General Forum

I would luv to propose a GUIDE, but would need imput from members.... and then hope it's correct in the eyes of the founding members. I wouldn't know where to begin w/o member input.

If an item is listed that wasn't associated with a pack, box, case of cards etc. then we assume it's not legit? That wipes out an awful lot of listed entries. I think each group of non-card entries needs to be classified on it's own merit. If we use the Hornfrog VB schedule as example, Where did it come from?

How about team photo albums, I didn't find it in a pack of cards?

Dan, I beg to differ with you, if the same forum post keeps coming up, then it's an issue on this site. We shouldn't be sweeping it under the rug because it's annoying, we should be fixing the problem now or you will be reading about it again. Right?

As long as I've been a member, I've done alot, but I didn't enter my individual personal items until now. In 2 weeks I've reported inaccuracies or wrote to ADMIN daily. I was just about to enter my collection of NFL, NBA, MLB pins and insignias....That would have been a waste of time since they don't agree with the 1 liner FAQ!

So, if you guys think a more detailed guide is needed, post what you believe to be correct. And by the way, where do Starting Lineup cards belong?

~BOB~

That would be '16.

Bob, I'm all for making a change/difference. But constantly complaining on the forums did/does nothing, well, except get people POed at each other.

I didn't write the entry in the FAQ. You asked for a clarification. I pointed you in the direction of the clarification that Admin wrote. Maybe it's outdated - I don't know. But that's the guideline. I have many, many items in my various collections that can't be catalogued here. Some are very cool, some might even be rather valuable. But since Admin doesn't want those items on THIS site, we keep them off this site. Maybe there's another site out there that can and will handle those items. Maybe we can find a site to handle SI, SI Kids, Who's who in Baseball, and other magazines, along with pins, pennants, pocket schedules, and just to include UKBoogie, Jello Molds.

I know I keep mentioning the Glossary issues we had. We had several threads going back and forth, for quite a while, and going nowhere. Here's what I finally did. I read the posts another time. I saw who were the people going in, making updates, and were truly passionate about making the Glossary, not just better, but ideal - the best it could be. I identified the 3 others, requested their e-mail addresses, and took it offline. We spent 2 months sending e-mails and documents back and forth, editing, and challenging each other. We spent a couple more weeks polishing up the final document, and then, when we all felt confident, we presented the documentation to Admin. Most of it was taken from the FAQ and from e-mails we each had received from Admin clarifying the site's vision. Some of it was our ideas, but the 4 of us agreed on EVERY word in those docs. Admin did, in fact, request 3 changes, which we then discussed and made them. The documents we made are now in the FAQ. It took about 3 or 4 months from the first group e-mail, but we did it. Those Rules & Guidelines are still being implemented site-wide, but they are being done so with Admin's approval. I suggest you (or someone else) do this regarding these items. 

Now, back to the questions you have raised here. Let me quote the FAQ:

Is it ok to add entries for other types of collectibles?
Other collectibles that are inserted into packs or boxes of traditional trading cards are allowed to be listed in order to fully document the inserts that were included.

This is dealing with other collectibles. You ask about cards that were included with Starting Lineups - they're cards, so they aren't in the scope of this question. Hornfrog VB schedule - I would imagine it's a card. So let's understand right here, this is a trading card database, so CARDS are the focal point, and cards are always allowed. Pins are not cards. Coins (actual metal, currency) are not cards. Patches are not cards. All of these fall into the question of other collectibles. Refer again to the FAQ for those. This is why the Pinnacle Mint "coins" are allowed - they were issued in packs of cards. This is why the Topps rub downs, tattoos, and other non-card items inserted into packs are allowed and listed here.

Legal Disclaimer: This is my interpretation of a combination of the rules posted by Admin, previous forum posts, and accepted practice on TCDB. This is only my opinion and is only meant to contribute to the discussion and is in no way an attempt to try and establish formal rules for TCDB.

What types of items can be added?

(1) Any type of small, non-consumable card sold or distributed as a “collectible” by a legally organized firm, business, corporation, institution, team, or agency that has legal authority to distribute the item. As a general rule this excludes: unlicensed cards, phone cards, post cards, calling cards, non-collectible playing/game cards, schedules, calendars, coins, programs, and promotional flyers.

*Pocket schedules that meet the following criteria may be added:

• Resemble traditional trading cards
• Double-sided (no foldouts)
• Serialized (Can be compiled into a cohesive set)

Examples of acceptable pocket schedule entries include:

• 1977 San Diego Padres Schedule Cards
• 2011 TCU Horned Frog Volleyball Schedules

(2) Other collectibles that are inserted into packs or boxes of traditional trading cards are allowed to be listed in order to fully document the inserts that were included.

