Look up!
Scott: please see post number 96 in this thread... just a few "thread boxes" above your post :-) I think that will tell most of the story for you.
As an overview, we decided to add MORE features and redesigned the website "look" based on feedback from many advertisers.
In the long run, everyone will actually be glad we delayed going live a few days to add these new features, which ads MORE value to YOUR display also :-)
ALL of the new features are available even to the grandfathered in complimentary display ads (such as yours).
Remember.......
There are still two weeks left to get your Full featured complimentary display ad! After that, you will still be able to acquire a complimentary display ad but, it will not include the "power features".
See first thread post for details on how to get your complimentary display ad for your photography / business.
Have a great day today!
Markjay
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
Good try :-)
I don't want to pin myself down to an exact day but, we're talking about days, certainly not weeks. 98% of everything is completed, it's the 2% that is the tedious part. Double checking security, database testing and the like.
I hate to do this to you guys but I've gotta tell you......
now that I've seen an update on where we are in the site redesign and all....
THIS SITE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just got a sneak preview to where we are as we get closer to the "finish line" and, I can honestly tell you that this is one truly incredible website!
At the office, the excitement is building and building :D:D:Dwinkwink
Markjay
I've gotta tell you .....
You're over-playing your hand a bit here and starting to sound a bit like a shill.
Excitement and building/managing customer expectations is one thing. The above, I think, is just a bit over the top...
Better?
Is that better, Scott? Sorry, did not mean to offend. Enthusiasm can be a terrible thing when taken out of context. I happen to also have a bad habit of expressing my enthusiasm in ways not everyone understands. Sorry.
I also have made it very obvious now in my first post that I am connected with the website so, I'm not trying to fool anyone here into thinking I'm just some stranger who happened upon this. When I first found out about it, I was not employed by the company....
I was just trying to give everyone here a heads up on this because I felt that with all the help this forum and members have given ME, that it was only fair to "give back".
I enthusiastically joined on because of what I saw was being accomplished. In addition...
MANY members of the forum and Smug have acquired one of the complimentary display ads and, seem to be quite enthusiastic about it themselves which I can very much appreciate.
Is that better, Scott? Sorry, did not mean to offend. Enthusiasm can be a terrible thing when taken out of context. I happen to also have a bad habit of expressing my enthusiasm in ways not everyone understands. Sorry.
I also have made it very obvious now in my first post that I am connected with the website so, I'm not trying to fool anyone here into thinking I'm just some stranger who happened upon this. When I first found out about it, I was not employed by the company....
I was just trying to give everyone here a heads up on this because I felt that with all the help this forum and members have given ME, that it was only fair to "give back".
I enthusiastically joined on because of what I saw was being accomplished. In addition...
MANY members of the forum and Smug have acquired one of the complimentary display ads and, seem to be quite enthusiastic about it themselves which I can very much appreciate.
Thank you for noticing.
Markjay
Ahh, man - now you've taken all the flavor and excitement out of your post - that's right - there's just no pleasing me:D
Anyway, fair enough - I know you are on staff - as you say you have made that plain.
I understand no offense was intended and none was perceived. It's all cool.
I just wanted to help out a bit as, maybe, not everyone who reads this thread will understand where you are coming from.
Is there any way to change the name of the starred, video and map power keys.....?? Just do not want a slew of email as to why these do not take you where they should ............Thanks
The starred does not have a name and it's purpose is kind of universal in that you place a notice in your description. For example: Olive Garden restaurant put red text notice in description that states something to the effect of: "click the yellow stars to see our daily specials".
Quick answer: no. I believe there will be a check box to turn off or on, the map feature but, the stars will remain stars and the video will remain video. I think what they are trying to do is: for the sake of consistency and to get the viewers used to looking for a advertisers' video and map locations, they made those "fixed action keys". If they allowed those keys to be customized, there would be no ONE place to look for video and map info in every ad.
I did bring up this exact question to the programmers though :-)
We'll see what happens. Thank you for asking!
Is there any way to change the name of the starred, video and map power keys.....?? Just do not want a slew of email as to why these do not take you where they should ............Thanks
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
The starred does not have a name and it's purpose is kind of universal in that you place a notice in your description. For example: Olive Garden restaurant put red text notice in description that states something to the effect of: "click the yellow stars to see our daily specials".
Quick answer: no. I believe there will be a check box to turn off or on, the map feature but, the stars will remain stars and the video will remain video. I think what they are trying to do is: for the sake of consistency and to get the viewers used to looking for a advertisers' video and map locations, they made those "fixed action keys". If they allowed those keys to be customized, there would be no ONE place to look for video and map info in every ad.
I did bring up this exact question to the programmers though :-)
We'll see what happens. Thank you for asking!
Markjay
Well customizable , but at he same time, for those that have videos that would be the only place to place the video link......but for those without video.....if we could place other links there, (and we can, ) we need to customize the title....as for right now I would like to use the video for one of my blog links.......
Any way it is just a thought..........:D...........
Here are some answers, Scott
I received this reply to your questions. I hope this helps in answering.
We are trying to standardize these keys, we do offer two other keys that can be titled. Our fresh info feature is directly linked to and in association with the*** and for this reason it will not have a title option feature. I understand that some may not have a video and in this example they may not have any uses for the designed area but once again we are trying to make sure that everyone knows where the specials are and that video space is available. As for a blog they could use the *** key and address the blog feature in their 600 character description space and make reference to the *** link for the blog. I am toying with the idea of the map link and making it flexible like the other two keys since we will be having several internet businesses that will not need a map link. I’ll let you know if that changes
Well customizable , but at he same time, for those that have videos that would be the only place to place the video link......but for those without video.....if we could place other links there, (and we can, ) we need to customize the title....as for right now I would like to use the video for one of my blog links.......
Any way it is just a thought..........:D...........
Thanks
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
I received this reply to your questions. I hope this helps in answering.
We are trying to standardize these keys, we do offer two other keys that can be titled. Our fresh info feature is directly linked to and in association with the*** and for this reason it will not have a title option feature. I understand that some may not have a video and in this example they may not have any uses for the designed area but once again we are trying to make sure that everyone knows where the specials are and that video space is available. As for a blog they could use the *** key and address the blog feature in their 600 character description space and make reference to the *** link for the blog. I am toying with the idea of the map link and making it flexible like the other two keys since we will be having several internet businesses that will not need a map link. I’ll let you know if that changes
Update 7-8-08
I can tell you we are now extremely close to finishing up and going live.
This is one of the most massive undertakings I've seen for a new website....
the details are mind blowing! Of course I can't tell you details of what was involved in adding the new features and design redo but, this team has been putting in 90 plus hour weeks to get this done.
Thank you for your patience and I'm confident you'll be surprised by what was accomplished and understand it was worth the extra time to complete.
There's no sense in going live when you're 99% ready. I'm confident Smug has the same "do it right" attitude when it comes to the pending Stock image offering.
Have a great night,
Markjay
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
So I assume then we'll have new goodies to play with when this is done or we can simply tweak the look and feel a little but it's essentialy the same functions we have now? Or you just can't (not allowed to) say yet?
What's new?
I can't go into much detail but..
I can tell you that you'll have the ability to make use of a template page to post up some samples of your work, along with pricing or description if you'd like. It is by no means fancy but, it's free :-) You might be better off, creating your own PDF or JPG image with samples of your work and posting that in your ad as one of the navigation bar links, as an added tool to entice the prospective customer to call you and inquire more, etc. (this is just in addition to the link to your website). You could even post up a coupon or "special" if you'd like to drive a more compelling reason for the viewer to call you. I'd even put a "coupon code" on the coupon so you KNOW where it came from if someone calls you and says I saw your special / coupon for a (?) free 5 x 7 with any portrait session. (just an example)
The whole idea and the power of this site is: the prospective viewer can find FRESH information in a dynamic way... without ever having to even leave your display ad! It's essentially functioning as a "mini website". We view the entire site experience in the same way.
Oh, and A lot of the change has to do with the functionality of the website.
So I assume then we'll have new goodies to play with when this is done or we can simply tweak the look and feel a little but it's essentially the same functions we have now? Or you just can't (not allowed to) say yet?
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
Oh...so you can upload a PDF too? Customers would get to that via one of the custom keys you can assign? Maybe I missed that before if it was already discussed or already available. I'd probably create a JPG for something like that though instead of a PDF to make it easier and faster to load for everyone.
Oh...so you can upload a PDF too? Customers would get to that via one of the custom keys you can assign? Maybe I missed that before if it was already discussed or already available. I'd probably create a JPG for something like that though instead of a PDF to make it easier and faster to load for everyone.
EDIT: Never mind - I found where you can do this.
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
Updated
Thanks for asking. In our test run last night we noticed a "bug" which is being worked on, along with a few cosmetic "things". It will be up soon...... but I can't give you a time. Sorry. Nobody's happy about it but, it's being worked on intensely :-)
Tell you what: I'll announce when it's gone live. K
Any chance there will be an ability to search without entering a location? Reason I ask is because my site is not necessarily located anywhere but online, so it would be great to have it so people are not forced to enter a specific city or county, etc. Know what I mean? I think this really would only be helpful for online businesses. Otherwise if you intend to find something with a street address, you'd be flooded with results if you searched for a product with no location specified.
Thank you
Outstanding question!! I sent this to the one person who can answer this better than I can and, will post the reply tomorrow as soon as it becomes available to me.
Any chance there will be an ability to search without entering a location? Reason I ask is because my site is not necessarily located anywhere but online, so it would be great to have it so people are not forced to enter a specific city or county, etc. Know what I mean? I think this really would only be helpful for online businesses. Otherwise if you intend to find something with a street address, you'd be flooded with results if you searched for a product with no location specified.
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
Thanks. I think being able to search for a product/service with no particular "location" would be perfect for online only people like me.
Actually, if you could provide a search option that has "online only" as an option in a drop-down box or something, that would be cool. Just so people know that this would be a search for online companies only and it was obvious to them where to find that search option. That would be great.
Comments
My Photos
Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
Equipment List - Check my profile
Scott: please see post number 96 in this thread... just a few "thread boxes" above your post :-) I think that will tell most of the story for you.
As an overview, we decided to add MORE features and redesigned the website "look" based on feedback from many advertisers.
In the long run, everyone will actually be glad we delayed going live a few days to add these new features, which ads MORE value to YOUR display also :-)
ALL of the new features are available even to the grandfathered in complimentary display ads (such as yours).
Thanks for asking.
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
There are still two weeks left to get your Full featured complimentary display ad! After that, you will still be able to acquire a complimentary display ad but, it will not include the "power features".
See first thread post for details on how to get your complimentary display ad for your photography / business.
Have a great day today!
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
I don't want to pin myself down to an exact day but, we're talking about days, certainly not weeks. 98% of everything is completed, it's the 2% that is the tedious part. Double checking security, database testing and the like.
Thank you for requesting the update.
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
now that I've seen an update on where we are in the site redesign and all....
The site looks really nice :-)
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
You're over-playing your hand a bit here and starting to sound a bit like a shill.
Excitement and building/managing customer expectations is one thing. The above, I think, is just a bit over the top...
My Photos
Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
Equipment List - Check my profile
Is that better, Scott? Sorry, did not mean to offend. Enthusiasm can be a terrible thing when taken out of context. I happen to also have a bad habit of expressing my enthusiasm in ways not everyone understands. Sorry.
I also have made it very obvious now in my first post that I am connected with the website so, I'm not trying to fool anyone here into thinking I'm just some stranger who happened upon this. When I first found out about it, I was not employed by the company....
I was just trying to give everyone here a heads up on this because I felt that with all the help this forum and members have given ME, that it was only fair to "give back".
I enthusiastically joined on because of what I saw was being accomplished. In addition...
MANY members of the forum and Smug have acquired one of the complimentary display ads and, seem to be quite enthusiastic about it themselves which I can very much appreciate.
Thank you for noticing.
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
So can I still place an ad for free or did I miss the deadline?
Man don't ask.....just do it!!!!!!!!!! They extended it out about 2 more weeks............................................
Anyway, fair enough - I know you are on staff - as you say you have made that plain.
I understand no offense was intended and none was perceived. It's all cool.
I just wanted to help out a bit as, maybe, not everyone who reads this thread will understand where you are coming from.
My Photos
Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
Equipment List - Check my profile
Great question, Art!
The starred does not have a name and it's purpose is kind of universal in that you place a notice in your description. For example: Olive Garden restaurant put red text notice in description that states something to the effect of: "click the yellow stars to see our daily specials".
Quick answer: no. I believe there will be a check box to turn off or on, the map feature but, the stars will remain stars and the video will remain video. I think what they are trying to do is: for the sake of consistency and to get the viewers used to looking for a advertisers' video and map locations, they made those "fixed action keys". If they allowed those keys to be customized, there would be no ONE place to look for video and map info in every ad.
I did bring up this exact question to the programmers though :-)
We'll see what happens. Thank you for asking!
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
Well customizable , but at he same time, for those that have videos that would be the only place to place the video link......but for those without video.....if we could place other links there, (and we can, ) we need to customize the title....as for right now I would like to use the video for one of my blog links.......
Any way it is just a thought..........:D...........
Thanks
I received this reply to your questions. I hope this helps in answering.
We are trying to standardize these keys, we do offer two other keys that can be titled. Our fresh info feature is directly linked to and in association with the*** and for this reason it will not have a title option feature. I understand that some may not have a video and in this example they may not have any uses for the designed area but once again we are trying to make sure that everyone knows where the specials are and that video space is available. As for a blog they could use the *** key and address the blog feature in their 600 character description space and make reference to the *** link for the blog. I am toying with the idea of the map link and making it flexible like the other two keys since we will be having several internet businesses that will not need a map link. I’ll let you know if that changes
[FONT="][/FONT]
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
Thanks again....and again...and again...........
I can tell you we are now extremely close to finishing up and going live.
This is one of the most massive undertakings I've seen for a new website....
the details are mind blowing! Of course I can't tell you details of what was involved in adding the new features and design redo but, this team has been putting in 90 plus hour weeks to get this done.
Thank you for your patience and I'm confident you'll be surprised by what was accomplished and understand it was worth the extra time to complete.
There's no sense in going live when you're 99% ready. I'm confident Smug has the same "do it right" attitude when it comes to the pending Stock image offering.
Have a great night,
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
We are now within in the testing stages prior to going live. IF testing doesn't bring up any hiccups
Check in Friday morning
At the risk of sounding like a shill....
it's breathtakingly cool!
Have a great day today,
Markjay[/quote]
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
I can't go into much detail but..
I can tell you that you'll have the ability to make use of a template page to post up some samples of your work, along with pricing or description if you'd like. It is by no means fancy but, it's free :-) You might be better off, creating your own PDF or JPG image with samples of your work and posting that in your ad as one of the navigation bar links, as an added tool to entice the prospective customer to call you and inquire more, etc. (this is just in addition to the link to your website). You could even post up a coupon or "special" if you'd like to drive a more compelling reason for the viewer to call you. I'd even put a "coupon code" on the coupon so you KNOW where it came from if someone calls you and says I saw your special / coupon for a (?) free 5 x 7 with any portrait session. (just an example)
The whole idea and the power of this site is: the prospective viewer can find FRESH information in a dynamic way... without ever having to even leave your display ad! It's essentially functioning as a "mini website". We view the entire site experience in the same way.
Oh, and A lot of the change has to do with the functionality of the website.
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
EDIT: Never mind - I found where you can do this.
Not only can you upload a PDF, JPG, VIDEO / message to your viewers, company logo, coupon, special/s....
when you DO, your ad will now say (once live) *** on the right side of your ad, which will mean advertiser has updated in the last 24 hours.
here's the cool thing: say a user wants to find all specials or ads recently updated.... they can :-)
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
[/quote]
Thanks for asking. In our test run last night we noticed a "bug" which is being worked on, along with a few cosmetic "things". It will be up soon...... but I can't give you a time. Sorry. Nobody's happy about it but, it's being worked on intensely :-)
Tell you what: I'll announce when it's gone live. K
[/quote]
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
Outstanding question!! I sent this to the one person who can answer this better than I can and, will post the reply tomorrow as soon as it becomes available to me.
Thank you for asking,
Markjay
Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
Canon 20D - no more film!
Actually, if you could provide a search option that has "online only" as an option in a drop-down box or something, that would be cool. Just so people know that this would be a search for online companies only and it was obvious to them where to find that search option. That would be great.