Antique Chess Data Base

[dermotr]

Hi Robert Heartiest congratulations on developing such a fabulous site. I believe that, as collectors, we should attempt as far as it is possible, to develop a comprehensive data base on antique chess sets which could answer a range of questions such as; - what are the main styles/patterns in which antique chess sets were produced - when did each style first emerge and when did they go out of fashion - what materials were used for each style - where and by whom were particular patterns made - in what quantities were sets, of different patterns, produced - etc. etc. This would be a mammoth task but with your site its now possible to contemplate such a project. It would be interesting to hear if other collectors feel this is a worthwhile proposition and the extent to which people are prepared to get involved in making it a reality. Regards Dermot ChessAntiquesOnline

[r.van.der.veur]

Hi Dermot, A complete comprehensive database is a big challenge, but many hands make light work (Dutch saying). So count me in! Cheers, Robert

[r.van.der.veur]

How do we start? Any suggestions?

[dermotr]

Hi Robert The fact that there has been no expression of interest from the wider group in this proposal, raises the question of whether its worthwhile pursuing – particularly given the amount of work that would be required. We might give it a little more time before we make a decision but in the meantime here are my ideas of how we could approach the project. Because the area of chess collecting is so wide, we would need to start developing the system for one country or region and maybe cover just the main collecting period i.e. 1700 – 1900. After that the database could be gradually enlarged and eventually become universal. I think the biggest workload will involve the researching/classification/decision making associated with compiling the data/descriptions to be used in the data base – ideally this could be done by a member/ small group who are very knowledgeable in a particular area and their work then would be validated/approved by a special Group set up for the purpose of managing the project. The other main issue will be of a technical nature – getting the data onto a web site and ensuring it can be easily accessed by members. I am not proficient in this area but as you have already developed a web site you probably have that capability yourself or available to you. . Broadly, such a data bank could have three fields, as follows; 1. Country/Region 2. Period of Production; Each century could be divided into quartiles e.g. 1800-1825 3. Listing of Main Chess Set Types Produced This would have to differentiate those sets continuing in production from the previous period and those newly developed in the current period. For this field a number of sub fields would be possible including - main features distinguishing each set type - materials used size range - production volume indicators - book references - image - -makers The data bank would be available in spread sheet format. Obviously in many areas we would not have complete certainty of information but ‘estimates’ would be acceptable until firmer information was found and of course such a computerized system could be easily updated/corrected as necessary. As this outline approach could get rather technical and detailed, we might continue any future discussions by direct email. Regards Dermot

[r.van.der.veur]

The fact that there has been no expression of interest from the wider group in this proposal, raises the question of whether its worthwhile pursuing

[dermotr]

Hi Robert I agree - you can contact me at dermot_rochford@yahoo.co.uk Regards Dermot

[worldwide509]

Hi Robert, Slow but sure. I would be delighted to help if indeed I could. If you obtain enough interest by Dec. 1, I'm in... Regards Frank

[chesspurr]

i support the idea of such a data base ,and i think fellow collectors should do also. it could add additional information of benefit us all ,and some of it might not be even be in many collectors books.

[r.van.der.veur]

All, A first prototype of the database is ready. If you are interested let me know. Cheers, Robert

[disphania]

Robert, I hope you don't think that lack of response indicates lack of interest. I believe a large number of the members would be very interested in the information you propose to collect, but are either not that into computers, nor knowledgeable enough to contribute. Like most organizations 10 % of the people do the work, the rest of us appreciate your efforts and applaud your success. I for one thank you 10 %, 100 %.

[pdoc2]

I think it's a grand idea. regretably, I do not have that much background knowledge in the game or history. But I can, as several other members can, provide photos and procurement data on the collections I have obtained. I would be more than happy to provide photos and my costs. Wish I could be more productive, but maybe as things mature, I will be of more use. Live Long & Prosper

[r.van.der.veur]

The Seven Rules of Making this project work

#1 Set a major goal, but follow a path. The path of making a comprehensive data base on chess sets has many mini goals that all have one direction. Lets start with the quick wins and when we learn to succeed at mini goals, we will be motivated to challenge grand goals.
#2 Finish what you start.A half finished project is of no use to anyone. Quitting is a habit. Develop the habit of finishing self-motivated projects.
#3 Socialize with others of similar interest. Mutual support is motivating. We will develop the attitudes of our five best friends. If they are losers, we will be a loser. If they are winners, we will be a winner. To be a chess collector we must associate with chess collectors.
#4 Learn how to learn. Dependency on others for knowledge supports the habit of procrastination. Man has the ability to do research without more experienced collectors. In fact, when we learn the art of self-education we will find, if not create, opportunity to find success beyond our wildest dreams.
#5 Harmonize natural talent with interest that motivates. Natural talent creates motivation, motivation creates persistence and persistence gets the job done. When you volunteer for this project select a subject that you like.
#6 Increase knowledge of subjects that inspires. The more we know about a subject, the more we want to learn about it. A self-propelled upward spiral develops.
#7 Take risk. Failure and bouncing back are elements of motivation. Failure is a learning tool. No one has ever succeeded at anything worthwhile without a string of failures.
So take a risk and join and be one of the winning 10%!

[r.van.der.veur]

Here is a screen shot from the "The Chess Collectors database" prototype.

[jvreij]

Interesting screen shot. I see some similarities with my own database, like selection lists. Question is how easy it will be to update these lists. Could anyone do it, or will there be an administrator to do it? Further I think there will be needs for filtering and maybe for extracting (for prints or so) data and/or images. For references I would like to suggest to have a unique identifier for each known book/catalog/etc... My Literature and reference list could be a 1st start (see my discussion how I have composed my references).

[dancing_with_volves]

It is a very good idea.