We believe the more images the better for a research tool like hobbyDB! Here are some ideas on how we would ideally like to show them (and as always please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section!).
For Database Entries, we would like to have standard images for different Database Types. So 2-dimensional items, like Postcards, would only have two standard images –
Each type would have its own image standards. For more 3-dimensional collectibles, such as Model Airplanes, there would be a few more standard images –
Users would see these on the Search overview pages and scroll between them without having to go into the Gallery –
Or do the same on the Database Item page. Here we could also show the others as thumbnails as we have more space –
And while we like the images to be as standard as possible (like the image on the left) — ideally with a white background — we would love to have users add 1,000s of artistic images (like the one on the right)!
If you like the Diorama photo, there are more images like it on this site!
In fact, we accept any images for the gallery, as there might be something of interest in each. Even a bad image might show a detail that other images in the gallery don’t have! We are already considering to later enable voting on images so that the very best photos float to the top of Galleries.
It is for the above and other reasons that we generally don’t allow the deletion of photos; only images that are wrong for the database entry or that are small and have been added in a larger format are considered for deletion – just flag those. We will eventually enable a rollback timeframe, say 60 minutes, to delete an image you uploaded so that you can correct a mistake.
Besides all this, there will also be Variant Details images (for more see this Blog post) and we plan similar galleries for Subjects and Showcases where you can show all or parts of your collection, and share images of your collecting adventures.
I like the idea of being able to delete my own pictures as I have found my pics to get better over time I would like my original pictures removed. I generally try to get the best picture but sometimes I have to redo them and would leave the first as a place holder until I get the better pic. Sometimes others get the better pic and the duplicate that is not of better quality should be removed. I have been in the process of getting a house ready and moving over the last few months so I have slowed down quite a bit but I am almost back to normal and ready to get my pics put in the database. Once my shop is done in about six months I will be back to getting everything imaged and uploaded.
Hi Jay, looking forward to having you back! Re images, those early images will just move into the big pool of other images with the newly taking images taking the important Standard Image slots. Eventually, those early images (if they are really not good) will move to the 2nd page of the Gallery. Just think of the future gallery as a curated Google Image search!
This is a great philosophy & common sense standards, I think that with a Database with limitless potential the image content should be more dynamic & for lack of a better word artistic, as long as the focal point of that image is the item for that entry. I’m A Hard Rock Cafe Pin, Magnet & Shot Glass Collector & in my humble opinion we have to start thinking outside the box when it comes to images, we’ve been doing it for every other aspect pertaining to our specific database section here on hobbyDB why not images, why do they ONLY have to be on Whiet or light colored backgrounds – the reason can’t be because you can see the item better, that justy doesn’t ring true, some wil say for consistency, I can understand that, but that’s the “old way” of thinking, because we were trained & use to the Old Catalog & all its shortcomings & restrictions – those days are over & we have to look ahead & move forward – I want Collectors & Traders to be excited when they see a great photo of a Pin, an image that will want them to acquire that pin. The suggested rules for Pins, Magnets & Shot Glasses are just too “Clinical”, again just my opinion – but if we want to draw more people to the site & to Collecting & Trading in general, boring images are not going to help our cause.
Interesting and I think we could do both. We currently have the Main Image with is the first standard image that shows (like that Hot Wheels Datsun above in its card against a clear background). We could allow users to opt for showing the highest voted artistic image for the entry. That way both communities are served. Please let the ideas flow.
One other thing, as I have been developing my photos to get better images, and since I use natural white lighting, I have found that any vehicle that is mostly white I get better images with a blue background. I am going to be making a new photo box soon with a full insert in a lighter blue background with a gloss finish to give a better reflection of light. My main box will still be a high gloss pure white and with the way I do the full cards most of the time the background has a minimal effect but with loose cars they really pop.
That is an excellent point, contrast is important and both blue or black work for white or light grey items.
I like the no-image-left-behind philosophy. Also I’d support more artistic photography. For one, it sounds great as a community catalyst.
The development of the item page image galleries is interesting. I’d like to be able to view the images divided by their content. This could become an especially helpful feature, when image galleries grow larger and larger. There could be tags like:
We like your ideas and will add that to the roadmap (possibly in the form of image tags).
I personally really would like to have the chance to delete at least any photo I have added to the database if I want to. It should be my decision if I want my photos still be shown or not. So I would really appreciate this possibility. I think this the minimum because of data protection reasons. I am only collecting Hard Rock Cafe stuff, so I cannot speak for other topics. But I think the pin masters for the Hard Rock stuff should be granted the right to delete very bad or wrongly added scans. I don’t think that having many similar photos that are blurred, too small or worse than others will be of much use for collectors anyway.
Fully understand the sentiment and we plan a grace period where you can delete an image. What we want to avoid is users moving on in life or being angry about a transaction with another user that went bad or many other possible reasons want to go in and delete all their work. This has happened on too many web collaborations. Once added the image and other information belongs to the community. Re deleting images as we get better revision histories on the site and build the ability to easily recreate deleted content we will make delete available to trusted users.
I like the idea of artistic images but not used for the main image. When I’m searching for an item, I want to see the item. It can be cool to see how people display or use said item in some unique way but as I said, the main photo should just be the item. Whether that is boxed or out of the box is ok for me. I do like the options currently to show a main photo and a different search photo (so show item unboxed and boxed for instance) and then go through the gallery to see other options – back, side, Batman battling Joker on a cliff. 😉 It would be great to not have to scroll through the images – have an option to show a gallery – particularly when there are a lot of photos so you can click on the one you want to see versus clicking through them all.
Yes, we have no plans to change the current standard photos and how they show.
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