Why does it take so long for scans to be added to HOL?

[TCD]

Since I'm just working on a manual I thought I share why it might take a bit until any scan is added to HOL.

Let's look at the raw material:



and at the result:



We don't process every scan like that, but hopefully it explains why it sometimes takes quite a while until we get to upload your contributions.

[Independent]

I would reject this. A minimum level of quality should be guaranteed.

[dreadnought]

Originally Posted by Independent

I would reject this. A minimum level of quality should be guaranteed.

This is a preservation effort, not a modern publishing house Anything is better than nothing. Besides, if you actually click on the image you'll see the source is very good quality, it's just website compression that makes it blurry.


@TCD As a manual-lover (wth) and hoarder I do appreciate your efforts greatly, but must admit I do prefer the raw look over the post processed one. It just has a bit more character and a whiff of nostalgia

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Independent

I would reject this. A minimum level of quality should be guaranteed.

That's the problem with contributions. If we had several sources we could reject things. Sadly it's *very* rare that we can be choosers.

Originally Posted by dreadnought

Anything is better than nothing.

So much this. It is 2022 and the chance of finding perfect condition items is getting slimmer. If we get a better version we'll replace it of course.

Originally Posted by dreadnought

@TCD As a manual-lover (wth) and hoarder I do appreciate your efforts greatly, but must admit I do prefer the raw look over the post processed one. It just has a bit more character and a whiff of nostalgia

I know what you mean It's mainly to make chances higher to OCR the PDF. Rest assured that we can't be arsed to do that to every manual

[alexh]

I would prefer the original to be uploaded immediately and the second to replace it some time later

[TCD]

Originally Posted by alexh

I would prefer the original to be uploaded immediately and the second to replace it some time later

That's something I might actually consider. I would just roughly crop the images and make a PDF.

[Matt_H]

Is there a flag you could set on the various records to indicate to visitors that a higher quality scan is desired? That might spur contributions.

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Matt_H

Is there a flag you could set on the various records to indicate to visitors that a higher quality scan is desired? That might spur contributions.

Sadly not. There might be a few games considered 'complete', but basically every game would have that flag set.

As a general rule: If you have it, we would like scans of it, but check HOL if you see a good quality scan already (It sounded better in my head )

[Independent]

I just think that it should be made as easy as possible for the HOL staff. A manual scanned is easy and fast but scanning correctly takes longer.

but better this way than nothing

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Independent

I just think that it should be made as easy as possible for the HOL staff. A manual scanned is easy and fast but scanning correctly takes longer.

Put that on my wishlist for Santa

Originally Posted by Independent

but better this way than nothing

That's the spirit

[Matt_H]

Originally Posted by TCD

As a general rule: If you have it, we would like scans of it, but check HOL if you see a good quality scan already (It sounded better in my head )

Can you put that message at the bottom of every page?

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Matt_H

Can you put that message at the bottom of every page?

That might be an idea I talked to Cody about your suggestion and we have an idea to make the really missing scans more visible (mainly here on EAB, but hopefully at one point also on HOL).

[dlfrsilver]

Originally Posted by Independent

I just think that it should be made as easy as possible for the HOL staff. A manual scanned is easy and fast but scanning correctly takes longer.

but better this way than nothing

Indeed. It takes a long time to format correctly the scans.

I have done big manuals lately, and i have some even bigger to do.

Like Overlord or Reach for the Skies (French language).... Those are 3xx pages ahaha

[TCD]

Thought I share another example:

Before:


After:


Even if it is work the result is worth it Thanks again to everyone that takes the time to scan things especially manuals

[RCK]

Very nice !

[TCD]

Hijacking my own thread

I have a clue book that is meant to be read with red tinted glasses. So I get a scan that has the 'glasses' applied:


So I wonder if I should just increase the contrast:


Or clean it up as good as possible:

?

[demoniac]

I kind of like the original scan best. Maybe just increase the contrast a tad, but not as much as the middle picture.

[dlfrsilver]

Originally Posted by TCD

Hijacking my own thread

I have a clue book that is meant to be read with red tinted glasses. So I get a scan that has the 'glasses' applied:


So I wonder if I should just increase the contrast:


Or clean it up as good as possible:

?

Can you please explain the tools and technics to scan and make that ?

I have Elvira french protection manual in my list to do

[TCD]

Originally Posted by dlfrsilver

Can you please explain the tools and technics to scan and make that ?

I will ask the contributor how exactly he did it, but here is the unmodified scan:


It seems it was covered with some red transparent foil like the one here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Selens-Colo.../dp/B01MR8WJ01

Edit: Confirmed that he used a red foil to scan the book

[kremiso]

like the Rocket Ranger codewheel codes it seems

i like both the results, red with improved contrast and black and white
skilled work