[SWCollect] Game request: Ace of Aces EGA version
Yes, there was an EGA version of this game released for the PC. Many Accolade games of the mid to late 80s were released in two separate versions -- CGA and EGA. I don't know if it was a ploy to get gamers to pay for an "upgrade" or if Accolade was merely following the consumer installation base (CGA systems far outweighing EGA rigs). My guess is the former because it costs nothing to ship the EGA version and perform a video card test on bootup and run the correct version. If anyone has it I'd sure appreciate a zipfile of the game. You might also post it on Home of the Underdogs as Sarinee does not have this version -- very unusual but true! Thanks, Chris -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
Now that's unusual because in the comic book world, at least as I remember it from my collecting days 20 years ago, a "fine" rating is strictly middle of the road! It is quite interesting the way related media can evolve along different paths. Chris P.S. Sorry for not contributing to the group! I spent the last 5 weeks writing ebay ads for 90+ classic DOS games (sealed and mint) and the auctions just ended. What an ordeal! P.P.S. I can't believe I casually tossed out the phrase "my collecting days TWENTY YEARS ago". Washed up at age 34, not a pretty sight. ZZyzx000 wrote: > On Fri, 25 Aug 2000 18:36:39 -0500, you wrote: > > >Okay, this version fits my current needs, so I can stop bitching now. B-) > > > >Replacing VG+ with FIne was definitely a wise move -- thanks to whoever > >first suggested it... Lee, I think. > > > In the used book world, FINE is the highest rating without actually > being new. There are NO defects to a FINE book. VG+ is the next lower > rating and the defects that keep the book from being FINE are minor > and should be detailed. > >\\|// >(o o) > ---oOOo-(_)-oOOo--- > > -- > This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to > the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to > [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' > Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/ -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
> Now that I think about it, if I were doing such a scale (and I've been > thinking about formalizing my personal scale for video game cartridges > for a long time), I would not make "factory sealed" a condition, but > rather something that should be noted separately. (Partially as an > explanation for why the contents weren't graded.) Hmm, would "Mint Sealed" be a better term? That would clarify that it's shrinkwrapped *and* mint (as opposed to "shrinkwrapped but my big fat uncle accidentally sat on it" B-). > I'm particularly interested in grading floppy disks. First of all, > either it works or it doesn't. Second, either the label is intact or > it isn't. Some of the Infocom labels I've noticed get a greyish tinge to them with age, even if the label's intact. Also I've seen packages (got a Keypunch Scott Adams like this) where some idiot slashed the box with a pocketknife and left a huge scratch across the disk in the process. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
On Fri, 25 Aug 2000 18:36:39 -0500, you wrote: >Okay, this version fits my current needs, so I can stop bitching now. B-) > >Replacing VG+ with FIne was definitely a wise move -- thanks to whoever >first suggested it... Lee, I think. > In the used book world, FINE is the highest rating without actually being new. There are NO defects to a FINE book. VG+ is the next lower rating and the defects that keep the book from being FINE are minor and should be detailed. \\|// (o o) ---oOOo-(_)-oOOo--- -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
Okay, this version fits my current needs, so I can stop bitching now. B-) Replacing VG+ with FIne was definitely a wise move -- thanks to whoever first suggested it... Lee, I think. - Original Message - From: Jim Leonard <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, August 25, 2000 11:55 AM Subject: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2 > Here's an updated version of the Scale document, still a work in progress. The > most significant change was based on a suggestion from Tom Hlavendy and Lee and > others on the mailing list, which was > to change "VG+" to a more specific grade. I agreed with him, so Very Good Plus > (VG+) has been changed to Fine (FI). This should be even more clearer and > eliminate possible confusion. (Note that the NUMBER of grades is still the > same -- the meaning of VG+ didn't change, just the name of it.) > > I also added some example list entries; just free-form stuff off of the top of > my head. > > If anyone can't read the ASCII text attachment, let me know. > > PS: MobyGames is still referring to "VG+", but I will fix this tonight as it's > a simple database change. > -- > http://www.MobyGames.com/ > The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
[EMAIL PROTECTED] boldly stated: > >Sorry, meant to say "Jim,..." below. Well now you've gotten my opinion anyway. Thanks for clarifying, though. -- Lee K. Seitz * [EMAIL PROTECTED] * http://home.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/ Wanted: | Visit the Classic Video Games Nexus Vintage Pac-M*n necktie| for all your classic link & news needs! Lib*rator T-shirt |http://start.at/cvgnexus -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
