BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

Why can't BL just import all new parts from LEGO automatically (just like
RB and BS) and attach a label to them with something like "still to be considered/weighed/photographed/measured
by Bricklink's catalog administrators"?

I understand it's frustrating that the catalog isn't updated more frequently.
Some thoughts:

Rebrickable and Brickset aren't marketplaces.

Adding parts to our catalog before they're actually released enables multiple
problems.

The catalog team doesn't have physical access to new parts.

Of the activities you mentioned, we can only consider submissions. We can't
weigh, photograph, or measure things we don't have. It's true that
all of us have personal LEGO part collections, but we don't get new parts
when they're released - we have to buy them in sets like everyone else.

BrickLink is a community effort.

It sounds like you want to sacrifice what BrickLink has always been to gain convenience.
If the catalog is not updated with new items in a timely manner, the community
(including the catalog team) is responsible. Instead of shifting that responsibility
to others, why not accept it?

Why have you not submitted these new parts to the catalog with renders or photos
so that we can have them ready to go on January 1st when the new wave of sets
is released?

Be careful what you ask for.

If you were to keep pushing, you might eventually convince the LEGO Group to
come in and take over the catalog from the community. Your success may (or certainly
may not - don't be so sure of it) give you the convenience you want, but
you will also have succeeded in giving away the catalog and the community's
say-so in how it's kept.

Do you really want the LEGO Group running the catalog? If you do, then I can
assure you with complete confidence that you don't know the LEGO Group as
well as you imagine.

Buyers who are reading reviews on the aforementioned sites (but also NewElementary)
would have a better experience on BL(XP)

I don't know about you, friend, but it's hard for me to imagine anyone
having a good experience on XP.

Since BL is now owned by TLG I really, really don't get this!

I'll explain it simply: a year after they bought the site, TLG is keeping
their word and allowing the community to retain control of the catalog.

I agree with most of what you said above. However, in my post I specifically
mentioned "still to be considered/weighed/photographed/measured by Bricklink's
catalog administrators"
Perhaps I should elaborate on this.

So, let's start the dream...
When new parts are made by TLG the main data from these parts, including the
part number and official LEGO pictures, is sent to BL. Of course the information
sent comes with all usual disclaimers large companies apply to this kind of information.
I fully understand that.

There also may be an embargo in effect on which date these data may be used for
the first time. Since TLG sends out new sets for review to sites like Brickset,
Brother's Bricks and New Elementary to name a few of the larger sites, the
embargo should ideally last no longer than the date they send out the review
sets.

Dream continues:
At this moment BL (the largest bricks marketplace in the world and owned by TLG)
have data from the first hand and what BL could do is list these new parts
with an even stronger disclaimer than the one TLG forced upon BL when sending
the data.

For instance: We provide the number of this part and the picture as a courtesy
to our marketplace. Please use it as is. We are not responsible blabla or
any wording that suits the admins and thus ascertains that only after the usual
approval time the new part gets a definite status. (And definite is not definite
on BL!)

Here my 'dream' ended.
And when I was fully awake, making coffee and preparing to go to work, I realized
it was not just a dream but a prophecy.

Anyway: please consider my proposal.
And have nice holidays - COVID-wise.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Dec 19, 2020 11:22

Subject:

Why are new parts not added quicker to cat?

Viewed:

130 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

New parts that already can be found on Rebrickable and Brickset are not in the
catalog on BL.
Rebrickable and Brickset extract the information from the LEGO website.
example parts: 69958 and 71772 (https://rebrickable.com/search/?show_printed=on&include_accessory=1&q=71772&search_type=all).

Why can't BL just import all new parts from LEGO automatically (just like
RB and BS) and attach a label to them with something like "still to be considered/weighed/photographed/measured
by Bricklink's catalog administrators"?

Buyers who are reading reviews on the aforementioned sites (but also NewElementary)
would have a better experience on BL(XP) when they can at least search for the
new parts. This way new parts would also be available to sellers to sell - and
for buyers to buy.

Since BL is now owned by TLG I really, really don't get this!
It would be nice to get a reply from @Admin - I'm looking at Julia and Marvin
from TLG.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Dec 9, 2020 09:46

Subject:

Re: Why is this part in Panels?

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Turez writes:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

Why is part

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

in Panels and not in one of the Technic categories?
Just curious because it doesn't look like a panel at all https://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?pg=1&catString=91&catType=P.
Seems to me more a Connector.

See https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=258406&nID=1160384

Thanks, haven't seen that one. But none of the catmins joined that discussion
so here's my invitation to the catmins to have their say.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Dec 9, 2020 08:36

Subject:

Why is this part in Panels?

Viewed:

147 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Why is part

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

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Nov 23, 2020 07:03

Subject:

Re: Part 15712 in hitherto unknown color.

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, tonnic writes:

I have an First Order Stormtrooper with flamethrower on his back that is adjusted
with part 15712 black tile modified 1x1 open O clip.

One of these 15712 isn’t black but trans black, see my own made picture.
Not in any other set, not being sold in the last 6 months if I see it well.
It is the real deal, marked with Lego and partnumber.

If a Dutch Bricklinkmember is interested: make me an offer.
Shipping abroad would be very expensive since I cannot offer the lower shippingcosts
some Dutch sellers can, sorry!

15712 Tile, Modified 1 x 1 with Open O Clip
Parts: Tile, Modified

I could ship it for you to someone abroad

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Oct 26, 2020 12:15

Subject:

Re: Old and new trans-clear parts: what to do?

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

Anyway, there’s still the second point: LEGO uses the same colour name / still
considers them the same colour.
BL could make a new colour to differentiate the two shades but that will be difficult
to enforce (and confusing).
We risk having many Alternates. The inventories that are pre-filled with LEGO’s
data will need to be checked more thoroughly for yet another variant.

And then it’s also an open door to differentiate all the shades of all the inconsistent
colours.
Pros and cons have to be weighted carefully.

Good point. On Brick Owl there's a pre defined setting for sellers where
they can select if they differentiate between particular part variants (see pic).

It would be nice if there was a similar ~ and mandatory ~ check for all shops
here on BL. Default should be set to 'No'. Same could be done about very
obvious colour variants.
Pearl Gold and trans-clear being the first candidates.

There's a lot to say about this. Look forward to read your thoughts.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Oct 26, 2020 11:52

Subject:

Re: Old and new trans-clear parts: what to do?

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

I'ld like some guidance from the catalog admins here. How to describe the
other type of plastic and reduced opacity?

I'm honestly not entirely sure we can guide you on this issue.

Yes, I would probably be dissatisfied as a buyer if I got the yellowed parts
in your picture. But there are a number of existing colors that vary, some rather
significantly (dark red, pearl gold, etc.). TLG is fairly careful about certain
aspects of their products, but color definitely ain't one of them.

I think the best thing you could do in this situation is include a note in your
item-for-sale listings briefly describing the differences in appearance. Or,
what might be better: list them separately.

I don't think there's anything we can do as CAs to resolve this issue.
It would be highly impractical to add new colors to our palette to account for
unintentional quality variations.

Agree with your last sentence.
Making a note in the description (same what Randy suggested) sounds like a way
to tackle this problem but in practice it's hardly doable. When I add items
(part out sets) to my inventory the lots are merged. I already have over 5500
lots.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Oct 26, 2020 00:52

Subject:

Re: Old and new trans-clear parts: what to do?

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

In Catalog, randyf writes:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

I'm surprised that my post didn't receive more reactions. So I'm
bumping this.
Sellers? Catalog admins?

Greetings, Martin

If you are concerned, separate them in your store with notes on each one. Other
sellers do the same thing with the varying shades of Pearl Gold or Trans-Orange,
so why would this be any different?

I'ld like some guidance from the catalog admins here. How to describe the
other type of plastic and reduced opacity?

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Oct 25, 2020 13:31

Subject:

Re: Old and new trans-clear parts: what to do?

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

Again the picture.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Oct 25, 2020 13:30

Subject:

Re: Old and new trans-clear parts: what to do?

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

I'm surprised that my post didn't receive more reactions. So I'm
bumping this.
Sellers? Catalog admins?

Greetings, Martin

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

As some of you will know: TLG recently changed the plastic they were using to
mould trans-clear elements.
I remember having read some critical comments about this, perhaps on New Elementary
or on the Brickset Forum, but I can't remember exactly where.

Anyway: the new plastic material that is used by TLG today is far more prone
to scratching than the old plastic. The colour is also significant different.

I show this in picture below. The trans clear parts on the right side are from
sets that I purchased (and parted out for my shop) before 2019/2020. The parts
on the left side were purchased via the PAB wall in a LEGO shop, but they are
common in recent sets as well.

So my question is: what to do?
Suppose someone orders 8 1x2 transparent bricks from my shop and I send him/her
4x a brick from the left side of my picture and 4x a brick from the right side?
I don't think the customer will be happy!

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Oct 24, 2020 10:48

Subject:

Old and new trans-clear parts: what to do?

Viewed:

162 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Oct 12, 2020 11:44

Subject:

Re: Reasons for

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

In Catalog, Stellar writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

6091 Slope, Curved 2 x 1 x 1 1/3 with Recessed Stud
Parts: Slope, Curved

being moved to slopes - surely this is more appropriate in Bricks, arch

What if the category was named Slope, round? Would that fit better all slope,
curved plus a couple more items?

Really not sure. TLG call slopes - roof tiles;

6091 is called Brick with Arvh - it just seems odd that they are now in slopes

You are long enough around here to know that TLG names are very vague and not
really helpful for people searching for certain bricks.
That's one of the reasons Bricklink was created.

2423 Plant Leaves 4 x 3
Parts: Plant

is called LIMB ELEMENT SMALL by TLG

4085d Plate, Modified 1 x 1 with Open O Clip Thick (Vertical Grip)
Parts: Plate, Modified

is called: PLATE 1X1 W. HOLDER by TLG

Please tell me what a limb is or a holder and how those terms would be helpful
in identifying a LEGO element.

Personally I consider your post as not helpful at all. Please read the
posts (with extensive explanations) from catalogue admin Stormchaser.

(and install a spell check plug-in to your browser or phone --- "arvh")

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Oct 9, 2020 11:59

Subject:

Please show part numbers in Shopping Cart

Viewed:

79 times

Topic:

Suggestions

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

The shopping cart while checking out shows a picture and description of
the part you want to buy, but no part number.
Please add the part number somewhere here.

Thank you.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Sep 3, 2020 09:40

Subject:

Re: Rounded bricks in "Slope Curved"? Really?

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

Yes, this is a change. Yes, it will take a little getting used to. But it makes
more intuitive sense to have these similar parts in the same category.

I welcome this change. For me it really makes sense. Both for my organizing
my moc parts collection as well my BL inventory. Good work!

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Jul 13, 2020 11:47

Subject:

Re: Add feature of minimum FB for listings.

Viewed:

79 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, Heartbricker writes:

This will be unpopular with new buyers but may have support from sellers who
have been defrauded.
We instituted a measure to protect from fraud (based on being defrauded in the
past) where we require buyers to have a minimum of 5-10 positive feedbacks in
order to purchase certain high priced sets.
Currently, we can only put that in the item's description and buyers ignore
it and place the orders anyway which creates a sticky situation.

So the suggestion is:
Add a feature to individual listings that will prevent buyers with feedback rating
under X to purchase a certain item.
I can see merit to limiting X to 10 so sellers don't demand a buyer has 10,000
to be able to purchase items.

We allow 0 and low FB rated buyers to buy 99.99% of listings in our shop but
have been burnt a couple of times by 0 FB buyers who bought sealed sets in mint
condition and claimed they were opened and used and returned us boxes with non-LEGO
items in one instance and ransacked set on another purchase- PayPal obviously
sided with the buyers both times.

I'm hoping this will be a measure that would prevent this type of fraud and
will be optional to allow sellers the chance to opt out.

I understand what your problem is, but wouldn't it be more effective or efficient
to limit the order amount for first time buyers to a certain amount, say € 50?

Anyway: I don't think your suggestion will gather much support. A buyer has
to start somewhere.

So basically I understand your frustration but I'm also afraid that there's
no easy fix for it.

And for the very reason you mention: I don't sell sealed sets which are over
€ 30. The hassle to get it packaged fool proof to survive international transport....
not my cup of tea.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Jul 11, 2020 14:54

Subject:

Re: How to combine parts into a new c01 entry?

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

I'ld like to see a new entry in the catalog for the combination of these:

901956 Dots Sorting Tray - 7 Compartment Small, Lid
Gear: Storage, Sorting Tray: Dots

and

901957 Dots Sorting Tray - 7 Compartment Small, Bottom
Gear: Storage, Sorting Tray: Dots

When I'm correct in those cases a new part number is required with the extension
c01. How to proceed?

I don't think this is something that would be approved. No other tray/bucket/base
and lid combinations are in the catalog as combined entries that I'm aware
of. You have the option of listing the trays and lids as a superlot, but setting
new catalog precedent by adding these kinds of entries is probably not a path
we'd want to go down.

Why?
When you look at reviews of Dots sets the boxes are very positively received
and have potential resale value. Going the historically ‘correct’ procedure that
similar parts were not approved earlier is not a valid reason imo. The world
is changing and what was not ok in the past might be ok now.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Jul 11, 2020 11:41

Subject:

How to combine parts into a new c01 entry?

Viewed:

57 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

I'ld like to see a new entry in the catalog for the combination of these:

901956 Dots Sorting Tray - 7 Compartment Small, Lid
Gear: Storage, Sorting Tray: Dots

and

901957 Dots Sorting Tray - 7 Compartment Small, Bottom
Gear: Storage, Sorting Tray: Dots

When I'm correct in those cases a new part number is required with the extension
c01. How to proceed?

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Jul 2, 2020 12:26

Subject:

Re: Sprues

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Gmid writes:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

In Catalog, hpoort writes:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

Are sprues like the one from
[p=x8] in the catalog?
If yes: how to find?
If no: why not?

I would have been interested in buying them when I first discovered their use
in MOCs. I had to buy new leaves instead, in the hope they would include the
sprues.

This might be one of those cases where it would be good to make an exception
and include it in the catalogue. You could try to add it and see what the catmins
think of it. Whether the sprue alone stands a chance, I don't think so, but
the 'leaves on sprue' part has precedents in the flowers, coins and keys.

They are indeed used in MOC's, just like the pins that hold together RC Rails
or the sprue that holds the Harry Potter wands.
[p=36752c01]

The latter one is a popular 'part' in MOC's after New Elementary
published an excellent in-depth article about it: https://www.newelementary.com/2018/08/how-to-use-lego-harry-potter-wand-sprue.html#more

You can see that this part has System connections. So while it is not a part
that you can buy in the LEGO bricks shop, it is somehow a LEGO thing that people
want to buy (and sell).

I do agree there is some sort of inconsistency here. We do have a bunch of sprue-like
parts with no official usage in the library though:

bb0219 Train, Track Plastic (RC Trains) Connection/Stacking Pin for Track Storage
Parts: Train, Track {Dark Bluish Gray}

41752 Rubber Band / Belt Holder 2 x 4 x 2 1/3
Parts: Rubber Band & Belt {Dark Bluish Gray}

Both of these are randomly used in MOCs.

And then we have a whole bunch of items listed 'on sprue', flowers, above
wands, infinity stones, etc etc. But the sprue itself is not listed. Appears
that if there are multiple items on a sprue, it is listed as such, but if there
is a single item on a sprue, the sprue is ignored. But some of these sprues might
be very useful for some builds: [p=30112c01,47], [p=6176c01,44].

Thanks for your analysis, good work!

I guess we have to wait for the catalogue admins to chime in when they are awake

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Jul 2, 2020 11:34

Subject:

Re: Sprues

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

In Catalog, yorbrick writes:

In Catalog, hpoort writes:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

Are sprues like the one from
[p=x8] in the catalog?
If yes: how to find?
If no: why not?

If that one is allowed, then all the others should be allowed too. Some of them
have uses, or may have uses in the future.

I agree. Overall I don't think that there are many items that would have
to be added. It could go to gear (like Miro suggested) or maybe to a new category.

Author:

Leftoverbricks

Posted:

Jul 2, 2020 11:16

Subject:

Re: Sprues

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34 times

Topic: