search I did under British Commonwealth! Now, I know the British Empire was vast and they had terrific aspirations for extending it, but Germany? LOL!
A simple mistake from bulk uploading a bunch of Brit Comm stamps and using the same category template for the German stamps. But it makes the point: Attention to the title is the key in searches, not categories, IMHO.
Stay searchable, my friends!
Peter
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I have done that on BS. I comes from using the "List Similar" function. When you use that, it goes directly to the listing page. It should take you to the category page to verify that it is still the same. It is the logic in the programming using the "similar", meaning a presumption that if it was a stamp from the Bahamas that was last listed, that the next stamp to be listed will be from the Bahamas.
I guess that's a change that should be requested over there.
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For the proponents of "KISS" why have any category at all?
The sort capability does it all! 
A category system forces order, just like assigned fields (which is another one of my mantra calls). Imagine searching through your Scott catalog for the British Colonies without an Alphabetical listing!
I think a reasonable level of categories is mandatory. Now let us define what is the MINIMUM set that most find reasonable....realizing that it will be different for everyone, and we will never please everyone. Why a separate US and a Canada categories, and not a North America? Because many here collect these areas, and would like the two separately. Same for the rest!
So reviewing the options:
1.Simplest: No categories...zero Let us rely on the sort capability
2.Next: Regional Breakdown (as we want to define regions and groupings)
3.Next: Add the major collecting areas (of interest to people here), no countries
4.Next: A systematic system based on pure logic. Including Countries under regions.
5.Next: A One dimensional system that prints on one page (My maximum list size)..custom combination of the above
6.Next: A 2-layered System, with hierarchical levels
7.Finally a multi-layered system
So I am just suggesting we take a look at the current categories, and modify them as makes sense for the majority here. Everyone agrees that we are currently somewhere in a version of #5 above...but take a close look...is it adequate? What would you remove? Add?
On the sort capability, it would work fine if we could force a number of assigned fields to all listings..ie they must be included. At minimum for me is product type (stamp, cover, fdc, cards, s/s, etc) country name, date of issue, cat(define which one) Cat#, condition (MNH, Unused (M),used, defects), and price. But many of these could disappear if you used categories...I have highlighted in bold my minimum set.
But the sort option fails miserably when people use their own notations, spelling, abbreviations etc..Think about US, USA, U.S., United States, etc.. it is a good example of why sorts fail...and I am not even including typos (spell for me Tajikstan), so this is the reason above all for a DEFINED category system and ASSIGNED fields, and CLICKABLE items.
I can work the current system, any system...but I am suggesting that we should always seek to improve it (my goal), if it is not a burden to implement and if it does not unnecessarily complicate what we have.
rrr...
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to cdj1122 Quote: re: Auction Categories
".... I think if we would spend our time educating Sellers on how to better title auctions and Buyers on how to use the Search function, this entire discussion would be academic. ...."
And a few sellers might just spend a little time getting the country right for the items they list.
A few, not a lot, but sometimes far enough from accurate to cause me to choke on the swill we serve here in coffee mugs.
I usually laugh and figure someone was posting lots long past his, or her bedtime."
As a buyer, I would like a simple way to communicate back to the seller to point any listing errors. I was looking for a link... like a contact the seller clickable link to click on and send an Instant message or email. I could not find it. I always make a point of signalling errors when I spot them, but it must be a simple step, or I won't do it. Am I missing something here?
rrr....
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More on: "But the sort option fails miserably when people use their own notations, spelling, abbreviations etc..Think about US, USA, U.S., United States, etc.. it is a good example of why sorts fail...and I am not even including typos (spell for me Tajikstan), so this is the reason above all for a DEFINED category system and ASSIGNED fields, and CLICKABLE items."
One of the biggest problem I encounter is sorting on category number...
As an example say USA Scott # 1955
People when listing always abbreviate. A range 1950-1959, 1950-59, 1950-9, year 1955 (often abbreviated to 55), my inventory number A-1955, all may cause failure when you search on key words.