[EMAIL PROTECTED] boldly stated: > >Lee, any thoughts on my comment that "Sealed" isn't really a representation of >quality? Uh (Thinks: Why did Hugh single me out? I only made like one or two comments on the scale.) Now that I think about it, if I were doing such a scale (and I've been thinking about formalizing my personal scale for video game cartridges for a long time), I would not make "factory sealed" a condition, but rather something that should be noted separately. (Partially as an explanation for why the contents weren't graded.) On the other hand, there is a note that says an item listed as FS should be in NM condition. (Although perhaps this note should be within the text of the FS explanation for emphasis.) Did I mention my problem with seeing both sides of issues and simultaneously agreeing with both of them? With the new examples, I do have a question. One lists a warranty card as "F/P (handwriting)". Does this mean to say that a card in otherwise perfect condition, but partially or completely filled out automatically drops to Fair? Perhaps some further explanation of what the grades mean for specific parts (box, card, disk) are needed. I'm particularly interested in grading floppy disks. First of all, either it works or it doesn't. Second, either the label is intact or it isn't. Other than unusually heavy label wear or ripping the label off, it seems to me there's not a whole lot of damage that can be done to the label without making it unreadable. With CDs, I suppose it's possible to scratch the top side to heck without damaging the bottom. -- Lee K. Seitz * [EMAIL PROTECTED] * http://home.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/ Wanted: | Visit the Classic Video Games Nexus Vintage Pac-M*n necktie| for all your classic link & news needs! Lib*rator T-shirt |http://start.at/cvgnexus -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
Sorry, meant to say "Jim,..." below. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Lee, any thoughts on my comment that "Sealed" isn't really a representation of >quality? Hugh [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Here's an updated version of the Scale document, still a work in progress. The most significant change was based on a suggestion from Tom Hlavendy and Lee and others on the mailing list, which was to change "VG+" to a more specific grade. I agreed with him, so Very Good Plus (VG+) has been changed to Fine (FI). This should be even more clearer and eliminate possible confusion. (Note that the NUMBER of grades is still the same -- the meaning of VG+ didn't change, just the name of it.) I also added some example list entries; just free-form stuff off of the top of my head. If anyone can't read the ASCII text attachment, let me know. PS: MobyGames is still referring to "VG+", but I will fix this tonight as it's a simple database change. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/ -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: Re: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
Folio can describe many different types of boxes: early Infocoms, SSG games, etc. I like Square Folders better. Or we could use an acromym: EASF8X8F :-) FYI, I also include some games in the flatbox line that aren't really flat: Bard's Tale 2, Robot Rascals and Radio Baseball are examples. The dimensions are the same except for the depth, which is about 1/2" thick. These aren't "folders" but they fall in the right timeframe to be considered flat boxes. For example, Bard's Tale 1 and 3 are folders, but #2 is the thicker box variety. Hugh [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > "C.E. Forman" wrote: > > I call 'em either "flat folders" or "square folders", sometimes clarifying > with "EA" > as a prefix. So far, "square folders" seems to be the best one (most accurate and least goofy-sounding). But it's not as cool as "flatbox", so I guess I'm still searching. I think folio is a nice compromise, but folio is an unverified term. So we're back to square one, pun intended. :) -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/ -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > I call 'em either "flat folders" or "square folders", sometimes clarifying > with "EA" > as a prefix. So far, "square folders" seems to be the best one (most accurate and least goofy-sounding). But it's not as cool as "flatbox", so I guess I'm still searching. I think folio is a nice compromise, but folio is an unverified term. So we're back to square one, pun intended. :) -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] boldly stated: > > > >Well according to my GM, > > GM? > > >Sadly EA isn't big on history as a company and has thrown away all of it's older >games and lore. > > That seems to be true of most companies, doesn't it? (The ones that > are still around, that is.) I know when Activision did it's Atari > 2600 Action Packs, they had to go to video game collectors and dealers > to get copies of their old boxes for the packaging. These are the > very games that Activision was founded on! (I'm sure everyone here > knows, but just in case, Activision was founded in 1980 by a group of > Atari 2600 programmers who were fed up (in large part) with not > getting any credit for the games they created.) How ironic! (And sad...) -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Well according to my GM, I'm the foremost authority on old computer software at EA >so I say they're called flat boxes...that's what I've always called them :-) That's right -- I keep forgetting you work at EA. Well, could you give Nancy Fong a ring? :-) If anyone would know, it's her. > Sadly EA isn't big on history as a company and has thrown away all of it's older >games and lore. :-( -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] General Collector Questions
