Template stretching to the right

Hi Deborah,

Yes, there is a New Design under beta by eBay, but that doesn't appear to be the problem.

My best guess at looking at the listing and doing some checks in the code....there may be one or more portions of the central main TABLE that lack complete or correct definitions. I'm seeing a few coding errors too, but I'm most curious at column and row span definitions, as some things just don't seem to add up. Example: I'm seeing there are 10 cells per row in some areas, but other portions show only 2, i.e. are missing a colspan to complete the row.

Can you post the original template code to the practiceboard?

Danno

Yes, Danno, I will post the code Friday evening; it would appear by your response times that evenings are when you are available!

Til then,
Deborah

Hi,

Yes, I'm generally around in evenngs or early mornings for "coffee challenge".

Danno

Hi,
Is it possible for practiceboard to be down? When I go there, either thru the link in the forum or through google, all I get is a blank page, and no way to paste my code in.

Hi,

Practiceboard was working, last I checked.

www.practiceboard.com

There is another site.

www.practicewriter.com

Both appears to be working at the time of this post.

Danno

Hi Danno,

Well, when I just tried practiceboard, the past box is now there, but it is not giving me an URL link that I can post here for you, so I used practicewriter (thank you for giving me that choice also, I was getting frustrated and my Dr's office DID NOT call my meds in this weekend!! LOL)

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?524A9

and, when I view one of my listings from ebay, my pics look really bad, distorted & not clear. Is my image code messed up also?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item...=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=013

I'd like to launch some items tonight but no sense in doing it if the pics look awful!

Deb

Hi,

Did you notice it also wrapped the code at practiceboard? That info to right of the thumbs is usually at the bottom. I'll try to get to the bottom (pun intended ) of the problem, but it may not be today (sorry). I do recall assisting you with this template months ago. I recall you asking if more thumbs could be added. I think 3 more would work easily. If I can get a fix, would that add of 3 thumbs also appeal?

The distortion problem appears to be stretching on your images attempting to "fit" the sizes on the image boxes. I noted you are using an approximate 3:2 aspect ratio (ratio of height to width) on the main image and thumbs. However, some of the photos used are apparently not at that ratio. If you are using a professional digital camera, some do have the ability to set the aspect ratio. 4:3 is standard for most digital cams. 3:2 and 16:9 (wide-screen) are often used for professional, and I agree with 3:2 for model / photo-shoot of clothing. If your cam doesn't have the setting, are you doing cropping of the photos? If so, does your cropping software have 3:2 as a standard selection?

Quick way to check a photo is 3:2 aspect ratio: divide the height in pixels by width in pixels. The result should equal about 1.5.

Danno

Hi,
Had to run and get my meds, seriously!
I will check my pics ratio and see what I can come up with.

OH, and yes, I would love 3 more pic boxes...some vintage items deserve a lot of pics!

I do not have a pro camera. Would it be a quicker fix if I changed the size of the pic boxes to what comes out of the camera? So I checked, and the pics come out of the camera at 900 x 1200. I try not to have to crop, keeping it in mind when I am shooting.

Hi Deb,

The 900 x 1200 (or 1200 x 900) is the standard 4:3 aspect ratio for standard digital cams (including mine). That does explain why you are getting the "twiggy look" on shots. They are getting stretched vertical to fit the boxes. Yes, I know who Twiggy is....hehe

It's a tough question on whether it's better to not crop and use those striaght from the cam or crop to 3:2.

I would need to change the main image and thumbs for the 4:3 ratio. Not a problem. However, most clothing sellers are using 3:2, due it's elongation or bias to height vs. width. It does IMO work a little better for clothing ON A MODEL STANDING FOR PORTRAIT SHOT.

Cropping means every picture. There is cropping software that can always hit the 3:2 exactly, which can speed-up the process and make it exacting. Do you have any photo editing software with that cropping feature?

Your call on which you'd rather do.

Dan

Hi Danno!
I've spent the evening working on a new template, so let's just forget the one I linked to on practicewriter this afternoon.

While I haven't been able to figure out the .swf banner file upload, I was able to save a static image of one of the banner pages to the new template. It'll have to do for now.

I could use your help on this:

I've been busy trying to create a new description and measurement area. I think I have to do this in the listing editor...because when I tried to put the measurement table in the template, it then does not allow me to fill in the blanks, which I have to do for each garment.

I would like the rows of the table where I enter the measurements to have a colored background. The measurement table is within the description table, which also has a colored background (pale green). When I view this setup in the description editor on the one page lister everything has the green background, but when I view the listing through preview, the green background on the measurement table is not there AND the position of the measurement table moves to below the .jpg of "about the model", when in the description editor the measurement table is above the .jpg, which is where I would like it to be!!

http://PracticeWriter.com/?525D2

The link is not to the whole template, just the HTML that is in the description editor of the lister form.

I hope you understand what it is I am attempting to do!

I must've just messed it up, I just cut and pasted again, and now the measurement table is showing up ABOVE the .jpg when I preview!

DON'T YOU just love us puter dummies???

Hi Deb,

The green background is with a style that's applied only to the background of the text itself, and not that section. It's functioning sort of like a highlighter used on passages in a textbook. I don't know if that's the issue, or it's not appearing due to a problem with embedding.

To place background color on the TD elements in the table, you can use bgcolor="#code" on the TD as an attribute. You can also use style="background-color: #code;". I see you already are using the later on FONT (like the green).

The arrangement problem might be similar to the problems with the other template. I would vertically create rows <tr></tr> within that table to separate each of the stacked elements/features. Otherwise, they may not display correctly without structure to maintain order.

Example:

1. Row for the upper text description.
2. Row for the central About the Model box.
3. Row for the lower measurements table.

A single <td></td> for each of those main rows, and then tables within a TD, when appropriate, should maintain the structure correctly. The lower measurements table is a good example of table within TD.

