Is it in the Details?

[star-phoenix]

I don't particularly leave LONG commentary for my Anime cels. However, I do write a lot of information for my Disney cels. The reason for this is because a lot of the information I write regarding each cel has to do with not only its significance, but its provenance for insurance and authentication purposes. Especially [rare] vintage cels that pre-date 1960's, they really need their provenance since a lot of fakes and repros have been circulating. And before I purchase any Disney cels, I literally sit and do extensive research work on them for weeks and months in order to locate the original owners, its history, etc.
This also makes the art so much more interesting and important to me personally.

[kizu]

I like long descriptions, especially if I can tell that the owner is really happy to own the cel. For me, adding descriptions especially for shows I mainly collect is a must for my gallery. I don't expect everyone to do it, but it is nice to see. In fact I'm planning on closing down my gallery for a major revamp and this is one of those things that I'm looking forward to doing. It is a labor of love... But I don't do it for the visitors, I really only do it because I like the show/character so much that I want anyone who looks at my collection to "feel" that and maybe walk away with at least some interest/curiosity that they look up the show/character on their own.

I think doing something like descriptions, really has to be based on what you want to do and not what others expect of you. It's the only way you can write anything down and continue doing it. So if you don't feel like doing it, you really shouldn't have to.

Of course if the item is for sale, then it would be nice to see a description of the item in terms of condition, sequence numbers, sketches, background (that's about all you'd need anyway). But that's completely different.

[syan]

That was definitely rude and an unjustified comment you received. Even *should* you ever sell your collection, you're not obligated to include that info. It's a courtesy to have it, but in that case, if people want to know what they're buying, they can ask and take on that responsiblity.

I go both ways on comments. I like including sequence and episode info just for my reference. Same reason I keep cels in chronological order - if need be I can quickly go to the spot in the episode. I'm iffy when it comes to adding why I made the purchase or like the item. It usually is semi repetitive and boils down to I liked it, so I bought it. I don't justify why I buy every other item I own, so I don't feel pressed to go overboard with my comments. Unless I really am super excited for a purchase.

Long descriptions....I admit, I skim. Since I hate writing them, I don't correlate other collector's small or no description as a lack of the owners love of a cel. Plus when I click a thumbnail, I'm more interested in the larger image than the text included.

[theultimatebrucelee]

that sucks, I guess there are all kinds of collectors out there..I say you should kick his/her ass in a duel and show him whos the master of that grand gallery

[Quacker]

As remarked upon a few times earlier Koji, it all boils down to personal choice - whether you wish to add comments or not. Do not let some no-name force into writing something, you should only do so because you wish to share your experience & knowledge of that particular cel & the series it is from.
Having the advantage of joining in late in this discussion & reading through everyone else's comments, it seems more people do enjoy the 'longer' commentaries. I am the same, preferring to read what the other collector has to say or remark upon regarding their cels - moreso when it comes to a series I have not seen.

As for my own Gallery, I do try to write as much as I can on that particular cel & to provide some background information on the scene/series to which it belongs. My approach that I have taken is to try and introduce other anime viewers or even non-anime viewers to a series that I enjoyed that they may never have otherwise considered watching nor even heard of. I try to make the commentary factual, while at the same time sound enjoyable & exciting - hopefully just like an Art Gallery or exhibition in real life!!

Of course I stop at giving how much the cel cost - that type of information is a bit too personal for public viewing.

[Cordelia]

It's up to you really. I like to read people's descriptions but sometimes have difficulty coming up with good ones of my own. I'm just happy that people are sharing their artwork, with or without descriptions. And when the collection is large, it can be very time-consuming to give detailed write-ups.

Potential buyers have a right to ask for additional info on a cel IF you are selling. But generally, unless otherwise stated, that's a big IF.

[Strictly-Dragonball]

I like adding information to my cels but it isn't necessary ans is very rude for someone to assume anyone needs to put up information as if you are selling.

As stated before most dealers don't even do that unless it's a special or particularly rare piece, for example an OP or ED or an extremely rare character or sought after scene.

This is most likely just for their benefit too so people know what they have is rare because they don't care about adding usually the basic information.

