Skip to main content

Hi,
Can anyone tell me why my background disappears on any of my custom templates whenever I need to make a revision to a current listing? I have several different templates and this happens on all of them, but only on active listings that I am revising. The best example would be listing# 300234950528. If you scroll through listing you will see the faces on the white background.....if I were to revise it I would be left with just the tan center scroll part and the white would become solid white. Any help would be great...this is so frustrating! Thanks in advance, Suzanne
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Hi Suzanne,

I haven't forgotten you. I just needed to study the problem for awhile. Here's one thing I've spotted and need to do more code checking and analysis before I can absolutely say it's the problem.

The background you are using extends beyond the area of the listing that eBay normally allows for change, i.e. it's showing at the very bottom below the Description section in the Other options and links (page bottom) . I'm thinking that wouldn't normally be allowed and the Revise editor is catching and dropping the code. That suggests the entire page is set with that background instead of just the Description section. It's possible the submission from Auctiva didn't catch the problem (if it is a problem) at the time the code was received at eBay.

That's my best guess at this point.

Danno
Hi Danno, thanks for the reply. I just thought it would be better to put the question under a separate discussion since I now have the slideshow issue resolved. As I stated previously I having no knowledge of html & forwarded your reply to the person who made the template. I have the html for the template if it would help you to look at it. If so, how do I post it so you can see it? Thanks much, Suzanne
Hi,

Did you notice that even the background for the entire practice board page used your background when you tested your code. Wink That tends to verify my prior suspicion (first glance).

I noticed immediately that you have an HTML header, i.e. you're embeding a page within a page with these <HTML><HEAD> to start your code. I've seen that often cause problems with other templates. It's usually due to using an HTML editor (like Frontpage) to create the code (on the assumption the Template is a compete page by itself and it's meant to only be a frame within a page). I know this is jargon to you, but I hope that hint might help your coder look at the cause.

I'm going to port it to my editor for a better look and post back.

Danno
Hi,
I did notice that also...I forwarded to her to look at as well. Here is another that is a bit different but does the same thing: listing #300232062042 2nd practiceboard link
You will see that the lisitng looks much more different than the template. Note also that this occurs when I send an item from store inventory to online auction, but ONLY if I make any revision ie price, description, etc. Am I making you crazy yet? Thanks again for your continued help. Sincereley, Suzanne
One thing we've discovered when dealing with revisions is that there is something about eBay's editor that does not play well with Internet Explorer. Revisions done in that browser would have problems similar to what you are describing, but revisions done with Firefox did not.

So that may be part of it, or I did notice that neither of the references to background images in your Practice Board examples seemed to be directed to the correct locations. Do the following seem like they should be right?
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff42/SamHiland1/edit.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/schojan3/blackglitter.gif

Edit: I take that back, it looks like the second image is correct.
Last edited by auctivaneilg
Hi again,

I have the code on my tester and do believe the problem lies with use of "HTML" "BODY" and "BACKGROUND" element. In a sense, you're coder is attempting to use the entire page for worksheet rather than the Description section and only that frame (the limits of the template).

My suggestion would be to use CSS Code inline STYLE on a new (whole section) table and attribute "background-image" for the background of just the table. I'm getting it to work on my tester, but not the practice board. Give me a few more minutes and I'll either get it fixed or give it back with at least my best attempt to fix.

Danno
Hi,
you guys rock!!
Neil...thanks much for your info...I forwarded to my coder to look at ...they do odd, but I dont know what I am looking at.

Danno...I think you are correct.....I looked at your link to the practice board & it looks perfect!! It appears above the blue line & looks more uniform. Thanks for the comment..I chose the music & that is a mothers day pic of my daughter & I. Now, how to do I copy & paste what you put in the practiceboard into my Auctiva so I can try it out? I tried copy/paste & its telling me its protected...sorry for being stupid...but it looks like I protected it from myself. Please help! Thanks again for your time & patience, Sincerely, Suzanne
Hi,

Yep, that little Java Script at the front got you. Big Grin

Here's a secret bypass for that "protection" .....

If you take your mouse cursor and highlight all the code in that Practice Board window by starting at the top and moving it down the page until it's all highlighted, and then find and use the CTRL and "C" keys in combination, that should do a COPY function. Then paste (like normal) to a new blank template at Auctiva.

I'm hopeful that fixes the problem. I hope Neil can give it a glance and nod that it conforms to their's and eBay's coding standards too.

My daughters are all grown. Time to take my oldest grandson to the park for a few hours before dark here. Back later to check on progress and look at the other case you posted.

Danno
Hi, Ok, I have created listing # 300235166992 using the fix you suggested. Looks great! Spoke with my coder and we share the same issue...although your fix now allows me to revise an item...the background only shows on top & underneath the listing and wipes out the background on the sides, thus defeating the purpose of having the beautiful look of a still background with a scrolling listing template.

Coder states that the problem is due to editing in the standard view....I am editing as follows. Example I want to change a price or add a buy it now to an open listing. I click on listing from ebay page, the click revise your lisitng, the scroll down to price box & add/change price. (All the while the editor is still in the html view/tab)I havent touched or clicked it in any way, then scroll down to end and save,the, post with changes. Then once posted the background disappears. Is there a way to keep the template so it will scroll/move while still keeping the back ground?

Also I have tried this in IE & Firefox with same results. Hope you are having fun with the grandkids!

This looks like a challenge but I am sure that you or Neil will be able to fix. Thanks much & let me know what you come up with after you view the listing. Thanks again, Sincerely, Suzanne
Hi,

The change I made was to move the background from the full HTML page to within the boundary defined by the template. The template area does excluded the expanded left side due to the Store Search and Cat-box frames and the area below the description where Auctiva adds the SG. I also removed the <HTML> <HEAD> and <BODY> tags that might be the cause of eBay's editor deleting code, i.e. the page within a page issue. The <BODY> tag was where the background was anchored. I'd have to make a comparision of before and after change, but the evidence of your ability to change without losing the background does at least confirm it's part of that code that is dropped.

I do believe you have access to the code that includes the framed area for the Cat box with customization of the Store template at eBay, which is also embedded in the description section.

I don't know if there is a method to force the whole page with background (as before) that can survive the editor's checks. I can try using a STYLE on the page, but don't know if that would conflict. Neil/Auctiva might have a suggestion or thought on what's been done. I'll do some more checks and tests.

Danno
Hi, you are correct, your change did allow the background area to remain after the price revision was done...seems like a margin type issue. The code you are referring to...are you looking for the html for the store front? If so I do have that, just let me know. Also have you seen my About me page? It too has the background feature but is set up a bit differently and has minimal scrolling..take a peek & see if it helps I also have the html for that as well. Thanks so much for your continued effort & help. Sincerely, Suzanne
I'd like to make sure I'm examining one of the listings that had a background before revise edit dropped it. If I'm correct the code I removed should be missing from those, i.e. rejected by the editor.

What's a good listing number to look at that is similar to the one you initially posted on this threat?

The area in eBay where you customize Store page is also where I believe you can customize use of the Search and Category appearing on a listing page. It was that feature I was looking for, to see if the background could be tied to that instead of the entire page.

I'm peeling the onion, as there are layers within layers of code here to examine.

Danno
Last edited by danno
Hi,

I went through several of your listings that appeared to be missing a background, and did confirm that those HTML codes are indeed removed. I have a new piece of code that I'd recommend you test and see if the eBay editor will accept and possibly restore backgrounds (fix the broken ones).

Here's the code, which you insert at the beginning of the Description with the edtior in HTML mode:

<style type="text/css">
body {
background: url("http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff42/SamHiland1/edit.jpg") fixed;
}
</style>

You may need to retype this code, as copy and paste from the Forum will add extraneous text.

