BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Catalog, FreeStorm writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

My preferred option is to let your SQL guy (that is if you have one. Our belief
from the Chicago round table discussion was that none of the developers at that
time had any SQL experience whatsoever) spend 10 minutes producing your query
(9 minutes for understanding the table and 1 minute for writing the query. Once
the results are in front of you it might be possible for your sql guy to write
an update query to do all the updates at once.

This is almost as simple as changing colour names from one to another

Of course changes should be made on DB directly with write logs into "change-log
table" as well (to have an history of what is made)

But for that, you need SQL guy (not your nephew) and "real" database.
Please don't play with Excel

No fears I am not a programmer and neither is he - we leave it to those that
have a passion for it.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 9, 2020 11:42

Subject:

Re: Description Standardization Note

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

In Catalog, constructibles writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

And perhaps, when the next problem comes along, examining all of them again.
It almost makes a person think that there must be a better way . . .

Export the catalog to txt, and open in Excel. This will give you pretty much
unlimited ability to search. Write an Excel formula to find what you are looking
for. You can even write a formula to create the desired replacement title
if you like, then just copy paste the change back to BL.

Regexp is a little harder to do, but Google “Excel Regexp” and you’ll get some
examples how to create your own function Using Excel VB.

Or if you are just not into programming or that technical you could follow the
guidelines set out here for using the advanced filter option in Excel

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/2720580/using-advanced-filters-in-excel-2010

Good luck with that.

My preferred option is to let your SQL guy (that is if you have one. Our belief
from the Chicago round table discussion was that none of the developers at that
time had any SQL experience whatsoever) spend 10 minutes producing your query
(9 minutes for understanding the table and 1 minute for writing the query. Once
the results are in front of you it might be possible for your sql guy to write
an update query to do all the updates at once.

This is almost as simple as changing colour names from one to another

Guess what - as an exercise I just tried this in Brickstok - it works a treat.
Use the filters to suggest the description contains a number or the word for
that number.

The only problem is once it found them all I could not easily mass update them.
The search works great though.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 9, 2020 10:15

Subject:

Re: Description Standardization Note

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Catalog, constructibles writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

And perhaps, when the next problem comes along, examining all of them again.
It almost makes a person think that there must be a better way . . .

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 9, 2020 06:29

Subject:

Re: Description Standardization Note

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Catalog, FreeStorm writes:

For other type than Parts:
(after that I stop spaming)

=========================
BOOK
-------------------------

biocom01
Bionicle # 1 June 2001 Six Heroes One Destiny

biocom01sp1
Bionicle # 1 Six Heroes One Destiny Special San Diego Comic-Con 2003 Edition

biocom01sp2
Bionicle # 1 July 2003 Six Heroes One Destiny - Mini Version

biocom01a
Bionicle # 1 April 2001 Six Heroes One Destiny

9607b4
Set 9607 Activity Booklet 4 - {Machine using Belt and two Gears}

9603b34
Set 9603 Activity Card Application: Simulation 7 - Two Toting

9603b61
Set 9603 Activity Card Application: Invention 4 - One at a Time!

9603b34AU
Set 9603 Activity Card Application: Simulation 7 - Two Up AUS version (118022)

9603b61AU
Set 9603 Activity Card Application: Invention 4 - One at a Time! AUS version
(118122)

=========================
SET
-------------------------

046-1
28 assorted basic brick - white plus 8 flat plates - white plus one 10 x 10 stud
red base plate

=========================
GEAR
-------------------------

9804
Playtable with Two Bins, 2 Seats and Two Building Plates

4495784
Playtable with One Bin, 4 Seats and 4 Building Plates

4646117
Display Assembled Set, Cars 2 Six Main Characters in Plastic Case

=========================
MINIFIG
-------------------------

6453pb004
Duplo Figure, Child Type 2 Boy, Blue Legs, Red Top with White Stripes and Blue
Overalls with One Strap

6453pb003
Duplo Figure, Child Type 2 Boy, Blue Legs, Green Top with Blue Overalls with
one Strap

6453pb021
Duplo Figure, Child Type 2 Girl, Red Legs, White Top with Red Overalls with one
Strap

=========================
ORIGINAL_BOX
-------------------------

046-1
28 assorted basic brick - white plus 8 flat plates - white plus one 10 x 10 stud
red base plate

Not spamming - helping the community and the catalogue people who do not have
your abilities.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 9, 2020 06:09

Subject:

Re: Description Standardization Note

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Catalog, FreeStorm writes:

My search for parts with integers and words numbers in description (of course
dimension like "1 x 2 x 2" is not included on integer number search)

result = 58 parts
You can start with "only" 58 parts and not 100K+

PS: my search is not perfect, but it not the goal
The goal is to reduce the search results for human brain analysis

==================

13252pb01
Windscreen 12 x 6 x 2 with Locking Dual 2 Fingers Hinge with SW Red Five X-wing
Starfighter Pattern (4 Stickers) - Set 10240

14222pb009
Duplo, Brick 1 x 3 x 2 Round Top, Cut Away Sides with Number 1 and Two Stars
in Circle Pattern

That's a good start

18455
Hinge Brick 2 x 4 Locking with 1 Finger on Top at One End

21557pb01
Minifigure, Headgear Helmet with Respiratory Pipe and SW Ep. 7 TIE Fighter Pilot
First Order with Two White Lines Pattern

21557pb03
Minifigure, Headgear Helmet with Respiratory Pipe and SW Ep. 8 TIE Fighter Pilot
First Order with Three White Lines Pattern

230.1stk01a
Sticker for Set 230-1 - Two Sheet Version - Sheet 1 - (4319)

230.1stk02a
Sticker for Set 230-1 - Two Sheet Version - Sheet 2 - (4096)

232stk01a
Sticker for Set 232 - Two Sheet Version - Sheet 1 - (4424)

232stk02a
Sticker for Set 232 - Two Sheet Version - Sheet 2 - (4102)

2335pb141
Flag 2 x 2 Square with Checkered Pattern on One Side, 2 Black Diagonal Corners
(Sticker) - Set 4982

24902
Cloth Cape with 4 Holes, Slit and Two Long Panels, Large Buildable Figures

2958pb002
Technic, Disk 3 x 3 with 4 Black Sections on One Side and 8 on Reverse Pattern

30350cpb033L
Tile, Modified 2 x 3 with 2 Clips (thick U clips) with 'FR ALL FOR ONE allinol'
Pattern Model Left Side (Sticker) - Set 8678

30350cpb033R
Tile, Modified 2 x 3 with 2 Clips (thick U clips) with 'FR ALL FOR ONE allinol'
Pattern Model Right Side (Sticker) - Set 8678

30360pb03
Cylinder 3 x 6 x 2 2/3 Horizontal with Two Scratched Space Police 3 Badges Pattern
(Stickers) - Set 5972

30414pb01
Brick, Modified 1 x 4 with 4 Studs on One Side with Black and Yellow Danger Stripes
Pattern (Sticker) - Set 7781

30414pb02
Brick, Modified 1 x 4 with 4 Studs on One Side with Train Logo White on Yellow
Background Pattern (Sticker) - Set 7939

3068bpb0112
Tile 2 x 2 with Groove with Grille Five Bar Pattern 1 (Sticker) - Set 7256

3068bpb0135
Tile 2 x 2 with Groove with Grille Five Bar Pattern 2 (Sticker) - Set 7256

3068bpb0141
Tile 2 x 2 with Groove with One White Triangle Pattern 1 (Sticker) - Set 7252

3068bpb0398
Tile 2 x 2 with Groove with One White Triangle Pattern 2 (Sticker) - Set 7252

3068bpb0672
Tile 2 x 2 with Groove with Two Yellow Stripes and Black Number 7 in White Circle
Pattern (Sticker) - Set 8154

3069bpb618
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove with Two Black Boxes with 3 Stripes Pattern (Sticker)
- Set 8681

31000pb28
Primo Brick 1 x 1 with Three Flowers and Number 3 on Opposite Side Pattern

31000pb29
Primo Brick 1 x 1 with Two Snakes and Number 2 on Opposite Side Pattern

32171pb032
Throwbot Disk, Jet / Judge, 3 pips, Jet throwing two disks Pattern

32171pb059
Throwbot Disk, Blaster, 6 pips, Blaster and two 'bots with fire background
Pattern

3298pb011
Slope 33 3 x 2 with Red Number 2 and Two Green Stripes Pattern

36315
Mini Doll, Cape Cloth, 5 Curly Points, One Side Black, One Side Dark Turquoise

41855pb09
Brick, Modified 2 x 2 x 2/3 Two Studs, Lip End with Silver/Black/Red Number 3
Left Half Pattern

41855pb10
Brick, Modified 2 x 2 x 2/3 Two Studs, Lip End with Silver/Black/Red Number 3
Right Half Pattern

42380apb01
Foam, Soccer Target 10 x 9 with One Hole and Number 5 and Soccer Ball (Football)
Pattern (Stickers) - Set 3423

4318
Boat Mast 2 x 2 x 9 2/3 Bar with Slot on Top and 2 Finger Hinge on Two Sides

45399
Garage Door 1 x 12 x 9 with Three Windows, Locking Dual 2 Finger Hinges

45403
Brick, Modified 5 x 12 with Two 1 x 2 Cutouts, 3 Holes on Side

45403c01
Brick, Modified 5 x 12 with Two 1 x 2 Cutouts, 1 Hole and 2 Fixed Rotatable Friction
Pins on Side

47456pb003
Brick, Modified 2 x 3 x 2/3 Two Studs, Wing End with 8 Black Stripes Pattern
(Stickers) - Set 8122

47456pb008L
Brick, Modified 2 x 3 x 2/3 Two Studs, Wing End with Rust and 3 Rivets Pattern
Model Left Side (Sticker) - Set 70143

47456pb008R
Brick, Modified 2 x 3 x 2/3 Two Studs, Wing End with Rust and 4 Rivets Pattern
Model Right Side (Sticker) - Set 70143

47457pb02
Brick, Modified 2 x 2 x 2/3 Two Studs, Curved Slope End with Yellow Triangle
on 3 Bars Pattern

48452cx1pb02
Technic Turntable Large Type 2 with Black Outside Gear Section with Two Silver
Tread Plates Pattern (Stickers) - Set 8292

5005358cdb02
Paper, Cardboard Backdrop for Set 5005358, Card with Two Square Holes and Pictures
of 5 Minifigures

52886
Mini Doll, Cape Cloth, Friends, Tapered with 1 Small Top Hole - Traditional Starched
Fabric, One Side Shiny

58006
Mini Doll, Cape Cloth, Scalloped 3 Points - Traditional Starched Fabric, One
Side Shiny

61484pb004
Windscreen 5 x 6 x 2 Curved Top Canopy with 4 Studs with Fire Logo with Two White
Stripes Pattern (Sticker) - Set 7207

61547pb01
Mini Doll, Cape Cloth, Bell Shaped with 3 Notches, One Side Magenta, One Side
Dark Purple

61667pb01
Mini Doll, Cape Cloth, 2 Long Tails, One Side Glitter

89509
Propeller 1 Blade 14L with Two Pin Holes and Four Axles

90640pb008
Hero Factory Armor with Ball Joint Socket - Size 4 with Three Stripes Pattern

BA013pb04
Stickered Assembly 2 x 4 with Six Ice Creams Pattern (Sticker) - Set 6414 - 2
Tiles 2 x 2

BA087pb01
Stickered Assembly 2 x 2 x 2 with Butterfly and Two Flowers Pattern (Sticker)
- Set 6410 - 1 Brick 1 x 2, 1 Brick 2 x 2

bb0141ac45
Electric, Wire 4.5V with two light gray 2-prong Type 1 connectors, 45 Studs Long

bb0141ac96
Electric, Wire 4.5V with two light gray 2-prong Type 1 connectors, 96 Studs Long

bb0236bc96
Electric, Wire 4.5V with two blue 2-prong Type 2 connectors (with cross-cut pins),
96 Studs Long

duploracer01
Duplo Car Formula One with Yellow Wheels and Yellow Number 1 Pattern

duploracer02
Duplo Car Formula One with Blue Bottom and Yellow Number 2 Pattern

duploracer02a
Duplo Car Formula One with Blue Bottom and Yellow Number 2 Pattern, 1 Stud in
Cab

x277
Hinge 1 x 4 Triangle with Two Pins, Locking 1 Finger

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 9, 2020 04:49

Subject:

Re: Description Standardization Note

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

It would be good for consistency in the catalog description if all instances
of numbers were either integers or words, not arbitrarily some of each.

I have noticed this before and definitely agree it needs to be worked on. The
problem is (and I'm starting to understand the rearranging the chairs thing)
there are too many problems.

In the case of this problem, you can't even find the problem because you
can't search for it. So it would involve examining every single catalog
entry. All 100K+ of them.

And perhaps, when the next problem comes along, examining all of them again.
It almost makes a person think that there must be a better way . .

The answer is really quite simple - talk to a SQL person and they will advise
you how to organise your query to find precisely what you want. It isn't
rocket science. .

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 5, 2020 12:59

Subject:

Re: Nougat is the new Flesh

Viewed:

63 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, yapke writes:

Hello,

It's remarkable quit now, about the Nougat colours!

With all do of respect and comprehension about the decision to change the name
from Flesh to Nougat...
I didn't follow all those threads and discussions/remark, some were so funny
I couldn't stop laugh about it...
But I assume it has to be one of the most controversial and humorous decision
made by BrickLink or Lego, isn't it?

Anyway, we can presume that most BL members have accepted (or learned to deal
with it) the name change of the colour!

Now is the question: which colour next ???

Greetings, Yannick

Might be an idea if they concentrate on the non-trivial/controversial things
now and leave those to further down the line. But it is Bricklink, so who knows?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 2, 2020 11:00

Subject:

Re: flesh2nougat: BrickStock affected?

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, StarBrick writes:

When changes like flesh2nougat are made, what are the effects on the usage of
BrickStock for uploading, parting etc?

Any thoughts?

None that we can see as log as you keep the database updated.

The way Bricklink was developed allowed them to simply type Nougat for Flesh
in the colours table and that filters all the way through the system for colours
and of course that is how Brickstock does it as well. We have used Brickstock
all day today and although we didn't list any Nougat's at all - there
it was in all its glory and no more flesh.

It is a different story, however on descriptions of elements - provided they
have enabled SQL Text search, they can do a search and replace for flesh etc,
but then again I think I remember someone saying there was spaghetti code in
there somewhere.

No problems with Brickstock so far, anyway.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 24, 2020 13:30

Subject:

Re: Have A Heart

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

In General, MidwestBrick writes:

In General, BLUSER13161 writes:

I can't help myself from returning to this topic.

It is not right to erase people who have contributed to the catalog and turn
them into a meaningless number (and a username that rhymes with "loser.").

The first attached image shows people who have contributed a set inventory to
the catalog. For each person it was only one inventory, but it was time they
took out of their day or week to make a contribution.

The second image shows people who have added items to the catalog. One person
added 113 items. Another added 97 items. Yet another added 87 items. And so
on down the list.

Some of these unregistered users are no doubt dead. Some have moved on to new
pursuits. Some may be in a coma or in prison. Who knows why any one person
hasn't logged on or may never log on again?