There is a possible method to place numbers within the one-page lister's description section using JavaScript, and those numbers then fill the table that's in the template.

I do know a site where you can test upload the .swf file that's free (at least for testing up to certain usage limits at which point you can pay for use for full deployment). I believe photobucket doesn't support without payment for PRO account.

www.hotlinkfiles.com

I just moved an Auctiva member's music MP3s there, due to AOL no longer providing hosting.

Danno

Edit: And here is a start on rework of the other template.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52656

Hello Danno!
How is it possible that you are on at 4 a.m., as well as 8 a.m., etc?? Don't you ever sleep??

I worked on a new template I can live with for now, except for the size of the pics!

http://PracticeWriter.com/?52670

I don't know enough to fool with the [DESCRIPTION AND IMAGES] OR [DESCRIPTION] tags, in the template editor itself, so I used the image tags on the one page lister form.

I'd really like the pic on mouseover to be bigger, but at the same time, I like the way the pics on the left more or less line up horizontally with my description/measurement info which is on the right!

If you could take a look at making the mouseover pic bigger, that would really help!!

Deb

Sorry, I guess you also need a link to one of the actual auctions using this new template:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item...=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=013

As you can see on the code on practicewriter, there are no image tags on the template itself.

Hi,

It appears you're using Auctiva's standard thumbnail viewer and thumbs. That operates using the 400W x 300H main image and 80 x 80 size thumbs. The main image is based upon using the stored _tp version of images, which max at 400 x 300, as opposed to the originals _o which store at 1024 x 768. There isn't a simple method to fix that, other than complete code replacement in the template (like you're other template). Their thumb viewer relies on the supersize feature for the larger original images.

You can use the specific tag [IMGS_THUMBNAILS] within the code to firmly set its location, and provide any separation and structure with the other table.

I'm ususally in bed by 10 or 11 and up by 5 or 6 (Columbus time). I get alot done in the early hours over coffee.

Danno

I did the hotlinks thingy...

Uploaded the .swf file

Openend a new blank custom template and pasted the code in...save & preview shows the URL, but not the actual banner pic, so I am lost!

Hi Deb,

An .swf is actually a file that uses the Adobe shockwave flash player. You'd use an <object...> or <embed...> to play the flash.

I located a simple explantation page at Adobe support.

http://www.jeroenwijering.com/?item=Embedding_Flash

I note that Auctiva uses the "object" method for their Scrolling Gallery. In checking, it's possible you may need to use that method to avoid some browser issues. That article explains why.

Danno

Hi Deb,

Update for Measurements box.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?527EA

Hope that helps.

Danno

Hi Danno,
I am checking out the tutorial on embedding the flash...as much as I googled, I didn't run across those directions, thanks!

On the measurement table, that looks great, again, much appreciation!

Did you take a look at the auction page and figure out a way to make the pic that enlarges on mouseover bigger?

That's my final hurdle for now!

Deb

HI!
I just downloaded some free image resizing software, that after research, will allow me to batch resize the pics...

My question is:

What pixel sizes do I want to select to obtain a 3:2 aspect ratio?

I really am trying to help myself also!
I found this formula:

To convert an image to a 3:2 ratio, divide the smallest pixel number by two, multiply that number by three, and replace the larger pixel number, the width of the image, with this new number. This will determine the correct Aspect Ratio for a 4 x 6-inch picture.

So, I changed the pics to 1350 x 900. I am going to run some through the old template and see if the pics look good. If they do, I will then copy and past the image code into the new template.

Does all this sound right?

Deb

Well, that didn't work! The software I used to convert the ratio also compressed the pics, so a 100% image was about 1x2 inches tall!

I found and used Fastone Photo resizer

Don't know why it didn't work!

Thankfully, I was smart enough to have saved the entire batch of pics first in their original size from last nite's shoot!

ACK to this computer stuff!

I went to gaze longingly at the template of another seller...and she just had a new one designed as well! I've copied the code from her template and linked to it below.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?529E1

This is exactly how I would like my pictures to be in my new custom template!

How would I go about combining this code with what I have done so far on my own template?

Deb

Hi Deb,

I see your making progress in working-out the 3:2 issues.

Auctiva's thumbnail viewer has it's main image loading by stored 400 x 300 (landscape) pics and the thumbs are stored 80 x 80, so there's really no easy method to upscale their viewer, other than code changes and alternate picture links.

The link to listing code you gave is a very good example of a 3:2 viewer and thumbs. Those pics all appear to be exactly 3:2 at 430 x 645 and the thumbs are displayed at 70 x 105 by using the same picture, but forcing the image to thumb size using height and width in the code. Note the use of the darker grey on the background of the cells, so the pics have a very small mat surround.

You could certainly try to substitue your description and measurements elements to the right and replace theirs. They have six thumbs. You could also add another vertical row of thumbs for 12.

This seller is doing exactly what I suggested with either a pro cam or cropping software. To me, the 3:2 is perfect for modeling shots, and this is a perfect example of use.

Your old thumbviewer is actually very close to exactly what this example does. They are even using almost identical Java code for preLoad and imageChange.

Danno

Hi Danno,

This is as far as I have been able to get in attempting to incorporate the image coding into my template.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52A6F

I've attempted to see if the code actually is correct by selecting this as a template from the 1 pg lister, adding images, then previewing, but something is not working, as I cannot see my images in preview, just the broken link icon.

Any thoughts?

Hi,

Quick check.....

Looks like wrong tags. Example: You are using the [IMAGE1] instead of [IMAGE1_URL] for correct substition of a URL link in code. That's causing an incorrect code build.

Use your old template code as example.

Dan

Hi Deb,

If you're still having problems with that Shockwave file, post the URL and the height and width it's intended to display. I try to work-up the coding.

This Technote at Adobe is working for me, when I test a sample code with IE7, Firefox 3, and Safari 3.2 browsers.

http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_4150

Danno

HI Danno,
OK, I will change the code on the images...I spent all night last eve trying to take a crash course in CSS so I could work on my template...I think all I have to show for it is eyestrain!

