tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55244823140462869272024-03-13T00:14:23.086-07:00CommunicationsTips on writing, editing, technical writing, marketing communications and most importantly, connecting with your readers.Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-87102575360718943772018-09-19T14:23:00.004-07:002018-09-19T14:23:59.393-07:00Capturing Screenshots in WindowsScreenshots provide visual representations of detailed steps. Following the steps below will help users capture screenshots in older versions of Microsoft Windows using built-in programs.<br />
Another option is to purchase a dedicated screen capture program such as <a href="https://www.techsmith.com/store/snagit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=g&utm_campaign=1524774662&utm_content=58548122295&utm_term=snagit&gclid=CjwKCAjw54fdBRBbEiwAW28S9t50-V8q9nJJkWt8Kz5PsURCYB08t6D998k394Yebt1kYj9CPhRi3hoCqgYQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">SnagIt</a> from TechSmith (R).<br />
<h3>
Older Windows Versions</h3>
<br />
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 616px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 12.8pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: solid windowtext 1.5pt; height: 12.8pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>Step<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.5pt; height: 12.8pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" valign="top" width="530">
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>Action<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 111.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 111.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 111.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" valign="top" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Determine the desired results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 191; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<b>If...<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 191; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<b>Then...<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Capturing entire screens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<i>Proceed to</i><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> next step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Capturing portions of a screen, such as a specific
action<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<i>Proceed to</i><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/Optum%20360/Capturing%20Screenshots%20in%20Windows.docx#Step3">Step 3</a><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Press <b>Ctrl+PrintSc</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Note</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This method captures everything on all screens.
Users with more than one monitor should use a different process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Step3"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When capturing a portion of a screen, click the <b>Start </b>button and then <i>navigate to</i> <b>Windows Accessories>Snipping Tool</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Click the <b>Snipping
Tool</b> and <b>then</b> select <b>New Snip</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
5</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Use the mouse cursor to draw a rectangle around the
image.</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Click <b>Edit</b>
and <b>then</b> select <b>Copy</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Paste the image into the document using <b>Ctrl+V</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .9in;" valign="top" width="86">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 397.3pt;" valign="top" width="530">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Determine if using Windows 10.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 191; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<b>If...<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 191; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<b>Then...<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Using Windows 10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<i>Proceed to</i><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/Optum%20360/Capturing%20Screenshots%20in%20Windows.docx#_Section_2:_Windows">Windows
10</a><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Not using Windows 10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Basic Methods process is complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<h3>
Windows 10 Only</h3>
Windows 10 users can use the Windows+S key combination to capture screen images and then use Ctrl+V to paste them into a new document.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 638px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 12.8pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: solid windowtext 1.5pt; height: 12.8pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: windowtext;">Step<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.5pt; height: 12.8pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" valign="top" width="560">
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: windowtext;">Action<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 134.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 134.4pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 134.4pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" valign="top" width="560">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Press the </span><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Windows
key)+<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 191; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 191; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nothing happens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Proceed to
</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">next
step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.85pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A crosshair cursor appears and the screen behind
it is faded<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.9pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Win+S</b>
function is already loaded. The Windows 10 process is complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Windows+X</b>
and then select the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Command Prompt</b>
option. (Alternate method: right click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Windows</b> button and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">then</b>
select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Command Prompt</b>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Input the following script: “reg.exe add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
/v DisabledHotkeys /t REG_SZ /d S /f”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Note</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do not input the quotes. This process is
done once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Enter</b>
to see confirmation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Log off the network or stand-alone computer
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">then</b> log on again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: .5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Open OneNote or any Microsoft Office program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
7</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Select Paste to Clipboard and then select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">use always</b>.</span><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="BulletText1" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hold the Windows key and press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">then</b> draw a
rectangle around the area to copy.</span><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ctrl+V</b>
to paste the screenshot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 12.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 59.15pt;" valign="top" width="79">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; height: 12.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 419.65pt;" width="560">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Windows 10 process is complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-44289783144010306232018-07-30T21:54:00.003-07:002018-07-30T21:54:55.264-07:00Saving Sign-In Images as Windows Wallpaper<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever thought some of the Windows 10 sign-in images
would make great desktop wallpapers? The problem is you have no idea where to
find them and how to do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheer up and get busy. Microsoft adds these wallpapers at
random and removes them randomly as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
mages are stored in the folder below:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Desktop\<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Your Name\</i>AppData\Local\Packages\
Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note that “%userprofile%” is what the writer calls Desktop/ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your_name.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You must complete three tasks before you can truly use them
as wallpaper.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/0-My%20Portfolio/3-Blog%20Postings/Blog%20postings/wordsbydavereyn/Saving%20Sign-In%20images%20as%20wallpapers.docx#LocatingImages">Locate</a> the images.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/0-My%20Portfolio/3-Blog%20Postings/Blog%20postings/wordsbydavereyn/Saving%20Sign-In%20images%20as%20wallpapers.docx#StoringAndSorting">Store, sort and
rename</a> them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/0-My%20Portfolio/3-Blog%20Postings/Blog%20postings/wordsbydavereyn/Saving%20Sign-In%20images%20as%20wallpapers.docx#UsingAsWallpaper">Select them as
desktop backgrounds</a> (i.e., wallpaper).<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<h3>
Locating the Images<o:p></o:p></h3>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Action<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
1</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open Windows File Explorer.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TIP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hold down the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Windows
key</b> and then press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">E</b>.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
2</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click the down arrow by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Desktop</b> and then select your user name.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
3</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click to follow this path: AppData\Local\Packages\ Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Result<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are presented with a list of filenames, none of which
make any sense.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click inside the list of file names.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
5</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ctrl+A</b>
and then press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ctrl+C</b> to select
all files and then copy them.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
6</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Proceed to</i> <a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/0-My%20Portfolio/3-Blog%20Postings/Blog%20postings/wordsbydavereyn/Saving%20Sign-In%20images%20as%20wallpapers.docx#_Storing,_Sorting_and">Storing, Sorting and Renaming Images</a>.</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<br />
<h3>
Storing, Sorting and Renaming Images<o:p></o:p></h3>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Action<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
1</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right-click on an open area on your desktop.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 147.1pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 147.1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
2</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 147.1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:185.9pt;margin-top:2.85pt;width:198.65pt;
height:164.95pt;z-index:251694080;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\DAVIDB~1.REY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Select <b>New >
Folder</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3idDttI1j23ZJ9yrtB-4CgEJDWP_h8XHHn6mTXU3TbLY65NC8eu1VpJ12D4C9FUlzRm0Z7Q24bQINiKQipQOZA9SR1Ivfn8o6vVyI92JKDC65M1A3ovtT57eGpS3pkVV4PGi5EMTbP6M/s1600/New+folder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="333" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3idDttI1j23ZJ9yrtB-4CgEJDWP_h8XHHn6mTXU3TbLY65NC8eu1VpJ12D4C9FUlzRm0Z7Q24bQINiKQipQOZA9SR1Ivfn8o6vVyI92JKDC65M1A3ovtT57eGpS3pkVV4PGi5EMTbP6M/s320/New+folder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.35pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
3</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 14.35pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Name the folder <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wallpaper
Images</b> and then <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">double-click</b>
to open it. </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 20.2pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 20.2pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ctrl+V</b> to
paste the images into the new folder.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 70.15pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 70.15pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
5</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 70.15pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1029"
type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:168.65pt;
margin-top:-554.9pt;width:241.7pt;height:64pt;z-index:251696128;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;
mso-height-relative:margin'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\DAVIDB~1.REY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.png"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">View</b> tab and then select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Detai</b><b>ls</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4Jzaiac9GB7fwmo1NHqdVOiFT3s_IHU31E95bR3xbtmM6kesb2vb4VyADhadG50nAe3ztbb1s7F78C9IVhx14-m5ualEGdJkYckPz9bu5SH4Fajj-LmsqUIL72ntWOVyyhAUwd2Vd_Q/s1600/View+details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="564" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4Jzaiac9GB7fwmo1NHqdVOiFT3s_IHU31E95bR3xbtmM6kesb2vb4VyADhadG50nAe3ztbb1s7F78C9IVhx14-m5ualEGdJkYckPz9bu5SH4Fajj-LmsqUIL72ntWOVyyhAUwd2Vd_Q/s320/View+details.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 17.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="StoringStep6">6</a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 17.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Size</b>
column heading to sort the images by size.</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 126.15pt;" valign="top" width="168">
<div class="MsoNormal">
If …</div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 227.4pt;" valign="top" width="303">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then …</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 126.15pt;" valign="top" width="168">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Size heading is not visible</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 227.4pt;" valign="top" width="303">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go to next step.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 126.15pt;" valign="top" width="168">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Size is visible</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 227.4pt;" valign="top" width="303">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go to <a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/0-My%20Portfolio/3-Blog%20Postings/Blog%20postings/wordsbydavereyn/Saving%20Sign-In%20images%20as%20wallpapers.docx#StoringStep9">Step 9</a>.</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 134.95pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 134.95pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
7</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 134.95pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Size</b>
heading visible, right click to the right of any current heading and then
click <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">More</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tgGBvbw4YnO2RWFefsGB0-iPFdZQnqxgTsmha6H0Xl_fV7mIDPFqV-pFZAvdqHTzDEakrrwbJh2kVB1fkm8SW_rKks_a813kXO40abJWlXoDiJQQUmrA2pcD3GUsM1pkhcI2XCKrSaw/s1600/Right+click+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tgGBvbw4YnO2RWFefsGB0-iPFdZQnqxgTsmha6H0Xl_fV7mIDPFqV-pFZAvdqHTzDEakrrwbJh2kVB1fkm8SW_rKks_a813kXO40abJWlXoDiJQQUmrA2pcD3GUsM1pkhcI2XCKrSaw/s1600/Right+click+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1028"
type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:258.2pt;
margin-top:-18.4pt;width:98.15pt;height:139.5pt;z-index:251698176;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;
mso-height-relative:margin'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\DAVIDB~1.REY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.png"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
8</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scroll through the list to locate <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Size</b> and then click <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OK</b>.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Result</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Size</b>
heading appears.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alternate</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
When updating an existing list of image files, click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Date Modified</b> heading instead of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Size </b>and then follow <a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/0-My%20Portfolio/3-Blog%20Postings/Blog%20postings/wordsbydavereyn/Saving%20Sign-In%20images%20as%20wallpapers.docx#StoringStep6">Steps 6-8</a>. Only copy the new image files.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="StoringStep9">9</a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Size</b>
heading and then scroll down to review the file sizes.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>TIP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Generally anything less than 100 KB is not an image that
will work as a desktop background (i.e., wallpaper). Since you are working
from a copy of the original files, you can safely delete those that are too
small. </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="StoringStep10">10</a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rename the files temporarily by right-clicking the
filename and then selecting Rename. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ1DSm2vt4gTrvfCeT8uO-lm3410pDt_EgHjWhh1jTjFbkFJ4ZmKP2fEY6fqkwgM2X_T5o88lzkO8myjFXOYsJfJrD_QTHiQJv1NbICoXPHeoD-v9rs5UxzSEgjA3i1Z4LzLHa855fWk/s1600/Rename.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="450" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ1DSm2vt4gTrvfCeT8uO-lm3410pDt_EgHjWhh1jTjFbkFJ4ZmKP2fEY6fqkwgM2X_T5o88lzkO8myjFXOYsJfJrD_QTHiQJv1NbICoXPHeoD-v9rs5UxzSEgjA3i1Z4LzLHa855fWk/s320/Rename.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
11</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give the file a name that makes sense to you and then
input “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.jpg</b>” (Do not input the
quotation marks).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Example DSC02850 becomes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">glass building.jpg</i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>VIP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adding the “.jpg” tells Windows this is an image file so
it can display it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1027"
type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:207.95pt;
margin-top:-10.2pt;width:148.95pt;height:140pt;z-index:251700224;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;
mso-height-relative:margin'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\DAVIDB~1.REY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image007.png"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 103.45pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 103.45pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
12</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 103.45pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026"
type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:83.8pt;margin-top:0;
width:273pt;height:89.15pt;z-index:251683840;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;
mso-height-relative:margin' stroked="t" strokecolor="#2e74b5 [2404]">
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\DAVIDB~1.REY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image009.png"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">View</b> tab and then select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Extra large icons</b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Large Icons</b> to see samples of each
photo. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_Qu_19JxDNTN6Gxg5bVoTZu9OGL1eBxIh_ENupfWD9TlsYH8C6dmh52Zn7cLKda_viLnPViWQhOkppW42rAT35E1i3wQQuSWMJKSu7vCbD4hVj_80rI_ukLSdwURZPTeQkLBuAFv7Kk/s1600/click+select.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="544" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_Qu_19JxDNTN6Gxg5bVoTZu9OGL1eBxIh_ENupfWD9TlsYH8C6dmh52Zn7cLKda_viLnPViWQhOkppW42rAT35E1i3wQQuSWMJKSu7vCbD4hVj_80rI_ukLSdwURZPTeQkLBuAFv7Kk/s320/click+select.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
13</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right-click any image you do not want and then<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Delete</b> to remove it.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
14</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rename any image as desired. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Refer to</i> <a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/0-My%20Portfolio/3-Blog%20Postings/Blog%20postings/wordsbydavereyn/Saving%20Sign-In%20images%20as%20wallpapers.docx#StoringStep10">Step 10</a>.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 19; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.1pt;" valign="top" width="65">
<div class="MsoNormal">
15</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 392.8pt;" valign="top" width="524">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Proceed to</i> <a href="file:///H:/0-Data/0-JOB%20HUNTING/0-My%20Portfolio/3-Blog%20Postings/Blog%20postings/wordsbydavereyn/Saving%20Sign-In%20images%20as%20wallpapers.docx#UsingAsWallpaper">Using as Wallpaper</a>.</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="UsingAsWallpaper">Using Images as Wallpaper<o:p></o:p></a></h3>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Step</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Action</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
1</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open Windows File Explorer.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>TIP</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hold down the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Windows
key</b> and then press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">E</b>.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wallpaper
Images</b> folder on your desktop and then press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ctrl+X</b> to cut it.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
3</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click the down arrow by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Desktop</b> and then select your user name.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Double-click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pictures</b>
folder.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 178.15pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 178.15pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
5</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 178.15pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_20" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:26.75pt;margin-top:27.65pt;width:364.1pt;
height:179.5pt;z-index:251687936;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin'
stroked="t" strokecolor="#2e74b5 [2404]">
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\DAVIDB~1.REY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Click inside the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pictures </b>folder and then press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ctrl+V </b>to paste the Wallpaper Images
folder inside <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pictures</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9IFr1qHe3L1zEdGTMGKdocYha0p2Nz8SJN7PoJZ6H08GPIPtyk8S04CF5uS3fvz65OTH1J11TocNVawch6oHx77b66OfAqkZijV_3VF_Y-9PcF4QdBtyg7U1u5Tz8BmvkwuAKoO6Wwk/s1600/paste+images+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="737" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9IFr1qHe3L1zEdGTMGKdocYha0p2Nz8SJN7PoJZ6H08GPIPtyk8S04CF5uS3fvz65OTH1J11TocNVawch6oHx77b66OfAqkZijV_3VF_Y-9PcF4QdBtyg7U1u5Tz8BmvkwuAKoO6Wwk/s320/paste+images+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
6</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_21" o:spid="_x0000_s1027"
type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:266.6pt;
margin-top:-.2pt;width:114.4pt;height:125.5pt;z-index:-251626496;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;
mso-height-relative:margin' stroked="t" strokecolor="#2e74b5 [2404]"
strokeweight="1pt">
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\DAVIDB~1.REY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.png"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Right-click on
your Desktop and then select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Personalize</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vkEs5gQ7GnTjozZfgCcoUyQ78cjJwOZVP4VgeYApTkrlGHKS6ml7OXu4jzsyK3qbpvyJtmBAFonK5E3VINxbULSN2uqGWKgI_zrEZqmK5dkaLxwSpvZgfIkH6v1mHa0JGKoxh91H6t8/s1600/personalize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vkEs5gQ7GnTjozZfgCcoUyQ78cjJwOZVP4VgeYApTkrlGHKS6ml7OXu4jzsyK3qbpvyJtmBAFonK5E3VINxbULSN2uqGWKgI_zrEZqmK5dkaLxwSpvZgfIkH6v1mHa0JGKoxh91H6t8/s1600/personalize.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 67.9pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 67.9pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
7</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 67.9pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Settings</b>
window appears, Background displays the current background. Click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Background </b>drop-down menu and then
select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Picture</b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Slideshow</b>.</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.65pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
If …</div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.7pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then…</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.65pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wanting the images to change automatically</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.7pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Slideshow</b>
and then go to next step.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.65pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wanting one image to appear at all times</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.7pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Select <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Picture</b>
and then go to Step A.</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
8</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Browse</b>
and then navigate to the folder holding your images.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Example: <b>User>Pictures>Wallpaper Images</b>.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
9</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ensure the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Folder</b>
field displays the correct name and then click <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Choose this folder</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXdsiTaVrs5VDTPeleIa-liMMHlZc5OUHZ9slSNq-KbCPpsKnlYmyTvpSwGcwW83gxRKhAatO5zW1xnxDfO7CSzOPZmbV4hn_rgAMJCrGvGi9XMAtKKlyPP3-iX8TOURMHzP8wJCkIeY/s1600/Choose+folder+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="496" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXdsiTaVrs5VDTPeleIa-liMMHlZc5OUHZ9slSNq-KbCPpsKnlYmyTvpSwGcwW83gxRKhAatO5zW1xnxDfO7CSzOPZmbV4hn_rgAMJCrGvGi9XMAtKKlyPP3-iX8TOURMHzP8wJCkIeY/s320/Choose+folder+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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margin-top:-301.9pt;width:245.5pt;height:164.25pt;z-index:-251624448;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;
mso-height-relative:margin' stroked="t" strokecolor="#2e74b5 [2404]"
strokeweight="1pt">
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\DAVIDB~1.REY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.png"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
10</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Change
picture every </b>drop-down menu and then select the appropriate time.
