United Public Domain Gold 2/United Public Domain Gold 2.iso/utilities/pu566.dms/pu566.adf/Read Me

Text File | 1994-03-07 | 15KB | 324 lines

Welcome to COMIC COLLECTOR an easy to use database system for both serious
and not so serious comic collectors.

This shareware version has two titles enabled, namely DAZZLER & DEFENDERS and
you can maintain a database for these two titles.

HOW TO USE THE DATABASE
The initial screen serves no purpose other than to assault your eyes and
remind you to read this file.

The second screen shows a range of titles available, although registered
users will have their own custom screen depending upon which titles they have
chosen.  If you move the pointer over either of the two titles enabled and
press the left mouse button and then click on the OK box you will be able to
look at the database as it stands at the moment.

The grid on the screen has 352 numbers some of which have a grey background
and some a white.  Those with a white background denote titles that are not
available, either because a series has ended or because a series had a name
change and did not commence at number 1, while those with a grey background
denote available titles.

Above the grid are 3 coloured boxes, which are used to maintain or look at
the  database.  If we assume that you are looking at the dazzler collection
and you  have copies 1 to 7 and copies 9 to 15 in your collection, then to
update your personal database all you need to do is to click on the red box
and type in the numbers, pressing return after each one.  You will see that as
you press return the background changes.  Having completed that you might want
to show your requirements, so firstly enter the number 0 (notice that the band
round the red box disappears), which is the way of finishing of all number
input, now click on the yellow box and enter the numbers of those comics you
would like in your collection.  Again once you have finished entering all the
numbers enter the number 0 to finish with the yellow box.

At this point you might want to save your database so click on the OK box and
twiddle your thumbs while the best machine in the world gets to grips with
the slow process of disk accessing.  After the database has been written you
will be returned to the opening screen.

DATABASE INFORMATION
Having seen how to maintain a database, a quick look at the information
available.   On the grid screen if you click on the green box and enter a
number you will be shown any relevant information about that comic.  The
price shown is the price you would expect to pay for that issue in average
condition, it is of course a best guess, but if you price some comics in your
local shop and do a comparison you should be able to see a trend.  Maybe your
local shop is charging too much, maybe your shop is charging too little
(please tell me where it is) but if you find that your shop prices are widely
different from those on the database please remember that prices do vary
according to the condition of the comic, although for the none serious
collector the term 'average condition' means exactly that, a comic that has
obviously been read but has been treated with care.  Do not overgrade comics,
the ridiculous prices bandied around for comics are there to trap the unwary,
if you are serious about comic collecting then learn the acceptable defects
for different grades.  There are still some unscrupulous dealers around (as
there are in any selling area) that will quote top prices for second rate
goods.

The other parts of the information screen are self-explanatory.  Well-known
or popular artists are shown, appearances by guest characters are shown and
any major storylines are shown.  A character name with a (1) after it denotes
a first appearance.  A title with an (X) after it denotes a crossover title.

Finally the reset button needs to be explained.  On the comic titles screen
you can click this button if you have made a wrong choice.  On the grid
screen if you click the reset button you will be offered the choice of
resetting the whole database or certain numbers.  If you choose to reset the
whole database then the only things that will be lost are your personal
collection details, all the other information will remain.  If you choose to
reset certain numbers you will be put back to the grid screen where you will
need to enter the numbers you wish to reset (finish this operation with 0
again).

You must always leave the grid screen by clicking on the OK box which
maintains data integrity.

SOME STUPID THINGS TO TRY
If you click on the more box on any screen you will be put back to the start
screen (there is no more on this version).

If you try and mark an unissued comic (shown as white) as in your collection
or required you will not be allowed to do so.  If you ask for information on
that comic you will be shown the last number issued, or the follow on title
name if relevant.

If you try and finish updating the database while one of the coloured boxes
is still outlined you will not be able to do so, you must finish all number
entering operations with 0

If you pour fizzy drinks all over your machine it won't work anymore (sorry,
not relevant to this program)

HOW TO PURCHASE MORE DATABASES
If you require a program for your collection here is how it works:

You can register for either or both of the Marvel or DC comics versions

Registration is £5 for one £8 for the two.  When you register initially all
you have to do is send payment along with a copy of this shareware disk and
the titles that you want to have the databases for.  After initial
registration if you want further titles send back copies of the the program
disk and the database disk (if they are separate) and you will receive an
updated version (with your original data still intact).  When ordering please
indicate your system set-up (external floppy, hard disk etc).

The prices for the relevant titles are set out below (figures in brackets)
show different series, but you only pay the price shown for all series.  Any
titles that contain annuals or king-size issues etc will also be included.

The minimum order value is £3 but for any order under £6 please add 50p for
post and packing.  If you require annual updates they will be charged at a
flat rate of £5 regardless of the number of titles that you are registered
for.

If you require annual updates then please indicate when registering and you
will be informed when they are available.

DC COMICS

ACTION COMICS               3.50
ADVENTURE COMICS            2.50
ALL STAR COMICS                    0.50
ALL AMERICAN MEN OF WAR            0.50
ALL STAR SQUADRON            0.50
ANIMAL MAN                    0.50
AQUAMAN (2)                    0.50
ATOM                            0.25
BATMAN                            2.50
BEST OF DC                    0.50
BLACKHAWK (2)                    0.75
BRAVE AND THE BOLD (2)            1.00
CAPTAIN ATOM                    0.25
CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN (2)    0.50
DC COMICS PRESENTS            0.50
DEMON (2)                    0.25
DETECTIVE COMICS            3.25
DOCTOR FATE                    0.25
DOOM PATROL (2)                    0.50
FIRESTORM                    0.50
FLASH (2)                    1.75
G I COMBAT                    1.25
GHOSTS                            0.50
GREEN ARROW                    0.50
GREEN LANTERN (2)            1.25
HAWKMAN (2)                    0.25
HELLBLAZER                    0.50
HOUSE OF MYSTERY            1.75
HOUSE OF SECRETS            0.75
INFINITY INC                    0.25
JIMMY OLSEN                    0.75
JONAH HEX                    0.50
JUSTICE LEAGUE                    0.50
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA    1.25
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF EUROPE    0.25
KAMANDI                            0.25
LEGION                            0.25
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES (3)    0.50
LOIS LANE                    0.75
METAL MEN                    0.25
MISTER MIRACLE (2)            0.25
NEW TEEN TITANS                    0.50
NEW TITANS                    0.50
OUR ARMY AT WAR                    1.00
OUR FIGHTING FORCES            0.75
PHANTOM STRANGER            0.25
SANDMAN (2)                    0.25
SECRET ORIGINS (3)            0.25
SGT ROCK                    0.75
SHOWCASE                    0.50
SPECTRE (3)                    0.25
STAR TREK (2)                    0.50
STAR SPANGLED WAR STORIES    1.00
STARMAN                            0.25
STRANGE ADVENTURES            1.25
SUICIDE SQUAD                    0.50
SUPERBOY (2)                    2.00
SUPERMAN (2)                    3.00
SUPERMAN FAMILY                    0.25
SWAMP THING                    0.75
TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED            0.50
TEEN TITANS                    0.25
TOMAHAWK                    0.50
UNEXPECTED                    0.50
UNKNOWN SOLDIER (2)            0.50
VIGILANTE                    0.25
WITCHING HOUR                    0.50
WONDER WOMAN (2)            2.00
WORLDS FINEST                    1.50