As far as the shockwave file, I tabled that in favor of getting the pics in the listings looking good. I know that I uploaded the link to hotlinks, is that the url you need? I'd love it if you could work on that!

BTW, I live in OHIO as well, but I am not a BUCKEYE, but you will still help me, right?!??!?

Deb

Hi,

I'm not a Buckeye either. I'm from Iowa. I just work in Cyberspace from Columbus.

Yes, need the hotlinks URL for the file.

Danno

[URL=http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/2063875_glper/658GreeneStreetFlashBanner.swf]

Link to my beautiful banner that won't flash!

http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/2063875_glper/658GreeneStreetFlashBanner.swf

Sorry,

887 x 456 pixels size for shockwave banner.

This is what I have so far on the template.
http://www.auctiva.com/listings/intl_preview.aspx

Notice thumbnails are quite far away from enlarged mouseover! GACK!

I'm going to sign off for this evening...I do have a few items I need to ship yet before I can relaX!

Talk to you tomorrow...

Deb

I also can't find a place to put the [DESCRIPTION] TAG (next to the mouseovers)

Hi,

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52B36

This is following Adobe's receipe. It did work with just the EMBED, but I'd stick with that codeset.

I tested it with IE7, Firefox 3, and Safari 3.2.

Danno

OH DANNO, you are the man! That is awesome that you figured out the shockwave!

I am now going to try to line up the images and the measurement table again this afternoon, wish me luck!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Deb

This is what I have so far:

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52C08

http://PracticeWriter.com/?52C16

OK, this one has all the elements needed for the final template, but there is white space and probably nested table after nested table that I don't need, that were copied over from the pics code.

I see that the seller I am "borrowing" code from also "borrowed" code from another seller --(note the thrift.gif, etc, in the upper portion of the code referring to background pics)

I do not know how to remove all the white space and the nested tables that are not blank in my template; perhaps you will be able to take a look this p.m.?

Deb

I'm sorry, that should read the nested tables that ARE blank in my template!

Also, unless I am missing something, doesn't the measurement and description table have to be moved from the actual template to the description box on the one page lister form, so that I can enter the new information for each listing?

Hi Deb,

Do you happen to know the color code numbers for the rose-pink and green you're using?

Here's why I'm asking.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52C28

I been trying to nail the shade of green, but don't think I got it exactly.

Run your mouse over the thumb fields for the backlight effect for other color.

It's still a work in progress. Got alot done over coffee in the AM.

Dan

YEA, your here!! You must really love this stuff, you do puter work all day and them come home to your "hobby" of helping us newbies!

My green is hex# ccffcc

I don't think I am using the rose pink on the new template, (am I?) but went to the gray shades to better match the new flash banner.

Oh, I spoke too soon, I see what you did with the thumbs, YES, I LOVE THAT...will get you a rose pink hex in a sec!

rose pink hex # ffccff

Hi Neil,
Yes, the logo colors are more vibrant than the measurement table colors, but Danno,for the thumbs, etc, I prefer the softer colors.

Danno,

You make me crazy!! How could you put that much template together in such a short amt of time?

I've been on since at least 1:30 EST today, and only managed to copy and paste code and it still isn't all lined up!!

Hi,

That green doesn't seem to match the green in the logo?

Would turning the surround on the thumb to white-white work or I can turn off the effect? Usually, best to see with a thumb over the top. That helps.

Danno

Hi,

The "SophieBox" concept is something I thought-up months ago. This is codesets I have that I just pull together (some assembly required ). This set doesn't include the Live Inventory module. You wandered into the exact thing I've been working on for months.

Danno

You are correct, the hex # I gave you for the mouseover effect is much softer than the logo colors...it matches the background color of the measurement table.

May be we should just use soft grays, so that they go with the template banner?

Did you see my ? above on putting the measurement and description table into the description box on the 1 page lister form vs. into the template itself?

I don't know how I will enter each item's measurements and description if the table is in the template, and not in the 1 page lister?

What is this sophie box your are inventing?

Hi,

Those changes are on the practiceboard (same link as prior).

On the tables, etc for Descriptio, Yes, they would probably work best by insertion in the one-page lister. The green field is narrower than the prior. I can expand the template width to compensate. I would suggest some additional changes to that piece to help.

Danno

No, don't turn the mouseover effect off, I think it holds the viewer's attention a nanosecond longer!

I love the size of the pics!

On the description/measurement table, the width you have now looks ok to me? I think bigger pics and fewer words is good for my clients!

Hi,

The backlight effect will "visually" show as a 2 pixel border around each thumb. I can turn the border to any color. I was using the rose-pink to compliment the green for your logo / Store colors.

The only problem with the narrow green was the box with the models measurements. It squishes too small to be readable. I assume it could be redone. I would also rework the table to use white and grey background and better space arrangement. The green background then serves to anchor those elements. I can rework the table for demo.

Danno

Edit: I agree with your last comment. I work the exact pixel measurements first, then I build. I did a rough-layout last night before bed.

No, I can't redo the model measurement pic...I had the gal that did the banner make that, and I don't have a resizer, so widen the whole table.

Your suggestions for reworking the measurement sound good to me if you have time!

So would you then save the measurement table code separately so I can copy it to the one page lister? Or how does that work?

Do you still have time yet this evening to finish this?

I am busy trying to get listings done to launch tonight for the big Thanksgiving weekend endings.

BTW, The original measurement table you did for me the other night, works well. I am using it right now to write the listings.

I don't care for that red around the shipping and payment info, and if you could use a verdana font instead of the typewriter look...I know, getting bossy here!

Hi Deb,

Here's a quick rough of how that right-side currently looks.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52C63

I think the table takes up too much space without using more columns to display the info. That needs work. Note, the "float" design on the green mat effect. As you can see, the scrinch on the About Model box is a readability problem.

