Re: Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2)
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > Jim Leonard boldly stated: > > > >:) I'm trying to stay away from the term "Mint" since it's so > >overused/misused. Let's take a vote: Who here would like to see > >"Factory-Sealed" on the scale be renamed to "Mint Sealed"? A yay or nay from > >everyone will be enough. > > Yay. It's decided then: Sealed will be an additional modifier to a grade, and not a grade itself. I'll make this (fairly significant) change to the scale tonight and send it out. -- 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: Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2)
Jim Leonard boldly stated: > >:) I'm trying to stay away from the term "Mint" since it's so >overused/misused. Let's take a vote: Who here would like to see >"Factory-Sealed" on the scale be renamed to "Mint Sealed"? A yay or nay from >everyone will be enough. Yay. -- 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: Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2)
I second Hugh's opinion. - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2000 10:22 PM Subject: RE: Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2) > Yay. > > Mint Sealed should be as close to perfect as possible. Anything less (crushing, etc.) should be dropped to a lower level...even if sealed (i.e. Fine Sealed). > > Sealed can be added to any grade: VG Sealed, G Sealed, etc. Since Sealed is really just additional information and not a grade on its own. > > Another note is that Mint should never be used on its own (without Sealed) since a game by definition is not Mint unless it is still sealed. The best grade for an opened package should be NM. > > Hugh > > -Original Message- > From: Jim Leonard [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2000 11:24 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2) > > "C.E. Forman" wrote: > > > > > 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 trying to stay away from the term "Mint" since it's so > overused/misused. Let's take a vote: Who here would like to see > "Factory-Sealed" on the scale be renamed to "Mint Sealed"? A yay or nay from > everyone will be enough. > -- > 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/ > > -- 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: Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2)
Yea -- a sealed item can be both mint or utterly destroyed. "Mint sealed" adds a level of refinement to the grade. Chris Jim Leonard wrote: > "C.E. Forman" wrote: > > > > > 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 trying to stay away from the term "Mint" since it's so > overused/misused. Let's take a vote: Who here would like to see > "Factory-Sealed" on the scale be renamed to "Mint Sealed"? A yay or nay from > everyone will be enough. > -- > 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: Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2)
Yay. Mint Sealed should be as close to perfect as possible. Anything less (crushing, etc.) should be dropped to a lower level...even if sealed (i.e. Fine Sealed). Sealed can be added to any grade: VG Sealed, G Sealed, etc. Since Sealed is really just additional information and not a grade on its own. Another note is that Mint should never be used on its own (without Sealed) since a game by definition is not Mint unless it is still sealed. The best grade for an opened package should be NM. Hugh -Original Message- From: Jim Leonard [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2000 11:24 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2) "C.E. Forman" wrote: > > > 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 trying to stay away from the term "Mint" since it's so overused/misused. Let's take a vote: Who here would like to see "Factory-Sealed" on the scale be renamed to "Mint Sealed"? A yay or nay from everyone will be enough. -- 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] MobyScale, version 0.2
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > Okay, this version fits my current needs, so I can stop bitching now. B-) Never a bitch! I specifically created this list so that we could all agree on the scale before it goes "final". I *wanted* your comments and suggestions (and I see I have more to read, so I'll start reading and replying to them now :-) -- 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/
Vote (Was: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale, version 0.2)
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > > 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 trying to stay away from the term "Mint" since it's so overused/misused. Let's take a vote: Who here would like to see "Factory-Sealed" on the scale be renamed to "Mint Sealed"? A yay or nay from everyone will be enough. -- 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, version 0.2
Chris Newman wrote: > > 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. Agreed. The numismatic grading system just kills me, for instance. I think the complexity of the grading system is related to how anal the people are that use it. ;-) > 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! Ack! I didn't know about them! Next time you do an auction of that magnitude, email me. :-) > 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. I'm right with you -- 29 and I was collecting comics at 13. I stopped at 18, though. Not that it matters; the bottom seems to have fallen out of the comic book market. All of my original Alan Moore Swamp Things and Miracle"Men" are next to worthless. That's not right. What happened to the comic book market? -- 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, 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: [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/
[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