MARVEL COMICS

ALPHA FLIGHT                    0.75
AMAZING ADVENTURES (4)            0.25
ASTONISHING TALES            0.25
AVENGERS                    2.00
CAPTAIN AMERICA                    1.75
CAPTAIN MARVEL                    0.25
CONAN THE BARBARIAN            1.50
CONAN (SAVAGE SWORD)            1.00
DAREDEVIL                    1.75
DAZZLER                            0.00
DEFENDERS                    0.00
DR STRANGE (3)                    1.00
EXCALIBUR                    0.50
FANTASTIC FOUR                    2.00
G I JOE                            1.00
GHOST RIDER (2)                    0.75
HULK (3)                    1.75
IRON MAN                    1.75
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY (2)    0.75
MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS            0.75
MARVEL FANFARE                    0.50
MARVEL SUPER-HEROES (2)            0.75
MARVEL TALES                    1.50
MARVEL TEAM-UP                    0.75
MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE            0.50
NEW MUTANTS                    0.50
POWER PACK                    0.50
POWERMAN                    0.50
PUNISHER                    0.50
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL            0.25
QUASAR                            0.25
ROM                            0.50
SHE HULK (2)                    0.50
SILVER SURFER (3)            0.50
SOLO AVENGERS                    0.25
SPIDERMAN (SPECTACULAR)            1.25
SPIDERMAN (AMAZING)             2.00
SPIDERMAN                    0.25
SPIDERMAN (WEB)                    0.50
STRANGE TALES (2)            1.00
SUBMARINER (2)                    0.50
TALES OF SUSPENSE            0.75
TALES TO ASTONISH            0.75
THOR                            2.00
WEST COAST AVENGERS            0.50
WHAT IF ...? (2)            0.75
WOLVERINE                    0.50
X-FACTOR                    0.50
X-MEN (CLASSIC)                    0.50
X-MEN (UNCANNY)                    1.75
X-MEN                            0.25

The full version of the program will allow you to take a hard copy of comic
requirements along with prices to make those forays into the scrums of comic
fairs more enjoyable.

As a registered user your database is tailor made for you and if you find
that the prices shown do not match those that you are paying then if you
return a copy of the data disk along with 50p to cover post and packing along
with a mention of the percentage difference you have found, your database
will be adjusted accordingly along with any future title registrations.
Please note that this only applies to across the board increases and not
individual title prices.  So if over several databases you find that you are
paying 20% more for most issues then this 20% will be applied to all your
titles.

THE REASON FOR THIS DATABASE
Although I maintain databases for lots of items, the initial package is often
very expensive (especially if you need a powerful database) and setting up a
database is time consuming.  Most people have only a few titles that they
seriously collect and for an outlay of £10 - £15 or less they can keep track
of those titles easily and quickly without even having to research the
information to enter into the database.

EXPANSIONS
Any interest in a fully operational stock control model for retail outlets
would be considered (the basic outline is programmed and could easily be
adapted for individual requirements).  It would be nice to see the AMIGA
being used in business rather than the boring IBM and just think of the great
games you could play when business was slack, also you could probably buy an
AMIGA and my software for less than other firms would charge you for a
bespoke database written in some fancy language that is completely bug-ridden
(this is not make-believe I used to sort out problems caused by crappy
database programming for a living, like the firm that had an invoicing and
stock control system but the programmer had 'forgotten' to allow for any
possible change in VAT so that when it went from 15% to 17.5% they could not
issue any invoices, and sorting that out in a complex multi-file relational
database written in some obscure language was great fun, and profitable).

If there any titles, especially independents that are not listed above, a
price will be quoted on request.

I hope this program will show you how useful your own version could be and I
look forward to hearing from you.

THE LEGAL BIT
All characters and titles are copyright their respective owners.

This computer program was written using AMOS PROFESSIONAL (c) Europress
Software Ltd.

COMIC COLLECTOR (Computer Program) is (c) M J Thompson 1994 and is deemed to
be the code and information contained within that program.  This shareware
version may be freely copied and distributed provided that no charge other
than a  reasonable charge for copying and distribution is made, and that all
files supplied on the disk are kept intact and unaltered.  Additionally no
extra files may be added to the disk either in the form of data files or
advertising.

No liability for damage, either implied or explicit, is accepted by the
author.  Any faults in the program are due to coding errors and do not
reflect on any third party.

THE NON-LEGAL BIT
This program has been run on an AMIGA 1200 with 2mb RAM, with only one
problem.  Information taken from a test version of the program would indicate
that it should run on an unexpanded AMIGA although every time the program
returns to the opening screen and is run again it loses 24 bytes (problem
solved in the final version), this means that with only 500k if you ran the
program some 2,500 times without a reset you might have an out of memory
error.

Registrations should be accompanied by the relevant payment and copy of this
disk, and should be sent to:

M J THOMPSON
41 NELSON ROAD
HULL
NORTH HUMBERSIDE
HU5 5HN