Send Deb at My Vintage Lady a congrats on the auction box's LIVECHAT for first use of SophieBox Wildcat Edition on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vtg-70s-PE...7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Danno
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Hey!
I'm jealous I am not your first!!! Looks great, Danno!
WARNING: I want to be the first with catwalk!!
DEB
I'm jealous I am not your first!!! Looks great, Danno!
WARNING: I want to be the first with catwalk!!
DEB
H Deb,
OMG...Sophie is going to get a kitten complex, if everyone starts fighting over her.
BTW...did you hit the "Storeview" button. Fasten your seatbelt first. hehe
Danno
OMG...Sophie is going to get a kitten complex, if everyone starts fighting over her.
BTW...did you hit the "Storeview" button. Fasten your seatbelt first. hehe
Danno
Hi folks,
For those that are curious....
Features operating in this beta-1 version of Wildcat Edition:
1. In-box zoom viewer with slideshow. Viewer operates with autosizing and viewer mat of images. No fixed aspect ratio of pictures required, even though this initial listing is using 2:3 aspect ratio pictures. Slideshow is fade-out/in-style for picture changes.
2. tMagic (thumb-Magic), dynamic thumb creation for size and aspect ratio of the thumb based upon number of thumbs needed (picture count) with "crop" of the thumb when necessary to operate uniform thumb presentation.
3. This beta is using all Auctiva thumbs and original stored images.
4. Prowler Guard image protection against click and save or properties link hijack of the image, even when scripting is disabled. All images protected, including the thumbs. No popups as it's a script-free method.
5. Noscript load version for javascript disabled viewers.
6. In-box store viewer.
7. In-box livechat.
8. Parameter passing capabilty from Description editor for dynamic changes to features and elements....not used in this first test.
More to come in beta-2.... and other Editions.
Danno
For those that are curious....
Features operating in this beta-1 version of Wildcat Edition:
1. In-box zoom viewer with slideshow. Viewer operates with autosizing and viewer mat of images. No fixed aspect ratio of pictures required, even though this initial listing is using 2:3 aspect ratio pictures. Slideshow is fade-out/in-style for picture changes.
2. tMagic (thumb-Magic), dynamic thumb creation for size and aspect ratio of the thumb based upon number of thumbs needed (picture count) with "crop" of the thumb when necessary to operate uniform thumb presentation.
3. This beta is using all Auctiva thumbs and original stored images.
4. Prowler Guard image protection against click and save or properties link hijack of the image, even when scripting is disabled. All images protected, including the thumbs. No popups as it's a script-free method.
5. Noscript load version for javascript disabled viewers.
6. In-box store viewer.
7. In-box livechat.
8. Parameter passing capabilty from Description editor for dynamic changes to features and elements....not used in this first test.
More to come in beta-2.... and other Editions.
Danno
Hi Danno,
OH MAN!!! Somehow, I didn't see the click on thumb for zoom feature yesterday! (could have been because I had just gotten back from hospital for outpatient proc. that required anesthesia)
NOW, I AM REALLY JEALOUS!!!!!!!!! I want to buy a version right now, and change my new - old template, that you just made obsolete!!!
deb
OH MAN!!! Somehow, I didn't see the click on thumb for zoom feature yesterday! (could have been because I had just gotten back from hospital for outpatient proc. that required anesthesia)
NOW, I AM REALLY JEALOUS!!!!!!!!! I want to buy a version right now, and change my new - old template, that you just made obsolete!!!
deb
Hi Deb,
Glad you like Wildcat. Hopefully, the beta testing will go well over the next 30-60 days and I'll be able to start sales by early fall.
The zoom is from 400H x 400W to 585H x 780W with 95% set as the picture mat to give it the set-back matted edge.
BTW, I know how you're stuggling with photo cropping and thumbs, so here are two alpha tests of Sophie running in the eBay Sandbox to help test the tMagic feature.
This first link shows an array of test images with tMagic set to 2:3 aspect ratio, i.e. all the thumbs are forced to operate at that aspect ratio and the white space is obvious. Note, these are Auctiva stored 80x80 Thumbs and Original images.
http://cgi.sandbox.ebay.com/ws...e=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123
Here's is pretty much the same listing with tMagic operating at the same preset 2:3 aspect ratio for the thumbs, BUT tMagic was set to crop mode.
http://cgi.sandbox.ebay.com/ws...7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Note, the reduction in white space to help fill the thumb area. I'm using only the 80x80 with these tests, but will resolve that to using larger in final, so there won't be any white space and thumbs will always fill the thumb boxes with cropped images.