Danno

What if you make the enlarged photo a bit less wide, so you have the amt of room you need for the measurement table (& about model pic) to fit properly?

I see that float effect, but I liked it all green or if you think we don't need the green just a soft gray will tie into everything else. I am thinking I don't need the green...I kind of like the monochromatic look and let the pics do the talking...my clients have the attention span of a gnat!

Hi,

Let me see how much scale-up the Model box needs to become readable, and then work with resizing options. I'm designing up to 928px width to accomodate centering in eBay's New Design listing page. I believe your banner can scale-up, as part of any change.

I can appreciate the monochromatic too, as it does lessen any detraction from the article. I am focusing on a "retail look", instead of the traditional frilly templates.

I'm off for awhile, but will try to see what I can do before 9 AM tomorrow. I'm better with coffee challenge design.

Danno

Much appreciation! Do you offer your services and talents for hire?

Good morning sunshine!

I jumped the gun on using the template and here is the link to one of the auctions I posted with it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item...=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=013

As you can see, the old measurement table you coded separately fits perfectly into the area you designated for it in the template, so I don't think you have to fool with it? (I am using the description table in the one page lister form.)

My observations:

1.
The color change effect doesn't really work, because if there are less pics than the number of placeholders, the boxes show up with the color gray in the auction - which is distracting, so probably should remove the color change on mouseover and leave it white.

2.
The auction doesn't open with the large pic being filled in...shouldn't it?

3.

Removal of the red background around the shipping and payment info will be more effective.

Deb

Hi Deb,

If you look at the banner, the page has spread to accomdate the wide green section. I will check and see if the banner can widen to accomodate the look. It was one option I mentioned.

The code was a work-in-progress, so it does have bugs.

Danno

Hi,

The banner can expand to fit the middle sections width. The current width is 952px, which does exceed the eBay New Design listing page. If you can look at that listing in New Design at 1024 x 768 screen resolution, it should have a horizontal scrollbar at page bottom due to the width.

The model-box doesn't seem to allow any reduction without some loss of readability. It's width is dictating the page limits.

Options:

1. I could remove one vertical column of thumbs and drop from 15 to 10.

2. Reduce the main pic and thumbs to achieve page fit.

Danno

Hi Deb,

Following your comments and suggestions, I took the option to remove effects. I increased width to 928px. I also redid colors to monochromatic and tried to match the grey in the Model box for the table and the lower background.

Here's the result.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52D1F

Danno

Oh...I also opted to fill the thumbs by column instead of row. That should give a better fill effect next to the large image, now that the backgrounds are removed. I noted you used 10 pics on that prior, so 5 10 or 15 in a shoot would now provide a filled look.

WOW!

I repeat: WOW! The template looks beautiful! I can't begin to thank you enough for the hours you have saved me. I love the creative learning process; and would like to ask your advice on how best I could learn to do the coding it takes to produce web pages, templates, and sites?

May I copy and paste the code now?

deb

Hi Deb,

The only test I haven't done is run it through the Auctiva one-page lister to see if the tags are fully working. My code tester gives a clean bill. It's been checked in IE7, Firefox 3, and Safari 3.2.

The code includes the Description piece with <!--- comments --> to denote the beginning and end of that section. The [DESCRIPTION] tag also is commented out. Just need to copy the code to the template editor, remove /cut the Description section piece to the one-page, and uncomment the tag. That piece is now a stand alone TABLE for that right-element. The smoke-white background is in the template code, as is the font family. The entire template uses Verdana, with fallback to Arial, et. al. Font sizes you see are set in appropriate sections.

The Auctiva Preview should show whether the tags are working. Their was a typo on the main picture tag. That's why it failed. I also fixed the main pic, so it wouldn't droop if the right side box runs long.

The "Essentials" table is flexible. I added the "condition" and split the table for measurements on top. Seem like I recall seeing more possible measurements on other seller's listings. I also labeled the top of the section, so everything is easy to find.

There are many online tutorials, texts, and courses.

I've been coding since the 8th grade, back in the 60's. The arthritis and bifocals slow me down a little these days. hehe

Glad you like it. If you test it live, post back the listing number.

Danno

Good morning Danno,

Well, I've updated all of my category templates (skirts, dresses, etc) and will be launching new auctions Sunday evening. When I go live, I will post a link.

I really do appreciate all of your time, patience and help!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family,

Deborah

Hi,

Just noticed....

If you want the template to page-center, add align="center" to the very first/top table on the template. That's why it's shifted to page-left on the practiceboard and that test listing you did.

I added the code to the prior for view.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52D1F

You have a good one too.

Danno

Edit: I finally found got my color detector software reinstalled and the background on the Model Box is "#C5C6CB". I was close. I used "#C4C4C6", as I could tell it wasn't exact gray and was slightly bluish tint.

The six digit code is Red - Green - Blue (RGB) with each two digits in the sequence the color intensity from 00 to FF. Black is all 000000. White is FFFFFF. Gray is all three exacty same, e.g. 2C2C2C is dark gray.

The neon green and rose on your upper banner are 79E262 and F655A6 at their brightest central points. The lower banner has alot of diffusion, so tough to latch onto a single color for each.

If you'd like I can update the practiceboard to get the gray perfect.

Danno

Hi Danno!
If you have time to tweak the colors, that would be appreciated.

I am planning on launching some new auctions this evening around 9-10 p.m. EST.

I just entered measurement/description info into the description box on the 1 pg lister. Saved and previewed, and the description is not showing up in the preview.

The [DESCRIPTION] tag shows in the table you created for it as the first thing. Perhaps I cut and pasted incorrectly?

What do you need to see to take a look at it? I can email you my auctiva sign in info, and you could take a look directly at the template I am attempting to use.

Deb

Edit: never mind on the description table not showing up correctly in preview. I did catch the copying of the code in the wrong place, and have corrected it.

