glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 02:01:34 PM new
ACK! you know I mentioned your white letters on light blue background last week were hard to read?
This one KILLS my eyes! ACK!
ANTIQUE ART POTTERY STAFFORDSHIRE PARIAN VASE 1850s
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myoldtoy
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posted on March 2, 2004 02:23:21 PM new
OK, to the both of you;; how about some help for me? i've been toying with changing my vendio template, after comparing it[vendio] to turbo lister template...
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..is my blue and red entry hard/displeasing to the eye...i have poor color perception, and may need to improve/change..after viewing the turbo lister template, mine seems to "glare back at me."
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example auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20092&item=3707958683
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as always, tanx. myoldtoy
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cta
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posted on March 2, 2004 02:35:53 PM new
myoldtoy - Not bad but is a little bright with the neon blue. Only observation I instantly made was that the 3x3 pictures make it so you have to scroll way over to the right to read your description and see all the photos. Is there a 2x2 option that might fit everything in so scrolling isn't necessary? Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.
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glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 02:39:25 PM new
{opening up a can 'o worms here}
myoldtoy...the templates ok, I can live with that. But when I look at your auction the FIRST thing that I see is...
"what are those spots on the floor?"
(I'm nothing but honest here)
Listen, you really really need a backdrop. Invest in a roll of fabric. I've bought several off Ebay cheaply, I can't remember the name of the seller right this second, I'll see if I can find it later.
I hate seeing things photographed on floors, sheets, furniture.
At the VERY least, learn how to use photo editing software that takes the background out! Adobe elements does it with a one click feature for the most part on most things. (But then, if you have poor color perception that might not work for you)
That table would be stunning without all the stuff that my eye is drawn to around it. All we want to see is the table, only the table!
Sorry you asked?
Listen, you got high dollar furniture? You want it to look like it comes from a high dollar place, not a car garage. Women are kinda picky about things like that.
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[ edited by glassgrl on Mar 2, 2004 02:49 PM ]
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myoldtoy
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posted on March 2, 2004 02:48:52 PM new
Ms. G> not hardly...wouldnt have asked if i thought i couldnt improve...
cta: i have tried, but vendio's supersizing takes me back to the"scrolling" exercise..i have even tried to cut margins on my description...some of my images are 190 pixels..vendio informed me to go to two images with different format...
tanx,myoldtoy
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glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 03:05:10 PM new
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photosensitive
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posted on March 2, 2004 03:05:19 PM new
Bigpeepa, I do find the black type on red hard to read but then I am a fan of black type on a white background when I am reading for information.
Myoldtoy, I do OK with your red and blue type on white because of the size of the type and the contrast work for me.
Thinking about background color reminded me of a site I found yesterday while doing some research on china patterns for my sister. I think I found the champ of over backgrounding! This site actually had some articles I wanted to read but I had a hard time getting past the title page.
http://www.geocities.com/dwvandewalker/index.html
I did manage to find one of the interior pages I was interested in. The white box helps but the page still gave me a headache.
http://www.geocities.com/dwvandewalker/roosterarchive.html
-----o----o----o----o----o----o----o----o
The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
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glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 03:06:12 PM new
see what I mean?
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glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 03:22:33 PM new
as far as the scrolling over thing...just pick a template and look for the options to have the pics display on the side. I have 2 templates (custom, plain white) that I mostly use now. One is ALLONTOP and the other one is ALLONONESIDE.
The all on one side displays two pics across the top, page width and then the rest go down the side.
EDITED TO ADD: Then they have pictures to LOOK at while they read the auction description. Works for me..I'm a speed reader and as a Gemini I like being able to do two things at one time.
The all on top, if I don't have many pictures in the auction, is just that. They spread out across the top. 2 wide I think?
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[ edited by glassgrl on Mar 2, 2004 06:21 PM ]
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ihula
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posted on March 2, 2004 05:05:47 PM new
Wow! Glassgirl, those photos are fantastic. You can really do that with one click of a mouse?????
