'F.A.Q.s'
This page lists questions that numerous site visitors have asked. Please check if this page answers your query before sending your question to me. The page is split into sections or related questions as follows. Click on the relevant title/link to navigate directly to that specific section of questions.
• GENERAL
- Q: Why the name '7 Wonders'?
- A: It's complicated. The original reason has long-since been abandoned but the name stuck.
- Q: How can I contact you?
- A: Click on the blue-faced image in the top left hand corner of any page.
- Q: Would you permit a link-exchange between our sites?
- A: Apologies but no. This site only contains links to sites of specific, personal interest.
- Q: Would you permit my business to advertise on your site?
- A: Apologies but no. This site is strictly a non-profit making concern.
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• ACTION TRANSFERS
- Q: Do you have any unwanted or duplicate sets for sale?
- A: Unfortunately, no.
- Q: Does anyone still make the sets anymore and if so, where can I obtain them?
- A: The original sets shown in the gallery of this site have been out of production for many years.
- Q: Where else might I obtain original sets?
- A: Due to their ephemeral nature, original transfer sets are difficult to find in unused condition. Occasionally sets turn up on ebay, where there is often stiff competition from collectors with deep pockets.
- Q: Does anyone plan to reproduce the original sets?
- A: Not at present. The original artwork was (tragically) destroyed several years ago. However, using high-resolution scans of unused sets, the technology exists to make reproduction possible. A project has already commenced to scan and preserve all available unused sets at 1200dpi, with a view to possible future reproduction. Copyright issues have already been resolved. Should any repro sets be made available at a future date, details will be posted here.
- Q: Does anyone currently produce anything similar?
- A: Very few manufacturers currently produce transfer-like products (one example being the Transfer-Tak sets that have recently appeared in various UK heritage locations). Older, unused sets from foreign manufacturers (e.g. Kalkitos, Presto Magix & Trasferelli) are frequently available at modest prices on ebay.
- Q: I once owned a set shown in the gallery but remember it being much more bloodthirsty. Were different versions produced?
- A: Several of the Super Action Heroes sets were originally issued depicting much blood and a fair amount of graphic violence. Later production runs were toned-down, with the gore removed. See here for an example.
- Q: I remember a particular set not currently displayed on your site. Do you plan to add it?
- A: Several sets are in a queue awaiting processing as time permits. For a list of missing sets, see here.
- Q: I am in possession of a particular set, please can you advise me of its value?
- A: There is no price guide for these items. Even on ebay, prices vary greatly depending on the particular title for sale or which collectors are viewing at the time of auction. I have seen the very same unused set sell for as much as £200 and as little as £5. There is therefore no reliable way of estimating the market value of a any one set.
- Q: I have a set for sale. Do you wish to purchase it or can you help me find a buyer?
- A: There are very few sets I am still in search of for my private collection. I do not have the time act as a sales agent. My recommendation to anyone wishing to secure the best possible price for any set is to list it on ebay.
- Q: I would like to know more about these sets and their production. Where can I get more information?
- A: Detailed research into the history of production of the transfer sets is ongoing. A separate website is planned both to share this information and display better quality images. There is a possibility that a book on the subject may be released, should a willing publisher be found. Further developments in these areas will be posted here. In the meantime you are recommended to visit the excellent SPLAT website.
- Q: Do you plan to show sets from other manufacturers such as Kalkitos, Presto Magix, etc?
- A: There are no current plans to enhance the gallery with sets from other manufacturers beyond the few sample images already shown. The planned new website, devoted entirely to transfer sets, may well expand to include these sets at a future date.
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• EPHEMERA
- Q: Are there any plans to add additional subjects?
- A: Not at present. The Ephemera section already has several pages "under construction" and no new subjects are planned until these are published.
- Q: Please could you consider adding (fill-in-the-blank subject) at a future date?
- A: Unlikely, unless it is something I personally remember from childhood, which is what this section of site is restricted-to. Feel free to ask, however.
- Q: The Ephemera pages are less regularly updated than other pages. Why is that?
- A: Personal priorities are the Action Transfers and Paper Friends Sections, each of which has many updates pending. Consequently, the Ephemera section gains far less frequent attention.
- Q: What happened to the Brian Knight interview that previously appeared in the AIRFIX pages?
- A: The article was published at the behest of a site visitor who convinced me they owned the copyright of the material. It later transpired that the article and images had been lifted directly from the publication 'One Inch Warrior' and therefore had to be removed. I recommend that anyone interested in Brian Knight and his work seek out back issues of that publication.
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• LISTMANIA
- Q: What's THAT all about?
- A: Wait and see - just don't hold your breath.
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• PAPER FRIENDS
- Q: Why do you make the Paper Friends and where did you get the inspiration?
- A: The inspiration comes entirely from Steve Jackson Games 'Card Heroes'. The Paper Friends were originally created for personal use as an alternative to expensive plastic or metal gaming miniatures and were later shared as a free resource for other RPG enthusiasts.
- Q: Where do you get the images for the Paper Friends stand-ups?
- A: Images are mostly sourced from scans of my own extensive comic & magazine collection, digitally processed to remove backgrounds. Images are also frequently supplied by site visitors requesting specific characters. In such instances the origin of the image is not known.
- Q: Can I use images from your site?
- A: Images from this site may not be used for commercial purposes under any circumstances. Should you choose to use any images for non-commercial reasons, please ensure that you acknowledge the original copyright ownership (where known) or include a 'fair use policy' declaration.
- Q: How do I make my own Paper Friends?
- A: Provide your e-mail address and I will send you electronic copies of the blank templates used. You will need your own digital imaging software (such as Adobe Photoshop or Paintshop Pro) to edit and resize your chosen character images, which can then be added to the relevant template. There are many free tutorials on the web that explain how this is done.
- Q: Do you accept requests for Paper Friends characters?
- A: Most requests will be considered provided you can supply a suitable image for the desired character. If the character is mainstream Marvel or D.C. then it may be sufficient for you to merely identify the title/issue that contains the desired image.
- Q: I'm having problems downloading from Rapidshare. Can I download the character sheets via alternative means?
- A: Rapidshare is currently the only available download source. If you are experiencing problems it is likely that it is either due to temporary Rapidshare issues (e.g. due to server maintenance) or your own computer's firewall or router configuration, which you should be able to resolve by seeking advice on the many technical forums on the web.
- Q: The Paper Friends galleries are very large and take a while to download. Are there any plans to reorganise things?
- A: A complete overhaul of the Paper Friends section is currently being prepared for future re-launch.
- Q: Can I obtain the character sheets on disc?
- A: All currently-available character sheets can be supplied on an individual disk provided that the recipient pays for the actual postage and the cost of the disc up-front. No profit whatsoever is made from such transactions as only the actual shipping cost and cost of the disc will be charged.
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• UK MUSIC CHARTS
- Q: What happened to the planned UK MUSIC CHARTS section of the site?
- A: Plans for this section were abandoned after the launch of the superb (but totally unrelated) CHART STATS site. That site presents all relevant chart information in almost exactly the same manner as was planned here, only better. Please support the CHART STATS site as it is a long-overdue work of true genius.
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