You wrote:

If you want the template to page-center, add align="center" to the very first/top table on the template. That's why it's shifted to page-left on the practiceboard and that test listing you did.

I added the code to the prior for view.

Not sure what you are referring to above? The template seemed to be correct to me?

On the colors, let me see what I can do to tweak them myself, as I already set up a template in my saved listings to correspond with each category I list in, and if you do it, I would have to go in and modify each of those templates, and I don't believe I will have time before this evening's auctions, as I have to go finish tiling a bathroom!

Deb

Hi Deb,

I didn't have alot of time to do extensive work with the lower section until this morning.

What do you think of this?

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?52F16

The USPS is hyperlinked to their Track and Confirm. Note mouseover effect.

I was at your Etsy page and found that mini-Logo. Power Seller logo is also a GIF (I know you're not one, yet. ).

I resection the group and added a Return Policy (an eBay must) using Seller Details [TERMS_OF_SERVICE] tag.

The Shipping is now a table you can cut and paste to the Seller Details (like the Description) to get that split effect.

Note, the "at a glance" ability to see:

1. You use USPS and "Track and Confirm"

2. You have both US and International with quick to find info

3. You use Priority Mail for both and have Free Delivery Confirmation in US

Oh...and I'm testing GIF animation packages and thought the Neon look on the upper banner was just too tempting, not to have some fun. And, you might consider free shipping at some point with $100 minimum.

The About Me and Contact headers are now hyperlinked with Mouseover store-green effect to your About Me page and Ask Seller Question.

This is probably more than you wanted today, but it does add alot to the lower section.

Do you still need help with the color problem?

Danno

Hi there!

WOW! If you keep beautifying my template, I'm never going to get anything listed, LOL! Actually, a slight nap was in order after tiling, so I am just getting back on...and it is almost your bedtime!

Everything you've taken the time to add is fantastic!

I will add the return policy when I start using this new one. Seems I did read something about it becoming a requirement, even if the return policy is no returns.

As for the free shipping, I do have some listings running with free shipping right now - I just picked some at random while I thought about how I really want to offer it. ebay is really pushing for it, and I know the customers look for it as well. I am wondering if, rather than a dollar amount, more than one purchase might make more sense business wise, as well as generate a little higher ending prices on the $9.99 start auctions? My thoughts: Have fixed price items, mixed with $9.99 auctions. That way, each potential customer will (hopefully) bid on the lower priced items to get to their multiple purchase threshold. So, buy any 3, get free shipping (US only) ?? Ha, that messes up your neon sign!

And, since you are enjoying playing with this template...

I would really like to have a way to have the customers join a mailing list. I've seen it in other's listings (and I really believe it is the key to their high ending prices and so much activity on the listings)

Join our mailing list, be the first to see new offerings, specials, etc. But, I don't know how to add that to a template! But, I'll bet you do!!

OK, I am going to try and get some stuff started still tonight.

Deb

Hi Deb,

This next round wasn't for immediate use; just playing with ideas. It took some time for me to walk through your listings, About Me, and Etsy to get ideas and add/create the correct elements. I wanted to make certain you had something for Saturday/Sunday listing, which is why I stopped and locked/tested what I had for Phase I. It was just the timing and the rush to get you something useful.

On this (Phase II) I wanted to give you enhancements on the lower section, and maybe some future suggestions (reserved options). That's why I was playfully adding things like the Neon sign and the PowerSeller logo. That neon helped pull-down the colors in the upper banner with a "retro" concept, i.e. neon being associated with the retro look. That neon tub text is actually a Font, so the sign was fairly easy to make. Took about 30 minutes. It was also a good test of the product, and I did find some problems during tests.

Most web sites are offering free shipping with minimum purchase, which eBay does support in shipping calculation settings (preferences). I would suggest examining methods that work for combined in checkout without manual invoicing or refunds.

Hmmm....I think the mailing list might be tied to the "favorite sellers" feature. I'll have to check and see if that's only for Store. That's a good add.

Danno

Edit: Why or what requirement is causing you to have more than a single version of this template at Auctiva?

Good evening!

No, I didn't even try to use your latest version with the lower half of enhancements.

The reason I use more than 1 template:

I set up a blank template for: dresses, skirts, tops, jackets and coats, etc.

So, if I am listing a dress, the category is selected and the correct shipping charge is already saved; all I have to do is add the description & measurements, and then the pics and I'm done with that item.

Hi Deb,

My memory on the "mailing list" was STORE feature. I think that's correct, but I'll have to do some more checking. Here's the eBay info page on the feature:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/email-newsletter.html

Did you know you can move the Auctiva Store Window inside the template? Here's why I strategically place that secondary store bannner in the middle of the lower section:

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?5302D

Oh, and that's a marquee doing the sales pitch to "buy 4" and "Great Deals" on my Store Window.

If we can work through changes, I'll try to lock tne next set. I did spot a few minor glitches on that listing you did last night and am making code corrections.

Danno

Edit: And, your Street is now "zoned".

You just keep making it better and better!

I am thinking about the free shipping lure I want to use. I am going to sleep on it, but I am leaning towards BINs get free shipping. Of course, ebay gets 12% of the new 30 day BIN in the clothing cat, and there is always Paypal's cut, so the 3 elements together add up to a big bite on a $40 item.

Too bad about the email list feature. I will ponder whether or not $16/month is worth it just to get that feature added.

I like where you positioned the auctiva gallery, we will keep that!

This is so exciting, working on the template with you! I know, get a life, LOL!

Hi,

Glad you like that zone banner.

I also thought about exchanging the "f" with a "p", as in, fashion is my pashion [sic]. Yes, I know it's spelled passion. It's the word-play on a young, sophisticated girl's passion for fashion with the combo-word pashion. I am assuming that's your target buyer.

The concept for the lower portion of the bottom section is "fashion magazine page".