Just subtitute the link inside the " " for whichever background is missing. This code is essentially equivalent to that code that's removed. It uses CSS Style coding, which appears to be acceptable to eBay and Auctiva from some of my tests. Note, I used the attribute "fixed" to make sure the background doesn't move with the scrollbar.

When you test, just insert the code and use the Revise listing PREVIEW to see if it's working. If this fix holds, I'll pass you updated code for the template.

Danno

Edit: I stored the code at practiceboard to make it easier to copy.

http://www.practiceboard.com/?9147430
Hi Danno,
Sorry I was gone for a bit. I have a stupid question...but wanted to be clear that I understand...I am supposed to use this to edit/revise a listing that is "broken" to restore the background correct? Or did you want me to use it on one that is still intact? Also I always revise thru ebay as I dont know how to revise thru Auctiva...should I be revising this way? If not how should I do it? Thanks so much for all of your patience. Sincerely, Suzanne
Hi Suzanne,

Yes, I'm hoping that little piece of code will fix the broken auctions (those missing background from use of eBay Revise listing). IF that code works, it's also a possible fix for the templates that produce the conflict.

If you can tact that piece of code at the beginning of the description section using the Revise listing editor in HTML mode, and then use PREVIEW....I'm hoping that demonstrates a fix. If it fails to work, DON'T SAVE the listing to back-out the change. I'm hoping it will restore the background to method your coder was using with a different technique that is acceptable to eBay's listing editor.

Note, I added the code piece to practiceboard and put a link at bottom of that last post. I wanted to make it easier for you to do the copy and paste for test.

Hope that all makes sense.

Fingers crossed. Smile

Danno
Hi Danno,
First promise not to laugh!
I created listing # 300235382394 labeled it as a practice listing. (you might want to view before you go any further & stop laughing)

I then went in & revised the price only. I clicked in the html editor and copied the html so you could see what it looked like before I did your change to view:http://www.practiceboard.com/?9149485

I then did as you asked: I went into the html editor/description box and was in html mode, then click at the beiginning, then did copy/paste : to view http://www.practiceboard.com/?9149547

Problem is what you see in the second practiceboard is NOT what I see in the ebay editor. I have no idea why.

The listing you viewed was the end product! Well it restored a background allright but restored the one & the music/background/header that go to my store. When I look at the listing and hear 2 songs playing at the same time....I cant help but feel like a kid playing matches. I will leave the listing up until you tellme what to do.....you can laugh now...I see a lot of you are watching this post and yes I can hear you laughing too. But I know Danno will use his powers to rescue me unless he thinks Im beyond hope. Eager for your reply & thanks in advance for your patience & help. Sincerely, Suzanne
Hi,

It appears that you've somehow imbedded two complete sets of code, and I'm not certain where it came from. It even sounds like two songs are playing? Confused

Are you sure you copied that small piece of code (only 5 lines) from here into one of the failing auctions that needs that specific background (one with your daughter's pic):

http://www.practiceboard.com/?9147430

In fact, I'm unable to locate that code in the posted listing.

Danno
Hi,
Yes I purposely created that listing which posted like normal & had background intact. I then went back to listing, clicked revise your listing, and changed only the price & submitted changes. I then went back again to view it and background was gone therefore having a "broken template"

I then went back again & clicked revise your listing and clicked into the box where item description is (still on html tab)and pasted the html at the very beginning of the box. Did I do something wrong? I even tried to copy/paste the new html to the practiceboard but what you are ssing is not what is in the ebay box & I dont know why. What it did is it added the background,header, and musuic from my storefront and wiped out the template background. It appears to have embedded a template with in a template? Peek at my store page Visit My Store

Pleasea advise, thanks much, Suzanne
Hi,

That seems to agree with the code I dumped and examined. It doesn't include the new code (9147430). I'm guessing you got the wrong link, i.e. the one you posted to your Store code.

