Summing Up 2015

It is 31st of December and we are saying goodbye to 2015. How did it go for you? Colnect had an amazing and eventful year and we would like to share our memories with you.

"2016", from the Colnect catalog

Colnect by the numbers

To begin with, it is important to note that we have reached several important milestones in 2015. For this, we'll let the numbers speak for themselves:

"2016 Year of the Monkey", from the Colnect catalog

Coins - 55,555+, Stamps - 538,538+,  

Bank Cards - 16,160+, Banknotes - 64,640+, 

Beer Coasters - 30,003+, Bottle Caps - 31,310+,  

Casino Cards - 1,180+, Drink Labels - 12,120+, 

Functional Cards - 16,160+, Gift Cards - 97,970+, Hotel Key Cards - 55,555+, Kids Meal Toys - 10,600+, Lego Sets - 6,700+, Lottery Tickets - 15,150+,

Paper Clips - 34,434+, Phonecards - 561,561+,

Pocket Calendars - 21,800+, Postcards - 65,656+,

Sports Cards - 26,626+, Stickers - 54,545+,

Sugar Packets - 35,535+, Tea Bags - 75,750+,

Tea Labels - 3,333+,  Tokens - 5,555+,

Trading Card Games - 52,525+, Transportation Tickets - 31,313+,  Video Games - 3,000+.

This year we also saw around 30.000 collectors joining our community and overall  

1,960,000+ items added to the catalogs, isn't it great?

Highlights of Colnect's life in 2015

This year, as every year, we have worked to make Colnect a better community for collectors, so it was our aim to implement numerous features and new designs. 
One of the biggest improvements was adding a Sales Forum, where you can trade your collectibles.   

"Happy New Year, booklet", from the Colnect catalog

"Happy New Year!", from the Colnect catalog

2015 was about anything from adding ancient coins to the catalog, re-designing category's main page, bettering navigation with a quick year change list, having a new Colnect Map to an opportunity of giving Premium Membership as a gift for the winter holidays. 

This year we have also carried out Colnect Growth Survey, where you commented on your Colnect experience. 

Additionally, we have chosen The New Translation Manager, The New General Forums Manager and Colnect Ambassadors. 

 

"Happy New Year!", from the Colnect catalog

Frognector and Colnect have their own VK pages now, and therefore we are welcoming more collectors from Russian-speaking countries. What is more, we are bringing more life to our Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Join our Social Media pages and be up-to-date with news from our community, as well as other interesting content all about collectibles! Keep an eye for any new changes on our Announcement Forum.

 

 

What to expect next year

Looking forward to 2016? We sure are! Next year you will see new categories adding, such as Holy Cards, Comics, Bookmarks, Admission Tickets and more. Stay tuned to hear about new features being added as the new year unfolds, it will be totally worth it :)

 

"2016", from the Colnect catalog

Finally, Colnect wishes all collectors a fruitful 2016! 

May it be filled with happiness, love, luck 

and unforgettable experiences! 

Thank you for being a part of Colnect's community! 

 Happy New Year and See You in 2016!

"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year", from the Colnect catalog

22,222 Paper Clips Reached

Growing to 22,222 unique items in less than 20 months since its inception, becoming 11 times its original size, the Paper Clips catalog has proven itself to be a plentiful, varied and interesting collectible category on Colnect.

"Beemster electrotechniek bv" Netherlands paper clip, from the Colnect catalog

We would like to thank the category coordinator, Ton Bax [tontoos], who has been making great progress on the catalog, advancing it at a high rate and improving it. Thank you to Els Van Gastel [leeuwin], helping as an editor on the category and to the contributors of the category.

"Logo 4 colours" Netherlands paper clip, from the Colnect catalog

Founded by the initiative of Bruun01, the category has been supported by Colnect collectors from the very start. As such it was well constructed, an advantage that this catalog benefits from now as well. You can see the whole process on the original discussion.

"Logica" Netherlands paper clip, from the Colnect catalog 

The catalog boasts complete coverage of images, there is no clip left without a picture to showcase its advantages.

"Philips Vips" Netherlands paper clip, from the Colnect catalog

As Paper Clips come in different Styles of structure and different Models of form, they are a fun collectible to deal with, coming in many different shapes and manufacturing methods.

"van den Broek" Netherlands paper clip, from the Colnect catalog

The catalog displays clips from 70 different countries (!), covering the world far and wide from the Netherlands to Bahrain, from Puerto Rico to Finland, from France to Azerbaijan.

