Wishing For... Scott But Digital Instead Of Paper!

Hi --

I would like to have a digital version of the Scott catalog. I talked to Scott and they said they were working on a version (out maybe in Fall?). In the meantime can you recommend anything. I saw StampManage by Liberty Tree and that may be what I want (http://www.libertystreet.com/StampMng.htm). Anyone know of any others?

My main objective is to be able to sort my stamps by year so I can put them in order in stockbooks. So I need lists that have images and year.

Thank you!

i would recommend ezstamp. for more completeness of data.
However if you are doing a WW collection then EZStamp may not be the one for you. Better data comes at a higher cost.
In that case Stampmanage might be your thing.

I have used both and prefer EZStamp. But, you know the old saying, opinions are like bellybuttons. everyone has one.
in the interests of decency, bellybutton was used as an alternate location on the human body.

Scott puts out a software(digital) version of their print catalog every year. It is in restricted pdf files (i.e., you can no longer print out pages directly since the 2008 edition). You have to view it onscreen or do a yucky screen print.

They may have misunderstood your question (or maybe I have misunderstood your question) and thought you were asking when the next software edition was coming out.

Are you looking for stamp management/cataloging software, such as the one mentioned by stampvirgin, or are you just looking for a digitized version of their print catalog? The latter already exists, although the 2011 software edition is not completed yet.

I am sure you can pick up a older Scott digital catalogue quite cheap.
I have a 2007 edition. It was cheap.

Londonbus1.....Also cheap. !

Just a warning, the 2007 Scott software catalog is also the most pirated. Some of them are quite authentic looking outwardly. When I was purchasing mine, I would estimate in excess of 75% of the ones out there online were pirated copies. Shrink-wrapped doesn't mean it's genuine. Nor does a US source mean it's genuine. Most of the sellers of the pirated software are actually "honest" about it.

If you plan on buying from a source other than directly from Scott (and their rip-off software pricing), I would recommend you ask for a money-back guarantee if the software turns out to be pirated. Just my opinion. Not everybody is as picky about these things as I am.

Also, all legal Scott software from 2008 onwards requires registration in order to activate.

Hi --

Some follow-ups to the above replies...

>Scott puts out a software(digital) version of their print catalog every year. It is in restricted pdf files (i.e., you can no longer print out pages directly since the 2008 edition). You have to view it onscreen or do a yucky screen print.nswer to follow-up questions in the above posts...

Ahh... that is not good for me... I want to print out some pages then work on my collection with those pages.

>Are you looking for stamp management/cataloging software, such as the one mentioned by stampvirgin, or are you just looking for a digitized version of their print catalog? The latter already exists, although the 2011 software edition is not completed yet.

I don't need management or prices, I am just looking for a list with images so I can put my collection in order in some stockbooks.

I went to Scott (http://www.amosadvantage.com/scotto...ategory=CLG) and I do not see PDF version anywhere? I also called them and they said they do not have any electronic versions (but are working on it)?

I tried the demo of StampManage and that has ability to make reports with images so I can select the stuff I am working on then print it. The price is very reasonable so I think that will work for me :)

Thank you!!

Then you will need to get the 2007 software edition. That is the last edition that will allow you to directly print out pages of your choice. I refused to make any more software purchases from Scott after they put on the print restrictions.

If you collect worldwide, you should have no problems getting a legal 2007 worldwide set for under $100. Likewise, you should be able to get the US Specialized or the Classic for under $20 each.

If you see someone advertising everything for $10-$20, it's likely pirated software. Also, the 2007 set came out on CDs. If they are peddling DVDs, it's pirated. The Scott DVD sets came out in later years.

Also, genuine software is on manufactured CDs, not CD-R's that you can buy at computer/office supply stores. That's the definitive way to determine genuine Scott CDs. Don't be fooled by covers and shrinkwrap, those are pretty easily reproduced.

Ahh OK I do see the CDs on ebay and the price for the set is just over $100 as you said. Thank you!

Again, if you are going to spend those kind of bucks for a genuine set, I would advise requesting a money back guarantee if they turn out to be pirated copies. There's no sense in paying genuine prices for pirated items. My opinion.

I don't have an issue about scotts albums in PDF form. I myself have a copy of the 2008 catalogs in CD form. Just went back to Pakistan, printed them out for cheap and returned here. They are useful for me and cheaper than spending $20+ dollars for one copy of their catalog on old versions. Of course I'm not advocating that you buy pirated software of course.

If there is anything missing in your collection that after your catalogs then just go to the local library and borrow their copy, its help alot that way too.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both using the print catalog vs. using the software catalog. I end up using both, depending on what I'm trying to do.

One quick question (before I spend >$100 on the 2007 edition)...

I have never seen what these look like??? Are they just PDFs exactly like the catalogs? Can you search and print pages of inertest using PDF reader (print I think must be 2007 or earlier). If not does anyone know where there is info on these -- The Scott site does not even mention them as being available??? http://www.amosadvantage.com/scotto...category=CLG

Thank you.

The info below applies to the 2007 edition. The characteristics differ for some of the other years.

Yes, the 2007 software version is exactly like the catalogs. Some of the other year editions have some annoying additional advertisements in the header/footer, but the 2007 does not.

The pdf files are normal, so you can read/print with Acrobat Reader. Remember, however, the resolution will NOT be as good as with the print catalog. I recommend printing out at 1200dpi. Printing at 600 dpi, you will see some marginal pixellation (sp?). The stamp scans are not that high of resolution, so printing higher than 1200dpi is (in my opinion) a waste of time and toner. Experiment a little with your printer.

Each volume comes with 2 CDs, so the contents of one print volume is not in one big file. Also, the files on each CD are broken up into several sections. Each CD has something like 4-6 separate files for actual listings, and the intro/index is also in separate files. This, to me, is sort of an annoyance, as that means I usually have to open up several files, even if the stamps were in the same print volume.

I find the print catalogs much more convenient for sorting/identification.

The software catalog is convenient because it is not bulky, can go anywhere my laptop goes, and has the basic search function (be aware, the string search is somewhat dysfunctional -- searches horizontally and not by page columns, and it is not unusual for it to fail to find a word that is actually in the pdf, I don't know why).

I have both print and software catalogs. I prefer using the print catalogs, but I usually can't take the print catalogs with me on the road.

I was going to email you, but you do not have an email address listed. If you are interested in more info, you can email me, StampHoard at aol dot com.

I use EZstamp to catalog and manage my US stuff.
I can also print pages for albums.. since it has the largest database of the two (images included). I can search for and print out pages which I can make up myself. If I want to create a album on a specific theme I can do that through the software and print it out then attach the stamps.
Mainly I use the paper catalogs for initial research, sitting in the living room with a paper book is easier then toting a computer around.

also... I have found images of stamps in StampManage that were taken directly of a Canadian post office website. which means copyright violation, which is another reason I don't use their software.
Since you posted alink to stamp manage.. I will post one to EZStamp
http://www.ezstamp.com

They apparently did the appropriate licensing with Scott, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility that they sought any needed permissions from the Canadians. Though I don't know, either way...