Using Series Column for Genre?

[MarjaE]

I currently have a separate genre column, before series. I am thinking of merging the two columns to save screen space.

I don't know how to merge columns, though, and don't want to overwrite the series info for books/articles which have series info, but I do want to save space.

I have tweaked "auto increment series index" so it doesn't try ordering the books; it used to mis-order them.

Has this worked for anyone else?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by MarjaE

I currently have a separate genre column, before series. I am thinking of merging the two columns to save screen space.

I don't know how to merge columns, though, and don't want to overwrite the series info for books/articles which have series info, but I do want to save space.

I have tweaked "auto increment series index" so it doesn't try ordering the books; it used to mis-order them.

Has this worked for anyone else?

You can use bulk mode Metadata: Search and replace to move data around

If you start with a search
series:false

Then the overwrite issue become easier to manage.

BTW if screen real estate is your main issue: Click the column header: Hide

You can also drag the order (or use Preferences: Add your own columns to control order or show)

If you want a Quick look: Tap 'I' (then you don't need the details pane open)

[MarjaE]

Originally Posted by theducks

You can use bulk mode Metadata: Search and replace to move data around

How? I haven't merged these columns yet, but tried adding a third tags column to keep tags in a readable order, screwed up, and am trying to repair the mess. So far, because's there are only a few tags there, find and edit metadata are working.

If you start with a search
series:false

Then the overwrite issue become easier to manage.

BTW if screen real estate is your main issue: Click the column header: Hide

You can also drag the order (or use Preferences: Add your own columns to control order or show)

If you want a Quick look: Tap 'I' (then you don't need the details pane open)

I can't use tapping. I can't avoid accidentally triggering tapping and/or gestures on devices which insist on enabling the accursed things. I have enough trouble with sticky keys.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by MarjaE

How? I haven't merged these columns yet, but tried adding a third tags column to keep tags in a readable order, screwed up, and am trying to repair the mess. So far, because's there are only a few tags there, find and edit metadata are working.



I can't use tapping. I can't avoid accidentally triggering tapping and/or gestures on devices which insist on enabling the accursed things. I have enough trouble with sticky keys.

Tap in this context is: Press the key on the keyboard for a short time, don't hold it down

[JimmXinu]

Originally Posted by MarjaE

I currently have a separate genre column, before series. I am thinking of merging the two columns to save screen space.

I don't know how to merge columns, though, and don't want to overwrite the series info for books/articles which have series info, but I do want to save space.

It sounds to me like you'd be better served by adding a custom 'Column built from other columns' rather than editing the content of your series column. Less chance of destroying your series data, allows for existing books to gain series info easier, easier to change if you change your mind, etc, etc.

Attached is a screen shot of my 'Series Title' column that shows the contents of my #title_prefix column (if set), then series (if set) then title.

I expect you'd want something like:

{#genre:|| }{series:|| }{series_index:0>2s|[|] - }