Pencil Sharpener collection
These objects are antique finish, die-cast miniatures with pencil sharpeners hidden underneath. They represent items from a bygone era. Their present-day equivalents are the lap-top computer, the Compact Disc player, and the mobile ‘phone. However since vinyl Long-Playing records are coming back into fashion, there is now a requirement for record players, albeit of a much smaller size. Also there are ‘all-singin’, all-dancin’ smart ‘phones and I-pads/phones. So you only really require one gadget.
Modern-day versions of pencil sharpeners with attachments include a baby hippo and a small pistol whose trigger releases the sharpener for cleaning.
Where and how is it used?
these items are for collection only i do not use them for sharpening pencils
What did you or someone else pay for it?
they were bought from a charity shop, £1 each
Why do you want to add it to the museum?
because i thought it would be something different to add
How was it made?
Is made in a factory
Is farmed
Is mass-produced
Is produced by local cottage industry
Is made to particular specifications
Is craft / hand-made
Is foraged
Is found
Is colonised
Is a service
Materials & Making
Who made or produced your commodity?
factory
Who was paid to make it?
whoever works in the factory
What skills does it take to make it?
using machines
Where was it made?
china ?
What does it cost to make it?
pennies?
What is it made from?
-
Buying & Owning
Who decides how much it costs?
chain of people depending on where ii is sold
Who or what assesses its quality?
Not answered yet
Where is it sold?
in shops
Who or what sells it?
Not answered yet
How did this thing arrive from where it was made to where you got it?
may have been owned by many people before it arrived in a charity shop
Where is it used?
in my collection at home
Where is it kept?
on a display shelf
How and by whom is it cared for?
by me
How long will it last?
forever
Where will it go when it's finished with?
no idea
What is it worth?
dont know
How do you and others value this commodity?
See the values contributed by visitors and those of the donor. And add your own values to this commodity.
Total times valued | 1 |
Positive (↑) | Craft |
Negative (↓) | - |
Overall Positive | 40 |
Overall Negative | 0 |
Controversy | 20 (0 = most controversial) |
What do these numbers mean?
This data that we have collected over time in our database means nothing without interpretation. A relational database, which we are using here, is technology that enables designers of websites and software to compare, contrast, interrogate and infer relations within data. The act of designing a database is not objective but driven by the agency of its creators and owners.
Within the MoCC Collection data is used to help think through the relations between values, commodities and data. Can we describe our values using sliders and numbers? How do we infer meaning such as controversy from data?
Below is a brief explanation of the some calculations and how these help make decisions about what is shown on the site.
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Controversy Score:
(Total Positive Values) + (Total Negative Values)
The closer the value is to zero the more controversial it is in relation to other commodities. Used to infer that values associated with one commodity divide opinion more than another.
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Average Value Score (used in the sliders):
(Total Positive for Value + Total Negative for Value) ÷ Total Times Valued
Used to infer a collective value associated with a commodity.
How do you value this commodity?
To add your own values click VALUE THIS COMMODITY and move the sliders left and right to add your own values - then click SUBMITQuestions and answers
Help to reveal unknown quantities, properties and uses of this commodity by answering this MoCC curator's questions.
There are no questions.
Conversation
Do you have questions about how this commodity is valued? Or want to talk about your own values in relation to it? Share your comments.
Add to the conversation:
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