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myoldtoy
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posted on March 2, 2004 05:27:30 PM new
okay Ms. G...i have tried to duplicate your masterful crafting of my images..i am at a complete loss...help, please??!!!
tanx, myoldtoy
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glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 05:32:25 PM new
WELL....
His wasn't "one click" exactly. Because he had so many folds and creases in his background, it took several clicks.
If you don't have a high defined edge, then I have to go in there and enlarge it 200% and outline it with the brush. Then I can use the one-click paint bucket on it. You could actually do that in any color, not just white. I saw a golf club seller that used green.
Paint bucket spreads a lot of paint at one time. I spend way too much time on my photo editing<ggg> but I like things to just "POP" off the page at me. I don't like back grounds at all!
I normally use a tri-fold white background that I bought at one of the Office stores, about $12.00. That covers most of my items. I use it on my kitchen counter top (light beige). I'm on my second one in two years and next time I go buy one I think I'll spring for the black one too, for the background behind white items.
If you try to use the paint bucket one click on white against white, it wipes out the whole picture. Shadows also require a little twitching. There were a few spots on the legs of myoldtoys that I had to hand do.
Anything longer that it won't cover I usually use the pantry door (white) in my kitchen and edit out the hinges and doorknob and hanger.
I swear by Adobe Elements. It is just too cool and I STILL don't know what all it does!
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[ edited by glassgrl on Mar 2, 2004 05:33 PM ]
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glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 05:35:34 PM new
Ok MOT....what are you using for photo editing?
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myoldtoy
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posted on March 2, 2004 05:50:39 PM new
what are you using for photo editing?
..most my editing done in k'dak easyshare..when i do more, i use adobe photodeluxe..i was able to delete background in this program...but not as in your example..
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having said that; the use of the word "editing" where my auctions are concerned, is a misnomer..i just dont pay attention to editing ..and i should - my mdse sells because of my images' clarity and quality i present..but i have realized - and seen it reinforced - by several opinions on this thread - that my presentation leaves much to be improved...
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TANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNX, myoldtoy
PS,so, where can i go to review/download "Elements."
[ edited by myoldtoy on Mar 2, 2004 05:52 PM ]
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glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 06:03:40 PM new
I downloaded mine off of Kazaa.
Having said THAT! it's often available for sale at half off, even at Amazon.com.
I had Photoshop 6 and dumped it. I used to use Adobe 2.0, 3.0 something like that, tried to upgrade to Photoshop and hated it. Too many bells and whistles for what I wanted to do.
Adobe Elements combines the two. The ease of their earlier programs with as much or as little complexity as you want (of Photoshop.
There used to be a guy that hung out here that actually taught Adobe - wonder what happened to him?
I've read no books, taken no lessons, I'm just not afraid to push buttons and take a chance.
The great thing about Elements is that you can undo indefinately....all the way back to your original photo.
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glassgrl
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posted on March 2, 2004 06:55:51 PM new
Oh and Photomerge! I love that feature once I tried it.
Say you have an auction running have a bid on it. Can't edit the auction, right?
You can edit the photos if you have VD.
So I delete one of the auction photos, twitch it with photomerge...I can add a photo in addition to the other photo....I can add a message to the photo (I did that once, I had somebody email me about an auction I had running. Their email bounced. Their Ebay email bounced. He had great feedback and ones of those "we've sold out to so and so" email address, like @home sold to @comcast.)
I uploaded a new and improved photo with the message across it saying "John, your emails are bouncing and the measurements are so and so"
"John" got back to me pretty quick<ggg>
Here's an example of a photomerged picture I edited after the auction started and I already had a bidder, and I wanted to add some more information. It's the fourth photo down the side and a good example of my all on one side template.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=962&item=2889363863
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[ edited by glassgrl on Mar 2, 2004 06:56 PM ]
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bigpeepa
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posted on March 2, 2004 08:55:56 PM new
Hello glassgrl, I remember your post about white letters on my blue background. Ya gotta give me a little time. All you guys and gals gave me a bunch of ideas to think about and work on. I am making changes a little at a time. I already have worked on better headings and descriptions. I will start working on my photos and templates next. BOY-O-BOY do you ever take great photos. You can come to my house anytime to take photos of the junk I sell.