BrickLink wants contributions. BrickLink wants an involved community. But when
BrickLink treats former contributors so dismissively, by erasing them into meaninglessness,
it makes me think they have no respect for contributors.

BrickLink contributors deserve better treatment than this. Anonymizing people
who have contributed to the catalog was a poor decision. It was a careless and
heartless decision.

I urge the site to reconsider the decision to anonymize any former catalog and
inventory contributors.

In the long-run, why does it matter? I can't recall if I have added anything
to the catalog but really don't care if my name is stamped on something or
not. The purpose is to get the information into the database so it can be utilized.
We all know that someone had to do it and we are all thankful of those contributors,
whether they did 1 submission, or 100,000 submissions.

Maybe it is my older age, but I don't need the "satisfaction" that others
know it was me that did something. My satisfaction comes from others enjoying
something that was done, regardless of whom did it.

This literally sounds like an employee of mine that needs to know for every task
they do that we all know they did it. After awhile, it doesn't hold any
merit and I really don't care. The task was completed and we can move on.

My suggestion, let it go and let those in charge, focus on things that need to
be done and let the trivial stuff whoosh right over our heads and leave us un-phased.
Not everything is going to be perfect and arguing over little things makes the
big things harder to accomplish.

I think most people would agree with you - the trouble is the big things are
taking much longer than anyone really anticipated to get to grips with so people
wile away their time with minor things. Maybe, just maybe if we concentrated
on the big things to let the new owners know our feelings we could help move
this along - maybe not - large corporates rarely listen in depth to what we have
to say (at least in the past, anyway).

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 24, 2020 12:31

Subject:

Re: 2FA or some other additional login security

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

http://v4ei.com/mini-fig-ure-outer/comics/2fa.php

In Suggestions, mfav writes:

Couldn't have summed it up better myself.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 24, 2020 12:23

Subject:

Re: 2FA or some other additional login security

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Yo_Yo_Flamingo writes:

In Suggestions, patpendlego writes:

Admin,

Please implement 2FA or some other additional login security to BrickLink account.

2FA = 2-Factor-Authentication

It could help prevent hacking or stealing of accounts and account & inventory
information.

Of course this could be set as optional on the account.

Thank you.

I could not be any more opposed to this.

+10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Just adds more clumsiness to the site. The UK has recently adopted a multi authentication
system for online banking and shopping and to say the least it is a pain the
...., and as mobile phones are one of the most insecure devices on the planet
we simply do not understand how they can believe it is more secure. Far less
in reality/

This, perhaps, is what we see when an intellectual who sits behind a desk all
day comes up with ideas which bear no relationship to reality.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 23, 2020 12:25

Subject:

Re: multiple shipping addresses ?

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

In Suggestions, Rarah writes:

Is it possible to create 2 addresses that I can always choose from when completing
an order? I have one address in Slovakia for most orders and one in Czech Republic
for CZ orders. Now the only way around is to simply edit my address and after
order placed change it back. because some stores have automated payment for shipping
and if I don´t change the country i don´t get the right options. I know people
in US will probably not understand why I need something but specifically for
people in SK/CZ many people have address in both countries to optimize shipping
cost etc. It´s from the past but that country difference makes me save 7 EUR
on shipping when I instead of 9€ pay just 2€.

Not possible, despite it making complete sense. In fact on every webstore I've
used I get a billing and delivery address, even the certified store has that
here so it is nothing strange.

You will have to continue changing the address here every time
https://www.bricklink.com/pref_address.asp

I do not think sellers can see your history any longer so it is just inconvenient.

We agree - it is strange and very old fashioned. It is a strong reason why we
do not use stores where online payment (paypal is used) the addres validation
does not work properly.

We need at least 2 addresses . We can have as many addresses as we need on Paypal
why not here?

I've had 21 of them since September last year

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 23, 2020 12:23

Subject:

Re: multiple shipping addresses ?

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Rarah writes:

We share your issue with 2 locations for our store but nothing like this is going
to be done until the new owners are in and settled and reach out to the membership
for priorities etc.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 15:41

Subject:

Re: Analysts Ruin Everything

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

In Problem, mfav writes:

In Problem, calsbricks writes:

I'll stick with analyst I cannot, for the life of me, understand why there
is such open hostility towards that.

Pretty much every pro football/TV/media talking head "analyst" in the US is an
example of why there's open hostility towards that term. Less accurate than
weathermen and infinitely more obnoxious.

interesting they are pundits over here.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 15:38

Subject:

Re: Analysts Ruin Everything

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Problem, yorbrick writes:

If it was the AFOL design program that got LEGO interested in the purchase of
BL then it might have done a huge amount for the stores here, at least in the
long term if not the short.

somehow I doubt it but the early press we have seen has reflect Ted a keenest
on it and stud.io

how that is going help existing stores is still very much up in the air

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 14:49

Subject:

Re: Analysts Ruin Everything

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Problem, mfav writes:

In Problem, StormChaser writes:

It's difficult to offend me, so do not trouble yourself in that regard.

Well, first this: http://v4ei.com/mini-fig-ure-outer/comics/index.php

Second:

Oh, good grief. You can't solve this problem alone, Robert. You can't.
You don't have the requisite tool set.

Bill suggests we get some help from people with the proper tool set to augment
the knowledge you have and you see fit to throw him under the bus.

Tell me the site has worked out all the problems you point out over the past
10 years. Has it? Those problems persist, don't they? Those problems do exist,
continue to not be resolved, and clearly you, we, the community, cannot solve
the problems by ourselves. If they could be resolved by us, then certainly they
would have been over a period of 20 years of community involvement.

Hell, in the thread about what's a tile and what's a plate and so on
you can't come to consensus. So let's have some rules. Because rules
fix everything. F--- all that. Redesign the database properly (this probably
does warrant the involvement of somebody other than you or the community) and
that argument of what something is and what something isn't becomes moot.

Really really wish you'd expend all this good energy you have in investigating
information studies instead of beating the dead horse. Again. Maybe you'd
feel better if Bill stopped using the word "analysts" and started using "information
design specialists".

Anyway, you keep beating your drum, and Bill keep beating his drum, and I'll
keep doing whatever the hell it is that I do.

hi mark

fancy titles like that usually cost more money

I'll stick with analyst I cannot, for the life of me,understand why there
is such open hostility towards that. it's as if what everyone wants - improvement
is just going to happen. we have had 6 years of very little, if any real improvements
(blamed on spaghetti code) and tangent developments like mosaick and the afol
design program which certainly helped the cash situation for BL but did little
for the stores.

I believe it is time to take this seriously now - back to the drawing board -
redesign, program, test, reprogram, test, etc. then document properly then launch.
in the interim period keep the existing site running, fix the bugs and grow the
site via Tlg marketing muscle

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 13:07

Subject:

Re: Analysts Ruin Everything

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Problem, WildBricks writes:

I'm not against volunteerism. I'm against working for free for a for-profit
company on something for which they then claim complete ownership.

I certainly understood your reasoning then and I think it is doubly true now
that the site is owned by a company with pockets as deep as TLG's. Some sort
of compensation for the insane # of hours and planning you were putting into
the site was absolutely a reasonable request.

I do not believe anyone disagrees with that. The problem was the former owner
did not agree and as it was his organisation he felt compelled to refuse the
reasonable request. TLG have much deeper pockets than JK and we hope a much better
idea of how to take the site forward. To that end, I think they should develop
a 'compensation method' for those that spend exhaustive hours helping
the community (and of course the site). Whether that is monetary or otherwise
depends on lots of factors. It should also not be something that can be easily
abused.

Good luck to them in working out a scheme for that, if they decide to.

They have a lot to learn about Bricklink, much more than is apparent and it will
take time for them to adjust, but they do have one thing in abundance that the
former owners did not and that is knowledge of the product. The site has always
had more than its fair share of Lego guru's and now with TLG joining the
foray we must be top of the tower and we as stores have to use that to help grow
our businesses.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 11:51

Subject:

Re: It's a funny old world we live in

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

In Problem, StarBrick writes:

Good thinking, but it feels like 'Kim' all over again.

Gosh I hope not.

I think it wiser to organise a round-table conference like was done before (US
and Europe round tables that was?
Where a delegation of the community collectively with Lego-corp would try to
outline a future for the site including all that has been posted/shared/invented/promised
in the last few years but never saw the light emerging at the end of that tunnel.
And based on that make a schedule with priorities and deadlines and thén get
people on it, managed by... Lego! They own this site and I am sure they will
make have a mucg better approach than 'Kim' had.

Don't disagree totally with that and it could work but it still needs analysts
to take the ideas that are agreed and turn them into design. It also needs experienced
people to sort out the elements of the site - we certainly do not need to redevelop
the 'wheel'. Most accounting systems will deal with the order processing
and billing system - but we need one that caters for linking and that should
come from very senior experienced people.

(Still not sure he saw this as just another investment vehicle instead of a truly
Lego addicted AFOL community with real treasures....)

The former we believe. He also tried to acquire several other Lego sites (and
did not succeed).

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 11:47

Subject:

Re: Analysts Ruin Everything

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Problem, SylvainLS writes:

In Problem, calsbricks writes:

[…]

Yeah. Maybe I should be gentler with them. I just have a fondness for getting
things done within, say, a given decade.

That isn't how it works normally. We have 2 senior analysts on board and
another contractor we can use when and if required. They are given jobs with
timelines and get paid based on that.

That’s because you’re a (relatively) small structure and have a direct, person-to-person
relation with your analysts.

Correct but my colleagues in this business also have the same results (some are
much larger than us and some are about the same size as us). I agree with you
on large corporates usage - that is strangely why some of us smaller dudes get
the business we do. I cannot reveal names here but our largest customer is a
worldwide organisation with an it department that is probably as large as Microsoft
but they came to us to develop their risk management system and have been using
it for 17 years now - quite happily (Yes and it works - not because we are risk
management people but because our analysts did a good job of listening and design)

TLC hires the likes of Accidenture and Debacle.
Look at the S@H website (and even, there you’re relatively lucky because you
speak English).

Everyone makes mistakes

I agree with you that TLG and their current software
site are in need of assistance and that is a worry - but then again what is worse
- no development, development by the seat of your trousers or by someone who
does not understand the application? I know where my choice would li and it isn't
with any of those 3.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 11:25

Subject:

Re: Analysts Ruin Everything

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Problem, StormChaser writes:

In Problem, bje writes:

I really hope you are not offended by this, but with the greatest of respect,
you yourself walked away from this very idea that it should be a community thing.

It's difficult to offend me, so do not trouble yourself in that regard.
My position on this is commonly misunderstood. I believe I came close to explaining
it well two years ago:

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1066807

I'm not against volunteerism. I'm against working for free for a for-profit
company on something for which they then claim complete ownership.

Again, it's like going to a major chain supermarket and putting in eight
hours a week stocking shelves for free. It's nonsensical unless you just
enjoy the feeling of being used. But there is a vast difference between that
and volunteering for Wikipedia, which is a non-profit.

I did not walk away from the idea that it should be a community thing.

I walked away from the idea that the work should be a community thing
and the profit and ownership should belong to those who weren't doing
the work.

I walked away from being used and my philosophy is very simple: either pay me
for the work I do or give me some ownership in the work I'm doing.

Analysts are paid to do a job

Yeah. Maybe I should be gentler with them. I just have a fondness for getting
things done within, say, a given decade.

That isn't how it works normally. We have 2 senior analysts on board and
another contractor we can use when and if required. They are given jobs with
timelines and get paid based on that. It is like everything in life really. Just
look back at the former owners initial letter to the community - filled with
promises that, quite honestly did not make it into reality, or at least most
of them. We, like many others would like to see progress here on the site. That
might have something to do with running a successful business or it might have
something to with something else. Volunteers to non-profit organisations often
do lots of unpaid work and that is normally for a cause and, as you say for a
non-profit organisation. When a business is either making money or increasing
the value of its assets for free there is something not quite right about that
and we agreed with you when you posted your 'goodbye thread'. But as
you say things move on - we want the site to improve (and so do lots and lots
of others) but it isn't going to happen by the seat of its trousers. It
needs thought, careful analysis and a plan that everyone can commit to (including
the members). We feel the only real way to achieve that is get the drawing board
out and get started. That needs 'experts' as well as analysts working
together to achieve what is the way forward.

I think every project you had in place to start, has been on hold for all of the time you've not been here.

I noticed that and I confess some disappointment.

And those were to a large extent also cosmetic

Possibly so. I was working on things that could be worked on within the limited
scope of my position. Obviously I couldn't force the site to implement new
functionality.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 11:09

Subject:

Re: It's a funny old world we live in

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Problem, EnchantedBricks writes:

In Problem, calsbricks writes:

For quite some time now there have been discussions on the forum about catalogue
changes as well as other areas of improvement to the site (Performance etc.).
There have been lots of different people involved and Russell has commented on
a couple of occasions but of course nothing is out in the open for plans at present
whilst the Lego takeover completes.

One thing I find strange and that is with all the talent (Programming wise) that
exists on the site, coupled with the technical Lego knowledge that also exists,
no one other than a couple of people have chimed in about getting some senior
analysts involved with a plan to redevelop. This is a very complex site but it
can be broken into segments |(elements) many of which can be handled by existing
software. For example the core processing behind the site is an order processing
system. We are aware of at least two products which could deal with that side
of it easily and have been built with 'linking in' other elements in
mind.

Inventory control, which in our opinion, is an essential element which has been
needed for some time is also out there and fits nicely into either of the two
above products. Again this needs an analyst to look at it and report to the decision
makers what needs to be done. It doesn't, with all due respect, require a
programmer to sit down and write the code first.

The catalogue is a different animal and needs a huge amount of thought. The data
currently held is priceless - not sure even Lego have it all, so that needs some
TLC and a significant amount of time spent to come up with the best way forward.
But, and it is a little word with a great big meaning here, the costs of doing
this are nowhere near outrageous and if libraries of code can be used e,g, order
processing, inventory control etc, then huge amounts of money and time can be
saved in achieving what is required.

The redevelopment of this site will not cost a fortune and it was well within
the means of the former owners to accomplish. They chose, for whatever reason,
not to do that - Lets hope that Lego will look at it differently.

Lets get behind hiring some senior analysts and get the project off the ground.
There was never a better time to start than now. With the strength of Lego and
its marketing machine behind the site who knows where we can go.

I support this message !!

Thank you for your support.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 10:57

Subject:

Re: Analysts Ruin Everything

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

In Problem, bje writes:

In Problem, StormChaser writes:

In Problem, calsbricks writes:

The catalogue is a different animal and needs a huge amount of thought.

Lets get behind hiring some senior analysts

I refuse to get behind, in front of, beside, over, or under this in any way until
someone can demonstrate that we, as a community, are incapable of catalog construction
and maintenance.

I really hope you are not offended by this, but with the greatest of respect,
you yourself walked away from this very idea that it should be a community thing.
I think every project you had in place to start, has been on hold for all of
the time you've not been here. And those were to a large extent also cosmetic
as it cannot change the true nature of the catalogue or inventory on here as
the one is maintained with a view to manage a library and the other is done with
a view to manage auction lots.

Analysts are paid to do a job, they have measurable outcomes against a set of
pre-defined goals and they can be held to account. Community based jobbing, on
the other hand, comes to a screeching halt everytime something happens which
somebody somewhere has got some or other issue with. I will not get behind a
community based improvement again until such time as as we can be sure that the
involvement of members do not lead to the improvements being derailed because
of issues beyond the control of the very members who are trying to make the changes.

For 20 years the community has managed the catalog without the help of senior
or junior or any other kinds of analysts. We haven't done things perfectly,
but we have the potential to do much better with member involvement and the support
of management.

I agree that members should be involved, but the process of how to manage that
involvement is what is important. The idea that the catalogue is the be all and
end all, is one side of the coin only. Sellers sell lots, and no inventory management
can be efficiently done on site for as long as the disconnect between the catalogue
and stores exist. For that to happen, it will require community involvement,
but more importantly, it would require a major rethink of how things are done
from the ground up - which is precisely why measurable and responsible management
of input is required, thus analysts.

Thanks Jean - couldn't have put it better myself.

BTW did you see the article 62bricks published the other day about the use of
My Pictures in your terms page. It works and I will be improving mine shortly.

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1173080

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 10:27

Subject:

Re: Analysts Ruin Everything

Viewed:

74 times

Topic:

In Problem, StormChaser writes:

In Problem, calsbricks writes:

The catalogue is a different animal and needs a huge amount of thought.

Lets get behind hiring some senior analysts

I refuse to get behind, in front of, beside, over, or under this in any way until
someone can demonstrate that we, as a community, are incapable of catalog construction
and maintenance.

For 20 years the community has managed the catalog without the help of senior
or junior or any other kinds of analysts. We haven't done things perfectly,
but we have the potential to do much better with member involvement and the support
of management.

I am somewhat surprised at your comments. You have also misinterpreted them no
one least of all us is suggesting that we need analysts to get into the catalogue
- that is a community thing and always will be. We have suggested analysts are
required to re-de4sign the site, which includes the catalogue. Remember the catalogue
is two components - software and data. The data comes from the community - the
software comes from analysts and then programmers.

When you were a catadmin you had to ask the bl development team for software
changes to the catalogue - that was to9tally different than making suggestions
as to how the catalogue should be designed.

Look at it another way. If you were to sit down with an analyst and explain how
the catalogue worked and where it needed improvements and they then went away
and came back with a design to make it work that way, they would have done their
job and you as one of the 'experts' in the catalogue would have done
your job by providing them with the information they need to put together a proper
design.

I strongly believe I am asking for them to get involved in technical discussions
about the catalogue - I am not and that is not the job of an analyst - they are
here to listen to how things are supposed to work and then come back with suggestions
as to how to achieve that.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 6, 2020 10:04

Subject:

It's a funny old world we live in

Viewed:

296 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 3, 2020 13:06

Subject:

Re: Show item quantity on catalog item page!

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, mfav writes:

This isn't it?

Hi Mark

Not sure which is the answer. If he goes to settings as I implied he will have
the ability to change the no of lots to no of items, but doing it as you have
shown shows both the lots and then below but I am not an 'ex' Pert we
will let him choose.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 3, 2020 12:22

Subject:

Re: Show item quantity on catalog item page!

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, metropolis1927 writes:

Hello
Can you put somewhere quantity (Qty), shown on item search page, on catalog item
page?! See pictures.
That would be very useful!
Thank you.
Cheers,
Marko

Already exists - it is a setting here

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogOptions.asp?viewFrom=P

Show no of items by No items of r lots.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 2, 2020 23:21

Subject:

Re: Experts

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

http://v4ei.com/mini-fig-ure-outer/comics/index.php

In General, Adjour writes:

In General, mfav writes:

The use of the sig figs make me laugh every time.

Looks like you have quite a collection now.

That and bugs.

Far too many of both

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 2, 2020 22:49

Subject:

Re: Experts

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

http://v4ei.com/mini-fig-ure-outer/comics/index.php

In General, mfav writes:

Hmmm = Good laugh at this time of the morning.

Happy New Year Mark.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 31, 2019 13:22

Subject:

Re: hope for the new year

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In General, mfav writes:

In General, calsbricks writes:

BYW - why would I want to sign up to the experts ..... system. It is very rare
that BL listen to anyone on the forum me least of all.

Well...they don't tell you anything the most often.

Truer than you know. I even get the odd private message telling me nothing

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 31, 2019 12:57

Subject:

Re: hope for the new year

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

http://v4ei.com/mini-fig-ure-outer/comics/index.php

In General, mfav writes:

Thanks Mark - a good laught at this time of the year is always handy.

BYW - why would I want to sign up to the experts ..... system. It is very rare
that BL listen to anyone on the forum me least of all.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 30, 2019 06:05

Subject:

Re: Don't set "Ready" as default order status.

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Gaston.La.Brick writes:

After a user places an order, it gets the default status "Ready".*
This confuses buyers: they think the order was processed and is ready for shipping.
I would like to suggest setting the default order status always to "Pending".

*(Unless they pay at once using BL, it is set to "Paid" automatically. I can't
set it to that status manually. This is confusing since there is a payment status
as well. So that's double info and I would remove that possible value for
the status.)

Hi there

Don't use IC so do not have this problem . but I think it is worth noting
that lots of sellers use the status indicator for different situations.

For example - in our store we see Pending as order placed. We change that status
to Processing when we pick the order up and send out our acknowledgement to the
buyer. When the order is picked and pre-packaged the status changes to ready,
and when it is invoiced it goes to packed. We don't change it to paid - we
ship within 24 hours of being paid and change it then to shipped. So paid is
not something we use and we change the status at various times throughout the
process to match our processes. That seems to work well for us but it probably
would not suit others. Just depends on whether you use IC or bother with the
status at all. I don't believe Bricklink should get involved with changing
the status automatically in most cases - that should be left to the stores and
when appropriate the buyers.

Bill @ Calsbricks

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 22, 2019 04:53

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

65 times

Topic:

In General, calebfishn writes:

Whenever I read the original announcements, I am still struck by the very miniscule
amount said about Bricklink as a marketplace. Although we, as sellers are very
conscious of the selling aspect of Bricklink, the announcement text indicates
that Lego's motivation is about fan community and interaction. I take them

at their word in that regard.

And that was from both sides - well spotted. It seems the focus is to be on AFOL
Designer program (which could be a minefield

The trend toward customer interaction, user experience, and related brand-consumer
relationship is growing across a number of industries, because companies see
value in it. Based on that, we should not assume that profit arising from Bricklink
seller's fees is of key importance to Lego's business decision to buy
Bricklink. It may even be peripheral.

There are quit4e a few of us who believe Bricklink did not reach profitability
(overall)but their accounts are buried in amongst the groups so we will never
really know. It is perhaps a bit of a moot point as they have been sold now and
the site is now part of Lego. They are still a family owned business so it will
not really be possible to determine what contribution they will be making.

My suspicion is that Lego came into the deal with a clear idea of how Bricklink
would fit within their strategies for fan based customer brand loyalty and all
that, but probably have a much fuzzier idea of what to do with the actual marketplace
and its sellers. And, I think it will take them a while before they learn enough
about the marketplace to decide what to do about it, either positively, or negatively.
This suggests to me that dreams of Lego investing in enhancements to sellers
experience are fanciful.

You may be closer to reality than you think. With the mountain of data they now
own and their ability to 'data mine' it lots of things cvould happen,
none of which we should be discussing here.

Time will tell and by this time next year a heck of a lot more will be known.
Brickowl could grow substantially, a new site could spring up or all will be
well under the Lego flag.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 13:45

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In General, StormChaser writes:

In General, calsbricks writes:

41% said they were undecided, 24% were negative and 35% were positive. That is
from 60+ stores - the majority of whom are in the USA.

I've gone through every response to the original announcement (except for
a couple that just came in during the past few minutes whilst I was working)
and here's my take on the positions expressed.

I tried to be completely unbiased and, for the sake of data transparency, am
including my data. It shows that, even though a range of opinions exist, the
majority opinion was negative. This is also what the news article reported.

Interesting - thanks for taking the time to do that. The trouble is there were
multiple threads about it and not everyone commented in each thread. In addition
only a couple of our forum people are on there (The majority of them do not use
this forum and as the stats on the forum prove that has always been the case
) But still it is a representation and that adds to the flavour. I wonder what
Lego feel about all this - we were supposed to have AMA sessions but that hasn't
transpired yet.

Almost like politics - lots of promises but not much in the way of realties.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 12:22

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

http://v4ei.com/mini-fig-ure-outer/comics/index.php

In General, mfav writes:

I somehow knew you would get in on this.

By the wsay why can't I find your configurator anymore?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 12:16

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In General, StormChaser writes:

In General, calsbricks writes:

the peddlers of bad news far outweigh the good news people.

Any evidence to support this claim, or just a personal opinion based on your
experience with news media?

None to hand but I am quite confident if it were that would be the case.

The article in question
takes a relatively downcast view of the takeover of Bricklink by Lego.

The reaction I've personally seen from the community has definitely trended
toward negativity (which, frankly, surprised me). A quote from the article:

Not really sure why it surprised you. As you are very well aware (More than most
of us) the last takeover didn't work out the way we all wanted it to.

"Adam White, editor of the Bricksfanz site, said fans’ reaction had been mostly
negative."

Is it possible that the reporter is unfamiliar with the adult LEGO fan community
and this is the impression received from reading what's out there? How much
of what has been posted right here in the BrickLink forums has been negative?

Highly - that is what we meant about taking snippets and turning that into doom
and gloom. On our own forum site the view of the majority of stores that responded
was 'undecided' - need to wait and see and that is our view as well.
It may not turn out the way we hope and then again it might surprise all of us.
But we won't know that for a while yet.

I haven't done any serious research on the overall trend of the reactions
to the sale of the site, but it is entirely within the realm of truth to see
the reactions as more negative than positive. An outlook I don't share,
by the way.

I think all of us are aware of that being your thoughts.

nor is it correct to take
things and make up stories about them when you have no idea what is really going
on.

Did we read the same article?

I am sure we did - not sure your question there,. The author took quotes from
various sites and wrote a doom and gloom article, almost completely ignoring
the Lego statements on the subject. We certainly did read the same article.

The writer in the Guardian (A relatively well thought of paper in the UK)
has taken a few quips from others and turned it into a doom and gloom article
and yet he knows less than we do about it.

She. Zoe Wood was the reporter. Could the story have been researched better?
Yes. Was the Guardian willing to pay for that kind of research for a low-priority
story like this? Probably not.

Apologies - She. They waited nearly a month before this article so the answer
is no and obviously the ran out of things to put in the paper , hence this article.

Still, the general feeling I've gotten from the community seems fairly in
line with what was reported in the article. If you have hard data to prove your
point that the community is collectively rather complacent and has taken a let's-wait-and-see
approach to the sale, then I'd like to see that data.

We do have our data from our site but only the results are available here not
the raw data.

41% said they were undecided, 24% were negative and 35% were positive. That is
from 60+ stores - the majority of whom are in the USA.

Time will tell on all of this and people have to have patience to see what the
new owners intend to do. Then it will be time to decide what to do.

You opinion. I share that opinion and additionally have a positive view of the
sale. But the way we look at things is not, from what I've seen, the majority
viewpoint.

Not from the Bricklink forum posters it isn't. Hence why we would like a
poll capability here on this forum where people can vote in anonymity. But until
and unless Lego look at the redevelopment of the site, that isn't going to
happen.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 11:46

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/20/lego-accused-of-muscling-in-on-fans-after-bricklink-takeover

In General, legoman77 writes:

In General, Teup writes:

In General, stacey_love writes:

My goodness why the focus on all de doom thinkers, now it sounds like everyone
assumes it will be terrible. That's neither correct, nor to our advantage.
I thought the replies to the news were really pretty balanced. We've seen
a whole range of different opinions and expectations. But I guess that's
how media work.

Every sale or transfer of this site has shown a decline in the functionality
of BrickLink. I do not see that there will be an improvement and that Lego will
consider this site a money making proposition. If they did not think that, they
would not have bought it. Lego, after all, is for profit. That is their bottom
line. So far they have kicked off Brickarms. And yes, I am in the doom column
and there is nothing wrong. I hope that I am wrong.
I see the 3% fee going away. I see something more like ebay feedback or the
feedback being eliminated. I see Lego making sellers not undercut the cost of
bricks that they sell in their Shop at Home site. I also see not allowing current
sets to be sold on Bricklink. At one time they gave Peeron permission to post
the instructions, except for the current and I believe the past years. So they
could do that with new sets. Lego is all about profit. They are not Lego enthusiasts
unless it is about sales.
I hope that I am wrong.

John P

I think it is fair to say JOhn that we all hope you are wrong

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 11:28

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In General, StormChaser writes:

In General, Pippyblocks writes:

Since when have the media ever spread good news, they focus on the negative,
its what sells and allows 'them' to try and brainwash the masses.

What I saw below is not about politics.

I find it deeply disheartening to watch the slow spread of distrust and dislike
for news media and the critically important work they perform.

Journalists around the world are tortured, imprisoned, and murdered every year
for bringing the truth to light. Don't allow the missteps, greed, and biases
of some news outlets to inform your opinion of all media.

I don't believe we do. But it is the sensationalists that sell stories and
the peddlers of bad news far outweigh the good news people. The article in question
takes a relatively downcast view of the takeover of Bricklink by Lego. We all
will make up our own minds on it after it has had time to settle in and we understand
what is happening. Yes there are journalists who go through the pains you have
mentioned as well as their families. That is not right nor is it correct to take
things and make up stories about them when you have no idea what is really going
on. The writer in the Guardian (A relatively well thought of paper in the UK)
has taken a few quips from others and turned it into a doom and gloom article
and yet he knows less than we do about it.

Time will tell on all of this and people have to have patience to see what the
new owners intend to do. Then it will be time to decide what to do.

The other thread about 'here's a thought) showed that over 100 store
owners have invested well in excess of what it would cost to redevelop this site
- there is food for thought.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 10:37

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

70 times

Topic:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/20/lego-accused-of-muscling-in-on-fans-after-bricklink-takeover

In General, Give.Me.A.Brick writes:

In General, calsbricks writes:

In General, Give.Me.A.Brick writes:

In General, calsbricks writes:

In General, Pippyblocks writes:

Since when have the media ever spread good news, they focus on the negative,
its what sells and allows 'them' to try and brainwash the masses.

In General, stacey_love writes:

The answer to that is bad news sells, good news rarely does. It is, unfortunately
the way the world is. What a dreadful state of affairs that is

Sorry to disagree, but IMO* , there is no such thing as "the way the world is".
We all are making the world.

I once had a Belgian Buyer with a "me" page reading that he and his wife through
their 3 children all supported children in Africa. I dearly relate to that, I
support education for children in Africa as well, and my children will too, so
I wrote him

He explainedme that the reason why he subscribed each of his children
to that program is that way they will grow understanding and being aware that
not all children in the world have the same opportunities they have. There is
no doubt in my mind that these children are going to be more sensitive to others
realities and less egoccentric.

We have to make the change we want to see in the world, to quote a poet.

I love good news, they sell to me. I spread good news. They sell to the people
I'm spreading. The bad, not really. Unless it is to allert to something potentially
nefarious.

I could go on with examples of playlists on the radio and tv shows, but maybe
some other day...

*There is no such thing as IMHO either, just political correctness

We understand your points but the world will not be changed by the minority,
unfortunately.

I agreee, we/I will not change the world, but we are/ I am changing the world
of said children in Africa, that's for sure.

The world is the sum of our small worlds. It is the end result of the examples
we set. Not everyone will be a Mandela or a Madre Teresa, but if we all do our
nanopart, it will make a difference.

We don't buy newspapers anymore (Haven't for years) as
they are all about sensationalism. The web is filled with it. It is a sad fact
of life that that type of story/news is what sells papers, not the good news
that we all want to read.

A damming indictment on society, I am afraid We. like many others want to see
the change that is needed to get back to the 'good old days' (if there
ever were any of those)

You are right, of course there are many who deal in good news and try very hard
to promote a better 'everything' but their voices are faint and nowhere
near as loud as those who see the half empty glass rather than the half full
one.

The only thing that will resolve this particular issue is when the 'devil
in the detail' is known and of course time.

Regarding this particular issue, I think you mean LEGO taking over BrickLink?
I think there is potential for good things to arise but LEGO being a big corportation
and thus exposed to the possibility of legal actions, this will (already is)
taking a toll on BrickLink. These Custom Parts and Studio IP infrigements banning,
makes sense from a big corportation point of view, but for BrickLink they would
pass unoticed among raindrops. So it is good for LEGO, but will hurt BrickLink
a bit.

I really hope LEGO tries to understand what BrickLink is, the reason of its success.
As well as the AFOL mindset, which admittedly LEGO has been growing aware of,
since the LugNet ol'days (does anybody here remembers Jake?), with many AFOL
oriented sets, and now with the great AFOL Design program, sure LEGO made a long
way to understand the AFOL community and consider them am interesting and respectable
market.

I also hope that LEGO embraces the ReSellers. We've all been hearing sad
stories of LEGO banning them, which seems double standards to me, no matter how
you look at it.

I hope LEGO will make roundtables as well, and will have the oppotunity to hear
many interesting people with lots of interesting ideas that are not participating
on the Forum

I hope LEGO will provide BrickLink with 24/7 communication with the community.

Better site running and stability.

Better protection for Buyers, clearer store terms, inability for Seller retaliatory
feedback.

Better protection for Sellers, ability to cancel an order at Buyer's request
without fearing any feedback (void transaction without any feedback would be
ideal).

I really do hope that BrickLink will not be a footnote on the TLG, because in
a moment that the financial health of TLG decreases (hopefully not), BrickLink
would be the WeakestLink.

I want to believe that LEGO has the best intentions to maintain BrickLink independency
within the parameters of a big corportation, but without meddling too much, like
undercutting sellers, monitor which parts or sets are selling well or suddenly
out of stock and sell those parts themselves on BrickLink. (While it may appear
good for the Buyers in the short term, in the long term it would dictate the
end of BrickLink and hence, bad for the Buyers.)

And although these seems too much to ask for Xmas

I think this takeover has
lots of potential and may be a great thing for BrickLink, the AFOL community
and also the casual Buyer or Seller.

I Believe we are broadly in agreement. Yes it is about the takeover and most
importantly the 'devil is in the detail' and it will take time for this
to settle down so we can all see where we are going.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 09:16

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

70 times

Topic:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/20/lego-accused-of-muscling-in-on-fans-after-bricklink-takeover

In General, Give.Me.A.Brick writes:

In General, calsbricks writes:

In General, Pippyblocks writes:

Since when have the media ever spread good news, they focus on the negative,
its what sells and allows 'them' to try and brainwash the masses.

In General, stacey_love writes:

The answer to that is bad news sells, good news rarely does. It is, unfortunately
the way the world is. What a dreadful state of affairs that is

We understand your points but the world will not be changed by the minority,
unfortunately. We don't buy newspapers anymore (Haven't for years) as
they are all about sensationalism. The web is filled with it. It is a sad fact
of life that that type of story/news is what sells papers, not the good news
that we all want to read.

A damming indictment on society, I am afraid We. like many others want to see
the change that is needed to get back to the 'good old days' (if there
ever were any of those)

You are right, of course there are many who deal in good news and try very hard
to promote a better 'everything' but their voices are faint and nowhere
near as loud as those who see the half empty glass rather than the half full
one.

The only thing that will resolve this particular issue is when the 'devil
in the detail' is known and of course time.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 07:10

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

79 times

Topic:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/20/lego-accused-of-muscling-in-on-fans-after-bricklink-takeover

In General, Pippyblocks writes:

Since when have the media ever spread good news, they focus on the negative,
its what sells and allows 'them' to try and brainwash the masses.

In General, stacey_love writes:

The answer to that is bad news sells, good news rarely does. It is, unfortunately
the way the world is. What a dreadful state of affairs that is

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 21, 2019 06:59

Subject:

Re: Guardian " lego take ovrer BL"

Viewed:

96 times

Topic:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/20/lego-accused-of-muscling-in-on-fans-after-bricklink-takeover

In General, stacey_love writes:

Firstly thank you for posting this. Interesting read.

With our love of stats we have been monitoring this situation across a large
number of sites since the announcement. The most consistent answer to it has
been undecided - need to wait until the detail has been published. That remains
the case. It does look, however like the deal has now been done (completed) as
when we paid our fees yesterday we paid the Lego company not Bricklink.

So now maybe after the holidays and into early 2020 we will all find out what
this really means to our stores.

Lots of emphasis everywhere on MOC's but no one is really talking about the
majority of stores who sell parts.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 15, 2019 04:33

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

I get (for the most part) what mfav and calsbricks are proposing, but it remains
to be seen the level of investment TLG is willing to sink into the catalog (and,
considering their own websites, what the results would be). Provided that the
site chooses to retain the hierarchical system, I think we all agree it can definitely
be improved.

Nope. It won't be improved. It will be different. This is just rearranging
the content on shelves in the supermarket.

If the last couple deployments of "site improvements and updates" aren't
enough to dissuade you from tinkering with the site, well...I don't know
what to think. Kind of feels like the wheels are coming off the stagecoach and
the horses are headed for the ravine.

I sincerely appreciate the time, thought, enthusiasm, and commitment you have
for the catalog. Sincerely, I do. That said, I recommend letting stuff settle
down a bit. I'm afraid anything you cook up at this point may be wasted effort.
Stuff that was working two days ago may not be working now.

But it's your effort to waste, so I respect that.

That is very well put, I second that. I appreciate the effort people are making,
but to be honest I feel like the results would mostly satisfy some people's
personal feeling of how things make the most sense, rather than actually have
basis in UX testing or answers to identified findability problems. I could also
imagine a new catalog that would seem perfect to myself, but probably others
could still struggle with it. Perfect for revamping your own storage, but imposing
it on a global marketplace is something else.

A new catalog would be the most dramatic reorganisation in my 15 year Bricklink
"career" and probably for some other category based sellers as well. While I'm
not asking for sympathy, we better make sure that changes are objective improvements
rather than just new alternative ideas. That way the ton of work that would go
into reorganising a store at least feels like a productive effort. And then there's
also the issue of compatibility with other marketplaces that we lose. So let's
not lose our heads in the enthusiasm...

I believe there are many members who would like to see change but are as wary
as we are about what that change may be. Track record at present is not great
and Lego are not really an IT company - that is pretty much an Achilles heel
for them as well. We, like others, will not give up in trying to bring about
changes that are needed but until the owner (whoever that ends up being) commits
to the investment that is required and puts the correct development team and
processes in place, it is a bit of 'wishful thinking'

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 15, 2019 04:26

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

So do I but mfav is 100% correct.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 14, 2019 04:55

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree - Update

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

it's impossible to project what disruptions there may or may not be.

It's not impossible to make educated guesses.

categories as we now recognize them is . . . not relational-database-thinking.

Could you provide an example of a large online database that is structured this
way so that I could understand it better?

Yes, yes. Many people find my ideas useful while objecting to me having ideas.

There seems to have been a miscommunication. I was saying I would object to
a system that required more effort and offered less certainty when performing
catalog/inventory work. That's probably not the system you were describing,
though - just how I imagined it would work. Again, I'd like to see an example
of the relational database you're proposing so that I could more fully understand
it.

To help you get a better idea of the desing and development of a relational database
you might want to look here.

https://www.opengatesw.net/

There is a free 30 day trial and it deals with the issue in simple and straightforward
terms for non-programmers. In fact with the free trial you can design a catalogue
and see how it breaks it up and relates.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 12, 2019 17:10

Subject:

Re: Add Search Options to Advanced Catalog Search

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, StormChaser writes:

I need the ability to select from the following unavailable options as checkboxes
on the Advanced Catalog Search page:

Items Inventoried as Regular
Items Inventoried as Counterpart
Items Inventoried as Extra
Items Inventoried as Alternate

Thank you.

definitely agree especially counter parts

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 11, 2019 08:23

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

[…]
It is almost like waiting with baited breath.

Roll on New Years.

2020: SuperPlasticCorp contracts Accidenture to audit BL’s systems and databases.
2023: Accidenture’s multi-million-euros 632-PowerBullet-slides report finally
delivered.
It boils down to: “Oh my god! It’s full of noddles!”
2025: SuperPlasticCorp contracts Debacle to modernize BL’s database.
2038: Another year, another billion sunk into the still not delivered Debacle
system.
Old BL is still running, somewhat, for people who kept their 2010 PCs and
like 500 errors.

(Names have been changed to protect the victims’ families.)

Good grief - I might not make it then

Roll on the fountain of youth - or something similar.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 11, 2019 06:49

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Catalog, bje writes:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

There seems to be some conflation or confusion regarding the data and the database
structure and how those things relate.

The structure is how it's built and the data is what's within the structure.

Rebuilding the data from the ground up is not necessary. Some of the data is
fine as is and simply would need to be migrated or an existing field related
to a new table and field.

There's no other way to increase functionality or make operations more efficient
without some fundamental change to the underlying structure.

There is no way to create substantive efficiencies within the existing framework.
You have 256 deck chairs and a 900 x 900 foot deck. You can rearrange the chairs
all you want, but it's never going to be more than 256 deck chairs. The arrangement
that makes chair #125 easier to find may make chair #93 harder to find. Everything
is a trade-off.

There is no quick and there is no easy.

If you want to undertake "reorganizing" or "cleaning" the data...for example,
examine all the minifig heads. Rewrite all the descriptions in a uniform manner...start
from top to bottom...hair, eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, whiskers, scars, blemishes,
wrinkles, and so on...then that will lead to an incremental improvement in the
data. Functionality isn't going to be improved without a change in the available
tools. I often state that you can cut down a tree with a spoon, but it's
not the best tool for the job. It will get done, but with great effort and it
will take a long time. Invest in an appropriate tool, like a chainsaw, and the
effort decreases, the time decreases, and the satisfaction increases.

Your argument seems to be for changing one spoon for another.

Additional categories won't solve anything. At this point, this is the difference
between sorting mixed pieces of lego in 230 boxes or 240 boxes. You're just
rearranging the deck chairs. Again. When the supermarket redesigns the floor
plan and product location within the store you've been shopping in for 10
years, does that help you find the chicken soup?

Not that I expect you to go through the exercise, but here http://v4ei.com/mini-fig-ure-outer/index.php
is the custom search instruction thing I wrote. It will take about 2 or 3 hours
to complete if you want to do it. Anyway, going through the source information
(skip creating the html if you want) will kind of lay bare the inconsistencies
within the current data. You'll find obvious typos. You'll find similar
items described similarly, but with differing sequences...like items described
dissimilarly...dissimilar items described similarly...nothing you wouldn't
expect when the data is crowd sourced over a long period of time. Some swaths
of data are really good. There has been effort put into the data, but not always
of consistent quality or consistent methodology.

Looking at a dataset as a whole, and not piecemeal, can be quite enlightening.

Do we need any listing that contains the phrase "without such-and-such"? Is it
helpful to list what something doesn't contain? Fish without bicycle spokes.
Butterfly without steel beams.

So, to answer your question, yes and no. I'm making the argument for additional
data. I'm making the argument for additional database structure. I'm
making the argument for thinking things through thoroughly before starting to
build something.

Right now there's no way to add deck chairs to our deck. We need another
deck. And a way to get chairs from one deck to another. And ways to get users
from deck to deck and chair to chair.

If you decide to do the custom search creation, all of it, I think by the end
of that exercise it should provide enlightenment as to the limitations of what
can be done within the current structure and the quality of the current dataset.
Those things should be able to inform your thinking on how to better conceive
a plan for improvement within the current limitations.

Read what Bill says in the light of Bill actually knows what the f--- he's
talking about instead of Bill's a cranky old man. Bill is a cranky old man
because he actually does know what the f--- he's talking about. When
you fully understand what Bill is saying, at that point you'll understand
the complexity of the issue. You seem to think the problem is lack of simple
programming. It's not. It's waaaaaay deeper than that.

Discussion at this point isn't leading to any solutions. I currently find
no value in the obsessive hand-wringing, worry-warting, prognostication of doom,
hopes, wishes, unfulfilled dreams, and ideas of improvement around here. Be patient
and wait for Superplasticorp to take over the Titanic and see where we are in
a month or two.

If you need to do something because you need to do something, I'd suggest
creating a wish list to present to Superplasticorp. They say they want to engage
with the AFOLs. Well, here's your opportunity. What's most important?
Is it more data that's definitive and easily accessible? Is it greater selection
of trans-neon-green elements? History? Factory tours? Let Superplasticorp know
what they can do to facilitate their selling you more stuff...they'll listen
to that.

Improvements of the type often discussed here on the board will take years
to implement, if that's even an option. It could be that Superplasticorp
leaves the current BL management in place and things carry on in the lopsided
manner they have been for the last several years. Or Superplasticorp could actually
value the AFOL community, engage with the community, cooperate with the community,
respect the community, find value in the knowledge the community has to offer,
and not expect those with the knowledge and who actually provide the content
to work for free versus working for mutual benefit. Time will tell. Maybe.

I'm going to shut up now.

No need to shut up. This goes the way it always goes as we are always trying
to find WHAT must be done with the data, as opposed to WHERE the data must be.
As someone who has worked in an actual library and made a top to bottom study
of the Dewey, AL and Coleridge's systems, I can only say +1 000 to everything
both you and Bill wrote. And I'll add a tail piece - if you do not document
a la Dewey how you are supposed to classify, then nothing will come of it. You
can tag, describe, redesign all you want but if there is no consistent documented
method of adding a minifigure head with its correct description, then mistakes
will appear again, meaning all of the work preceding that single mistake is factually
useless.

There is a reason some very clever people spent many years designing library
catalogue systems such as Dewey. There is also a reason the best accounting systems,
whether an open source ERP or a shelf package, all start with the design of the
chart of accounts - it is the basic start as to WHERE the data must go, not what
must be done with it. I have consistently designed charts of accounts to be useful
across the board - whether it is a micro business or a group of companies, the
basic chart design comes down to knowing upfront where that data must go. Even
in the old days of HAPAS, it only took for 1 first year clerk with an allocation
error as a result of bad documentation to screw up an entire chart in use for
3 years and from there the P&L and the Balance sheet. All of the discussions
on here, including Bill's discussion some time ago about the catalogue, end
up with what must be done with the data. In a well designed system, the data
is available anywhere for anything because it is known how it is classified.