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > Hmmm, but when I went to send this message, I see the "reply-to" was > set. I'll have to see where that's set, as I just looked and didn't > see it in my .elmrc file. Maybe I've got an environment variable set. > I've unset reply-to on this message. Please let me know if that > works. Worked like a charm. Switch to Mutt. :-) (www.mutt.org) It's the logical evolution to elm and is constantly maintained, unlike elm. > Well I don't have the resources to hook my PC up to a TV, > unfortunately. I do know 2600 Pac-Man looks different on some > emulators in that you can actually see the four ghosts are different > colors. (They'd always looked the same flickery yellow to me on the > TV.) Different colors? That sounds like a bad emulator... they were one color to me too. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: Re: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
Sorry, General Manager (of our particular studio. I've got to stop using TLAs (Two/Three Letter Acronyms). Hugh [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] boldly stated: > >Well according to my GM, GM? >Sadly EA isn't big on history as a company and has thrown away all of it's older >games and lore. That seems to be true of most companies, doesn't it? (The ones that are still around, that is.) I know when Activision did it's Atari 2600 Action Packs, they had to go to video game collectors and dealers to get copies of their old boxes for the packaging. These are the very games that Activision was founded on! (I'm sure everyone here knows, but just in case, Activision was founded in 1980 by a group of Atari 2600 programmers who were fed up (in large part) with not getting any credit for the games they created.) -- Lee K. Seitz * [EMAIL PROTECTED] * http://home.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/ Wanted: | Visit the Classic Video Games Nexus Vintage Pac-M*n necktie| for all your classic link & news needs! Lib*rator T-shirt |http://start.at/cvgnexus -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/ -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
[EMAIL PROTECTED] boldly stated: > >Well according to my GM, GM? >Sadly EA isn't big on history as a company and has thrown away all of it's older >games and lore. That seems to be true of most companies, doesn't it? (The ones that are still around, that is.) I know when Activision did it's Atari 2600 Action Packs, they had to go to video game collectors and dealers to get copies of their old boxes for the packaging. These are the very games that Activision was founded on! (I'm sure everyone here knows, but just in case, Activision was founded in 1980 by a group of Atari 2600 programmers who were fed up (in large part) with not getting any credit for the games they created.) -- Lee K. Seitz * [EMAIL PROTECTED] * http://home.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/ Wanted: | Visit the Classic Video Games Nexus Vintage Pac-M*n necktie| for all your classic link & news needs! Lib*rator T-shirt |http://start.at/cvgnexus -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
Lee, any thoughts on my comment that "Sealed" isn't really a representation of quality? Hugh [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Here's an updated version of the Scale document, still a work in progress. The most significant change was based on a suggestion from Tom Hlavendy and Lee and others on the mailing list, which was to change "VG+" to a more specific grade. I agreed with him, so Very Good Plus (VG+) has been changed to Fine (FI). This should be even more clearer and eliminate possible confusion. (Note that the NUMBER of grades is still the same -- the meaning of VG+ didn't change, just the name of it.) I also added some example list entries; just free-form stuff off of the top of my head. If anyone can't read the ASCII text attachment, let me know. PS: MobyGames is still referring to "VG+", but I will fix this tonight as it's a simple database change. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
Well according to my GM, I'm the foremost authority on old computer software at EA so I say they're called flat boxes...that's what I've always called them :-) Sadly EA isn't big on history as a company and has thrown away all of it's older games and lore. Hugh [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Just what is the correct term for the 8"x8" folder-style packaging made popular by Electronic Arts in the early 1980s? I'll use Pinball Construction Set as an example; do you guys call them: - Record Albums? - Flatboxes? - Folders? - Folios? What's the correct term for these? I've called them by all the above names and was wondering if there was an official term for the packaging. Maybe I should give Nancy Fong a call ;-) -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/ -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] General Collector Questions