One other important item to observe: tMagic created a row of 6 thumbs at 53Wx80H for each of those alpha tests in the Sandbox. On Deb's active listing, tMagic created a double row for the 12 thumbs at 7 per row and sized them at 50Hx75W. Think big thumbs with fewer pics for best use of the thumb space, and that's also part of tMagic's goals. I'm definitely looking at larger than 80x80 for final product.
Now, imagine you are taking shots and want a wide-angle (landscape) shot of a beltline on a dress to display, but are STUCK with the rigid 2:3 aspect ratio of thumbs and main image. Does this seem to be the way out that problem? Now you'll understand why I've been operating free to help others, so I could better understand their problems and look for solutions.
SophieBox isn't as much a template, as a template add-on "BOX" widget, that operates to improve the look/presentation and under the covers reduces the labor and costs associated with listing. More on that last part coming soon ...
Danno
Oh....and tMagic has an auto mode to inspect the images to determine if they all operate at one of its preprogrammed aspect ratios and make thumbs appropriate to your listing's needs. It even supports 16:9 aspect ratio (HD) for a seller that wants to do HD video stills.
New movie outtake quote for the day for J.D. lovers....
"His ego is writing checks his stockholders can't cash." - Danno
Glad you like Wildcat. Hopefully, the beta testing will go well over the next 30-60 days and I'll be able to start sales by early fall.
The zoom is from 400H x 400W to 585H x 780W with 95% set as the picture mat to give it the set-back matted edge.
BTW, I know how you're stuggling with photo cropping and thumbs, so here are two alpha tests of Sophie running in the eBay Sandbox to help test the tMagic feature.
This first link shows an array of test images with tMagic set to 2:3 aspect ratio, i.e. all the thumbs are forced to operate at that aspect ratio and the white space is obvious. Note, these are Auctiva stored 80x80 Thumbs and Original images.
http://cgi.sandbox.ebay.com/ws...e=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123
Here's is pretty much the same listing with tMagic operating at the same preset 2:3 aspect ratio for the thumbs, BUT tMagic was set to crop mode.
http://cgi.sandbox.ebay.com/ws...7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Note, the reduction in white space to help fill the thumb area. I'm using only the 80x80 with these tests, but will resolve that to using larger in final, so there won't be any white space and thumbs will always fill the thumb boxes with cropped images.
One other important item to observe: tMagic created a row of 6 thumbs at 53Wx80H for each of those alpha tests in the Sandbox. On Deb's active listing, tMagic created a double row for the 12 thumbs at 7 per row and sized them at 50Hx75W. Think big thumbs with fewer pics for best use of the thumb space, and that's also part of tMagic's goals. I'm definitely looking at larger than 80x80 for final product.
Now, imagine you are taking shots and want a wide-angle (landscape) shot of a beltline on a dress to display, but are STUCK with the rigid 2:3 aspect ratio of thumbs and main image. Does this seem to be the way out that problem? Now you'll understand why I've been operating free to help others, so I could better understand their problems and look for solutions.
SophieBox isn't as much a template, as a template add-on "BOX" widget, that operates to improve the look/presentation and under the covers reduces the labor and costs associated with listing. More on that last part coming soon ...
Danno
Oh....and tMagic has an auto mode to inspect the images to determine if they all operate at one of its preprogrammed aspect ratios and make thumbs appropriate to your listing's needs. It even supports 16:9 aspect ratio (HD) for a seller that wants to do HD video stills.
New movie outtake quote for the day for J.D. lovers....
"His ego is writing checks his stockholders can't cash." - Danno
OH, Danno,
can't I help you test, please, pretty please! Fall is soooooooofar away!
Deb
can't I help you test, please, pretty please! Fall is soooooooofar away!
Deb
Hi Deb,
As this first set of tests gets completed and I can at least get a stable base codeset, I will consider adding you and others for round 2.
This could take some time and beta testing is usually a "bug hunt" affair.
And, the current operating widget does have a few bugs.
Oh....and this recent article at AuctionBytes may mean more changes are coming that might spell the end for templates and this design.
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y09/m07/i16/s00
Danno
As this first set of tests gets completed and I can at least get a stable base codeset, I will consider adding you and others for round 2.
This could take some time and beta testing is usually a "bug hunt" affair.
And, the current operating widget does have a few bugs.
Oh....and this recent article at AuctionBytes may mean more changes are coming that might spell the end for templates and this design.
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y09/m07/i16/s00
Danno
If ebay does that, they will lose everything that makes them a unique site!
quote:If ebay does that, they will lose everything that makes them a unique site!
