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Computer Column

MORE SOFTWARE, MORE ON RARE BOOKS

by John P. Reid, jreid@dca.net

Collectify MyStuff

MyStuff for Windows is an interesting new program for collectors from Collectify LLC. It has a different look from the usual collection inventory program. The navigation controls resemble a Web browser, with Back and Forward buttons and underlined links to various functions and items.

It is not possible to list the fields or types of information that MyStuff records for collected objects because the fields can be different for each kind of object. Thirty different object types are built in, running alphabetically from animation art to watches, with such types as dolls, furniture, jewelry, and paintings in-between. Furthermore, you can create your own object types and field names.

MyStuff can record multiple collections and allows different passwords for each collection. Any one collection can contain multiple object types. For example, a personal inventory might include records for furniture, china, and carpets. Each object record would have information fields appropriate to that object. Virtual collections can be formed, drawing objects from several collections for viewing in a different context.

Entering information in a collection is simple. A series of screens appear asking for every possible detail from size and description to provenance and appraisal. The inappropriate fields can be skipped, but it takes a little time to click through the screens.

Locating a record is simple as well. A search function will locate all records containing a specified word or phrase. Pages of thumbnail pictures also help find objects.

Pictures can be attached to object records, and they are handled unusually well by MyStuff. Most common graphic formats are accepted, including the important BMP (Windows bitmap) and JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). Pictures from a scanner, digital camera, or the World Wide Web can be stored, and multiple pictures can be attached to any one object record.

One of the pictures can be designated for use as the thumbnail for the object. Unlike other software, MyStuff is not fussy about the thumbnail size or format. It will adjust to fit the space available. To conserve hard drive space, pictures should not be too large. Maximum dimensions of 600 x 600 pixels are appropriate but not necessary.

It is possible to attach other things to an object record. Scanned pages of reference material, appraisals, or insurance policies can be linked. Related Web pages can be stored.

Insurance renewal reminders and details of insurance claims can be recorded. Extensive notes can also be written and attached.

Version 1.0 of MyStuff had no provisions for printed reports. Version 1.1 (free to users of version 1.0) adds the ability to print catalog pages. For more detailed reports, records can be exported to a dBase, Microsoft Access, or Microsoft Excel file. They can also be exported to a delimited text file, which can be read by other database or spreadsheet programs. Reports could then be printed by anyone familiar with these programs.

There, however, is one novel form of report available. Individual records or whole collections can be included in a computer slide show. An executable computer program is created that can be mailed on a floppy disc or CD-ROM or attached to e-mail. It will run on any Windows computer. The recipient can view the individual pictures. Clicking on a picture causes a summary of the object description to be displayed.

MyStuff works well with no glitches or lockups. Navigation is simple, especially for those familiar with Web browsing. It is rich in features, so it takes time to learn the software's potential. The printed user's guide is rather general. The on-screen help has a little more detail, but the best way to learn is by playing with the sample database supplied.

Collectify LLC is at 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 3112, New York, NY 10165; Web site (www.collectify.com). MyStuff may be purchased on line at the Web site or by phone at (800) 932-5811. From outside the U.S. call (514) 932-1500. It costs $99.95 plus $7.50 for ground shipment. There are no shipping charges if it is downloaded, but its 27.1 megabyte file size makes it difficult to download on a dial-up connection.

Streets & Trips

I once invited a woman to visit our exhibit at a small antiques show held in a suburban arts center a short distance from major highways. She never came because she could not find the place. Her husband drove back and forth on local streets searching for an hour. It nearly prompted a domestic incident.

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2002 would have helped. The program contains, on a single CD-ROM, complete street and highway maps of the United States and Canada. Much of Mexico is covered as well.

The program has the ability to plot the shortest, quickest, or most scenic route between any two points and print out detailed driving instructions—every turn, merge, and highway change. You can tell it how fast you drive and how many driving hours a day you prefer, and it tells how long the trip will take. Feed in your vehicle's gas mileage, and it will estimate fuel costs.

The database includes street address numbers in most areas, so a trip can literally be plotted door to door.

As a tour de force, I asked the software to plot a trip from Juneau, Alaska, to Canc<163>n, Quintana Roo, Mexico. In less than ten seconds, the list of block-by-block turns flashed on the screen with an estimate that the 5495.6-mile trip would take 13 days, 2 hours, and 50 minutes.

Closer to home, zooming in on the map showed details and street names for housing developments built within the past two years.

In another test, I asked for a route from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Charleston, South Carolina. It took me straight down I-95. When I indicated a strong dislike for interstate highways, the route was switched to scenic U.S. 13 and U.S. 17 down the Delmarva Peninsula and the coastline of Virginia and the Carolinas. The penalty in driving time was clearly indicated.

There are other street map programs. They all use basically the same database. I find that Streets & Trips, however, does an excellent job and produces the most usable printed driving instructions. The program has many other features, but route planning and map display are by far the most useful.

Streets & Maps sells for $39.95 in most office supply and computer stores, comparable to its price if ordered on line from Microsoft. Often a $10 rebate is available. It requires Windows 98 or higher and will not run under Windows 95.

Rare Book Prices

A recent example proves again how useful the World Wide Web is for pricing, especially when it comes to old books. For many years, I had an antiques and rare books shop in an urban area. The regular post office letter carrier serving the shop was also a picker and part-time dealer. After finishing his route, he often stopped by to talk antiques.

That shop has been closed for several years, but my mail carrier friend called recently to ask help in pricing what he felt was an excellent accumulation of old books. The first four on the list were Independence: Rectorial Address Delivered at St. Andrews (1925) by Rudyard Kipling, an 1896 limited edition of Songs and Other Verses by Eugene Field, Song of the River (1887) by Charles Kingsley, and A Book of Verses (1900) by Robert Loveman.

Searching dozens of printed price guides bought on subscription over the years, including annual editions of Spoon River Press's Book Prices: Used and Rare and Mandville's Used Book Price Guide, only the Kipling book was found. The guides indicated it sells for $25 to $40. None of the other books were even mentioned.

After hauling 40 pounds of printed price guides back to the bookshelves, we decided to consult the Internet. On-line book buying was discussed in this column in September 2001. One of the most informative book sites is AddALL (www.addall.com), because it consolidates the offerings on most other sites.

Every book on the list was represented on AddALL with multiple copies for sale. The Kipling book was available for $15 to $35, but the others ranged from $85 to $175. The on-line sales listings included detailed descriptions of condition. Printed price guides often have only a brief description or none at all.

My friend understood that he was not going to get these prices selling to a book dealer. He also understands that condition is critically important; however, he got information about the value of the books that will be useful when he does negotiate their sale.