Redisplay Messages: Compact | Brief | All | Full Show Messages: All | Without Replies| Author: | calsbricks  | | Posted: | Feb 9, 2020 12:10 | | Subject: | Re: Description Standardization Note | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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
|
|
| Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 9, 2020 06:29 | | Subject: | Re: Description Standardization Note | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Suggestions | |
|
| 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: | Suggestions | |
|
| 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: | Suggestions | |
|
| 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: | Suggestions | |
|
| 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€.
|
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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| In Problem, yorbrick writes:
| | | | 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.
|
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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | |
|
| 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: | Catalog | | Status: | Open | |
|
| 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.
|
|
| Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Jan 3, 2020 13:06 | | Subject: | Re: Show item quantity on catalog item page! | | Viewed: | 46 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, mfav writes:
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. .
|
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