"Musée de la Création" Netherlands paper clip, from the Colnect catalog

Would like to join as a contributor on the Paper Clips on Colnect? Please see our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page. Interested in helping on other categories? Start at our Contributor Guide help page.

"Amstel hotel" Netherlands paper clip, from the Colnect catalog

Over 20,000 Pocket Calendars on Colnect!

We are proud to celebrate the Pocket Calendars category on Colnect reaching a new high - over 20,000 Unique Pocket Calendars are now featured on the catalog.

"Monkey" 2016 Russian pocket calendar, from the Colnect catalog

Since the foundation of the catalog in 2012, the catalog has grown over 10 times its initial size. This is largely due to the dedicated work of the driving engine behind the category - the category coordinator, Hans Meeuwisse [steamtrain],

"Old Locomotive 1839 United Kingdom - 07/10" 1986 Lithuanian pocket calendar, from the Colnect catalog

The category was initially suggested and created by Pelacanyes and Hans Meeuwisse [steamtrain]. It started as a discussion on the forum that later developed to a fully fledged beautiful catalog.

"Bird" 1983 Lithuanian pocket calendar, from the Colnect catalog

The Pocket Calendars catalog is remarkably complete with all data of its items. Each and every calendar is also accompanied by a high quality image, which is an achievement in itself.

"Orchid" 2010 Laotian pocket calendar, from the Colnect catalog

With around 500 new calendars added to the catalog every month, it is no surprise that the catalog is very diverse. The catalog features calendars from around the world, from Russia, in which pocket calendars are highly popular, to special items from Angola and Laos, from Lithuania to Hong Kong and Colombia.

"TAAG Angola Airlines" 2006 Angola pocket calendar, from the Colnect catalog

We would like to thank all the great contributors and editors that help makes this catalog so rich and detailed. If you are interested in joining as a contributor on the Pocket Calendars category, please see our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page.

"People" 2010 Laotian pocket calendar, from the Colnect catalog

Want to start a new catalog on Colnect? Want to join another existing category? Want to help with translations? You can find all needed information about that and more on the Contributor Guide help page.

"Friendship" 2012 Colombian pocket calendar, from the Colnect catalog

It's the 80th Anniversary of the Lego Name, and Colnect Celebrates!

With most of 2014 behind us, which included the release of the incredibly popular Lego themed film "The Lego movie", we can take a look back at the history of Lego. We'll find out that there are more amazing achievements that the company that created this beloved toy, icon and collector favorite has reached this year.

80 years ago, in 1934, Ole Kirk, the founder of a Danish wooden toys company, was contemplating how to name it. He already had 2 names in mind but he was not sure. Eventually he had decided on a name of his own invention - Lego, named after the Danish phrase "Leg godt" which means "Play Well". Little did he know that the name he chose will turn out to be not only a good choice but a prescient prediction of the company future. The word "Lego" in Latin means "I put together" or "I assemble".

"Emmet" minifigure from the 2014 Series: "The Lego Movie", from the Colnect catalog

Jumping forward 30 years to 1964, half a century ago, the Lego Company has launched its first Model Set. The model set has later become one of the most popular and widely recognized features of the Lego company. It is also the corner stone of the Colnect Lego Sets catalog, dedicated to showcasing all sets from the 1960's until this very day.

"Locomotive" Train set from 1966, from the Colnect catalog

The documentation of all Lego Sets in history is no simple feat. From Train sets to Minifigures, from "Homemaker" sets to "The Hobbit" movies themed models, there are so many wonderful details to capture, so much information to add. On a community catalog that is based on volunteers, such as Colnect, this means contributors. Enthusiastic collectors, each adding what ever pieces of information they have. The more help the catalog has, the better and more comprehensive the catalog is. The existence of the catalog enables Lego collectors to gain access to a worldwide community and advanced comfortable collection management tools.

"Horizon Express" train set from 2013, from the Colnect catalog

The catalog has been created and has gone a long way based on the initiative of its coordinator, Graeme Kilpatrick [nzexchange]. He has single-handedly added thousands of sets to what is now a beautiful catalog of sets old and new. It is a remarkable achievement. So now, what about more? :) Come join to make this catalog even greater and let us know your opinion.

"Falling Water" set from the Architecture series 2009, from the Colnect catalog

Have sets in your collection that you'd like to see on the Colnect catalog? Interested in helping develop the Lego Sets catalog? Learn more on the Lego Sets Contribution help page. Want to get even more involved? Would like to help lead the charge to develop this global Lego Sets catalog? Check this out and let us know.

