BrickLink Discussion Forum

I actually made a test app that you enter the set number and it gets the Part
Out Value of the set. Or something like that.

It was for Android. Never uploaded to Market/Play because I didn't have
an account and it was a terrible app. I don't think I have the original
.APK file, so I can't upload it to, say, DropBox to share, even if I wanted
to.

I was waiting for BL 2.0 to start again on a similar app, but I've started
to write a little Java library for use with Java, particularly the Android OS.
So far, I'm messing around with Item Type Objects. I'll make a separate
post about my whole idea later.

Assuming I finish the whole project (it's an ambitious idea) I'd have
to email Admin for permissions and other stuff.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Dec 13, 2012 14:47

Subject:

Re: Condition to include "smoke smell" as issue

Viewed:

64 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, VMAJ writes:

I believe the used parts condition in the terms of service area should include
"smoke smell" as an abnormal issue that would need to be acknowledged by the
seller at point of listing. As we all dislike nicks, and wear that show up when
not expected I certainly do not like the odor of what another does with their
time either. Smoke smell is difficult to remove, and is sometimes impossible
to lift if it has been layered on for an extended period.

Common sense should dictate whether you sell something that stinks or not, but
we live in a world where everything needs to be spelled out, so I believe this
would be wise to implement to hold sellers accountable.

Jim

I'll vote yes. Ebay is one thing, but I expect more from BrickLink (thankfully
I have had no problems with smoke odored items from BrickLink sellers so far).

For those living in a non-smoking home with smokey smelling used items,
the least they can do is try to wash the smell out, right? I know that
I can wash most parts with warm water and dish detergent and let soak for a little
while, and use ammonia on the rubber parts if necessary (but taking extra care
to wash and rinse thoroughly afterwards).

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Dec 10, 2012 18:31

Subject:

Re: Multiuser logins and Security

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, billduge writes:

Our store now has 4 individuals in it and is over two locations, which is beginning
to cause a problem. Everyone logs in as the main login so they have access to
inventory, orders etc. They also have complete control over oujr site once logged
in. Knowing SQL databases, it should be relatively simple and straightforward
to add multiple users for a site and provide them with various permissions as
appropriate.

Can this be included in the next release of Bricklink please?

I do know nothing is ever as simple as it appears when it comes to programming
and any Microsoft product but .....

I know too little about SQL databases (much less Microsoft OLE DB, or whatever
BL is running) to make an educated opinion on this.

Do the BrickLink accounts really have access to the tables through an
SQL-based account, or just views? I would think that if a BL seller had access
to the tables directly, they'd each have their own table for lots, and as the
Lot IDs seem to increment by each lot added by each seller, so that seems improbable
to me.

Anyway, how about something like this concept:

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Aug 30, 2012 16:27

Subject:

Re: Allow Brickset to Link to Part List & Sellers

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64 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, goshe7 writes:

In Suggestions, maggiec writes:

In Suggestions, goshe7 writes:

In Suggestions, _JDB writes:

Probably... but would either site have the means to enforce their ToS?

Why should usage for selling specifically on ebay be prohibited? That seems
as arbitrary as banning usage by anyone not running iOS or anyone located in
Texas. (Meaning that it is a personal preference but not anything of conclusive
merit.)

Given the history of eBay's treatment of BrickLink (formerly BrickBay), Admin
Dan didn't want to do anything that would help further eBay's sales. As I recall,
when this was raised the last time, a large part of the objection was due to
the placement of eBay ads in prominent places where there would be inventories
from BL. Coming so soon after Dan's leaving us, some of us felt it would have
been like a slap in the face.

Maggie

Ahhh.... History that predates my existence here. Thanks for the clarification.

That almost slipped my mind. I remember reading about ebay not taking too kindly
to BL being named "BrickBay" at the time.

Which also reminded me of that site history help page (whose links seem to lead
to 404's)

http://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=232

Personally, when I upload catalog info to BL (whether it is for an inventory
or an item's picture/weight/dimensions), my hopes were that it would used to
either supplement BrickLink's catalog or for the good of LEGO fans -- not so
they could be used for ebay sellers to sell LEGO there.

Those statements aren't mutually exclusive. Isn't it for the good of LEGO fans
that, when they buy a used set (on any venue), they get a complete set?

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Aug 29, 2012 21:45

Subject:

Re: Allow Brickset to Link to Part List & Sellers

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, emilewski writes:

In Suggestions, _JDB writes:

If BL's inventories are going to be used by BrickSet, can there be something
in someones' Terms of Service about using BL inventories to resell on sites other
than BrickLink (or at least not on ebay)?

I hear you and I agree, but I can't see how this would be enforceable. The information
is here and there is nothing to stop someone from pulling up the set inventory
on BL and then going to ebay to sell it, regardless of what may be put in the
Terms of Service.