I honestly believe that's already true in too many ways. They have completely lost sight of the fundamentals that brought sellers and BUYERS to the venue.
Danno
Hi Danno!
The 2010 announcements do not include doing away with custom templates, yea!
How's the debug going?
I WAS THINKING AGAIN
...have you thought of selling your design directly to ebay, and retiring to the island of your choice????
deb 658 greenestreet deb
The 2010 announcements do not include doing away with custom templates, yea!
How's the debug going?
I WAS THINKING AGAIN
...have you thought of selling your design directly to ebay, and retiring to the island of your choice????deb 658 greenestreet deb
Hey, p.s.
I LEARNED TO CROP IN 2:3 ratio!!!!
Yea!
I LEARNED TO CROP IN 2:3 ratio!!!!
Yea!
quote:...have you thought of selling your design directly to ebay, and retiring to the island of your choice????
What's funny about that suggestion is the concept that eBay does want their listing pages to look retail, but "their organization" of the page separates the picture(s) from the description WITHOUT a seller methodolgy that's common to retail sites to embed the picture(s) in the "description box". This is why Auctiva and the other 3rd parties have had a compelling leg-up with their automation and template integration technologies (which works against eBay think). I say "had", because it's eBay's intention (IMO) to remove that competition from the venue in deference to their top (Diamond) Power Sellers and mainstream methods. Their excuse for this is "buyer experience" and "security" at the top of their list. Anti-competitive practices are usually couched with security, someone's interest, etc., so where is the surpise in that snakeoil sale.
Ask the Aussies if the PayPal down-their-throats attempt wasn't in direct opposition to both the sellers and buyers interests, but cloaked with the "only" secure method for a transaction. I believe MANY buyers have left eBay due to the PayPal ONLY edict. Some folks simply refuse to use credit cards and electronic processing of any kind (much less PayPal). Some of my best buyers (repeats time and time again) used checks and money orders for their purchases.I'm a retired consultant and long time programmer-analyst and network engineer. I "listened" to what was being said well over a year ago by eBay management and concluded that the path we're walking with the site redesign and policy changes were inevidable. I've likened the operation to bulldozing the New Orleans French Quarter or white washing the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Two essential ingrediants that brought buyers to classic eBay are gone (or just about so):
1) Entertainment, the wacky things up for auction and the unmistakable alure of the "event". JD says "flee market". I say, "FLEE CIRCUS".
2) Gambling, the competition to bid and not lose urg to do so, which is a fever and can be FUN! Auctioning isn't dead; it's just burried in BIN and Best Match nonsense to the point of critical disfunction. Do you think Christie's would bring a Rembrant on the floor, announce the bidding would start at $1M, BUT YOU CAN BUY IT NOW FOR $1.5M....I DON'T THINK SO...DAH!
Whether eBay understood it or not, they "WERE" the Los Vegas of the Internet. The fun, the entertainment, the EXCITEMENT is GONE. Any site that wants to truely compete or replace eBay, need only adopt the "e" and the "g" as mainstream (IMO). The door is now wide open...
Danno
BTW....I'm not only an Etsy fan, but I think their Alchemy approach of Buyers seeking bids to fulfill an "order" is a very interesting concept, not unlike my old RFP federal contract days (I sat on both sides of that table for two decades). Automation and some interesting methods to "present" bids would make that model one to consider for any new venue. I don't think eBay will adopt it, as it would relevel the currently unlevel Seller playing field. IOffer is doing it now with Want Ads. Since you're an Etsy seller and do OOAK, you should be looking at the Alchemy ads daily. I have seen a call for vintage designs there.
i also sat at the table during RFP days for both the feds and the state...but it's been quite a while ago.
quote:How's the debug going?
Close to putting Beta 1 to codeset-lock and starting Beta 2 changes. The Proof of Concept phase (Beta 1) yielded some interesting findings as well as problems with eBay's current page design, that need consideration for a broader use with Beta 2.
One characteristic of the "box" is it's locked dimensions, e.g. current width is based on an internal 802 pixel width inner core that operates the zoom window. That also dictates the sizes of the left and right inner windows, the mat size for the thumbs, etc. etc. I need to make absolutely sure of that base before I go forward with beta 2 and the other formats (Catwalk and Catalog and more). A common footprint (ur Pawprint
) is essential to keep the integration the same to all the boxes for easy switch-over and operation in the eBay design. Outside the box top banner, upper navigation bar, and left store category rail are essential features to most sellers (especially Powersellers/Stores). The "box" needs to operate in that setting with the limitations of eBay's design as consideration.Two problems that I know the Auctiva coders and those DIY folks will understand are:
1. eBay is disallowing use of onError in script. That includes onError intercept for images with a preloader. That's for sure happening in the sandbox and has me wondering how many folks with onerror checks are now having code rejects in the main site (if it's there too). Note, onError isn't in the best practices restricted list or anywhere I'm able to find. I could understand their need to block onError use for the document load, but images?