Jim Leonard boldly stated: > >(Lee: What email program are you using? It insists on putting your email >address *before* any other addresses in the Reply-To: header, which means that >whenever I (R)eply, the email address that pops up is yours and not the >lists'. Makes it annoying to reply to your messages that are indended for the >list :-) I'm using Elm 2.5 PL3. This might explain why I've gotten some other replies from people on this list both via direct e-mail and the list. I was assuming they did it one purpose for some reason. AFAIK, I'm not specifically doing anything with or to a reply-to header. .. Hmmm, but when I went to send this message, I see the "reply-to" was set. I'll have to see where that's set, as I just looked and didn't see it in my .elmrc file. Maybe I've got an environment variable set. I've unset reply-to on this message. Please let me know if that works. >That depends on how good the emulator is; I've piped PCAtari output to a >television, and used an Atari-Joystick-to-parallel-port adapter to drive >PCAtari, and I can't tell the difference. But you're mostly correct about it >not being the same. Well I don't have the resources to hook my PC up to a TV, unfortunately. I do know 2600 Pac-Man looks different on some emulators in that you can actually see the four ghosts are different colors. (They'd always looked the same flickery yellow to me on the TV.) -- Lee K. Seitz * [EMAIL PROTECTED] * http://home.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/ Wanted: | Visit the Classic Video Games Nexus Vintage Pac-M*n necktie| for all your classic link & news needs! Lib*rator T-shirt |http://start.at/cvgnexus -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
I call 'em either "flat folders" or "square folders", sometimes clarifying with "EA" as a prefix. - Original Message - From: Jim Leonard <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, August 25, 2000 10:10 AM Subject: [SWCollect] Correct term for record albums? > Just what is the correct term for the 8"x8" folder-style packaging made popular > by Electronic Arts in the early 1980s? I'll use Pinball Construction Set as an > example; do you guys call them: > > - Record Albums? > - Flatboxes? > - Folders? > - Folios? > > What's the correct term for these? I've called them by all the above names and > was wondering if there was an official term for the packaging. Maybe I should > give Nancy Fong a call ;-) > -- > http://www.MobyGames.com/ > The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. > > > > -- > This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to > the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to > [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' > Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/ > > -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
[SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2
Here's an updated version of the Scale document, still a work in progress. The most significant change was based on a suggestion from Tom Hlavendy and Lee and others on the mailing list, which was to change "VG+" to a more specific grade. I agreed with him, so Very Good Plus (VG+) has been changed to Fine (FI). This should be even more clearer and eliminate possible confusion. (Note that the NUMBER of grades is still the same -- the meaning of VG+ didn't change, just the name of it.) I also added some example list entries; just free-form stuff off of the top of my head. If anyone can't read the ASCII text attachment, let me know. PS: MobyGames is still referring to "VG+", but I will fix this tonight as it's a simple database change. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. The Official MobyGames Software Collectables Condition Grading Scale Version 0.2 - Background: The world of software collectables is an emerging hobby that is slowly easing into the mainstream. However, being so new, there is no standard scale for grading the condition of an item, which can lead to misrepresentation of an item's value. For example, in dealing with other collectors, a multitude of grading notations have already been found: One list used a single rating for the entire item, another used a numerical rating for quality grades, yet another wildly overused the term "MINT!", etc. This lack of standardization can lead to confusion when trying to assess an item's value based solely on a textual description of the item. Which grading scale is the right one? MobyGames.com believes there's a better way to do this, and has created a standard grading scale and specification for cataloging software for collection lists. This system is officially in place at MobyGames.com, but it is our hope that it is embraced by the collector community and used universally to describe item condition. Through widespread acceptance of this scale, we hope to eliminate misconceptions and confusion in the software collectable community. This document describes The Official MobyGames Software Collectables Condition Grading Scale and its use and application. For brevity, the condition grading scale will be abbreviated as "MobyGames