(3) A collectible card or other collectible “card like” item that is included in or on the packaging of a non-trading card product as long as they meet the following criteria.

• Resemble traditional trading cards or be recognized as collectibles by the general trading card community (E.g. Bread Labels, Dixie Lids, Salada Coins)
• Must be removable from the product/packaging in which they are distributed with or affixed to (Wheaties cereal box fronts are an example of non-removeable).
• Serialized (Can be compiled into a cohesive set)

I know that this falls way short of addressing every potential issue and I believe that any rule that is created will generate several examples of exceptions that have already been added to the database. 

Well, I followed Dan's lead regarding the glossary. I wrote to ADMIN to see if a GUIDE would be a good idea. If so, your comments, suggestions, ideas would be welcome. I would write-up a guide and present it to ADMIN for editing and approval. Members would also be able to comment before final approval.

Hope ADMIN likes the idea, I think it will answer some issues regarding acceptable non-card entries.

~BOB~

Chad, I think you hit a pretty good summary, but there's one thing I noted (yeah, this is a couple days late - whoops).

Unlicensed cards are okay; heck, how do you think Panini baseball cards get on here? The key is that checklist of them can be compiled. Many "Broder"-type cards have no discernable checklist. However, those that do actually are catalogued here.

I was confused on this matter until a few months ago when someone mentioned that on the forums. 

So, I would state something along the lines of "...card sold or distributed as a "collectible" by a legally organized firm, business, corporation, institution, team, or agency that has legal authority to distribute the item, as well as those unlicensed that are able to be compiled in some sort of checklist...however you want to word it".

If this is a fact worked into the guide that Bob has mentioned, perhaps they could warrant separate entries. I for one am excited to see the possibility of yet another guide being provided to this website. We have so many members who make valuable contributions, and even more who attempt to (which is always appreciated). But without a clear cut, definitive guide to go by, it can be difficult. And as Dan said, if you want it done, let's make it happen! I don't have much input, but I'm certainly willing to lend what I do have. Thanks to all of those who continue to make the TCDB the best card collecting site on the web.

Jason

EDIT TO ADD: If I am incorrect about the unlicensed cards in my statement above, someone please a) correct me and b) explain this to me. Thanks.

cnangle wrote:

Legal Disclaimer: This is my interpretation of a combination of the rules posted by Admin, previous forum posts, and accepted practice on TCDB. This is only my opinion and is only meant to contribute to the discussion and is in no way an attempt to try and establish formal rules for TCDB.

What types of items can be added?

(1) Any type of small, non-consumable card sold or distributed as a “collectible” by a legally organized firm, business, corporation, institution, team, or agency that has legal authority to distribute the item. As a general rule this excludes: unlicensed cards, phone cards, post cards, calling cards, non-collectible playing/game cards, schedules, calendars, coins, programs, and promotional flyers.

*Pocket schedules that meet the following criteria may be added:

• Resemble traditional trading cards
• Double-sided (no foldouts)
• Serialized (Can be compiled into a cohesive set)

Examples of acceptable pocket schedule entries include:

• 1977 San Diego Padres Schedule Cards
• 2011 TCU Horned Frog Volleyball Schedules

(2) Other collectibles that are inserted into packs or boxes of traditional trading cards are allowed to be listed in order to fully document the inserts that were included.

(3) A collectible card or other collectible “card like” item that is included in or on the packaging of a non-trading card product as long as they meet the following criteria.

• Resemble traditional trading cards or be recognized as collectibles by the general trading card community (E.g. Bread Labels, Dixie Lids, Salada Coins)
• Must be removable from the product/packaging in which they are distributed with or affixed to (Wheaties cereal box fronts are an example of non-removeable).
• Serialized (Can be compiled into a cohesive set)

I know that this falls way short of addressing every potential issue and I believe that any rule that is created will generate several examples of exceptions that have already been added to the database. 

Is a guide needed ..... yes. Am I up for it not at the moment as it is summer months up here so that means long hours not in the man cave. Chad you have a very good understanding of how it gets started ...... pretty much just like that.

I know of a few items not discussed, Stamps, Players Patches (look in NHL), Team issued items, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10s ...... There has been an advancemnet to the site that Admin has accepted as allowed over time and it is thier site to determine the yes and no decisions. However as a community it is our group effort that helps them make those decisions. It does take time as Dan said and the final results, when sucsessful, are very warranted. Good luck Bob, if anyone has adetermined mindset it is you.

Two things since my last post:

Jason - unlicensed cards are cards and are included here. We simply make every attempt to get a full checklist before adding it here.

Bob - May I recommend taking suggestions via private message or e-mail. Thanks.

Dan, now that's a good idea!

Anybody, that has contributions to the GUIDE, either PM me or send to bobscardz@aol.com.

TY, ~BOB~