Maybe we could create our own online database for cast and crew names, then?

If we did that, we could us it as a reference when or if we were to start linking names.

Instead of creating topics for a "common name", we would rather collect those different names and link them together so that all of them meant the same person, and none of the names were "wrong" or not preferred. If the name wasn't spelled wrong, of course.

All of this would be added to our own online name database, which would be exclusively used by and for DVDP users.

Also, it doesn't take "everyone" to do this.
If we still have the CLT and just common sense as well, we could eliminate erroneous entries and maybe with time we could prevent such data to be submitted in the first place, in like 95% of the cases where there's the risk.

To me this doesn't seem impossible at all, and even if it would take time, it would be rewarding in the end, because we didn't have to worry about "common names" again like we do now. Or have to worry about "The Rock" (who to me is Dwayne Johnson) or Rebecca Romijn and that their lives in fact affect our precious database.

Quoting MikaLove:

Quote:
Maybe we could create our own online database for cast and crew names, then?

Well there is this.

Quoting MikaLove:

Quote:
@Kinoniki:
OK. That's a start. But it needs to be more of a database and a project which you can apply to join and participate in.
Not only linked to creating a topic in a forum.

Also, we need to collect the data and link it together in a more direct way. This is just text on a website. Not a database. For example, every database is searchable.
If we don't tie the names together at the same time and also give the names some kind of unique, collective ID (for each individual), the database is useless.

That sounds more like something that Invelos would have to do, unfortunately our hands are pretty much tied until Ken decides to make the changes, if he ever does.

OK. So either Ken fixes it, or the database will stay like it is, will all its problems. Because there is no doubt that there ARE problems, and that these problems create irritation, LOTS of extra work, and a flawed database.

I couldn't blame myself, or that many others, for that this problem exists. Even more annoying if I or no one else can do anything about it either.

IMO he should really listen to us.

Its a fact that the common name idea is not a solution and it's not going to work. Ever.
If anyone doubts it, there is no other major movie database (that I know of) which has only one "common name" for one person.

Quoting surfeur51:

Quote:
The problem is that when a user complains (...) we have a bunch of very voicy users that speak of "beaten dead horses" and "complaining users", that give to Ken the feeling that most people are happy.

I know this feeling
Killing the messenger because you don't agree with him/her (or don't want to understand the logic of his/her point) is the usual way arround here

Anyway:
http://www.invelos.com/Forums.aspx?task=viewtopic&topicID=368220

Quoting AESP_pres:

Quote:

I agree with T!M here, all the database must use one common name to represent a performer or a crewman ...

But in fact, most database use "real name", which avoids many errors when we use as a common name something that never existed, even in credits (bad transcription of capitalized letters).

Quoting surfeur51:

Quote:
But in fact, most database use "real name", which avoids many errors when we use as a common name something that never existed, even in credits (bad transcription of capitalized letters).

You can't say "errors", as the "error" depends on the basis you're working from. If your basis is the "real" name, then yes, any variant on that real name is an error. But if the basis is the most-credited form, as it currently is for DVD Profiler purposes, then that "real" name of yours may very well be the one in error. It's all a matter of perspective. For DVD Profiler, the most-credited form is the "correct" form.

Again, though, let me stress that I'm not saying our system is perfect - it's not. But I haven't seen any indication that it's going to change anytime soon, and so I do my best to try to work with what we've got to the very best of my ability.