Thus, a user can extract his sales data for individual colours of individual
parts only when the data is consistently available across the entire platform.
At present you have to search for cushions in order to find the chairs and do
not ask for different colours of chairs

The catalogue does not IMO need another band aid over the festering and pus filled
wound of its poorly designed descriptors and poorly documented and inconsistent
application of catalogue entries. It needs corrective surgery, much like everything
else. Time will tell if the investment required will be made. At present though,
there is still not enough information to make that call. All I see is that searching
the catalogue, even with the best of tools, remains for many users a difficulty.
IF the present systems is deemed to be the way forward, then by all means bring
in the tags (which was supposed to have been done sometime this year if I remember
correctly) and resort categories. It will be fun, but not productive. TLG might
want suggestions and make improvements, then again they might look at the scope
of what needs to be done and decide that plasters is maybe a bit cheaper and
more readily available. After all - adding tags and reclassifying will be done
with volunteers, redesign has to be done with (paid) employees. Some things require
money and that is the measure of the commitment. TLG's commitment remains
to be measured - we know the level of commitment of volunteers already.

Hi Jean

I have spent the better part of my life designing and implementing charts of
accounts - some for the UK's largest organisations both commercial and charitable.
It is a complex job and needs a level of understanding which Dan and Eric will
have had but as there wasn't the quality documentation that was needed the
current development team will have found difficult - hence their reluctance to
delve into the 'Spaghetti code' they were left.

You need to understand what is required at the end of it as well as how to use
it for the purposes of data collection

Hence my earlier comments about system analysts doing a system design job before
code gets written.

Time will tell what Lego are prepared to put into the site as well as where the
resources for this need to come from. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge
and talent in the membership and this time it needs to be used as opposed to
being overridden or ignored. .

It is almost like waiting with baited breath.

Roll on New Years.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 11, 2019 04:00

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

Cranky old man ??? Hmm - Just because I want it done correctly?

Discussion at this point isn't leading to any solutions. I currently find
no value in the obsessive hand-wringing, worry-warting, prognostication of doom,
hopes, wishes, unfulfilled dreams, and ideas of improvement around here. Be patient
and wait for Superplasticorp to take over the Titanic and see where we are in
a month or two.

If you need to do something because you need to do something, I'd suggest
creating a wish list to present to Superplasticorp. They say they want to engage
with the AFOLs. Well, here's your opportunity. What's most important?
Is it more data that's definitive and easily accessible? Is it greater selection
of trans-neon-green elements? History? Factory tours? Let Superplasticorp know
what they can do to facilitate their selling you more stuff...they'll listen
to that.

Improvements of the type often discussed here on the board will take years
to implement, if that's even an option. It could be that Superplasticorp
leaves the current BL management in place and things carry on in the lopsided
manner they have been for the last several years. Or Superplasticorp could actually
value the AFOL community, engage with the community, cooperate with the community,
respect the community, find value in the knowledge the community has to offer,
and not expect those with the knowledge and who actually provide the content
to work for free versus working for mutual benefit. Time will tell. Maybe.

I'm going to shut up now.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 10, 2019 11:48

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

The category tree is not really the issue.

There needs to be an understanding of the difference between classification and
identification.

Browsing probably takes place against classification.

Identification should not be limited to classification. Identification should
take place against element attributes.

The existing database framework is inadequate to meet what is desired.

The underlying database needs many additional tables and fields to store specific
relevant information.

Classification of any single piece should not be restricted to a single category.
For example

41767 Wedge 4 x 2 Right
Parts: Wedge

should be categorized as brick and wedge

41769 Wedge, Plate 4 x 2 Right
Parts: Wedge, Plate

should be categorized as plate and wedge

4215a Panel 1 x 4 x 3 - Solid Studs
Parts: Panel

should be categorized as panel, window (if transparent), wall element,
windscreen...and perhaps other things.

Identification should be effected against several different and some as-yet-non-existant
fields with specific criteria.

Instead of trying to identify by the contents of the q (title or name) field,
which is the only option at the moment, additional fields should be created that
contain specific attributes of an element: how many studs, how many sides with
studs, how many sides with stud receptors, how many sides without studs, symmetrical
or asymmetrical shape, general shape (rectangular, circular, triangular, rhomboid,
irregular, etc.), protruberances and sockets (axle holders, holes, clips, bars,
pins), and so on.

All this needs to be paired with an illustrated glossary of terms.

After the foundation is laid, then the data needs to be populated in a regular
manner which adheres to strict conditions for consistency. In the instances where
a field can contain discrete "checkboxable" items, that should be simple. Where
a field is "open" criteria should be set in place such that the data is entered
in a logical and repeatable manner.

The much discussed "tag system" is nothing more than an additional name/title
field, perhaps with a character limit in excess of 256 characters, but is susceptible
to the same problems as the current name/title field. It's just more of the
same thing as exists now, so it will fail/succeed/operate in the same manner
as the current name/title field, just in a second field. If the "solution" of
the "tag system" is effected, then you're still going to have data inconsistency...some
items will have value A in field one and some items will have value A in field
two. So that ends up compounding the frustration instead of alleviating it.

Colors should not necessarily be limited to any one institution's nomenclature.
The colors are indexed by an integer value. Any one value can carry multiple
labels. Thus XXX can be both Medium Stone Gray and Light Bluish Gray.

Ultimately this means something like a 10x increase in data (or more), additional
fields, additional forms for both discovery and data entry, and more.

tl;dr

A glossary needs to be in place describing all pertinent aspects and glossary
terms should be used in the datasets.

The underlying database needs to be 1) expanded and 2) available for modification
on a periodic basis as needed.

The data needs to be more, better, and consistent within a field.

It's going to be a lot of work.

Hiya

Nice post and quite accurate. Most modern day research into tagging v hierarchical
systems show that neither are quicker and there are pluses and minuses for both
– so the best recommendation is to incorporate both in your database design.
Lots of articles about best practices for this.

What it needs is a couple of senior analysts to sit down and design this properly
possibly in conjunction with a number of experts that exist within the community.
From there hand it to the programmers and let them write it – test it thoroughly,
correct it – test it again etc. Then release it fully documented. Lots and lots
of the core data that is needed is already in the database – but yes it does
need work eliminating, where possible, inconsistencies.

Analysts can be expensive people but quite honestly they are worth their weight
in gold. Testing is the same – whatever length of time you spend on it up front
is more than compensated for in the less time fixing it when it is supposedly
‘live’. And if it is well documented less time in supporting it.

Modern day software should have lots and lots of parameters built in so that
individuals do not lose features that they utilize. Major accounting software
today – products like Navision, Axapta, Great Plains, SAP + others are heavily
customizable within the organisation that bought the product. Oracle are the
same – that is where they make the majority of their money from consultancy to
set it up the way you wish to use it.

Yes it is lots of work, or at least it can be but if it had been started 6 years
ago maybe we wouldn’t be having this conversation today and time would not have
been spent on tangent developments.

Still lets see what Lego has to say about this as and when they begin exerting
influence/decisions on the site. That isn’t that far away, at least from early
comments about completing by the end of 2019.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 9, 2019 06:55

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Catalog, yorbrick writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

I've been pondering the category trees. When you click on Parts from the
main catalog page you get hit with 230 categories. It's hard to justify
adding further categories, even though needed for some existing categories, because
there are already too many.

I've also been thinking about simple fixes that maintain the BrickLink look
and feel and imagined what it might be like with some submenus (the large image
below with the selections shrunk from 230 to only 85). The little plus signs
might not be the best way to do this - they just indicate for the purposes of
discussion that this category can be expanded or leads to another menu.

I've also imagined a Themed Parts menu and a Minifigure Items menu (those
menus happen when you select those options from the main menu) and added those
images.

Of course, I would always want to be able to see the entire category tree by
default if I chose that option.

Good things: you don't have so much to wade through - allows quicker selection
of exactly what you're looking for. Also, the categories within submenus
could be significantly expanded to make finding items even easier without fear
of adding to the existing mess.

Bad thing: you have to click into more menus to get where you're going.

Thoughts?

This is a good idea and follows our Family level above categories which we put
into the forum a very long time ago. but whether anything will ever get done
about it remains to be seen. Since your departure and recent return nothing much
has happened on the development side and with the Lego acquisition due shortly
it may be some time before anything actually does. We have done this offline
with our own database system.

It does work and is not clumsy nor long winded - after all unless your are really
into the catalogue you probably don't even know that much about all the sub
menus. A 'soccer mom' might want a star wars set for her son but will
she know which one of the sub menus it is under - not likely - that is for collectors
and enthusiasts.

I think it needs a complete rethink and a more modern idea - where something
can be more than one thing. So for example, I'd like to see one category
called "Bricks", and inside this, there can be all the existing types of bricks
categories. This would allow someone to search just through the "Bricks" parent
category but all of them at once. However, there are also technic bricks, which
don't get called "Bricks, technic", rather they are "Technic, bricks". They
are also bricks, so should be searchable under a "Bricks" parent, but also under
a "Technic" parent too.

That is pretty much the way our system works. We decide what the families are
(level above categories) and what goes in them. All of our analysis is done by
family but if we want to take it lower we can. We have bricks, Minifigs, Other,
Plates, Sets (Small polybags), Slopes, Technic and tiles. Other is obviously
the catch all for items that don't fall into any of the others. It does work
and it makes it very easy for us to see what is moving and what isn't

We think the level above categories should be user definable as not everyone
will want to combine the same things. It isn't that complicated to program
and lots of the big high end inventory management systems have it built in, so
there is excellent code examples out there to accommodate.

I think the only real thing we can say is - no harm in dreaming.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 9, 2019 06:17

Subject:

Re: Parts Category Tree

Viewed:

64 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 4, 2019 07:31

Subject:

Re: Show the set from which a piece was ordered.

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Lilbeastie22 writes:

Please show in the order details, the set from which pieces were ordered. As
a seller, this would be hugely helpful in finding the ordered pieces and sending
the order within a reasonable time.

Voted no as this really isn't possible. Pieces can and do come from a multitude
of sets so which one it comes from cannot be isolated except in rare circumstances.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 26, 2019 07:59

Subject:

Re: "Fast Shipper" badge for Sellers

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

In Suggestions, searme writes:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

Besides - if you know sellers who are listing items they do not have on hand,
you must report those lots to BrickLink

I'd love to but how do you suggest I prove that, short of raiding seller's
home/shop?

Per your original post - you and other LUG members are aware of those sellers,
so you and your fellow LUG members all report those lots and wait for BL to sort
it out. You are not prosecutor, judge, jury and executioner and neither are you
the policeman. But it also does not help matters if you just talk among yourselves
about it. If you and all other members of your LUG really feel there is a real
serious problem here with a specific subset of sellers, you all report the problem
lots. I'm sure BL can investigate the matter evenhandedly.

On the other hand, if there is nothing in your original statement, then we do
not need this badge idea, as all you have to do is ask the seller to ship to
your timeframe and keep the proof as you require.

In addition to what Jean has mentioned you also need to be aware that the suggestion
program has not worked for a long time as development on the classic site is
no longer part of Bricklink's plans. They have agreed publicly to continue
to support it but all work (development) is being aimed at the "Future of Bricklink
e.g. Bricklink XP" as stated in the Presentation at Brickworld. When and if that
happens it appears the business model will change - to what is really unknown
at present with only very sketchy details available. That plus the fact that,
again publicly, Bricklink have stated they are somewhat in limbo over the future
direction they want to decide on means that modifying the classic site is even
further down the line for anything to be done.

Using the existing feedback system is really your only avenue to deal with things
like this. I would think most people agree that system is flawed, not used correctly,
and in need of a facelift - but it doesn't really appear that is likely.

Things can of course change and there are lots of us who want to see that happen
but for the time being use the tools that are already there.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 13:31

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

I don't monitor all the most used AFOL forums, but my impression that the
BrickLink Forum has been the leading and most active AFOL forum for a long time
now, despite it's archaic appearance and limitations. To the extent that
that is true, we don't want to break something that is performing so well.

I don't think it is, at least not for general LEGO discussion, MOCs, new
sets, etc. Eurobricks is more active and has way better content than here.

However, the BL forum is the most active and leading forum when it comes to Bricklink
issues, and aspects of buying and selling on BL. And isn't that primarily
what it should be? A forum that supports BL users with issues when using BL.

So what if the forum is a bit old fashioned looking. It is functional, I'd
hate to lose things like the easy tagging in of sets, parts and minifigures,
and so on.

Sorry for this

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 13:07

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Admin_Russell writes:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

[…]
Just like to add that our forum has all the functionality of this one as well
as the ability to edit, add attachments, conduct polls, plus more and its free
software - phbbs forum. It took our web guy an hour or so to get it installed
and me about a day to learn all about it (and I still don't know all there
is to know) […]

Take a look at http://forum.bricklink.com/ ….

From the front page:

Most users ever online was 20 on Wed Sep 12, 2018 4:25 pm

That was around the time ADP was announced.

Considering that was from 35 total users at that date and we have a very restricted
membership that isn't worrying. We are still growing there and as things
develop I am sure more will participate. I am not purporting that our forum is
better than this one far from it, but at the same time it shows what can be done
in a short space of time where there is a will.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 13:02

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Admin_Russell writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

You use the word "richer", but in some ways BrickLink's Forum is much richer
than these one-size-fits-all applications. It is fully integrated with the site
- Inv Change requests, Catalog and suggestions, moderator tools, messaging system,
macro tags, ID cards, and the list goes on and on. Sure, you can set up something
cheap and quick, and because it is new, it has some richer features. But overall,
if we did something like that, it would severely cheapen the BrickLink experience.

It's true that the Forum (as well as all the old code on the site) needs
to be completely rewritten and possibly redesigned. But we need to be sure while
doing that that we don't water down a core feature that made the site great.

So does this mean that is what is going on? Or is the focus still the new tangent
XP?

I don't monitor all the most used AFOL forums, but my impression that the

BrickLink Forum has been the leading and most active AFOL forum for a long time
now, despite it's archaic appearance and limitations. To the extent that
that is true, we don't want to break something that is performing so well.

I think the OP first and susbsequent messages has shown statistically that the
forum is not being used as much as t it had been in the past, and whilst I agree
it is a little like the weather, constantly changeable, he may have a point from
strictly the number side. Don't get us wrong - we enjoy using the forum -
it is really the only communications that goes on on the site, other than comms
via the messaging system.

Still, as we and others have said there are many more important things to be
done than the forum or messaging. My earlier point was it could be done quickly
and easily with plug ins (which is the way most modern software is put together.

Mo one, anywhere can do it all, not today, anyway. Dan and Eric had a head start
and brought this site to what it is today and we, like many others will not forget
that. Of course, improvement and updating is needed, but where and what that
transpires to be is currently outside of our knowledge.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 12:53

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Leftoverbricks writes:

I agree, the Forum needs an update.

The forum and many other parts of this site are written in extremely old code
and it would require lots of time and effort for programmers to change this.
It's not like changing old code, they have to develop a completely new environment
from scratch. To make the forum 2019-proof they also have to make the forum responsive
for phones and tablets.

