Discussion Forum: Messages by StormChaser (566)
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 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 16, 2021 19:08
 Subject: Re: Adjusting Colour Names such as Bluish Grey?
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 Topic: Suggestions
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In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:
  Either way what is it about ‘old’ in the colour names that Bricklink doesn’t
like?

Old is an undefined word, as is new. Old as relative to what? We've run
into problems in the past using old/new as descriptors and are definitely moving
away from using those two words. They are ultimately meaningless.

For example, if TLG deliberately changes the colors of grays again, we're
stuck renaming everything again. And to what? Old LBG, New LBG, and Even Newer
LBG?
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 16, 2021 03:31
 Subject: Re: Some sad news
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, Stuart9 writes:
  A huge thank you from me for all that you, Hygrotus, have done and posted over
the years, you will certainly be missed regarding your contributions.

Marek really brought a lot of value to BrickLink. I enjoyed working with him
and am going to miss that.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 13, 2021 11:23
 Subject: Re: Category Changes, Part Two
 Viewed: 33 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, leopard37 writes:
  I propose sub categories to thin out the main categories.

This is a good idea and we'd like to move toward it. The problem is that
the main categories list already numbers in the hundreds. We'd prefer to
have submenus before we do a bunch of additional splitting.

Please see this message for more information:

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1168807

If you'd like to vote on it, see this message:

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1169569
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 13, 2021 11:18
 Subject: Re: Why should I...
 Viewed: 55 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, StormChaser writes:
  We apologize for this error on our part. The deletion was due to circumstances
beyond our control.

Those are contradictory statements, but hopefully you get the general drift.
We didn't intentionally remove your pending submission, but we regret that
it happened nonetheless.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 13, 2021 11:16
 Subject: Re: Why should I...
 Viewed: 62 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, Bendix writes:
  ...upload an item for the catalog - when it is deleted due to unknown reasons?

We apologize for this error on our part. The deletion was due to circumstances
beyond our control. We typically try to notify submitters when a submission
cannot be approved.

You're welcome to resubmit this item with the image.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 13, 2021 11:01
 Subject: Re: Category Changes, Part Two
 Viewed: 39 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, Stellar writes:
  Propose:

I really like that you're interested in discussing the category guidelines,
but I'm a little confused on the changes you'd like to see. It would
be helpful for me if you'd post the current guidelines and then your revised
guidelines so I can understand the differences between them.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 12:24
 Subject: Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 8313-1
 Viewed: 29 times
 Topic: Inventories Requests
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In Inventories Requests, yorbrick writes:
  Do you prefer to wait until the minifig is approved before filing the removals?

I think it would be best to wait until you've had some time to calm down
so that we can have a more rational discussion on this topic.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 12:13
 Subject: Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 8313-1
 Viewed: 24 times
 Topic: Inventories Requests
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In Inventories Requests, yorbrick writes:
  Please make changes to the following inventory:
 
Set No: 8313  Name: Nick Bluetooth Deluxe
* 
8313-1 (Inv) Nick Bluetooth Deluxe
15 Parts, 2002
Sets: Galidor

* Delete 2 Part gal22 Dark Gray Galidor Limb Leg Nick, Bottom Section with Black Shoe
* Delete 2 Part x283c01 Dark Gray Galidor Limb Leg with Patch Pocket, Pin Socket and Dark Gray Pin
* Delete 2 Part gal16 Medium Violet Galidor Limb Arm Nick, Top Section
* Delete 1 Part gal21 Medium Violet Galidor Torso Nick with Dark Gray Pants
* Delete 1 Part gal10 Nougat Galidor Head Nick, with 1 Pin
* Delete 2 Part gal17 Nougat Galidor Limb Arm Nick, Bottom Section
* Delete 2 Part x281c02 Violet Galidor Wing with Turbine Cannon and Dark Gray Pin

Comments from Submitter:
Converting to figure

You're acting from your emotions and feelings here, not your reason or logic.
You would first need to add the figure to the catalog before these requests
could be approved.

I encourage you to work with us on making the situation better rather than sniping
at us from the sidelines.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 12:10
 Subject: Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 4566-1
 Viewed: 19 times
 Topic: Inventories Requests
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In Inventories Requests, axaday writes:
  I considered it. I just looked at the statuette's to see precedent and apparently
30598 pb names are what I should have used to begin with.

There are no guidelines for figure item numbers. In the absence of written guidelines,
you did fine. There are no right or wrong answers.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 12:07
 Subject: Re: Category Changes, Part Two
 Viewed: 38 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, yorbrick writes:
  My solution would be that it is not a figure, but the guidelines say it is for
anyone that wants to change it.

