Beryllium Guy
Moderator 
Posts: 5,901 
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Jan 18, 2021 23:25:42 GMT
Tagging: tobben63 , Ryan , angore , philatelia , cjoprey , Philatarium , djcmh , Andy Pastuszak , renden , blaamand , madbaker , brightonpete , darkormex , Mr. HJust wanted to let everyone know that I moved the recent posts about how to use Colnect from the Whatcha Been Stamping? thread to this new one, which I assembled by combining a 2013 thread created by Andy ( Andy Pastuszak ) and a 2019 thread created by Terri ( philatelia ). It seems like there is enough going on with our members and Colnect now that it deserves a dedicated thread to further the discussion.  |
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tobben63
Member 
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,874
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Jan 19, 2021 4:41:44 GMT
Philatarium glad to help. If anyone need some help to navigate or other thing on Colnect, just ask. I always have that page open when working with stamps. How do you handle keeping track of your stamps if you have both Mint and Used? I only see one option to select. This is one of the weak spots on Colnect. What you can do is to use the comment field:  Or if you are a paying member you can create your own MNH and MH (and other) lists.  |
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cjoprey
Member
Scanning stamps for my website...
Posts: 1,504
What I collect: Belgium (predominantly), British Commonwealth (older ones), WW (whatever comes my way...)
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Post by cjoprey on Jan 19, 2021 18:54:57 GMT
Philatarium glad to help. If anyone need some help to navigate or other thing on Colnect, just ask. I always have that page open when working with stamps. ^ This. Like tobben63 I'm always on there and happy to help. And I'm sure djcmh would be happy to advise too as they're a moderator on Colnect.  |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jan 20, 2021 12:11:25 GMT
There are challenges for databases when it comes to creating a cross reference when there is not a 1 for 1 match for many issues due to the specifics listing methods of each catalog.
As example, I was checking some of my Machin cross-references between Scott and SG in Colnect and noticed the challenges..
There are many examples where one Scott number could equal multiple SG numbers since Scott does not list tagging variations (paper or bars).
One example is if someone wanted a Scott MH83 13p pale chestnut, a person that catalogs by SG could send them X900, X801, X901Ea since Scott ignores phosphor bands (left, right, center).
Using the above example, Colnect shows the equivalent for Scott MH83 as SG X900 (Center band) but technically the tadding description is in the "do not care" category for Scott so is the entry correct? Now, if I search X900 I get the same entry so relationship is NOT dynamic.
If I look at the other alternates by searching by SG number, Colnect's cross reference for x901 (right band) lists no Scott equivalent and the same is true for X901Ea. One may argue MH83 could be shown in these since it was mentioned for X900 since it is the same but in any case a X900, X901, etc. would not be a MH83 in all cases since each notes specifics ignored by Scott.
The reverse is true where Scott does list a few that are not SG Concise list as well.
Colnect puts all the cross references in ONE field does not look like a dynamic relationship is possible. I am just noting that the cross reference system has some aspects that may confuse unsuspecting collectors.
For Machins, the descriptions in Colnect are mostly from Michel so that was used as the base for the Machin information which appears more specific that Scott or SG Concise.
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,874
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Jan 20, 2021 13:30:25 GMT
When specializing in one area it is always best to use the best catalogue for that area. Scott are definitive not the best catalogue for Machin stamps and creating a cross reference will be impossible. The same with Norwegian postorn serie, you have to use the Norwegian catalogue "Norgeskatalogen". Facit is close and can be used. But even Norgeskatalogen is limited if you really want to go deep. Then there is special literature. So if you are going deep into Machins, get and use some of the special catalogs available. as for Colnect it depends on users input. I don't use it for special and deep going stuff. It is great for ordinary stuff. If you register all the special stuff there, it will be confusing to a lot of people. And you often have to return stamps where the exchange partner have got it wrong. But I'm sure djcmh will be able to tell us more how Colnect work. I use it for the majority of my stamp swaps, but not for special things. There you must know the one you exchange with and be sure what you exchange. Do it simple. |
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 794
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Jan 20, 2021 15:32:44 GMT
In general when it comes to cases where one catalog is more specialized than another, the less specialized catalog number is assigned to the most common variety listed in the more specialized catalog, unless technical data on that specific stamp would preclude such an assignment. One key point about colnect is that every catalog code can only be attached to one item. So if Gibbons has three different variants for what is only one Scott number, only one of those three can have the Scott number assigned. Bear in mind that I have only been the coordinator since 2018, so there is always the possibility of incorrect correlation between catalogs. This is one of the issues with any wiki style project, data is as good as the source of the data provided. If a user thinks the wrong catalog number has been assigned, simply fill out a Help improve our Catalog request (every item in Colnect has this dialogue box attached at the bottom of the listing and I or one of the other editors will check things and make changes if needed) |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jan 20, 2021 18:44:03 GMT
I doubt there is perfect correlation between any 2 catalog and only real conclusion is that collectors need to realize it is imperfect. Even 2 specialist MACHIN catalogs do not have a 1:1 correlation.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Feb 1, 2021 12:53:16 GMT
Moderator Note: This post and the one that immediately follows were moved from a newly started thread to this existing one about using 'Colnect'.
Here is a good video on using Colnect by tobben63 . madbaker posted a link in the chat did not work for me so I posted it in a thread. I learned a couple tips from his demo plus to get to see how someone organizes their duplicates. I am not a Premium member (yet) especially since I use StampManage to inventory my collection.
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 794
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Feb 1, 2021 16:13:34 GMT
That is a WONDERFUL video, tobben. Well done!
I notice that there was one stamp in that hearts series that should not be there, will make a note to fix it.
DJCMH
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Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,901
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Feb 1, 2021 17:13:12 GMT
Just wanted to give this thread a bump, as I just moved the two previous posts here. Al ( angore ), thanks for posting the video, and Torbjørn ( tobben63 ), thanks for creating it. It's on my watch list for tonight! |
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Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,901
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Feb 2, 2021 8:41:09 GMT
Good morning, Torbjørn ( tobben63 ) and all! I just wanted to say that I watched the Stamp Cave video about using Colnect last night, and it was a very nice production. I enjoyed it and learned a little, too. This weekend, I think I will run it again on one screen while I am live on Colnect on another screen to follow along on my own account. Anyway, I would urge any members interested in Colnect to watch the video. It also showed some nice images of watermarks for classic Denmark stamps. I was impressed at how well those showed up on camera. Thanks for a great contribution to stamp collecting, Torbjørn! |
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,874
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Feb 2, 2021 8:50:54 GMT
Thanks a lot Chris.
I have to watch my video again ( it's hard to see and hear yourself) as it is some month's since I posted it.
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 794
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Feb 2, 2021 12:14:26 GMT
Again just want to say if anyone has questions about Colnect, please feel free to post them in this thread or shoot me a private message here or over at Colnect.
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,158
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
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Post by renden on Feb 2, 2021 15:20:22 GMT
tobben63......nice video ! When you do another, please let us know - I have difficulties managing the site........do not log in often enough !! René
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,158
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
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Post by renden on Feb 2, 2021 17:49:23 GMT
tobben63 : Just spent 2 hours looking at your choice of Denmark classics - found some space fillers for my album - sent an e-mail - Thank You René
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,874
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Feb 2, 2021 20:57:07 GMT
Rene renden I have replayed your mail and made a list with your name on on my Colnect site |
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,158
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
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Post by renden on Feb 2, 2021 21:48:40 GMT
Rene renden I have replayed your mail and made a list with your name on on my Colnect site All stamps marked for swap......what next ? Thanks !! We work by e-mail, please !! René |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Feb 4, 2021 12:03:07 GMT
I downloaded the Colnect identifier app and Colnect app on my table and will give it a try soon to check image identification.
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brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110
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Post by brightonpete on Feb 4, 2021 12:35:50 GMT
Only Android? I just searched for iOS, but didn't find anything.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Feb 4, 2021 15:17:24 GMT
I am running Android.
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 794
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Mar 16, 2021 12:45:26 GMT
Just wanted to note that a few minutes ago (approx 08:30 Eastern USA time) Colnect's Stamp Catalog reached the milestone of 1,000,000 discrete item listings. That's the first million down, an unknown number in the millions to go! |
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madbaker
Member
Posts: 793
What I collect: (Mark) General worldwide collector (to 1975 or so) with a soft spot for Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia.
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Post by madbaker on Mar 18, 2021 2:07:03 GMT
Congratulations djcmh! I've come to really like Colnect. I found it tricky to use at first and had several false starts until tobben63 's video inspired me to try again. But I'm hooked now.
Honestly, it's comforting to know that you're managing the stamp side of the catalogue. It helps to have someone I 'know' in charge of things. Gives me confidence knowing that knowledgeable stamp people are making the decisions.
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 794
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Mar 18, 2021 9:18:24 GMT
Congratulations djcmh ! I've come to really like Colnect. I found it tricky to use at first and had several false starts until tobben63 's video inspired me to try again. But I'm hooked now.
Honestly, it's comforting to know that you're managing the stamp side of the catalogue. It helps to have someone I 'know' in charge of things. Gives me confidence knowing that knowledgeable stamp people are making the decisions.
Thanks, I try my best though I am sure I have made errors in the catalog in spite of my best efforts. |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Mar 18, 2021 9:42:20 GMT
How about a zoom meeting on getting the most of colnect? There was a seminar on getting the most out of the Scott catalog by APS.
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 794
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Mar 19, 2021 15:19:02 GMT
How about a zoom meeting on getting the most of colnect? There was a seminar on getting the most out of the Scott catalog by APS. I would consider taking part in one if others here on the forum could organize it. Only real catch is that due my wacky work hours working night shifts I would need to do it early AM Eastern USA time |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Mar 23, 2021 10:14:03 GMT
I noticed that Colnect does not include stamp dimensions. I noticed this after I tried to confirm some stamp dimensions.
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Ryan
Moderator
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,746
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Mar 23, 2021 11:25:54 GMT
I noticed that Colnect does not include stamp dimensions. It does include stamp dimensions but only when the information is known to them. For example, look at this screen snip I saved when answering a question on TSF earlier about diamond-shaped stamp dimensions - it does include stamp dimensions for this listing.  Of course, the info is not necessarily derived from any official source - it might just be coming from Colnect members who are taking the measurements themselves. And I'm sure there is the occasional confusion over what is being measured - outside edge to outside edge (perf tip to perf tip) in some cases, printed design dimensions in other cases. I would think that the perf tip to perf tip dimensions would be useful for anybody trying to create their own album pages, for example, but in some cases the catalogues will reference the printed design dimensions, like for these small Hungarian definitives. Here's an example where the stamp catalogue describes two different stamps according to their printed design size differences. In this case, the Colnect listings show a perf tip to perf tip measurement, so both stamps are shown as being the same size (the printed image size difference is noted in the "Description" field).  Ryan |
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djcmh
Member
Posts: 794
What I collect: Worldwide
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Post by djcmh on Mar 23, 2021 14:27:59 GMT
At Colnect dimensions are meant to be perf tip to perf tip but unless contributors measure it themselves the info won't be available. Catalogs only rarely give image size dimensions when needed to differentiate varieties, but at least in earlier years this was not realized by contributors so there are still many incorrect needles in the Collect dimension haystack. Users of the catalog who find information on dimensions that looks wrong should fill out the Improve our Catalogue box located at the bottom of each stamps main information page so that the data can be corrected.
Perf tip to perf tip measurement is used to aid collectors who wish to make their own album pages.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Mar 23, 2021 17:35:26 GMT
Good to know. I was checking a few and did not did not see them noted.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,684
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Apr 7, 2021 12:00:49 GMT
Is there a summary list of all the country codes (like Colnect uses NU for Niue)?
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