Grading Scale" throughout the remainder of this text. Also included at the end of the document are some frequently-asked questions, and an example collector's list to illustrate the system in use. - Item Breakdown: Before describing the actual scale, it is important to define how the scale itself is used. A common mistake for new collectors is to assess the overall quality of an item and give it a singular value. This may save the collector time, but creates confusion for other collectors attempting to view his list. This is because not everyone values certain aspects of an item the same. For example, one collector may value the condition of the box above all else, while another may value the manual and included trinkets/props/feelies higher than the box. Because of differing opinions of value, it is usually inappropriate to give items one overall grade. The solution to this is to apply a grade to as many pieces of the item that are relevant. This creates more work, but is the only way to ensure accuracy and avoid unintentionally misleading people who read your lists. For example, the most common pieces of a software collectable are: - Box/Packaging - Original Media - Manual - Reference Sheet - Catalog - Registration Card - Additional Items (listed individually) The more pieces that are graded, the better the representation of the item. A suggested minimum would be two grades: One for the Box/Packaging, and another for all other materials contained in that item. Also note that if an item is incomplete, it is appropriate to label it as such. The notation used for a missing piece is Item Missing (IM). - Condition Grades: The following are the official condition grades of the MobyGames Grading Scale. The possible conditions an item can be in are: - Factory Sealed (FS): No noticable defects and sealed in original factory or store shrinkwrap or sticker. (Not to be confused with a re-wrapped previously-opened box.) The best grade possible. - Near Mint (NM): No noticable defects, but not sealed. - Fine (FI): One or two slight defects (small scratch, slight worn corner on box, etc.) that prevent a Near Mint rating. - Very Good (VG): More than one or two slight defects (slight crease in manual, all corners slightly worn, etc.). Still in acceptable condition. - Good (G): More severe defects (box slightly torn or crushed; noticable wear on media, manual, or other materials). Acceptable only if the item is
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale 0.1
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > Since you're asking, I really think you shouldn't have two conditions > with such similar names. I think it will lead to confusion. Perhaps > they should be FS, NM, VG, G, Fine, and Poor instead. (VG+ becomes > VG, VG become G, G becomes Fine, and drop the Fair off F/P.) I agree, and have made this change. However, "fine" seems to be above "very good" by most people I've talked to, so VG+ is now Fine. > >Q: Why isn't "Rare" on the grading scale? > > ??? Did someone actually ask this? No, but I'm anticipating the question. > >"The Official MobyGames Software Collectables Condition Grading Scale" is a > >mouthful, isn't it? :-) It's suggested that you merely tell other > >collectors, "I'm using the MobyScale." > > Hey, can I get credit for that? ;) Sure! ;) > I don't know how feasible it is, but my biggest suggestion is to > create a page (and mention it in the text) that shows scans of items > (primarily boxes) that demonstrate each condition. A picture really > is worth 1000 words. If necessary, you might want to have closeups of > the defects. Hey, that's a great idea!! I'll work on putting together a picture page for this when it gets posted to MobyGames. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Other Collector Question
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > Sorry, I forgot to include my other question in my last post. Most > (but not all) classic video game collectors are trying to get as > complete a collection as possible for each console they own. Whether > that includes cartridge label, box, and manual variations depends on > the collector. > > I assume you guys have more defined goals that "get it all." Do you > collect based on: > > a) Type of game (adventure, driving/racing, interactive fiction, etc.) > b) Publisher (Activision, EA, Infocom, etc.) > c) Series (Ultima, Wizardry, Leisure Suit Larry, etc.) > d) Games you've enjoyed/heard good things about > e) Other I collect for all of these reasons. Some collectors collect f) Rare or hard-to-find items because of their collectable or "marketplace" value. Others have been listing a "breakdown" of the above, so here's mine: a) Racing/Driving is my #1 favorite, with coin-op conversions to the PC my second favorite genre to collect (I have a complete suite of Atarisoft PC converstions. Trivia: Joust, Battlezone, and Robotron are astonishingly close to the original games, even on an original 4.7MHz gPC!). b) Activision, EA, Accolade, Polarware/Pengiun Software, Mindscape, titles developed by Interplay (multiple publishers), early Origin (no Ultimas though), and of course Cinemaware. c) Ancient Art of War series, F-15 Stike Eagle series, Sierra Game Arts series, "Construction Set" series, Wing Commander series. d) Anything from my youth. Any action games