I should have been more clear. If you disagree with the current situation with
portions of the catalog, please offer concrete suggestions to improve the situation.
This must occur at the level of policy/guidelines.

So, an example of these kinds of suggestions:

1. I think you guys should rewrite the guidelines for minifigs to say
exactly this thing: "Minifigs are defined as (insert content)."

2. Then you guys should delete every item in the catalog that does not
comply with the newly written definition.

Criticizing those who are actually working to resolve some of these longstanding
issues with the catalog makes you feel good and I get that. I do it too and
for the same reasons: it releases neurochemicals for me.

But until you put in the effort to effect solutions rather than just pointing
out problems, you're behaving in destructive rather than constructive ways.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 11:55
 Subject: Re: Category Changes, Part Two
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, yorbrick writes:
  How is this type of minifigure to be handled?

You're welcome to offer solutions to the problems you point out.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 11:43
 Subject: Re: Category Changes, Part Two
 Viewed: 42 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, yorbrick writes:
  I just find it ridiculous that anyone, but especially a company owned by LEGO
themselves, would refer to a DUPLO train as a minifigure.

I think we get around it by using the slang term minifig.

I first started asking in the fall of 2018 for this issue to be corrected. In
fact, I made a list of all the different types of things BrickLink considers
to be "minifigs":

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2489#FigureTypes

I've not gotten any responses whatsoever to my requests to change the way
we refer to figures. But we really need updates to the way figures are handled
in inventories before we approve more of these kinds of figure assemblies for
catalog addition.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 11:23
 Subject: Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 18-1
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 Topic: Inventories Requests
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In Inventories Requests, SezaR writes:
  Please make changes to the following inventory

These requests were not approved because they were accompanied by a sum total
of zero evidence for the claims made.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 11:15
 Subject: Re: Category Changes, Part Two
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, Stellar writes:
  Why is
[27928]
moved to plate, modified
and
[2401]
moved to plate, wedge?

Please see the definitions of those categories on this recently-updated page:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=1568

  I think the wedge base should be the defining characteristic.

As always, if you or any other member want to offer suggestions for redefining
categories that are an improvement you're welcome to do so.

  There are other parts in the wedge, plate category that have modifications apart
from the wedge.

Right, and the list is not complete yet. It won't be complete until March
1st (and subject to review/approval during March).
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 12, 2021 11:09
 Subject: Re: Category Changes, Part Two
 Viewed: 45 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, yorbrick writes:
  The entire assembly of this set, and all other buildable figures should be moved
into minifigures. These are characters built out of parts like Thomas the Tank
Engine, Cars, etc. As those examples are now minifigures, then surely so are
these characters.

It is not possible to make everyone happy.

As I said here:

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1246481

"Ideally, we would hold off on these changes until the inventory system was
corrected and we could move all figures to counterparts. But people have been
asking for these figures to be considered figures for years and years, so I don't
see that it would really hurt anything to do it now."


I get your objections and I agree with them, to some degree. The addition of
the additional Thomas the Tank figures was not part of msSquirrel's original
request.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 11, 2021 11:39
 Subject: Re: 4150px33 variant
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, normann1974 writes:
  So maybe the other suggestion, I proposed?

"Does this warrant a split or should a note be added?"

Yes, in this instance the standard procedure for newly-discovered variants of
all kinds can be followed:

1. Submit a comparison photo showing the differences.

2. Request an additional note. This can be done by including a message
to us with the photo submission or, if you'd prefer a more formal approach,
with a discussion forum catalog request.

3. Request that an item relationship be added for the part as an unsplit
part variant.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 11, 2021 10:58
 Subject: Re: 4150px33 variant
 Viewed: 32 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, normann1974 writes:
  Admin?

We're not super-thrilled about splitting anything right now. Especially
print variations and even more especially print variations for which we don't
know if the color differences are intentional or just poor quality control.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 9, 2021 13:34
 Subject: Re: set 1944-1
 Viewed: 28 times
 Topic: Catalog Requests
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In Catalog Requests, Stellar writes:
  I thought that indeed it can be removed, check most foil packs

Instructions entries can be removed. In the case of 1944-1, it's a different
kind of flaw.

  Also, can the images of [1944-1] be moved to default the one showing the storage
case with the boxed set?