[Koneko Koji]

@Strictly-Dragonball - I definately think I need to adopt the idea of making clear the rarer of my cels, although Rubberslug does have the tick boxes for OP etc, it doesn't have eyecatch or harmony as an option - and it seems that a lot of visitors don't read the small blurb - I've found this most often on my Street Fighter II-V cels, I get people offering me ridiculously low amounts (about 6 people so far this year) because they don't realise that all but 2 of them are opening sequence cels!

For the writing thing - it wasn't so much the 'you lack description' that urked me - it was the rude assumption that my gallery is a shop >_<

I must admit, lately I've been re-watching Card Captor Sakura and been pointing out "My cel!" to my nephews XD ... so perhaps ID'ing wouldn't be that difficult ... hmmmm...

[Belldandy16]

I actually enjoy leaving comments on my cels. Sometimes i give the history behind how it came into my posession, sometimes i just give the episode where its from, or why i love it, etc.
Every once in awhile i might not have time or might be just really too tired to write anything.... and leave something like "comment coming soon" ... but then i forget to come back and say something.


But i agree with everyone else about how rude it was for that person to say you HAVE to leave comments for future "buyers". very untasteful.

[Strictly-Dragonball]

Koneko Koji - That's one instance where you might want to add a note or something if it's an eyecatch or something like that, but only to benefit you so you are protected from future low offers if you wanted to. Those that are nowhere neat market value.

This would help both the seller and buyer so they know what they are looking at and can truly appreciate it. You shouldn't feel obligated to though as we aren't dealers and aren't obligated to sell anything after all. That's why it's rude to say that as who are 'potential buyers'?

There will only be potential buyers if you choose to put something up for sale.

My Vegeta OP is labeled as such in my gallery and also was when I bought it however, my SS3 Goku is a key cel which I only found out when I got it, it wasn't listed as that on the site however, it probably wasn't necessary as it was listed at a primo price so it's not as though they were missing out on money by not stating it was a key cel when they clearly knew.

I did suspect it was though as I knew where the cel was from when I paid my money. Someone said before also most collectors when buying a cel already know where it's from and that's probably why a lot of dealers don't bother.

[Maiko]

I'm gonna echo what everyone else has been saying and say that the feedback you received was extremely rude, and that the way cels are displayed and how much information is given to solely up to the owner/gallery curator.

However, I personally do not bother looking at galleries that do not offer any kind of description or comment with their collection. I love reading the owner's thoughts about the cel and what makes it special to them, so that I can share in their excitement. I look for those kind of details as opposed to technical information, but any technical details are icing on the cake.

I'm 50/50 on the 'spoilers' arguement. I believe a person should be able to say whatever they want about their cels, even if it divulges took much information. However, I do think fair warning should be given somewhere on the site that viewers may unwittingly walk into some spoilers. I try to give ample warning in my descriptions, but sometimes one forgets, because "the spoiler" may be 100% relevant to why the cel is so special ( ie. transformations, deaths, romance, etc. ).

Personally, the reason it takes me so long inbetween updates ( aside from the scanning and editing in Photoshop ) is because I like to make really winded descriptions, and honestly need several hours at a time to upload because of it. Working 2 jobs and doing freelance illustration on the side really limits my time. I really wish I had more time to update my gallery, because I keep falling farther and farther behind.

[Xelloss]

In my case, I don't have much time to update... so it's either post stuff with little to no comment, or not post stuff at all. As it is I haven't posted anything in almost a year, and even missed my 10th anniversary update.

I don't really care what people think about my gallery. It exists so I can look at my cels more often w/o lots of book shuffling. If someone rudely told me they don't like the way I do things, my response would be "then don't look."

Collect what you like, present it how you'd like. That's what I believe in, anyway.

- Karen

[dark-water-dragon]

I can see the merits on both sides of this situation. However, telling people how to run their sites goes a little to far in my opinion. So let me make a few points.

Some collectors that I know of not only collect cels from the shows they watch but also for the art itself. I know from personal experience that I have nearly opened my wallet a couple of times for pieces that I knew nothing about, and some all I knew was what show it was from. In some cases the only details I have is the cel number and the sketch. As a collector I think it sad when people make comments about another collection that could piss off the owner, especially not knowing their situation. I thought people placed their items on places like Rubberslug so that they could be shared with all anime lovers, and it is not like I get a cel and then look it up in my collection if I have it to give some one every piece of information about it.

However I do like getting bits of info about someones collection other than what show it is from. I think it helps in the buying of cels. The more info you have the better you can market or the more interest you can generate. Such as if this is the only time a character is in this form, or the first time two characters kiss, or the last moment before a character dies. So on and so forth. I could also mean that you take more time and care into your collection. I also think adding details could draw more interest into a show that it comes from. Listing things like battles, changes in characters, romance, and other key details could make things more interesting. I also thing people have to take some caution when doing this, because using a word like rare can get over used and lose its meaning if every item in your site is rare when I have seen 12 cel mates on Rubberslug.

If I could give a piece of advice it would be do what you want. It is your gallery if someone does not like it they don't have to visit your site anymore, but what do I know.

[pixie_princess]

Just because I can identify a Sailor Moon cel within a few episodes from a few feet away does not mean I expect everyone to be able to ^_^

Personally, I like to put as much desc. as possible into the cel's page. I like those that view the cels to perhaps see them in the same light I did. If I purchased them because they looked pretty, I say so. If I purchased them because they were of a fav. character, particular scene, ect... I try to list that too. I find that it helps people who aren't familiar with the series at hand to have a scene description about what was occuring before that cel showed up in the episode -or perhaps the action detailed in that particular shot. It adds meaning and context.

Then again, I do tend to talk/ write quite a bit when I get going, so I suppose I would say I do it mostly out of personal reasons -I love to be able to share these and discuss my viewpoints on certain situations. Then again, if I have no clue what episode XYZ cel is from, I'll probably write something on the characters/their relationship, or just a general why I like the piece. Again, it is partially personal and also just the desire to allow others to see the cel through my eyes.

To insinuate that it is mandatory to share such insight into what a person sees in a particular piece of artwork is rather arrogent. Not everyone has the same personality. Nor does everyone have the time, desire, motivation, or the reasons to post such details. For the owner of said piece of art, merely presenting said piece in a good light with minimal/to no alterations (aside from any watermarks they may or maynot desire to add) is enough. It is also helpful to list the series it is from. Aside from that, everything else is extra and should be considered by the viewer to be something special and not a "right." Whether or not you wish to share specifics about the cel's condition is also your privilage to decide. If however a cel is making use of something other than the original matching background and this is known to the currator, this should probably be mentioned. Cel numbers do not need to be known. I list mine occasionally, simply to keep better track of things, but mostly I've taken to not publicly posting them often.

I pretty much agree with the others. The guy/gal was a jerk. Just because you were willing to part with a few items does not mean that your gallery is their personal shopping ground. This kind of thing always frustrates me -the feeling of entitlement that some individuals have. The main belief being that "If I want to buy item x, I should be able to if I give them the magic number."

So in essence:
-Do not feel compelled to add in so much detail into the description if you do not want to.

- Details are cool, but it is up to the individual to determine what they would like to add and not add to their cel's description.

[GuyvarIII]

Because the cels I collect are, for the most part, more than 15, 20, or 30 years old, sometimes from obscure OVAs, or from series never released in the US, I just automatically assume people who visit my RS site have never seen the shows. For that reason, I kinda feel obligated to say something about the cartoons: who worked on them, what they’re about, their genre, …or at the very least, when they were made. If visitors read my take on a show, with the cels below showing the look of it, maybe it’ll help them know if it is something for them...

I do try to identify the depicted characters, but I don’t like to comment on the individual cels themselves.
I often enjoy reading what others have written, but whether people write about their cels or not, I know that they are special to them, because they choose to display them in their gallery. As a collectable item from a given show, it is nice to have some background information on a particular cel, but as a stand alone visual work, I feel it doesn’t need any additional explanation or validation.

I like to think that the images can be enjoyed independent of their context in the work
-- or even of the work itself.