Imagine the problem for low numbers (1-100). Now you add compounding effects, all of the above, especially abbreviated ranges, plus number of stamps...etc.... So, how would you handle this issue? I find I HAVE to work from a category system, a COUNTRY basis first...(USA here) then scan the list.
rrr....
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
23 Jun 2013
02:55:52pm
I would like to open this topic for discussion.
I find the general Stamp Auction Categories inadequate...confused and unstructured.
Should the categories reflect the current offerings (as it seems to do...but maybe I am wrong) or should it be a Structural System that is systematic, best satisfies the needs of collectors and sellers alike, and allows for simple expansion if needed.
In all cases, it needs to be refined and recast, in my opinion.
The current Auction Category System itself seems to recognize some of its shortcomings.
Example: I collect Middle Eastern Stamps, and I find it deserves its own category (it is currently lumped with Asia and cannot be separated in a sort). What would trigger its being granted equal status?
I also wonder if Europe does not merit its own label (and countries would then ratchet down one level), Latin America and Caribbean deserve separate status, The colonial powers and their colonies deserve setting sub levels..etc..etc..
Now that being said, I remember we had quite a big discussion on Categories over the years, on other forums. A more refined and structured category system, in my opinion, helps doing business.
When sorting, it helps locate items. A hierarchical system with better groupings and more refined levels would be my recommendation.
I was distracted in my efforts to post some items for auction, and in my search for auction items of interest by the current limitations of the existing structure, and the limitations of the sort function.
Should we take a look at it from the bottom up?
I am new here, and I don't wish to create more work just for the sake of my perception of a proper system, or rock the boat (when the boat seems to be sailing well)...so I am asking: what do you think?
rrr...
On a separate question, where do watched items go and how do you retrieve them?
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re: Auction Categories
The list of items that you are Watching is shown on the Open Lots screen under the Buyers dropdown.
Tim.
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
23 Jun 2013
03:05:42pm
re: Auction Categories
Thanks Tim...Re Watched List: I looked and I have nothing showing...and yet I did put some items on my watch list, so I wonder if I may have missed a step.. I will test just to see where I went wrong.
rrr
PS: Got it... must have made a wrong maneuver. It works! Thanks for the prompt response.
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re: Auction Categories
It has been quite a while since we reviewed the Auction categories, so I'm open to reviewing them. As you think about them keep a couple of things in mind.
1. The Auction is written with a single level of categories. Some sites are more elaborate and break the category structure down in a complex tree structure. I don't want to do that, for many reasons, the largest of which would be the amount of work for me.
2. Picture the Post a New Lot screen and the list of category check boxes that you have to chose from. You don't want to make it to complex so that it is difficult to post a new lot.
3. Picture the Auction Categories screen. You don't want so many categories that this screen goes on forever.
That said, the categories can be placed in any order. They aren't sorted alphabetically, they are ordered by a redetermined sequence number.
So, like rrraphy, I'm interested in your thoughts.
Regards ... Tim.
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To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer
23 Jun 2013
04:20:51pm
re: Auction Categories
What I have noticed is that when the auction ends it is removed or deleted from the watch list.
Tim what happens to the pictures of a delete auction. I did notice that in the members area that all the picture I have uploaded remain. At some point do I need to delete them also.
Ross
Edit-spelling
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re: Auction Categories
The pictures associated with all auction lots are held on the server. Unsold lots can be relisted and will use the same image files. I have a maintenance program that runs on a regular basis and cleans up very old auction images.
Tim.
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re: Auction Categories
That's good to know about the pic files. I was wondering that myself. It seemed the list of stored image files could get gargantuan in size.
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re: Auction Categories
Doug,
All true about the number of image files. Each image file is tracked in the database so we know what it relates to so we know when it is appropriate to delete it.