It would be struggle to try and tease the two married codesets apart. Is that a marriage made in eBay Hell or what? Big Grin OK....I'm laughing too. Probably best to just cancel that listing.

My best advise is to use of the existing broken listings with no background and try to add that code merely for test with PREVIEW. You don't need to save, just test for good result. If that seems to restore the background correctly, we can go from there. I realize you have different backgrounds for the different Store groups, so we'd need to make a code fix for each separate group/background.

Danno
Hi, Ok I hear what you are saying...I used the link you gave me and when I previewed it showed me the same thing as the end result lisitng....however, the html that I see in the box is NOT what is showing in the practiceboard and it is an exact copy/paste. Since the practice board is not showing you the html I will now copy the html as it appears in the ebay box & maybe you can figure it out. I do not know why it is pulling code from the store...I did not put it there. As the practiceboard will not show you...I am pasting the correct html from the box of the disturbed listing.

<html>

<head>

<title>Untitled Document</title>

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">

<script language="JavaScript">

<!--

var sorry="Thank you for visiting Lexi's Luxuries on eBay."

function click(e) {

if (document.all) {

if (event.button == 2) {

alert(sorry);

return false;

}

}

if (document.layers) {

if (e.which == 3) {

alert(sorry);

return false;

}

}

}

if (document.layers) {

document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);

}

document.onmousedown=click;

// -->

</script>

</head>



<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" link="#E37DA6" vlink="#E37DA6" alink="#E37DA6" bgproperties="fixed" background="http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/schojan3/pinkflowerbiggif400nocontrast.gif">

<font face="Monotype Corsiva"><font color="1C0F44"><font size="5"><font size="6" color="8C0E0F" face="Amaze"><b>

</b></font></font></font></font>

<div align="center"><font color="C7887F"><font color="64825C"><embed src="http://members.aol.com/MicheleWatry/MozartBachBeethovenChopinSymphonyNo8.mp3" hidden="true" autostart= "true" loop="true" pluginspage="http://members.aol.com/MicheleWatry/MozartBachBeethovenChopinSymphonyNo8.mp3">

</embed></font></font><br>

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" background="http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/schojan3/pinkflowerbiggif350emboss.gif" bordercolor="#E37DA6" align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#F8D1E2" cellspacing="1">

<tr>

<td height="309">

<div align="center">

<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" align="center">

<tr>

<td width="61%">

<table width="41%" align=center border=1 bordercolor="#E37DA6" cellpadding="0">

<tbody>

<tr valign="middle" align="center">

<td width="80%" height="40">

<div align="center"><img src="http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff42/SamHiland1/LexisLuxuriesBanner.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></div>

</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

</td>

</tr>

</table>

</div>

</td>

</tr>

</table>

<div align="center">

<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5">

<tr>

<td>

<div align="center"><font color="#5C5443"><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Lexis-Luxuries_W0QQsspagenameZL2222QQtZkm"><font color="#602466"><u><font size="4" face="Monotype Corsiva"><font size="5" color="8C0E0F" face="Amaze"><b><font color="#E37DA6">My

Auctions</font></b></font></font></u></font></a></font></div>

</td>

<td>

<div align="center"><font color="#5C5443"><a href="http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=lexisluxuries"><font color="8C0E0F" size="5" face="Amaze"><b><font color="#E37DA6">About

Me</font></b></font></a></font></div>

</td>

<td>

<div align="center"><font color="#5C5443"><a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/lexisluxuries/"><font color="8C0E0F" size="5" face="Amaze"><b><font color="#E37DA6">My

Feedback</font></b></font></a></font></div>

</td>

<td>

<div align="center"><font color="#5C5443"><font color="#602466" face="Monotype Corsiva"><font color="#5C5443"><a href="http://my.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?AcceptSavedSeller&mode=0&preference=0&sellerid=lexisluxuries"><font color="#602466"><font size="5" face="Amaze" color="8C0E0F"><b><font color="#E37DA6">Favorites</font></b></font></font></a></font><font size="5" color="8C0E0F" face="Amaze"><b></b></font></font></font></div>

