collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Aug 8, 2021 6:13:37 GMT
The hobby of stamp collecting is based on lists to such an extent that it is worth taking a little time to understand which lists and the makeup of those lists.
Some lists are obvious. Take a look at your favourite catalogue either on line or a published edition. They are lists of stamps.
For a software developer this provides the first major choice.
Not all stamps are listed in all catalogues. Series titles can be different between catalogues and even the order in which the stamps are presented can be different. Of course catalogue number and values are also different.
The easy choice here is to support just one catalogue, the stamps are presented in the same manner all the time, this can be either a published catalogue or one dreamed up by the software developer.
There are many applications that use this model such as simple spreadsheets and some database applications.
The harder choice is to support all catalogues which means adding code to support the differences between each catalogue.
World Stamp Collector supports all catalogues. This does not mean that all catalogue numbers are entered in the database but they can be, as the collector wishes.
As a collection grows more lists are required, such as a list of stamps already in my collection, a list of stamps that I want to complete my collection and these two lists when combined define a third list which is a ‘My Collection’ list.
Another useful list is a swap list to share with other collectors.
These lists can require some special handling.
World Stamp Collector takes a two pronged approach to these lists.
The first is a simple one click on each stamp in any of the lists this allows a collector to collect to their favourite catalogue and still see which stamps are in each of their lists. This will be explained later in searching the database.
The second method is that the collector can enter their own list for example adding a ‘My Swaps’ list where they can add their own numbers, titles and values.
When combined this opens up some intriguing possibilities. For example one collector having created a swap list could share this with other collectors who can import this list and then search using this list for stamps they wish for their collection.
This facility can be used by collectors wishing to sell stamps as well, add a list to their database maybe called ‘My sales’ add the stamps to the list including prices etc then any user of the World Stamp Collector can import this list and with just a few clicks check the sales list against the their wish list to see if the stamps available are what the collector wants.
Developers note:- The ability to export either the swaps or sales list selected is planned to be like an order form in a basic CSV format readable by most spreadsheet applications where the collector can delete any row which has a stamp not required at the time before printing and sending to the seller, swapper.
This is just a short introduction to lists as handled by World Stamp Collector please feel free to comment and ask questions if I have not made things clear.
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brightonpete
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On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
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Post by brightonpete on Aug 8, 2021 13:01:23 GMT
I just checked your app again. I thought I had tried it as the link had been clicked before. But no, same thing as before, the Mac version is not available. Is a Mac version available? I'd like to see how it looks and whether it fits with how I work...
TIA
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Aug 8, 2021 14:11:04 GMT
At the moment the app is held back due to the large amount of additions such as stamp world being added as a main catalogue.
I am also having to rewrite the setup and update procedures.
The setup because there are now over 100,000 files to keep track of and the update procedures as it will need to inform the user which parts have been updated and a bug was found where some data could be lost when updating.
One more excuse is my main programming machine decided to collapse and not work anymore so I have had to wait till the end of the month get a new one and start loading it all again.
There will be a MAC version and a Windows version, both 64bit. My apologies to Linux users, the recent upgrades to Linux have made a mess of the user interface by automatically resizing some of the text boxes etc. obscuring other parts of the interface.
My main programming machine is an Apple iMac M1 running Big Sur so there is a Mac version which can be available.
I can however start another thread showing the main form with an explanation of the fields etc. I was going to ask where next as there is also the album page portion, image recognition and others.
If anyone has any preference let me know.
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clivel
Member 
Posts: 387
What I collect: Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Rhodesias, South Africa, Swaziland, Israel to 1980, Ireland predecimal, Palestine Mandate
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Post by clivel on Aug 9, 2021 15:33:32 GMT
Great to hear that you have tied up with Stamp World, that will give you access to an enormous database of stamps. Unfortunately, I only run Linux so am only able to try World Collector in a "Virtual Machine" which is not entirely satisfactory. Maybe, someday, if you are amenable I could help with a Linux port.
Regarding forum threads, I think that it would probably be more convenient for most users to have a single comprehensive thread.
Clive |
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jln
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Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Sept 7, 2021 21:16:36 GMT
Hi Collectordave,
I already knew this forum and was registered since August 2020.
I hadn't used it yet and I just had a look around and I liked what I saw, at least so far.
I already know Collectordave from other walks and guys, it doesn't cross your mind what is available in his application, in terms of options and features.
Go with me, download the application and you will see that, it is very easy to use and if you have any questions check the help file which is very well designed - simple, concise and quick to consult.
I've tried paying apps and none are as pleasant and simple to use as this one. So that I had one of mine (in MS Access), also with 50 years of development (and more than 1 million of records) and I abandoned it to use this one.
