Dp Pocket Collectors guide?

[dan2357]

Any plans on making a pocket guide that is a little more travel friendly making it easier to carry in stores and such. There's nothing worse then having people stare at you with this big book out while rumishing threw carts, Then having them start following you around to see what your getting and getting the same. Maybe a small book with system, game name, rarity, price? Leaving out man, and other stuff.
Just a thought,
Actually I was going to print up some small cards with the lists of stuff I have, but if there was a dp guide I would not have to, Just me being lazy.

[Achika]

I think that would be a good idea. Just lists with rarity, $. No commentary, easter eggs. etc. Suplimental. Sure, the master lists are there, but you get just as many stares taking that out (it IS the size of a book also). Plus, I don't think my printer can handle it much more.

[Chunky]

Good idea, I had the same effect. Now i just put the list I want on excel and just bring in a few sheets. For awhile there they thought i was nuts. Then i walked into a Media exchange....and they had the same book, UG i was not paying any price they labeled, their prices were 10% above DP and most of there stuff was loose and crappy looking.

[spoon]

This is a great idea!
I don't really care when people look at me, and I usually threaten to eat their children. it could be the size of the small automobile bluebook value super price guide thing.

[digitalpress]

It's easy to do, really. And I've been considering putting "text only" lists in the Master List Page.

Here's what I need SOMEONE to do.

Coordinate with others what the "must have" fields on the file should be, and the order the fields should appear in. Let me know what was agreed upon and I'll get right on it. Truthfully it won't take long at all to generate simple Palm-friendly checklists in TXT format.

Who's gonna step up and champion this cause?

[spoon]

Check Box, Title, Publisher, Price And Rarity.
Sound Good?
So, basically, the Dp Lite with the Rarity and Price added.
Anybody else?

[dan2357]

That what I was thinking, Check box, name, rarity, price....manu if needed?
oh and what system there for....
Unless seperate pocket guide for each system, then it would be really small.

[hades]

damn lazy people! Why haven't you memorized all the prices and rarity ratings yet?! LOL

... just kidding

[digitalpress]

One minor point. I can't include rarity and price on the systems that are in the red DP Guide. Everything else, no problem. and BTW you SHOULD have the manufacturer on your list. Make sorting out the odd Sears/TecToy/Tengen situations much easier =)

[dan2357]

What if you sold the pocket guides? I understand that putting info up for free would kill sales on the big guide, But I know I even though the info is there on the site, Like for Genny, would still buy a book with everything done for me...
Maybe makinga few pocket guides.
One for all Nintendo systems, One for Sega system ( I know the Master system would be like 1 page, Ect Ect...

Hell you can even intise people in to buying the pocket guides by alowing for a downloadable lite version without the pricing rarity info.

This might also increase sales, some people I think are scared off by the big book due to the number of systems it covers,
But by making books available that tailor to peoples collecting habbits might be a good thing.

[scooterb23]

I'd love to have something like this for my Handspring Visor!! I have tried so many programs...and none of them do what I want to do.

Here is what I would want in either a paper version, or a downloadable list for my Visor...mostly the same as everyone else really...


game name, manufacturer, three checkboxes to indicate if I have the game, box, and/or manual, and maybe a slot to place a quantity (so that I can look at a glance if I have 54 or 55 Combat carts...


Everything I have tried on my Visor either is too clunky (meaning I can't edit it on my Visor and auto-sync it up to my PC), or wont let me add in enough information to be functional...very frustrating...

[Masco73]

Great idea!! I'll take 2.

[Achika]

Or just make it for an elite club. Only offer it to those who purchase the big book.

[maxlords]

I need to buy the big book anyway...and I'd assumed you were talking about making a pocket guide to sell anyway...why would you give it away for free? Just sell it for an extra $10-15 and only to those who buy the big book. That way you don't slit your throat on the big book's sales, and people who have or want the get the big book can get a nifty, handy tool!

Do it! :)

[samuraiX]

I have most of this done. Waiting to hear back on the specifics. I'll post more info soon.

[digitalpress]

I really feel bad for anyone who's spent the time converting our lists into PDA "pocket" format. I could have done that for you in a heartbeat - again, all I need to hear is a generally agreed-upon format so I can begin putting the files out there in that way.

It's one of the many reasons why we went to database format. Doing things this way makes everything very flexible from our side and allows us to concentrate on content and quality rather than tedious formatting and report generating issues.

[hamburgler]

I will probably buy the book.

[Mr-E_MaN]

I think a pocket book with check box, game name, rarity, price, and manufacturer would be a great idea. Since I only collect for the NES I didn't want to spend over 50 bucks on a book that I was only going to be using one part of...
:o

[digitalpress]

What works best: CSV (for the uninitiated, that's "comma delimited text") or MS Excel format?

Again, let me stress the importance of getting the requirements right from you. I want this to be useful to the vast majority of palm/handheld pc users but do NOT want to create multiple versions of this file. That page shoudl be very simple: look at the printable PC version, or download a "palm friendly" version.

Thanks!