I guess it was just wishful thinking then...

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Aug 29, 2012 21:05

Subject:

Re: Allow Brickset to Link to Part List & Sellers

Viewed:

72 times

Topic:

One thing that concerns me:

On fleabay, I see many sellers saying that they've used a peeron or BrickSet
inventory to inventory sets that they're selling.

If BL's inventories are going to be used by BrickSet, can there be something
in someones' Terms of Service about using BL inventories to resell on sites other
than BrickLink (or at least not on ebay)?

Personally, when I upload catalog info to BL (whether it is for an inventory
or an item's picture/weight/dimensions), my hopes were that it would used to
either supplement BrickLink's catalog or for the good of LEGO fans -- not so
they could be used for ebay sellers to sell LEGO there.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Aug 22, 2012 13:34

Subject:

Re: vBulletin

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, steekstra writes:

In Suggestions, The_Mimed_One writes:

I was just sitting here thinking of ways to improve BL...I thought...why not
use vBulletin?
I'm sure it's been investigated, and I'm not sure of the price...

Just a thought!

v what?? vBulletin ??

Steekst

Forum software. One problem would be that BL2 is being written in ASP.NET, probably
using a Microsoft DB software, whilst vBulletin uses PHP and MySQL.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Jul 3, 2012 15:35

Subject:

Re: A special "key" to download inventories/WL's

Viewed:

64 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, dvsntt writes:

In Suggestions, _JDB writes:

In Suggestions, Rolf writes:

In Suggestions, _JDB writes:

I have an idea for the new BrickLink, maybe even for the current BrickLink.

I was thinking, how about a function in BL's software that generated some sort
of "key" created for your account that allows you to send it to the server via
an XML HTTP Request and it lets you download your inventory and maybe even your
wanted list(s) remotely?

You know, so you don't need to send your Username and Password to the server
or enter them into a program (even though I trust BrickStore).

For example, if you sent a cookie like so:

"isPw=hashed password; isUserID=your user id number"

to BL's "/invExcelFinal.asp" page, you could download your inventory without
using your browser. However, you can't do that anymore as Admin changed the
cookies -- but it is probably for the better.

Problem with that is that you can now rip info from any user store that way.

I was thinking about that, but now that you mention it, this could be used for
malicious purposes. I was kind of hoping people would just cross check the inventory
with their wanted lists (but then again, you can do that now).

How about making that key private and changeable by the seller (by being assigned
a new one) whenever they choose?

What is the purpose for avoiding proper authentication?

You mean logging in properly? I was thinking about how BrickStore downloads
your own inventory -- it logs into BL using the login form. It seems whenever
I log in, I get sent to MyBrickLink, so I was looking for a way around that.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Jul 3, 2012 15:12

Subject:

Re: A special "key" to download inventories/WL's

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Rolf writes:

In Suggestions, _JDB writes:

Problem with that is that you can now rip info from any user store that way.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Jul 3, 2012 14:04

Subject:

A special "key" to download inventories/WL's

Viewed:

177 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Jun 22, 2012 14:04

Subject:

Re: Accept Bitcoin as payment

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Myths

I've learned a little from reading this. Don't know if I'm doing it right or
not though.

Anyway, I finally voted yes -- on the condition that someone is going to write
a quality tutorial on how to protect your anonymity and Bitcoin wallet for BL
if this becomes implemented.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Jun 9, 2012 13:55

Subject:

Re: Accept Bitcoin as payment

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Chaz27 writes:

First of all if you have not heard of Bitcoin, follow this link - http://www.weusecoins.com/

I would like an option to be able to accept Bitcoins as payment. A new entry
in "My Accepted Payment Methods" titled "Bitcoin" would be the first step. I
would then use bit-pay.com as the payment processor (to convert AUD, USD etc
to the Bitcoin rate).

Later on full integration into accepted currencies where users can see prices
in Bitcoins.

Regards
Charles

I'm neutral on this. I have no idea of what I'd spend my Bitcoins on, besides
on BL for those that accepted it. Also, I have not used it before, so I wouldn't
know if I have yet received payment or not.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Mar 25, 2012 15:07

Subject:

Re: "Report This Item" Button...

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, kzinti writes:

Currently, when shopping, if you run across an item that needs to be reported
for one problem or another, it is a multi-step process to do so. I would like
to propose a simple "report this item" button be implemented so that simply clicking
it will take you to the "problem with item for sale" section, bring with it the
lot number from the item and when you have submitted the item, have a button
to bring you right back to where you left off so you can finish shopping.

Too often things do not get reported due to the current reporting process. A
one click reporting button with a simple return to previous page button would
be wonderful.