"Electric Train" train set from 1968, from the Colnect catalog

Kids Meal Toys - Fun and New on Colnect

We're excited to announce that the new Kids Meal Toys category is now available on Colnect.

"Chevrolet Corvette" McDonald's toy car from the "Hot Wheels" series, now on the Colnect catalog

Kids Meal Toys is a home for all Food Premium toys, all the surprising hidden passengers you would find when purchasing your food items. The catalog is open to include Fast Food toys, Morning Cereal toys and Kinder Egg Surprises.

"Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" toy from "Burger King", soon on the new Colnect catalog

This category is such a great idea that we decided to go ahead with it even though currently it has no coordinator. We very much need a coordinator for this category! This category has a lot of potential with collectors worldwide collecting toys of different kinds. We already have resources for information and pictures for the catalog and we can get more. What we need now is the orchestration master :) If you are interested in coordinating this category or participating in any way or know anyone who might, please post on our forums or write to [Dana-Levitas].

The category was initiated by Steve Jones [SteveJ09], an enthusiastic collector on Colnect that made the efforts to make this category come to life. You can read the whole process of starting this category on the Kids Meal Toys thread on the New Categories forum.

"Bambi" fixed figure toy from "McDonalds", soon on the new Colnect catalog

The category still needs coordinators, editors and contributors to realize it's potential. Kids Meal Toys is a large and diverse collectible field. As such it needs your help to try to encompass as much as possible from what it has to offer. Want to help to add information to the catalog? Read here more on How to Help the Catalog Grow.

"2003 Lady Bug Girl" doll from the Madame Alexander series for McDonalds, soon on the Colnect catalog. 

Your collectible category is not yet on Colnect? Would like to create a new collectible catalog? Read more on how to add More Collectibles, take the reigns and make your suggestion on the New Category Forum.

Come take at the new Kids Meal Toys catalog, and let let us know what you think!

"NASCAR" McDonald's toy car on the "Hot Wheels" series, now on the new Colnect catalog

Milk Cup Lids - Now Joining the Colnect Catalogs

We're happy to announce that Colnect now displays a new Milk Cup Lids catalog.

"Nutroma" Belgium Milk Cup lid, on the new Colnect catalog

Milk Cup Lids are a delicate and lovely collectible. They are also appreciated for the beautiful and detailed prints displayed on them. Many collectors choose to collect those items by the themes of these prints.

"Frischli" German Milk Cup lid, on the new Colnect catalog

We would like to thank all those that helped this category get on it's feet for their efforts and dedication. We wish the new coordinator of the Milk Cup Lids category, Els Van Gastel [leeuwin], luck and success with this new catalog :)

"Nutroma" Belgium Milk Cup lid, on the new Colnect catalog.

The catalog it starting it's way with 1,255 Milk Cup Lids. We need your support and help to grow the catalog and hold more and more lids from different countries, companies and themes.

Would like to know how you can help? Interested in contributing information to the Milk Cup Lids category? Learn how to do it on the Catalog Contribution help page.

"Anaemone hepatica" Austria Milk Cup lid, on the new Colnect catalog

This category has started at the initiative of collectors on the forum. You can see the whole process and see how it came about on the Milk Cup Lids thread on the New Categories forum on Colnect.

"Frischli" German Milk Cup lid, on the new Colnect catalog

Your collectible category is not yet on Colnect? Would like to create a new collectible catalog? Read more on how to add More Collectibles, take the reigns and make your suggestion on the New Category Forum.

Come take a look at the new Milk Cup Lids catalog, and let us know what you think!

Paper Clips Collectors Welcome to Colnect

First in a batch  of new categories joining the Colnect catalogs is Paper Clips. These sweet, shiny and sometimes colorful devices will be gracing the Colnect pages from now on. We are calling all collectors of Paper Clips to come, take a look, let us know what you think, and help the catalog grow :)

Axion Paper Clip, newly added on the Colnect catalog

We wish the new category coordinator, Bruun Visser [Bruun01], good luck with his new role and thank him for the efforts to create this catalog for the benefit of all collectors.

Wing Paper Clip, Newly added on the Colnect catalog

This category is starting out with 2,390 Paper Clips and with your help it will grow soon to be more. Read here how to add Information to the Colnect catalogs.

Dutch Paper Clip, Newly added on the Colnect catalog

The category has started, like all categories on Colnect, at the imitative of enthusiastic collectors on the forum. You are welcome to read how it all came about on the Paper Clips forum thread.

