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az60
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September 29, 2023 21:21
stripspeldjes Loriot Helv
Helv once indicated that he would like if you want to add a watermark, only the watermarks of the country you are working on become visible. That seems like a great plan to me. The disadvantage is that this has to be programmed. And there are so many things that need to be worked on, which means this could take a long time.
There is an alternative, as I mentioned earlier. And that is to mention the country before the name of the watermark. I am aware of the disadvantage that Loriot points out with regard to the Commonwealth countries. But the benefits are many times greater. Everyone only fills in watermarks that actually belong to that country. The situation, such as in Hungary, where Lastdodo has double the number of watermarks compared to the actual situation will be a thing of the past. That also makes it a bit easier to check for the administrators.
In addition, the list is now unworkable. As I already indicated with Denmark, no one will look at Nieuwe Kroon. And no one scrolls through such a long list. And if you do scroll, you only see a name and no description.
No, just adding the country name before the name of the watermark is, as far as I can see, the only way to make that list somewhat usable.
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September 29, 2023 22:27
az60
While we try to articulate this problem in a different way and through a different point of view, we usually come to the same conclusions.
In fact, this problem is addressed as it is now in effect at LD: trying to find a solution through the existing descriptions. This is completely nonsense.
The watermark itself, namely its image, is the basis. And the only solution is a precise description of it.
Only then will you be able to make a difference between the so-called identical descriptions of “Crowns”, “Stars", “ Wavy lines ”, “Figures ”, “Diamonds” etc.
As a test, I have already made for myself 152 different descriptions of 285 watermarks for 78 countries or areas with watermarks, of which 133 are recurring watermarks.
At the moment, according to my count, there are 1055 watermarks ( including the recurring ones). The list of watermarks of LD today counts 368.
A background page was made of Hungary as a test. A lot of work has been done here. Congratulations again for its creator. It is a nice test for this country.
But who will make the hundreds of background pages for the other countries or territories? This is really not feasible. For your information: there are now 895 countries / areas, at least one third of which have stamps with watermarks, or 300.
What is more feasible is one background page associated with “Watermarks”, with the image of each specific watermark, its description and the list of the country (ies)/area (s) where the watermark occurs. The image of each specific watermark can be repeated when described in the list.
Finally here is the problem of the images themselves: 
The instructions stipulate under 28.:
“…NB. It is not permitted to use images from the Internet, brochures or other catalogues!”
Is there somebody who can give a sensible answer or solution?
Helv
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September 30, 2023 10:11
Loriot what do you mean exaclty with "recurring"? Is it the a single image with all possible different orientations or is it the same watermark used in different countries?

To my knowledge within the existing background page system it is not possible to add a background page to the overall "watermark" page, but I agree with you that a central repository would be very nice. In particular if one could make selections in it (like country and overall theme).

The alternative is proposed by az60 . I am not sure how many duplicate watermarks would arise, but for the commonwealth one could add "Commonwealth" to the watermarks. Not ideal, but probably workable. Combining Russia and Bulgaria would be more difficult.

In my opinion there are only two or three valid methods to add a watermark image. Make the watermark visible with traditional means and make a good as possible photograph of it. Sometimes scanning the background also works.
The second method is to create our own drawings. In my opinion this would be the best, but it is very time consuming.

Collectioneur for British watermarks I found images in the public domain. Are we allowed to add these to LD? Further this page gives some explanation why it is in the public domain.  
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September 30, 2023 11:15
I think we need to distinguish between 'item' and 'documentation'.

The general manual, point 5.1., deals with the item (the object) .
It is not allowed to add an item based on stolen images (" when entering or improving items "). You are supposed to make images of the item that you (physically) hold in your hands. You have the item in your possession (temporarily or permanently).

Items that do not comply with that basic rule (5.1.) are ghost items (literally referred to as such) and, in my opinion, should always be completely removed. Simply removing the image does not make it less of a 'ghost item'.

Documentation is something else. Background, additional description, ...
The images of a person, for example. I don't think all those images were made by the adder himself. Images are used there that are (I hope with reasonable certainty) free of copyright. And different rules apply to famous people (GDPR).

E.g. André Buzin 's background page. Whoever the maker (RTBF-15897) may have been, I cannot imagine that he took that photo himself. (GDPR) there may also be no signed document anywhere from the person in question that gives permission to use his or her image (recognizably).
It is a well-known person, and then there is more freedom ( an exception is provided for public figures in their public life for informational purposes, a crowd, a panoramic photo of a public place, and a satire or parody.)

Displaying watermarks informatively is documentation. It supports the description of an item. But in this case it is NOT about the item itself.
Then basic rule 5.2 applies. still ( it is not permitted to place images in the catalog that have a logo, a watermark or a time-stamp. )

It is therefore, in my opinion , inappropriate to ask about the origin of a watermark that is shown on LD for support (documentation).
Basic rule 5.2. seems sufficient to me.
Another (stricter) opinion could result in almost all watermark images having to be removed from the entire stamp catalog (including background pages).
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az60
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September 30, 2023 13:42
Loriot
I don’t disagree with you. We’re only walking on different paths. In the over 10 years , that I’ve been active on this site, I’ve learned never to wait for changes that need to be programmed. That is not criticism. There  is a lot of work to be done and the list with wishes and requests is even a lot bigger.
So, I think you’re doing a great job. The descriptions you’re making, should have been done in the first place. They should replace the existing list. And I like the idea of the overview of the watermarks on a prominent place. But that is the problem. As Helv indicated, the suggestion you made, is not possible. It needs programming, if possible at all. Salentin had more or less the same problem, although it was more a case of choices instead of programming. 
So, I think the only place where  you can put such a list, within the present structure, is in the handbook. I agree  that that is not a prominent place.
az60
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September 30, 2023 14:01
Raoul62
Nice explanation. It does raise a few questions:
I still have an old Borek catalog that is less than 50 years old. I could scan the watermarks. I don't see any copyright anywhere. However, I assume that this also applies to the fact that a work is only free of rights 50 years after the death of the author. I think that is according to Dutch law. And that Dutch legislation applies to LastDodo, I assume? I also cannot imagine that if I place copyrighted images on the Internet (illegally, I assume?), that others can legally take them over and place them on their site.
Or does the point you mentioned also apply here, that if they are used for information purposes, they can be legally reproduced on LastDodo (if I understood you correctly).
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September 30, 2023 15:02
I think we need to distinguish between 'item' and 'documentation'.

A well-defensible starting point. Own photos are mainly intended to demonstrate that the item actually exists, and the fact that royalty-free images are sometimes used to clarify the context seems fine to me. In other sections this is sometimes done to show the whole of which the item is a part.
Before everyone starts taking random action, leave this to Helv to get a good start on getting a workable overview of the watermarks.
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September 30, 2023 15:25
az60

I don't think
it conflicts with the basic principles described in the basic manual. Adding something informative is not creating a ghost item. It is merely supplementary (to support) a given (here: the watermark).
If you really want to be holier than the Pope, you could ask 'Borek' if you can use an image of a watermark from their book in an informative piece about the watermark.
The question then is, where did Borek get his inspiration?
I think there are few images (not of items themselves!) in the background pages (or in the sub-areas) that were created by myself. Like this one (hundreds of examples are possible).

That's really what I think about it. With common sense (I always think).

If images are used in the informative part you must, 5.2. of the General Manual, make sure that there is no copyright (watermark, a 'C' symbol, ...).
With watermarks you must also ensure that they are made according to the agreement (from 'from behind') and actually correspond to reality. Overly simplistic representations are usually too simplistic. It must approach reality with regard to what you want to support informatively.
And they only have the function of visually supporting what is literally indicated in the 'Watermark' box. The correct term (text) is the most important (you can filter on it, for example).

The explanation and naming of a watermark is also generally reuse, or a 'rumination' of a description that is (or was) found somewhere. There is no human being who is born with a unique (description) in his brain regarding any watermark. It is always the product of knowledge acquired during your life as a collector.

A different opinion is allowed, but the consequences are enormous. I don't have to make an additional drawing.

The Hungarian overview is very good and beautiful.
However, it is best not to copy the 'technology' and structure (sequence numbering) literally from some catalogue. LD is a standalone catalog, not a cast of it.
The rest is documentation and informative (supportive). A watermark with the name 'Zigzag' does not carry any intellectual property rights. The lines simply zigzag. If all catalogs mention the 'Zigzag' watermark, then we would do just that. We should not deliberately make it more complex.
I don't think it's a bad idea to follow Michel when choosing a German-language name. Michel is of German origin, and most widely spoken in that language. Correct me if you know one that covers more territory in that language, or was/is being sold in higher quantities. The names used there have become common among collectors after decades.

That's just my view, I am not primarily responsible.
It can provide a simpler basis for this difficult matter, after which it is feasible to continue working on it. and a base is always the first thing to think about... I think anyway :)
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September 30, 2023 15:48
Not only the Manual applies here, but also the Terms of Use:
5.2. By posting User Material on the Website or making it accessible through the Service, you warrant that:
5.2.2. the User Material that you make available:
g) [...] does not infringe any rights of third parties, including contractual rights, Intellectual Property Rights, privacy rights, nor is otherwise unlawful towards third parties or LastDodo; and
h) that no permission or license is necessary or required from any third party for the use of your User Material on the Website;

This is of course primarily to formally indemnify LastDodo against any legal claims. The responsibility is therefore shifted to the user who uploads information and images. This applies to everything on the website, including background pages and the forum.

With images that are not yet in the general domain, it is often difficult to determine the boundary between "copyright infringement" and "fair use". In European law, the right to quote is quite extensive, but in the USA the law is much stricter (due to the political influence of large companies such as Disney).

I also use images (e.g. newspaper advertisements) that I get from Delpher on my background pages. Strictly speaking, that is not allowed, because I have not asked permission for it. However, I think what I do is so limited, and so limited to very specific information, that no one will object to it. But that is my personal responsibility.

I suspect that Rene, as the person responsible for the site, will not be inclined to take a position on this other than the strict description in the Terms of Use.
And I can't blame him for that. For example, if you have a company like Moulinsart (Studio's Hergé) on your roof, "deniable plausibility" is useful ;-)
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Helv
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September 30, 2023 17:46
However, it is best not to copy the 'technology' and structure (sequence numbering) literally from some catalogue. LD is a standalone catalog, not a cast of it.
Watermarks are not typically given in order of use, ie in chronological order (for stamps). Possibly separate category for postal stationery.
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Helv
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September 30, 2023 17:54
I don't think it's a bad idea to follow Michel when choosing a German-language name. Michel is of German origin, and most widely spoken in that language. Correct me if you know one that covers more territory in that language, or was/is being sold in higher quantities. The names used there have become common among collectors after decades.

My first impression is that Michel only chooses the name of a watermark uniquely within country. The same name can appear in several countries with a different image associated with it.
That's fine in itself, but if that is the case, it does imply that Loriot's idea to give each watermark a unique description is not feasible.
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Helv
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September 30, 2023 20:01
stripspeldjes (and others) is it true that (to start with):
  1. "Wavy cross", "Wavy crosses" can be added to "Patriarch's cross (multiple, single)"?
  2. "Four wavy crosses" can be added to "Patriarch's cross in star shape"?
  3. "Star" and "Strong (small) should become Star (multiple)? Can only be done manually.

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az60
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September 30, 2023 20:25
  1. No. Patriarch's Cross (multiple in each other)
  2. Partially. The stamps until 1932 did. The stamps from 1932 onwards are Patriarch's Cross (multiple separate).
  3. Yes.

At least, as far as the stamps of Hungary are concerned.
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September 30, 2023 21:31
Helv

Recurrent
Example: Watermark “Crown CC” was used identically in:
Antigua – Bahamas – Barbados – Bechuanaland – Bermuda - British Honduras - British East Africa - Cape of Good Hope – Natal - East African Community - Western Australia (all ancient (crown)colonies, protectorates…) etc.
The number of countries here is 11 etc. for one specific watermark. It is a frequently recurrent watermark. 
This watermark can occur as normal, inverted, reversed, reversed and inverted, sideways or sideways inverted, and it still remains the same watermark. So those qualifications should’nt be part of the watermark’s description but rather be added in the Details’ field.

Helv
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October 01, 2023 14:09
az60 above items have been cleaned up.
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October 01, 2023 23:01
az60 the watermark "Pentagram" used in Hungary, is it the same as "Star (multiple)"?
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October 01, 2023 23:15
Helv
Pentagram type 1 stamps from, for example, 1950
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October 01, 2023 23:22
Lyonesse is there also a Pentagram type 2? If not, the above is the same as "Star (multiple)".
In my general catalog there is only one watermark with a star. The above suggests that a special catalog has several "stars".
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October 01, 2023 23:35
Helv
This watermark only calls itself Pentagram
So without the Roman numerals.
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October 01, 2023 23:38
Lyonesse can you also find out what the pentagram of San Marino looks like?
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az60
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October 02, 2023 02:12
Helv
For the Hungarian stamps, pentagram is the same as star (plural).
The stars/pentagrams of Hungary and SAN Marino are (more or less) the same in shape. However, the watermarks of the two are very different. The stars/pentagrams of San Marino are considerably smaller than those of Hungary. Moreover, they are closer together. #307361 could have as many as 11 stars on it. For example, on a larger stamp of Hungary there are 3. It often happens on the smaller stamps of Hungary that only 1 star is visible. Then you could also call the watermark Star, Star (small) or Star (large) according to the list. But in reality of course not.
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October 02, 2023 09:33
Helv
I am not familiar with the name Pentagram for the San Marino watermark.
I only know it as The Star of Italy
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October 02, 2023 09:40
Lyonesse "Pentagram" is the name a well-known German catalog uses for a 5-pointed star. Personally, I would expect solid lines. The image you show looks very similar to that of Hungary, but they seem to be a little closer together.

Is anything known about the dimensions?
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October 02, 2023 09:56
Helv
I do not know the dimensions of the San Marino Watermark.
But as far as I know they only use one type with stars.
So The Star of Italy Type 1 Multiple (Up)
In contrast, I think Italy has 18 different ones with stars.
Here's another nice real photo.
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az60
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October 02, 2023 11:34
Helv
On the left the watermark stars of San Marino, on the right of Hungary:


Clearly different watermarks. A different printer, a different type of paper and therefore a different watermark. The watermark is paper-bound. If you print at the same printer and on the same paper, only then will your watermarks be identical, as is probably the case in commonwealth countries.
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