Example: 30 minutes.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 56.2pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
11</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 56.2pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Determine the image order.</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.65pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>If …</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.7pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Then…</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.65pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wanting the images to appear in order</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.7pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shuffle </b>to
turn <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shuffle</b> Off.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.65pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wanting the images to appear randomly</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 192.7pt;" valign="top" width="257">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Click <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shuffle </b>to
turn <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shuffle</b> On.</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 183.55pt; mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 183.55pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
12</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 183.55pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Choose a fit.</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 61.85pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Select…</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 323.5pt;" valign="top" width="431">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>To have the images…</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 61.85pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fill</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 323.5pt;" valign="top" width="431">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fill your screen top to bottom and side to side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: This can distort images.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 61.85pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fit</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 323.5pt;" valign="top" width="431">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fit the image proportionately on your screen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: No distortion but there may be a border.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 61.85pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stretch</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 323.5pt;" valign="top" width="431">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fill your screen top to bottom and side to side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: This can distort images.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 61.85pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tile</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 323.5pt;" valign="top" width="431">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Multiple copies fill your screen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: This works best with patterns, not photos.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 61.85pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Center</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 323.5pt;" valign="top" width="431">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Appear in the center of your screen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: This can distort images.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 61.85pt;" valign="top" width="82">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Span</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 323.5pt;" valign="top" width="431">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Span across more than one monitor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: This can distort images.</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 14; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 56.2pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 45.9pt;" valign="top" width="61">
<div class="MsoNormal">
13</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 56.2pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 396.9pt;" valign="top" width="529">
<div class="MsoNormal">
The process is complete.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: Free photos—primarily of San Francisco and Northern
California but also including Yellowstone National Park—are available on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/davereyn83/boards/">Pinterest Page</a>.</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-36109316182408875002016-02-23T19:02:00.001-08:002017-01-25T10:46:08.386-08:00Research Your Topic, Setting and Characters<div class="MsoNormal">
Factual details add depth to every short story and novel,
especially in terms of plot (killing a character in a murder mystery) physical
location (the names of streets for a chase scene in Rome), activities performed
by your characters (the equipment required to scuba dive in Norway compared to
snorkeling in the Bahamas) and character descriptions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good research makes your story more believable because the
author presents verifiable facts, interweaving “what if?” scenarios and
implausible actions in a logical format. While some of these details can come
from the author’s personal experience, it never hurts to perform additional
research.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Internet search engines such as <a href="https://www.google.com/">Google</a>, <a href="https://www.bing.com/">Bing</a>,
<a href="http://www.ask.com/">Ask</a>, <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/">Yahoo</a>
and others are all excellent sources of information, especially when
researching specific topics.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Check news sites for stories on your topic of choice. For example, a search for the <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1CHNQ_enUS536US536&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=zika+virus" target="_blank">Zika virus</a> had more than 44 million matches on Google alone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the pre-internet days, authors used libraries and books
for research. While many people consider libraries and paper books obsolete and
outdated in today’s technological world, books are still a very valuable
resource.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, let’s assume you are writing a murder mystery.
You want to have a victim die of poison, but not something exotic. Your villain
needs to be able to whip up a deadly dose using common kitchen items. Where can
you find a resource that helps you concoct just such a poison?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One answer is <a href="https://www.librarything.com/work/80355">Deadly Doses: a writer’s guide
to poisons</a>. Part of the <a href="https://www.librarything.com/series/Howdunit+Series">Howdunit Series</a>
of non-fiction books (currently 17 books) by experts in their fields, <i>Deadly Doses</i> was written by Serita
Stevens and Anne Klarner. One online review of <i>Deadly
Doses</i> is, “This book goes into detail about various poisons, the ease of
access in obtaining them, and everything else that would help to explain why a
character would choose a certain poison.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look hard enough and you can find answers to most of your
questions. Can food crops grow in Martian soil? <a href="http://www.andyweirauthor.com/">Andy Weir</a>, author of <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/feature/nine-real-nasa-technologies-in-the-martian/">The
Martian</a>, did his technology research.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good authors take copious notes, copy web page links or
both. When they get to a section where they need to describe a product or past
event, they can look it up. This author uses two monitors: one for writing and
one for research.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another great research tool is <a href="https://www.google.com/earth/">Google Earth</a>. Do you want to describe
a foreign land without paying a fortune to visit it, or clutter a table with
paper maps? Google has a free version for casual research and a fee-based pro version
that uses data layers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Authors can also use research to determine a character’s
appearance. Novelists can get sued for libel and defamation of character by describing
an individual too closely. For example, describing an ex-spouse or friend to
the level of detail where that person could reasonably assume the author was
writing about them—even with a different name—could get the author sued.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A vivid imagination lets you determine what kinds of personality
traits the character might and have what kinds of experiences they went through
to become the person they are. Research allows the author to describe physical characteristics
(e.g., scars, tattoos, eye color, hair color, etc.) can be associated with
those traits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A method I use during the writing and rewriting processes is
asking questions. A heroine sees she is about to be attacked by a mugger in
park. How can she defend herself? The author can include some references to
moves common in karate or tae kwon do to ensure the moves seem real.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The more accurate your research, the more real and enjoyable your book becomes to your reader, Believable descriptions make a huge difference in generating positive reviews, which translates into sales.</div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-25003959782938815502016-02-16T12:47:00.001-08:002016-02-23T19:04:58.330-08:00Critical Steps in Writing a Publishable Book<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Note:</b> Blog titles
and links to the posts will appear when each section is written.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please leave a comment for the author with any comments, ideas or suggestions for future
posts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Step<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Action<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Blog Title<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
1<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Perform market research.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 123.35pt;" valign="top" width="164"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>If you…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 123.4pt;" valign="top" width="165"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Then…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 123.35pt;" valign="top" width="164"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
find a market for your idea<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 123.4pt;" valign="top" width="165"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->write your story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->go to step 2.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 123.35pt;" valign="top" width="164"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
do not find a market for your
idea<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 123.4pt;" valign="top" width="165"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->revise the idea until you find one that is
in demand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->go to step 2.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://wordsbydavereyn.blogspot.com/2016/02/step-1-publishing-research.html" target="_blank">Publishing Research</a><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Research your topic.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #9e5205; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 20.8px; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal;"><a href="http://wordsbydavereyn.blogspot.com/2016/02/research-your-topic-setting-and.html" target="_blank">Research Your Topic, Setting and Characters</a></span></h3>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
3<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Write the first draft.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Perform steps 1 and 2 for a second
story.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Revise your first story’s first
draft.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Repeat several times.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Submit the story to test “beta”
readers for comments, ideas, suggestions and general feedback.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>If the reader feedback is…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Then…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
positive<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
go to step 7.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
negative<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->review your story paying particular
attention to suggestions on how to improve it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->revise your story.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
7<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Submit a query letter to a
publisher.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Note: </b>Submit to one publisher at a time since most publishers do
not allow simultaneous submissions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>If the query feedback is…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Then…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
positive<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->submit the complete manuscript.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->go to step 8.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
negative<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->revise your story paying particular
attention to suggestions on how to improve it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->submit the revised version to a different
publisher.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 35.9pt;" valign="top" width="48"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
8<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 223.35pt;" valign="top" width="298"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Determine if the publisher offers
you a contract.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>If the publisher feedback is…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Then…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
positive<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 23.1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->work with your assigned editor until the
book is published.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 23.1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Go to How to Market Your First Book (not yet
created).<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.85pt;" valign="top" width="118"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
negative<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.9pt;" valign="top" width="211"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 23.1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->revise your story paying particular
attention to suggestions on how to improve it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 23.1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->submit the revised version to a different
publisher.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-91281605782259020602016-02-16T12:46:00.001-08:002016-02-18T16:30:43.245-08:00Step #1: Research Potential Publishers<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Many people have these ideas and
think, “Hey, this would make a great story. I’ll sit down and write a novel.
People will love it, they will buy it and I can ride my idea to fame and
fortune.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Unfortunately, though, the odds
are heavily stacked against Joe or Jane Average becoming a published novelist,
let alone a successful one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Using hard work and a method I’m
sharing in a series of blog posts, I managed to beat the odds and have a
publishing company pick up my first novel. <i>Love
Comes With a Leash</i> is now available at <a href="http://www.lsbooks.com/">Liquid
Silver Books</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
There are a lot of obstacles authors
tend to place in their own paths, plus pitfalls that can doom even the best
intentions. With that warning in mind, an author’s first step after they have
an idea is to research the market for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Marketing professionals will
tell anyone willing to listen that good companies look to see what already
exists before they decide what products to produce. There is no sense spending
the time and money required to bring a product to market if the market is
already flooded with similar products.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
A critical point in marketing is
positioning your product so it can succeed, not fail. The best way to do that
from a potential author’s perspective is to examine publishers’ writing
guidelines before you start.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
For example, <a href="http://www.karenafox.com/publishers.htm">Karen Fox</a> has a detailed list
of Romance Publishers on her website.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Read the comments as a starting
point before following a link to the publisher’s guidelines.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
<i>Tips</i>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 57.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Some publishers only accept stories from
established literary agents representing authors that have a proven track
record of above-average sales. Skip these publishers until you have several
books published.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 57.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Concentrate on publishers willing to accept
unsolicited manuscripts since your first book will likely fall in that
category.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Examine several website for
notes, hints and guidelines in terms of what each publisher will consider or
reject outright. <a href="http://avonromance.com/impulse-welcome#.VsOHAPIrK9I">Avon
Romance</a> is a good starting point. <a href="http://www.lsbooks.com/author-w3.php" target="_blank">Liquid Silver Books</a> is another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Common comments include preferred
genres (Steam Punk, Historical Romances), minimum and maximum lengths (in
words), types of language, situations to concentrate on (super sexy heroes or
heroines) and situations to avoid (anything remotely resembling rape when used
for titillation).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Examine the <a href="http://avonromance.com/impulse-faq#.VsOHrfIrK9I">FAQ</a> (frequently
asked questions) sections. Here you can find questions you might ask when
submitting your book.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Taking notes will help you
decide where to eventually submit manuscript and which publishers to avoid.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
Only after you complete the
publisher research does it make sense to research your topic and eventually
start writing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
<i><o:p> </o:p>Author’s Note:</i> I am a Certified
Technical Writer, former weekly newspaper editor and now published author of <i>Love Comes With a Leash.</i></div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-91244764407415658832016-02-16T11:10:00.001-08:002016-02-16T11:30:16.959-08:00Commonalities Between Technical Writing and FictionAt first glance, technical writing and fiction have nothing in common beyond being documents Technical writing is frequently about process steps: how to get from here to there. Fiction is a story from the author's imagination.<br />
<br />
Ah, but fiction stories also have a starting point and an end, just like technical writing. Even serial stories generally come to a conclusion at the end of each story, though they leave the door open for more to come.<br />
<br />
First-time fiction writers can learn a few techniques from technical writing that can improve the quality and appeal of their stories, simply by applying a similar logical, methodical process to their stories.<br />
<br />
Start by looking at process technical documentation. This form of writing generally uses a Step-Action table listing a series of steps, many of which contain multiple actions. A common single step in a Step-Action table document includes:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The first sentence, known as a "stem" sentence, which introduces the reader to the action.</li>
<li>Level one bullet points list what actions to take. A single action is not bulleted; two or more actions are.</li>
<li>Level two bullet points provide additional details related to the level one bullet point directly above. Not all level one bullets contain level two bullets but all level two bullets must be preceded by a level one bullet</li>
<li>Notes provide additional clarification for a bullet point but do not require action on the reader's part.</li>
</ul>
Some process steps within a Step-Action table include embedded tables such as "If... Then...", "Step, Who... Does What..." or lists of terms and definitions or actions.<br />
<br />
<br />
Embedded tables contain at least two rows since they list actions and a single action is not a list. For example, an "If this... Then..." table has different responses for each action. If the answer is... Yes, Then... take this action. If the answer is... No, Then... take this different action.<br />
<br />
So how does this method apply to fiction?<br />
<br />
Consider the example of a hero responding to a phone call for help from a friend. The stem sentence is, "Harry, I need to your help, right now," one character says in the story. That creates a starting point. The end point is the hero delivering (or failing to deliver) the aid.<br />
<br />
Level one bullet points, but written in paragraph style, are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>How is the request for help sent? Is it a voice call on a cellphone phone, a text message, an email or a blood curdling scream heard through an open window?</li>
<li>How does the hero or heroine get from the current location to the victim's? Does the hero run, take a private car, use a taxi, jump on a bus, or fly?</li>
</ul>
<br />
Level two bullet points could be descriptions of the vehicle used to get from one spot to another. For example, "She ran down to the street, and jumped into her older, bashed, rusting but still powerful Ford Mustang before laying a streak of rubber on the asphalt while tearing off to the rescue.<br />
<br />
An "If... Then..." moment could refer to a decision the hero has to make on the route they use to drive to the victim. For example, "Cheri thought, "do I take Broadway, which is likely to be jammed with traffic right now, or the back way through the bad part of town, which I never use?"<br />
<br />
These are just some examples of applying technical writing to fiction. Keeping these non-fiction techniques in mind while writing fiction allows novelists and short story writers to keep readers engaged using believable plots and action sequences.<br />
<br />
Note: David B. Reynolds is a Certified Technical Writer and author of <i>Love Comes With a Leash</i>, available now through <a href="http://www.lsbooks.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Silver Books</a>Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-15196618399943705012015-01-24T19:52:00.000-08:002016-02-23T19:06:39.070-08:00Fiction Readers Wanted<div class="MsoNormal">
There is one crucial step authors should perform before
submitting fiction for publishing: getting people to read it and comment on it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having people read the stories lets authors use their feedback
to improve their work before publication. One-word comments such as “boring” or
“interesting” will not work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an author, I want to know what you found interesting,
what you found boring, what you liked and what you did not. The more detailed
your comments, the better the finished story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyone interested in reading and commenting on the stories
below should send a note to <a href="mailto:davereyn83@hotmail.com">davereyn83@hotmail.com</a>
listing the story or stories they want to read. I will respond to every serious
comment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Payment cannot be made for reading these stories. However,
anyone who submits a complete review will be acknowledged in any self-published
book or collection. The author will attempt to also list readers/reviewers as
contributors in stories or novels picked up publishers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Requirements for readers are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48.75pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A completed non-disclosure agreement (NDA).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48.75pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Willingness to provide several detailed
comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48.75pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Time to read my fiction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 12.75pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 12.75pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Note that:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->All stories listed below are original works of
fiction created by David B. Reynolds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->All rights are reserved to each story, plot,
summary, characters, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Some stories have two versions:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 84.75pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->One for mature audiences only<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 84.75pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->One for general audiences<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 12.75pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 12.75pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Stories
currently available for review include:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 12.75pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 12.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Working
Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Bring Little Gwen Home<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A considerate man’s offer of help
for a single mother turns into something neither one expects: romance. Love
blooms after the woman’s ex-husband steals her daughter and the mother and
her new friend do what is necessary to get her back.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genres<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Romance, erotic romance, general
fiction, suspense, action</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maturity
level<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Contains explicit sex scenes and
some descriptions of graphic violence. Written for mature audiences. Not
appropriate for anyone under 17.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Length
in words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
95,225</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Setting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
California’s Western Sierra
provides a scenic backdrop for this tale that shows what one man will do to
protect an innocent mother and her children.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Working
Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>All I Want Is To Be Published<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A would-be author gets more than
he bargained for when he obtains an interview with an all-woman erotic
publishing house.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genres<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Romance, erotic romance, humor</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maturity
level<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Contains explicit sex scenes and
some descriptions of graphic violence. Written for mature audiences. Not
appropriate for anyone under 17.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Length
in words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
7,933</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Settings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A typical two-story home in the
suburbs is an unusual location for an erotic publishing house, but that is
where aspiring author Roger Stein finds himself.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"></td></tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Working
Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Love in the Valley of Fire<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A man gets kidnapped and forced to
help a woman transport a load of cash and cocaine she stole from a Mexican
drug cartel.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genres<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Action/adventure, erotic romance</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maturity
level<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Contains explicit sex scenes and some
descriptions of graphic violence. Written for mature audiences. Not
appropriate for anyone under 17.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Length
in words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
23,640</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Settings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Set initially in the winter
wonderland that is Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and the Valley of Fire National Park
near Las Vegas become the background for this non-stop action story.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Working
Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Does God Play Dice With the Universe?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Man, and its successor species,
endeavor to find out the answer to a question, which is a restatement of a
comment by Albert Einstein, “God does not play dice with the Universe.” Are
you so sure?</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genres<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Science fiction</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maturity
level<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
General</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Length
in words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
988</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Settings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Space</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Working
Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>The Connected Computer Commuter<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A tech savvy commuter on a train
educates a woman about computers. A casual friendship deepens over time,
leading to romance and love.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genres<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Romance, erotic romance.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maturity
level<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Contains explicit sex scenes.