I am also working like mad to get a bunch of items on Ebay because its the beginning of Lacrosse season and I love Lacrosse. I plan on loafing on lots and lots spring days while I watch a bunch of great kids run up and down a Lacrosse field. If Lacrosse hasn't come to your area yet watch out it will be there soon. Its the fastest growing High School and College game in the country. When there is a Lacrosse game around for me all else stops. ha ha. The heck with Ebay when I can watch Lacrosse. I am a big cheerleader for Salisbury U. Lacrosse in Salisbury Maryland. My kid plays there along with a bunch of very nice kids under a great coach. Last year Salisbury was National Champs in their division. Can they do it again this year, who knows it takes a lot of work hard, smart play and more than a little luck to be National Champs. Now you know where my Ebay sellers name (salisburylacrosse) comes from. A cheerleader I am. ha ha.
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bigpeepa
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posted on March 2, 2004 09:01:06 PM new
myoldtoy, I forgot to say stick with glassgrl about photos she has forgot more than I know about them. When things slow down for me a little I am also going to try a few pieces of furniture on Ebay. I think you got a good idea selling furniture.
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parklane64
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posted on March 3, 2004 12:28:38 PM new
Very good postings, Glassgrl, I am taking notes. You bring up valid points. I like to have other items in the background, and we know people go wowsy over reflectoporn. Your opinion, pretty please?
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glassgrl
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posted on March 3, 2004 01:30:16 PM new
Things in the background are fine as long as they don't detract from the item you're selling.
If myoldtoy had a divinely furnished room with rare and exquisite items behind what he was selling, that would look fine.
I've seen kitchen vintage that in the background you see a 1950's kitchen stuff that is adorable!
And then there was the teakettle auction 
who could forget that one?
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eauctionmgnt
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posted on March 3, 2004 01:37:25 PM new
glassgrl,
Not sure if I'm the one you were refering to... but I do teach Adobe Photoshop Elements. I'm the Academic Technology Trainer and Consultant for a private college in my area. I've developed a nice little 1.5 hour course that walks our students, staff and faculty through the main features of the program. It's proof that it's not a difficult program to learn. But... as with everything... the more you use it, the better you get! You've given some great suggestions to people here. Any how... since you seemed to be wondering if I'm still around... I am! I'll be more than glad to lend a helping hand if I can for any one with quick little Photoshop questions!
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glassgrl
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posted on March 3, 2004 02:09:56 PM new
Thanks E! You must teach really fast if you can get Element basics in that amount of time.
It's not that hard as long as you're not afraid to experiment and push buttons. I just like the features it has.
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eauctionmgnt
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posted on March 3, 2004 02:19:59 PM new
Glassgrl,
I worked up my own tutorial with sample files so that I could squeeze as much as I could into an hour and a half! (I figure if you spend much more than that amount of time on any class... you start to lose your retention rate!) Of course... it all depends on the group of people I have in the class whether or not we can get through all the material. I've been toying with the idea of spliting it into two classes (one basic and one intermediate)... but am just a little hesitant. I kinda feel that people need to at least know what each tool in the tool bar does... and it's also necessary for them to having a working knowledge of layers and how they work. The stuff that I might branch off onto a second course would be things like Photomerge, Contact Sheets, Picture Packages, Web Gallerys, Animated GIF's and the like. We'll see... So far, though... I've had a lot of very pleased people leave the class! (must be the winking smiley face animated GIF I have them make!)  You're right, though... it's not a hard program... and like all programs... you just need to experiment. Like you said, there's always the Undo History!