Not bad for a 55 yo grandfather...hehe

Danno

Edit: What is the Font Family for your logo, i.e. it uses the tilted "e"? It might help this possibility, but it's not too bad already.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?5302D

Now how about this idea for the internal text:

"Indulge your passion for fashion."

or

"Surrender to your passion for fashion."

Are we having fun yet?

We need to talk about the "photo problems".

Hi Danno,

Link to my font...it is eurofurence

http://www.dafont.com/theme.php?cat=501&page=1&nb_ppp_o...0&psize=m&classt=pop

and the font for the tagline is:

http://www.dafont.com/windsong.font?text=...where+eco+%26+style+meet

Watcha thinkin' of doin'??

I like "Indulge your passion for fashion."

DO I HAVE PHOTO PROBLEMS?? Still?


Deb

This is the old with Verdana.



This is an update with the eurofurence.



Which do you like better? I like the "e" match.

I could add that tag-line on "indulge" under it in your tag-line font.

Danno

Hey!
I happen to be on! I like the match font.

What do you mean ...talk about pic problems?

Hi Deb,

The pictures (most) have a color-shift problem. The backgrounds have a red-shift. I'm guessing it's a lighting or cam setting problem, maybe both. I'll take a guess that you are using no flash and attempt to use something for lighting that isn't getting the job done.

Here's the new banner on the template for visual.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?5302D

Danno

Hi!
Can you better explain what you mean on the pics? I don't know what a red shift problem is.

I use the lighting setup recommended on ebay for photo'ing clothing...and I use the fill flash setting on the camera.

Hi,

If you examine the photos in the Store Window, you'll see that most have a grey-pinkish hue for background behind the model. One exception is the shot with her in the blue dress. Note how the background has a silver-white glow, which is better eye appeal. Also, look at those photo shots of the oriental girl from the other day. Those are uniformly silver-white with only minimal shadow.

That color-shift is a problem with lighting and the camera correcting for white. Most digital cams have setting called "White Balance". That setting on my cam allows me to set the cam for Auto Mode, Daylight, Tungsten, and Fluorescent lights. That setting is one to check and possiblity to help turn that grey-pink to silver-white.

I had that problem too, when I first started working with my cam. Unfortunately, Auto Mode doesn't always get it right.

Danno

Edit: Tag Line simplified and added with some minor changes to aesthetics and new links at bottom.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?5302D

Are you using the Auctiva Insurance?

Good evening,
It is interesting that you differentiated the blue dress pic from all the others...that shot was taken by a professional photographer with professional setup.

The rest were taken by me with my makeshift setup. My camera is a Kodak easy share and does not offer the settings you speak of.

I am using the fluorescent bulbs that cameraJim recommends on the ebay forums.

I am shooting in the evenings, which adds to the problem, no doubt.

No, I do not offer the insurance...because I don't like putting the customers through the extra step of the Auctiva checkout.

The template looks awesome, but I am requesting one change. Everywhere that you have used true black (the fonts colors as well as the boxes around shipping, etc), would you please change that to a softer black, ie, dark charcoal or something softer?

For reference, on the one page lister, I use the black color that is the first one, last column on the right offered in the text color change box, and in the background color change box.

I hope to be able to use this template to start listings later this evening, that will launch on Thursday and Friday!

Debo

Hi Deb,

Good afternoon.

Mine's a Kodak EasyShare Z760. My "White Balance" setting is on the dial selection for "C" / custom. Which cam do you have and have you checked it's manual?

I had my oldest daughter glance at the pictures. Her immediate response was "color balance" problem. She's a studio photographer and is currently managing a lab for Cord.

I used the Insurance for 3 years. You don't need Auctiva checkout for the insurance.

One thing that had me puzzled was your statement about my question on templates. A change to a template causes an instant change to all Saved Listings using the template. I'm wondering if that misconception is why you're using multiple templates, i.e. duplicating the same template.

Did you notice I softened the black with white border on last pass?

Danno

Edit: I changed the black on the headers to a dark charcoal #333333, which is a color in the upper portion of the lower store banner. I also toggled that color on the parms for the Store Window for effect. I spent some time and created a CSS Style Sheet at the bottom of the template. To change that #333333 code for all the header bars, now only requires changing a single code in the style sheet. Same for the grays in the template. I converted the Zone and Indulge jpegs to gifs with transparent backgrounds. You can now use them on ANY BACKGROUND.

I've commented-out the Auctiva and Marquee in the code, so you can simply uncomment to activate when/if needed.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?5302D

This version has the test Store Window code removed for copy-paste to the template lib.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?532A9

The Zone and Indulge gifs need to be saved and uploaded to your photo site and the URLs changed in the template. Not Auctiva, as their gif upload isn't working.

http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq45/ClixTrix/indiepashion2-1.gif

http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq45/ClixTrix/indulge.gif

You also need to save your small Store logo to (other than Etsy) and change it's URL in the template.

Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving,

I was up at 5 and finished integrating the backgrounds and text colors to the Style Sheet. I also added some comments in that section to make it easier to understand them. I'm hoping that gives you the maximum flexibility and ease to make any tweaks for colors to final design.

This is an update for those changes:

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?532A9

Make sure you remove the new Description code and the Seller Detail Shipping code and paste them to those areas at Auctiva for use.

Let me know if you need help adjusting the Store Window pallet settings for the new design.

Danno

Edit: Try this banner for your Etsy Store. "Less is More."

Hi Danno!
Ok, hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend!
I am going to get back in the groove of this now, and attempt to use "our" new template for the listings new this p.m.

I am going through your last 2 posts section by section.

The first, u wrote:

One thing that had me puzzled was your statement about my question on templates. A change to a template causes an instant change to all Saved Listings using the template. I'm wondering if that misconception is why you're using multiple templates, i.e. duplicating the same template.

I think we r talking about 2 different things here. I am talking about the cat and the shipping cost of say, a dress vs a coat. I am using the same template for each, but I save and use a different 1 page lister form with the cat # and ship $ for saved for each type of thing I list, so that I don't have to change it when I switch from a dress to a coat. Does that make sense?