We can't move images from one place to another. Images have to be downloaded
and uploaded. You're welcome to do this if you'd like the images arranged
differently.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 9, 2021 13:25
 Subject: Re: set 1944-1
 Viewed: 29 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, samsam2 writes:
  Sure, but I guess I don't understand why there are two sets.

The idea is to treat sets with storage cases consistently catalog-wide when the
items in a bundle are packaged separately. Some sets absolutely require separate
catalog entries because they were sold in different ways:

 
Set No: 6271  Name: Imperial Flagship
* 
6271-1 (Inv) Imperial Flagship
295 Parts, 4 Minifigures, 1992
Sets: Pirates: Pirates I: Imperial Guards
 
Set No: 6271  Name: Imperial Flagship with Free Storage Case
* 
6271-2 (Inv) Imperial Flagship with Free Storage Case
1 Set, 1 Gear, 1992
Sets: Pirates: Pirates I: Imperial Guards



 
Set No: 7153  Name: Jango Fett's Slave I
* 
7153-1 (Inv) Jango Fett's Slave I
352 Parts, 2 Minifigures, 2002
Sets: Star Wars: Star Wars Episode 2
 
Set No: 65153  Name: Jango Fett's Slave I (Set 7153) with Carrying Case
* 
65153-1 (Inv) Jango Fett's Slave I (Set 7153) with Carrying Case
1 Set, 1 Gear, 2002
Sets: Star Wars: Star Wars Episode 2



 
Set No: 3722  Name: Treasure Tomb
* 
3722-2 (Inv) Treasure Tomb
147 Parts, 3 Minifigures, 1998
Sets: Adventurers: Desert
 
Set No: 3722  Name: Treasure Tomb {Toys "R" Us Exclusive Version}
* 
3722-1 (Inv) Treasure Tomb {Toys "R" Us Exclusive Version}
1 Set, 1 Gear, 1998
Sets: Adventurers: Desert

Therefore, for the sake of consistency, all sets should ideally be treated like
the above examples. Moving toward the catalog-wide consistency in this area
was something I began some years ago and never finished.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 8, 2021 14:54
 Subject: Re: set 1944-1
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, samsam2 writes:
  1944-1 does not need an instruction entry, only 1944-2 which is the set with
the parts.
Stormchaser is the one who added the -2 subset so maybe when he has time to respond,
he will explain how this works.

You are correct that 1944-1 technically should not have an instructions entry.
However, the instructions entry cannot be removed from the set entry due to
a flaw in site architecture. Thus, it remains.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 7, 2021 12:23
 Subject: Re: Friends accessories pin vs bar classification
 Viewed: 33 times
 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, Miro78 writes:
  I'll await to hear back from Catalog
admin to see how they want to handle it.

In the absence of written guidelines for item titles, any attempts to standardize
titles is potentially a waste of time.

We are currently struggling in our attempts to adopt written guidelines for the
most important aspects of the catalog and item titles are one of those things
(including how part features such as clips, pins, holes, bars, joints, hinges,
etc. are described and unifying the terminology used). Also sorely needed are
clear, consistent, and easily-comprehensible written guidelines for:

Part assemblies, including figures
Item dimensions
Item numbers
Search terms/keywords
Part variants
Colors and how they're used and inventoried

Our seeming inability to progress in these areas is a result of several different
causes, but we are still trying. The progress is exceptionally slow and we are
no happier about that than everyone else.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 3, 2021 22:40
 Subject: Re: BAM Plans - Finished
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, Turez writes:
  Can we have inventories for these?

Yes.

  I think the Halloween set would not be a problem, but the Christmas set seems
to come in different versions.

As long as there aren't a crazily excessive number, the inventories system
is capable of handling alternate items.

  Maybe they could be added as alternates in the inventories. Any thoughts?

I see no reason not to add them as alternate items.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 1, 2021 12:15
 Subject: Re: Category Changes, Part Two
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, firestar246 writes:
  Also, can the headgear and hair issue be fixed this time around? Those pieces
that are a headgear with hair should all be stuck in either one category or the
other.

Can you be more specific with examples here, please?
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Feb 1, 2021 02:43
 Subject: Category Changes, Part Two
 Viewed: 208 times
 Topic: Catalog
 Status:Open
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Okay, we're ready to hear what you want moved.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 23, 2021 12:55
 Subject: Re: How to add 'bag' 21 of set 75978?
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:
  I would like to add this to the catalogue but I don't know how to proceed
since it's not a set in itself.

I think at this time we probably wouldn't approve an item like this for a
separate catalog entry. It sets too much of a precedent for adding individually-bagged
or boxed interior packaging of sets.

