The Beckett Blog


The new and improved Beckett.com
June 25, 2008, 4:35 pm
Filed under: Beckett.com, Top Secret | Tags: , , , , ,

I can’t say enough about the new website, but I am going to try (and try and try and try). The designers have been testing, re-testing, adding, subtracting, tweaking…and it is looking very sharp.

Danielle Edlund gave me a personal tour of the site yesterday, showing me all of the functions. Really, we didn’t get to spend enough time, we only went through everything one time so I could see how it worked. We could have easily spent the entire day playing around with all the stuff on the site.

The new Beckett.com incorporates the best of many popular web sites and types of web sites: MySpace, iTunes, message boards, Craigslist, Wikipedia, blogging, iGoogle, My Yahoo!, Facebook–the list could go on for a couple paragraphs. The organization is superb, very user-friendly and intuitive.

When collectors realize everything that the new site can do, they will be very pleased. It will not take long for everyone to make the transition and understand how it all fits together.

That is the key to the new Beckett.com, it all fits together.

During the next few weeks, Behind the Scenes will be detailing as many of the new functions (and the improved existing ones) as possible. To be honest, I doubt we can get to it all, but no worries, I am confident that between all of us we will be covering most of it.

All of the sneak peaks dealing with the new web site will be filed under the “Top Secret” category, making it easy to find them all.

Having said all of that, I really haven’t said much, so here is the first small hint of what to expect.

If you are not already familiar with these sites, check out iGoogle or My Yahoo. On these sites, users can customize their home page however they like. To do that, users select from a variety of “gadgets,” that they want to appear on their personal page whenever they log on.

With the new Beckett.com, every registered user will get their own personal home page. Selecting from our various “blocks,” Beckett.com users will be able to customize it to show whatever “blocks” they want it to show.

For instance, anytime I log in to the new Beckett.com I am greeted by the screen you see below, but mine is slightly different because this is a screenshot of Danielle’s home page.

This is a small example, so click on the picture and it will open up in another window so you can see it much larger. Depending on your system, adjust the photo size to whatever works best for you.

Here is a super-short tour of the basics of the home page: We will be starting in the dark blue rectangular box near the top right, with the white-outlined number 1 in it, directly above the words “-Personalize this page,” and heading counter-clockwise.

There are three areas we are touching on today, Box 1 (dark blue) Box 2 (lighter blue) and Box 3 (large white area with a green 3 in it).

Now bear with me, I’ve found out that this isn’t very easy to explain, but it’s very, VERY easy to actually understand when you get down to it. (Another great thing on the new Beckett.com–there are help videos and FAQ’s galore.)

Once you register, when you log on, you come to this page (same as clicking on the above picture), it’s yours to customize.

BOX 1 & BOX 2

Clicking on the words, “-Personalize this page,” will drop down the dark blue rectangular Box 1 and the lighter blue box (Box 2) next to it.

Box 1 shows different choices of blocks you can put on your home page, depending on which category you have selected in Box 2. Clicking on any of the five categories (Learn, Discuss, Organize, Shop, Misc.) cycles through different blocks you can add to your page.

BOX 3 (green #3)

This white area is where your selected blocks appear. You can click and drag them to move them around, open or close them, delete them, whatever you want.

—————

In the example, Organize is highlighted in Box 2, and in Box 1 you see a choice of six different blocks to add to your home page, of which two are highlighted.

In Box 3 you can see two orange blocks, Organize Stats, and My Organize Stats (the highlighted blocks in Box 2). They are orange because they are blocks dealing with Organization: red blocks relate to Discuss, yellow blocks with Shop, and blue with Learn. We will get much more specific on each of these later.

You can add and remove whatever blocks you want. Once you are finished, Box 1 and Box 2 disappear. (You can bring them back at any time by clicking on “Personalize this page.”). This will leave you with the header, containing the all-important search bar (more on that later) and the white area (Box 3) containing your selected blocks.

Another user could have a completely different looking page when they log on– it all depends on what a user wants to see. It’s a great feature, and will save literally dozens of clicks a day, not to mention the time spent hunting for all that information.

There is more to come, but a quick nod to the search bar is in order–I called it “all-important” earlier, because it is everything. You can find different sports, articles, cards, sets, players, card types, things for sale, things for trade, friends (hint), recent searches, popular searches, preferred traders, various Beckett department sites…(on and on).

Everything can be found with that search bar. No hunting for information, no wondering.

Stay tuned, we’ve only just begun…

45 Comments

45 Comments so far
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DOES THIS MEAN I CAN MOT GET PRICES UNTILL MID JULY??????? I HAVE PAID FOR MY SUBSCIPTIONS.

Comment by C KINNEAR June 25, 2008 @ 6:30 pm

No.

Comment by ejahnke June 25, 2008 @ 8:30 pm

Didn’t Danielle change her name? I really enjoy the blog. Keep up the good work?

Comment by Brandon Cacek June 25, 2008 @ 8:32 pm

Ooops, some copy editor I am, and thanks!

Comment by ejahnke June 25, 2008 @ 8:37 pm

Looks very cool.

Comment by thehamiltonian June 26, 2008 @ 9:26 am

It used to take several tries for a search, and content management tool with a set of hardware; thats a complete joke. I love it! Woodland Park VA

Comment by love beckett June 26, 2008 @ 2:41 pm

Just curious, but will there be more pictures of the cards with the new site, or is that something completely different. I know there are serials numbered to whatever and patches and jersey’s don’t always look the same, but there are times when I would like to look at the card to make sure I have the correct one, but there is no picture there. Also, if there is no picture in your guys’ database, is there a way for users to upload a picture of the card for your review so they may be put up and databases kepts up to date? Thanks. Looks good and keep it up.

Comment by XstreamINsanity June 30, 2008 @ 11:12 am

@Xstream — Yes and yes…

It’s impossible to scan all the cards out there, but we do what we can…and often run contests ect. for uploading images, but they get lost in all the stuff on the page as it is now.

Just a hint of what is coming, there are incentives for uploading images for the database.

More on that when I finish writing that post…

Comment by ejahnke June 30, 2008 @ 1:31 pm

Yeah, I did see something on the picture from above about points. I’m guessing that might have something to do with incentives. If you guys want some ideas, a free month of subscription for every 1000 card images one uploads. :) Well, that might not work seeing as how some people have hundreds of thousands of cards. The reason why I had asked is because if I go to Upper Deck.com, I can see most of a set of cards, so I know they have the images. I wasn’t sure if you guys were somehow in lue with some of the card companies to receive the digital images of the cards for those reasons. I also figured that you guys didn’t seeing as how they might charge quite a bit and they might be trying to prevent scams.

Here are a few questions if you don’t mind answering them, since I do not see a contact us link anywhere.
1. Is there going to be a way to extract our collects to say an excel file or something of the sort? I like to organize a lot of things via excel files, and wish there was a way currently to export my collections.
2. Is there going to be a way to see what cards we are missing from a set? I am trying to collect as many complete base sets as possible, and when I have bought about 3 boxes for a set and am only missing 20, I would like to know which ones those are without having to go through my set card by card to find out. (I know, more my problem than yours, but…). :)

Thanks for the time.

XstreamINsanity

Comment by XstreamINsanity June 30, 2008 @ 2:20 pm

Yeah, I did see something on the picture from above about points. I’m guessing that might have something to do with incentives.

Semi-correct, very close- I am going to have a post dedicated to points later. It’s coming…

As far as why we haven’t had the images…for quite a while now, every bit of effort from those smarter-than-me people-who-do-that-computer -stuff has been focused on the new Web site. You will see why, I promise!!

Requested Answers–

Question 1 – Uh, I forgot? I am not 100% sure on that, my notes are at work, and right now they are updating or working on the new site, so I am not able to answer that with 100% accuracy.

What I can say for sure is this, what we have coming out makes Excel completely archaic. Scan through the latest post titled Organ-eze (and yes, I am a complete geek). It’s kind of long, but it doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what these tools can do.

Question 2 – Yes. Let me find a way to explain that (tomorrow) and I will. Being that it’s 10 pm, and I am usually at work at 630am, feel free to remind me about this…been going and going and going…and could easily forget once I see the smart people tomorrow. :)

Comment by ejahnke June 30, 2008 @ 10:13 pm

P.S. Forgot to add, NOT your problem more than mine, we are here to serve! Without you (oh, and you other folks, too) we are nothing…

Comment by ejahnke June 30, 2008 @ 10:17 pm

Ok, answers straight from the top! Thanks to Shawn Schietroma for answering these!

1. There is a long answer to this, but the short one is: currently you will not be able to due to copyright restrictions on our information.

2. Sure, you can add the whole set to your organize.

After you enter the ones you have, you could sort by the “haves” column, which would show you all of the ones you don’t have. You could even add those to a new collection to work on completing.

Comment by ejahnke July 1, 2008 @ 7:17 pm

I use the home page now to price a lot of my cards. I like the fact that all I have to do is click on “Baseball” enter the player and card number and I get the price I want. With this NEW format is that going to change? I find the way the sight is now very easy, why does it have to change? Whatever happened to “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”? Some of us are not as savvy on computers as other people. Also, I have been trying to find out how to “spot” a Tiffany card. I know it was a special edition set, but in the listings it usually gives a price for a Tiffany card. How do I know if I have one? Nobody seems to be able to give me an answer.

Thanks,

Comment by rwilmoth July 11, 2008 @ 9:27 am

I think you will find the new web site is even easier to use than the current one, you don’t have to change your routine or use all the new tools if you don’t want to. You just use the search bar and type in what you are looking for and it will appear!

We didn’t “fix” anything–we improved it! :)

As far as “spotting” a Tiffany card, it is probably easier to “feel” one to tell if it is or not. Topps made Tiffany cards as a high-end alternative to the regular set.

They are printed on better (white) cardboard, and have a glossy finish on the front that you can feel compared to the regular set. Also the back of the card will be “brighter” than the regular card due to the better cardboard, but be careful with relying on just looking at the card backs, because Topps Traded sets are printed with the same brighter backs.

For example, a 1986 Topps Nolan Ryan vs. a 1986 Topps Traded Barry Bonds–

The back of the Bonds will be much brighter than the Ryan, but that does not mean the Bonds is a Tiffany card. It could be, but to tell you would need to check the front for the glossy finish.

The best way to do it is to compare the two types cards (a Tiffany and a Regular issue). Once you do that, you will be able to tell right off what I mean by the glossy finish.

I would suggest that next time you are at a card shop or card show that you find someone to show you both examples of the same card, that way there will be no confusion.

Comment by ejahnke July 11, 2008 @ 9:58 am

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. The reason I needed to know about the Tiffany is I am in the process of selling my whole collection (all sports, non-sports, comic cards, etc.) over 50,000 cards and I am having a rough time of it. There are some cards listed in the pricing section like Tiffany, parallel, insert, etc. that I am not familiar with, but I see there is quite a difference in price. I don’t want to mess those up. There are no card shops or even shows, for that matter, in our area anymore that are close enough for me to go to so I can check these out. I just discovered the new card lister and am going to start listing some so maybe that will help. What is a fair price to list? 5, 10, 15, 25% or more of Beckett? My husband and I collected back in the 80’s and 90’s and now I find I need to get rid of them. I know that this era doesn’t sell very well, but I still need something to go by in order to be fair, for me and the buyer. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Comment by rwilmoth July 11, 2008 @ 12:47 pm

will my excisting 12 thousand cards roll over into the new system? also will this reflect graded card values or just raw cards, keep up the great work looking forward to the change!!

Comment by scott July 11, 2008 @ 4:50 pm

@rwilmoth – I could not give you any kind of suggestions as there are way too many factors to consider without seeing the cards.

One thing I can suggest to you–the new website will make it so much easier for you to trade and sell your cards. You will be able to quickly list what you have and many people will be able to see your collection. The tools are free to use.

Don’t be worried about being able to use the new site, the instructions I am giving here are just glossed-over “sneak peaks.” This stuff here will not be all you have to go on as far as instructions (thank the Lord!).

Once the web site goes live there is literally TONS of help available, from videos to FAQs, that are much easier to understand and much more specific.

@scott – yes, all existing collections will roll over as they are right now…graded and/or raw.

Comment by ejahnke July 11, 2008 @ 5:04 pm

You say the tools are free to use, but I will need to be a “member” right? in other words I will have subscribe, right?

Thanks

Comment by rwilmoth July 11, 2008 @ 6:21 pm

Yes and no.

You will have to register on the Beckett website (become a member) to use the tools, but that is 100% free…no snake oil, no strings, no small print.

To subscribe to the price guide is not free though.

Since you are already using the online price guides, then you are already a “member” and already subscribed. That does not change…your member name, password and everything else carries over to the new website.

Nothing changes, and it’s important to note that the url will not change either!

Comment by ejahnke July 11, 2008 @ 7:02 pm

Thank you so much. You have been a big help.

Comment by rwilmoth July 12, 2008 @ 10:44 pm

Will I have to start my collections? or they will stay with the new beckett website?

Comment by Albert July 13, 2008 @ 8:34 pm

They stay the same, and carry over to the new Beckett.com.

Comment by ejahnke July 13, 2008 @ 8:35 pm

Will your server handle things quicker and without as much dropping off the system? It is frustrating to wait minutes for your pages to come up.

Will the updated system allow us the user to input prices where you show NA and even to add off the wall cards to our collections?

Comment by Jack Zerby July 14, 2008 @ 5:35 pm

What is a refractor?

Comment by rwilmoth July 18, 2008 @ 12:17 pm

@Jack Zerby– Sorry I missed your questions somehow….

I am not sure how to answer your first one, but I will pass it on to those who know better about that area.

Users will be able to submit prices. As far as “off-the-wall” cards, what do you mean by that? Non-sport? Is there a particular issue you are having with the current site?

Looks like I am no help right now–but I am going to get the answers for you, sorry it took so long.

Comment by ejahnke July 18, 2008 @ 3:41 pm

@rwilmoth –

Refractor – A card that has chrome reflective devices. Sometimes they come with a thin removable protective layer, but that is not common these days.

http://keymancollectibles.com/baseballcollectiblesglossary.htm#R

I stole a quick definition and modified it a bit for you.

Comment by ejahnke July 18, 2008 @ 4:35 pm

will it be easier to be a first time poster? i can’t post nor can i check my PMs. can anyone help with this?

Comment by kingsandangels July 18, 2008 @ 7:12 pm

Thank you so much for your answer. You just confirmed that the Roberto Clemente card I have is indeed a Refractor card. Mine does have the protective seal coating. Those are much easier to spot than the Tiffany’s.

Thanks again.

Comment by rwilmoth July 21, 2008 @ 10:23 am

kingsandangels – technically, everyone will be a “first time poster” on the new site since discussions will be starting from a clean slate.

Comment by Danielle Edlund July 21, 2008 @ 11:05 pm

I need help. I have a customer who brought in a card for appraisal. It is a Michael Jordan “out of retirement” february 9, 1994 card. There is really no number or manufacturer. I have looked it up every possible way and cannot find a price. Can someone help me with this. Just bringing up 1994 didn’t yield a result either.

Comment by rwilmoth July 23, 2008 @ 10:19 am

Is the new beckett.com going to list when a player’s card is their rookie card? I am a casual collector and have a hard time determining if a card is a rookie or not. Thanks for the input.

Comment by Brett July 28, 2008 @ 7:23 am

Brett – Yes, you should see a little ‘R’ symbol if it’s a rookie card. Also, similar to the current site, you will be able to narrow down your searches using attributes on the left navigation to pull up only rookie cards if available.

Comment by Danielle Edlund July 28, 2008 @ 8:24 am

I dont use this site to find out how much the cards are worth, I use it just to log the ones I have. Will I still be able to do this?

Comment by sam July 29, 2008 @ 10:11 pm

@rwilmoth–I would have no idea without seeing the card.

@sam-Yes!

Comment by ejahnke July 30, 2008 @ 6:42 am

Help!! I purchased the beckett hockey guide and I am having a hard time locating some of the various cards. For instance, I cannot find a listing for any of the Leaf cards. Please help!

Thanks

Comment by Sue Pedana July 30, 2008 @ 5:42 pm

I cannot locate any of the Upper Deck Be a Player cards either. Can someone help me?

Comment by Sue Pedana July 30, 2008 @ 5:44 pm

@Sue–I am afraid I would need more information than that in order to help in any way.

Comment by ejahnke July 30, 2008 @ 7:53 pm

Can you put an end to all the speculation that the boards will be going away with the new site coming up. PLEASE!!!!!!!

Comment by Michael August 2, 2008 @ 11:40 pm

Hello. I am a big user of the site and have had a terrible time since I began to use it years ago, with pages taking forever to load. Sometimes it just goes out and pages will not load at all and after a few minutes, it picks right back up. I think a previous poster had about the same question but there wasnt an answer. For instance, when I’m looking up the value of cards, I go to the year, the set, then click the player. It then pops up a new window witht he card but that window alot of the times takes forever and then then nothing loads except for the beckett homepage. I’m guessing it has to do with something on the priceguide server. Anyways, I’m wondering if this will be resolved and run smoother and faster with the new system in place? I’m excited to see it and use it. Thanks in advance for the answer and I’ll check in to get your reply. God bless!

Comment by Jimmy August 3, 2008 @ 5:18 am

By the way. I didnt mean when I click the player that it loads the beckett homepage, i meant that that popup loads a page cannot be displayed and the only page I can get to work is the beckett homepage for a few minutes. Then it starts working fine and later on does the same thing. Sorry about the confusion.

Comment by Jimmy August 3, 2008 @ 5:22 am

Michael – There will be thousands of pages and opportunities for users to discuss with fellow collectors on the new site. It’s just not going to look and work the same.

Comment by Danielle Edlund August 3, 2008 @ 7:53 am

Jimmy – The new site should run much faster. Not only that, but you will be able to get to the things you want to add quicker. You won’t have to use a wizard anymore. You can just simply do a search for the cards you’re interested in and add them to ‘Organize’ directly from the page. Even better than that – if you have an subscription to an OPG, the cards don’t even have to be in a collection to see the value. It’s right there on the page you searched for.

Comment by Danielle Edlund August 3, 2008 @ 8:00 am

I have lots of hockey cards from the leaf company. Example, leaf limited. I know that are made by the Donruss company, but I cannot find any listing in the Beckett hockey guide for ant Leaf cards. I don’t know where to look.

Thanks

Comment by Sue Pedana August 3, 2008 @ 8:00 am

Sue – If you have problems finding your cards you should narrow your search. It will not be listed as “Donruss Leaf Limited” for example, but “Leaf Limited” – and knowing the year of the cards can sometimes be tricky. It’s not always written on the front and if you check the players stats and the last season said “1994-95″ the card is most likely manufactored in 1995-96.
Also, I saw you had problems with Be A Player cards, these cards are sometimes listed as “BAP” cards. Best thing to do is to search for one cards first to find out.
Example: search for playername and cardnumber only – see the results you get and what fits the best – then you know what series all your BAP or Leaf cards are listed under.
Hope my english is good enough for you.

Comment by TheSwedishWizard August 3, 2008 @ 2:57 pm

Thank you for the uplifting info. Another question I have (non-related) is in 03 I pulled a Lebron James UD Glass rookie numbered 1 of 25. Now I know that this is the Crystal version of the card even though Crystal isnt listed anywhere on the card but I cannot find any pricing info on this card at all. I wouldnt trade it or sell it for any amount unless I was in some type of desperate need (AND I MEAN DESPERATE!!) but I would like to know the value of the card. I have never seen the card for sell anywhere and was hoping you could help.

Comment by Jimmy August 3, 2008 @ 10:38 pm


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