[rbudrick]

I think a check box for game, manual and box isn't going to take up any extra space that would matter. I mean, they're tiny! Include those too!!! Lemme buy 2 of em!

-Rob

[mitmoe]

i own a sony clie and i would love to have something with check boxes,manufacturer,rarity , price, all broken down by system. I'm not sure what format would work for all, but I can read and edit things in word and excel on my clie. This is a great idea!!

[scooterb23]

Definitely go for the majority, for us Palm / Pocket PC users, but I do not have Microdoft Excel (I use OpenOffice...hey, I'm cheap and it was free and it works just as well) so I don't have access to that handy Excel database ability on my Palm :(

CSV is my vote, but I'm in kind of an odd situation...I can live with a printable version if need be...

[Mr-E_MaN]

I would go with the CSV. I think Excel has the ability to convert it into it's own spreadsheet. It's under Data->Import External Data->Import Data.

[dan2357]

ah damm it, I wanted a printed Pocket guide.

[Six Switch]

ah damm it, I wanted a printed Pocket guide.

Same here.I must be the only person in the world without a palm. :o x_x :roll:

[Masco73]

ah damm it, I wanted a printed Pocket guide.

Same here.I must be the only person in the world without a palm. :o x_x :roll:

Your'e not alone. I don't have a plam either.
I thought we were going for a mini-book style guide. There has got to be an easy way to shrink down the list really small to print.

[mitmoe]

any news on this subject yet?

[digitalpress]

I'm just sittin' around, tapping my fingers, waiting for the person with the most initiative to get everyone together and pull the specs together for me.

[madclone]

What about making it in XML format?

And what sizes are these pocket books usually? I could try to mock up some pages in quark to see what would fit the best. I'm assuming they are 4x5.

[Mr-E_MaN]

How about Check Box, Title, Publisher using CSV in .txt format.

CSV can be easily changed to excel or from commas to tabs so it can be tweaked easily if for some reason someone wants to edit or change the way it looks for them.

[digitalpress]

How about Check Box, Title, Publisher using CSV in .txt format.

CSV can be easily changed to excel or from commas to tabs so it can be tweaked easily if for some reason someone wants to edit or change the way it looks for them.

What would represent a "check box" in ASCII.... does "[ ]" work alright?

[Mr-E_MaN]

[ ] Would be good enough for me.

[hydr0x]

how about deleting every R1/R2 game from the pocket version? u dont need info on those, its enough info to know that they are not r3 or higher :)

[Mr-E_MaN]

how about deleting every R1/R2 game from the pocket version? u dont need info on those, its enough info to know that they are not r3 or higher

If it was an editable .txt file you could take those out yourself... Some people might want those left in.

[ChuckthePlant]

This was starting to be a good idea, but then died an early death. I am very interested in establishing a more portable, discreet, mode of easily tracking collection information. Is there anyone else interested in reviving this thread and establishing a common file format?

[l_lamb]

It would seem to me that for use on Palm OS and/or Win CE that Excel would be better because it's a standard and it's easy to get a program that reads Excel for a low price (check download.com). I've got many of the lists converted to Excel and have simplified versions stored in my old Handspring Visor using Quicksheet. It will auto-sync any changes automatically.

If the data were distributed in Excel it would be pretty easy for each person to add columns as they saw fit; for instance columns for box or manual. My Playstation sheet has columns for box type and greatest hits (Y/N) among others that don't make sense for other systems. Other sheets have columns for label type so I can keep track of variations. It's almost as flexible as Access but more portable.

If anyone wants a copy of one of the sheets I have, just drop me an email.

[MarioAllStar2600]

I think there should be one little book for each system. No protos, or homebrews should be included. I think it would be a great idea. It would be cool though to make them downladable so you could load it into your palm pilot OR print it.

[ChuckthePlant]

I agree that it should be excel compatible format, possibly tab-delimitated? That would give it the flexibility to go into a list format via an excel reader or a dbase or print form. As discussed earlier, I think it should contain the name, publisher, rarity and suggested price and a notes section for label variation or any pertinent data only. We then could customize it to our own needs. It just needs to be basic for collection tracking and hunting in the wild.

The problem that cropped up earlier would be for the information contained in the DP guide. It would not be good to cannibalize on sales. I suspect that it would not matter to a number of people as the game information, release date and lore is as desirable as the other information. Possibly provide it to those who bought the guide for a fee?

[bigdaddychester]

I have a palm III something or other that I use handBase on . I don't know what kind of format (.csv, .txt, etc) it uses. I just defined a few fields and ended up something like this

[] (checkbox) title Rarity Price

so far I've made 2 databases. one for the Astrocaede and one for the Colecovision. (Joe I promise these are for me only....nobody else has them, I'll be happy to email them to you if you'd like)

I took the information from my DP guide the night before I went on a hunt for these items.

I also have another database of games in my collection. This is of the same format as above but has drop down boxes for System, Media description, rarity, and price. Of course I fill in those later as I drool over my catches for the day

[The Manimal]

I think this is a fantastic idea, and I would be interested in one if it is in PRINTED format (like those little yellow pocket Spanish/French/etc translation dictionaries).