Written for mature audiences. Not appropriate for anyone under 17.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Length
in words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
15,156</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Settings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A major city, the country.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Working
Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Green Water, Red Blood<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A man taking scenic photos
interrupts an attempted murder and gets caught in the cross-hairs of a
blackmailer.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genres<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Action/adventure, romance, erotic
romance</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maturity
level<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Contains explicit sex scenes and
some descriptions of graphic violence. Written for mature audiences. Not
appropriate for anyone under 17.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Length
in words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
53,994</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Settings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Point Lobos National Seashore, San
Francisco and Mexico are the locations for this action-packed adventure
throwing a well-meaning man into dangers he never wanted or expected.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Working
Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Breaking the Circle of 13<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
An office drone gets far more than
he bargained for when he tries to comfort a distraught co-worker.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genres<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Action/adventure, romance, erotic
romance</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maturity
level<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Contains explicit sex scenes and
some descriptions of graphic violence. Written for mature audiences. Not
appropriate for anyone under 17.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Length
in words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
66,229</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Settings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A major city, the mountains.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Working
Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>The Gravity Shield<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
An apparently ignorant desert rat
enters a famous Chicago museum
claiming to have a 5-gallon bucket full of Martian rocks. A skeptical curator
learns, much to her surprise, the man is right.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genres<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Science fiction</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maturity
level<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
General</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Length
in words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
16,132</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 114.15pt;" valign="top" width="152"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Settings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 315.9pt;" valign="top" width="421"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Chicago, the International Space
Station and Mars all play a part in this fanciful “what if” tale.</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-399552891708977052014-12-02T19:30:00.002-08:002014-12-02T19:30:38.026-08:00Control What Appears on Your Blog<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is one key difference between Angie's List, Yelp and a Blog in terms of people commenting on a business?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All three allow people to make comments about a business, good, bad and indifferent. Customers or reviewers--which are often the same--can make any comments they wish. They can praise a business as being the best of its type they have ever seen or curse the owner's every waking moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each of these vehicles is a source of information that other people, especially potential customers, can use when deciding where to go and who to use for their service or product needs. However, each provides varying levels of content control.</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Angie's List</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This site requires:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Writers ("members") belong to the site, therefor paying a fee.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does not control any content on the pages, allowing anything--true, false or misleading--to appear in its site.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Permits non-paid responses to comments made about a business to appear on the same site, giving no more--or less--weight to those comments.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will not, under any circumstances, remove comments made by anyone. This applies even to those that meet the legal definition of libel or slander.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Disclaimer: a lack of a link to this site is intentional. This author refuses to support Angie's List in any way, shape or form based on a past attempt to remove defamatory content.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yelp</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yelp allows people to review businesses and websites. Yelp permits businesses to respond to comments, including negative ones. This means:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reviews are posted by individuals.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Businesses responding to reviews on Yelp should <a href="https://biz.yelp.com/support/responding_to_reviews" target="_blank">follow the company's suggestions.</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Individuals can control what they post, including removing reviews if they wish.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Businesses responding to a negative review may not make the situation better but in fact, make it worse.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<a href="http://wordsbydavereyn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blogs</span></a></h4>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blogs, such as this one, permit the blog "content owners" (i.e., the people who post content to it) to control comments and posts. In terms of comments, this means:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blog owners can determine what comments, if any, appear on their blog.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have the ability to not only edit their posts, but comments about those posts. Some blog owners only post positive feedback. Other choose not to post any.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have the ability to disregard or "blow off" negative comments and criticisms. It is best to only post negative comments when they are factually accurate. Posting comment promoting competing websites is bad for business.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Responding to Public Posts</span></h4>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How should a business respond to a public post, especially one critical of the company and/or an employee?</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Respond honestly and accurately, even if the original comment or review is false and misleading. Readers can make up their own minds, but only if you show them your business in a different light.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In general, use criticisms as a way of looking at how you are doing business. What can we learn from this comment? How can we get better? Then explain that in your reply.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Provide a link to your own blog, assuming the reviewing site allows it. This lets readers see other content not controlled by the negative reviewer. Most people will see the lone bad review as the exception when compared to 20 good ones.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ignore the negative review in extreme cases. Here is an example: an attempted comment, received 12/2/14 from a man who has previously defamed my character, states in part, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Fraudulent blog as (he) is unable to write a sentence let along a paragraph. All of this blog stuff, in my view looks copied, or worse, plagiarized in my judgement." (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Note: this comment was marked as spam and the poster blocked from commenting on my blogs.)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How should a company <i>not</i> respond to a negative comment? Never use any of these methods, no matter how tempting:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Offer the negative reviewer some form of compensation if they change their review to a positive one.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go into a back-and-forth public debate with a negative reviewer. The other person sets the rules. This means you will always lose.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tell the negative person to, "go slither back under the rock you came out from," or words to that effect. While these comments let you vent your anger, they do nothing to change the situation.</span></li>
</ul>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-89725356155536631742014-03-28T06:55:00.001-07:002014-03-28T06:55:19.468-07:00ApologiesApologies for the delay in getting new material up. I've been writing a lot, but almost exclusively fiction.<br />
Tips for novelists and short story writers :"TK" (journalistic jargon for "to come" and why it's misspelled baffles me).<br />
<br />
Here's a teaser.<br />
<b>Believability</b> is a key element in good fiction. "She waved her hand and a new world was created with air, water, plants, animals and people who worshiped every cell of her godly being." Yeah, right. No one will believe this ... unless you can find a way to make it seem real.<br />
"She stared into the microscope and looked at the 'world' she had created, one populated by single cell organisms, and it was good. And it was doomed. Reading off a card she turned to her co-worker and yelled, "Harry, Batch XC17862 is ready for processing."<br />
Now your opening sentence makes sense. Your readers know that if the microorganisms could think, they might worship her, but in the real world, she was a lab tech. Your opening statement was unbelievable but the supporting comments explained it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-51202903864682444922013-06-21T10:35:00.001-07:002013-06-21T10:35:17.906-07:00Use Word’s Reviewing Functions For Maximum Effect<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LYINtSybH3lEX85aCcVRsh9q-hb35w5ZmYF5i04icqS1CHjLQQjAoKfkB9h7916Dwfyr1Fn5hlQWGKa7Zj_8W9Mv8P_eqqLdZcuOdLJeODdMDDZ4VQiIX_iLbdHfIoiS1GR4G8ySe6U/s1600/Review+tab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LYINtSybH3lEX85aCcVRsh9q-hb35w5ZmYF5i04icqS1CHjLQQjAoKfkB9h7916Dwfyr1Fn5hlQWGKa7Zj_8W9Mv8P_eqqLdZcuOdLJeODdMDDZ4VQiIX_iLbdHfIoiS1GR4G8ySe6U/s640/Review+tab.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft Word's Reviewing Tab options include three key buttons: New Comment, Track Changes and Final: Show Markup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One of the ways Microsoft Word can help your business grow is by allowing several people to work on a document. Several people giving input means the document stands a better chance of achieving its desire results.</div>
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From versions 2007 on, Word includes a Review tab filled with tools that lets people comment on a document.</div>
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To use the Reviewing functions, switch to the Review Tab and familiarize yourself with the tools. <i>Spelling & Grammar</i> should be used on every document, no matter how many people read it or approve it. The <i>Thesaurus</i> is helpful when you want to avoid using the same word several times in a sentence or paragraph. <i>Word Count</i> is helpful in ensuring some sentences and paragraphs are not too long, which can bore your reader. The <i>Translate</i> function works OK in a pinch … but not as well as having a native speaker review it.</div>
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Three key functions are <i>New Comment</i> (Previous and Next are simply navigation tools), <i>Track Changes</i> and <i>Final: Show Markup</i>. Let’s examine each of these functions in detail.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0fp-uxxjuRtXCl-xWiFYAIt7CCKcfsJs389bM4CcgKwaV9hV3_rtuPowkYn-IBbWLYJbK9f5cpzutKR21yl58ONItJdCf7J2bxeQWFTgpJQi-su3s4vF8B8Fem69uIJ__5z1aQWevRA/s1600/comments+shown+in+balloons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0fp-uxxjuRtXCl-xWiFYAIt7CCKcfsJs389bM4CcgKwaV9hV3_rtuPowkYn-IBbWLYJbK9f5cpzutKR21yl58ONItJdCf7J2bxeQWFTgpJQi-su3s4vF8B8Fem69uIJ__5z1aQWevRA/s640/comments+shown+in+balloons.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gives example of Word's reviewing comments.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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New Comment</h3>
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Use <i>New Comment</i> when you want to say something about part of the document. Click your mouse where you want to insert the comment. Alternately, highlight a section and then click to show your comment applies to that portion only.</div>
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Use the <i>New Comment</i> balloons to insert corrections and suggestions. Examples can include: “The sales price listed here is wrong. The new price is …” “You are missing a word here.” “Are you sure this is accurate? It doesn’t match what I know.”</div>
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In the interest of teamwork and morale building, be sure to include at least one compliment when the writer makes an especially good point.</div>
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Another tip: Adding too many comments makes the document impossible to read. The original writer can get confused about what changes to apply and where to make them.</div>
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A benefit of the <i>New Comment</i> function is that it automatically inserts the initials of the person making the comment. The initials let the original writer keep track of who said what and who wants what.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFTs4OJvEJmJAYPrd_5n-59cSzzcgxSt9QYH5t07FTw6-bxIyIBdlmbinLnMchoGy83NvLjNRVGVQ-6_rT18JOfxZ9HICnuFgGIQ3BNOPkB5KOviSCP3myIP83CjAid_-PHo6x8Ir9KA/s1600/track+changes+in+effect.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFTs4OJvEJmJAYPrd_5n-59cSzzcgxSt9QYH5t07FTw6-bxIyIBdlmbinLnMchoGy83NvLjNRVGVQ-6_rT18JOfxZ9HICnuFgGIQ3BNOPkB5KOviSCP3myIP83CjAid_-PHo6x8Ir9KA/s400/track+changes+in+effect.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track Changes shows all alterations, no matter how minor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Arial MT Black', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
Track Changes</h3>
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When <i>Track Changes</i> is turned on, every alteration to the document, to the point of every backspace and minor correction, is documented. This includes major revisions, like chopping out a paragraph or section, and minor ones such as altering punctuation.</div>
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Some companies like to use this method on every document. Personal preference is to save multiple named versions of a document when wholesale revisions are going to be made. Having “draft1a,” “draft1b,” “draft2” and “FINAL,” for example, lets you make major changes and not erase critical information from an earlier version.</div>
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Final: Show Markup</h3>
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“<i>Final: Show Markup</i>” is one of several reviewing options you can select from a drop-down list. Others include “<i>Original</i>,” “<i>Original Show Markup</i>” and “<i>Final</i>.”</div>
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These options let you see what changes were made. The person with final authority can then decide if they like all, some or none of the later changes.</div>
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Going to “<i>Final</i>” option (the Show Markup is not selected) lets the reader see a complete version without the distractions of comments and indications of minor revisions. The “Final” version shows you what the document would look like if you printed it or sent it to someone.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: 'Arial MT Black', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
Other Tools And When To Use Them</h3>
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“Everyone makes mistakes but to really screw up requires a committee.” If you agree with that comment, you can understand why Microsoft included the <i>Accept</i> and <i>Reject</i> changes buttons.</div>
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Just because one person makes a comment does not mean the boss agrees with their assessment. If the author does not like a comment—the referenced error has been fixed but the reader missed it—they can reject it.</div>
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<i>Compare</i> lets you compare two versions of a document side by side. This is very helpful when you want to ensure no errors have been added to a document and that key information is present.</div>
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<i>Restrict Editing</i> is helpful when many documents are on an open network. People who may not need to comment, or whose changes could be detrimental, can be locked out by the original author. When an unauthorized person tries to read such a document, they will see a message saying, “Document Locked for Editing.”</div>
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They can still copy the document and make changes to the copy, but they cannot alter the original.</div>
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<br /></div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-15043046057962740632013-05-27T13:58:00.003-07:002013-05-27T13:58:59.081-07:00Is Your Business Reactive or Proactive?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<o:p><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Introduction</b></span></o:p></div>
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Business moves at the speed of communications. Excellent communications lets your firm get and stay ahead of the competition. Some businesses only interact with their customers after a change in the marketplace. The more successful firms are those who <i>move</i> the market.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvYCeDA42yVD_G5ty_h5MiMnn2-5XSKfXFBh2Thqe_HEB3-8Zwh4hCkdOWa1d00F6zsLplbTvfiiYj7lQbgQ24Ax-akbLTy4CetrzmF9FoWfvnFxL7WPqG6D01PKKLRc3JVdZkWOdopc/s1600/offensive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvYCeDA42yVD_G5ty_h5MiMnn2-5XSKfXFBh2Thqe_HEB3-8Zwh4hCkdOWa1d00F6zsLplbTvfiiYj7lQbgQ24Ax-akbLTy4CetrzmF9FoWfvnFxL7WPqG6D01PKKLRc3JVdZkWOdopc/s320/offensive.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proactive businesses thrive at the expense of reactive ones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
Reactive firms are like surfers who sit inside the break line. A big wave comes and swamps them. Proactive firms are like the surfers who sit on their boards outside the break. When the big swells come, they are ready to go for a long, exhilarating ride.</div>
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Is Your Firm Reactive?</h3>
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Reactive firms are those who wait for their competition to make the first move then respond. An example is a company that is the only one of its type in a given territory. One day, a second firm opens its doors. The first firm only takes action—it reacts—after its competitor arrives.</div>
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Another example involves technology. Does your firm still use fax machines? Do your clients?</div>
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If so, you and your clients are living in the past when facsimile machines were standard practice. Now email is far faster and offers better quality than faxes. Faxes are poor quality (150 dots per inch) black and white only. Screen resolution is 72 dots per inch, but with millions of color possibilities. Screens—and emails—also have the option of attaching documents of at least 300 dpi, which is the minimum standard for quality printing.</div>
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One example of how this quality shows up is sending images to clients and potential customers. If you want to send yellow text on a red background, it will look colorful in an email. It will look like gray mush in a fax.</div>
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Ah, so you finally equipped your sales staff with laptops? Good for you … except you’re behind the times.</div>
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Today having a sales force with cellular tablets—ones that can connect to the Internet and thereby send orders directly to you—is the wave of the present. Tablets have screens large enough to be readable but small enough to fit in a purse or small satchel.</div>
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Reactive firms are stuck in the past, both technologically and in their mindsets. “The old days were good enough for us” is their mentality.</div>
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Is Your Firm Proactive?</h3>
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Proactive firms are ahead of the curve, not behind it.</div>
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These firms are constantly aware of what their competition is doing. They also make steps to protect their territory by asking questions of current and potential clients. Proactive companies take steps to make it unprofitable for anyone else butt in.</div>
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Proactive firms are those who were among the first to adopt the latest technology. They look at new hardware products—tablets for example—and software—like Pinterest—and see how they can serve the company’s needs. They are also keeping their eyes on emerging technologies and threats for potential impacts good and bad.</div>
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Instead of shrinking their business, proactive firms are looking to expand it. This expansion might include broadening the physical scope of where they operate, such as going from one city to an entire state. The expansion may include broadening their product and/or service lines, adding kid’s wear to a firm that traditionally only sold women’s clothing.</div>
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Proactive firms are active in the present and looking at the future. “Yesterday was OK, today is good but we will make tomorrow even better” is their approach.</div>
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Moving From Reactive To Proactive Starts With SWOT</h3>
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How can a company move from being reactive, responding to intrusions into their sales territory by either abandoning it or taking action when it’s too little, too late?</div>
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Start with a SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Honestly examine your own firm. Also look at your top competitors and those on the rise.</div>
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Where are your strengths? What do you do better than everyone else?</div>
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What are your weaknesses? What does each competitor do better than you? Where do other firms out perform you?</div>
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Where are there opportunities for you to become more efficient? Where are there places for you to grow?</div>
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In what areas are you seeing sales reductions? Where are you seeing drops inefficiency, an increase in customer complaints, a decline in morale?</div>
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Don’t say that the current approach is adequate. Constantly ask yourself, “How can we be better?”</div>
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There Are Costs In Money, People And Pain</h3>
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Going forward—growing—is a painful process. You are going to spend money and you may well lose a few long-time employees in the process.</div>
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Consider this example. Your SWOT report says it’s time to dump the one centrally located black and white copier you’ve had for 5-10 years and replace it with several smaller printers closer to where people work. If you follow that course of action, you will dump an older piece of equipment. You will also end a business relationship with the firm servicing your copier.</div>
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Hiring relatives or friends is always a bad move, no matter how well qualified they are. There comes a time when they get too comfortable and start under-performing. They also may not respond positively to your criticism and performance review.</div>
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Use the result of your SWOT analysis to look at ways to move forward. This may mean:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Bringing in an outside evaluator to assess each person’s performance. Consider including top management in this evaluation. Is this the right person for their current job? Is someone else better qualified in terms of knowledge, experience and personality for this position? Is this person being underutilized in their current occupation?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Evaluate your business relationships with other firms. Are they providing the goods or services you need in a timely manner? Are they providing them at a good price? Is a slightly higher price or slightly longer delivery compensated by consistent products and services?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Evaluate your current markets. Compare your progress over time both to your firm and to your competitors’. Are you moving faster than they are, or are you falling behind?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Where can we grow?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Use social media, such as Facebook, to ask the public, “how can we improve?” You just might get some product ideas you hadn’t considered. Even in a worst case scenario, many people will respond positively because you are asking <i>them</i> for their opinions. You don’t have to act on them, but at least consider what current and potential customers say.</div>
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This knowledge m ay well mean ending some personal and business relationships. Long-term employees may be reassigned, asked to retire or fired. Other people may be given a heavier workload without any additional compensation.</div>
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Cut out the deadwood—the people who are being paid for doing nothing—and bring in people wanting and willing to work. Get people who are excited to come to work, not those who are more excited about going out for a beer after hours. Make the workplace fun and exciting, not full of stress.</div>
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Ask a woman if giving birth to her children was a very painful experience. She will say yes … but the results are worth it. The same thing applies to growing your business. It’s painful but in the long run, your firm will be better for it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkkVqA87Y_X75qkViqmVf4i9eX4kDKjLN6dY0vcNdUSdf-mqKOYwQWH1i9eLFU7Qxvu10zQHFdIdjIPkdsFgzlr-5dSKGNiSDcg23_3cEWA4y6UcXcj0LN7T7TlAZxBHp9TKJV8dBsNA/s1600/business+plan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkkVqA87Y_X75qkViqmVf4i9eX4kDKjLN6dY0vcNdUSdf-mqKOYwQWH1i9eLFU7Qxvu10zQHFdIdjIPkdsFgzlr-5dSKGNiSDcg23_3cEWA4y6UcXcj0LN7T7TlAZxBHp9TKJV8dBsNA/s320/business+plan.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use your data to make a plan for growing your business.</td></tr>
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Use Your Data To Make A Plan</h3>
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Information filed in a drawer or stuck in some folder on a server is worthless if it is never used. Use the results of your SWOT analysis and any comments from outsiders to create a plan.</div>
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Have immediate, moderate and long-term goals and objectives plus plans for achieving them. Make the goals realistic and achievable. If the goals are too outlandish, you can never accomplish them.</div>
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On May 25, 1961 President John F. Kennedy said the U.S. should have a man on the moon by the end of the decade. On July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong fulfilled Kennedy’s promise.</div>
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Landing a man on the moon was the long-term goal. The immediate task was creating an organization and infrastructure to make the end goal possible. Kennedy used an existing organization—NASA, founded in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower—for this purpose.</div>
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If your goal is to double the number of products you sell, start by using your marketing and sales department to determine which products best fit those currently being sold.</div>
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Kennedy’s intermediate goal was creating the vehicles necessary to achieve the final goal of landing a man on the moon. Your intermediate goal may involve adding (and training) staff and equipment to achieve your goal.</div>
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Kennedy’s long-term goal was achieved only after the short- and long-term goals were reached. If you use and existing department, or create a new one, then staff and equip it, you can reach your goals.</div>
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Be Flexible</h3>
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Military officers will tell you that no battle plan survives contact with the enemy. In the war of business against business, a competitor’s action may make your new business plan obsolete.</div>
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For example, if you are planning to market a new line of active wear aimed at older adults, and your number two competitor beats you to it, pause for a second. You might well decide to continue with your own plan as it is. Alternately, you might make some changes to take advantage of holes in what your competitor is doing.</div>
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Older adults, for example, tend to get most of their information from traditional media sources such as print publications and broadcast media. If your competitor is only advertising on social media and ignoring print, you’ve got an opening to skewer them royally.</div>
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Create A Plan For Creating Plans</h3>
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Having a plan for creating action plans allows you to move faster than creating each action plan individually.</div>
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Start by working backwards from your long-term goals to your intermediate goals to your short-term goals. You already know where you are. After determining your long-term goals, you know where you want to go.</div>
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With start and ending points in hand, and a flexible mindset, create the policies and procedures needed to achieve your goals.</div>
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Once you’ve created a rough plan, ask your staff for feedback. Ask the people who will do the work these questions:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Are our goals achievable? Why? Why not?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Are there steps we can eliminate to save time? Are there steps we should add to protect ourselves?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>How would you change this plan to make it more effective?</div>
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Once you’ve gotten feedback, consider rewarding people whose comments made a difference. Everyone likes a reward so people may try harder if they have something to gain.</div>
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Conclusion</h3>
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Being proactive means taking steps to move forward, not sitting around waiting for someone else to act.</div>
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Proactive firms are constantly seeking to improve and expand. They conduct regular SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analyses both to see where they are and how they can get better.</div>
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Consider the human element, not just the facts. People are going to be impacted by your actions.</div>
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Be organized. Create a plan for creating plans so you can respond faster to threats and new opportunities.</div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-14319257587856268622013-05-17T14:08:00.002-07:002013-05-17T14:08:47.438-07:00Think Like A Reader<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WBxNdzfVbMdTzNaxYu9arOvA66an1Q8BevnbGahBr5loSkXm4kllHNfxSl-2YuxXdP0NvF2iXPq8yszOwkGHX1KjGtYtgPN1RceSNkj4KMGVx3r8PNILXolwCQ_85Mmn8lo5-3x2S-8/s1600/Reader1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WBxNdzfVbMdTzNaxYu9arOvA66an1Q8BevnbGahBr5loSkXm4kllHNfxSl-2YuxXdP0NvF2iXPq8yszOwkGHX1KjGtYtgPN1RceSNkj4KMGVx3r8PNILXolwCQ_85Mmn8lo5-3x2S-8/s400/Reader1.JPG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Think Like A Reader when you write ... anything.</td></tr>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: 'Arial MT Black', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Introduction</span></o:p></div>
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How many writers do you know who write from a reader’s perspective? Odds are, you know few if any writers using this approach.</div>
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My take is writing exclusively from a corporate perspective is not only old-fashioned, but very ineffective. Writing from a reader’s perspective is essential if you want to capture not only their attention, but their desires.</div>
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The ‘Old’ Way Of Writing</h3>
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In The Beginning … there were stone tablets and ponderous, stone-like marketing methods. Companies decided what products to make. They made them. They decided what products to make available to consumers. Consumers picked the products they liked from the limited—compared to today—choices. Manufacturers were happy. Consumers were slightly satisfied, but often not thrilled.</div>
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Business writing followed the corporate edict of. “This is what we have. This is why you should buy it.” This method was based on the desires of the corporation not the needs or wants of the consumer.</div>
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Then things changed.</div>
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The Internet appeared and all of a sudden—overnight in the eyes of some slow-moving corporations—consumers had access to many more choices. Instead of one brand of breakfast cereal, there were 30, 50 or more. And with this explosion of products all competing for the same consumers, business writing was dragged kicking and screaming into a new century.</div>
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Consumer-Centric Writing</h3>
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“Think Like A Reader” simply means that writers <b>must</b> include the needs of their audience when writing … anything.</div>
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Audiences don’t go to movie theaters to hear someone preach a religious gospel. They don’t go the nearest cinema complex to be lectured about morality or the problems with the political party in charge. Audiences go to theaters to be entertained.</div>
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Reader’s don’t pick up a gun magazine expecting to read about the latest in women’s fashions unless those fashions happen to relate to camouflage clothing. And they don’t read a cooking magazine expecting to learn how to field-strip a pistol.</div>
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Readers pick up different print publications seeking information and/or entertainment. They do the same thing with their online sources. When they go to a news site, they are looking for information. When they go to an entertainment site, they want to be transported to a world far away from their current problems.</div>
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And when readers go to a business-oriented website or blog, they want to know why they should spend their hard-earned money on <i>your</i> products instead of someone else’s.</div>
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‘Why?’ Is At The Center of This Approach</h3>
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Journalists use the approach of the “5 W’s and 1 H” in their writing. This stands for who, what, when, where, why and how as in, “who was involved?,” “What happened?,” “When did it happen?,” “Where did it take place?,” “Why did it happen?” and “How did it occur?”</div>
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Effective business communications uses this same information but presented differently. Consumers still want to know, “who is selling this product or service?,” “what is this product?,” “when is it available?” and “where can I get it?” A key difference between journalism and marketing is that consumer are not asking “why did something occur?” but instead, “why should I buy it?”</div>
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That is where “Think Like A Reader” comes into play.</div>
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Consumers Need To Be Sold, Not Told</h3>
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Back in the days of small towns having one grocery store, shoppers had one practical choice: buy what was available or go without.</div>
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Now in the days where even small towns have two, three or 300 grocery stores, consumers have become far better educated. If they don’t like the local selection, they can order it online from anywhere and have it shipped to their door. Consumers want to be sold, not told on what to buy.</div>
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Granted, there are some people who will “do as they are told” and buy what a given corporation is selling … but there are a lot less of them to day than there were 20, 30 or 50 years ago. We have access to a lot more information, more than our grandparents often even dreamed of. Your average homeowner can buy a computer hard drive that can store the entire plain text works of the Library of Congress and have extra space, too.</div>
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The Essential ‘Think Like A Reader’</h3>
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“Think Like A Reader” simply means persuading each and every reader that the material you are presenting to them has value to the reader. Your blog post, web page or press release can have value to an organization or corporation as well, but it <b>must</b>create value to consumers before it does anything else.</div>
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Your documents must clearly and explicitly explain why your message fulfills a need or want that individual reader has.</div>
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Tell each reader <i>why</i> they should care about your product. Explain <i>how</i> it meets their immediate or future needs. Don’t say these message once, but at every opportunity.</div>
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For example, let’s say your company sells smart phones. You can list a string of features your newest phone has, but only if you explain how each feature or the combination of all features meets their needs.</div>
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Let’s say your phone includes a feature called “parental controls.” Just listing that feature without any explanation is going to generate a shrug at best.</div>
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Ah, but change your message and “Think Like A Reader.” “Our newest phone has parental controls. These controls let you limit which websites your children visit and who they can talk to.” You’ve now told readers <i>why</i> your parental control feature is important to them.</div>
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Some people like to compare and contrast products. You can create documents that explain the difference between your own products or between your products and those of a competitor.</div>
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Phone A, for example may be your lowest priced model. It has a set of features one person could describe as “stripped down” while another person calls them “essential.”</div>
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Phone B would likely have all of the features of Phone A plus additional options. For example, if Phone A has a single camera pointed away from the user, Phone B could include a second camera facing the user. You could explain the difference as “allowing users to enjoy face-to-face conversations even when they are miles apart.”</div>
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Provide Value</h3>
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The difference between any combination of similar products today is not in what they do. Three cell phones all let you send and receive calls and surf the Internet. The difference is in the value they bring to specific consumers.</div>
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A tablet with a built-in voice to text software offers a value to a select set of workers—say doctors taking notes on a patient—versus one requiring a clunky keyboard. A mobile phone with tiny keys may be effective for writing brief text messages, but lousy when taking notes at a meeting.</div>
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Your documents should provide value to your readers. They should give them reasons to read the headline, the first paragraph and every successive graph.</div>
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The more value your documents provide, the more likely readers are to come back to you for more.</div>
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Think Like Your Readers, All Of Them</h3>
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Thinking like a reader means not only writing for one group of readers, but adjusting your writing to handle the different needs of varying groups.</div>
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Teenagers have one set of requirements in a cell phone. Parents have other needs when buying cell phones for their teenagers. Hunters need one type of weapon. Police officers and soldiers have drastically different requirements.</div>
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Taking each of these needs into account means either creating one document that explains everything to everyone or creating a series of documents oriented at specific groups.</div>
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For example, your cell phone website could have a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). On it you could rephrase the same essential question of “why should I buy this model?” from several perspectives.</div>
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You could explain features aimed at youth, such as its ability to send text messages. You could explain how it has a feature that converts speech to text so users can concentrate their attention on other tasks, such as walking. You could even explain how your service plans allow unlimited text messages for a low monthly rate, regardless if these messages are sent by an individual, a family or a company.</div>
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Corporate communicators might create one document aimed at consumers and another at executives. Consumers want to know why they should purchase a product. Executives want to know if they will make enough profit to justify making the product.</div>
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Tell ‘Em, Tell ‘Em What You Told ‘Em</h3>
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There is an old advertising adage that goes like this: “Tell ‘em. Tell ‘Em what you told ‘em. Tell ‘em again.”</div>
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Good communicators essentially do the same thing. They give readers a reason for reading their document. Then the good writers give them another reason to keep reading and another and another, etc.</div>
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Good writing also has a beginning, a middle and an end. The beginning tells people what the article is about. The middle gives them the details and the end wraps it up. Every document gives you at least three spots where you can explain why a consumer will want to buy your products.</div>
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Summary</h3>
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“Think Like A Reader” is a writing style that puts the needs of the readers <i>first</i>. You are writing blog posts, web page stories and press releases to be read, not tossed in the recycling bin. Readers are the reason you are writing. Write with <i>their </i>needs in mind first, second and always.</div>
