Part I : Collecting Scans the "RIGHT" Way

Not too long ago, I was clueless as to how to obtain full collections of scans from all of my favorite scanners and of my favorite models.   In time and with the help of many friends, I learned ways to get exactly what I wanted with a lot less effort.  Now its time for me to pass along this knowledge.   After all, collecting scans is a hobby and should be fun, rewarding, and exciting....not frustrating, tedious, and exasperating.

Before we get too far into this, let's examine what scans and scanners are. 

• Scans are digitally mastered pictures. 

• The Scanners are the actual people involved in the process of scanning a print product like a magazine or book picture, thus creating a digital image.  The scanners then manipulate the digital images until they are satisfied with the final product, sometimes spending hours perfecting the look of one image.  Of course, some working harder than others. =)  The scanners then release the scans to the public via newsgroups, IRC, and on their web sites.

Part I  Summary

The first part of this resource deals with the initial dilemmas most scan collectors encounter.  Some of these questions include:

• How exactly do I organize all these images on my hard drive ? Section 1.1 addresses this question.

• Why should I listen to advice other collectors give me ? Section 1.2 illustrates exactly why.

• What is a CSV and what do I do with it ? Section 1.3 makes this very clear.

• How in the world do I manage so many images ? If you don't know what a collection verification program is or how to use one, Section 1.4 gives powerful tips on how to save you lots of time and frustration.