It's possible in the future that we'd have the technical ability to present
an inventory by interior packaging as an alternate view. I know people would
appreciate that functionality. But that would take a whole lot of work and probably
wouldn't happen anytime soon.

  Maybe treat it the same as cardboard sleeves, catalogue-wise?

Cardboard sleeves (and multipacks), obviously, set a precedent that would indicate
the acceptableness of adding the Diagon Alley box. But, as I said, we probably
would stop before going that far with precedents.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 17, 2021 13:15
 Subject: Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 3815-1
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 Topic: Inventories Requests
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In Inventories Requests, LEdougGO writes:
  Please make changes to the following inventory:
 
Set No: 3815  Name: Heroic Heroes of the Deep
* 
3815-1 (Inv) Heroic Heroes of the Deep
77 Parts, 3 Minifigures, 2011
Sets: SpongeBob SquarePants

* Add 1 Part 6041 Black Propeller 3 Blade 3 Diameter (match ID 3815)

Comments from Submitter:
instruction booklet calls for two

The other one is here:

 
Minifig No: bob027  Name: Plankton - Domed Helmet
* 
bob027 (Inv) Plankton - Domed Helmet
Minifigures: SpongeBob SquarePants
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 11, 2021 23:39
 Subject: Re: Cylinder Hemisphere 3 x 3 Ball Turret Socket
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, The_RealRedHex writes:
  putting in a category change request?

Please do not request any category changes right now. They will not be approved.


We'll open a forum thread three weeks from today for our next movement of
parts that will happen in April. Mention any category changes you want to see
in that thread.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 11, 2021 05:04
 Subject: Re: Figure Titling Guidelines (DeLuca)
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog Requests, DeLuca writes:
  I understand that it is difficult to implement concrete Catalog-wide standards,
but there is some decision-making process that determines if a Catalog
change-request is accepted or rejected.

The decision-making process is irrelevant without written guidelines.

I've spent hours today on creating guidelines and didn't get super-far
(in addition to all the time I've spent in the past). Figure titling is
an incredibly complicated issue.

You have 33 pending change requests, most of which are to change figure titles.
How about this: before we go shuffling the words in figure titles around yet
again, why don't you suggest some guidelines?

As regards the pending requests, here are some questions to consider as you draft
your guidelines (there's no need to answer them here in the forum - just
in your proposed guidelines):

Change Item Name from
{Ogel Minion, Super Ice Drone, Alpha Team Arctic}
to
{Super Ice Drone - Mission Deep Freeze, Trans-Medium Blue Helmet, Red Scarab
Symbol with Silver Outline, Black Evil Skull}


Why are hyphenated divisions better than comma-separated divisions?
Is this just your personal preference?
What about parenthetical divisions - what role should they play in figure titles?
What about other forms of punctuation in titles?
Why was "Ogel Minion" removed from the title?
Should it be there - if so, where?
Where does the term "Super Ice Drone" come from?
Is Ogel Minion any kind of official term or just something someone made up?
Why was the word "arctic" included in the original title?
Why is the theme Alpha Team included in the original title?
Don't categories handle this?
Why was it removed in your request?
How does it affect sorting by name when there is no sub-theme?
Why was the sub-theme included in your request?
Are all the identifiers (helmet and color, torso pattern, head description) included
in your revision necessary?
If so, why aren't they included for all figures?
Should they be?

Change Item Name from
{Ogel Minion, Alpha Team Arctic}
to
{Ice Drone - Mission Deep Freeze, Trans-Medium Blue Helmet, Red Scarab Symbol,
Evil Skull}


What is the difference between an ice drone and a super ice drone?
Who determined it and how reliable is the information?
People enjoy browsing figures by title and I believe it's the default setting
- how would these figures be sorted if this category had, say, 500 figures?
Wouldn't ice drones appear very far apart (in the I and S sections)?

Change Item Name from
{Ogel, Black Hands}
to
{Ogel - Black Hands}


Why is a named figure treated differently than an unnamed figure?
Should it be?
Why or why not?

Change Item Name from
{Alpha Team Android}
to
{Tee Vee - Mission Deep Freeze, Android}


What is more important as the first word in the title, when it comes to sorting:
the character name (Tee Vee) or what the character is (an android)?