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glassgrl
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posted on March 3, 2004 02:42:26 PM new
well since you're not where I can take a class, what's the best Elements book for the Blonde?
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myoldtoy
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posted on March 3, 2004 02:57:40 PM new
hello MsG. and E..i checked in with best buys today; guess what: they out of elements..120 mile round trip for....
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i gonna ordr thru amazon this evening..
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i dont mind clicking and pushing buttons either -especially when it will teach this old dog a new trick-or two.
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myoldtoy
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glassgrl
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posted on March 3, 2004 03:04:34 PM new
hang on big...let's check around first. I see it all the time for $49.99. It's $89 right now at Amazon.
Geez. Got cable modem? Download it........
If I could figure out how to upload it to Comcast at FTP webhosting I would.
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eauctionmgnt
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posted on March 3, 2004 04:10:23 PM new
If you have any association with Education or Government... the cost for individual licenses of Photoshop Elements is 49.99. So... if you are a student, or a teacher, or a government worker... you get to save some bucks!
As for a good book... I usually find almost all the "For Dummies" series books to be pretty good. They're usually well-written, and actually can be an entertaining read sometimes! Although... you're welcome to view my tutorial, if you'd like. It's available at:
http://www.ac.sbc.edu/documentation/training/PhotoShop_Elements.pdf
It's kind of a hefty file (6.3 MB)... but if you're on a high speed internet, it should work fine. Let me know what you think. I'm open to critiques!
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glassgrl
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posted on March 3, 2004 04:41:17 PM new
Thanks! I'm reading it now, but I finally remembered what my Adobe question was LOL!
Is there anything I can use other than my mouse for editing photos? I'm thinking like the pen/tablet type of thing. Does that make any sense?
I do pretty good with my mouse but sometimes I just itch to have a pen/pencil type of thing to use.
LB
I LOVE Endicia! You will too Click here!
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glassgrl
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posted on March 3, 2004 04:44:26 PM new
MOT, don't read eauctionmgnt's pdf file yet, it'll scare the heck out of you! He's got people doing things I've never used! ie Lasso & Magic Wand! And I'm only half through reading it!!!!
I guess I've never gotten through the basic and enlarge tools.....
so THAT's what that dodge tool does!
I do use the smudge tool sometimes. And the eyedropper.
[ edited by glassgrl on Mar 3, 2004 04:51 PM ]
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eauctionmgnt
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posted on March 3, 2004 05:08:14 PM new
Glassgrl,
Glad I'm teaching you a few new tricks! Yeah... mine isn't a "light-read". It's really designed as an intensive course that you need to set aside an hour and a half to sit down with the tutorial and the sample files. Of course... it helps when I'm there in Person leading the course! I'll be glad to know what you think when you finish with it.
As for a tablet... there's some good solutions out there for you... the one I would recommend for you is at:
http://www.wacom.com/graphire/index.cfm
It's the Wacom Graphire3 tablet. They're definately the leaders in the tablet technology. The 4x5 Grahpire3 is only $99.95... and it comes with Photoshop Elements (v.1.0)!
Actually... that brings up another point... I actually PREFER to do my own eBay editing w/ Photoshop Elements v.1.0... instead of their newer v.2.0. That's because the new version incorporates EXIF data in JPEG files when they are saved. (EXIF data stores information about what camera took the picture... etc...) It's all perfectly acceptable, and is actually partially what the JPEG file format was designed for. Unfortunately... Microsoft (in it's infinite wisdom) deside to make versions of Internet Explorer that when used on certain Windows operating systems that would not open JPEG's with EXIF data stored in them. Instead... it crashes the browser AND the operating system. I learned about this the hard way... after several of my potential customers complained to me about it! Of course... there is a work-around with v.2.0... just use the Save-for-Web option... instead of the normal Save As option. Still... I find it quicker to just use v.1.0. Anyhow... that's probably much more technical information than you wanted... but I thought I'd throw it out there for you anyway!
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