that achieve technical wizardry by running on an original PC *AND* being fast and fun to play. There's not many action/racing/3D/etc. games that run well on a 4.77MHz 8088 PC, and those that do get my respect from a programming/technical standpoint. > I believe I once read in an article that Hugh wrote that he and/or > others collect the "album-type" EA packages. Maybe I should have just > submitted this as a poll question at MobyGames. :-) I also collect all the folder-style packages. Activision, Mindscape, EA (of course), and Accolade are the few that I've found in the 8"x8" ratio. Other folders I have include Telarium releases, although they aren't square. I should note that I collect PC titles exclusively, simply because that's what I'm most familiar with and what MobyGames supports right now. MobyGames will open up to all platforms next year; at that point, I might start collecting for Apple II, Mac (classic), C64, and Amiga, as I have working models of those computers. I'm not the typical collector, as illustrated by my collecting preferences (most people collect adventure games, I'd guess). I am also not a typical collector in that I have no problem breaking original shrinkwrap if I really want to play the game and I don't have a cracked version (or need to refer to the manual, or something). This revelation makes C. E. Forman and others shudder, but I'm in it for the nostalgia first and collectability second. > And since I mentioned it, do you collect box variations? How many > people are on this list, anyway? I do collect box variations as well, although I don't have very many. The box variations I have include Music Construction Set, Tunnels of Armageddon, Gunship, and F-15 Strike Eagle. I may have more. As for the number of people on the list, I'll check when I get off this train. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
[SWCollect] Correct term for record albums?
Just what is the correct term for the 8"x8" folder-style packaging made popular by Electronic Arts in the early 1980s? I'll use Pinball Construction Set as an example; do you guys call them: - Record Albums? - Flatboxes? - Folders? - Folios? What's the correct term for these? I've called them by all the above names and was wondering if there was an official term for the packaging. Maybe I should give Nancy Fong a call ;-) -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Other Collector Question
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > - I too would like to know who everyone on this list is. I could post the current subscription list, but I'm afraid that some people might think that it would be a violation of privacy. I'll try it and see how many complaints I get ;-) [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] archive@jab.org [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ack, we need more people on this list :-P -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale 0.1
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > This is a great idea! I have a large number of Infocom "Cutthroats" > packages in varying condition that I could donate scans of. That is too wicked, Chris. I will ask you for pictures of those when I get the full page online. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Other Collector Question
Richard Pickles wrote: > > I'm curious as to how all you guys started collecting. Also, what do you do > with all these games once you've got them? Are they all stored away or do > you put some of them on display? I started collecting in 1985 and 1986, when I bought my first games ever for the "new" family PC: Pinball Construction Set Music Construction Set Buck Rogers (sega arcade conversion to PC) various Keypunch distributions Tass Times in Tonetown Alter Ego (male) Starflight I still have these. I kept them in good condition over the years (except I lost the Alter Ego box, as we've all rehashed), and just kept going. I had 200 titles in 1997, and I have over 600 titles now. Why the jump? New house, more space, stock options, more money to fill that space :-) I have 80% of them on shelves and the rest on the floor or in boxes. However, I'm now out of space and don't have enough room to put my older computers on tables for real use, and we're short of space in the whole house anyway, so we're looking to move to a larger house with a finished basement specifically just for me and my obsess^H^H^H^H^H^Hhobby. ;-) I learned the "art" of collecting from my Dad, Robert Leonard. Those in the numismatic field may recognize his name from his 40-year involvement in the field of coin collecting; he was also president of the Chicago Coin Club for over 16 years, and has spoken at ANA conventions. Yes, we're an anal family ;-) and we both have very, very understanding wives. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] General Collector Questions