We must not forget their promise to the users after their acquisition

"Message from Jung-Ju “Jay” Kim, founder of the online game company Nexon, incoming
owner of BrickLink.com:

(As of June 5th, the Hong Kong-based company Bricklink Limited has acquired the
assets of BrickLink.com. Bricklink Limited is a subsidiary of NXMH.)

Dear BrickLink Community,

I am extremely pleased to be taking over the operations of BrickLink.com. I’ve
been a LEGO fan for 40 years and an avid user of BrickLink.com for over a decade.
My first plans are to upgrade the website, and do our best to make users happier
and more prosperous, while staying true to the original vision of BrickLink.com
founder, Daniel Jezek. We will work hard in order to ensure that BrickLink.com
becomes stable, secure and as user-friendly as possible.

I want to sincerely thank the family of Daniel Jezek, especially his mother Eliska,
as well as the BrickLink.com Community, for the opportunity to upgrade and operate
such a beloved website as BrickLink.com. In order to expedite the process of
renovating BrickLink.com, I and Bricklink Limited will be asking users to e-mail
us with their ideas for the improved functionality of the site, as well as any
current issues that need to be addressed in order to provide users with the best
possible selling and buying experience. We’ll establish those lines of communication
very soon.

Thank you for your continued patronage and support of Brick"Link.com

Jung-Ju Kim, incoming owner of BrickLink.com

Not really sure we have seen any of the promises turn into reality, but willing
to listen to debate about that.

In the past two years or so the owners of Bricklink showed no interest whatsoever
in changing the old 1990's code. Maybe they think 'don't change a
thing while it's working'.

Their wording was 'Spaghetti code' at the Brickworld conference in Octboer
of last year.

Changes to the forum?
This will not happen.
I wish it would.
But I'm sceptical.

As are we all

BL is really something special: it's outdated but yet thousands of sellers
earn a nice income using the outdated interface.
So I can understand BL's POV: never change something that already works fine.

I think they have bent that guideline several times with updates to the system.

But it's bad anyway. BL is 1990. We need 2019!

They should have started that with a proper system analysis and design project
coupled with liaison with the membership. (It was over 6 years ago and re-doing
this site is not a 6 year development project,

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 12:46

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Take a look at http://forum.bricklink.com/ ….

That is a more up to date forum but as we are not either users or interested
in stud.io we don't see it.

Does prove they can do it if they want to, but that also shows where their focus
is and it isn't the classic site.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 12:08

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Admin_Russell writes:

In Suggestions, Nathan123 writes:

It seems the forum isn't getting the same kind of community involvement as
it once did. It is fairly common to see less than 100 messages per day and I
had to go back to July to find a day that had over 200. The way the forum works
right now it can be very frustrating and time consuming finding posts of interest
as even new posts get buried quickly under 2 or 3 more active posts and that
makes it difficult to participate in the forum if you do not have the time to
browse or search through it. In terms of utility the bricklink forum is not as
easy to use and enjoy as say brickset forum. There are a lot of good parts of
the BL forum but I feel it is largely being ruined.

My suggestion is that when a post is responded to the post itself moves to the
top but it doesn't show up as a new message, so if a post is made and has
10 replies it will still just look like one post on the forum. I would also like
to recommend that certain categories get put into a different area apart from
the forum so maybe for example buying and selling, inventory change requests,
and sales posts could be seperated from the rest so they don't bury the rest
of the posts out there and stagnate the forum.

The goal would be to allow more people and ideas to participate in the community.

There are certainly some improvements to be made - pinning posts, notification
/ subscription plans, ability to edit or completely remove posted material -
but most of what you are asking for here can already be done.

First, the BrickLink Discussions Forum is actually many individual Forums all
joined together, including hidden Forums backstage for our community admins.
If you don't wish to read everything, start on this page and read only what
interests you:

https://www.bricklink.com/messageTopics.asp?utm_content=subnav

Second, you can customize the Forum to your exact specifications, including viewing
each thread without the replies. You can also block certain Forums (e.g. sales
posts). See the settings on this page:

https://www.bricklink.com/messageFilter.asp?viewFrom=P

I've never seen a Forum with this level of user customization, and I believe
most members don't even know about these options. Try out these suggestions
and see if that helps your impression.

I have been reading the Forum consistently for over 10 years, and I've noticed
that like rainy and dry periods with the weather, Forum participation ebbs and
flows with time. And if by "community involvement" you mean people like Foster
and Dan/Jon beating each other up on a regular basis, that sort of behavior isn't
tolerated anymore.

Hi Russell and thank you for your comments on this topic (which isn't ours)
as you can tell.

Just like to add that our forum has all the functionality of this one as well
as the ability to edit, add attachments, conduct polls, plus more and its free
software - phbbs forum. It took our web guy an hour or so to get it installed
and me about a day to learn all about it (and I still don't know all there
is to know)

The Bricklink forum and messaging system , as you know, are well out of date
and whilst most of the regular members love this archaic piece of software (and
we have a liking to it as well), newer users are used to much richer applications.

There are lots of things that are more important than the forum and as you have
said in many comments here development time is at a premium whilst the company
determines which direction(s) it is going to take for the future. Might not be
a bad idea to keep the members informed - I know that kind of contravenes current
policy but it would engender a lot more respect for what is happening or about
to happen.

I have been a member for a long time now both as a buyer only (3 years before
we became a store) and nearly 9 years as a store, and feel, like most, that we
are kept in the dark about what is happening with the site. As for earlier times
and forum discussions/debates etc, we remember most of them - but again most
of those members are no longer involved with Bricklink. We get PM's from
some of them from time to time when they read something on the forum and want
an insiders view (Not really sure why they believe we have an insiders view but
still). It is nice to hear from them and we try to comment on what they are asking.

Life, forums, business , relationships are all about multi-directional communications
and this site is no different than any others. Keep your customers happy and
you will grow and prosper - give them cause for concern and you will not see
the real benefits you are looking for, regardless of the dir4ection you choose
and we all kow no one can do it on their own.

Bill & the Team @ Calsbricks.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2019 01:28

Subject:

Re: Forum Reforms

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jennnifer writes:

In Suggestions, Nathan123 writes:

I love the way this old Forum works. Sorry if I am in the minority. I would argue
that the lack of community involvement is directly related to the management's
antipathy.

Jen

+ several

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 16, 2019 12:38

Subject:

Re: HP184 onwards

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Inventories, axaday writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

The minifigs in set 75948 do not appear to have been inventoried yet and according
to the catalogue page it is not pending - is there a problem with these?

I just ordered the set and reserved all the minifigs.

Great - it is a very good set (In our humble opinion, of course)

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 16, 2019 12:37

Subject:

Re: HP184 onwards

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Inventories, axaday writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

The minifigs in set 75948 do not appear to have been inventoried yet and according
to the catalogue page it is not pending - is there a problem with these?

They are all in one set. Just no one has done it. Do you want me to?

Yes please, if you can - we are in the process of parting out several of them
(Sets)

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 16, 2019 11:59

Subject:

HP184 onwards

Viewed:

114 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

The minifigs in set 75948 do not appear to have been inventoried yet and according
to the catalogue page it is not pending - is there a problem with these?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 10, 2019 10:22

Subject:

Re: 49699 a Panel?!

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog, firestar246 writes:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

49699 Panel 1 x 6 x 4 1/3 with Window and 4 Pin Holes
Parts: Panel

I can't discover anything panel-ish about this part. I'd say it's
window, door, technic, other, vehicle, or pretty much anything except a panel...

What do you think it should be?

My first thought is technic or window frame

Well:

1. Window (or door) frame implies you could put a glass or panel (or door)
inside. That seems very unlikely with the technic holes in the way.

2. It’s been used in System (City) sets for now BUT it sure looks like a Technic
Brick, yet not really.
So Technic could do but not really “Technic Brick” and there are no similar parts
(that I know of) in the other Technic categories, that would mean it should fall
in the general “Technic” category, which is already overpopulated.

I’m not envying the catmins

Yep certainly a tough one. It's very clear what it is: A hatch. But how to
catalog it in the existing categories?
I'm voting Door Frame. Alternatively, Vehicle. It may be used in space bases,
but the whole point of hatches is that things are built up from compartments
that have been vehicles at some point.
Hmm, anyone remember the days when we had a "Space" category?

Funny this one - Lego put it into their Bricks, Special category where most of
the modified bricks go. It does look a bit technic Panel, though.

Really do wish we could edit messages. Forgot to say technic bricks are also
in the Bricks, special Lego category - so technic panel could be the right answer????

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 10, 2019 10:19

Subject:

Re: 49699 a Panel?!

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog, firestar246 writes:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

49699 Panel 1 x 6 x 4 1/3 with Window and 4 Pin Holes
Parts: Panel

I can't discover anything panel-ish about this part. I'd say it's
window, door, technic, other, vehicle, or pretty much anything except a panel...

What do you think it should be?

My first thought is technic or window frame

Funny this one - Lego put it into their Bricks, Special category where most of
the modified bricks go. It does look a bit technic Panel, though.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 20, 2019 12:54

Subject:

Re: Layout

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, ihave36paws writes:

How can you change the Classic Layout. If you are going to make changes to things
it would be the new Layout.

We hate the way they removed the (My Order Note) line from under the order.

Now you have to travel way over to the right to see it, unless you have your
screen so small that you can't read it.

Please change it back.

You can do that yourself here;

That is at the top of your ofrder detail page. Is that what you meant?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 15, 2019 10:19

Subject:

Re: Search setting: seller location filter

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Brickman4you writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, Nowaker writes:

I'm interested to see offers from United States only.

Each time I'm on a hunt for something, I have to open the filtering options
and select selector location United States.

Please make it possible to set a default filter for all searches. It should be
available here: https://www.bricklink.com/searchSettings.asp?viewFrom=P

This will improve the shopping experience immensely.

Thank you.
-Nowaker

Capability already exists

https://www.bricklink.com/searchAdvanced.asp

How to save these check boxes so they default? That is how I understood the
question.

You are right - missed that. Ignore my response.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 15, 2019 04:15

Subject:

Re: Search setting: seller location filter

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Nowaker writes:

Capability already exists

https://www.bricklink.com/searchAdvanced.asp

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 12, 2019 13:49

Subject:

Re: Change NPB Timeline

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

Once again a constant thread and everyone agrees with it except Bricklink for
some strange reason. Why should we have to let our inventory be tied up for two
weeks or longer when someone isn't going to pay for their order.

Bring the business side of the site into the 21st century, please - IC doesn't
work for all and for those that do not use it this is a real pain and totally
unnecessary.

That is probably why they will never do anything about it - it is another push
for non-IC adopters to adopt IC.

Sorry 1 more thing coming from someone who has spent a great many years in the
software development world. Software is normally designed to suit end users and
it is normally designed and developed in conjunction with them. That hasn't
happened here at Bricklink, On the other hand gaming software often comes from
the developers themselves rather than the end user - and quite often that works.
But when it comes to serious applications it never does unless the developers
have a rock solid systems spec which has been put together by a quality experienced
systems analyst - again doesn't happen here or at least it does not appear
so. When was the first, or last time as a seller or buyer you were asked what
you wanted to see in the software?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 12, 2019 13:39

Subject:

Re: Change NPB Timeline

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

That is probably why they will never do anything about it - it is another push
for non-IC adopters to adopt IC.

There is a simple answer to that - make it applicable for all regions - redesign
it so those of us who use multiple boxes (3 large letter styles, and 11 small
parcel styles) do not have to set up a delivery method for each of those across
all boxes. 14 first class; 14 first class confirmed; 14 2nd class confirmed;
14 next day delivery; 14 air mail; 14 air mail confirmed. Good grief - all day
every day just setting up delivery methods and the design of that is totally
flawed - IC should have been regionalised to accommodate not just weight systems
but weight and volume systems. Yes I know we could try and reduce boxes but that
is not convenient for us nor our customers. We don't send out half full boxes.
In addition if the design had been better it would have allowed them to make
the simple changes to accommodate the changes in the US postal system where everything
is being done by workaround.

Forcing people to use a feature is a non-starter - usage should be up to the
individual not a method which doesn't work 100% of the time and also has
over 40,000 items in its catalogue without dimensions. but you are probably right
- yet another wonderful idea just like pp for marketplaces, dropping paypal offsite
- again to force IC. NO matter what the take-up is in real terms the feature
needs re-thinking.

What next force members to use their new Order detail page ; or their new My
BL page -- you must now use Stud.io to design anything. Oh and lest we forget
you must use the new wanted list (but after clamour we will leave the classic
one available, and we will reinstate paypal offsite).

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 12, 2019 10:58

Subject:

Re: Change NPB Timeline

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, mscheaf writes:

In Suggestions, MidwestBrick writes:

I had enough of these in the last few weeks that waiting 2 full weeks is painful
to complete them.

I don't mind the 1 week to pay before it is started. But another full 7 days
to complete the NPB is not necessary.

I would propose 3 additional days and that is it. Let us get our stock back
in our stores to sell to someone else instead of being held at our will for 14
full days when 10 is plenty enough.

I can't be the only one that feels this way and 14 days might have worked
10-15 years ago when access to Smart-Phones wasn't as widespread, but these
days, you can't go far without having the ability to respond. Thanks

This is exactly why I just cancel the order and never file NPB. It just takes
two long. 2 weeks is insane. It shouldn't take a week to pay. It shouldn't
take more than a few days to pay, if you don't have the money don't order
stuff, pretty simple. I know a lot of buyers are getting let off the hook by
this but I don't have the time or patience and I don't want my inventory
constantly tied up for a fortnight. I just cancel the order ban the buyer and
move on.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 12, 2019 10:55

Subject:

Re: Change time zone

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, HallBricks writes:

It would be great if I could change the time zone on BrickLink. Maybe not the
most necessary feature, but it feels like it wouldn't be that difficult of
a thing to implement.

It isn't and this has been around since day 1. Nothing has ever been done
about it.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 9, 2019 10:48

Subject:

Re: More stockrooms!

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

We won't be signing up for xp either - it isn't aimed at our type of
store - its target is a large one - the 'Soccer Moms' so to speak who
want a set for little Johnny for xmas and do not need the complications of Bricklink
to hamper them.

(...)

Apparently xp requires Instant Checkout (not a problem for some), also requires
Paypal for Marketplaces (Again not a problem for some) but little else is known
about it.

And this is where it goes totally wrong. On the one hand, they seem to aim at
the broad casual consumer market, on the other hand, they force a highly specific
online-business-insiders-only payment method. If I would go to the local supermarket
and ask random people if they have bought something online last week, lots of
them are going to say "yes". If I ask them if they used PayPal, pretty much all
of them are going to respond "what's PayPal?"
And then I haven't even touched on PayPal's plan to dramatically increase
transaction fees by next month, which ruins their competitiveness compared to
other payment methods (but they are trying to circumvent the free market principle
by forcing sellers not to disclose the fees to buyers in as many countries as
possible, and encouraging the buyers to ask for PayPal because it is "free")

If they will implement a relevant payment method, then I will participate in
XP (for the Dutch market, the 4th largest country on Bricklink, this is iDeal).
If they don't, I won't. I'm done trying to make Bricklink see reason.
iDeal is one of the main reasons that I set up my own webshop, and now that I
have it, I don't really care what Bricklink does anymore. If they are not
going to add iDeal, that's just going to be more Dutch consumers for me in
my webshop

Hi Teup

Never heard of Ideal - is that Dutch only? Irrespective of that the business
model of xp does not suit our store and we wouldn't adopt it whatever happens.
We are not into selling large one-off sets at bargain prices - ours is a part
shop from top to bottom. Our orders average several hundred items and over 50
lots - that isn't going to be bought by a google search result which is what
we believe BL are trying to bring about. Instant checkout doesn't' work
for our store either and with over 40,000 items without dimensions in the catalogue
it is fair to say, probably never will - it is not designed well around shipping
methods and was not built to be adaptable (zip code pricing in the USA - The
largest market on BL), volume and weight based in the UK and most of Europe.
We have 14 different box sizes 3 large letters, and 11 small parcels, we never
ship a medium parcel as that is too costly so we are using multiple small parcels
to deal with weights over 2Kg and yes I know this could be set up but what a
hassle a different delivery method for each box type (each box has a different
tare).