Regards ... Tim
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
24 Jun 2013
06:39:21pm
re: Auction Categories
Keeping in mind Tim's request of staying in a single layer, and keeping the size of the list under some constraints, for size reasons, I am suggesting the following minor changes in the Category List.
1. USA and Territories (cat name change) (If you use the Scott specialty catalog as a guideline, UN could go there...deleting one existing layer with just a few items)
2. Add PORTUGAL and COLONIES
3. Add (Former) EAST EUROPE
Split
4. ASIA
5. MIDDLE EAST
Split
6. LATIN AMERICA
7. CARIBBEANS
I can see the need, down the road, for possibly splitting the other European Colonial Empires (Italy & Col) (Spain & Col) (Belgium & Col), but only if requested and supported by the volume of auction items.
For now, I am just throwing these simple changes for perusal and comments. What do you think?
I also suggest that we establish a Second Layer, FOR DEFINITION PURPOSES. as people may be confused by the first layer, (or am I assuming too little/much) (and List alphabetically in this second layer)
But we should at least keep it in mind, should we wish to go to a hierarchical structure one day (2 layers?).
I wonder if there is a way to display the total number of items currently in the Auction Categories, at the top of each category (country or area), when sorted on it.
Trying hard not to get carried away. No point in just creating more work ...so your suggestions are requested.
These are just mine .
Rrr...
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re: Auction Categories
When you say you'd like to see the total number of auction category, do you mean once you go into the auction category you'd like to see the total in the category displayed ?
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
24 Jun 2013
07:17:29pm
re: Auction Categories
Yes, the number of items. a running total.
For example on a keyword search (France) what are the number of items listed:
Total.
Closing in 24 hours
New (Added in last 24 hours?)
This would save a lot of time, especially if the number is shown at the top of the page.
rrr....
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re: Auction Categories
Rrr,
I've gotcha (I think) on this one.
Considering that I have a limitation on the the number of category levels, do you thing that offering he concept of tags would help?
Regards ... Tim
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The past is a foreign country, they do things different there.
24 Jun 2013
07:50:08pm
re: Auction Categories
Webmaster (Tim Auld):
I respectfully request we defer any action on this request until the Auctioneer (David Teisler) weighs in.
My experience tells me he has to be a part of resolving this issue.
As a buyer, I am not interested in more categories, please keep it simple.
John Derry
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re: Auction Categories
Hi John,
You can relax on this one. This thread, as I'm sure Rrr will agree, is to collect ideas. David is our Auctioneer and I know when he feels it appropriate, he will join the discussion.
Regards ... Tim
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re: Auction Categories
I did write elsewhere but it hasn't been picked up yet.
So as this thread is 'hot' I'll have another pop.
Just like on the discussion board, except for the USA, there is no section for Cinderellas.
Could this be rectified ? In both areas ?
Without them it makes posting and selling very difficult about that area of Philately.
Any thoughts?
Londonbus1
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re: Auction Categories
Just to underline my point, member Martin has just posted a question about Australian Cinderellas in the USA Discussion section !!
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
25 Jun 2013
07:01:49am
re: Auction Categories
" .... You don't want to make it to complex so that it is difficult to post a new lot. ...."
Or difficult to view lots that have been listed.
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re: Auction Categories
Michael, I couldn't find Martin's post about an Australian Cinderella. Can you supply the URL just so i can see.
As to developing categories in the auction and DB for Cinderellas, I'm not vehemently opposed to either, but until your arrival, there were only four of us who ever even knowingly touched a Cinderella: another Mike, from Florida; Liz, up Salt Spring Island way; Kathy, who hasn't participated much in the last several years; and me. Lee occasionally posts some oddities in the auction on my behalf. And Gene added one this week. Pretty sparse pickings. We used to be blessed with the presence of Anne Mette Heindorff, who's Danish seal collection and knowledge were second probably to none (well, maybe to Paaby's), but she's left us far poorer.