(Lee: What email program are you using? It insists on putting your email address *before* any other addresses in the Reply-To: header, which means that whenever I (R)eply, the email address that pops up is yours and not the lists'. Makes it annoying to reply to your messages that are indended for the list :-) "Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > Well now that I've introduced myself (and caused a bit of a stir, I'm > afraid). I have some questions. As a classic video game collector, > my collecting priorities are something like this: > >1. Get the cartridge, no matter the shape (as long as it works). >2. If I find one with a better label, get it. >3. If I find the box or manual, get it. > > (Of course, I'm chea--er, thrifty, so there are price limits to the > above rules.) > > How does this translate into software collecting? You can find most > of the older games as abaondonware on the 'net, so it would seem rule > #1 above isn't as important. (Of course, you can find ROM images of > most cartridges on the 'net, but unless you have a EPROM burner or > some other way of getting the code to the original system, it's not > the same as playing it on an emulator.) That depends on how good the emulator is; I've piped PCAtari output to a television, and used an Atari-Joystick-to-parallel-port adapter to drive PCAtari, and I can't tell the difference. But you're mostly correct about it not being the same. > In fact, from what I've seen, I'd guess that the rules are reversed > for software collectors. You guys seem more interested in the > packaging than the actual code. Am I right? Would you pay the same > price for a near mint game package that was completely missing the > disks? Just curious. For me, the original media must be included, working or not. That's just me; I value the complete package over a package with missing parts. But I think you're right about most software collectors. Check the archives (URL listed below); we talked about this about 2 weeks before you got on. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Introducing myself
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > >That sounds like a re-release (the original was a folder, much like > >Activision's Hacker folder, which in turn were copies of EA's folders). > But I > >still want it. I'll email you a private bid. > > Alter Ego in a folder? I've never heard of such a thing. The only ones > I've ever seen are square, flattish boxes (same length and width as the > EA/Activision folders, but a bit thicker). I've had aobut 5 of them come > through the Shoppe in my time, and if they were repackagings they gave > absolutely no indication of it. Are you positive you've seen this in > a folder, Jim? I could be mistaken. I still have the manual; it's definitely a folder-like square manual like most EA folders. If your boxes were square, then those must be the real deal. > Jim offerred $55, but if he really wants to let me have it I'll take it. > I'm not going higher than $35 though, as I only need it for a PC copy of > the code... assuming the disks work. You're the seller, Lee, you decide > who gets it. I have the completely cracked PC code, if that's all you want... In case people didn't realize, I have cracked versions of practically any PC game. And for those I don't have, I can crack them myself. Just a note to people who want to play their booters off a hard drive... :-) -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Introducing myself
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > >Ack, I want that too. Uh... It looks like we'll either need to formally have > >a bid (I didn't anticipate this either!) or maybe you could put it on ebay and > >we could bid in our own little way. I'm officially letting this one go; Chris, it's yours. :) But scan the cover for me, okay? > BTW, I ended up buying Money Bags and Music Construction Set for > myself. Unfortunately, both are on 5-1/4" and the former is > hard-coded to look at A: and the latter is a booter. My 5-1/4" drive > is B:. I have some older computers out in the garage I might try them > on, but most of the computers are untested. I picked them up off the > curb recently and haven't exactly let my wife know about them. ;) > There's no room for them in the house anyway. I have a HD playable Music Construction Set (requires MS-DOS mode, though, won't work while Windows is running and active). I can crack Money Bags for you. Let me know if you need my services ;-) -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
Re: [SWCollect] Introducing myself
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > C.E. Forman boldly stated: > > > >Alter Ego in a folder? I've never heard of such a thing. The only ones > >I've ever seen are square, flattish boxes (same length and width as the > >EA/Activision folders, but a bit thicker). > > Yeah, that's it. > > >Jim offerred $55, but if he really wants to let me have it I'll take it. > >I'm not going higher than $35 though, as I only need it for a PC copy of > >the code... assuming the disks work. You're the seller, Lee, you decide > >who gets it. > > Great. Well Jim has lowered his offer due to it's condition and not > being a folder, but he still outbid you. It's also easier to send it > to him because I have some other stuff I promised to send him a long > time ago. I do appreciate your honesty in your original offer, > though. As written before, I've released this. Chris, it's all yours. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. -- This message was sent to you because you are currently subscribed to the swcollect mailing list. To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of 'unsubscribe swcollect' Archives are available at: http://www.mail-archive.com/swcollect@oldskool.org/