Change Item Name from
{Zed}
to
{Zed - Mission Deep Freeze, Sports Helmet with Black and Blue Bangs and Goatee}


There's only one Zed in the entire catalog. Why, then, is it necessary to
describe further?
And, if it is necessary, then why did your Ninjago work not follow this philosophy?
Also, does the sports helmet have black and blue bangs and a goatee?
Are "with" and "and" necessary in figure titles, or would comma separation work
to the same effect?
Why were only two attributes (the helmet and the head) described in the title?
Since titles have limited room, what attributes are chosen to be described therein
and what is the criteria for selecting them?

Change Item Name from
{Ogel, Trans-Red Hook}
to
{Ogel - Mission Deep Sea, Black Hand and Trans-Red Hook}


Why was it necessary to describe the other hand in the title?
What role do images play in titles?
Must everything in the image be described, or does the image itself perform some
role of description?
If the image takes on some role in describing an object, don't categories
do the same?
If so, should they ever be included in titles?

Change Item Name from
{Ogel Minion Commander}
to
{Skeleton Drone - Police Cap and Red Epaulettes, Standard Skull}


Not a single word from the original title was kept - who is responsible for answering
complaints when people can't find something?
Is it worth keeping old title language within a new title for a period of time?
If so, where will it go and how will it be distinguished from the revised title?
How long will it be kept?
How will we find it to change it?
What is a standard skull?
Titling this with the first word as "skeleton" will group this figure with other
skeletons - is this desirable?
This figure is neither a skeleton, nor a drone - if "Skeleton Drone" is what
the figure is officially referred to, then how can it be titled properly for
sorting?

I look forward to seeing your ideas for figure title guidelines. 'Cause,
as I mentioned, I sorta ran into some dead ends.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 21:07
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog Requests, DeLuca writes:
  I understand that it is difficult to implement concrete Catalog-wide standards

I'm working on this right now.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 19:59
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog Requests, DeLuca writes:
  BTW, why did you change "Sensei Wu" to "Wu Sensei"?

Because some Wus were sorted together by name and others were scattered all over
by name. Now all the Wus are together. If you'd like the title to say "Wu,
Sensei Wu" that's no problem. It still searches just fine no matter the
word order.

But the character's name should be the first word in the title and this fella's
name is Wu. Sensei is an honorific term. That's just a rule I made up,
by the way. Because we have no guidelines.

  He has only been referred
to as the former.

Even as a child?

 
Minifig No: njo632  Name: Wu Child
* 
njo632 (Inv) Wu Child
Minifigures: NINJAGO: Sons of Garmadon

Sensei Wu Child?

  Having some guidelines is better than having none at all

I agree. But . . . again, I cannot force this to happen. I've been trying
for over a decade now to institute logical, consistent, easy-to-understand systems
catalog-wide. But even where I am, there are still barriers.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 17:56
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog Requests, DeLuca writes:
  
 
Minifig No: njo001  Name: Zane - The Golden Weapons
* 
njo001 (Inv) Zane - The Golden Weapons
Minifigures: NINJAGO: The Golden Weapons
D/F - This name is missing necessary details (the season title)

The season titles do make it convenient to not actually title these figures
(it's another type 1/type 2 method of titling). The sub-categorization of
each figure should already have the season title. It's not necessary in
the figure title.

BUT . . .

We have no real guidelines for figure titles. This is all we got and it ain't
been updated significantly in many years:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=179

We attempted to work on item title guidelines, but multiple issues derailed the
work. I do not expect much progress in the foreseeable future on these pages:

Adding Catalog Items
Item Dimensions
Item Name
Item Number


In the absence of guidelines, whatever any of us do with titles, dimensions,
or item numbers is pretty meaningless. It's truly waste of time.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 16:16
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog Requests, StormChaser writes:
  
  "Classic Pirates"

Forgot to mention this: there's no such thing as classic pirates. Why?
Just because.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 16:14
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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In Catalog Requests, DeLuca writes:
  I utterly despise inconsistency,
"Classic Pirates"

I forgot about pirates! An interesting example of catalog inconsistency.

What was done for pirates was to name them:

Pirates I
Pirates II
Pirates III


That equates to exactly what I was suggesting.

Pirates I encompasses 1989-2002. Pirates II is for 2009-2010. Pirates III is
for 2015. So past administrators already did what I'm suggesting, but they
failed to title these categories properly (a type 1/type 2 error, where a thing
is seemingly named, but not meaningfully named).

Of course, proper titling can only be done in retrospect because the length of
time a theme will last is unknown. But in retrospect we can see that these categories
should be titled:

Pirates, 1989-2002
Pirates, 2009-2010
Pirates, 2015
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 16:03
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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In Catalog Requests, StormChaser writes:
  Brief summary: space seems okay, but other uses of the word "classic" still have
problems.