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“Thinking Like A Reader” means writers seek to persuade readers that the information in each document provides value to them. Tell them what a product does then explain how it benefits them.</div>
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Corporate communications that consider the consumer first will succeed while those that put the corporation first will fail. Why? Because you will not have a corporation if all of your customers buy from the competition.</div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-60041111652457077762013-05-06T11:50:00.000-07:002013-05-06T11:50:45.543-07:00Fund Raising Events Should Have Three Goals<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXB4X6VEq1NRAZ3efzT7Vw03FiLC_zS1s3QEe6mvzc6N_oXbb5g-VIaZyPFbqH2MTrFsmJbpj-jp13UpamqCH70vcKqrFFMW3R-7zA0uNK_hJqff89QmnklUwh3oCU-RFVj7ep95CKoM/s1600/pancakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXB4X6VEq1NRAZ3efzT7Vw03FiLC_zS1s3QEe6mvzc6N_oXbb5g-VIaZyPFbqH2MTrFsmJbpj-jp13UpamqCH70vcKqrFFMW3R-7zA0uNK_hJqff89QmnklUwh3oCU-RFVj7ep95CKoM/s400/pancakes.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Bishop Lions Club pancake breakfast raised money plus awareness and interest in the group.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Introduction</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The sponsoring group at a fund-raising event I attended several years ago was thrilled with the money it raised, even though participation dropped slightly from the year before. Using a different approach, though, would have generated a lot more money, a much greater turnout and probably increased the group’s volunteer base.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Non-profit organizations are always holding fund-raisers, or so it seems. Yet some seem to attract hundreds of people and raise thousands of dollars for their causes, while others are barely noticed. Why do some events work well and others bomb?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Effective events have clear goals and well thought-out ways of achieving those goals. They also have teams of people working together to achieve them. A good communications strategy will help achieve these goals while a bad or non-existent one will event doom the event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Goal 1: Increasing Public Awareness</h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Non-profit organizations should always have three goals in mind for every fund-raising event. In order of importance they are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Increasing public awareness about its cause and educating the public about the organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Recruiting new members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">3.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Raising money to help achieve the organization’s goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Increasing public awareness about a cause is a task that needs constant work. The minute the public forgets about a cause and the group working on it, both the cause and the group are banished to obscurity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here’s an example. Off-shoots of two nearby local Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) are dedicated to helping low-income student have good shoes. Group A has a website, regularly updates its postings and shortly before the school year starts, runs a massive publicity campaign. Group B does not have a website, has several people who could care less and never seeks publicity or donations. Guess which one is successful?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A good way for many groups to gain public attention is by finding and attending other local events, primarily those attracting a lot of people. If your event promotes literacy, having a booth at high school football games helps since both students and their parents attend. Every person you talk to is one more person exposed to your message.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A second method is by holding events that generate press coverage. You will want to tread that fine line between getting enough press to help your cause but not dominate the local media at the expense of other non-profits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A third way to gain exposure is using the Internet. A website and social media presence are required for non-profits today just as they are for every business. List all sorts of details about what your group does, who it is and what it needs online. Include a calendar and testimonials from people who have been helped by your group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Goal 2: Recruiting New Members</h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The biggest problem most non-profits have is a lack of manpower. People have fantastic ideas that they want to see turned into action but the group does not have enough bodies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Getting out among other local residents lets groups promote their agendas. They can also find people who might not have any money to spare, but do have free time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The more active volunteers a group has, the better its chances for survival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A key to recruiting new members—and this cannot be stressed enough—is be sure your group accepts <b>everyone</b> who expresses an interest. I’ve seen many civic groups that had declining membership despite an effort to recruit more people. Why? Because the existing members only recruited among their friends, not the general public.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Community service groups such as the Lions Club and Rotary International often have problems keeping their chapters going. The issue is they do not recruit enough younger members to replace the older ones who lack the stamina to work large events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Goal 3: Raising Money</h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The stated purpose of a fund-raiser is adding funds to your group’s coffers. The more money your group has, the better it can help your cause. But if you are going to raise money, do it wisely and effectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most fund-raisers get their money through a combination of three methods:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> An admission fee, which often includes a meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Raffles, with people buying chances to win donated items.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">3.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Auctions of both the silent (write a bid on a piece of paper, with the highest bid getting the item) and live (highly entertaining) varieties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other methods include selling beverages at an open no-host bar and specialty events such as “casino nights” where the money and friendship flow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Earning money wisely means charging the right amount for the people your group wants to attract. A rule of thumb is the more money you charge, the fewer people will show up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, make sure your admission fee and meal relates well to the local economy. For example, don’t charge a high meal fee in a depressed area. Instead of a catered event, cook hamburgers and hotdogs or spaghetti. You’ve just lowered your charge and your cost and made more money through a higher volume.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lower fees also tend to attract an ethnically diverse younger crowd, rather than only middle-age Caucasians. Opening the event up through lower prices also means a greater opportunity to recruit volunteers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now let’s take a look at raffles. These items are typically donated by group members, such as bottles of wine, and local merchants, such as gift certificates. Make sure there are plenty of good-quality donated items for your raffle, but keep the top-tier stuff for your auction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Auctions are where the real money is. Get several top-tier items—like designer dog dresses for an event benefitting a pet charity—and many more medium-grade items for your auction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lessons I’ve learned from attending and working these events are: set the initial prices high enough to raise money for your group, but not so high no one will bid on them. If an item does not get any bids, save it for a future event and place a different, lower price on it. Even better, have the auctioneer say something like, “We don’t want to store these great items so we’re forgetting the minimum bid. Who wants to make an offer?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good auctioneers can then get the crowd going and the money flowing. You may not make the previous minimum bid, but you might make more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, request people write their names on silent auction items, not anonymous numbers. The idea is to make bidding a game, pitting friends against each other in a gentle competition to see who “wins” the prize. When you don’t know who you’re bidding against, this competition and fun vanishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good fund-raisers generate thousands of dollars for their charities. Why? Because they use both a silent and live auction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Effective Fund-raisers Also Educate the Public</h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Effective fund-raisers raise lots of money for their non-profit organizations. They also increase public awareness and provide a venue for recruiting new members. Good ways to achieve these goals are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have an organization member speak briefly about what the group accomplished last year and what its goals for next year are. For example, have the president say something like, “With the $5,000 we raised last year we were able to buy 200 new books and several large print volumes for our vision-impaired patrons.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Explain what the group does, how often it meets and what it focuses on. For example, the president of a pet charity could say, “Our goal is to make sure every pet has a good home and that none go without food or shelter. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at the local animal shelter. Everyone is invited to attend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Consider having a booth at the event with photos of past events and items the group bought with money raised from similar fund-raisers. This same booth, staffed with volunteers, can be used at other events to raise community awareness. Let your photos tell people what your group does. Have some printed materials available. Include your website link on everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be sure to publicly thank key sponsors and staff. The organization president should always thank the staff members who volunteered at the event. Sponsors and top donors should also be publicly thanked before the night’s entertainment starts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Other Ways To Raise Money Include …</h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">When one event starts generating a lot of money and enough interest where larger halls are needed to hold it, consider holding a second similar event, but in a different area. This way, you attract new people who may not be able to make the main event and bring those who had a gas back for more fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can also think about s</span>elling advance raffle tickets. Either have a high value prize (one charity holds an annual drawing for a fishing boat, motor and trailer and sells tickets year-round), or prizes limited only to advance sales. The easiest way to do this is by using different color tickets.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Persuade local merchants to attend the event in person. If you can get the top merchants in town to show up—and promote their attendance—people who know and respect them will also come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have contests that help generate interest in the event. Pet events could include several animals available for adoption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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And Finally …</h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">When your event is over and all the trash picked up, it’s time for three more tasks:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Thank the people who did all of the work. Without people to pick up and buy the food, rent the hall, gather chairs and clean up the trash, you would not have an event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Send thank-you letters to sponsors and key donors. The letters should list the dollar amount of their donation for tax purposes and explain how the event wouldn’t have been a success without their help. These letters ensure you get more donations next year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">3.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Take stock of what you learned. Make notes of what worked, what could be tweaked and run better next year and what flopped. This way, you can always a good event better and raise even more money for your charity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good luck in your fund raising adventures.</span></div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-11284183823853198232013-03-18T13:28:00.003-07:002013-03-18T13:28:30.975-07:00How Much Are You Worth?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwomagFBW1DIu9Kk5porjpmJkN8XnQLQ6_ui9ZnU4aOU2jgkIjLZ1eFRHYelBVsxz_5ZIfJWLMsUS0ibwsTbEGdxjKN07mlY7gw-Vj02wpnc7YM9CAvMKfAnftFndemj5Ddt7i-lgagv8/s1600/value.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwomagFBW1DIu9Kk5porjpmJkN8XnQLQ6_ui9ZnU4aOU2jgkIjLZ1eFRHYelBVsxz_5ZIfJWLMsUS0ibwsTbEGdxjKN07mlY7gw-Vj02wpnc7YM9CAvMKfAnftFndemj5Ddt7i-lgagv8/s400/value.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learn what determines the amount you should charge for your freelance services.</td></tr>
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How much are you worth?</div>
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This is an important question when you are working as a freelancer or independent contractor. If you ask too little, you compete against people brand new to your field. If you ask too much, you might find yourself without any clients.</div>
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Let’s start figuring out how much you are worth by looking at two areas that help determine your value: education and experience.</div>
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A Good Education is Tough To Beat</h3>
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Ask yourself these questions: “Why did I or why should I spend the time and money to get a college degree? How will I benefit by immersing myself in a college environment? What is the payoff for my work?”</div>
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The answer is usually—but not always—a bigger, fatter paycheck. Education teaches you the skills and provides you with the knowledge you need to do your job effectively. People with bachelor’s degrees earn more than someone with a high school diploma or GED (general education degree/certificate). Those few with a master’s earn even more. The top earners from an educational perspective are the rarified few with doctorates.</div>
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According to <a href="http://www.classroomtools.com/ed_earn.htm" style="color: purple;">this site</a>, male workers who finished high school without a diploma had a median income of $28,023. Adding the diploma boosted their income to $39,478. Earning a bachelor’s degree meant a median income of $62,444 while those with a master’s got $79,342. Women high school graduates had a median income of $29,150 while those with a bachelor’s made $46,832. Women with a master’s degree earned $61,068.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0F2Y6hTPyzGNH_nAueO1ALQaKo08RhBKZBpi6ns-Iwhvh9QFjGb3bpDJdIck42sjLUG7U3c7YKjiWIQNBRF686pWVshztEF_lgzurS_4kx_FBCNGsx4WaGgRLYwEDw7gAEQ5tVHalAw/s1600/education.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0F2Y6hTPyzGNH_nAueO1ALQaKo08RhBKZBpi6ns-Iwhvh9QFjGb3bpDJdIck42sjLUG7U3c7YKjiWIQNBRF686pWVshztEF_lgzurS_4kx_FBCNGsx4WaGgRLYwEDw7gAEQ5tVHalAw/s320/education.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An education is one key ingredient in making money. Experience is another.</td></tr>
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Getting an education provides graduates with facts and figures. “How do I calculate this? How should I write that?” You learn the answers to these questions in a classroom or online setting.</div>
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Ah, but is education alone enough? The consensus answer is a resounding “NO!” You need experience as well.</div>
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Experience Is A ‘Real World’ Teacher</h3>
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Education may teach you one method of performing a task, but it doesn’t teach you about all the ways to do it. Experience in the real world of dealing with multiple tasks, multiple deadlines and pressure from several sources at once gives you a “real world education.”</div>
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Employers—at least those in the United Kingdom—place practical <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2006/aug/04/highereducation.workandcareers" style="color: purple;">work experience high</a> on their list of qualifications.</div>
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Textbooks and classrooms are all fine and good when it comes to performing any task in the “textbook” manner. Then the “real world” gets in the way. Mistakes are made, some of them devastating in their severity.</div>
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A newspaper reporter writing about a criminal case can get in a ton of trouble by leaving out one word: “not.” There is a huge difference between writing that a person is guilty and writing they are not guilty. The key difference here is the presence or absence of a single word.</div>
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Performing tasks under less than ideal conditions—“hellish” may be an exaggeration but it’s closer to the truth—tends to result in mistakes, foul-ups and, “What the Hell did you do?” rants from your boss.</div>
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Experience teaches us how to recognize mistakes before they happen and as thy are taking place. Experience lets us know how to stop mistakes in their tracks and keep the damage to a minimum.</div>
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For example, a computer neophyte may respond to an email from a friend saying, “check out this great website.” The novice visits the site and downloads a computer virus that knocks down your machine and everything connected to it.</div>
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Someone with a limited amount of experience would install an anti-virus program first. The protective software would either warn you about what you are going to do or limit the damage to a single machine.</div>
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People with extensive experience wouldn’t even open the message, knowing it is likely infected because they have seen similar messages in the past.</div>
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Experience, though, takes time. It takes a lot of time, as in years, to gain the wisdom that only making mistakes and learning from them can teach.</div>
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So how well does your experience translate to the requirements of a particular employer? <a href="http://www.askamanager.org/2013/02/how-to-calculate-how-much-work-experience-you-have.html" style="color: purple;">This recent blog post</a> from Ask A Manager may help you sort it out.</div>
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Being ‘Good’ Requires Education AND Experience</h3>
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People who are not new to an occupation have the education to understand the “how” to perform a task. They also have the experience to know “when” to apply the book learning … and when to use other methods they learned outside the classroom.</div>
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Good, effective employees can look at any given situation and assess it based on their knowledge and experience. This combination teaches them which method is effective and efficient for a given situation, and which methods are likely a waste of time and resources.</div>
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Applying Supply, Demand to Your Fees</h3>
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So the question remains: How much should you charge for a given task or project?</div>
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Your education and your experience are only part of the equation. Supply and demand also play a big role.</div>
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Research the amount other people are charging for the services you offer in your general geographic area. What is the typical billing rate? Is it by the hour, by the job or by the product?</div>
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Now compare that rate to the number of people offering services similar to your own in that same area. If your typical rate is drastically higher than the average, you may not get many clients. If your rate is dramatically lower, you may get people with whom you have problems collecting.</div>
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Experience often teaches us that the people who pay the least complain the most because they want what you are offering for as close to nothing as they can get.</div>
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These days you also must compare local rates with those in foreign countries such as India. Someone used to paying $5 for a single blog post for an outsourcing foreign supplier may balk at your fee of $15-$25 for what they consider the same product.</div>
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It’s your job to explain to them why your fee is higher.</div>
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Explain Why You Are Worth More</h3>