Promo Paper Clip, newly added on the Colnect catalog

Your collectible category is not yet on Colnect? Would like to create a new collectible catalog? Read more on how to add More Collectibles, take the reigns and make your suggestion on the New Category Forum.

Wing Paper Clip, newly added on the Colnect catalog

NEW and Pretty: Minor Visual Changes :)

It's always pleasant and pleasantly surprising to see the place you've visited many times spark-up and shine a little brighter. Lately, more than a few nice little visual changes have been made to make Colnect easier on the eyes and even put a smile on your face sometimes.

These little gems include:

< Nicer flowing hover over color movement over lists (try it out! hover over a list).

< Rounded Buttons.

< Red glowing warning sign on deactivated members profiles.

< Enlarged writing in some pages, for comfort, and many more changes.

< An elegant new pop-up language menu.

Go look for them now, let's see if you could find some more :)

We also did not forget all those who see Colnect without logging in. There are many new flashing, popping, changing, surprising little hidden boxes for non-logged-in visitors. Go ahead, log out and browse around and see what happens! Then log back in and tell us what you've found.

Little touches in design can often create a significant difference in the experience. Let us know what you think of the new design!

Lottery Tickets - A New Category Joins Colnect

We are happy to announce the newly built Lottery Tickets category on Colnect is now available.

"Corresponsal de guerra S.XIX" - 1980 Spanish Lottery Ticket, from the new Colnect catalog

This category was made through the initiative of collectors on Colnect, headed by the new category coordinator, Juan Armero [elcapict]. You can see the whole build and discussions surrounding the creation of the category on the Lottery Tickets forum thread on the New Category Forum.

"Winning Streak" - New Zealand Lottery Ticket, from the new Colnect catalog.

Lottery Tickets have an interesting role as a collectible, being part of an exciting game, then turned a collectible item. There are Scratch tickets and Tenth tickets, from all kinds of draw types. The budding category is starting with 522 Lottery Tickets from New-Zealand and Spain. With your help it could grow fast to include tickets from all countries and organisations. To know more about how to contribute to the Colnect Catalogs, please see our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page.

"Perfect Match" - New Zealand Lottery Ticket, from the new Colnect catalog.

Missing your favorite kind of collectible on Colnect? Would like to build a catalog of your collectible in the way you think it should be? You are welcome to try us and suggest a new catalog, and head your own category on Colnect. Go to the New Category forum and see what's going on. You can read more bout what it takes to create a category on Colnect on our More Collectibles? page.

"Periódico siglo XIX (caricatura)" - 1980 Spanish Lottery Ticket, from the new Colnect catalog.

We would like to thank all who helped this category come to life, who participated in the discussion and gave their opinion. It has been a joyful effort, and that shows in the catalog itself. We wish the best of luck to the new category and it's coordinator in his new role :)

"Solitaire" - New Zealand Lottery Ticket,  from the new Colnect catalog.

Medal Collectors - welcome to Colnect!

We are happy to announce the opening of a new Medals category on Colnect.

"Order of the People's Army with Golden Star" - Yugoslavian medal, from the New Colnect Medals Catalog

A long awaited category, the Colnect Medals Catalog, is home to a unique kind of mass-produced collectible. Medals are a collectible that is, by definition, relatively rare. Many times a collectible Medal is passed on as family heirloom, and each holds a personal meaning that goes beyond the title of the medal alone. The catalog will be open to many kinds and Usages of Medals, from Military, through Education to Sports.

"Humanitarian Service Medal" -  USA medal, from the New Colnect Medals Catalog

The category will be co-coordinated by Hernan Bofill [hbofill12], and [neweden]. There have been a lot of efforts made by devoted collectors, such as the coordinators and more, to bring this category to life. The catalog now holds 272 precious Medals from 10 countries. With the help of more collectors, it can develop into a comprehensive and impressive account of World Medals.

"College of Montreal Medal" - Canadian medal, from the New Colnect Medal Catalog

The category was built at the request and initiative of Colnect Collectors. You can see how the build was developed on the forum. If you would to see how you can contribute and join in on the catalog, you are welcome to read all you need to know on the Catalog Contribution Guidelines page.

"Bronze Star, for acts of heroism" - USA  medal, from the New Colnect Medals Catalog.

Are you  a Medals Collector? Would like to meet the other collectors on this category? Come see the new Medals Collectors Forum.

"General Güemes" - Argentina medal, from the New Colnect Medal Catalog

We would like to thank all who helped make this wonderful category happen, and wish the category, and it's coordinators the best of luck :)