</td>

<td>

<div align="center"><font color="#5C5443"><a href="http://contact.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ReturnUserEmail&redirect=0&requested=lexisluxuries"><font color="#602466"><font size="5" face="Amaze" color="8C0E0F"><b><font color="#E37DA6">Contact

Us</font></b></font></font></a></font></div>

</td>

</tr>

</table>

</div>

</div>

</body>

</html>
The code you just posted in the Forum appears to be the same as the code you posted earlier on this thread for your Store at the practiceboard ---->(9142851).

I'm now confused, as you shouldn't be trying to add-to or change the Store code. The Store code doesn't directly affect the problem with the missing backgrounds on listings.

Danno
Hi Danno, I totally agree....I am NOT using any info from the store...this is the html from the desciption/edit box inside of the listing...the code is showing up, I didnt put it there aslo it didnt post all of the html either. The original html was from the actual template created in Auctiva. Did I click in the wrong area? Like I stated I copy/pasted at the top left corner of inside the ebay description/edit box under revise your listing, no other alterations were done. I wonder if it is pulling code from the listing frame/as it matches my store header?? When I post to practiceboard what you see is not what I see in ebay. Is there another way ...perhaps to alter the template you created earlier & add the background text to it?
Thanks, Suzanne
The only odd thing I can think of to cause the problem would be a problem with COPY and PASTE. It's like the COPY isn't picking up the 5 lines of code I've created, and is instead still holding your old Store code you posted this morning. That would explain why it keeps inserting the Store code (wrong code) during PASTE. A reboot of the system would clear your system Clipboard (where the COPY code is held).

Danno
Hi, I will reboot now & then retry. I forgot to ask...was I supposed to change the info between the "" I though you perhaps took the text from the store info I sent you, instead of the template html. My coder is back and she tried it hoping for magic but it didnt work for her either. Could you check on the text and give me EXACT steps to do it, as I may have done it incorrectly? Thanks. Suzanne
These 5 lines of code are all that needs to be inserted at the front of the Description section on one of your broken (no background) active listings using the eBay Revise listing editor. Make sure the editor is in HTML mode to do the paste.

<style type="text/css">
body {
background: url("http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff42/SamHiland1/edit.jpg") fixed;
}
</style>

You can copy and paste to eBay from the practiceboard here.

http://www.practiceboard.com/?9147430

If it works a PREVIEW should show the background correctly. That link in the code is to your daughter's picture background at photobucket, like the one that's working at the beginning of this thread in the Forum.

Danno
Hi Danno,
WHHHHOOOOO HOOOOO!!! It worked. I was having some freaky copy/paste problem. I have listing #300234950528 which was a broken listing and did the copy paste where the text began. It does look a tad different in the preview but when I posted it restored it to perfection. YOU ROCK!! Now, how can this template be corrected to reflect this? Thanks much, Suzanne
Hi,

That's good news. I looked at the listing and it's code and it appears that snippet of code did it's job. To update your other listings for the other missing backgrounds, you just need to replace that link to picture with the correct picture and insert the code in the same manner you did for the last one. That's everything within that "http.......jpg" text.

Here's an update to the template that removes the problem HTML code and replaces it with that CSS Script code. Your coder may want to examine what I did and add any additional appropriate attributes to that "body" style needed to compliment the prior coding.

http://www.practiceboard.com/?9155123

Let me know if you test this update and if it survives a listing edit at eBay.

