RetroBargains
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posted on February 25, 2003 08:56:54 AM new
I have a slow connection compared to the rest of the world (44Kbps on a good day) - not my choice that's just all that's available here.
After running a test on the same size images in one of my auctions and in my storefront, I have noticed it takes TWICE as long to load the storefront image. Why?
The auction image fully loads and displays in 33 seconds. The storefront image pops up a white empty box that sits blank for 66 seconds until the image finally appears.
I understand image size, resolution, and connection speed affects load time - HOWEVER - why is there such a VAST difference in loading the same size image?
I know the image will eventually show up but my inclination is to close the window and move on... I wonder how many potential customers are being lost from this doubled load time?
The images in question are vintage ads and I have them down to a size that still allows the viewer to see what they are without distorting the image any further.
The auction image is 123Kb 352x494 pixels at 72dpi.
The storefront image is the same size.
If nothing else, is there a way to put in the empty white box Image Loading - Please Wait...Thank You!
This would really help.
Thanks,
Greg Williams
Retro Bargains
www.retrobargains.com
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SonyaCS
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posted on February 25, 2003 09:27:18 AM new
Hi Greg,
It might be ISP related -- I went to your store and all the items I previewed, the image loaded up instantly. Has this always happened or is it recent? I will log your suggestion for Product Development.
Regards,
Sonya
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RetroBargains
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posted on February 25, 2003 09:38:55 AM new
Hi Sonya,
I've always noticed the lag time on the Storefont loads since I opened the store not long ago.
It is probably my ISP - just seemed to be a big difference between storefront and auction load time of image.
Good to know that it's loading instantly on you your T1 connection - that makes me feel better that there is minimal delay as the connection speed drops to DSL or ISDN level at least.
Thanks for passing that on as a suggestion.
Greg
Greg Williams
Retro Bargains
www.retrobargains.com
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bigcitycollectables
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posted on February 25, 2003 10:03:29 AM new
I have a slow connection also.I turn all my images into Gif images that way it only takes a couple of seconds for it to load.Its also good for customers that have slow connections so there not waiting 5 min for the pics to load.If images dont load within 8 seconds the customer will most likely lose interest.
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RetroBargains
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posted on February 25, 2003 10:34:24 AM new
Thanks! That's what I would prefer to use, but since you can't upload GIF images to AuctionWatch Image hosting that creates a problem in itself.
I use SMPro and upload my images through there to AW's image management. Sure wish they would allow upload of GIF images - would save them storage space, speed viewing and speed the entire process for everyone.
Meanwhile - I have to make a choice of JPEG storage here or GIF storage elsewhere - I'd prefer to keep it all in the same element and location. Gets to be too time intensive to upload auctions one place and images in another.
Greg Williams
Retro Bargains
www.retrobargains.com
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bigcitycollectables
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posted on February 25, 2003 10:37:33 AM new
Yes you can.Almost all my images in my Auctionwatch store are Gif images,including my logo and banner.
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RetroBargains
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posted on February 25, 2003 10:46:27 AM new
Really?
Then I wonder why I always get an "invalid image format" error when I try uploading a GIF ? I get that whether I do it from SMPro or directly online.
I'll have to revisit that again - thanks for letting me know - GIFs are way much better especially when I can optimize them for the web with Web-safe colors using my Fireworks program.
I really appreciate the info!
Greg Williams
Retro Bargains
www.retrobargains.com
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RetroBargains
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posted on February 26, 2003 09:28:42 AM new
Well SMPro still returns an error when trying to import GIF images:
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INVALID FILE TYPE
You have attempted to import a file in a graphic format which Sales Manager Pro and AuctionWatch do not support.
Graphic files must be in one of the following formats: .JPG, .JPEG, and .PNG. The current file is 00FreeShip.gif.
------------------------
So, with that result how ARE you uploading your GIF images? Online? Hosting elsewhere?
I tried the Fireworks .PNG format but that exploded the file size to twice what the .JPG size is. That's not a good choice.
Greg Williams
Retro Bargains
www.retrobargains.com
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SonyaCS
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posted on February 26, 2003 09:37:43 AM new
Hi Greg,
Unfortunately, Sales Manager Pro does not support gif images. You would need to upload those online, in Image Hosting. You will see that your image bar in pro contains nothing but jpeg images, even though you may have gif images online.
Regards,
Sonya
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bigcitycollectables
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posted on February 26, 2003 09:41:27 AM new
Here are my results..
File received successfully!
dbgtlogo.gif
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RetroBargains
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posted on February 26, 2003 07:12:22 PM new
Thanks Sonya, strangely useless but thanks anyway. <g>
Rhetoric statement: It is amazing that SMPro wasn't designed originally to handle GIFs - since it "is" supporting web business. Someone in development should get their walking papers over that one!
Guess I'll stick with JPEG until SMPro is "fixed". 
Greg Williams
Retro Bargains
www.retrobargains.com
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RetroBargains
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posted on February 26, 2003 07:14:21 PM new
bigcitycollectibles:
You forgot to mention you were strictly uploading your GIF images online - and not through SMPro.
Greg Williams
Retro Bargains
www.retrobargains.com
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bigcitycollectables
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posted on February 26, 2003 07:16:43 PM new
woops,my bad
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tomwiii
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posted on February 27, 2003 05:30:53 AM new
Question for Retro and BigBoy:
Does it make ANY difference for the stores -- jpg or gif??
If "yes," could you please explain?
THANKS
Ralphie loves Mr Blonde:
"Are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite?"
http://tinyurl.com/5duz
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RetroBargains
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posted on February 27, 2003 08:19:17 AM new
GIF is the actual standard for graphics on the web since the image file size is much smaller than a JPEG or JPG image.
This is extremely important when building any website or displaying any images on the internet for others to see.
There are many who have slow connections and instead of waiting for your large JPEG image to download, they will close the window and move on to viewing something else - result = a missed sale.
I'm rethinking my image choice at the moment. Although I like posting batches in one quick swoop to my store using SMPro - it looks like for me to bring things in line with HOW THE WEB ACTUALLY WORKS that I will have to load my GIF images SEPARATELY online.
This is shameful since GIF should have been the primary choice for image handling in SMPro in the first place since SMPro was designed for use to place material on the web.
Shameful I tell you... just shameful. 
Greg Williams
Retro Bargains
www.retrobargains.com
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