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The little scrolling box you are referring to is a most likely a Java Script. Go to the listing you are interested in, Click on View in your tool bar, and then click on Source. Scroll down to until you see the Java Script in the html code. You can then get an idea of what Java Script was used to create the scrolling box, then cut and paste. You may need to email the seller, to find out where the Java Script originated if there is a copyright.

On the wallpaper, many sellers create their own wall paper using PSP, Photo shop or other editing tools. There are down-loadable programs and CDs for sale with wallpaper. What kind of wall paper are you looking for? You can also find free wallpaper that you can save to your computer that is available for personal and commercial use. Search free wallpaper on Google. Note: Some sites require a link back when using their wallpaper.
Sorry if I am repeating what you already know Smile

When you are creating a listing (i will assume you are listing through the *selling* tab and not turbo lister) when you get to the *provide pictures and details* page, if you scroll down you will see *select a theme*. This is what most sellers will unless you want to create your own.

If you are using turbo lister its basically the same, but you dont get as many options.
I have debated on whether to use a fancy background on my listings, and have opted not to so far.

I find many of them to be annoying and too busy, especially when combined with all kinds of other bells and whistles (bright colors, things flashing, or DARK backgrounds with dark text that is nearly impossible to read.) Plus it costs extra to use them!

Some people have noted that for those with slower PCs and connections, listings with fancy backgrounds and other stuff might take longer to load. I suspect the ones that eBay offers for use are not likely to cause those types of problems, but I'm not certain.

I do wonder if a fancier-looking listing brings in more bids/bucks, however. Sometimes those simple little mom-n-pop listings are the ones that have the better deals... the people that can afford the big bucks for the more expensive listings likely know what the value is of every last widget they sell, and are not likely to be selling them for much of a deal.

Ok... I think I'm rambling now... bye for now!

Dag
I totally agree with the over done pages! I use turbo lister and love the simple backgrounds and borders. They don't slow your machine down and look great for presentation.
Do try to make your colors on the page complimentary. You can check me out on eBay under seller name nutmag.
As Grandpa used to say... Good Luck to You Now!
My own personal view is to leave a plain basic background, as earlier messages say...it can be rather annoying having pretty flowers etc all over the screen.

The thing that annoys me most though is that silly little text that some people have floating around the mouse pointer, wherever you move the mouse that damn text follows you!

My recent favourite is to include a picture in the Gallery, so browsers get a small glimpse of the item for sale, so far, I have found it to be a successful, cheap addition to my sales.

Cheers

Chadlad
When I sell an item, I use Dreamweaver (a web design tool) to create a nice looking page. This can incorporate backgrounds, javascript etc to give a nice layout. Then I copy the entire page ( <BODY> to </BODY> tags ) into the eBay selling page box. Voila! Instant Karma! That's how it's done...

I always try to leave the background to the whole page as normal, just my 'bit' in the middle is customised this way. I also do clever things with the image that eBay loads for you so that it appears in the middle of the listing - all easy stuff for a web designer with no social life! Wink
quote:
The thing that annoys me most though is that silly little text that some people have floating around the mouse pointer, wherever you move the mouse that damn text follows you!


Same here. If I open an auction page with that I'll close it out and look elsewhere. I will not tolerate little words or sparkly things following my pointer around.

I keep my auction pages plain with no backgrounds whatsoever. All the buyer needs to see is the description and a scan of my item.
Region2: I used to do the same thing, only I used Front Page instead of Dream Weaver. I've used Dream Weaver in the pasy at a previous job I had, building a website for a car dealer but I didn't find it too user friendly for a moron such as myself. I'm not a web designer, just a computer nerd who likes to try new things. But now I have so many listings that I don't have time to use Front Page for my listings anymore and I've moved onto Turbo Lister. But, seeing as how you are a web designer, I'd really like to pick your brain on how to do a few things with eBay. I am hoping you would know how to do them. Please reply if you'd be willing to help me. THANKS!

dagnabitgrabit: Just so you know, from my experience, the fancier listings DO bring alot more money. I've done the eBay thing both ways and the little bit of extra time it takes to make a listing look more appealing definately pays off at closing time. It's EXACTLY the reason I was soliciting advice from my fellow snipers.