That's making an easy check for image load progress or problems a "challenge".2. eBay's flat page (that's the non-IFRAME, first-visit page) is doing some unusual CSS overrides on the description code, i.e. I'm thinking they created that code with only an IFRAME use in mind and it's now interferring with seller's pagecode. Example: anchored text in the description is mimicking the bottom page links with underscore that only appears with hover. That problem apparently extents to more elements, causing unusual display problems. Checking their stylesheets for interference is taking more time, but necessary.
Danno
Oh....and I've discovered and am documenting one annoying IE8 bug.
Thank you for the update, Danno. I will check in from time to time.
I like etsy, but traffic and sales have a way to grow...
I've tried the alchemy - it is a fabulous concept, but I did bespoke for years, and it gets a little old to have the customer, who can't sew or design, micromanage the process. I like making it and selling it as is now!
One grin (I mean experience) I answered an alchemy. She wanted one of the costumes Milla Jovovich wore in one of her movies for a cosplay convention. She also wanted the folds that the fabric created in the skirt to be in the exact same place as the static picture that she had saved off the web!
When we got to that little custome detail, I asked to withdraw my bid!
I like etsy, but traffic and sales have a way to grow...
I've tried the alchemy - it is a fabulous concept, but I did bespoke for years, and it gets a little old to have the customer, who can't sew or design, micromanage the process. I like making it and selling it as is now!
One grin (I mean experience) I answered an alchemy. She wanted one of the costumes Milla Jovovich wore in one of her movies for a cosplay convention. She also wanted the folds that the fabric created in the skirt to be in the exact same place as the static picture that she had saved off the web!
When we got to that little custome detail, I asked to withdraw my bid!
Hi Danno!
TG August is almost over!! I am not a hot weather, 99% humidity girl. The high of 76 for today and the high of 67 for Sunday suit me just fine!
How are you? How is the new software coming? I would really like to try it out soon, as September is a very big month for selling fall looks!
Let me know, please,
Deborah
TG August is almost over!! I am not a hot weather, 99% humidity girl. The high of 76 for today and the high of 67 for Sunday suit me just fine!
How are you? How is the new software coming? I would really like to try it out soon, as September is a very big month for selling fall looks!
Let me know, please,
Deborah
Hi Deborah,
Getting very close to a release codeset. Am running tests with MVL now as well as the Sandbox. She just opened a Store, so its been a busy couple of days. eBay changes/delays and problems between different page-looks has further slowed the effort (and I'm not sure they're done yet).
Some changes were specifically targeted to things I know you'd want/need....
tMagic is updated to allow for larger thumbs (up to 96 x 96) with cropping now doing complete fill of the thumb field (no white space). I've added a centering parameter, i.e. when a single row of thumbs doesn't fill, the remaining thumbs center under the view window.
A new feature that I began experimenting with last Fall and ran into some road-blocks with in June and July is now functional. The feature is called virtual-Source Image Access Management (or vSIAM or just SIAM...like short for the cat or twin). And, that play on the Siam-twin is very close to its function. Buckle your Seatbelt as this one is going to probably get attention .....
vSIAM allows you to (currently) store duplicate named (Auctiva image #) images at Photobucket and vSIAM will detect and automatically roll-over to that service as backup on primary (Auctiva) image failures: 1) outage at the Amazon Cloud S3, 2) routing problem from buyer's computer to the S3 service host (ISP problem), 3) accidental deletion or an at-end-of-listing desired deletion to help right-size storage use and lower storage costs without loss of post-listing needs for Feedback or Search (that last one is an obvious new need). I dreamed this one up when Auctiva had the bad weekend outage on the Sunday over a year ago (S3 DOWN). As far as I know, no one has ever attempted listing-side fault tolerant imaging on eBay.
This listing in the Sandbox is a demo of vSIAM. The images were originally stored at Auctiva and then deleted AND PURGED from Auctiva deleted folder, i.e. those images in the listing are vSIAM doing automatic roll-over recovery to photobucket for the originals and thumbs.
http://cgi.sandbox.ebay.com/ws...em&item=110040573284
The zoom viewer is revamped with arrows including hold-down fast changer feature in place of the array of boxes/numbers from beta 1.
I've also added code to allow for a standard integration of a banner within the SophieBox and a Navigation (boogie) bar for links.