We also have no concept of Bricklink dealing with our funds by way of Marketplace.
Far too many things against it for us to even consider it,((we know they have
claimed they are not into that, but who knows what might happen if we all give
them the right to do that)). but then it might suit some - that will only be
found out as and when they launch it, as unfortunately no communications is the
norm for the site - so no one will know what it is about til they launch it and
based on previous launches it will be some time before it would be 'bug free'
so to speak.

IC, in our view, needed to be regionalised and much more flexible in its design.
It works for some and that is great, and not for others, which is a shame, but
that is how they have done it. No talking, no discussion, no customer agreement,
here it is - if you don't like it tough, - that is what you are getting.
And the funny thing is BO launched with it and it is much smoother over there
and far fewer complaints about missing bits.

I can say without reservation that we will not be adopting xp at any time.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 9, 2019 07:14

Subject:

Re: More stockrooms!

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, nologolego writes:

But most importantly, it is sad to think we have no pilot or crew for Bricklink.
Is it fated to crash and burn eventually? Do we need to get our parachutes
ready?

I think it will be ok

I am more afraid of stupid changes than of Bricklink's
inertia. I'm not going to participate in this new Bricklink XP they're
developing, and I wish they hadn't come up with that idea. Anyway, as long
as Bricklink is just asleep it's fine by me. It's not dying, just sleeping

It generates money so if anything would happen to it, even the least interested
management would take measures keep it running.

We don't know either but think it may be okay. Many businesses fail because
they do not listen to their customers. That is a serious matter here, but they
have the market pull - thanks to Dan and all the excellent volunteers they have
had over the years. Customers
have a strange habit of going where the products are and BL is probably at the
top of the tree for that.

We won't be signing up for xp either - it isn't aimed at our type of
store - its target is a large one - the 'Soccer Moms' so to speak who
want a set for little Johnny for xmas and do not need the complications of Bricklink
to hamper them. In MP's presentation at Brickworld last year he suggested
an Amazon/Ebay model (we don't know if they have achieved that or not and
his throwaway comments about we will continue to support the classic site don't
fill many of us with enthusiasm, but those are the issues that are known at
present.
We were also informed some time ago that Phase I release was due to come out
in March ((and it didn't make it - rumour has it that Phase 2 will be out
at the end of the year)) so we still have plenty of time to contemplate this
radical change.

Storerooms - we don't use them either but we know people that do. It is,
however, unlikely that you will get any changes to the classic site as MP also
announced nothing more will be done on the classic site due to the fact they
feel xp is the future , they don't understand the 'spaghetti code',
and their
early changes were not met with enthusiasm.

Apparently xp requires Instant Checkout (not a problem for some), also requires
Paypal for Marketplaces (Again not a problem for some) but little else is known
about it. I think generally there is a lack of interest in this latest tangent.
It may appeal to some but large part stores may find it diametrically opposed
to the way they operate. There have been, since the announcement, not many threads
about it so everything may have changed or it may be exactly as they outlined,
we won't really know til it is released, it appears.

Not really convinced that is the best way to get new software accepted and 'taken
up' but it isn't our business to run it is theirs - we are only here
to pay the bills

.

How about this for a throwaway line - might not be our (Community) business to
run but then again, maybe it should be

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Aug 22, 2019 07:35

Subject:

Re: Cardboard sleeves in inventories

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Inventories, Hygrotus writes:

In Inventories, yorbrick writes:

There is another one here if you need it that I happen to have on my desk.

I wasn't sure how to upload a part containing parts and how you are collating
the sets they came in.

From set 79012 contains one standard DARK RED cape

522 Minifigure Cape Cloth, Standard - Traditional Starched Fabric - 4.0cm Height
Parts: Minifigure, Body Wear

Added for you

6002415 (Inv) Cardboard Sleeve 6002415 with Contents
Parts: Cardboard Sleeve

added normal way category
'Cardboard Sleeve'
you see how it should be numbered and named.

As for which set found write in the note form when uplodaing part then I'm
adding it to additional note. See when you enter the part entry.

So if I understand this correctly we should use the inventory change request
for things that come in 'cardboard sleeves' 'little white boxes'
to include the printed number?

We have always keyed that straight into Google and found what was in the box
????

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Aug 9, 2019 14:49

Subject:

Re: Why can't I enlarge pics anymore?

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Catalog, firestar246 writes:

So you used to be able to click on the picture of a piece in the catalog, sort
of a quick view. You'd see the years it was made, any sets/minifigures the
piece was in, etc. You all know what I'm talking about. Well, a few days
ago I couldn't do it anymore. I've tried three different devices.

Why would they make such a horrible change for? I rely on that heavily when listing
minifigure parts to make sure I have the correct listing. This is going to make
this job twice as long now.

Tried it here on w7 ie11 - no problems whatsoever. Sounds like it could be womething
at your end. Which broiwsers have you tried?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 8, 2019 12:17

Subject:

Re: 'Prefer My BrickLink Classic?'

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, randyf writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

very and fast - The site has become unstable yet again and although it isn't
with server 500 errors - I wonder if they are adding code to the site and it
is breaking it.

And they always seem to add it on a Friday as they are leaving for the weekend.

Why would anyone in their right mind or with any common sense whatsoever let
that happen. The mind simply boggles. There could be a million people (total
membership) trying to place orders or load inventory and unless they read the
forum and/or try workarounds they are going to be put off using the site. It
just doesn't make any sense to me but then again I am an old fashioned MD
- far too old to change my ways and very slow to catch on to new gimmicks.

Charlie Brown give me strength.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 8, 2019 08:08

Subject:

Re: 'Prefer My BrickLink Classic?'

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Abels_Bricks writes:

In Suggestions, crxefx writes:

X2 , No interest in AFOL whatever in the middle of what i'm trying to do!

Totally agree, also the AFOL stuff that pops up at the top of your searches.

But main gripe today would be I would love it if bricklink was working correctly
today. having to go to the front page to do anything is getting old.

David

very and fast - The site has become unstable yet again and although it isn't
with server 500 errors - I wonder if they are adding code to the site and it
is breaking it.

Might be an idea for BL to get a proper sandbox in place and use that for rolling
out updates and/or changes - like most development teams do.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 13:39

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Optionally included where?

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=22

That is not how it works when we upload our xml file from Briokstock. The file
has the category number in it but leads with the itemid.

Knowing how the tables work and what is in them would be helpful to get this
sorted, but suffice to say that when the xml data comes along Bricklink has to
make up its mind what to do with it and it cannot do that without the itemid
e.g. part no. It requires part no, colour and condition to see if the data submitted
is a new lot or matches an existing lot. So the item id is used somewhere - it
cannot just work from the category id.

It is a mandatory field out of Brickstock for an xml
update inventory. The only time lot numbers come into it are if you wish to update
existing inventory. Niek is right - the system is doing a lookup to pick up the
description so it can look up the product id quite easily.

It performs a lookup on the category only, nothing else.

Sorry that cannot work - the category could have hundreds of items in it so how
is it going to know which item to either add or update? It simply isn't logical.

Yes according to Bricklink
we sell lots but according to reality we sell items which make up lots.

In reality there has never been a single catalog item sold on BL

Mind blowing
I know, but download your orders with full detail - there is no such thing in
the catalog as a "Red Technic, Brick 1 x 14 with Holes" as a separate catalog
item, yet that is the only description on your invoice.

The catalogue is made up of many related tables - the order detail download is
useless as far as we are concerned and has been set up by Bricklink to offer
info they wish to offer not the info we need.

The fact
that this platform has no real inventory system available to stores does not
mean we cannot look at elements of the catalogue when we are bringing in data.
A schema would clearly establish this - Product ID cannot be duplicated and
therefore can be read easily when a lookup to that table is done.

What do you mean by Product ID - the lot ID or the catalog item ID? These are
two different things altogether and bear no relation to each other.

The lot id is a bricklink generated number assigned to each store for each item
no, colour and condition. That then represents , lets call it a stock item and
that is what we sell. Lot nos, however are cumbersome and clumsy, so we use Lego
design id nos or (Bricklink part nos) to refer to our items. No one uses lot
nos other than the system.

If I modify the xml file we created when we export xml to Clipboard - the mass
upload will not work - we get an error message that the file format is invalid.
If I put the itemid back in it works.

Export with a comment and delete the item field again, it will work. You could
conceivably list your entire inventory without a single catalog item id.

No, I am afraid it doesn't - the system tells us it is an invalid file format.

We have moved off the original point - the only real resolution to this is if
someone at Bricklink who understands the code

is willing to share that info
out in the forum.

Whilst I am confident nothing will happen over this suggestion it would be welcome
for BL to comment.

Admin ?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 12:40

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

That would be a valid argument, if BL weren't already showing the item description
on that exact same screen. If the program is able to show the description (which
is a lookup into the items table), it already knows the part number (or at least
grab it from the same table the description came from).

So yes, it is a request easily implemented.

Niek.

But the item number is optionally included, it is not even a required field.
And from what I can see, only the category field ties to the item number in the
catalog. As a matter of fact, you can list everything in your store without a
single catalog item number, so long as you have the category and comments fields,
mass uploads will work. We sell lots, not catalog items.

Optionally included where? It is a mandatory field out of Brickstock for an xml
update inventory. The only time lot numbers come into it are if you wish to update
existing inventory. Niek is right - the system is doing a lookup to pick up the
description so it can look up the product id quite easily. Yes according to Bricklink
we sell lots but according to reality we sell items which make up lots. The fact
that this platform has no real inventory system available to stores does not
mean we cannot look at elements of the catalogue when we are bringing in data.
A schema would clearly e4stablish this - Product ID cannot be duplicated and
therefore can be read easily when a lookup to that table is done.

If I modify the xml file we created when we export xml to Clipboard - the mass
upload will not work - we get an error message that the file format is invalid.
If I put the itemid back in it works.

Whilst I am confident nothing will happen over this suggestion it would be welcome
for BL to comment.

Admin ?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 11:51

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

Thanks Niek

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 10:54

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

Thanks Niek

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 08:42

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

I voted yes, but I am not entirely sure this would be as simple as is believed
on first glance.

The reason that part number gets dropped is because in BL world, that part number
is not something used to differentiate inventory items. What you are adding are
lots, and not individual stock items or even different colours of an item. This
is the reason you cannot cost 2 different batches of the same inventory item
with different cost prices added at two different dates on BL, as you are merely
adding to existing lots, and not adding a new batch which must be reported on
separately. Showing the part number when importing would probably have to mean
that the lot would need an additional characteristic added to it to move it into
the realm of actual inventory of parts and not lots.

My information may be a tad wrong, but from experience, lots (that is your inventory
items) are differentiated only on the comments and the condition, nothing else.
It is, sadly, a throwback to auctioneer inventory where the lot is costed as
a unit and fees are earned on the unit. To get to a basis of project costing
or at the very least some average costing for your inventory items as actual
items and not lots, would possibly take a redesign of the entire inventory handling.

Thanks for adding your comments/thoughts to this. I am not convinced they should
apply, though. The xml file to the mass upload feature includes the part no -
if it is in that file it can be displayed on the verify page. I understand the
lot concept but as Bricklink does not really have an inventory management system
built in we believe picking this field up from the xml file that it receives
should not be a problem.

Having said that as the code is referred to as spaghetti by the development team
they may not understand how to do this.

Speaking of average costing that would be a blessing - but again little chance
of that as BL move towards no stores, no inventory just Amazon/Ebay esque model.
We won't be involved with that as, when and if it ever appears, and from
the comments we have had from others neither will an awful lot more.

Brickowl also doesn't have a proper inventory management system and although
handling Lego items isn't easy - Lego have an in house modified system -
they do not have to deal with condition. Here you have part no colour and condition
to cope with.

A fresh design would be ideal but development investment is not high on the priority
list, it appears.

If you look at a sample of a small file we did yesterday, in-between server 500
errors, you will see what I mean

95345
88
18
P
3
0.270
U

The lot number is checked based on item no, colour and condition and if there
is a match it adds to that lot; if not it creates a new lot and adds that but
it still knows the item no. Displaying it, ther4efore is a couple of lines of
code to be added (according to my head of development).

Thanks again for your comments and for voting for the suggestion.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 05:50

Subject:

Helpful but ....

Viewed:

233 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Firstly let me say that we know suggestions are not being implemented and according
to MP no work is being done on the classic site however this is a small request
which doesn't require huge amounts of development time and would make life
a bit easier.

Currently the method of manually adding inventory is long winded, provides no
audit trail of what has been done and at best is clumsy.

We use Brickstock for most of our updates to our store. It is much easier, quicker
and provides us with a complete audit trail - the only real snag is what happens
when the file gets to Bricklink, The verify screen drops off the Bricklink part
number for some reason so we are left with an audit trail which, when variants
are involved, isn't really all that helpful, although to be fair we have
used this for some time.

Simply placing the bricklink product code on the verify screen would be very
helpful and this is not a major programming issue. At the same time give us a
print button to print that screen Using the print command from the browser doesn't
work well with the page setup falling short of what is needed.

This is a simple matter and could be resolved in minimal time - please implement.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 1, 2019 11:17

Subject:

Re: Make website mobile-friendly

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

General

In General, crazylegoman writes:

I cannot figure out why someone would try to use Bricklink on a phone. A tablet
maybe, but even the biggest phone screens wouldn't be enough to make good
use of this site in any form.

David

Couldn't agree more.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Apr 22, 2019 13:11

Subject:

Re: Random Stockroom Items

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Inventories, Teup writes:

In Inventories, antiquer88 writes:

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me why random items show up as stockroom
items in my inventory. I have no items I have intentionally marked for retention
in stockroom, yet every Monday I go to my inventory and delete random items that
have shown up as zero count stockroom items.

Is this something I have done in error, or is it a system problem?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Stan.

It's one of those persistent problems that Bricklink is trying to fix. I
think something is really wrong in the bug fixing department, it seems their
ability to isolate a problem and target it effectively with a fix is really compromised.
Previously there was an issue with remark fields being deleted and it also took
a very long time and was also "fixed" in an "ok this time it really seems to
work but if you have problems let us know" way.
Several people have reported this issue. Hope for you guys they will do something
about it.

It is called by some 'spaghetti code' and they are far too busy with
getting XP off the drawing board (and it is nearly 2 months overdue (according
to Admin-Russell's suggestion of a March release.