I don't want to be adding categories in either forum if there isn't some critical mass. And, with the participation levels we see now in both media, I don't quite see it.
I am not against Cinderellas; far from it. I've added a couple of short articles on them here, and am fairly active in a couple of seal areas.
A number of us continue to talk about revising our categories (the DB sections underwent a major overhaul not long ago; and enormous energy went into what you see now).
I say all this so you will know we're not deaf to your entreaties. We're discussing it.
David
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10:52:49am
re: Auction Categories
Here's the URL David
http://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=7077#44914
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
25 Jun 2013
10:55:42am
re: Auction Categories
If sellers would title their auctions more precisely, there would be no need for any renaming or re-categorization. The "Search" by "key word" function is fast, accurate and complete if the "key word" is in the title. There is ample room to include a lot of information in the title (more so than eBay) and if a seller lists a "Cinderella" with "Cinderella" in the title, a search" will find it. Same with "Portuguese" for Portuguese colonies or “colonies†for any colonial possession.
I think if we would spend our time educating Sellers on how to better title auctions and Buyers on how to use the Search function, this entire discussion would be academic.
Just an opinion...
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re: Auction Categories
I'm with Dryer and Bobby on this one. KISS!!!
Mike
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01:34:30pm
re: Auction Categories
This may surprise my friends from bidStart, as I was one of the biggest proponents of more relevant categories for selling over there, but ... I'm with Bobby and Mike here too. This is not a commercial sales site and I agree, a well titled item is sufficient for what we can do here. I said in another post that category specialization will never please everyone; each collector will have a specific area that they feel is not sufficiently represented, as we all "fly speck" and micro-organize what we have.
Giving his 2c worth,
Peter
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The past is a foreign country, they do things different there.
25 Jun 2013
04:09:06pm
re: Auction Categories
Well said, Peter. Stamporama has been discussing stamp categories since its inception
and periodically modifying same. It's in our club's DNA.
My personal book library has two categories, fiction and non-fiction. My public library
uses the Dewey decimal system to categorize its inventory and, apparently,
an infinite number of categories is still not enough to slot all its books.
As repeatedly suggested, an aptly described auction lot and use of the "search" tool should help members
such as myself who are too easily led astray by electronic bells and whistles.
John Derry (micro-organizer)
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re: Auction Categories
Count me in as a proponent for fewer categories and better titles with search terms.
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
26 Jun 2013
11:10:27am
re: Auction Categories
".... I think if we would spend our time educating Sellers on how to better title auctions and Buyers on how to use the Search function, this entire discussion would be academic. ...."
Hear! Hear!
Came the roar from the back benches along with stomping of feet and thumping of thick frosty mugs.
And a few sellers might just spend a little time getting the country right for the items they list.
A few, not a lot, but sometimes far enough from accurate to cause me to choke on the swill we serve here in coffee mugs.
I usually laugh and figure someone was posting lots long past his, or her bedtime.
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12:06:19pm
re: Auction Categories
Even at bidStart, and with experienced long time sellers (such as some here now!), with all those categories and subcategories, etc. ... I've found listings in the wrong category, but rarely was the country in the title inconsistent with the image. For example, one seller had about 50 stamps showing German stamp images, with a title "Germany" followed by the Scott number, any topical description, condition, etc., BUT all 50 were listed in a search I did under British Commonwealth! Now, I know the British Empire was vast and they had terrific aspirations for extending it, but Germany? LOL!
A simple mistake from bulk uploading a bunch of Brit Comm stamps and using the same category template for the German stamps. But it makes the point: Attention to the title is the key in searches, not categories, IMHO.
Stay searchable, my friends!
Peter
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re: Auction Categories
I have done that on BS. I comes from using the "List Similar" function. When you use that, it goes directly to the listing page. It should take you to the category page to verify that it is still the same. It is the logic in the programming using the "similar", meaning a presumption that if it was a stamp from the Bahamas that was last listed, that the next stamp to be listed will be from the Bahamas.