Deb

You gave me 3 practicewriters - 2 on the 26th, and 1 on the 27th.

Does the last one have all the changes from the 26th incorporated into it? Is that the one I should copy?

I have saved your gifs to my computer and will upload them to my photobucket, and switch them out in the practicewriter, before I copy the template code.

I really like the softer gray you used around the ship, etc headers, thank you!

I see what you mean about the bottom banner. With my old big banner, the bottom banner which I used from etsy was completely different. Now, the lower banner is just a repeat of the flash banner, thanks for catching that! I may remove it completely.

Hi Deb,

I just wanted to make sure you weren't making extra work for yourself by thinking you can't change a template after creating a Saved Listing and not have it update the Saved Listing.

The 2nd practicewriter link on the 26th was updated by the changes. I just reposted that link on 27th (same link) as very last to make sure it was recoginized as the current and final.

Glad you like the changes. I knew you wanted softening (so did I but I was conflicted by that glaring techno, hard-edge top banner), but was trying to match a gray that was semi-dominant in the lower banner. I took an approximate mid-gray from just right of and above the girl with cell phone using my color detector widget.

I had my younger daughter (21 yo) check out the changes and page yesterday. Got a thumbs up on the changes. She also likes the new mini-banner I posted better. I think it now says....a sophisticated young woman has both her conservative and quirky style needs and SHOPS AT 658 for both....i.e. that young woman in front and behind to left is one in the same woman.

Dan

Danno, you crack me up...didn't know you were so stylish!
I will change out the lower banners to the one you created, thank you

When I get a live auction, which I usually have launch around 10 p.m. (your bedtime, LOL!), I will post the link here so you can see it when you wake up!

I am investigating a new camera, one that will allow me to set the white balance. I did add more daylight CFLs to this week's shoot and I thought the background paper looked whiter, but what do I know! So those are the pics you will see in tonight's listings.

Off to buy more tissue paper, woke up to a really nice BIN of $190 on one of my dresses!

Deb

Years of writing and editing marketing materials and proposals .....

As Luke said to Darth, "You'll find I'm full of surprises."

Danno

Hi!
Just finished copying the template and switching out the 3 pics. Saved and previewed the template on auctiva.
question is: on practicewriter, the about us and contact us links mouseover to a nice green...in preview on Auctiva, they are showing a neon blue that when clicked then changes to a violet...what did I do wrong in copying and pasting the template code?

Hi,

My error. I think it's (hopefully) a simple one.

Change the word Atemplate in the very first line of code to ATemplate. The "T" should be a cap T. That line would then read:

<table align="center" id="ATemplate" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

It worked for my quick check in my template lib. I also just fixed it on the practicewriter as a double-check.

Danno

Edit: One of those weird typos my codetester never seems to catch. Sorry....

That is one of the weirdest errors I've ever heard of...simply a cap T changed the color? How is that? and how did you figure out what the problem was?

Hi,

Well....the browsers are fairly forgiving on case sensitive code, but Auctiva's template editor isn't. That's the CSS ID for that Table, which is the whole template. The CSS sheet at the bottom has the "T" capped.

I had to really "truck" to get that last set of code changes ready on Thursday morning for your deadline.....so I did take a few shortcuts. I'm hoping that's the only minor glitch. If preview shows any others, let me know.

I'll also check the listings for any touch-ups.

Danno

I saved the shipping terms as you enhanced them to my seller details form, wrote a return policy under [Terms of Service] and copied the payment info, contact us, about us to the seller details form as well.

When I preview the one listing I've done this eve, I can see the payment detail, and the about us detail. The shipping, terms of service, and contact us all show thus: [SHIPPING], [TERMS OF SERVICE], [CONTACT US] (with the html placeholders)

I will not launch a listing until you can check this out. I know it is 6 minutes to your bedtime!

Hi,

I just was following your steps and found a tag error. The [TERMS_OF_SERVICE] should be [TERMS_OF_SALE], which is part of the Seller Details.

Danno

Hey,
Disregard my last post...I fiddled around, and I think I fixed it. I just removed the html placeholders and reinserted them in the template, and I think it is good now...will preview the listing again to see.

sweet dreams!

Oh hi!
Yes, I caught the terms of service and reinserted it as terms of sale

Hi,

That's good. In my own defense, the Forum list of tags has it WRONG TOO.

When you preview from the one-page, it should also show the Store Wall in the listing.

See....I stayed up to help. ROLF

Danno

TA DA!
Everything showing in listing preview...mouseovers all a pretty green color...you are awesome! I really love all the touches you put on the template.

I noticed in the code that you left the free ship marquee in but disabled it, same with the auctiva insurance. So if I decide on what/how I want to add that, I will visit you here again for instructions on how to get it showing again!

I really appreciate all of your time and effort on my behalf, may I ship you a vintage dress free of charge?! LOL, well maybe your daughter(s) would like one!

Take care,

Deborah

Aw, you better get to bed; I don't want to be responsible for any bags under your eyes tomorrow!

Yep, store wall is showing, as well as your great gifs!

Sounds good!

Have a good one and I'll check them in the morning.

Danno

Looks good!

I have no clue what happened!

Hi,

2nd listing appears to be using the older version of your Seller Details.

Did you create a new Seller Details Profile with the Return Policy and the Tabularized Shipping (new name)? I'm guessing that version wasn't used for this listing, as those elements are missing and text is reverted.

Danno

Hi again,

Here's my quick list of problems on the 1st listing:

1. The Description section appears to not have gotten the updates from the last pass, i.e. new code wasn't cut and pasted for use. Table backgrounds are wrong colors. They should be "#C5C6CB". The replacement table had NA as placeholders for the text. I also think I made a correction to the Shoulder width entry to get it centered (note it's displaying left of center). You could use the old table and just locate all the old color codes and update them and add that align for center.