Forecasting the release of new products is always difficult to be exact but ........
The Future of Bricklink as MP called it at Brickworld seems to be taking an eternity
(and we plan to opt out of it anyway, as will many others we are informed.

They are about to release a product which requires a feature that only 20% of
the total stores use - that isn't the best base for acceptance and if they
honestly believe that XP will convince the non IC users to move to it - their
crystal ball must be a bit murky.

Why not fix bugs - there are too many to go into here with a dedicated programmer
and focus the other developers on the new features, especially the ones that
are massively overdue (Sellers tools with what the stores want, please) e.g.
inventory management, sales metrics, query by form, improved printing capabilities,
updated price guide, major improvements to the store front and search capabilities.
Drop the API and provide tools that all members can use without having to be
a programmer.

NB - Why isn't your ID Pic amongst the ones in

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1137907

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Apr 15, 2019 06:53

Subject:

Re: Inventory backup

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

In Inventories, waterman writes:

I was wondering if there is a way to backup the inventory of whats in your store,
and how to restore it if there was a problem with the website. I saw a section
in the Inventory screen for download would this be it and how is it done. If
anyone can help with this question that would be great, thank you so much.

HI there

There are 2 different ways to backup your inventory. The first is the one you
mention - download the inventory and save it as a xml file. If you then have
to restore it you can use the mass upload inventory feature to bring it back.

The 2nd way and somewhat easier, in our opinion is the use of Brickstock to download
your store inventory - that saves it as a bsx file and there is a reverse command
to upload it back to Bricklink.

Hope that helps

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Apr 15, 2019 06:49

Subject:

Re: Item changes gives problem in Brickstock

Viewed:

20 times

Topic:

In Inventories, JE_Romijn writes:

There are 10 items in my inventory in Bricklink that will not import any more
in Brickstock.
Bricklink changed the item numbers from this minifigs by adding a extra 0 on
the 10th of April I noticed.
Have tryed to delete 1 and add it again did not solve the problem. Any body here
knows what to do?

cty0055 cty0128 cty0146 are a few of theme

Greetings Ronald

Open up Bricksstock

Go to Extras - Update database - you should then see a screen telling you it
is updating the database - when that finishes then import your inventory - that
should fix things for the catalogue/database changes that Bricklink are making.

As an on-going thing you should always run the extras - update database command
each time you open Brickstock - this ensure you are working with the latest catalogue
updates.

Hope that helps.

BTW we see the sets you are querying in our Brickstock so they are in the catalogue.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 15, 2019 13:59

Subject:

Re: Attach files

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, TGS_brick writes:

Hi
I think it would be really nice, if I can attach files to my massages.
Regards
TGS-Bricks

Voted yes but it isn't going to happen. This has been asked for on countless
occasions and like many other good suggestions simply gets bypassed by other
development priorities. We have been waiting over 5 nearly 6 years now for sellers
tools (and no one really knows what we are going to get or when we are going
to get them - development are too busy with 'other things'.

Shame - the messaging system is one of the two most archaic elements of Bricklink
- we have gotten around the attachment thing by using Dropbox - but that doesn't
work for everybody.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 28, 2019 10:01

Subject:

Re: Brickstock questions

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Inventories, Teup writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

In Inventories, Teup writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

In Inventories, wilton1975 writes:

Guys,

Appreciate both your responses as they shed some much needed light. It is a little
strange that BrickStock doesn't seem to have a Help section explaining all
this.

HI there sorry I missed this thread earlier

Please bear in mind that Teup's comments do not really apply to the UK.

Well.... it does. I'm just saying that the averge price that you see here
in Bricklink is not equal to the average price in Brickstock. These do not match.
Parting out a set at average price on Bricklink will result in you having higher
priced items than parting out that same set at average price in Brickstock.

Whether you wish to match the price of other stores including VAT, or whether
you want to compare yourself to their prices ex VAT... yeah, here you're
right, those are all your own business decisions.

But the fact is that the Bricklink priceguide does not match the Brickstock priceguide.
It's important to be aware of this. Pricing at the Brickstock average is
pricing below the Bricklink average.

As I said or at least implied - average pricing in the UK includes VAT and once
you adjust the downloaded price in Brickstock it matches as close as can be expected.
Nothing is perfect and Brickstock could use work on this but so could Bricklink.
The currency conversion is a bigger issue than vat as it applies to all apart
from the USA. Bricklink could do a lot more there and haven't.

Do USA prices include sales tax ? That differs depending on whether you ship
in state or out of state. So the whole pricing scenario based on Bricklink is
a bit shaky - it should be used as a guideline only not a 'real figure'.

Do the last 6 months sales prices include tzes of any kind or is it net. If something
sells at 10p that is the price that should be reflected. If you are vat registered
and can claim back the vat go for it - but for the majority of UK sellers that
is not the position - what you see is what you pay and that is what your cost
is. Pricing needs to be based on cost + not some weird price guide which no one
fully understands. They can tell you how it works but when you look at it you
only see a single figure not how that figures has been made up.

Again for example 1000 units sold at 8p one month but 10p the next month so average
is 9p, but that is not remotely accurate. If the currency conversion rate has
fluctuated then they might be selling at a totally different price, or the same
price.

The price guide needs major re-working and I do not believe that is going to
happen. It currently is a very crude tool which has to be manipulated to get
anywhere near reality.

If the design of the system is anywhere near what it should be there is only
one table with prices and those are converted from an exchange rate table each
time they are displayed, Somehow I doubt that.

Well, I guess that's all true enough. Some take the priceguide as just a
guide, some ignore it, some take it as some holy prescription. I tend to be kind
of the latter type... but that's not because I think these numbers are inherently
all so correct (you pointed out some of its shortcomings) but I just remember
that when I was a buyer I'd check the priceguide on everything and buy things
depending on them being at or below average. So it's more a presentation
matter that I want my prices to line up with that reference than that I give
that reference any "scientific" credit. So the priceguide is my starting point
and from there I decide what to buy. Instead of first buying, and then based
on what I spent deciding what my prices should be.

But that's just a personal decision of course. You could invent any kind
of pricing policy for yourself and there are good arguments for all of them.
Maybe in some of them it is actually a blessing that Brickstock downloads the
ex.VAT value.

But in what ever case, no matter what your pricing policy is, and no matter whether
you are VAT registered, no matter if you're a buyer or a seller, if you live
in the area where Bricklink displays prices including VAT for, for all these
people, it is just important to know this difference: priceguide on BL includes
VAT, priceguide downloaded through Brickstock excludes VAT. Then you can do whatever
you want with that information. But knowing it is important as it prevents us
from sleepwalking into a race to the bottom.

Ah what a grand place to start re-developing

(I think something might freeze over before that happens)

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 28, 2019 07:51

Subject:

Re: Brickstock questions

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Inventories, Teup writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

In Inventories, wilton1975 writes:

Guys,

Appreciate both your responses as they shed some much needed light. It is a little
strange that BrickStock doesn't seem to have a Help section explaining all
this.

HI there sorry I missed this thread earlier

Please bear in mind that Teup's comments do not really apply to the UK.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 28, 2019 05:18

Subject:

Re: Brickstock questions

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Inventories, wilton1975 writes:

Guys,

Appreciate both your responses as they shed some much needed light. It is a little
strange that BrickStock doesn't seem to have a Help section explaining all
this.

HI there sorry I missed this thread earlier

Please bear in mind that Teup's comments do not really apply to the UK. There
are very few stores in the UK which are registered for VAT. In addition to that
if you are not registered for VAT, and we presume you are not you are still paying
vat for your Lego and the total price that you pay should be reflected as your
cost - not a VAT exclusive price.

Example - you buy a large cup of 2 x 4 bricks from your local Lego store and
pay £11.24 for that cup. That is a VAT inclusive price, so the cost of your bricks
is 11p each. Now you wish to list those on Bricklink - you obviously need to
cover your costs so your price is based on cost + (whatever margin you wish to
set). You do not reduce the 11p per brick to 9p and use the same process against
9p - that would be financial suicide.

Other EU countries have different guidelines for VAT - many you have to register
if you have a business with no real threshold.

The UK prices that you see in the price guide on Bricklink contain VAT - you
can be sure of that.

What isn't good is the currency conversion factor between Bricklink and Brickstock
- that requir3es a lot more fine tuning than taking a 10% inc/dec. We have been
usint Brickstock for almost 10 years now (pre Brickstock was Brickstore) and
have had no problems with pricing. Of course we have our own way of doing it
but if you look at it carefully and know where you want your prices to be you
can use it and it is much quicker and easier than using Bricklink - although
with sellers tools coming (maybe) who knows what will happen there.

There really isn't a single way to use the product - like everything in life
you have to make adjustments - especially to get where you want it to be. We
have learned by trial and error and experimentation how to use it and so can
you - it just takes time and patience. We also have our own external system where
we have tracked prices for nearly 10 years which helps us to get where we want
to be.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 16, 2019 13:53

Subject:

Re: BrickStock Sub-condition

Viewed:

17 times

Topic:

In Inventories, wilton1975 writes:

Hi all

I have downloaded an XML version of my inventory via Brickstock.

When I open it I do not see any way to specify a set's sub-condition ie incomplete
or sealed.

Is it possible or does BrickStock have no way to specify a sub-condition.

Does anyone know?

No sub-condition currently in Brickstock

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 16, 2019 08:01

Subject:

Re: We need a modern way to part out sets.

Viewed:

76 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, HallBricks writes:

The "Part Out" tool feels very outdated, and is tedious to use. One accidental
click on a link, and you loose every data you have put in for each lot.

I know there are third party software used to upload parts to your inventory,
but think a much more powerful way to part out set should be offered by BrickLink.
Maybe a software you download to your computer, but it could also just be a massive
redesign of the existing tool online.

What I miss the most is easier ways to manage lots that already exist in my inventory.
I don't want to open a new page just to check the remarks for a certain lot,
because if I forget to open that link in a new tab I will loose all progress
made with the other lots. This information should be visible on the same page,
or I should be able to open it in a pop-up window.

When parting out huge sets with thousands of pieces, it would also be nice to
be able to save the progress and continue later. Maybe there should be one upload
button for each lot, so I don't have to go through the entire list first
and then submit all changes at once.

There are of course lots of different features that could be implemented to make
the Part Out tool even more powerful, like more advanced ways to set up automatic
prices, like 10% below average etc.

YOu are of course right - that feature needs re-thinking. Having said that I
am not yet convinced leaving it in the hands of the developers, without a proper
specification will gie us what we want/need. It would be absolutely brilliant
if they come to the members and ask for input - then produce a spec for review
and then once agreed - write the code. Not really going to happen is it. No work
is currently being done on the classic site whilst all efforts are directed to
the next great marvel Bricklink xp and then, according to Admin_russell sellers
tools are next, whatever that means. As we have been waiting since 2013 for some
indication as to what that will be and the only message which evens mentions
features was that from Admin suggesting that B2B should be part of sellers tools
????? I wonder who asked for that and what does it mean?

People who run stores both new and old know what they need far better than those
who have not run a store. They should be asked what is needed and as I mentioned
in the first paragraph given a significant say in what is developed. Not goint
to happen, I am sure but one could hope.

For starters we ned as a minimum the following:

1. Inventory management
1. Sales Metrics/dashboard
3. Access to Google Analytics information for no of visitors etc
4. More printing capabilities (parameter/choice driven
5. More options using Query by Form
6. A totally revamped MY Inventory page
7. A proper part-out log (not the current one)
8. Redesign of the part out feature
9. Redesign of the add inventory page
10. Proper backup capabilities
11. Re-visit downloads and make them compatible with modern tools

And that list could go on for days

Sorry to kind of hi-jack your thread.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 27, 2019 08:26

Subject:

Re: Visit count incrementing

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jamescorkhill writes:

Thanks for replying. I kind of thought that might be the case and you have confirmed
it.

I'm very new to selling, but a web developer myself, so any tips welcome.
Do you just embed one into your terms/splash page?

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, jamescorkhill writes:

Hi
I was wondering if was possible, or if it would make sense to stop the visit
count going up when you visit your own store. This would give a more accurate
idea of how many other people have looked at your store.

If I am misunderstanding what it is for please correct me.

The visitor counter is totally flawed and should not be used as an indicator
of visitors. If you press and hold the F5 Ker whilst in your store, or anyone
else does, you can make the counter jump horrendously.

We went from 60000 visitors a long time ago to 250,0000 overnight and you know
that cannot be real.

We had our web designer deal with this and now use our own counter, which many
other people also do.

It is a shame really as it appears Bricklink use Google analytics and could provide
much better information but to date have not seen this as important.

Good luck with your suggestion but without a radical change to the way the Bricklink
one currently works it is not helpful information.

That is the normal way, but to be honest I amm not sure how our guy did it. Will
ask him and repost.

It would be so much better if Bricklink would open up Analytics and let us all
do and see what we want.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 27, 2019 07:47

Subject:

Re: Visit count incrementing

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jamescorkhill writes:

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 15, 2019 13:12

Subject:

Re: Add ability to download Part Out Log

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, JulieK writes:

Please add ability to download the list of sets shown on the My Inventory: Part
Out Log.
Thank You.

Bumping. It would be nice to be able to download this info into an excel sheet.
It would make cross checking my records easier.
Thank You.

Hi there - voted no but need to explain. The part out log as it stands at present
isn't really much value. It needs to incorporate the transaction detail (which
it holds) before it would be worthwhile downloading it. The only thing it contains
at present is the set id and the date you parted it out.

But, again, unfortunately nothing is going on on the classic site whatsoever
- all development effort is being utilized on Bricklink XP (or whatever they
end up calling it).

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 2, 2019 13:33

Subject:

Re: Add HTML functionality to shipping message

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Leut writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, Leut writes:

When I ship an order with a courier and I get a track-and-trace code, I also
add a URL to the message with which the buyer can easily keep an eye on the courier's
website and the status of the parcel.

This URL however can only be inserted as plain text and looks rather old school
and not quite professional as I would like to see. An image is attached to show
what I mean.

Is it a possibility there's some kind of HTML options added to the shipment
message with which we -the sellers- are able to create good looking messages?

If something like this already exists or if there are any other options I might
have overlooked, please do inform so.

Hi there - very strange

We add the tracking url to our drive through messages and it works fine.

This is the URL that we use, replacing the [TRACKING NUMBVER] field with the
Post Office tracking number.

http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/track?trackNumber=[TRACKING NUMBER]

That already looks better than mine.

But wouldn’t it be more nicer to mention the tracking number only in the drive
through message, and this tracking number is a hyperlink, on which the buyer
can click to get routed to the courier’s statuspage?

That above URL is pasted into our drive-thru messages with the appropriate number
in it (replacing the word tracking number) and over 5000 orders later we have
never had a problem other than they click on the link and the post office haven't
updated the information yet but that always goes away after a day or so.

Go to your postal service or courier web site and I am sure in their support
section they will have a list of the URL's to use with examples. That is
what we did

We still agree with you about smartening up the message capabilities so it can
be more of a marketing tool but at least you should be able to do this without
any problems.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 2, 2019 13:11

Subject:

Re: Add HTML functionality to shipping message

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Leut writes:

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 23, 2018 10:50

Subject:

Re: Part out value may not always be accurate

Viewed:

27 times

Topic: