Topic of Discussion: Creating a Consumer Oriented Database of Miniatures and Game Systems (28mm-32mm)
Background: Over the past few years I've noticed more miniature manufacturer operations start up. A few good examples that did not exist when I first started the hobby are: Avatars of War, Warlord, Privateer Press and Mantic Games. The increase in manufacturers has been a huge boon to the miniature gamer/collecter/painter. It has given us choices that have fulfilled gaps in other manufacturer's lines, decreased prices, and provided alternatives to existing products. Noticably though there is no centralized database/website that sorts and categorizes these miniatures. Sure, some manufacturers categorize their own models (for instance Reaper) and some retailers categorize all the minis in their store (CoolMiniOrNot) however there doesn't seem to be a site that does this minis it does not sell (which makes sense). TMP, which lists news and has a directory of manufacturers, looks like something from 1995 doesn't actually list miniatures in any kind of searchable or query friendly database.
Concept: To recitfy this I am in the initial stages of planning a website that that will categorize minis from a large selection of manufacturers. The website would contain multiple database tables with information such as Manufacturer, Miniatures, Game Systems, Genre, Race, Artist, Retailers, etc. Gamers could use the system to look at a particular game system, for example:
Requested Feedback:I know that I would find such a tool useful, however I would like some feedback on what others think? Would you use this tool/website if I made it? What other suggestions should I think about in the planning stage?
Motivation: My motivation for this product comes primarily from a ton of independent manufacturer's and artists have made great miniatures but they aren't getting enough exposure. I also would like a nice side project to show that I have strong database and web background for some consulting work back home. It is probably the best way for me to give back the mini community (I'm not a studmuffin painter like most of the people here) however I feel I have a pretty strong self-taught database background that is actually a somewhat rare skill. I'd like to avoid placing ads on pages since I'm not trying to monetize the project.
*I'm in Afghanistan so it might take me a couple days to make any responses.
Background: Over the past few years I've noticed more miniature manufacturer operations start up. A few good examples that did not exist when I first started the hobby are: Avatars of War, Warlord, Privateer Press and Mantic Games. The increase in manufacturers has been a huge boon to the miniature gamer/collecter/painter. It has given us choices that have fulfilled gaps in other manufacturer's lines, decreased prices, and provided alternatives to existing products. Noticably though there is no centralized database/website that sorts and categorizes these miniatures. Sure, some manufacturers categorize their own models (for instance Reaper) and some retailers categorize all the minis in their store (CoolMiniOrNot) however there doesn't seem to be a site that does this minis it does not sell (which makes sense). TMP, which lists news and has a directory of manufacturers, looks like something from 1995 doesn't actually list miniatures in any kind of searchable or query friendly database.
Concept: To recitfy this I am in the initial stages of planning a website that that will categorize minis from a large selection of manufacturers. The website would contain multiple database tables with information such as Manufacturer, Miniatures, Game Systems, Genre, Race, Artist, Retailers, etc. Gamers could use the system to look at a particular game system, for example:
A user would like to see possible miniatures that would fit GW->Warhammer Fantasy->Dark Elves->Witch Elves; the search would return:
Each returned result would have: a picture, a link to manufacturer, a link to reputable retailers that carry product
Other users could look for a particular miniature based on artist or more generic criteria such as historical time period. Overall this would be a huge tool for consumers to compare products that are very similar, think of it as something very similar to edmunds.com, a car website that allows users to look products based on different critieria, such as type, price, and features.
Requested Feedback:I know that I would find such a tool useful, however I would like some feedback on what others think? Would you use this tool/website if I made it? What other suggestions should I think about in the planning stage?
Motivation: My motivation for this product comes primarily from a ton of independent manufacturer's and artists have made great miniatures but they aren't getting enough exposure. I also would like a nice side project to show that I have strong database and web background for some consulting work back home. It is probably the best way for me to give back the mini community (I'm not a studmuffin painter like most of the people here) however I feel I have a pretty strong self-taught database background that is actually a somewhat rare skill. I'd like to avoid placing ads on pages since I'm not trying to monetize the project.
*I'm in Afghanistan so it might take me a couple days to make any responses.
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