Interestingly, classic castle apparently lasted only from 1978-1983. It only
included eight sets.

But here we have a 2013-2014 theme that was titled only "Castle" by TLG and included
around eight sets:

 
Set No: 70402  Name: The Gatehouse Raid
* 
70402-1 (Inv) The Gatehouse Raid
228 Parts, 4 Minifigures, 2013
Sets: Castle

So it has no sub-theme at all. The year-based categorization scheme, at least
in retrospect, makes more obvious sense here than it does in space.

Castle, 1978-1983
Castle, 2013-2014

Still, perhaps the primary problems with the use of the word "classic" aren't
so much in space or castle, but in town.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 15:54
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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In Catalog Requests, StormChaser writes:
  Classic Space, Classic Town, Classic Castle, etc. were poorly-thought-out terms
by short-sighted people focusing solely upon themselves and their own experiences
with LEGO toys.

In fairness to those who came before, I have to backtrack on some of that. Perhaps
I was too harsh.

At least for space, it looks like pretty much everything else was named after
the '79-'88 period. So we had Blacktron, Alien Conquest, Futuron, Unitron,
Spyrius, Galaxy Squad, RoboForce, Life on Mars, Ice Planet 2002, Exploriens,
etc.

So there actually was, at least for space, this single decade (not likely to
reoccur) where space sets had a similar theme and appearance, but weren't
officially themed within a titled theme. In fact, after a brief glance I see
just one space set that doesn't really fit in any sub-theme:

 
Set No: 1785  Name: Introducing Crater Critters
* 
1785-1 (Inv) Introducing Crater Critters
144 Parts, 1995
Sets: Space

So maybe "Classic Space" is fine. Don't know about the other uses of the
word "classic" though. Still not a big fan of the word.

I see that "Classic Town" encompassed the time period of 1978-2005. That's
a pretty big range and there are a lot of different styles of sets in the total
of 452 sets. Some sets within that time period get their own categories without
being classic:

 
Set No: 1097  Name: Res-Q Runner
* 
1097-1 (Inv) Res-Q Runner
12 Parts, 1 Minifigure, 1999
Sets: Town: Res-Q

While others from the same year are classic:

 
Set No: 2774  Name: Airshow (Red Tiger)
* 
2774-1 (Inv) Airshow (Red Tiger)
118 Parts, 3 Minifigures, 1999
Sets: Town: Classic Town: Airport
 
Set No: 3438  Name: McDonald's Restaurant
* 
3438-1 (Inv) McDonald's Restaurant
86 Parts, 2 Minifigures, 1999
Sets: Town: Classic Town: Food & Drink

Brief summary: space seems okay, but other uses of the word "classic" still have
problems.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 15:33
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog Requests, DeLuca writes:
  I usually try to keep names
as similar to their original versions as is possible

Really no need to worry about that. You do good catalog work. If you can improve
on a title, go for it.

  In this case, "Classic" is part of the search term "Classic Space", which is
a recognised subtheme of Space.

Right, but it shouldn't be. Because classic is classic, but to whom? In
another 40 years, Galaxy Squad will be classic space. As, at some point, will
Star Wars.

Classic Space, Classic Town, Classic Castle, etc. were poorly-thought-out terms
by short-sighted people focusing solely upon themselves and their own experiences
with LEGO toys.

Instead, what should have been done is to frame the era by year. So:

Classic Space
becomes
Space, 1979-1988

  Additionally, what do you propose that the planet-with-ship-orbiting insignia
that appears on numerous non-Space pieces (torsos, particularly) be called, then?

Not entirely sure. But I recommend calling it what it is. That's what we
try to do for most everything else.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 14:58
 Subject: Re: Please Change Name of Part (973pb4140c01)
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In Catalog Requests, DeLuca writes:
  Please change Part (973pb4140c01) to "Torso Space Futuron, Black Panels with
Gold Zipper and Classic Space Logo on Front and 'Police' on Back, Blue
and Light Bluish Gray Lines Pattern / Black Arms / White Hands".
 
Part No: 973pb4140c01  Name: Torso Space Futuron Black Pattern, Gold Zipper and Classic Logo, 'POLICE' on Back / Black Arms / White Hands
* 
973pb4140c01 (Inv) Torso Space Futuron Black Pattern, Gold Zipper and Classic Logo, 'POLICE' on Back / Black Arms / White Hands
Parts: Minifigure, Torso Assembly, Decor.