Of course there may be things to improve and other features to implement, but that will be with time.
It is now important to enter information and I have been trying to collaborate with Collectordave on this, but there is still a lot to do.
Regards to all
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Sept 8, 2021 5:33:22 GMT
Hi jlnGood to see you are on this forum. My short time on here has been enjoyable and long may it continue. The World Collector Application can't as yet be downloaded. After receiving large amounts of new data it all has to be entered. The tie up with Stampworld has also shown up a weakness so I am having to restructure the database. This will allow incremental updates of the database without loss of user data, when a user has defined their own list (catalogue). A massive amount of work but worth it in the end. Some features:- The application is a database. It can hold catalogue numbers from any catalogue you wish and display stamps in that catalogues order. It can be used to keep track of your collection in a number of ways. It is not restricted to being a simple list it has a growing number of errors and variants being added to the database and the user has the option of including or excluding any item they wish. Basic image recognition is built in. There is a magnifier as well so scan in your image and magnify on screen. There is a digital perforation gauge as well limited by the image used so not deadly accurate. Their is also an album page creation portion which creates album starter pages for collectors based on the collectors selection. These albums can be exported to the AlbumEasy format for further editing. Just a short list and may grow. I am working on a suggestion from a member here to provide an index to the help files in a thread so forum members can easily see each portion. Once I have the first working version with the restructured database I will announce it here. Regards |
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jln
**Member**
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Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Sept 8, 2021 13:32:21 GMT
Hi CollectorDave,
According to what you mentioned I'm importing your help file to create chm or help file, through the HelpNDoc program.
This way, later, it can be improved and associated with each option of the application.
Was this what you wanted?
Regards
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Sept 8, 2021 15:07:04 GMT
Hi Jln
HelpNDoc is a great application which only runs on windows.
The WSC application is cross platform and will run on Windows, Mac and eventually Linux so I need to find a format which is compatible on all three platforms.
Simple html files are the answer, every computer has a web browser, although these also vary greatly in their abilities.
Basically the help system is a series of small html files, one for each form or action in the application where I need helps in writing these simple html files.
They do not need to be entirely about the application but can also be short articles to help new stamp collectors.
I have written a small program to take all these files and produce an index etc.
collectordave
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jln
**Member**
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Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Sept 8, 2021 16:53:34 GMT
HiCD,
HelpNDoc is not for use with the application.
Please see below the description of the purpose of this application:
HelpNDoc is an easy to use yet powerful and intuitive help authoring environment which provides a clear and efficient user interface to build the most amazing CHM help files, responsive WEB based documentation, PDF and Word documents, ePub and Kindle eBooks as well as Qt Help files from a single source without worrying about the inner working of help file generation.
Regards
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Sept 9, 2021 3:31:05 GMT
Hi Jln
I know what HelpNDoc is. It is the output format .chm which is not universally supported on each operating system. Great on Windows but there are more.
Simple .html pages are supported on all operating systems.
Regards
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Sept 9, 2021 20:16:58 GMT
Hi CD,
Ok.
I've uploaded the Albania csv file, changed according with what I've sent in the email.
See your email for more information.
Regards
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Sept 15, 2021 6:52:20 GMT
Hi jlnJust this moment added all the data from Albania thank you |
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jln
**Member**
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Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Sept 15, 2021 22:05:24 GMT
Hi cd,
Do you think you saved time with the new ordering and the least amount of weird characters ?
Regards
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Sept 16, 2021 4:03:41 GMT
Hi jlnI save a lot of time, I even had time to take my wife out for a meal. Moving on to Monaco now. Thanks and Regards |
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jln
**Member**
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Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Sept 23, 2021 10:23:22 GMT
Hi cd,
You are making fun of me!
Still in Monaco?
And Portugal and Spain?
Another week and I will finish Ecuador. Complicated with many varieties.
Regards
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Sept 25, 2021 11:46:10 GMT
No Fun
Monaco finished into database and images all assigned moving on to Portugal now
Regards
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Oct 9, 2021 13:10:15 GMT
Hi cd,
I uploaded Ecuador 1943-2019 and images.
As the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador and although you already have the records in your application, I also uploaded the Galapagos 1957-1959 and images.
I will continue with Mongolia.
You still have Portugal, Spain and now Equator and Galapagos. I have time to finish Mongolia, calmly, slowly.
Please check your email for more details.
Regards
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Oct 11, 2021 11:25:49 GMT
Hi Jln
You have plenty of time for Mongolia.
Portugal taking a little more time translating as I go through.
Thanks
Kind Regards
CD
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Oct 11, 2021 14:27:26 GMT
Hi cd,
Translations
I put Portugal with terms in Portuguese since if someone wants to search for a phrase or a description contained in the stamps, they can do it easily in yours's search option.
If you change to English this will no longer be possible.
In fact, I try to do this with four languages when I can - Portuguese (Portugal and former colonies), Spanish (Spain and former colonies and most of the countries in Central and South America), French (France and former colonies as well as French territories) and Italian (Italy and former colonies).
The 2nd reason has to do with collectors and their nationality.
You didn't like England being translated into Spanish, for example.
It's okay that many countries and issuers use the English language but if you look closely, that are not even half of the issuers (the stamps, etc).
In some cases I use 2 languages in the descriptions (and whenever I can) - for example Ecuador - it is in English and Spanish, in some records.
As for the other languages, German, Russian, Mongolia, Thai, Chinese, etc., it's more complicated for most (collectors), so I stick to English.
If you want you can see that in some cases, in the descriptions - for example Ecuador, Spain - it is in English and Spanish.
It's just an opinion.
I'm curious if you've read your email (all of it).
Regards
jln
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Oct 11, 2021 22:10:48 GMT
Hi cd,
Can I answer to Mr. karszu post in stamporama ?
I promise not to be too "brusque" with him.
More or less this.
A. Just tell him that the help file update is in progress.
B. That the application is free and as such, the current version is not prepared for ad-hoc installations in the windows operating system, whose default was changed by the user. In fact, not even applications that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars can or make this feat available. Perhaps in a future version this can be advanced.
C. In response to what he says in point 3 - that, again, the help file is being changed and that eventually, as there are other features with higher priority, it will not come out with the next version.
D. In response to what he says in his point 4 - that the help file is really important but, as the application is very easy to use and free, again, it's not a priority for now.
In this context, his collaboration would be very welcome to collaborate in updating Hungary's philately, including varieties, updating existing information, and inserting new information (Portugal will be a good example). If this is not possible, if he can indicate or provide a catalogue, specific, on Hungarian philately?
Please refer to the Help - Appendices - Help Build the DB file - in the help file.
E. As for point 5 of this gentleman - I would like to say that the comments are rude, whether they are true or not - of course I will not say it, but I would like to. And once again the help file is beeng changedg and will be made available when appropriate.
F. As for point 6, I have no answer. I have versions 10.4 and 10.6 and none of them have those options, through the menus directly as refered by him.
Album Easy is displayed after being selected in Albums: Start - Albums - Album Easy. But do nothing (for some reason I've made an error when installing my version - Installing the software Album Easy is necessary, is'nt it ?
As for Install Images, it doesn't really show up in Tools in any of those versions.
The response will be that We will see that problems and hope to correct them in a new version.
What do you say ?
Regards
jln
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Oct 12, 2021 14:19:11 GMT
Hi jln
First languages.
World Collector is being programmes as a multilingual application, this takes time. The main thrust at the moment is to produce working software in English including the database entries.
Once done their will be several tasks to complete on the translation front firstly all the programme forms then the help files and the database.
Mr. karszu
I found the comments to be quite constructive and valid he is also labouring under some misapprehensions. I have asked everyone not to download at the moment until all the updates have been tested and released. Which includes the help files.
It can be seen as my fault for allowing the download!
However maybe a quick reply mentioning that help is required and if Mr. karszu would like to help with the help files etc he could be included on the list, like yourself, of testers for the Alpha version and help to write the help files.
That would be appreciated.
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Oct 12, 2021 15:18:37 GMT
Hi cd,
I don't speak about multilingual program.
Only the Sets name and the item description. That's because the search.
One example: 1 stamp from Portugal that shows "Cubas de Vinho" (wine vats ?) and has one inscription "Cubas de Vinho".
In the stamp description I will write "Cubas de vinho do Porto - Oporto Wine".
If a user see this stamp will search by the inscription "Vinho" or ""cubas" because he doesn't know that the translation of Vinho is Wine.
Regards
jln
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Oct 13, 2021 13:04:06 GMT
Hi Jln
Now that makes common sense I like it, that way because of how the search is organised using the actual words printed on the stamp can help enormously in finding the stamp in question.
That way my thoughts on the search can work just as well so typing 'vinho' will find all the stamps with that word in the description.
Regards
collectordave
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Oct 14, 2021 8:54:45 GMT
Hi cd,
My apologies, maybe I explained myself wrong initially.
In the descriptions, in cases where the stamps are not from English-speaking countries, in addition to inserting what is written on the stamp, when possible (so as not to make the description too long), I also try to include the English translation.
Right now, my effort hasn't been much in that direction.
I'm more focused on indenting the remaining years and collecting the corresponding images.
Maybe, later and already from your's application, I will do this work.
It will be easier to export and send you the file to import.
Have a nice trip to the UK.
Regards
jln
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Oct 26, 2021 14:18:48 GMT
Hi cd,
I'm continuing with Mongolia but I've changed it a little, to be different. Don't always be the same entity.
So I started with Malawi - from the beginning and with the 'dead' countries related to Malawi: Nyasaland Protectorate, British Central Africa and Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
Of course they all include other items and varieties in addition to the regular stamps.
So I've uploaded:
- 4 zip files with the images
- 1 excel file named Malawi_and_Others.xlsx, with 4 sheets.
Please see your email for more information.
Regards
jln
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Nov 17, 2021 9:28:45 GMT
Hi cd,
I haven't heard from you for over a month.
It's all right ?
---------------------------
Mongolia in stand by.
So I started with Namibia - from the beginning and with the 'dead' countries related to Namibia: German South West Afrika and South West Africa.
Of course they all include other items and varieties in addition to the regular stamps.
So I've uploaded:
- 3 zip files with the images
- 1 excel file named Namibia_and_Others.xlsx, with 3 sheets.
Please see your email for more information.
Regards
jln
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Dec 2, 2021 11:01:26 GMT
Hi cd,
Mongolia in stand by.
So I started with Botswana (1966-2021)- from the beginning and with the 'dead' countries related to Botswana: Stellaland (1884-1885), British Bechuanaland (1888-1893) and Bechuanaland Protectorate (1888-1966).
Of course they all include other items and varieties in addition to the regular stamps.
So I've uploaded:
- 4 zip files with the images
- 1 excel file named Botswana_and_Others.xlsx, with 4 sheets.
Please see your email for more information.
Regards
jln
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collectordave
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Post by collectordave on Dec 8, 2021 16:30:17 GMT
Downloaded Namibia and started on that with the images brilliant.
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Dec 24, 2021 18:40:01 GMT
Hi cd,
Is everything okay with you and your family?
I’m doing now - Lesotho (1966-2016) and related ‘dead’ countries: Basutoland Protectorate (1933-1966). I,m in the 2000 year.
Related with Lesotho, it seems to me that there is something wrong since your DB references 2282 records between 1966 and 2016 (presumably only stamps), while my DB (excel that I send) only contains 1870 stamp records. If we include the Souvenir Sheets stamps, 95, it goes to 1965 in the same period.
There is a difference of over 300 stamps. Is weird.
In Lesotho you have 89 images and I will send more than 2000 images.
At the beginning I sent my DB with about 700 thousand records and all the images I had at the time (about 99 thousand).
Some, were already treated, that is, they had their records duly filled (with what was possible - updated with the latest information) and with other types of items.
Now my DB has about 1 million records and the number of images has increased to 120 thousand.
Lately I have been sending Countries or Dead Countries, all with the possible update including other types of items, Fdc, Maxi card, Mini-Sheet, Souvenir-Sheet, Card, varieties, errors, etc.
I have been building this information in a methodical way.
I also notice that sometimes the some of the records already exist in your DB (although in most cases there are more records in the information I send) and in other cases there are no images in your DB.
It’s important that you read my emails to see how my information in the excel file is structured.
You should be aware of new columns that I added in excel - for example the "Sets Notes" - which can give you more and important information.
As I have other countries (especially dead countries, local or occupation), completed. I will upload some of them.
I will inform you of the uploads made, by email and/or in the TheStampforum.boards:
- German Occupation of Albania (1943-1944);
- German Occupation of Belgium (1914-1916):
- Czechoslovakia – Theresienstadt (1943);
- German Occupation of Estonia (1941);
- Finland – Aunus (1919);
- Finland - Eastern Karelia (1941-1943);
- Finland – Karelia (1922);
- German Occupation of Alsace (1940-1944);
- German Occupation of France – Prussian War (1870) and (1916);
- German Occupation of France – LVF (1941-1942).
Regards
Jln
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jln
**Member**
Inactive
Posts: 29
What I collect: Portugal and former Portuguese colonies (until 1975). I'm starting with the collection of locally issued stamps or occupation stamps (like WWII).
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Post by jln on Dec 29, 2021 22:15:20 GMT
Hi cd,
As I have no answer from you, there's a Portuguese proverb that says: "Silence gives consent", so I'm going to continue sending the issues of inactive entities: local issues, related to occupations during WWI, WWII or others of the same type, that I've completed.
Right now I don't have any to upload.
But, I finished Lesotho and uploaded 3 files:
- 1 Excel with Lesotho and Basutoland date;
- 2 zip files with the images of Lesotho and Basutoland.
Regards
jln
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