2. The word International isn't in correct font size on Shipping section. Looks like the rest of the text may be smaller than test too. The text colors appear lighter than intended, so aren't as readable as the test examples. I'm guessing there may be some stray font codes in those Seller details as cause. You'll need to examine the Seller Details one by one for extra code.

3. The lower boxes aren't dropping evenly side-by-side. That's not necessarily a problem, but wan't intended. It's probably from my effort to quickly pull down the style codes to the new bottom style sheet.

4. The lightness of background in the upper pic gives the eye a feeling of loss in organization. My monitor is possibly higher res setting than yours, so the wider white-white border at left may be the difference in what I see. I can add back borders to main and maybe thumbs, if that will help.

5. The wall looks like it belongs there. I would consider using a white border for the wall to give it balance with the other surrounding elements with white borders. Text "Search my Items" is also washed-out and search button has a blue glow color. The word "discoun" is missing "t". That banner is definitely better. I proportioned the gifs for the old. It might help to slightly lower their sizes or have your graphics person redo the banner to a larger size for this purpose.

6. Are you using the Kodak Easyshare software to process the pics (which I use too)? It has some color correcting capability that might help. Getting the colors right also helps the clothes.

Yes....I'm picky. hehe It's the eye for detail.

Danno

Hi there!

I read through all of your points and fixed everything.

I could not get the Auctiva color change capability to work on the store window, so I had to look up some colors and insert their number manually. I darkened the wall background, as there was no option to darken the 'search my items' text. I think I fixed the blue around the search button as well.

As far as my pics and the way they look, they are going to be the best I can do without having a new camera and lighting setup. I do not have a lot of time to fiddle with the pics before I upload, with all of the work I do on the clothing, both the vintage and the items I design myself.

I will probably list some more items this eve, and will again post a new auction for your morning coffee viewing pleasure!

Deb

Hi Deb,

I've been testing a fix to that uneven lower boxes bug. It was due to CSS codes move. I can give you an update with just pure template code (no cut and paste of Description or Seller Details), if you want that fix. You'd simply copy and paste that code to replace the code in the template editor. Let me know if you want me to post an update.

I think by my tests you were using the default gray in the Store windows settings. I was toggling the settings in the actual code, but this list seems to be close to those settings:

Gallery Border 0xFFFFFF (white)
Main Background 0x333333 (dark gray)
Title Text 0x333333 (dark gray)
Item Backgrounds 0xFFFFFF (not changable)
Navigations Buttons 0x79E262 (neon green)

The 333333 is the color in the lower section headers.

Danno

Hi,
Yes, I would like to fix the boxes, so just that code, and please be sure to tell me where to paste it.

The store window color selection was really wonky...if I wanted red or blue, that was all that I could access! The color slider just wouldn't work.
I had to pull up a hex chart and manually enter in a gray that was dark enough to allow the 'search my items' to show up against it.

Hi Deb,

This code replaces your current template code.

Just delete all the code in the template editor for current template and copy - paste this code to replace.

http://practicewriter.com/vu/?5371E

The code is tested with IE7 Firefox 3 and Safari 3.2. There is a minor visual bug with Auctiva Store Window in browsing with FF3 / Safari 3.2. The Store has a white background field surrounding the Store Windows (like a mat). That's a bug that was reported to Auctiva and I think they responded there isn't a simple fix due to how FF3 and Safari 3.2 treat the EMBED element. I'm looking for work-arounds. It's not a show-stopper, just one of those annoying visual aesthetic glitches that some browsers do.

If Neil or any of the other Auctiva folks are monitoring the thread, I'm finding the only fix is adding the bgcolor to either EMBED or the SW parms. If that was your conclusion as well, does moving ALL the code for the Store Window to the template to add the code present the only functional fix, other than some added script for the bgcolor for a rewrite during load? Have you folks considered something like...

[STORE_WINDOW;bgcolor=FF0000]

Danno

Hi Danno,

I didn't forget about you, it has just been sooooo slow w selling, I've taken the opportunity to work around the house instead of sitting here!

I did copy and replace the last bit of code in your last post, thank you. The boxes at the bottom are all lined up!

Here would be a link to a listing using the finalized coding for the template:

Looks good to me!

What say you?

I cannot make the blue go away around the search button on the store wall...something in their system, and no biggie.

I think you do FABULOUS work and should be selling your template designs on the side!

Did you decide which dress would look good on you??

Deb

Hi Deb,

Glad you like the design. I'm doing it "again" for another seller (not monochromatic). I'm trying to work-up a "set" of thumbnail templates around the "at a glance" and "SophieBox" design concepts. SophieBox is essentially an integration of the item description elements on a single screen, i.e. no paging down / scrolling to see everything necesary for an initial buy / no buy decision on an item. That would include the description and any "essential" information regarding the item, CHOICE when a choice of color, sizes, etc. are involved, and INVENTORY (the biggie) for the new retail paradigm at eBay. With the new (stupid) only 10 items in quantity showing policy, it's become a Seller's nightmare with buyers constantly messaging about in / out stock. Oh....and Sophie is my cat, and the probable ClixTrix Design Studio future logo. BTW....does a "catwalk" button in the design sound interesting. If you don't know what that is, ask your model to do one.

Template design is for fun. I get to do my artsie thing...hehe You should see me decorate a house. Programming is what makes a living, including patent royalties.

I honestly pledged not to accept money (or gratuities) from Auctiva members for assisting in the Forum. I'm (to be honest) PO'ed with eBay's insantity and "destructive desecration" of the site. The 33% drop yoy in hits tells me I'm not the only person offended or simply turned-off by their actions. It boggles my mind that the one element on the entire site that should be FOCUSED and FUNCTIONAL, the listing page, is being turned into a disfunctional, Rube Goldburg award candidate. My intell suggestes they literally exhausted their budget trying to make it work. Don't even get me started on the problems with Search, which stopped me COLD selling collectibles last spring.

Danno