Mrs. M: I'm with you. I don't list ANYTHING, not even my cheapest, crappiest merchandise (as if I had any, wink wink)without a gallery picture. Most of my listings have at least three pictures. The pix help describe the merchandise, so I can take less time doing it with a written description.

Everyone else who responded: I really appreciate your input. TANX!!
I used an el cheapo website builder to make a template. It is not too fancy, just makes it so my auction text is in different colors and in neat looking boxes. I include a generic shipping and handling section filled with my most common shipping terms. (Most items I sell I ship for $2 flat rate)

I then took that page and did the copy between the body tags like mentioned before, and saved them in NOTEPAD as a TEXT File. Why? Because it is a lot faster to open up and copy again and again.

When I need to list a single item on eBays SYI form I can quickly cut and paste into SYI, add a description within the description cell, and double check the shipping costs if need be, then continue with the normal listing process. YOu can put something in the description cell during the design proccess to make it stand out more in the text format, such as ##### or @@@@@@@.

This proccess has worked well for me, and dresses up the listing without going overboard. No one likes to wait 5 minutes for the sparkly text, background image and sound, and cursor trails to load! I also avoid changing the fonts just incase the user does not have that font loaded, otherwise their text may look out of wack.
My MIL (Mother In Law) has just started selling and she found that site.

I havent used it yet, as hubbie is a coder, I think I would get shot, I struggled with HTML and Dream Weaver until I got what I wanted.

I have a very basic boxy type layout, its simple, easy to read but looks smart.

I seriously HATE!!! the script that follows your pointer - I am sure the Seller thinks its *cute* NO SIREEEE - its downright bloody annoying.

Lexie
You can use free-backgrounds.com and find nice backgrounds which are not too busy or flashy.

It is fun to be able to use HTML to make your eBay listings more flashy. I feel this can be done without going overboard and still presenting a unique and more "fun" listing for viewers. Some items may just need a little spicing up for presentation, like when we dress up for picture day or studio pictures.

Check out this page to see free eBay hints and tips to help you out. If you have questions about HTML graphics, etc., that is a good place to start. You can contact me if you have any other questions I may be able to answer. I'm happy to help if I can! Smile I was there once too.

Regards,
eBay user: my_own_website
<http://www.ebaysavings.com>
...all of those flashing lights, music (especially because every time you come back to or change your screen in that auction listing, up pops that Mad disgusting brown media player window Mad and everything halts until you do something with it), and, yes, that cursor trailing text. My personal preference is a plain listing with just the basic information. If I want to watch a video, I can turn on the tv. Gee, am I venting too much?

Dave

Dave

"The waist is a terrible thing to mind."
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Gee Dave,
Did you just come back from one of those listings with all that stuff?? Razz

I went to one the other day that had this annoying little box that scrolled up and down the page while I was trying to read ...it said..."click here for sellers other listing"...CRAP!!! that was annoying. For that reason along I DIDNT open the sellers other listings and closed the page Smile LESS is BEST!!

Lexie
Music on a listing is my BIGGEST pet-peeve -- as soon as it starts, I hit the "Back" button as fast as I can! I once tried to help a friend design a web-store -- I should have known when she insisted on music that it wasn't going to work out...

I don't mind wall-paper as long as it's not too cutsey. Keep it to the theme of the auction (like cactuses in the background of my favorite sellers' auctions) but make sure it's not busy or distracting, and remember that "cool" colors (blue, green) tend to fade into the distance, which is good for a background, while "Hot" colors (red, yellow) jump to the foreground, which is distracting.

This seller >>JIIMZ<< has some of my favorite backgrounds.

Sorry but you lost me at three minutes and I am a cactus lover. The same thing happened last night, I tried to load a site to buy a cake from Colin Street Bakery. Several high res cake photos on the site took 5 minutes to open. I was so mad I disconnected and called them on the phone and ranted. They think all buyers have a high speed connection and a razor sharp monitor - maybe someday...
Instead of a site counter it should count the number of disconnects before the site gets loaded and maybe they would realize they need to simplify the opening graphics. Then half the site has drop out white letters over light pastel backgrounds - they make it very hard to give them business.
My absolute Pet Peeve is 1/2 com - if you buy a tape from them they INSIST on showing you pictures and prices on 12 like items before letting you check out..Very Pushy I only go there now as a last resort. & I don't see them changing - it's making them sales.. mory
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As a web developer, I use the 14 second rule. If the page can't load in 14 seconds using a 56K modem, it's too big and I re-work it. I make an exception for some flash animations, but not those stupid splash screens.