Not to contribute to title-bloat, but since the word "Police" features prominently
on this part, it needs to be included in the description, since that is
how most people would search for it. 😕

So this title has 172 characters with spaces. Here's a similar part with
a sensible title:

 
Part No: 973p6bc02  Name: Torso Space Futuron Black Pattern, Gold Zipper and Classic Logo / Black Arms / Black Hands
* 
973p6bc02 (Inv) Torso Space Futuron Black Pattern, Gold Zipper and Classic Logo / Black Arms / Black Hands
Parts: Minifigure, Torso Assembly, Decor.

So let's look closer at everything going on in this title you'd like
to see changed:

Torso Space Futuron,

Torso, Space, and Futuron are fine. But if we look at similar parts, we see
that no comma comes next. So we can delete the comma and following space.

Black

No problems.

Panels with

Unnecessary words.

Gold Zipper

Technically accurate, but not included for other similar parts. Unnecessary.

and Classic

The word "classic" has no real meaning whatsoever. I'd like to see it utterly
expunged from the catalog except in cases where TLG uses it.

Space

We already have this word in the title once (see above). Unnecessary duplication.

Logo on Front

Many torsos have logos on front. Many of them don't say so in the title.
Unnecessary.

and

No.

'Police'

Yes. But the single quotation marks aren't absolutely necessary. When used,
however, what is within must match the text on the item. So it should be 'POLICE'
instead of the lowercase as it is now.

on Back

Nope. Not unless we cut some of the other stuff.

, Blue and Light Bluish Gray Lines

C'mon. Nobody's going to search for this. Like, ever. It's not
necessary to distinguish this part from any similar parts - because there are
no similar parts. A prime example of title bloat.

Pattern / Black Arms / White Hands

Yes, good.

So, what can we do with this unnecessarily bloated title? How about this:

Torso Space Futuron Black Pattern with 'POLICE' on Back / Black Arms
/ White Hands


That gets us to 82 characters with spaces from the current 172 characters. So
your forum request was not approved because this needs to be done through the
change form. Don't forget that anytime a torso assembly is changed the torso
title must also be changed and vice versa. They must always match exactly.

I'll be looking for your change requests and get them approved ASAP.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 10, 2021 06:36
 Subject: Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 8038-1
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 Topic: Inventories Requests
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In Inventories Requests, Sticksi writes:
  Please make changes to the following inventory:
 
Set No: 8038  Name: The Battle of Endor
* 
8038-1 (Inv) The Battle of Endor
842 Parts, 12 Minifigures, 2009
Sets: Star Wars: Star Wars Episode 4/5/6

* Add 1 Part 2445 Black Plate 2 x 12 (match ID 2445)

Comments from Submitter:
Hello, this plate 2x12 black is not listet in the instruction list on the last pages from the book 1. But it is in this set on the instruction book 1 page 63. Without this item it is not possible to build.

This 2 x 12 plate item already appears in BrickLink's inventory for this
set. It was added to the set inventory on June 20th, 2009. Your request to
add a second 2 x 12 plate was rejected.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 9, 2021 13:51
 Subject: Re: How does a person inventory a minifigure?
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, infinibrix writes:
  As a short term solution is it not possible to merge minifig head types

Many things are possible. But I don't imagine we'll do much differently
than we've been doing in this area for right now.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 9, 2021 13:13
 Subject: Re: How does a person inventory a minifigure?
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In Catalog, infinibrix writes:
  My thoughts exactly and so is there a long term solution for this in the pipeline
or will the catalog have to remain hindered for the sake of keeping stud types
separated?

We've asked for a long-term solution for all part variants. Roughly, it
would involve a single catalog entry that buyers or sellers could customize with
specific variants. This will allow people who don't care about variants
to never worry about them. It will also allow much more specificity and sorting
of variants for collectors. So a major win for everyone.

The only problem is how such a system would integrate with inventories, but I'm
sure that can be solved.

As for whether we'll get what we asked for or not . . . well, we do have
XP. And Studio. And a program for building mosaics. And the ADP. And IC.
And the CEP. So . . . priorities, I guess.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 9, 2021 12:36
 Subject: Re: How does one inventory a minifig?
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, wildchicken13 writes:
  To someone unfamiliar with the catalog, the terms "Vented Stud" and "Blocked Open Stud"
may seem synonymous.

