Noticing Newbies: November 22, 2011 Issue [#4735]
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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Picture Perfect
  Edited by: Stephanie Grace Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

I believe in simplicity in introduction to new things and also that there is a wide variety of topics to be explored in this newsletter --Not only for newbies, but those that have been here for years and want to recognize newbies through reviews, etc... I think that the primary focus of this newsletter should be twofold: Just Here and Here For Years... I think that the title is so broad that this newsletter really needs to feature something for newbies as well as "oldbies". Of course, cohesiveness between the two is also important so that one does not feel lesser than the other. We are all equals here and I think the best way to convey that message to newbies is to let them see their work alongside "WdC veterans"...


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Letter from the editor

Hello, my dears!*Kiss* I really struggled this time coming up with a topic -my mind is a jumbled mess as of late, but I think I've finally settled upon writing about using images on WdC. Seems like a natural progression from my last newsletter about cNotes. *Wink*

*Note*Before we begin, images can only be used my members with an upgraded membership or above. *Wink* (If it's animated, then only premium or above).
*Note*I should probably also mention here that images must be 400x400 pixels or smaller and be less than 100Kb. Acceptable formats are GIF, JPEG (JPG), and PNG. For animated images, the maximum size is 200x200 pixels.

What use can an image be on a writing website?
Images can be used in several different ways to blend seamlessly into our little word-focused world. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
         *Bullet*Adding an image to the beginning of your piece with the title and your name, like a cover. It can be a good way to set the mood, tone, setting, or just plain catch the reader's attention before they even read the first sentence.
         *Bullet*Concrete Poetry. This I learned way back before I found WdC. If you have a poem that is supposed to have a certain shape to it, it can be a lot easier to create an image than to fiddle with WritingML or HTML. If you can do it with WritingML, great! If not, try creating it in an image program (GIMP is my favorite -and free!). *Wink*
         *Bullet*This is probably the most obvious: An image is a wonderful addition to your review template. Not only does it give a nice pop of color (with your name, of course), but it is also an easy way to show your support for groups of which you are a member (NEVER use a signature with a group's name if you are not a member of that group.).
         *Bullet*Of course, headers and décor for any activity or contest you choose to run.


How do I use an image?
Okay, here's where we get into the good stuff... To begin, there are three ways in which you will obtain an image to use:
         A. Find one that is offered for free usage by a group of which you are a member or use one of the one's that WdC offers for free usage.
         B. Create a new item and upload an image of your creation to your portfolio.
         C. Visit a member shop and 'buy' an image. This route means that they will e-mail you an image and you will download it to your computer and then proceed with the steps from the 'B' option.
*Star*Actually USING the image is simple. Once you have the item's ID number, use the following tag: {image:} After the colon (before the closing bracket), you will enter the item ID Number. So, let's say I wanted to use my adorable puppy signature made by the amazingly talented kiyasama, I would type:

{image:1527217}
which would give me...
** Image ID #1527217 Unavailable **
*Bigsmile*SO CUTE!*Wink*


Okay, great... What's all that mean?
Well, if you went with option A, that means you have number. So, take that number and use the tag {image:}, inserting that number after the colon (the number will generally be 6 or 7 numbers long).

If you're going with C, you need to download the attachment from the e-mail to your computer and then join with those going with B:
         *Bullet*1. On the upper left of your screen, see where it says Portfolio: # items? Great! Click the bit which tells you how many items you have.
         *Bullet*2. At the top, there are tabs. Don't touch 'em. LOL. Beneath there, you should see 'Create Item'. Click that. *Wink*
         *Bullet*3. That will open up more option. At the top of the second column, click 'Image'.
         *Bullet*4. The next several steps are handled just as you would with a static (or any) item. *Note*Don't forget to set a Content Rating on all of your items. *Wink*
         *Bullet*5. Section Five is where things are different. This is where you'll see 'Image File:' with a blank bar and then a 'Browse...' button. Click browse and locate the image in your computer's memory. Double click it. Great! The path to your image will automatically show up in the empty box. *Wink*
         *Bullet*6. If you would like the image to bring a person to a specific item when they click on it, then you will need to enter that item's ID number in the space provided -or put in 100 for the image to link back to your portfolio.
         *Bullet*7. Image Sharing. Use the drop down menu to select the level of membership of others members that you would like to allow to use your image. If you do not want anyone else using the image, then do nothing.
         *Bullet*8. Image Border: If you want the image to have a border, use the drop down menu to say so. If not, do nothing. *Wink*
         *Bullet*9. Section 6 really isn't very important when it comes to images, but you can click things as much as you'd like and I'll not say a peep. *Silent*
         *Bullet*10. Woo! We made it to Section 7! *Smile* Click 'Save and View'. It will create the item and bring you to it. *Smile* At the top of the item, you will see a series of numbers (It's above the item's title... You'll see >>Image >>Type of Image >>Genre >>ID #0000000 -Obviously, it won't be 0's that you see.). That is the number you will plug into the aforementioned {image:} tag. *Wink*

Well, this has gotten incredibly long, so I'm going to shut my pie hole now. *Bigsmile* Hope you all have fun using your images! (And remember, if you want them to rotate every time the page is refreshed, then use the {image:} tag with commas -without spaces, between the different item #'s.

{image:1527217,1527220}
** Image ID #1527217 Unavailable **
Go ahead, refresh! *Wink*

Love and happiness to all,
Stephanie Grace




Editor's Picks

So, let's look at some places where you can purchase an image or 'sig' to use... *Delight*

These first two are probably the most popular sig shops on WdC. They are always my first stops when I want a new sig --and I regularly check them for new images even when I don't know I want a new one! *Laugh*
Image Protector
SHOP
Kiya's Sig & Banner Shop Open in new Window. (18+)
*CLOSED* Shop for images - animated/non-animated for site/off-site use.
#1540688 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

Image Protector
SHOP
Leger's Shop Open in new Window. (18+)
Gift certificates are available! Signature images and cNotes! Dress up your forums!
#1495077 by Leger~ Author IconMail Icon

These first two are probably the most popular sig shops on WdC. They are always my first stops when I want a new sig --and I regularly check them for new images even when I don't know I want a new one! *Laugh*

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1213802 by Not Available.

I *Suitheart*LOVE*Suitheart* this place! The story behind it is very touching and the images are all adorable! You simply must check this one out!

 Lady Bee's Sign Shop Open in new Window. (E)
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs!
#715744 by ~LadyBee~ Author IconMail Icon

I can't believe I didn't find this one sooner! There's a Turtle Crossing sign in there! *Inlove* Oh, I am so going back to get my grubby paws on one of those bad boys!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1607146 by Not Available.

As I said with the cNotes, I'm not very fond of fractals, but I know that some people really love them, so here's a link... Besides, I actually really like the first one here! *Laugh*


 
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Ask & Answer



From bertiebrite hoping for peace Author IconMail Icon: I'm so glad you got me into cNotes. They are wonderful ways to say so many things. Used four of them already :)
Yay! I'm glad that you dove right into cNotes! *Bigsmile* I love easy ways to make a person smile and cNotes are one of the easiest ways I know of on WdC! *Wink*

From sagget69 Author IconMail Icon: I know that I just became apart of the website, but do you have a set of moderate/advanced tips for me to check out because I've actually been writing stories for about fifteen years. I have no issue taking the newbie tips because I have learned that nobody's writing is perfect, but still if you can send me higher level tips please.
Anyone wanna help me on this one? Well, Bob, I'm not sure how much help I can be in that area. Honestly, I've been struggling to even write three words for .... months. Perhaps for my next newsletter, I shall ask some friends and crack a few books and think a bit and do a newsletter of tips and tricks. Would that work? If you have some specific questions or anything, just e-mail me and I'll either give an answer, find an answer, or find someone who is better suited to give an answer. *Wink* Another good idea might be to check out The Newsletter Archives ( http://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives ). *Smile*


From troy ulysses davis Author IconMail Icon: Thanks for the encouragement. Keep up the good work.
Thank YOU, Troy! There is nothing more encouraging than actually having a person say they thought I did something good. *Laugh* I really thought the cNote newsletter might be a flop! I'm so glad that people enjoyed it! *Delight*


From JACE Author IconMail Icon: Another fab newsletter, Miss Stephanie. I think cNotes are one of thoese understated aspects of WdC. I'm glad you moved it to the forefront for us all. *Delight*
Thank you, Mr. Jace! I realized that even I tend to neglect cNotes once in a while, so I figured I should remind everyone of how simple it can be to send a smile or a hug. *Wink* I think, especially for newer members, it's a great way to say 'Thank you' when you really don't know how to say it. *Smile*


From riham: Hey I'm new here and I posted an item 2 days ago however no one has reviewed it so far :( how can I get more to read my works?
That's probably the most frequently asked question on WdC. Even those that have been here for years have trouble getting reviews sometimes. The easiest way is to review others' works. Most people will gladly reciprocate as a means of thanking you for the review. Just try not to flat-out ask someone for a review unless they're a friend. Random asking from strangers can be a little awkward (if not annoying) to receive. I don't mean that to sound rude; please, don't take it that way. I am just trying to give an honest and thorough answer. *Wink* I like honesty. *Smile* Another option, if you really want something reviewed is to check out "The MarketplaceOpen in new Window. [13+] for shops where they'll review an item for GPs. In the end, though, the more you review, the more you will be reviewed. *Wink* Joining groups and being active in them can also draw more attention to your port, so don't forget to check out that option too! *Bigsmile*


From Oldwarrior Author IconMail Icon: An excellent reminder for not-so-newbies also. Thanks Stef for pointing this out about C-notes.
Why, thank ya, Darlin'! *Kiss* It's a great relief to know that my cNote-minded thinking didn't end in failure. I was quite nervous about that... *Blush* Thank you! *Kiss*


From Leger~ Author IconMail Icon: Thanks for featuring "Creative CommentsOpen in new Window.! *Heart*
How could I not? I love it!*Heart*



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