BrickLink Discussion Forum

Hello,

Here are my initial thoughts on this subject. There are several reasons that
I like the current system of using set numbers on minifigs.

1) I think a minifig that only appears in one set should have a set number. I
would be willing to go as high as 3 set numbers in the Name before I feel it
would be annoying. It is useful for searches and anything useful should not be
easily discarded.

2) When a new minifig is added to the catalog and before the set it appears in
is inventoried and approved, the only way you can find it is with its name or
the set number in the title. It would not yet have the link for 'Item Appears
In.' This is the most important reason to keep the number.

3) Brickset links to our minifigs in searches, but only if the set number is
in the Name description:

https://brickset.com/search?query=40108&scope=All
https://brickset.com/minifigs/twn215/balloon-vendor-(40108)

Nice to know the only listing to buy this minifig is on BrickLink! That's
good (free) advertising.

I do also think that adding some more descriptors would be nice on some figs.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 12, 2018 10:11

Subject:

Re: Fourth Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

I'm not suggesting this is currently a problem, but it does pose issues when
one comes to implementing features such as Jen suggests.

You keep coming back to and picking apart this idea? Please consider:

1) This idea has been asked for from the original BrickLink session in Seattle
more years ago then I would like to count up.

2) It would be a convenience to many users (and especially newbies) to be able
to further constrain their search results. "I am tying to find something, but
there are too many stickered parts in the way" has been stated numerous times
in the Forum over the years.

3) I do not believe that it would be complicated, difficult to implement, or
require touching the database. Each checkbox would simply add the necessary text
string '-pattern' '-sticker' to the search parameters. I have
spoken to people more knowledgeable than me who have assured me this is a real
thing.

4) It could appear within the search bar at the top of any catalog search results
page. One checkbox to Hide Decorated parts. One checkbox to Hide Stickers. The
new page designs are already likely wide enough to accommodate this. Try it searching
for 'tile 1x6' and then 'tile 1x6 -sticker' to get a feel for
how it might function when someone is looking for a part. Then, try 'legs
hips' and 'legs hips -pattern'

5) There would be less pressure on the admins to split some categories if these
options were easily available to everyone. Splits are still needed and necessary,
but I will restate that this would simply alleviate some of the pressure to do
so.

I admit that I do not really understand where you are coming from with these
last few posts discussing my little afterthought suggestion. It is not feeling
like a discussion much from my end so I am going to say thanks now for adding
your comments and that this is the last I have to say on the matter. I look forward
to this discussion heading back toward catalog issues and not coding for the
site which BL is not currently considering.

Take care!
Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 10, 2018 13:41

Subject:

Re: Fourth Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

Sorry if you have taken my statements in a different context then I meant them.
I am simply adding my thoughts and opinions to the discussion, not solving every
problem on BrickLink.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 10, 2018 13:38

Subject:

Re: Baseplates not (easy) to find

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Catalog, building4ever writes:

A precision: As Jennifer said, the years for the sets are the years the sets
were first released. But the years for the parts are the oldest and newest years
of the sets they appear in, they are automatically calculated.

Ah ok, that explains it. Still I doubt that the search for base plates is very
straightforward or accessible. Why so complicated?

It is simply the data that we have. We know when sets are released, not when
LEGO stops making/selling/distributing them.
And I understand that the catalog system does seem complicated at first, but
it is really a fantastic resource once you get used to it. People here are always
happy to try and answer any questions you have about it!

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 10, 2018 11:48

Subject:

Re: Baseplates not (easy) to find

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Catalog, building4ever writes:

I find it hard to see through. E.g., the 48x48 plates are listed as part 4186,
but it says: Years Released: 1980 - 2016. If I'm looking for sets, for example,
the 10701 appears, which has been sold since 2015 and still is according to Lego
online store.

So the listing 4186 is incorrect in saying that there is no current 48x48 baseplate.

The Years Released data for parts and sets only refers to the year they were
FIRST released, not all the years they were produced and available in stores.

The old Death Star 10188 only has 2008 as its Year, even though it was produced
for many years after that.

Is that what you are asking?

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 10, 2018 11:29

Subject:

Re: Fourth Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Catalog, jennnifer writes:

I am not being funny. I am being frustrated and pointing out how simple fixes
could make big things easier. A new data base isn't needed. Decorated parts
should have the word Pattern in their name. It would be wonderful if there could
be two check boxes for Decorated and Sticker. However, that actually would require
data and some real coding.