They are synonymous. The catalog has failed here in multiple ways:

1. Adding this mold variant in the first place and forcing non-collectors to
try to figure out something that doesn't matter to anyone else.
2. Giving it a confusing title (vented) that applies to all partially open studs.
3. Not properly distinguishing open stud types by title. There are at least
three partially open stud types that are used for than just figure heads. I've
updated this page to show them (scroll to the bottom):

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2493

And then the site itself has failed here by not designing a way that collectors
can separate these minor differences while the majority of users can ignore them
if they choose.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 8, 2021 00:49
 Subject: Re: We have a new Catalog Admin!
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In Catalog, Stellar writes:
  Great!

Thanks to all of you I paid for posting nice words in response to this message.
Expect your PayPal payment soon.

For the one or two others who just volunteered to say nice things, thank you!
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 7, 2021 21:40
 Subject: Re: How does one inventory a minifig?
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In Catalog, peregrinator writes:
  I have this one on hand, how can I add an inventory for it?

Everything you need is here or links from here:

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogInvAdd.asp?viewType=M
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 7, 2021 06:16
 Subject: Re: Why 38014pb01 is not a Minifigure?
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In Catalog, Mirko8710 writes:
  Since Chip is a realt character as Ms Potts o Cogsworth are, why it is not considered
as a Minifigure instead of a normal Decorated Utensil?

Two reasons:

1. Inconsistency within the catalog due to disagreements and the hierarchical
cataloging system.

2. Indecision about the issue due to a number of different factors.

We've got a lengthy list of issues to work on and it may be some time before
this specific issue is addressed.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 2, 2021 13:40
 Subject: Re: Dish 9x9 with pin hole doesn't exist in white
 Viewed: 38 times
 Topic: Colors
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In Colors, Murtn writes:
  Apparently, the 9x9 radar dish with pin hole doesn't exist in white?
Is that really true? Because clearly the Bricklink stock photo shows a white
one?

We have a photo of this part in white, so we know it exists:

 
Part No: 98606  Name: Dish 9 x 9 Inverted with Pin Hole (Radar)
* 
98606 Dish 9 x 9 Inverted with Pin Hole (Radar)
Parts: Dish {White}

However, we don't have a record of this part in this color appearing in any
sets.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Jan 1, 2021 20:33
 Subject: Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 10214-1
 Viewed: 16 times
 Topic: Inventories Requests
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In Inventories Requests, hysel writes:
  Please make changes to the following inventory:
 
Set No: 10214  Name: Tower Bridge
* 
10214-1 (Inv) Tower Bridge
4287 Parts, 2010
Sets: Sculptures

* Add 10 Part 3020 White Plate 2 x 4

Please scroll to the bottom of the set inventory page and read the inventory
note there. We've asked for inventory notes to be moved to the top of the
page to make them more attention-getting.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Dec 31, 2020 12:35
 Subject: Re: Send Us Something
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 Topic: Catalog
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In Catalog, brasletty writes:
  I have send you pictures from a starwars set , free gift only when you buy a
starwars set and only in one tyostore . I asked to replay to my email but never
got an answer .

Sorry, our mail system doesn't always work as intended. And if you sent
it to my personal email address, that has changed.

The best way to have your item considered for inclusion in the catalog is to
submit it directly to the catalog.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Dec 31, 2020 12:24
 Subject: Re: Send Us Something
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In Catalog, StormChaser writes:
  But we'd like to get that number over 10,000. It just looks cooler.

We only need 46 more entries.

We did it!

https://www.bricklink.com/calendar.asp?v=C

Thank you all very much for your assistance.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Dec 31, 2020 04:46
 Subject: Send Us Something
 Viewed: 272 times
 Topic: Catalog
 Status:Open
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We've already set a record this year for the most number of items added to
the BrickLink catalog:

https://www.bricklink.com/calendar.asp?v=C

But we'd like to get that number over 10,000. It just looks cooler.

If you have something lying around you can submit to the catalog today we'd
appreciate it. We only need 46 more entries.
 Author: StormChaser View Messages Posted By StormChaser
 Posted: Dec 30, 2020 12:06
 Subject: Inventory Change Request for Set 2821-1
 Viewed: 21 times
 Topic: Inventories Requests (Entry)
 Status:Open
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Please make changes to the following inventory:
 
Set No: 2821  Name: Dinosaurs Fun Forest
* 
2821-1 (Inv) Dinosaurs Fun Forest
33 Parts, 4 Minifigures, 1999
Sets: DUPLO: Dino

* Delete 1 Part 31050 Violet Duplo Dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex Adult (Undefined Entry)
* Add 1 Part 31050pb03 Violet Duplo Dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex Adult with Yellow Spots Pattern

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