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So let’s make the assumption that the going rate for your services is $50 an hour. An outsourcer is offering a similar product—you know it’s inferior and can prove it—at half your rate. Your rate is reasonable when the top people in your field charge $200 an hour. Where should you adjust your rate if you should adjust it all?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOyVexTdFCjroejNjM5E12huIu8dc1QNJ5WViciJNBdVHJIKkN0nLmM6kzUi51JLYcj3NqLx1I6jDWZSCAuJr3q4SsyA91M8bBfKAAw-H0xdKX2G-xZ2uQDIe4LNo-MjuOgpc3ka6U78/s1600/coins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOyVexTdFCjroejNjM5E12huIu8dc1QNJ5WViciJNBdVHJIKkN0nLmM6kzUi51JLYcj3NqLx1I6jDWZSCAuJr3q4SsyA91M8bBfKAAw-H0xdKX2G-xZ2uQDIe4LNo-MjuOgpc3ka6U78/s320/coins.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Explain <i>why</i> you earn what you charge.</td></tr>
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Here’s an example of <a href="http://weblogs.about.com/od/businessblogging/qt/How-Much-Should-Businesses-Pay-Bloggers.htm" style="color: purple;">how much businesses should pay bloggers</a> and how variables, such as experience and knowledge, affect the pay scale.</div>
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The best answer is explain to the client what you bring to the table. Explain your unique skills, experience and education. Show each client that you provide a service while similar on the surface—such as blogging—has greater value to them.</div>
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Your blog posts, for example, may include search engine optimization techniques the off-shore versions lack. Your blog posts may also be written by a native English speaker, one who understands the complex rules of English grammar, how to apply them and when to ignore them.</div>
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What you need to do is not only tell a client how you are better than anyone else, but show them examples of your work. Ideally have testimonials and compliments from people who appreciate your efforts on their behalf.</div>
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Show It, Don’t Say It</h3>
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Anyone can say anything they want, but can they back it up? If you are showcasing your experience and knowledge, show work samples to potential clients. Give them concrete, “in your face” proof that you know your business and that you are worth every penny you are charging them.</div>
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If your previous work samples don’t sway a particular client, offer to create a small sample just for them. If they like it, they can hire you. If they don’t like it, they are free to hire someone else. Be careful, though, to protect yourself and restrict their use of any samples. You don’t want to “give” them something only to find it used against you later on.</div>
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Some of these same comments can be found on this About.com web log entry, “<a href="http://weblogs.about.com/od/professionalblogging/tp/GetJobBlogging.htm" style="color: purple;">6 Steps to Get a Professional Blogging Job</a>.”</div>
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Offer An Introductory Rate</h3>
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Some people offer a low introductory rate. Be careful with that approach because they are some people who will insist on paying you that low rate even after you have shown your merits.</div>
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Have stated limits on your introductory rate. Make sure your client understands this rate is for a short time only and is not permanent. Set a time limit or a number of products where you will accept a sub-standard fee. When that limit is reached, the client then has the option of either paying your standard fee or getting someone else.</div>
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If you make the mistake of offering the low fee without a stated end, some unethical clients may expect you to work indefinitely for that substandard rate. That low rate then becomes your standard rate, if you let it go long enough.</div>
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Keep Records</h3>
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Keep track of what you do, when you submit it, who you submit it to and what their response is. Having these records will pay off for you in the short and long term.</div>
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In the short term, you know what you just finished and ideally, what your next project it. Keeping a record of your progress and providing it to your client also reinforces that you are a person of your word: you deliver on your promises.</div>
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In the long term, keeping these records will help you add clients. You can show them proof of your skills by submitting samples done for other people and firms.</div>
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Having copies of emails also works in your favor if a dispute occurs. For example, an email where a client agrees to your stated rate supports you if the client decides to pay you less, then claim they never agreed to your original rate.</div>
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Know When To Move On</h3>
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Let’s be honest: some clients are more of a pain than they are worth. They want everything for nothing and complain constantly. These people interpret the adage, “the sticky wheel gets the grease,” to mean: the more they complain, the less they have to pay.</div>
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You have a responsibility to yourself and your fellow professionals. Cut these creeps off. Let your fellow pros know if and when you find a client that behaves this way.</div>
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You may want to ignore a limited amount of griping from the client when you are first starting out. Use constructive criticism as motivation to do a better job. If a client asks, “can you emphasize this?” or, “please write only about us. We don’t advertise our competitors,” do it.</div>
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However, there is no reason to accept unprofessional behavior from a client. If you are providing the service your contract states at the rate you and the client have agreed upon, then the client is responsible for upholding their end.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83STThY9yKQDbx5gyTepTIdo8dqUpfGSzXiE5YCuLlgT6S8A0N__unBrz25ZqcK9UZK9GvCJHWfFaoxQ4-uppdMRiRkcnd7nzKUkwM5-WXQTXn8mxO9riT0m6gOh-YzvUDYsFIUlWMo8/s1600/contract+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83STThY9yKQDbx5gyTepTIdo8dqUpfGSzXiE5YCuLlgT6S8A0N__unBrz25ZqcK9UZK9GvCJHWfFaoxQ4-uppdMRiRkcnd7nzKUkwM5-WXQTXn8mxO9riT0m6gOh-YzvUDYsFIUlWMo8/s1600/contract+book.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good contract spells out your rights and responsibilities.</td></tr>
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Contracts Keep Your Friends Your Friends</h3>
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“Contracts keep your friends your friends and keep everyone else from screwing with you.” Written contracts signed by all parties are important in business. Many people do not lift a finger nor perform a minute of work without one.</div>
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Avoid a case of, “he said, he/she said” by stating everything up front and in writing. If a client isn’t willing to abide by the terms of the contract—such as rate or when payment is due—they are not worth keeping. Contracts not written by lawyers may have little value in court, but they mean far more than a verbal agreement.</div>
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Contracts require both parties to perform a set task or series of tasks. They also spell out the amount, type and frequency of compensation you expect once you have performed those tasks.</div>
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This blog entry explains “<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_7319123_write-simple-employment-contract.html" style="color: purple;">How to Write a Simple Employment Contract</a>.”</div>
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You can consider copying this <a href="http://www.crn.com/news/channel-programs/18809077/sample-contract-employee-agreement.htm" style="color: purple;">sample employee agreement</a> then modifying it for your own needs.</div>
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Here is an attorney’s <a href="http://www.expertlaw.com/library/business/contract_law.html" style="color: purple;">Introduction to Contract Law</a>, which is well worth reading.</div>
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Nolo Press sells a wide range of legal products designed for the average person. Its book <a href="http://www.nolo.com/products/contracts-ctrct.html" style="color: purple;">Contracts</a> covers terminology, how to decipher a contract someone hands or sends you and how to change them.</div>
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The Bottom Line</h3>
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Getting paid by someone to perform a task entails rights and responsibilities on both sides of the negotiating table. You need to know how much to charge, when to bend a little bit and when to stop bending. Know your rights as an independent contractor, but realize your clients have rights as well.</div>
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Don’t work without a contract if possible. If that is not possible, be sure you have detailed records showing what you told them you would do and what you delivered.</div>
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The time you spent getting educated is worth money, as is the time you spent learning to perfect your craft in the real world. Set a realistic compensation level then don’t vary it unless you are willing to degrade yourself.</div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-35541717722983595902013-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:002013-02-28T10:35:05.562-08:00Be Bullish and Adopt A Loving Pit Bull Today<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAmKyn_fTbL9EIiM3sJ7OPm_nRVnYq8WAEsojd0RY3pRa8lpc0mZwFS2sHdtZi0HYbNjL_dH418z2MHQdAOul0jjL7oIhLWziPRuUQyAEYAQfe-9Sej98pDpO6_6tjb-gMX0_e2K78VQ/s1600/sweet+pea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAmKyn_fTbL9EIiM3sJ7OPm_nRVnYq8WAEsojd0RY3pRa8lpc0mZwFS2sHdtZi0HYbNjL_dH418z2MHQdAOul0jjL7oIhLWziPRuUQyAEYAQfe-9Sej98pDpO6_6tjb-gMX0_e2K78VQ/s320/sweet+pea.JPG" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://pitbull.rescueme.org/California">Sweet
Pea</a> is described as being a great family dog who loves kids, adults and
complete strangers. She is house broken and crate trained.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The <a href="http://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Posh Puppy Boutique</a> is continuing its series of helping unwanted and abandoned pets find forever homes with loving human parents. Today’s post covers a breed often thought of as highly aggressive, just as the name suggests: put bulls.</div>
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Click here for a post dealing with <a href="http://poshpuppyboutique.blogspot.com/2013/02/have-big-heart-adopt-homeless-large-dog.html" style="color: #954f72;">large and giant breeds</a>. Click here for a post dealing exclusively with <a href="http://poshpuppyboutique.blogspot.com/2013/02/help-abandoned-chihuahuas-find-forever.html" style="color: #954f72;">Chihuahuas</a>. Email David Reynolds at <a href="mailto:davereyn83@hotmail.com" style="color: #954f72;">davereyn83@hotmail.com</a> with any suggestions for other breeds, especially those <b>you</b> like.</div>
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Most U.S. residents have never heard of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Staffordshire_Terrier" style="color: #954f72;">American Staffordshire Terriers</a>. However, these same people will often acknowledge knowing these same dogs by their street name of “pit bull.”</div>
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The term “<a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1600&bih=815&q=pit+bull+facts&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAw8HixKHfq6-QYZpRbpe9Z_2FvuN0rkx050MDz1irW8o2wcANObuWikAAAA" style="color: #954f72;">pit bull</a>” also refers to the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and any cross breedings between the three related breeds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk7V9ne6UA3vHtsJFbU0tIMxsunW0I4gvW7wmoxnkuhf_jS8GhYfccgPtcYq8MDtAlaj8DoC_Vt2MlxC0wVMs8bgq8s5YqBVzdGOr6EuywQqyOjQUwhjsL7tuDOYFR4uK3g9ZW5tuegY/s1600/Pebbles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk7V9ne6UA3vHtsJFbU0tIMxsunW0I4gvW7wmoxnkuhf_jS8GhYfccgPtcYq8MDtAlaj8DoC_Vt2MlxC0wVMs8bgq8s5YqBVzdGOr6EuywQqyOjQUwhjsL7tuDOYFR4uK3g9ZW5tuegY/s320/Pebbles.JPG" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://pitbull.rescueme.org/California">Pebbles</a>
is a “blue and white” mix who is good with most dogs, kids and adults. She is
mellow, well-behaved and gentle with children.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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American Staffordshire Terriers were first bred in the 19<sup>th</sup> Century in the English region of Staffordshire as a mix between English Bulldogs and the White English Terrier, Fox Terrier or Black and Tan Terrier.</div>
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Also known as Am Staffs, these dogs are described by the <a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/index.cfm" style="color: #954f72;">American Kennel Club</a> as being a people-oriented dog who is loyal to its family and very protective of them. These dogs have the reputation for being dangerous and aggressive, mainly because they are often seen in dog fighting events.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg8pcxScaxEZoMcstrN_3KA6DzNzmCDB-q8ED2ourFa1iAIjjitLGMUdCx0uBvYLEaa1DxsObM9pXxpEQbYZh4lc9KCfZ4Z4b2YAZfAzj_V7jQJIX6j7MspZ5C_ZA3DzD_jSOvd8cCeY/s1600/Archie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg8pcxScaxEZoMcstrN_3KA6DzNzmCDB-q8ED2ourFa1iAIjjitLGMUdCx0uBvYLEaa1DxsObM9pXxpEQbYZh4lc9KCfZ4Z4b2YAZfAzj_V7jQJIX6j7MspZ5C_ZA3DzD_jSOvd8cCeY/s320/Archie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/23598744?photo_view=1">Archie</a> is
available now through Smilin’ Pitbull Rescue in Stamford, Conn</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The notoriety associated with pit bulls gives the breed a reputation based on myth and misinformation, not fact. Many pit bull owners will tell anyone willing to listen that their dogs are sweet, gentle, loving creatures. Their reputation, though, also gives predatory humans pause when seeing one with its owner or in a home.Their gentle true behavior combined with a ferocious reputation makes them nearly ideal family pets.</div>
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Pit bulls’ reputation also means that <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/athome/ci_21917456/pit-bull-bans-and-similar-laws-shouldnt-get" style="color: #954f72;">some cities prevent dog owners</a> from having this breed within their municipal boundaries. Here’s another example of how <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121129&content_id=40465620&c_id=mlb" style="color: #954f72;">the ban in Ontario, Canada</a> affects one person … who happens to be a Major League Baseball player.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVcFAoZqgHaZW6xr5W0zd3dvUoNKA6bpSfdruRwmiB8aSbd2Tvg4jmOCPYZlZalB-mXMuxh0BOcnepdC6t3RLbzo4anUvG8DpiaHmm8Pjtop1IG-baLrbYcbMTf3WnUdMKbYUpCmimMA/s1600/Aerosol+and+Krylon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVcFAoZqgHaZW6xr5W0zd3dvUoNKA6bpSfdruRwmiB8aSbd2Tvg4jmOCPYZlZalB-mXMuxh0BOcnepdC6t3RLbzo4anUvG8DpiaHmm8Pjtop1IG-baLrbYcbMTf3WnUdMKbYUpCmimMA/s320/Aerosol+and+Krylon.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://pitbull.rescueme.org/NewYork">Aerosol and
Krylon</a> are a bonded pair of females who were rescued from a highly abusive
environment. Both are dog friendly and very loving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">The end result is this: there are a lot of unwanted, unwelcome pit bulls in shelters across the land.</span></div>
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If you are thinking about adopting a dog, you can’t go wrong with any breed. Just be sure the pet is a good match for you, your family and your environment.</div>
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To learn more about Pit Bulls, and possibly adopt one, visit any or all of these sites:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.pbrc.net/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Pit Bull Rescue Central</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">has educational information and offers guidance to anyone considering adopting one of these dogs.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://pitbull.rescueme.org/sites" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Rescue Me</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">has a list of pit bull rescue sites organized by state.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.badrap.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Bad Rap</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">provides information, training, owner support and rescue services nationwide. It was named as the #1 high-impact non-profit for Local Animal Welfare, Rights & Protection by</span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.myphilanthropedia.org/top-nonprofits/local/animal-welfare-rights-protection/2011" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Guidestar’s Philantropedia</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bull911.com/pitbullrescue.php" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Bull911</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">has a listing of groups nationwide dealing exclusively with pit bulls.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://ourpack.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Our Pack</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">offers adoption, placement services and education, including same-sex pairings. It is based in South San Francisco.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.shortywood.com/pitrescue.htm" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Shortywood</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">is the rescue site that formed the basis of the television show “Pit Boss.” The shows stars “little person” Shorty Rossi, his family and staff as they rescue and help find homes for a breed he considers to be “as misunderstood as he is.”</span></li>
<li><a href="http://outofthepits.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Out of the Pits</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">showcases the true nature of pit bulls as a therapy, sport and working dog. It offers education, programs and adoptions.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://ringdogrescue.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Ring Dog Rescue</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">is dedicated to “bull breeds” with bulldog lineage. It offers adoption and foster services plus a calendar of events in Virginia.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/OR63.html" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Small Time Dog Rescue & Dead Dog Walking Pit Bull Rescue</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">is an Oregon-based group.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.maydaypitbullrescue.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Mayday Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">is a Phoenix, Ariz.-based group dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and placing pit bulls and pit bull mixes.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pitsisters.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Pit Sisters</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">focuses its efforts on the northeast Florida area. It provides adoptions, events and resources for current and potential pit bull owners.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blessthebullys.com/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Bless the Bullys</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">is a small Tennessee non-profit rescue that also fights breed-specific legislation.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fugeesrescue.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Fugee’s Rescue</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">is based in Raleigh, N.C. Its mission is to rescue, care for and rehome neglected, abused and homeless dogs, primarily pit bulls.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://spbr.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Smilin’ Pit Bull Rescue</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">based in the Northeast dedicated to find homes for unwanted and abandoned pit bulls.</span></li>
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This list of pit bull rescue sites could go on and on and on, just as it could for any dog breed. Please consider adopting a rescue dog or cat. You deserve a new best friend and they deserve you.</div>
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This post is brought to you as a public service by the <a href="htt://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Posh Puppy Boutique</a> and David Reynolds, pet lovers all. The <a href="htt://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Posh Puppy Boutique</a> sells stylish clothing and accessories for all breeds of dogs and cats. It does not sell pets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOh0QpDYaQVywPG-yY0HjMiwd5On4yTdrSvFX-l1gdBjGDExdVst9nOV4SEyh32VgRIfiCQKbGJqQxxj3D6ytAtXJe6lzA0OziSrTe2hIpuHl6RyTxj3IaOlUBhi_-R8DK7ZffOeUifM/s1600/0-Posh+Puppy+Logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOh0QpDYaQVywPG-yY0HjMiwd5On4yTdrSvFX-l1gdBjGDExdVst9nOV4SEyh32VgRIfiCQKbGJqQxxj3D6ytAtXJe6lzA0OziSrTe2hIpuHl6RyTxj3IaOlUBhi_-R8DK7ZffOeUifM/s320/0-Posh+Puppy+Logo.JPG" width="242" /></a></div>
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<br />Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-59330191722082619062013-02-19T13:02:00.000-08:002013-02-19T13:02:01.461-08:00Aiding Pets Helps A Client<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxUMTIQr29JlunTt19s5eOdZ8Iq4uEH_m8e77bSSO5gBIvCRgiM2xU2LKfk4eTZp8Ent7PGD4cfkhUYL3HjHI1Hp3xSgzpnn8UiRrGrJWNleYbOz9xPjCQnBa9HySd-Tyl4N-j28-rL8/s1600/effective+blog+posts+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxUMTIQr29JlunTt19s5eOdZ8Iq4uEH_m8e77bSSO5gBIvCRgiM2xU2LKfk4eTZp8Ent7PGD4cfkhUYL3HjHI1Hp3xSgzpnn8UiRrGrJWNleYbOz9xPjCQnBa9HySd-Tyl4N-j28-rL8/s400/effective+blog+posts+1.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This blog post generated nearly 300 hits in one day. A similar post got 15 hits in more than two weeks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Disclaimer</h3>
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Some of my earlier blog posts have veered away from my stated purpose of providing marketing and communications tips. My blog has literally gone to the dogs … intentionally.</div>
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One of my clients sells clothing and accessories primarily to upscale dog owners. She is also the proud owner of several rescue dogs, just as I am. And she, like me, firmly believes that rescue pets make great life-long companions.</div>
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Savvy marketers, though, will see the purpose behind each of these posts: informing and educating potential clients while at the same time giving them more reasons for brand loyalty.</div>
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Pets are not <i>like</i> members of our family. They <i>are</i> members of our family, at least for some pet owners. Metrics cannot measure the emotional attachment some people have for their pets. Giving people reasons to think of your business in a positive light is always a great idea, especially when your message is trying to help people, not sell them something.</div>
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Information Works</h3>
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As of noon Tuesday, Feb. 19, <a href="http://poshpuppyboutique.blogspot.com/2013/02/help-abandoned-chihuahuas-find-forever.html" style="color: #954f72;">this post</a> on the <a href="http://poshpuppyboutique.blogspot.com/2013/02/help-abandoned-chihuahuas-find-forever.html" style="color: #954f72;">Posh Puppy Boutique blog</a> had gotten 295 hits since it was posted one day earlier. It was listed as a public service announcement.</div>
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A <a href="http://wordsbydavereyn.blogspot.com/2013/01/chihuahua-rescue-sites.html" style="color: #954f72;">similar post</a> with a different headline—but the same photos and same essential links to Chihuahua rescue sites—had 15 hits. Key differences are:</div>
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<li><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">A headline that tugs on the heart strings—“Help Abandoned Chihuahuas Find Forever Homes”—gets more response than the label headline “Chihuahua Rescue Sites.”</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">The post is “selling” clients on the idea of adopting and rescuing a pet, not “selling” them a product. However, the</span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Posh Puppy</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">name and logo appear prominently in both blog posts.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">A different, more extensive set of</span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><a href="http://wordsbydavereyn.blogspot.com/2013/02/use-googles-free-key-word-tool-excel-to.html" style="color: #954f72; text-indent: 12.25pt;">Google Key Words</a><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">was used with the Posh Puppy piece than with the one appearing on this blog. The list of keywords (i.e., “tags”) and the 10 links to external sites helped boost the Posh Puppy post’s page ranking on Google. This means that more people were likely to see it.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: 12.25pt;"> </span></li>
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Blog Posts Are Only Part Of The Process</h3>
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The Posh Puppy Boutique uses a variety of methods to attract and retain customers. Two blog posts each week, which I write, are only one of the ways this firm promotes itself.</div>
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Other methods used frequently—as in several times each day—are comments on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/poshpuppyboutique" style="color: #954f72;">Facebook</a> and Twitter. Press releases mentioning the Posh Puppy name are distributed about every 10 days. This time frame is frequent enough to gain attention but not so often the messages get lost in the clutter or become boring.</div>
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Posh Puppy’s owner has gotten television coverage both locally in the Sacramento, Calif. region and nationally. Some of her products also grace the pages of national magazines.</div>
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Effective promotion takes a willingness to constantly expend money and energy promoting your business. Kudos to the Posh Puppy Boutique for doing just that.</div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-83215548496626556402013-02-15T11:42:00.002-08:002013-02-15T11:42:41.894-08:00Use Google’s Free Key Word Tool, Excel to Boost SEO<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E53oSKwCNZgXysu-83mi4OpkNS0uKvb65pMV2HJzi0MlxxvN01od-fH5TidQgUAgTI1iDwF5p03NW1W7HkcN9GOnZMTXj28w_qXq3NXsBOehHqAkiCsFNUK48OA-2YjwZprXU9FZVPk/s1600/top+center+adwords+pane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E53oSKwCNZgXysu-83mi4OpkNS0uKvb65pMV2HJzi0MlxxvN01od-fH5TidQgUAgTI1iDwF5p03NW1W7HkcN9GOnZMTXj28w_qXq3NXsBOehHqAkiCsFNUK48OA-2YjwZprXU9FZVPk/s320/top+center+adwords+pane.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google's Key Word search tool.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 12.25pt;">Having the best web site on the planet is a waste of money and time if no one can find it.</span></div>
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Search engine optimization helps people, especially potential customers, find your site. A technique I use with nearly every document I create will help you increase your visibility and make it easier for your clients to find you.</div>
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You will need to have a copy of Microsoft Excel and internet access first. It also assumes your original document is created in Word.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXorVioHJt3NBXk95ACmDOC8i1GDSyzDKmED10eguVbu_qQTOC1BWha8LtatQZAOVyDTU7V1Tvf9hT-mMpjTvJWYyfZV-7WbnVlFpDJH-OhtbyrsMg2NGBT6d1CcZP9J-o_5wRjrfxMxo/s1600/left+adwords+pane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXorVioHJt3NBXk95ACmDOC8i1GDSyzDKmED10eguVbu_qQTOC1BWha8LtatQZAOVyDTU7V1Tvf9hT-mMpjTvJWYyfZV-7WbnVlFpDJH-OhtbyrsMg2NGBT6d1CcZP9J-o_5wRjrfxMxo/s320/left+adwords+pane.JPG" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The left KeyWords panel.</td></tr>
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Google AdWords<o:p></o:p></h3>
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Start by going to the <a href="https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__c=1000000000&__u=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS" style="color: #954f72;">Google AdWords page</a>. You do not need a Google AdWords account to get started. Now follow these steps:</div>
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<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Complete the security step.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Enter the term or terms you want to look for.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Check the left-hand list and ensure you have [Exact] or “Phrase” marked or your list will have terms unrelated to your needs.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">After getting your basic list of terms, sort it.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Start by clicking on Competition in the keyword pane. Click until you see Low.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Go to Local Monthly Searches (searches for these terms in the US only) and start adding terms.</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwpRMZCt3tfoqorfNb-dFMbDNscEyrAgZWOJZxkQ8GiIrrVfoCvyUrDR6FFd8nHMG-hX-kpwqlmONH8P0fyqkrxZsnL2IVbE6schH5amxV0I89s0B7A6qx7IKuhbMwZsaL_PwFEcZKzs/s1600/right+pane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwpRMZCt3tfoqorfNb-dFMbDNscEyrAgZWOJZxkQ8GiIrrVfoCvyUrDR6FFd8nHMG-hX-kpwqlmONH8P0fyqkrxZsnL2IVbE6schH5amxV0I89s0B7A6qx7IKuhbMwZsaL_PwFEcZKzs/s320/right+pane.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Competition" section.</td></tr>
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Excel Steps<o:p></o:p></h3>
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That finishes the Google part. Now you need to copy those terms and paste them into Excel.</div>
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Follow these steps to create what I have on the second spreadsheet.</div>
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<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Use the “Paste Special” and select “Values” to put your terms in a column.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Use Search and Replace (Ctrl-H in Windows) to find and eliminate extra characters such as brackets.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Do a Data, Sort to organize your terms alphabetically if you wish.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Assuming your terms start in Cell A2 (A1 is a heading), put this text in Cell B2: =A2</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Now put this formula in Cell B3: =B2&“; ”&A3</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">That tells Excel to copy the contents of cell B2, add a semicolon (Word wants semicolons) followed by a space, then copy the contents of Cell A3</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Use the Autofill command (Crtl-D in Windows) to fill your list</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">Now take your final cell, copy it, and repeat the Paste Special, Values in a blank cell.</span></li>
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Word Tips<o:p></o:p></h3>
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Copy the version you just pasted without formulas (the Paste Special, Value one) and place it in the Tags section of your Word document. You’ll find that when performing the Save or Save As functions.</div>
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The good news is that if you save the tags in a Word version, it also saves them in every other version you create, such as HTML for web pages or Adobe PDFs.</div>
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More Tips<o:p></o:p></h3>
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Some programs such as Word use semicolons to separate key words, also known as tags. Other programs, and many web sites, use commas as separators. You might wish to make two or more lists because of this.</div>
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One list would be sorted alphabetically while another is done by priority. That way your most important terms appear first. Since some free press release distribution sites limit the number of key words, that can be critical.</div>
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You can also copy your formula into a different column and replace the semicolon with a comma. Be sure to change your “B” column to the one you are now using.</div>
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Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-66867386309169894932013-02-05T12:57:00.001-08:002013-02-05T12:57:38.659-08:00Have a Big Heart: Adopt A Homeless Big Dog Today<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzll2Oe8BuxHmy3NkCUH95Wn88Qi1LZf_8fEMgCHuL-F4vnaPduD-c9dlJx88mVLY0iuajy2eQT7C8cb_HM-ldKo6uFzT3QMgfxGuchWh-2liNI1dxDOG4sVgkuPdLdutMJWXCiN__bo/s1600/Gentle+giants+rescue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzll2Oe8BuxHmy3NkCUH95Wn88Qi1LZf_8fEMgCHuL-F4vnaPduD-c9dlJx88mVLY0iuajy2eQT7C8cb_HM-ldKo6uFzT3QMgfxGuchWh-2liNI1dxDOG4sVgkuPdLdutMJWXCiN__bo/s640/Gentle+giants+rescue.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentle Giants rescues dogs of all large breeds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I posted a list of 10 websites that help people rescue unwanted Chihuahuas not too long ago.</div>
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While Chihuahuas are among the tiniest of dog breeds—and also very popular, especially in urban settings where space is at a premium—some folks like their dogs a little larger.</div>
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According to <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/giant-dog-breeds.html" style="color: #954f72;">Just Dog Breeds</a>, some of the largest “giant” breeds include <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/mastiff.html" style="color: #954f72;">Mastiffs</a>, <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/saint-bernard.html" style="color: #954f72;">Saint Bernards</a>, <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/great-pyrenees.html" style="color: #954f72;">Great Pyrenees</a> and <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/great-dane.html" style="color: #954f72;">Great Danes</a>.</div>
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Popular large breeds, which are smaller than the giants but still considered big pooches, are: <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/golden-retriever.html" style="color: #954f72;">Golden Retrievers</a>, <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/alaskan-malamute.html" style="color: #954f72;">Alaskan Malamutes</a>, <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/german-shepherd-dog.html" style="color: #954f72;">German Shepherds</a>, <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/doberman-pinscher.html" style="color: #954f72;">Doberman Pinschers</a>, <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/rottweiler.html" style="color: #954f72;">Rottweilers</a>, <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/labrador-retriever.html" style="color: #954f72;">Labrador Retrievers</a>, <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/english-setter.html" style="color: #954f72;">English Setters</a> and <a href="http://www.justdogbreeds.com/black-and-tan-coonhound.html" style="color: #954f72;">Coonhounds</a>.</div>
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Each breed has its own distinct temperament but as with any dog, the way it is treated generally determines its disposition. I’ve know a “ferocious” Rottweiler that was more likely to lick you to death then bit you, for example.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZljNIqzX3dddgyr_Va9YhwIj6ZGZv2X2I71kVLYSX5e54rv9h6TVq5ZE8NXlKlvF4LtL7FMMkAbJmjV4RJm4KO4vYRRYeFPkwjx2WH-J9nSM1Nj2SZWfWUJqKtna_5L4dCRfNk7YfeY/s1600/Jasper+at+homeless+hounds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZljNIqzX3dddgyr_Va9YhwIj6ZGZv2X2I71kVLYSX5e54rv9h6TVq5ZE8NXlKlvF4LtL7FMMkAbJmjV4RJm4KO4vYRRYeFPkwjx2WH-J9nSM1Nj2SZWfWUJqKtna_5L4dCRfNk7YfeY/s320/Jasper+at+homeless+hounds.JPG" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasper is one of many dogs available for adoption through Homeless Hounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is only a <i>partial</i> list of the many rescue groups specializing in large dog breeds. Your best bet is to<b> always</b> start with your local animal shelter. Many shelters get dogs of all sizes, genders, breeds and disposition, including paperless pure-breds. Some shelters will even contact others then call you when they have the breed you are looking for.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://gentlegiantsrescue.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Gentle Giants Rescue</a> is based in California and deals with all large breeds including giant breeds such as Great Danes and Mastiffs.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.homelesshounds.us/" style="color: #954f72;">Homeless Hounds</a> is based in Sonoma County in Northern California. It deals with dogs of all breeds, from large to small and in-between.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.wcmastiffrescue.com/" style="color: #954f72;">West Coast Mastiff & Large Breed Rescue</a> saves primarily Mastiffs, Great Danes and St. Bernards plus other giant breeds.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.bigdawgsrescue.org/" style="color: #954f72;">Big Dawgs Rescue</a> is located in the East Bay community of Livermore, Calif.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://greatdane.rescueme.org/California" style="color: #954f72;">California Great Dane Rescue</a> helps find homes for this giant breed.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://scgrrescue.org/" style="color: #954f72;">Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue</a> has dogs that always fostered, never kenneled and temperament tested as well.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.grca-nrc.org/" style="color: #954f72;">The Golden Retriever Club of America National Rescue Committee</a> has links and connections to many local breed-specific groups.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="https://www.msu.edu/~silvar/rottlinks.htm" style="color: #954f72;">Rottweiler Rescue Sites Nationwide</a> has state by state listing for this large breed, including five in California alone.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.ggarr.org/" style="color: #954f72;">Gulfstream Guardian Angels Rottweiler Rescue</a> is based in Miami and helps find forever homes for these large, loveable, loyal dogs.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.dogsaver.org/doberman/" style="color: #954f72;">Doberman Pinscher Rescue USA & Canada</a> has listings of various Doberman rescue groups in North America, including by state.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://hmdd.org/" style="color: #954f72;">Hand Me Down Dobes</a> is based in Ohio and serves several surrounding states. “The Doberman is intelligent and eager to please, making a loyal and devoted pet. When young, most are energetic and playful needing consistent exercise and attention,” just like any other breed.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> The <a href="http://www.agsra.com/" style="color: #954f72;">American German Shepherd Rescue Association</a> was created, “as a fund raising group to operate programs which protect the German Shepherd Dog from suffering due to cruelty, homelessness, ignorance, neglect and misuse. This site includes a list of rescue groups by <a href="http://www.agsra.com/listings.html" style="color: #954f72;">state</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.cc-labrescue.org/top_dog.html" style="color: #954f72;">Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue</a> covers California’s Central Valley from Sacramento to Merced. It has generally has young dogs and senior citizens available for immediate adoption.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.lab-rescue.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Lab Rescue of LRCP</a> covers the Mid Atlantic Region. Its function is finding homes for Labs.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://esrescue.org/" style="color: #954f72;">Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue</a> includes board members from across the nation, though the group is based in Lancaster, Penn.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.loveofbreeds.com/rescue/englishsetter.html" style="color: #954f72;">Love of Breeds</a> has listings of rescue sites for many breeds, including English Setters.</div>
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This is just a partial list of a few rescue groups dealing with large dog breeds. Five minutes of searching on-line will help point you in the direction of a breed and group where your new best friend is waiting. Have a heart and save a life: Adopt a homeless dog (or cat) today.</div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-61187029660773434382013-01-29T11:02:00.001-08:002013-01-29T11:02:22.854-08:00Chihuahua Rescue Sites<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOudUTBBIBEpGccpOEmr_m-LHRvviqwYkZELKE5IIQ48NTEBvhK9iMQZ5W1Y0XnGnP5mZpPodWSHMtvU02_S-CBsvyWABPex9GxVkLhaC673jihubcgXA1tPG9b4TuLmk6GeDuhocMINQ/s1600/Chloe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOudUTBBIBEpGccpOEmr_m-LHRvviqwYkZELKE5IIQ48NTEBvhK9iMQZ5W1Y0XnGnP5mZpPodWSHMtvU02_S-CBsvyWABPex9GxVkLhaC673jihubcgXA1tPG9b4TuLmk6GeDuhocMINQ/s320/Chloe+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chloe is a rescue and I believe pure Chihuhua.</td></tr>
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This is a <i>partial</i> list of internet sites helping find forever homes for Chihuahuas. If you are looking for a small dog, your first stop should always be your local Animal Shelter.</div>
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Many homeless dogs—including purebreds—end up at these shelters only to be told later on there is no room or budget for them. Many local shelters also keep lists of breeds people want, then call them when dogs matching your description arrive.</div>
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When local animal shelters and rescue groups do not have the pet you want, consider adopting a Chihuahua from one of these organizations. Similar sites exist for all breeds.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftJLcVACJWQQiStKKxLRHPSgq94ti89FnxHeXtTEjb796nwnB9y7DNyUhoOk6uPauYmh4sRF7C0TarWuUmZEOECsQJN5AnphE9UD53xY1nBdqoxZ9NK_-KjVeyOIhl_OzQpOwEn8G5D8/s1600/Tink+and+Lucas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftJLcVACJWQQiStKKxLRHPSgq94ti89FnxHeXtTEjb796nwnB9y7DNyUhoOk6uPauYmh4sRF7C0TarWuUmZEOECsQJN5AnphE9UD53xY1nBdqoxZ9NK_-KjVeyOIhl_OzQpOwEn8G5D8/s320/Tink+and+Lucas.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucas (front) and Tinkerbelle came from shelters. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.chihuahuarescue.com/adopto.html" style="color: #954f72;">Chihuahua Rescue</a> states it has saved more than 5,000 lives to date.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.chihuahua-rescue.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Chihuahua Rescue and Transport</a> places Chihuahuas and mixes in approved homes.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://adopt-a-chihuahua.adoptapet.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Adopt-A-Chihuahua</a> allows prospective pet parents to enter their search parameters, including distance.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://chihuahua.rescueshelter.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Chihuahua Rescue Shelter</a> lists groups rescuing this breed by state. It also has lists of similar groups in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.famouschihuahua.com/chihuahua-rescue-organizations/" style="color: #954f72;">Famous Chihuahua</a> focuses on dog and puppy mills nationwide, helping to find homes for the many dogs rejected by these business as being imperfect and therefore unsellable.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.netpets.com/dogs/dogresc/breeds/dogchih.html" style="color: #954f72;">NetPets</a> has a list of Chihuahua organizations and contacts for people in those groups, including <a href="http://www.chihuahua-rescue.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Chihuahua Rescue and Transport</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://newchihuahuaconnection.com/rescues.html" style="color: #954f72;">New Chihuahua Connection</a> also has a list of various rescue groups nationwide.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.azchihuahuarescue.org/" style="color: #954f72;">AZ Chihuahua Rescue</a> is an Arizona-based group dedicated to providing “big hearts for little dogs.”</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/secondchancechihs.html" style="color: #954f72;">Second Chance Chihuahua Rescue</a> is based in Nixa, Mo.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> <a href="http://www.aychihuahuarescue.org/main.html?src=%2Findex2.html" style="color: #954f72;">Ay Chihuahua</a> is based in Central Texas that fosters Chis needing homes.</div>
