We understand that you may notice references in our FAQ to features that are currently unavailable on the site. As we continue to grow and develop, these sections are being actively worked on but are not yet ready for use. Rest assured, we’re committed to updating the site with new features, fixes, and enhancements in the coming months. Some of the key features still in development include the blog page, Patreon link, sponsor page, and retailer links. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to improve your experience on our platform.

We are still very much in beta testing the site. If you notice any bugs, issues, or feature requests please use the form on our contact page.

     Transitioning to the new site was prompted by the need for expansion and enhanced offerings. While the old site, hosted with Piwigo, served its purpose admirably, it lacked certain key features essential for growth. The pivotal missing elements included seamless WordPress integration, utilization of object-based storage such as S3 or Digital Ocean, and the capability for comprehensive site customization. Had these necessities been met, we would have remained with the previous platform.

     The switch to the new site comes with a set of advantages and drawbacks, summarized as follows:

Pros:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Uploading is now easier and faster.
• Diversified Services: We can now provide additional services such as a blog, curated links, and improved customization options, which was a significant enhancement. In this regard, it sort of feels like I just found MySpace for the first time. If you understand that reference, we are working on a line of branded orthopedic shoes and walkers.
• Scalability: The new site offers a better storage cost-to-pricing ratio, allowing for scalable growth.
• Zooming: There is no more zooming in on images. All images are now presented at full resolution and based on the size of the screen your viewing on. 

Cons:

• Change in Navigation: The sidebar navigation has been replaced with breadcrumb navigation at the top of the archive page.
• Loss of Certain Features: Users no longer have the ability to favorite images or create their collections.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Mobile responsiveness is contingent upon me not screwing up the site’s code, which poses a potential risk, as I like to experiment.
• Zooming: There is no more zooming in on images. All images are now presented at full resolution and based on the size of the screen your viewing on. (this is a con also)

     Despite these adjustments, the transition to the new site is aimed at providing an improved user experience, with a focus on accommodating future growth and discovery.

     If we ever find a new platform that can accommodate us or can afford to have the site completely custom coded, we will switch over to that.

     Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post dedicated to showcasing our scanning process in detail. In the meantime, here a list of the hardware and software that I use:

Hardware:

• Epson ES-400 II Document Scanner
• Epson Perfection v39 Flatbed Scanner

Software:

• EpsonScan: Utilized for scanning purposes.
• ImBatch: Employed for batch processing tasks such as cropping and watermarking.
• Photoshop: Used specifically for handling flatbed scans.
• Google Drive: Serving as storage and backup solution for the scanned files.

      Our images adhere to the widely recognized USPCC new deck order: Backs/variations, Jokers, AS-KS, AD-KD, KC-AC, KH-AH, then Bonus cards. This familiar and consistent order ensures ease of navigation and facilitates a seamless user experience.

     Our scanning software assigns numerical values to each image, enabling us to maintain this standardized order within our archive. Exceptions to this arrangement are rare and occur only in specialized cases, such as puzzle decks, where the sequence directly impacts the overall presentation.

     There are two primary reasons for this discrepancy. Firstly, these decks were scanned during the early stages when the archive was hosted on Flickr. At that time, scanning occurred in batches of nine on a flatbed scanner, utilizing a distinct post-processing method to isolate and save the images. Consequently, the images were not arranged in the correct sequence during the automated saving process utilized by this method.

     Secondly, certain decks possess unconventional shapes that do not align well with the standard scanning process. In such cases, we resort to using the flatbed scanner as an alternative. Due to the additional steps involved in this process, maintaining strict order can become challenging.

     I acknowledge that some decks remain unordered, which may give the impression of negligence. However, this is not the case; rather, it is a matter of prioritizing resources effectively (Read that as “I’m lazy, but working on it”)

     This is typically attributed to two main factors: color accuracy and foiling.

     Color Accuracy: In traditional museum or archival settings, each card is meticulously photographed alongside a color scale to ensure precise color reproduction. However, I utilize consumer-grade scanning equipment, which, while effective, may (doesn’t) not meet archival standards. Consequently, while we strive to minimize color corrections directly on the scans, some may appear dull or washed out. To enhance color vibrancy and accuracy, adjustments to black levels are occasionally made. Achieving the ideal balance for each card is an ongoing process, particularly noticeable in decks with dark-on-dark color palettes or backgrounds containing subtle hues of yellow, like those that mimic the look of aged paper.

     Foiling: The challenge with certain printing techniques, such as foiling, lies in their visual appeal not translating well to digital formats. Foil effects, reliant on capturing reflections, are difficult to replicate accurately with scanners. Consequently, achieving optimal scans often involves fine-tuning color settings to mitigate these challenges. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

     TL;DR: Metallic ink generally scans well, while foiling presents difficulties due to its reliance on reflection.

     Both color accuracy and foiling are on our roadmap. Once we acquire a dedicated archival scanner, all decks will be rescanned to ensure precise color reproduction, and issues with foiling will hopefully be resolved, alleviating any concerns about scan quality.

     While I make every effort to ensure the quality of each scan by inspecting them during the process and flagging any issues for rescanning, occasional errors slip through, often manifesting as white lines. These imperfections are typically caused by dirt and paper fibers – a natural consequence of the physical properties of paper itself. As cards are scanned, tiny fibers will detach from the paper and build up on the scanning edges of the scanning glass, a phenomenon that’s usually imperceptible in regular use but becomes more noticeable under the scrutiny of a scanner.

     Consumer-grade scanners, unfortunately, aren’t renowned for their ease of cleaning. Thus, when we encounter these issues, we meticulously clean the scanner using lens wipes, diligently removing paper fibers lodged in the nooks and crannies of the imaging sensor. Given the frequency of these occurrences, exacerbated by pushing the hardware beyond the manufacturer’s recommended daily workload limits, we’ve had to adopt a “good enough” mentality. I’m not happy about it, but here we are. 

     It’s worth noting that despite our efforts, the incidence of rescans due to white lines remains minimal, accounting for less than 1% of the 110,000+ scans completed thus far.

     This issue is a priority on our roadmap. We aim to address it with the acquisition of a proper archival scanner designed to handle heavy workloads more efficiently and facilitate easier cleaning, ensuring consistently high-quality scans moving forward.

     YES!

     If you come across any issues with a scanned deck such as missing cards, improper crops, or poor scan quality, please don’t hesitate to inform us using the form on the Contact page. We’ll promptly retrieve the deck and prioritize rescanning it in the next update to ensure it meets our quality standards. Your feedback helps us maintain the excellence of our collection.