Ok, the brain is moving a bit slow today.

One checkbox for Hide Decorated (anything with the word Pattern)
One checkbox for Hide Sticker (anything with the word Sticker)

I am not a coder, but I can't believe this is not possible with a very easy
script.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 10, 2018 11:21

Subject:

Re: Fourth Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

Splitting decorated/non-decorated minifigure legs.

Sure it is convenient! (But also easily achieved with a -pattern search??)

I don't know about "easily". Possibly "mostly". Only if the word "pattern"
is consistently used throughout the category in reference to those legs with
printing.

Yes, it very much is. The word pattern is used extensively for any part that
is not a solid color. Most everything with 'pb' in the number is going
to have that keyword.

And this raises the same issue as the mini doll legs being molded or
patterned...some minifig legs are dual-color molded and not otherwise decorated.
I don't know offhand if there are also dual color molded leg assemblies with
printing. Wonder Woman maybe?

Right now molded and patterned are the same thing. There are lots and lots of
standard minifig legs with two color plastics and printing. Some are in here:

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?searchMethod=searchBoth&q=legs+boots+pattern&itemBrand=1000&catType=&itemYear=&catID=&catLike=W

There should be a check box on every catalog search page to 'Hide Decorated Parts.'
Ta dah! Problem solved.

I imagine Jen is attempting some humor here, but from a practical standpoint
the database isn't structured such that it would be feasible to implement
in this fashion.

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 9, 2018 10:03

Subject:

Re: Fourth Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

72 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Adding individual decorated hips and legs.

I think the legs are pretty much broken once they've come apart.

Changing titles of certain dual-sided heads to reflect this fact and splitting
heads into single-side print and dual-side print categories.

Disagree. Dual-sided is not the same as printed front and back. Dual-sided means
there are two faces to choose from. Printed front and back means there are also
details printed on the back. To call one of these Dual is inaccurate. It is not
meant to be put on the minifig backwards.
I think Dual-sides should be left alone and any head with back printing get a
mention of it is the Name if possible. Most images already show this.

Reorganizing/renumbering certain mini doll legs to reflect a change in production
methods.

This would help with the difference between

92253c00pb01 Mini Doll Hips and Trousers with Back Pockets with Tan Shoes Pattern - Thick Hinge
Parts: Mini Doll, Legs

which has Tan printed shoes on Dark Blue plastic (despite it's
current description) and
[p=92253c00pb05] which is molded with Dark Blue and Tan plastic.

https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=175562&nID=851127

However, you are opening up a nice can of worms here!

Are you going to start
differentiating between printed patterns and molded patterns all over the catalog
or just here?? I do not envy you this task.

Splitting decorated/non-decorated minifigure legs.

Sure it is convenient! (But also easily achieved with a -pattern search??) There
should be a check box on every catalog search page to 'Hide Decorated Parts.'
Ta dah! Problem solved.

Thanks!
Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 7, 2018 13:28

Subject:

Re: Q about (Other) Minifigures Have Moved!

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, novabrick writes:

Does this change their itemnumber like

Minifig No: gen002 Name: Ghost with 1 x 2 Plate and 1 x 2 Brick as Legs

gen002 (Inv) Ghost with 1 x 2 Plate and 1 x 2 Brick as Legs
Minifigures: Castle

No, I had not planned on changing any item numbers for any minifigures. They
would all keep the gen*** numbers.

This may mix up our sorting system otherwise.

Please clarify what you're saying here. What exactly would mix up your sorting
system and in what way?

I don't want to speak for novabrick, but it would mess up my sorting system
if the number where changed. If I had this minifig in a bag marked 'gen002'
and then got an order for minifig: 'cas999.' I would be looking for the
wrong item number to fill my order. That's why some of us are wary of changes
to part numbers, categories etc. Unless we regularly check our stock against
the Change Log, we only find out about things when an order is placed and we
go hunting for a part. It is understandable since the Catalog is a living breathing
thing, but it does cost some time. I need a little note or something to remind
myself:

Don't Look Twice, Check the Change Log First!

Hope that helps!
Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Nov 2, 2018 19:58

Subject:

Re: We have a new Inventories Admin

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

Inventories