Manage My Collection - More Info

Why isn't my collection immediately stored in the database?
In order to make the process more secure, I have chosen to use
an email authentication approach, so that I know the collection data
is really from you when I receive the data in an email from you.
This keeps from having to implement a username/password security system.

Why doesn't the online tool automatically generate the email?
I tried to make the online tool generate the email, but I believe that the
rows and rows of data are too long for the automated "mailto:" function.

How often do you update the collectors database?
Unfortunately, the database often goes for very long periods of time
without updates. I am looking for a better solution...

What happened to the old way (Microsoft Excel)?
Several Valiant fans have mentioned that they do not own Microsoft Excel,
and it can be a very tedious effort to try to complete the inventory in a text editor.
Also, since over 100 Valiant collectors had used Microsoft Excel,
any changes to the list or added features on the file would have to be
spread to over 100 users, without losing anyone's inventory numbers.

What if I prefer to use the old Microsoft Excel inventory method?
One of the benefits of this new online tool is that I will be able
to include additional books that are not currently available in the
Microsoft Excel inventory. Instead of making everyone start over in Excel,
or to try to add additional rows to their Excel files (for the additional books),
I can update the database behind the online tool once, and the new books will
immediately be shown in every collection, with a starting quantity of zero.
Additionally, features such as comic condition, or professional grading quantities
can be added to the online tool without further complicating existing Excel files.
You can still get a Microsoft Excel copy of your work... see below...

I really like having my inventory in a spreadsheet on my own computer...
You still can... any collection in the database can be saved
as a comma-delimited text file or as a Microsoft Excel file.
Just view or manage your collection, then choose
"Create comma-delimited data for this collection" or
"Create a Microsoft Excel file for this collection"
in the choices listed at the bottom of the screen.

When the comma-delimited data is created, save the page (or just the text)
to your computer as a .txt file. (Text file (.txt) is usually a "Save as type"
option in your browser when you save.)
Find the new .txt file you created on your computer,
and rename/change the file extension from .txt to .csv
Most spreadsheet programs are able to open .csv files automatically.

If you have Microsoft Excel, you will immediately be able to save
the newly-created .xls file to your computer.

Please let me know if you have additional questions... Greg Holland