Abbreviations could be used to spare space? I think that might be a good idea. The more compact the better.

Either way, a check box is a must. I'd say:


UNDER EACH SYSTEM


Check box, Title (listed alphabetically) + any type of variation noted, Developer, price/rarity.



I don't really buy stuff for rarity (not sure exactly what is. don't follow closely enough!). However, I keep buying stuff I already have because I don't remember all of it! Doh! So pretty much this pocket guide would be massively helpful to a person like myself, as it could be a checklist to check off what I have already.




There's my input. :)

[fcw3]

Any version that would work on an old Palm-OS (3.0 or under) would work great for me.

FRED

[RetroYoungen]

All I can really say is that if something does get together, I'll support it. But mostly I just want the handheld rarities and all that finished on the Rarity Lists page. I'm sort of tired not knowing if what I have is rare or not, and I've come across no other web site with such a comprehensive list of handheld release lists. I just want some rarities, and I know that's difficult to get most times, and I'll help if I can, but I KNOW you guys can do it!

[grayrobertos]

Easy way to do it,

Just make a top 10 rarest

top 10 most expensive

and top 10 games for each system.

should be pocket enough.

[ChuckthePlant]

Seems there are two media requests. One for a handheld compatible and the other for a smaller print medium. I think each can be accomplished with a user editable file format such as tab delimited. Once you have that you can easily move it into your format of choice and edit to your hearts content. What would be needed for the DP people to consider this?

[ChuckthePlant]

I am going to bump this again to see if we can’t get more interest going. It is a great idea we just need to define the parameters format and media. This seems to be the general consensus...

1. Just lists with Title, Publisher, price And Rarity

2. Palm and spreadsheet compatible i.e. CSV

3. Checkboxes for game, box, manual and possibly quantity

4. Editable for printing in small book format or for handheld as the user desires

Some questions to be answered are...

1. Some people would like to see the option of purchasing a smaller guide maybe on a system-by-system basis. Is this feasible or should we allow each user to format and print as they desire.

2. Providing information in the DP guide while not cannibalizing on its sales.

Input?

[GamingGirl]

FYI Andy Slaven of VideoGameBible has put together a pocket-sized guide. www.videogamebible.com

"Ok, the announcement that was held up time and time again is finally at hand. The VGB Pocket, a compact book small enough for your back pocket, is approaching completion. It will include U.S. systems from 1972-2002, publisher, rarity, price, but will omit reviews and overviews so that the overall size can be reduced. We're still formatting so that a final page count can be made, and hence a price placed on it by the printers.

Pre-sales will begin in about 2 weeks and will be handled much in the same fashion as the original guide was sold. We're also finishing up the cover art so that the appropriate page can be uploaded for general information on the product. But for the time being, if you have any questions (aside from price), this will be the place to ask them. But to sum it up, it will be a very concise book covering the very basics, simply intended for portability to flea markets, thrift stores, pawn shops, etc. "

[kevates]

Chuck,

Earlier in this thread, Joe has offered to make data available minus rarity and price info on the systems in the red guide. I think a list by system with title, publisher and check boxes in CSV would be great... it allows people to import/format the file as they see fit and doesn't compete with the guide sales.

[ChuckthePlant]

Yes, I have been exchanging pm's with him. We just need to finalize exactly what we want and what file format for him. Lets say Title, publisher, rarity and price (where appropriate i.e. non DP guide) in CSV format for each system. If all agree we can submit to Joe.

I am not familiar with the Video Bible but it looks if they have a pocket edition it will be good solution for those without handhelds.

[kevates]

That sounds good... name, manufacturer, price, rarity (where appropriate) for each system will work great... CSV is the best format I think, because it's pretty universal.

[digitalpress]

That sounds good... name, manufacturer, price, rarity (where appropriate) for each system will work great... CSV is the best format I think, because it's pretty universal.

FYI this will be happening soon, you'll see the downloadable "pocket guides" available as new systems get their own system pages (so it's part of that bigger project).

Thanks to everyone for their feedback!

[kevates]

Thanks, Joe.

That's GREAT news. BTW... the individual system pages are a great idea. I love the layout... everything you need, right at your fingertips.

Kevin

[Nature Boy]

FYI this will be happening soon, you'll see the downloadable "pocket guides" available as new systems get their own system pages (so it's part of that bigger project).

Are you going to include 'Rarity' along with those pocket guides though? I can understand why you wouldn't (to get people to buy the book) - and I know that the 'PDF Guides' currently there don't have rarities (for those consoles covered in the book anyway)?

I think having a Palm/PPC guide is a *fantastic* idea. There might not be alot of us out there who use Palm/PPCs, but those of us who do are gonna *snap* with excitment...

[digitalpress]

I'll include rarity/price for the systems that weren't in the 7th Ed. Guide and will probably even include a FEW that were. I've been told that including rarity/price even on a system like Atari 2600 wouldn't cut into book customers and I tend to believe that. Baby steps, folks.

[dan2357]

Hey I remember this post.