posted on September 19, 2000 07:22:32 PM
I really enjoy using AMPro, but there are only 3-4 templates that I really like. Does anyone here know how to go about making one?
I have FrontPage on my computer, as well as CorelDraw 8 (which includes Photo-Paint) but admit to being a total technopeasant on things past the very basic. Can anyone here give me a checklist of what to do in order to create my own template for auctions? How to size, how to leave spot for images, etc?
posted on September 19, 2000 07:34:57 PM
I'd say use FrontPage to create an auction page you like, just like you'd create any other html document. It doesn't require any special handling to use it as a template -- when you have a new item just go in and substitute the new information (description, picture, shipping charge etc.) for the old.
That's what I do and it works great for me. I actually have a few I use as templates, depending on how many pictures I have and how I want the information arranged around them. I pretty much just grab the last listing (stored on my hard drive) which matches pretty closely with the format I need for an upcoming item, and I change the pertinent data.
I'll admit that I "borrowed" my format from someone else on eBay whose listings I admired.
posted on September 19, 2000 07:42:34 PM
How do you go about placing images stored on AW? How big a space to leave for them? If you upload your home-made template through AMPro do you need to put "AW" on the template somewhere?
posted on September 19, 2000 07:46:00 PM
I think the main question is, even if a template were made, can it be imported into AMPro? Would the template need any "special" tags for AMPro to recognize it as a template?
Bunnicula, I've checked it out a few times, but I haven't found a way to import any sort of template file into it... unless I'm just plain ole blind.
How 'bout it AW? Is there a way? If not, how about giving us a way of doing it?
Bunnicula, typically you can create an HTML file, with your images uploaded to your FTP site.. whether your own server or a hosting facility such as AW. Once you've done that, you pretty much have a template........... however, some programs require special tags in order for it to recognize additional images and whatnot. For example, Auctionsubmit, has several different tags in order to recognize where/what the "title" is, what is your main image and what are additional images. These additional tags are *not* typical HTML.. so a cheat sheet would have to be written by the creators of the program, in order to allow 3rd parties to create templates.
Does that make sense?
Rosie
edited for spelling
[ edited by rosiebud on Sep 19, 2000 07:50 PM ]
posted on September 19, 2000 07:52:20 PM
I was thinking that a home-made template would be placed in AW's "blank" one. Maybe not?
I really would like some different, warmer colors. And some different designs. And I prefer the ones with "side-mounted" images. I really would like to try my hand at creating a couple--if I can learn how The truth is, FrontPage (& all other web pages programs for that matter) intimidates me and I've never really played with it all that much. Don't ask me why--comes under those unreasoning phobias that were discussed in the Round Table!
posted on September 20, 2000 09:30:01 AM
Bunnicula,
I only list a few items every week so I don't use a program such as
AMpro. I like to have more control and to be able to express a little
creativity. So, I got a BIG book on HTML and learned how to use tables
to create a page that includes the image or images. I upload pictures to my server via ftp.
Another interesting way to learn HTML and various layouts is to find
an auction that you really like...click on view...then on source and
after you scroll down past the ebay stuff, you will be able to see
how the page is constructed.
You are probably way beyond my ability in this respect but some posters
may find this info useful.
I have checked out the programs available that do all this automatically, but as you suggested they are limited in the number of
templates and the colors are .....can't think of a good word here.
[ edited by HJW on Sep 20, 2000 09:31 AM ]
posted on September 20, 2000 06:53:17 PM
Why not just use the selection from AW?? I have several that I use depending on what I am selling. In AMPro you have a profile option in which you can specify and select a whole range of templates and other data for a particular listing. Once I have set up the templates I use HTML extensively to "liven" them up and have had lots of compliments. That is the easiest way and it is all integrated into AW image hosting. If you really want to get carried away you can set up your preferences with animated GIF's and all sorts of goodies. That all goes with personal taste.
posted on September 20, 2000 07:04:07 PMKleavitt: I *do* use the ones AW provides--but only 3 or 4 really "grab" me. I have absolutely no desire to add things like animated gifs. I *would* like better, warmer colors. And one or two different fonts.
posted on September 20, 2000 09:54:21 PM
I don't know about uploading your own template into AW's auction-making program, since AW's is basically a WYSIWYG, and yours might conflict with it.
Why not pick up a good HTML4 book and learn a few basics? Then you can make your own template, using Notepad, and copy-and-paste your listing into the listing field on Ebay or where-ever. You would use the OLD Image Hosting system (http://www.auctionwatch.com/my/ihost/index.html) from AW, select the pics you want and click on the "Attach Pictures to AUCTION"...etc...
******************** Shosh http://www.oldandsold.com/cgi-bin/auction.cgi?justdisp&Rifkah
posted on September 20, 2000 10:26:19 PM
A useful site to have a look at is
http://www.pongo.com
There are some great tutorials and practice boards. There is a specific section regarding the creation of templates, photo layouts and other useful stuff.
Have fun!
Bob, Downunder but never down.
[ edited by bitsandbobs on Sep 20, 2000 10:27 PM ]
[ edited by bitsandbobs on Sep 20, 2000 10:56 PM ]