Danno
Hi Danno,
It did not survive an edit...background was lost immediately upon revision. I copied the html from the listing editor after I did the revision: http://www.practiceboard.com/?9157029
Thought you can decipher. Looks like I have to clear my clipboard everytime as it is keeping the old stuff..Im guessing because of the ctrl + c copy/paste. Anyhow...hope you can figure out why its still doing it. Thanks, Suzanne
HI, also wanted to let you know...I did go back in and added the code in front of the new html and it did restore it. Dont know if this helps you...looks like the new proposed template acts the same as the new. Every one of my custom templates does this although having a fix is great it seems that ebay accepts the code when posting & alters the code upon revision...it could be a price change, adding visitor counter, or adding text, it doesnt seem to matter. When I do revise a listing the ebay screen editor defaults to standard automatically could one of my settings in ebay/Auctiva/ or windows be causing this? Thanks, Suzanne
Hi,

Yes, it appears to strip the code (which you can add back) and it's also stripping your Java Script that protects the page (that pop-up on Right-Mouse click). There may be no compromise with their editor on certain things. This method at least allows insertion of the code for a one-pass restore.

I'm thinking it may see the Body Style coding as an intrusion, same as the HTML method. That's why it needed a test. You may want to leave the Templates as they are for the moment as they are possibly going to need more radical changes soon....

eBay is working toward a very precise standard for coding (recently announced) and those items simply may not be allowed at all in the near future. It's the reason I tried the Template background only (first Template) as a trial. I realize it's limits for Store sellers. I decided to try this second approach which mimicks your coder's work with a different method. Odd that the code is accepted and then later rejected on edit. Confused At least it's a workable fix for the moment.

I'll do some more research and see if I can find a method that does the whole Description section including area outside the Auctiva template. But, that may be subject to changes eBay is making.

eBay just announced 3rd party checkout is going away. Another piece of Auctiva's service is chipped away. Frown

Danno
Hi Danno,

thanks sooo much for all of your help! Please do let me know if you come up with anything. Will I be able to use this template under their new policies?? I saw a thread in the ebay community board under photos & html & there is quite a hissy fit going on with coders/template makers, stating that certain Auctiva featyres will not work like scrolling galley, counters, etc. I use ebay checkout, so I think Im good but am wondering about the Auctiva side of it. It does look like perhaps they are trying to conform to a standard where all templates are alike..ie Amazon. Check out the thread...you might enjoy. Thanks, Suzanne
Well, the policy is in development for coding standard. At this point, the Java scripts (or any active codes) aren't going to be allowed.

I think they want the "Buyer Experience" to be a uniform look to all listings (except for the Super Power Sellers like Buy.com). Auctiva gives too many advantage to the small sellers. Maybe you need to be making those Mao Chinese uniforms soon. Frown

Danno
There is another thread in the Forum that suggests some of the changes. Active content would include that little Java Script you are using that prevents the COPY.

https://community.auctiva.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/455609321/m/1191026882

I'm watching PSU and a few other sites for announcements, including ebay's annoucement links. I do think they want to look like and be another Amazon for the "Retail" feel for buyers. I assume you are aware that they are also completely redesigning the listing page. I've actually seen an example of the page, during a recent bid (it showed once on a visit to the listing). Radical changes are going to make every Seller go through redos on their listings. That's why I suggested Hold on changing the Templates and use patches, as I have no clue where all this is going (including use of Auctiva).

I've said it before here in the Forum.....I don't need another Amazon, I need a new OLD EBAY. Frown Oh....and I'm not on strike, I'm just taking a cautious break from the insanity. My book plans are shelved for the moment, unless one on Corporate self-destruction would have a good read in a year or two..

Danno
Hi Danno, I saw the new page too and have to say...its kinda sad looking Frown I have to say..Im glad you are not going on strike...did you notice that this post has 245 views +counting yet you & Neil are the only ones who replied...Im guessing lots of people have this issue too, but they should feel free to share too. Aside from the the right click protection issue the templates should still be usable? Also my About Me page has a pictureshow & my store just has the music if the protection is removed...will these also be usable...a guestimate would be great! Those are pics in the show are of my daugter. I promise thats the last question. Thanks, suzanne Big Grin

Add Reply

Copyright © 1999-2018 Auctiva.com. All rights reserved.
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×