On pages other than the home page, longer load times are acceptable, IF they tell me to expect a delay. I use a cable modem at home (10x the speed of modem), and at work I have 2 T-1's at my disposal Cool (hmm, where's the *evil grin smiley* when you need it). So if a page takes me any more than 5 seconds to load, it's too long!

I better get off my soapbox, before I get started on standards compliance! Roll Eyes



(edit)Hey, my animation has a white background! I better fix it.(/edit)
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Mrs. M, you're right, it is kind of busy. If it weren't cactuses, I would probably be complaining instead of complimenting! (oh, well...)

Sorry about the slow load, Mory. That's an excellent reason NOT to use wallpaper, if it affects load time on slower computers. Also to crop out any part of the picture you don't need, and save it in a format that makes for as small a file-size as possible.

This particular seller always puts up lots of great pictures -- I have a fast connection, so I love it, but it's not so long ago that I was in your place.

quote:
If we should meet and you foget me, you have lost nothing, but if you meet Jesus and forget Him, you have lost everything.


Actually I'd be put off if I saw your signature as a newbie - I'm sure it's great that you have a faith but please be aware that others have their own beliefs and don't want yours 'in their face'!

And forget is spelt with an 'R'

R2
Region, ask me if I really ever care what you think! No I don't! I try to care, but darn, I just don't. Nor do I care who is put off by my quote. Smile

Spelt (Triticum spelta) was an important wheat species in Europe from the Bronze Age to Roman times. It now survives as a relic crop in Central Europe, but has found a new market as a health food. Spelt is sometimes considered a subspecies of the closely related species common wheat (T. aestivum), in which case its botanical name is considered to be Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta.
quote:
Originally posted by Shirl:
Nor do I care who is put off by my quote.
Then don't be suprised if the forum does die a slow death. Whilst your beliefs are obviously important to you, advertising them over and over can deter others from wanting to participate.

Thanks for the correction of 'spelled' - I see your Google skills are improving. Try looking up Karl Marx's well known, but often slightly misquoted, Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right.

R2
quote:
Originally posted by Shirl:
I really could care less...
ah, at the risk of sounding pedantic, I believe you in fact mean to say "I really could NOT care less". When you say "I really could care less", it means your level of caring is somewhere above zero--perhaps not terribly concerned in any case, but there is a level of caring that is less than your level of caring. Thus, you are not wholly indifferent. Whereas, when one says, "I really could NOT care less", it means, flat-out, one doesn't care at all; one doesn't care an iota or rat's buttocks; there is absolutely no level of caring below one's level of caring.
quote:
Originally posted by petronius:
quote:
Originally posted by Shirl:
I really could care less...
When you say "I really could care less", it means your level of caring is somewhere above zero--perhaps not terribly concerned in any case, but there is a level of caring that is less than your level of caring.
Good stuff. I hadn’t thought of that before. It’s such a cliché that few (I didn’t) think about it, and understand it.
quote:
I am capable of making my own decisions in life.
So why inflict your chosen path on others? I believe that belief is a personal choice and those that seek to influence others are seeking comfirmation that they've made the right decision. Every war, both current and historic, seems to be based on a difference of beliefs (read religion) so perhaps it's a good move to practice quietly. In case you hadn't realised, Karl Marx's (mis)quotation was "Religion is the opiate of the masses" - I think here in the UK the Lottery may be taking over, despite the odds being 14 million to one, many a person sets aside their ambitions in the oft-vain hope of winning the jackpot.
So, Mrs Miller, I ask that you start to care and remove what others might find offensive from your signature.

R2
I will NEVER do that. What part of NO do you not understand? I choose to say what I want to say and even mis-spell if I wish. Since you are not the moderator here, I suppose I will let that person remove anything I say if it is offensive. You certainly can ignore my posts. Hmmm, what a great idea! That is what I do often here.
Can we have our forum back please?

This is not a battleground of belief systems (unless you count aBay as a religion in the sense that some of its members are fanatics - read the AS support section and make your own mind up)

On balance I would rather people have a belief system than not. I think it is unfair to say that Religions are the root of all trouble in this world. It is the followers of religion who seem to mis-apply the basic beliefs.

I still think that all the advanced religions offer a positive standard of worth to their believers. I am nominally Christian, but having been to a school where Buddhists & Hindus were also taught RE, we had an equality of input!

I no more think that the violence exacted by those London bombers was representative of Islam than I would believe the IRA represented the Catholic Church!

So - R2 if you want to be an Atheist or Agnostic who posts his creed after his signature - please do so. Ditto Shirl.

Better that you advertise something positive say I, rather than a feeble attempt at humour like me.

Peace be with you all.......


Paul
Camera - Will you never learn? When you play crusader, typically all you accomplish is escalating the tension. Not so long ago you apologized for doing that, but here you go again.

R2 is spot on – airing spiritual beliefs on a secular forum is a receipt for problems.

Perhaps all members should “advertise” their beliefs in a signature. How about the positives of abortions? Or, how about a lively discussion on stem cells? Some cute little signature about same sex marriages could be fertile ground to “liven” up the forum. Boy, are we going to have fun – something to piss off everyone

Camera – I knew you couldn’t resist getting into this. And, you even got your “thank you” from one of those “followers of religion”.

R2 – At least you got her to correct the spelling.
Shirl, You know, I was hoping the excess of my previous comment would make it obvious I did not intend it as a serious criticism. Anyway, I imagine some people (I will term me/us the "moderate camp") don't greatly mind a religious-themed tagline as such, but the particular one you've chosen does ring a bit, you know, harsh and dictatorial. It's like saying, "You will burn in hell, sinners!" A bit less militant-sounding and off-putting would be something like "The Kingdom of God is within you". Merely a suggestion......

R2 "opiate of the masses" it's funny, for 20 years now I've assumed this was from Communist Manifesto. Nor have I ever read his critique of Hegel. Is there possibly a similar line in the manifesto...... (There was also a line about "illusory sun around which revolves" something or other, but whether this was in reference to god or money, I can't remember.....)
Thank you Paul - for what? He was trying to calm the situation down by climbing on the fence but you obviously see Cam's posting as some sort of victory for the god-fearing minority 'cos he says he is nominally Christian. Meanwhile, you were asking if the forum was going down the tubes and I was explaining that your signature is potentially off-putting to the majority. This is an INTERNATIONAL forum with people from many different backgrounds - you'll note that politics rarely get discussed because it means nothing to those from 'elsewhere'. When country-specific stuff is mentioned it often requires subsequent translation (I learnt what going postal meant in this very forum!). Mrs Miller's beliefs are obviously important to her - does she really need to force them on others every time she posts? Let's have a witty signature (changed regularly!) or nothing at all...

And Pet's right - a loose translation of the sig. in question is BELIEVE OR DIE! Like its owner, a bit too bossy for me. And more or less what the London Bombers et al were saying in their terrible way...

R2
e-shop 'til you e-drop!
quote:
He was trying to calm the situation down by climbing on the fence


Exactly!

Actually Rick, I don't get mad when I see the bumper stickers on other people's cars (& some can be pretty inflammatory!) so why should I be bothered about their signature line?

Mike (& R2 if he's old enough!) would be mildly amused by the one I put on the back of my car at uni "Race tuned by Enoch Powell!"

quote:
How about the positives of abortions? Or, how about a lively discussion on stem cells? Some cute little signature about same sex marriages could be fertile ground to “liven” up the forum


Actaully none of these would get my "dander" up, but if R2 goes one step further in his sig and mentions Tesco, Wall Mart or Sainsburys I'll have him horsewhipped within an inch of his life! Damn exploiters of the poor and despoilers of our countryside!

Paul

"A plague on all supermarkets!"
quote:
Originally posted by Camera:
quote:
He was trying to calm the situation down by climbing on the fence


Exactly!
It must just be me, but does someone ELSE *always* have to come in and “calm the situation down”? I’m fairly sure that all the remaining (survival of the fittest) regulars are more then qualified to “duke it out” on their own. And, no one is forcing anyone/two to duke it, so why does someone/two/3/4/5/+ feel they need to calm things? Perhaps some1 needs to be elected the official “situation-calmer” because everyone/all is/are OUT OF CONTROL! (I wish there was a [blink] UBB Code Tag). Only problem with trying to find a situation-calmer – who’s going to calm the calmer? Maybe each of us should choose a designated-calmer . . . “Friends Don’t Let Friends Post Un-calm” (Acalm?) - I swear I'm calm . . . currently.



quote:
Originally posted by Camera:
Actually Rick, I don't get mad when I see the bumper stickers on other people's cars (& some can be pretty inflammatory!) . . .
The bumper stickers that bug me are those in small print. I doubt the bumper owners appreciate my tailgating them, although it does give me something to read while I’m driving.



quote:
Originally posted by Camera:
Actaully none of these would get my "dander" up . . .
That was a given. They were just examples of topics that someone else might find offensive – “tit for tat”.



quote:
Originally posted by Camera:
. . .but if R2 goes one step further in his sig and mentions Tesco, Wall Mart or Sainsburys I'll have him horsewhipped within an inch of his life!
While we’re discussing it, what impact does Starbucks have on British dander (I sure hope I don't use "dandruff" in the future)?



quote:
Originally posted by Camera:
Damn exploiters of the poor . . .
Hey, someone has to exploit the poor otherwise they’ll feel left out. They might even start a class action lawsuit demanding equal treatment.



quote:
Originally posted by Camera:
"A plague on all supermarkets!"
Why supermarkets, Paul? Is it just a “Big is bad” thing? Are liquor stores OK?
quote:
Are liquor stores OK?


Fine, I have no problem with anybody drinking himself into oblivion, as long as it doesn't affect me!

If you are interested in preserving liquor stores, then you should join my little "anti-supermarket" campaign before they all vanish. Here in the UK the number 2 liquor store chain has just thrown in the towel.

Supermarkets again!

They are creating a desert in the countryside. Small village stores cannot compete and for many villages the loss of the shop is blow not just to the poor but to the old and those that do not drive. Local shop owners spent the money they earned in the local community employing the decorator, the builder, the gardener etc.
The part time store `assistant on minimum wage can barely afford to live, let alone support an infra structure of tradespeople!

Each town now has a range of identi-kit grey sheds as you approach it - diversity is on the way out and uniformity is on the way in.

Who controls them? You the shareholder? I doubt it? The pension funds? Are they bothered?

I gather everyone in the States is not too keen on Walmart either! I feel the same about Tesco. My little comic gesture of not patronising them will not be noticed, but eventually I hope more will join me and it will.

Paul

To paraphrase a certain quote:
If you shop at the local store, you have lost nothing, but if you shop at Walmart, you will eventually lose everything!
quote:
Originally posted by Bartelby:
quote:
Originally posted by Rick:
Because of my Yank background

I love it when you talk dirty
It results from the combination of longitude and attitude.



quote:
Funky Stuff.....The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
That may have been to discourage patients that didn’t have dental insurance.



Paul, regarding Wal-Mart (“Wal-Mart” is in my spellchecker! “Tesco” isn't.): I don’t shop there because I have a hard time finding where an item is located and the stores are always crowded. Now, I love Sam’s Club. It’s owned by the same company – the only difference is that instead of using shopping carts, one uses those big flatbed dollies. Also, Sam’s requires a membership, which tends to keep the traffic caused by less-desirables at a minimum.



This current thread might be able to compete with the "Adhesive bras!!!!" thread.
Interest in "WANTED: Black PVC Nurses Costume" seems to have waned.
quote:
Originally posted by region2 in this thread:
Actually I'd be put off if I saw your signature as a newbie - I'm sure it's great that you have a faith but please be aware that others have their own beliefs and don't want yours 'in their face'!
quote:
Originally posted by region2 in the (8:37:22 AM) See video ..... thread:
If we all report this idiot maybe they'll go away!
Someone at AS must have agreed, as that “video” thread has been deleted.
quote:
Someone at AS must have agreed, as that “video” thread has been deleted.


Shame! Nothing like a good bit of bigotry to bring out the best in our little circle.

However down to some forthright criticism again .....

Rick & R2 - I am not certain which of you has the most convoluted mind, but resurrecting this long dead thread in place of posting a new one in the general forum is completely beyond my understanding!

Paul
quote:
Originally posted by Camera:
Rick & R2 - I am not certain which of you has the most convoluted mind, but resurrecting this long dead thread in place of posting a new one in the general forum is completely beyond my understanding!
Is there a question somewhere in there? Remember, “Grasshopper” – the only way you can learn is to ask.

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