Curse

Xenrath · Jun 19, 2006, 08:52 AM // 08:52

After some comments from my guildies about how some price lists may be out of date on some sites, I had the idea of a database driven price guide for items. Primarily weapons/shields/focus items, though other stuff could be added later such as mini-pets or anything not available from merchants.

This could then be added to by people and maybe work out an average price based on entries made. The idea would be similar to the Price Check threads but not reliant on the original author updating the thread and going through and adding all the feedback in.

Items could then be searched for in any number of ways (profession, bonuses, type of item etc.)

I've already made a start on the database and means to enter data; it's very early stages yet and there will probably be quite a bit of data entry work. I'm looking at a means to add a simple admin interface so most things will be menu driven and not much typing required.

If it's a success I am willing to hand over the database to GWG as well as the interface for the community to continue. At the moment the entry method/interface is web based for ease of use, but there's no reason why a desktop program can't be developed to access the database.

In the meantime I require reliable trustworthy people who can help make a start on entering the various items into the database, and to help provide feedback and ideas for how the project progresses.

If you're interested in helping please let me know! I've a developers forum already set up which could be used for this purpose. Forum is closed access at the moment available here

Hanso Togakure · Jun 19, 2006, 01:29 PM // 13:29

Great idea. I would be willing to help you out with this. IGN is Hanso Togakure if you want to contact me there or you can PM me here.

Rhuobhe · Jun 19, 2006, 02:26 PM // 14:26

Interesting idea, although I think some form of data quality management must be taken into account (ie: I can't say 15^50 r8 crystalline is worth 1g or a malinon's skull crusher is worth 1M)

Xenrath · Jun 19, 2006, 02:37 PM // 14:37

You've a PM Hanso. There's probably going to be a fair bit of legwork to enter all the items (unless someone has some data already to share)

Yes I've had some thoughts about data quality, perhaps setting some bounds so that (for example) an item price doesn't suddenly go up or down huge amounts in one day, limiting the number of times someone can update the price of an item, or just having access to a trusted group of people to enter values - I realise there will always be some unfortunate people who like to ruin things for others so any ideas to help minimise that would be good

FeroxC · Jun 19, 2006, 03:21 PM // 15:21

Heh Xenrath we need to talk, as ive already done an alpha version of this exact project for a green item database.

It still however needs work e.g. searches contact me.

add me on msn: [email protected]
or irc
irc.street-creed.com #c++

Xenrath · Jun 21, 2006, 09:52 AM // 09:52

This is starting to come along but I need some help; if you know the full list of creature types/species please can you post here or let me know where to look? Is the guildwiki up to date for this info?

e.g.

Giants,
Plants,
Demons,
Tengu

for the "vs." modifier?

Thanks!

Xenrath · Jun 21, 2006, 11:00 AM // 11:00

I'd also appreciate if people could have a look at this menu system. This is actually generated from the database.

Natural Modifier Test

Using that you should be able to come up with any existing natural modifier for any item i.e. mods which come built in to an item, not including player added Upgrades (I'm considering Greens as having Upgrades in the same sense hence don't include those)

If there is a modifier line on an item you're unable to recreate using this menu, please let me know. I think I've got everything (based off what's available at Guildwiki and the PvP items screen)

Internet Explorer only - please don't ask for other browser support (early stages at the moment)

Max Stats only - only using maximum values for bonuses at the moment.

Leddy · Jun 24, 2006, 12:03 PM // 12:03

I've got the same idea, but I'm more interested in commodity price tracking, eg. Globs of Ectoplasm- much like tracking stockmarket prices.

I've already started to collect data from traders and real transactions; from this, I can derive information such as market inflation, commodity price trends, etc.

Do you think we could combine it into a complete market database?

Silent Specter · Jun 29, 2006, 06:58 PM // 18:58

If you want me to help by making an actual program that can connect to the database and get the info, e-mail me at [email protected] or I.M. me on AIM at Shadow Three BMW or on Yahoo at MarcT_562.

Xenrath · Jun 30, 2006, 12:04 AM // 00:04

Slow progress for this week due to external things, probably be slow until after the weekend as I'd like to spend some time playing for a change during the free time I do get lol (dragon event...)

Menu issues have been fixed, after that's tied up should be able to start putting some data into it - current progress is to put in a workable front end for people to put the data in. The menu above is a part of that interface, since been expanded upon to allow up to 5 modifiers per item. I think that's maximum for natural mods.

Probably be resuming this proper next week after the event is over and can look into a desktop based front end as well, thanks for the offer!