Am currenlty alternating between testing and writing documentation and style-guide for SophieBox.
Danno
Oh...and the monochromatic has gotten a styling assist from some research on use of standard and adaptive (red-shifted) grays to give the box a better look.
One more feature of vSIAM...
vSIAM can operate in either hot or cold standby, i.e. you can instruct SophieBox to operate in vSIAM mode and either load the images to backup immediately (hot standby) or load the images when the need arises (cold standby). Cold definitely gives you a "warm feeling" in knowing an accidental deletion has a solution (other than revise listing which isn't always possible or cancellation...ug).
Does vSIAM merit a 10 on the WOW meter? hehe
Getting very close to a release codeset. Am running tests with MVL now as well as the Sandbox. She just opened a Store, so its been a busy couple of days. eBay changes/delays and problems between different page-looks has further slowed the effort (and I'm not sure they're done yet).
Some changes were specifically targeted to things I know you'd want/need....
tMagic is updated to allow for larger thumbs (up to 96 x 96) with cropping now doing complete fill of the thumb field (no white space). I've added a centering parameter, i.e. when a single row of thumbs doesn't fill, the remaining thumbs center under the view window.
A new feature that I began experimenting with last Fall and ran into some road-blocks with in June and July is now functional. The feature is called virtual-Source Image Access Management (or vSIAM or just SIAM...like short for the cat or twin). And, that play on the Siam-twin is very close to its function. Buckle your Seatbelt as this one is going to probably get attention .....
vSIAM allows you to (currently) store duplicate named (Auctiva image #) images at Photobucket and vSIAM will detect and automatically roll-over to that service as backup on primary (Auctiva) image failures: 1) outage at the Amazon Cloud S3, 2) routing problem from buyer's computer to the S3 service host (ISP problem), 3) accidental deletion or an at-end-of-listing desired deletion to help right-size storage use and lower storage costs without loss of post-listing needs for Feedback or Search (that last one is an obvious new need). I dreamed this one up when Auctiva had the bad weekend outage on the Sunday over a year ago (S3 DOWN). As far as I know, no one has ever attempted listing-side fault tolerant imaging on eBay.
This listing in the Sandbox is a demo of vSIAM. The images were originally stored at Auctiva and then deleted AND PURGED from Auctiva deleted folder, i.e. those images in the listing are vSIAM doing automatic roll-over recovery to photobucket for the originals and thumbs.
http://cgi.sandbox.ebay.com/ws...em&item=110040573284
The zoom viewer is revamped with arrows including hold-down fast changer feature in place of the array of boxes/numbers from beta 1.
I've also added code to allow for a standard integration of a banner within the SophieBox and a Navigation (boogie) bar for links.
Am currenlty alternating between testing and writing documentation and style-guide for SophieBox.
Danno
Oh...and the monochromatic has gotten a styling assist from some research on use of standard and adaptive (red-shifted) grays to give the box a better look.
One more feature of vSIAM...
vSIAM can operate in either hot or cold standby, i.e. you can instruct SophieBox to operate in vSIAM mode and either load the images to backup immediately (hot standby) or load the images when the need arises (cold standby). Cold definitely gives you a "warm feeling" in knowing an accidental deletion has a solution (other than revise listing which isn't always possible or cancellation...ug).
Does vSIAM merit a 10 on the WOW meter? hehe
Hi again,
SophieBox operating in test with both its optional Banner and Boogie Bar ENGAGED. Elements on the bar can be individually enabled/disabled.
http://cgi.sandbox.ebay.com/ws...em&item=110040630474
Note, the mouse effects on the boogie bar are active, but the links aren't (just for demo).
Danno
SophieBox operating in test with both its optional Banner and Boogie Bar ENGAGED. Elements on the bar can be individually enabled/disabled.
http://cgi.sandbox.ebay.com/ws...em&item=110040630474
Note, the mouse effects on the boogie bar are active, but the links aren't (just for demo).
Danno
Hi Again!
It looks fab!! I can't wait! You should do very well with this.
I like the measurement box, but I would left justify the bust, waist, etc. Looks cleaner. Also length under hips and Sleeve length, with shoulder width under that, add hem width and inseam. That order because when one is measuring the garment, that is the order used.
So, let me know when???
Deborah
It looks fab!! I can't wait! You should do very well with this.
I like the measurement box, but I would left justify the bust, waist, etc. Looks cleaner. Also length under hips and Sleeve length, with shoulder width under that, add hem width and inseam. That order because when one is measuring the garment, that is the order used.
So, let me know when???
Deborah