I guess that's a change that should be requested over there.
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
27 Jun 2013
12:34:06pm
re: Auction Categories
For the proponents of "KISS" why have any category at all?
The sort capability does it all!
A category system forces order, just like assigned fields (which is another one of my mantra calls). Imagine searching through your Scott catalog for the British Colonies without an Alphabetical listing!
I think a reasonable level of categories is mandatory. Now let us define what is the MINIMUM set that most find reasonable....realizing that it will be different for everyone, and we will never please everyone. Why a separate US and a Canada categories, and not a North America? Because many here collect these areas, and would like the two separately. Same for the rest!
So reviewing the options:
1.Simplest: No categories...zero Let us rely on the sort capability
2.Next: Regional Breakdown (as we want to define regions and groupings)
3.Next: Add the major collecting areas (of interest to people here), no countries
4.Next: A systematic system based on pure logic. Including Countries under regions.
5.Next: A One dimensional system that prints on one page (My maximum list size)..custom combination of the above
6.Next: A 2-layered System, with hierarchical levels
7.Finally a multi-layered system
So I am just suggesting we take a look at the current categories, and modify them as makes sense for the majority here. Everyone agrees that we are currently somewhere in a version of #5 above...but take a close look...is it adequate? What would you remove? Add?
On the sort capability, it would work fine if we could force a number of assigned fields to all listings..ie they must be included. At minimum for me is product type (stamp, cover, fdc, cards, s/s, etc) country name, date of issue, cat(define which one) Cat#, condition (MNH, Unused (M),used, defects), and price. But many of these could disappear if you used categories...I have highlighted in bold my minimum set.
But the sort option fails miserably when people use their own notations, spelling, abbreviations etc..Think about US, USA, U.S., United States, etc.. it is a good example of why sorts fail...and I am not even including typos (spell for me Tajikstan), so this is the reason above all for a DEFINED category system and ASSIGNED fields, and CLICKABLE items.
I can work the current system, any system...but I am suggesting that we should always seek to improve it (my goal), if it is not a burden to implement and if it does not unnecessarily complicate what we have.
rrr...
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
27 Jun 2013
12:42:13pm
re: Auction Categories
to cdj1122 Quote: re: Auction Categories
".... I think if we would spend our time educating Sellers on how to better title auctions and Buyers on how to use the Search function, this entire discussion would be academic. ...."
And a few sellers might just spend a little time getting the country right for the items they list.
A few, not a lot, but sometimes far enough from accurate to cause me to choke on the swill we serve here in coffee mugs.
I usually laugh and figure someone was posting lots long past his, or her bedtime."
As a buyer, I would like a simple way to communicate back to the seller to point any listing errors. I was looking for a link... like a contact the seller clickable link to click on and send an Instant message or email. I could not find it. I always make a point of signalling errors when I spot them, but it must be a simple step, or I won't do it. Am I missing something here?
rrr....
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
27 Jun 2013
01:02:09pm
re: Auction Categories
More on: "But the sort option fails miserably when people use their own notations, spelling, abbreviations etc..Think about US, USA, U.S., United States, etc.. it is a good example of why sorts fail...and I am not even including typos (spell for me Tajikstan), so this is the reason above all for a DEFINED category system and ASSIGNED fields, and CLICKABLE items."
One of the biggest problem I encounter is sorting on category number...
As an example say USA Scott # 1955
People when listing always abbreviate. A range 1950-1959, 1950-59, 1950-9, year 1955 (often abbreviated to 55), my inventory number A-1955, all may cause failure when you search on key words.
Imagine the problem for low numbers (1-100). Now you add compounding effects, all of the above, especially abbreviated ranges, plus number of stamps...etc.... So, how would you handle this issue? I find I HAVE to work from a category system, a COUNTRY basis first...(USA here) then scan the list.
rrr....
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