I understand the Hierarchy and yes we definitely need to adhere to that standard. However, still think the Topps Traded" sets may not even "fit" in the "Box Set" category.
TCDB uses the following definitions to categorize sets
Box Set
Usually smaller, non-pack-based releases by major card manufactures commemorating a specific team, event, theme, or player.
Major Release
National, pack-based or factory set release by a major card manufacturer.
I think we can all agree the sets in question are the sets that were issued 1989 and prior as they were only released in a box set only.
I dont feel they "fit" the "Box Set" category for the following reasons
These traded sets did not necesarily commemorate a special team, event, theme, or player. Defintiely did not commemorate a special team, event, or palyer. Maybe commemorated a theme could be considered here -- ie cards of players now on diferent teams since the flagship set was produced. However the change may have been from in-season trades before the season, changes or additions to a team before the flagship set was isssued etc, so no consistent theme. Additionally there were cards from Olympic teams etc... included ---- so defintiely no consistent theme at all.
Rookie Cards. TCDB has listed the rookie card for players that have come out of these "pre-1990 Topps Tarded Sets" Others they have listed as an XRC (extended Rookie Card). I think conventional wisdom and precedence say yes these are rookie cards which is the player's first major release card. If the Topps Traded sets pre-1990 are "Box Sets" and not "Major Releases" ...... well we have a lot of work to do go back and take the RC and XRC off.
I think the "Topps Traded" are no-brainers. However, other sets may be a bit more tricky lol Bottom line - just because a set is only issued in a factory set ONLY does not necessarily make it a Boxe Set. The TCDB defintion seems to be fairly clear though there can be some interpretation issues. The word "Usually" also stirs the pot LOL
The game sets, etc... I think we open a new can of worms.
I do like the "Box Set category - we just need to be consistent.
Oh yeah - just throwing this in there - "Food Issues" I always thought it funny we include card issues from Food Products that are animal related as "Food Issues" By definition - its correct.
Food Issue
Cards released with and/or packaged with food products.
Bottom line for today -- enjoy our hobby and I wish I could personally thank everyione that has contributed to this site --- I am may not agree with everything but eternally greatful!
~ Patrick
Please Please Please read my profile before making a trade proposal. My "wants" for my Cardinals collection is accurate from 1900 - 2008. I still have about 12,000Plus Cardinals cards from 2009-present to sort through and enter. Please do not offer any Cardinals cards from 2008-present unless you contact me first as there is a chance I already have it amongst the multitude to still go through.
I still have about 30K Cardinals duplicates that are not yet entered in the database as FS/FT.
"For the love of the game"