What is the point of a spine card?

[Soldier Blue]

Stupid question probably, but what are they for? If the back art and manual of Sega Saturn games cover the spine to show what game it is in japanese and english then what is the spine card for?

[vlame]

japanese disc games, video-photo-music CDs, Laserdiscs (most discs for that matter) and such are NOT complete IF they do not include them, for many reasons but most obviously, the Original Box Insert (OBI strip, spine card) contains the barcode. This is a long standing jab at resellers and 2nd hand stores.

These were MEANT to be packaging garbage, now they are just another piece to collect.

most people place them in the manual or under the disc tray, look there.

[Breetai]

Based on personal experience, I would say spine cards are meant to help the media stand out more and make them easier to read for consumers, as well as inventory tracking for employees. The area on the ends of CDs/LDs/Books, etc. is already very small. A spine card allows for more real estate to display the product on. This extra attention to (often largely useless) detail is common in Japan, so it totally makes sense to see it carried over to media as well.

In the case of books, the spine card/dust cover (or obi) actually hides the title of the book. Considering that a lot of people read on very busy trains, often people do not want to share the title of the book they are reading. This is for good reason, as if someone sees what you are reading, they may look down at you and make you feel uncomfortable by their look (I am not joking). In some cases, it might even provoke unwanted conversation (which can also happen).

[dsheinem]

to drive collectors insane

[Breetai]

to drive collectors insane

I'm sure it does. I'm glad I've never cared about spine cards.

[CFFJR]

Its funny, I have no interest in getting spine cards in general, but...

Many years ago I bought a brand new copy of the Ranma 1/2 PS1 game from Playasia. At the time, I didn't know collector's generally kept spine cards (or even what it was at all, it was the first time I'd seen a sealed japanese game), and I tossed it out thinking it for what it is, extra packaging.

In any other situation I wouldn't care, but the fact that I no longer have the spine card for that specific game bugs the shit out of me.

Its probably just because I used to have it, but still, what the hell is wrong with me?

[pakopako]

to drive collectors insane

I'm sure it does. I'm glad I've never cared about spine cards.

No, no. At some point, they were the equivalent to UPC cards. I remember to get the Shining Force III promo-disc, you were required to mail the spine-cards of all three Scenario disks to SEGA.

[Hobie-wan]

The Obi also often contains the MSRP for games and music CDs.

[sheath]

Based on what Japanese CD jewel cased games I own that have spine cards, I would say they exist to express the spine in English or in more detail below shrink wrap. Once I have opened them they go behind my manual in the jewel case and that is it.

[Breetai]

to drive collectors insane

I'm sure it does. I'm glad I've never cared about spine cards.

No, no. At some point, they were the equivalent to UPC cards. I remember to get the Shining Force III promo-disc, you were required to mail the spine-cards of all three Scenario disks to SEGA.

Yet, previous to Shining Force III, on the PC Engine you could enter a contest to get a copy of Darius Alpha by mailing in the UPCs from a copy of Darius Plus and Super Darius. So, that wasn't always the case.