It could probably be abused, but hey, if there is a rule against abusing it (and
the user is logged for each report) with consequences, that looks like it could
be feasible.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Jan 25, 2012 14:26

Subject:

Re: Option to exclude superlots

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Brickwilbo writes:

Dear Admin,

Please add the option to exclude superlots on these pages:
http://www.bricklink.com/searchSettings.asp
and
http://www.bricklink.com/priceGuideSettings.asp

Thank you.

Not sure if this was suggested or not before, but I like this idea. Don't forget
to include the Wanted List details too!

I hate searching for a Zombie from my Wanted List when the first five lots are
superlots bound to other Minifigs.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Jan 13, 2012 17:58

Subject:

Sub-condition for Wanted Lists

Viewed:

84 times

Topic:

Status:

Discarded

My first suggestion. It probably won't be implemented, but it's worth a shot.

Let's say I'm looking for one of these:

7595-1 (Inv) Army Men on Patrol
73 Parts, 4 Minifigures, 2010
Sets: Toy Story

I add it to My Wanted List as a "New" conditioned set. I also want it to be
"Complete" or "Sealed". There is no option for this, so when I look for the
set through my wanted list, I see new sets, but not necessarily complete or sealed
sets.

I have to manually check the shops to see if it's not just the "Jeep Only" or
something like that.

Do you think that we could get something that would add a sub-condition to the
filter for wanted lists?

If there is something like this already, please reply with a link and let mods
cancel the thread.

Thanks in advance,

--JDB

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Nov 8, 2011 16:44

Subject:

Re: Let's make a Bricklink Train FAQ

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Master_Jedi_Rob writes:

These same questions keep happening, lets make a comprehensive BrickLink train
FAQ/tutorial thingey?

Who's with me?!?!

-R

I was thinking of making a PDF of how to use BrickLink and some tips (like how
to part out something onto your wanted list -- some people don't notice that
"(Part Out)" link on the catalog entry).

Here are some of my favorite links:

http://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=168 (Catalog Naming Conventions, just
in case you wanted to know how the parts and sets are named)

http://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=569985 (Check your inventory to see if
you have parts of a certain set -- Thank you, therobo)

http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp (Price guide -- The one on the right
can be used to get the part out value for a set -- Forgot who showed me this,
but THANK YOU to whoever did, this is a valuable tool for sellers)

http://www.bricklink.com/wantedShop.asp (Because some people don't know what
to do after they've made a wanted list)

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Nov 5, 2011 13:40

Subject:

Re: Bar codes and Bricklink

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

Quick bump for some ideas/ramblings:

01. If we were to collect the barcodes for each set, it should show how serious
we are about this.
02. As Rolf said in chat, "theres thousands of sellers selling boxes yeah", so
the above should not be too hard.
03. Yes, as stated before, the barcodes may vary by region/release/box (like
those sets with two boxes). If you have the set number from the catalog, I'd
add that and your region to your barcode list.

I'm making a list of the barcodes from the Bionicle boxes and sealed sets that
I have for sale.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Nov 3, 2011 18:34

Subject:

Re: Bar codes and Bricklink

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 4brickmoney writes:

In Suggestions, Rolf writes:

I was wondering if it was possible to add new data entry of all sets:

Bar code (ISBN)

With that added, add ability to find sets quickly by using bar code scanner.

I was thinking it would be nice to be able to sca a barcode and have thee price
guide come up

We were discussing something like that in chat.

I say it should show the price guide average and the part out average.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

Aug 21, 2011 14:33

Subject:

Re: One way to make performance better

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, kzinti writes:

In Suggestions, therobo writes:

In Suggestions, oasis writes:

it would be nice if someone would share something, anything,
as I feel like things are in limbo lately.

agreed.. unfortunately, lack of communication of this nature often means lack
of interest..

Maybe there IS no interest in improving the site?

Doubt that. I believe that they are having troubles at the moment mapping out
all the procedures and interlinked work that was done to make BrickLink because
it was programmed over time, by one individual, who basically added and subtracted
stuff as it made sense to him. Now, without any real prior knowledge of the system
other than taking care of the hardware aspects, people are having to not only
maintain the current system (through some pretty hectic stuff I must admit),
but also perform a sort of forensic analysis on it to understand the intricacy
of it and from that, map out the future of the system. I think it comes down
to a simple choice, does it make sense to keep it going as is or get people involved
to do a complete rewrite of everything from the ground up to make it more modular
and allow for easier, simpler infrastructure changes. Just the programming behind
the exchange rate stuff is mind boggling, imagine the coding for the whole site.

I'd love to get involved with that if I knew what I was doing.

Author:

bb219749

Posted:

May 17, 2011 22:48

Subject:

Re: Mock Brick Link Store

Viewed:

23 times

Topic: