Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale 0.3.0 -- please review
> I wonder how you get through the day NOT supporting BM. ;-) BM is optional, you said so yourself. I choose not to use it. B-) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > >2. The C modifier is mainly for unopened packages, although you might > >arguably use it when rating a box. (Will this lead to people > >(incorrectly, IMO) rating boxes as "NM, (C)"?) > > This I'd interpreted to mean any box, since it doesn't specifically > say sealed in the description. Any box that's crushed (the sides are > bent) or pressed in at the center. Correct me if I'm mistaken. Correct. You can use it with any package, although it was intended for sealed packages. > Jim supports BM. B-) I wonder how you get through the day NOT supporting BM. ;-) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
That was it for me. -Original Message- From: Jim Leonard [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2000 8:08 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale 0.3.0 -- please review "Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > Jim Leonard boldly stated: > > > > >Each grade can also have a modifier associated with it: > > > >- Sealed (S): Sealed with original factory (or store) shrinkwrap or sticker. > > >- Compressed (C): Package has been crushed or compressed. > > > >- Torn Wrap (T): Sealed package has tears in the shrinkwrap. > > > >- Item Missing (IM): Package is incomplete, missing one or more items from the > > >- Missing Minor Component (MMC): Package is missing a minor component. Minor > > >- Bad Media (BM): Diskette media is known to be bad or defective. > > Let me see if I have this straight. > > 1. The S and T modifiers are only used for grading an unopened package. Yes. > 2. The C modifier is mainly for unopened packages, although you might > arguably use it when rating a box. (Will this lead to people > (incorrectly, IMO) rating boxes as "NM, (C)"?) It would be incorrect to rate something NM (C) since a slightly crushed box does not qualify as near mint. > 3. The IM and MMC modifiers are used when grading an entire package, > although from the examples IM can be used as a separate "grade" when > there's no item of which to state the condition. Uh, I don't understand what you mean by "IM can be used as a separate "grade" when there's no item of which to state the condition", so I guess I'll leave that alone. ? > 4. The BM modifier is for whole packages or media. So I could have a Yep. The package has to have been opened to use BM, of course. MS or any (S) can't possibly be known to have or not have bad media. > disk and label that looks Near Mint but doesn't work, so it would be > "NM, (BM)". Yep. > BTW, the description should say "Software media." Not > all software comes on diskette. There's also tapes, cartridges, > CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, etc. Good point; I've made that change. Hugh, anything else to add? -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
Jim Leonard boldly stated: > >> 3. The IM and MMC modifiers are used when grading an entire package, >> although from the examples IM can be used as a separate "grade" when >> there's no item of which to state the condition. > >Uh, I don't understand what you mean by "IM can be used as a separate "grade" >when there's no item of which to state the condition", so I guess I'll leave >that alone. ? I meant that instead of a true "grade," you can use *only* the "modifier" IM as the items grade. (As per at least one of the examples.) I probably didn't need to bother to even mention it. >> 4. The BM modifier is for whole packages or media. So I could have a > >Yep. The package has to have been opened to use BM, of course. MS or any (S) >can't possibly be known to have or not have bad media. What, you aren't clairvoyant? 8) >> disk and label that looks Near Mint but doesn't work, so it would be >> "NM, (BM)". > >Yep. Did I mention I much prefer that to rating a disk that doesn't work but looks great as ED? -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote: > > Jim Leonard boldly stated: > > > > >Each grade can also have a modifier associated with it: > > > >- Sealed (S): Sealed with original factory (or store) shrinkwrap or sticker. > > >- Compressed (C): Package has been crushed or compressed. > > > >- Torn Wrap (T): Sealed package has tears in the shrinkwrap. > > > >- Item Missing (IM): Package is incomplete, missing one or more items from the > > >- Missing Minor Component (MMC): Package is missing a minor component. Minor > > >- Bad Media (BM): Diskette media is known to be bad or defective. > > Let me see if I have this straight. > > 1. The S and T modifiers are only used for grading an unopened package. Yes. > 2. The C modifier is mainly for unopened packages, although you might > arguably use it when rating a box. (Will this lead to people > (incorrectly, IMO) rating boxes as "NM, (C)"?) It would be incorrect to rate something NM (C) since a slightly crushed box does not qualify as near mint. > 3. The IM and MMC modifiers are used when grading an entire package, > although from the examples IM can be used as a separate "grade" when > there's no item of which to state the condition. Uh, I don't understand what you mean by "IM can be used as a separate "grade" when there's no item of which to state the condition", so I guess I'll leave that alone. ? > 4. The BM modifier is for whole packages or media. So I could have a Yep. The package has to have been opened to use BM, of course. MS or any (S) can't possibly be known to have or not have bad media. > disk and label that looks Near Mint but doesn't work, so it would be > "NM, (BM)". Yep. > BTW, the description should say "Software media." Not > all software comes on diskette. There's also tapes, cartridges, > CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, etc. Good point; I've made that change. Hugh, anything else to add? -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
>1. The S and T modifiers are only used for grading an unopened package. That's how I understood it. If the wrap is torn enough for the box to be opened, it can't be rated sealed. "T", if I follow correctly, means sealed (not opened) but the wrap isn't perfect. >2. The C modifier is mainly for unopened packages, although you might >arguably use it when rating a box. (Will this lead to people >(incorrectly, IMO) rating boxes as "NM, (C)"?) This I'd interpreted to mean any box, since it doesn't specifically say sealed in the description. Any box that's crushed (the sides are bent) or pressed in at the center. Correct me if I'm mistaken. >3. The IM and MMC modifiers are used when grading an entire package, >although from the examples IM can be used as a separate "grade" when >there's no item of which to state the condition. That's how I saw it. These can be used seperately or together, depending on how incomplete the package is: It could be missing both a major piece and a reference card, which would be (IM,MMC). >4. The BM modifier is for whole packages or media. Jim supports BM. B-) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
Okay, you've convinced me. Makes sense. I do have to say, though... >use BM when you know it because that condition affects the value to some >collectors. [...] >I guess the point of BM (and why I support it) [...] >Ultimately, you can ignore BM if you don't think you'll never need/use it. ..Hehehehehehe, I'm sorry, Jim, but I just about busted a gut reading about how you support BM, but how some of us may never need it, etc... LOL... God, I'm sorry, I just can't help it... B-) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
This all sounds right to me. I don't have any problem with people using (C) with opened boxes. It's just additional info...no harm. I agree about the media applying to all types of media. Hugh -Original Message- From: Lee K. Seitz [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2000 3:48 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale 0.3.0 -- please review Jim Leonard boldly stated: > >Each grade can also have a modifier associated with it: > >- Sealed (S): Sealed with original factory (or store) shrinkwrap or sticker. >- Compressed (C): Package has been crushed or compressed. > >- Torn Wrap (T): Sealed package has tears in the shrinkwrap. > >- Item Missing (IM): Package is incomplete, missing one or more items from the >- Missing Minor Component (MMC): Package is missing a minor component. Minor >- Bad Media (BM): Diskette media is known to be bad or defective. Let me see if I have this straight. 1. The S and T modifiers are only used for grading an unopened package. 2. The C modifier is mainly for unopened packages, although you might arguably use it when rating a box. (Will this lead to people (incorrectly, IMO) rating boxes as "NM, (C)"?) 3. The IM and MMC modifiers are used when grading an entire package, although from the examples IM can be used as a separate "grade" when there's no item of which to state the condition. 4. The BM modifier is for whole packages or media. So I could have a disk and label that looks Near Mint but doesn't work, so it would be "NM, (BM)". BTW, the description should say "Software media." Not all software comes on diskette. There's also tapes, cartridges, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, etc. -- 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] MobyScale 0.3.0 -- please review
Jim Leonard boldly stated: > >Each grade can also have a modifier associated with it: > >- Sealed (S): Sealed with original factory (or store) shrinkwrap or sticker. >- Compressed (C): Package has been crushed or compressed. > >- Torn Wrap (T): Sealed package has tears in the shrinkwrap. > >- Item Missing (IM): Package is incomplete, missing one or more items from the >- Missing Minor Component (MMC): Package is missing a minor component. Minor >- Bad Media (BM): Diskette media is known to be bad or defective. Let me see if I have this straight. 1. The S and T modifiers are only used for grading an unopened package. 2. The C modifier is mainly for unopened packages, although you might arguably use it when rating a box. (Will this lead to people (incorrectly, IMO) rating boxes as "NM, (C)"?) 3. The IM and MMC modifiers are used when grading an entire package, although from the examples IM can be used as a separate "grade" when there's no item of which to state the condition. 4. The BM modifier is for whole packages or media. So I could have a disk and label that looks Near Mint but doesn't work, so it would be "NM, (BM)". BTW, the description should say "Software media." Not all software comes on diskette. There's also tapes, cartridges, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, etc. -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > >This is true, but you don't have to use the modifier if the status isn't > know. > >In other words, you'd only use Bad Media if you *knew* the media was bad > (of > >course, it would be painful to note such a condition, but you'd do it in > good > >conscience if you were listing the item for sale or trade). > > But, okay, but then, so, but... devil's advocate, if I may... > > How is this form of not-knowing any different from not knowing if a certain > item was/wasn't included in all game packages? (Going back to that for just > a sec.) Because the condition of the media is something that can be directly known and tested, whereas the previous issue is a bit nebulous and open to debate -- with disks, you've either tested them and they work, or tested them and they don't work, or haven't tested them. I guess I'm missing a point somewhere because you wouldn't use Bad Media unless you'd actually tested the media and found it bad. It's not like you MUST label ALL of your items BM or no BM... you just use BM when you know it because that condition affects the value to some collectors. I guess the point of BM (and why I support it) is because I would be miffed if I got an item and the disks were bad, since that's a big part of the value for me. But I wouldn't fault the guy if he hadn't tried the disks first, and I also wouldn't fault the guy if he specifically labeled it BM. (Of course, a lot of people mistake bootable games for "bad DOS disks" because they can't do a DIR on them and assume they're gone. So I'll be defeating my own purpose if I take chances on BM stuff hoping that the collector mislabeled it. :) Ultimately, you can ignore BM if you don't think you'll never need/use it. Uh, is that clearer? :) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > Oh, and, but now that my initial reaction has passed (again, I'm sorry, :) Our internal applications at the bank have, coincidentally, abbreviations of GAS and FECES, so it was only natural (snicker) to non-coincidentally name our internet security team the Firewall Administration and Response Team, or FART. Okay, here's version 0.3.1 for review. The changes involve the description of Excessive Defects, the modifier Bad Media, and the modifier examples. Review and give me the yay or nay to make it official. -- http://www.MobyGames.com/ The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project. The Official MobyGames Software Collectables Condition Grading Scale Version 0.3.1 The inevitable legal notice: This document and its contents is Copyright 2000, MobyGames.com. It was authored by Jim Leonard ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), based on a scale created by Hugh Falk, which in turn was based on a record album grading scale of unknown origin. Any questions, comments, or suggestions should be directed to the author. You are free to copy, translate, reformat, and retransmit this text as long as these notices are included and the content is left unchanged. - 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 practice 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. So while you can get away with a single grade for the entire item, a suggested minimum would be two grades: One for the Box/Packaging, and another for all other materials contained in that item. Note: You can still use and advertise the MobyScale if you only list a single grade for the overall item -- but it is highly recommended that you provide at least two grades (usually one grade for the box, and another for its contents). Other collectors will thank you for it. - Condition Grades: The following are the official condition grades of the MobyGames Grading Scale. The possible conditions an item can be in are: - Mint Sealed (MS): No noticable defects and sealed in original factory or store shrinkwrap or sticker. The best grade possible. - Near Mint (NM): No noticable defects, but not sealed. - Fine (F): One
Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale 0.3.0 -- please review
>This is true, but you don't have to use the modifier if the status isn't know. >In other words, you'd only use Bad Media if you *knew* the media was bad (of >course, it would be painful to note such a condition, but you'd do it in good >conscience if you were listing the item for sale or trade). But, okay, but then, so, but... devil's advocate, if I may... How is this form of not-knowing any different from not knowing if a certain item was/wasn't included in all game packages? (Going back to that for just a sec.) >(isn't this fun? ;-) For me it is. I can't imagine anyone else enjoying it, though. B-) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > Oh, and, but now that my initial reaction has passed (again, I'm sorry, > Hugh), I thought > of one additional thing to expand upon: > > > - You would have to check your media on a regular basis to make sure it is > > still working (even if you don't normally touch the package), and in doing > so you would have to put more wear on your > > packages. > > Another problem is, a lot of people don't *have* the resources to check > disks for > every system a game can be released on. (I know I don't, and I've revised > Shoppe > policies to account for this as I get more and more people looking to play > rather > than collect the classics.) This is true, but you don't have to use the modifier if the status isn't know. In other words, you'd only use Bad Media if you *knew* the media was bad (of course, it would be painful to note such a condition, but you'd do it in good conscience if you were listing the item for sale or trade). I'm for it. I'll make the wording changes and send out 0.3.1 in a few minutes for further review/approval (isn't this fun? ;-) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
Oh, and, but now that my initial reaction has passed (again, I'm sorry, Hugh), I thought of one additional thing to expand upon: > - You would have to check your media on a regular basis to make sure it is > still working (even if you don't normally touch the package), and in doing so you would have to put more wear on your > packages. Another problem is, a lot of people don't *have* the resources to check disks for every system a game can be released on. (I know I don't, and I've revised Shoppe policies to account for this as I get more and more people looking to play rather than collect the classics.) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
> Maybe we want to make Bad Media (BM) a modifier? *Snicker*... Um, it's a good idea, makes sense, but... could we maybe find a different abbreviation? I just can't help thinking of the *other* thing "BM" stands for when I see it. (I know, I'm so freakin' immature. B-) Sorry... B-) -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
Only one problem I see. A grade of ED shouldn't include "diskette media bad" for a few reasons: - Over time (let's say 10 to 20 years), a large majority of the disk-based games in our collections would have to be graded ED even if they were in otherwise pristine condition. - You would have to check your media on a regular basis to make sure it is still working (even if you don't normally touch the package), and in doing so you would have to put more wear on your packages. - On sealed games, you have no idea if the media is still working or not. Maybe we want to make Bad Media (BM) a modifier? -Original Message- From: C.E. Forman [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 1:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: [SWCollect] MobyScale 0.3.0 -- please review Looks great to me. No problem with the not-in-all-packages items, I can do without and it'd be less confusing anyway. Any last-minute changes, speak up now! -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
"C.E. Forman" wrote: > > Looks great to me. No problem with the not-in-all-packages items, I can do > without and it'd be less confusing anyway. > > Any last-minute changes, speak up now! I have no further changes... anyone else? -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
Looks great to me. No problem with the not-in-all-packages items, I can do without and it'd be less confusing anyway. Any last-minute changes, speak up now! -- 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 0.3.0 -- please review
"Lee K. Seitz" wrote:
>
> C.E. Forman boldly stated:
> >
> >Also, an optional modifier we might consider adding is one for those =
> >rare items included in some, but not all, game packages, for example the =
> >lapel pin and Ral Partha order form in the first 5000 copies of =
> >Infocom's "BattleTech: The Crescent Hawk's Inception", and the poster =
> >I've heard is in some of Interplay's "Dragon Wars". Since these items =
> >were not normally included in all packages, a package can still be =
> >considered
> >complete without them... although one that does have them is far more =
> >desirable and could stand to be noted as such. LMK what you think.
>
> I'm not sure there's a good way to generically indicate this. I think
> it would have to require knowledge that an interested party might not
> have. I didn't know about your two examples, for instance. The only
> example I can think of is the extra "limited edition" booklet that was
> included with the first release of X-Wing. (I've got that one.)
I have to side with Lee on this one. Not all collectors are going to know
about the games they're trying to collect or trading, and this kind of
information could be interpreted subjectively ("Included in the first 20,000
units does not make it rare!", etc.). If you can make a better argument for
this (hint: word it in the style of the grading scale), I'd have no problem
thinking about it further.
Other than that, here's everything we talked about before, during, and after my
hiatus from the list. It's not version 1.0 yet because this version still
needs the A-OK from a couple of people (Chris, Hugh, anyone else who wants to
comment). So take a look at version 0.3.0 (attached) and reply back to the
list as to whether or not you think this is golden for the big 1.0.
--
http://www.MobyGames.com/
The world's most comprehensive historical PC gaming database project.
The Official MobyGames Software Collectables Condition Grading Scale
Version 0.3.0
The inevitable legal notice: This document and its contents is Copyright 2000,
MobyGames.com. It was authored by Jim Leonard ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), based
on a scale created by Hugh Falk, which in turn was based on a record album
grading scale of unknown origin. Any questions, comments, or suggestions
should be directed to the author. You are free to copy, translate, reformat,
and retransmit this text as long as these notices are included and the content
is left unchanged.
-
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 practice 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 ensu