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Also consider checking out the <a href="http://www.aspca.org/" style="color: #954f72;">American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals</a> (ASPCA) and <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/" style="color: #954f72;">American Humane Society</a> sites regardless of breed. They can help you find shelters in your area.</div>
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This posting is brought to you as a public service of the <a href="http://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Posh Puppy Boutique</a>.</div>
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Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-90475986962155622682013-01-24T12:37:00.000-08:002013-01-24T12:37:19.815-08:00Hot Wire Makes Round Pens Affordable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnA3KOPvB1G75FgDfwJpjpVTTkbx-deTSeX7HpRbhnx3kKeDrA4VValPED-0hX608ECn4NfkaPTXi-cbBhLNtgbgWZp_ZG_t-zQOhLQNnAykdk36ayI2MvtThiQLajPj9_hhxgccT-Ylk/s1600/round+pen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnA3KOPvB1G75FgDfwJpjpVTTkbx-deTSeX7HpRbhnx3kKeDrA4VValPED-0hX608ECn4NfkaPTXi-cbBhLNtgbgWZp_ZG_t-zQOhLQNnAykdk36ayI2MvtThiQLajPj9_hhxgccT-Ylk/s400/round+pen+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A basic round pen using peeler core posts, wire and a metal gate.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 12.75pt;">Horse owners will tell you that small corrals and outdoor stalls are great places for your horse to stand. Arenas are perfect for larger activities and letting horses run, jump and burn off steam. But when it comes to having an area designed to work with a horse, both are inappropriate.</span></div>
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Stalls are too small and arenas are too big. The solution is an area between them: a <a href="http://www.liverystable.net/building_a_round_pen.html" style="color: #954f72;">round pen</a>.</div>
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Round pens vary in size with the most common being 60 feet in diameter. Sizes range from as small as 40 feet to as large as 120 feet. Your diameter depends on your use: smaller pens work fine if you are only going to exercise your horse with a lead rope. Larger pens are better if you plan on riding inside it.</div>
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Opinions on sizes and materials vary depending on who you talk to. Your best sources are people whose horses are of breeds, ages and temperaments similar to your own. Fond out what <i>they</i> like and why.</div>
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<i>Caution</i>: Use these prices for comparison purposes only. Prices will vary depending on your location.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the gate and capped core posts. </td></tr>
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Locating Your Round Pen<o:p></o:p></h3>
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You will need to find a good spot—preferably flat and level—for your round pen. If you are going to use hot wire, you will either need to have the pen close to an outdoor electrical outlet or use direct current or solar power to energize your wire.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also ensure that you have good footing. Ideally have 4 inches of sand atop a material such as decomposed granite and/or rock for drainage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is also a good idea to have your round pen near your horse’s stall so they feel safe and secure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Common Materials—Steel Panels</h3>
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The materials used in building round pens vary, partly depending on the climate with cost playing a major role for many people.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-made 12-foot by 5-foot steel corral panels.</td></tr>
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Premade steel panels are the easiest materials to work with, but also the most expensive. The advantage is you can have a round pen set-up and ready to go—excluding the gate—in less than two hours. Attaching a gate to a wooden post set in concrete may take several hours to dig plus a day or more for your concrete to cure.</div>
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Using a 60-foot diameter pen (multiple by the diameter by pi or 3.14 to get the circumference) as an example, your circumference is about 188 feet. This translates to either 180, which actually means 15 12-foot panels or 19 (190 foot circumference) 10-footers. These measurements include a gate. Premade 6-rail steel panels about 5 feet tall will often run between $90-$120 each. Gates can easily top $120 alone.</div>
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These panels use an interlocking design making them impossible for a spooked horse to go through, which can be an advantage with some horses.</div>
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Common Materials--Wood</h3>
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Many people use wood as an alternative to steel both for the cost and the ability to customize their round pen to the size and shape of the available space. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages.</div>
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The most common post materials are:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> Peeler cores: These are round, typically about 8 feet long—which means 6 feet above ground—and relatively inexpensive. <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100096799/5yc1v?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=peeler+cores&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=100096799#.UQGDxb9vaSo" style="color: #954f72;">Four-inch diameter cores</a> 8 feet long made with pressure treated wood run about $9 each at Home Depot. Six-inch diameter peeler cores cost $17 each at <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=peeler%20cores&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All" style="color: #954f72;">Home Depot</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> Redwood posts: Square redwood posts come in a variety of sizes, including 4-inch by 4-inch ($19 for a 10-foot length) and 6-by-6-inch, and lengths up to 20 feet. Redwood is hearty, durable and will not poison your horses.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> Pressure treated fir: This material offers a less expensive alternative ($9.97 at Home Depot for 4x4x8 hemp fir) to redwood. The drawback is most pressure treatments, which are designed to prevent insect damage, use highly toxic arsenic.</div>
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Using wood also requires wood or vinyl rails, <a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM5921616405P?sid=IDx20110310x00001i&srccode=cii_184425893&cpncode=35-28277264-2" style="color: #954f72;">wire fencing</a>, electrified “hot wire”—which is the focus of this article—or a combination of the above.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GNjW3qx0mVNaLlYGLE_JE5MyEsM9mmoUNzo4pdKfY3Kk4pkWNe34BpNBUwEkZbr3__8mHZ8gZw8_l4DLAKuxQPoMEmophgUJyVW1NkM_qwLPwa-Eoct9a3Tyu82lOrkGVyURqq8sZUU/s1600/wire+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GNjW3qx0mVNaLlYGLE_JE5MyEsM9mmoUNzo4pdKfY3Kk4pkWNe34BpNBUwEkZbr3__8mHZ8gZw8_l4DLAKuxQPoMEmophgUJyVW1NkM_qwLPwa-Eoct9a3Tyu82lOrkGVyURqq8sZUU/s400/wire+display.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electrical tape is wide and more visible than wire. This displays shows several common arrangements.<br /><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;">
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T-Posts And Hot Wire</h3>
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Metal T-posts, named for their triangular shape, are an inexpensive alternative to wood or steel panels. You will still need at least one wood post for your gate, though.</div>
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The chief downside of using T-posts is that they can be bent easily. Using electrified wire that gives your horse—or if it gets touched, you—a jolt generally keeps that from happening.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKwQvKp9GS7hg-2tXwuMwofIqdnL4eRHlWP28_tczjoDliy9-lQ3Niy2ntoxOKdWyrkLXDy9AJixVgvdfeNKT6NwpU0hMCJ4RCe49cqawagFH7dSDn5rJDXRJNDBZHWxGfOlGeeK3mjs/s1600/red+snapper+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKwQvKp9GS7hg-2tXwuMwofIqdnL4eRHlWP28_tczjoDliy9-lQ3Niy2ntoxOKdWyrkLXDy9AJixVgvdfeNKT6NwpU0hMCJ4RCe49cqawagFH7dSDn5rJDXRJNDBZHWxGfOlGeeK3mjs/s320/red+snapper+display.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A similar display using wire.</td></tr>
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Assuming you want to build a 60-foot diameter round pen, and plan to install a 12-foot gate, your circumference is about 168 feet. Spacing your posts every 8 feet requires 21 posts. Spacing them every 6 feet requires 28 posts.</div>
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T-posts come in a variety of lengths. One of the most common sizes is 6 feet, which cost $5.38 each at <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=T-posts&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All" style="color: #954f72;">Home Depot</a>.</div>
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To drive in the posts you will need a sledgehammer or T-post driver, which is a heavy metal cap that goes over the top and has handles on both sides.</div>
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Hot wire comes in both wire and tape designs. Tape is wider and more visible. Wire is smaller but just as effective since both carry current.</div>
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Basic Equipment For Hot Wire</h3>
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The simplest design is attaching insulators to each T-post with 3 to 6 rows of wire per post. Wires should be spaced about 1 foot apart vertically. Hot wire and tape typically comes in rolls of about 600 and 656 feet, requiring one roll for three rows, two rolls for more than three rows.</div>
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You will also need tensioners for each row to keep the wire or tape straight.</div>
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Pre-packaged gate kits contain all the essential elements you need to connect your fence to a gate.</div>
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You will also need a grounding rod regardless of your power source.</div>
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Power Sources</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbpr3Crz5q9KPPRAzovUhUnmGbdalz4nk8-QkISISmWn0DgHXXTaOIVX4dzmwfcG2ixMQUdfjPsbn3-yDs-WV5bE8rb0S1K1sySCZJAMo8u4HCuymUCRRSIEco8xQ1_4Zovx-J_XSPWg/s1600/basic+solar+panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbpr3Crz5q9KPPRAzovUhUnmGbdalz4nk8-QkISISmWn0DgHXXTaOIVX4dzmwfcG2ixMQUdfjPsbn3-yDs-WV5bE8rb0S1K1sySCZJAMo8u4HCuymUCRRSIEco8xQ1_4Zovx-J_XSPWg/s320/basic+solar+panel.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solar panel power source.</td></tr>
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There are several options for powering a hot wire fence depending both your electrical skill and the location of your pen.</div>
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If your pen is near an outdoor electrical outlet, you can purchase a power panel that will handle 2 miles of wire for about $100.</div>
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If your pen is not close to an electrical supply, your options are to use a direct current source (About $80)—some versions can use 4 “D” cell batteries or a car battery—or solar power. Solar power stations give you the most freedom of location but start at $169 to power 2 miles of fencing.</div>
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The Bottom Line</h3>
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You can build a 60-foot diameter round pen for between $500-$600 using hot wire and T-posts. This figure does not include your gate nor any materials for footing, which is critical to your horse’s health.</div>
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A similar set-up using premade steel panels is about $1,500 including gate but excluding one post and footing materials.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVY6WuIgxDNIZyDGkF96i0A8SFrtVP6xzC_ElRFxqPY4AFtOCbDDm-Fre5dh6faeAbnYnTQFqTCxIm6TWHh8vIEt26yjuO9Kvfq4e3ofoaCvqKB-5KDFYvRNou9miKp1J_8bdyQhXBcQ/s1600/fencing+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVY6WuIgxDNIZyDGkF96i0A8SFrtVP6xzC_ElRFxqPY4AFtOCbDDm-Fre5dh6faeAbnYnTQFqTCxIm6TWHh8vIEt26yjuO9Kvfq4e3ofoaCvqKB-5KDFYvRNou9miKp1J_8bdyQhXBcQ/s320/fencing+display.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A display of electric fencing components at a local feed store.</td></tr>
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Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-52600112134341361902013-01-22T15:51:00.004-08:002013-02-15T10:29:23.744-08:00Comparing Image File Names Using Irfanview, Excel<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TL8kytF-EqHoK8oH7CH8BUfL3ymoWc_JV0Eu9qmoxhAGL0zB00zz0kVkLXc82yto-s5bmFYvHvU0S8Hty4DFrcAhGOqAP8-GKtzNaPIw6IKauKj7ogPLTJk03Uk22tF3DYFFedfNt44/s1600/multiple+image+files.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TL8kytF-EqHoK8oH7CH8BUfL3ymoWc_JV0Eu9qmoxhAGL0zB00zz0kVkLXc82yto-s5bmFYvHvU0S8Hty4DFrcAhGOqAP8-GKtzNaPIw6IKauKj7ogPLTJk03Uk22tF3DYFFedfNt44/s400/multiple+image+files.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sample photo image directory.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Introduction</span></h3>
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Consider this common scenario for people working on commercial website projects. You have a bunch of product photos but not photos of every product. You need to create two lists: one of the images you already have and another with other images, some of which you might not have.</div>
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This “cheat sheet” uses Irfanview ® and Microsoft Excel ® to create these lists and compare the data.</div>
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Preliminary Steps</h3>
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Your first steps are gathering your information. You should have a list of image file names, possibly already in Excel. If not, duplicate the following procedure on the folder or directory where your existing images are found.</div>
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You will also want to locate the directory where the new images—including the missing shots—can be found.</div>
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If you already have a list of image file names, copy and paste the list into a column in Excel under the header “existing” and save the worksheet.</div>
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Irfanview Steps</h3>
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These steps work on a folder of images where you are using Irfanview’s thumbnail function to view them.</div>
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Start by opening Irfanview and the folder where the images are found. Hit “T” to view them as thumbnails. Next hit “A” to select all images.</div>
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Now <i>right click</i> on the images and choose “Save selected file names as text” from the options presented.</div>
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You now have your list of file names without the associated images.</div>
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Initial Excel Steps</h3>
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<b>The Long Way<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Use this method at least once so you understand how to do it.</div>
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Open Excel then, under File Open, have it open All Files and select your text file. Open the images as Fixed width and follow the Screen import wizard.</div>
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Next, see how the image file names are presented. Assuming parts of the file name are spread across multiple columns, delete every column except the final one with the actual image name. An example is saving only names such as Test1.JPG instead of C:\My_Documents\project_image_files\Test1.jpg when all of the other text is stored in additional columns.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCnqrrk8ugNlLVSzF9P0mO5CkmJhnfM6Qr0AV2cJFDjpNu4_3SMIBZQ6Nw7GqpLYUwIUQNJs-nnsBT-yfPH1L5aNF6pobzzOcifkontHQsRKQrLA99V7fENvNEsrRsIuLiCvBz4sz6N8/s1600/excel+w+untrimmed+file+names.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCnqrrk8ugNlLVSzF9P0mO5CkmJhnfM6Qr0AV2cJFDjpNu4_3SMIBZQ6Nw7GqpLYUwIUQNJs-nnsBT-yfPH1L5aNF6pobzzOcifkontHQsRKQrLA99V7fENvNEsrRsIuLiCvBz4sz6N8/s400/excel+w+untrimmed+file+names.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An excel list with original file names spread across several columns.</td></tr>
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Now you should have file names like Shoes\redmens10m.JPG and Shoes\redwomens6.JPG.</div>
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Shrink those names down so they resemble those in the list of images you already have. One way of doing this is counting the number of spaces from the right—including the period for your “dot JPG”—for your longest length name.</div>
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Now use Excel’s RIGHT Function to gather just the text characters you want to keep.</div>
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Assuming your original filename with all of the data is in column A and you want to save the first 8 characters from the right, your formula (in cell B1) will look like this:</div>
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=Right(A1,8).</div>
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Delete or modify any file names where extra characters still exist. It’s far easier to delete unneeded text than add critical information back in.</div>
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Cell B1 should just have the characters you need for comparison purposes. Copy and paste special values (Alt+ESV) to replace your formula with the actual file names and that step is finished.</div>
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Use the same procedure on your existing images if their file names are not already stored in an Excel worksheet.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUVfgwRrKetlvluA40riwbhSZwzwdwyfaoOjPc8CTFrNgo5RueYYsxUZy0PkFN6U1GB2EiZ2HwZ2QEmBE1bHcl6628LdFQDPJWjA0Gkr57Zz8_4Yh3Txe2xwXP_YH3kVxnRb5TQflG6k/s1600/find+and+replace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUVfgwRrKetlvluA40riwbhSZwzwdwyfaoOjPc8CTFrNgo5RueYYsxUZy0PkFN6U1GB2EiZ2HwZ2QEmBE1bHcl6628LdFQDPJWjA0Gkr57Zz8_4Yh3Txe2xwXP_YH3kVxnRb5TQflG6k/s320/find+and+replace.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use this method when the text you want to delete is identical with every image file name.</td></tr>
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<b>The Short Way<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Assuming you have the same set of characters at the beginning of every file name, use search and replace (Crtl+H) to search for them and replace them with nothing. Hit Replace All and the extra characters are gone leaving just the rest of your original file name. It’s a heck of a lot quicker than the long way.<span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Comparing Lists</h3>
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Now you’ve got a list of new file names that looks identical in format to what you already had. Do a vlookup (hit the F1 key, type in Vlookup function and read the help article if you are unfamiliar with it) between your two spreadsheets and sort the results.</div>
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Assuming your new images are stored in Column A and your old images in column B on a different worksheet, your formula should look something like:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>=VLOOKUP(A1,'test 2.txt'!$B:$B,1,FALSE)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>A1 is your starting cell</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>‘test 2.txt’ is the spreadsheet where you are looking for the comparison data</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>$B:$B is the column where the data can be found</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>1 is the number of cells you are comparing</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>False indicates you want an exact match. True would give you an inexact match, which is generally avoided.</div>
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Assuming your results are in Column C, do a sort and look for the #N/A’s. An N/A indicates your worksheet of existing file names lacks that particular image. The name will appear if you already have it.</div>
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All you have to do now is harvest the images listed as N/A and you’re done.</div>
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<i>Editor’s Note: A detailed look at using Irfanview can be found in my archives. Email me directly at <a href="mailto:davereyn83@gmail.com" style="color: #954f72;">davereyn83@gmail.com</a> for a copy.</i></div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-73774648710821403382012-12-28T17:34:00.004-08:002013-02-15T10:29:56.751-08:00Working With IrfanView<br />
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Introduction</h3>
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<a href="http://www.irfanview.com/" style="color: purple;">IrfanView</a> is a “freeware” computer program designed to process multiple image files in large batches. While it lacks the photo editing and manipulation capabilities of programs such as Adobe’s ® PhotoShop®, it performs admirably as an assistant to those programs.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Image 1: IrfanView’s opening screen for Batch Conversions after a folder of images is selected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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When you open IrfanView for the first time, your first task is to go to the “Batch Rename settings name pattern:” and insert $N.jpg. This command ensures that every image retains its original name followed by the lowercase .jpg extension, which can save you a lot of time</div>
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Your batch options are: “Batch conversion,” which alters each image in any of several forms; “Batch rename,” which changes the file name; and “Batch conversion- rename result files,” which does both.</div>
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If all of you images are already in .jpg format, select “Batch Conversion.” If not, select “Batch conversion- rename result files.”</div>
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IrfanView retains these settings until you decide to change them.</div>
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Resizing Images</h3>
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One of IrfanView’s advantages over PhotoShop ®is its ease of resizing photos. This is especially important when processing large batches of images for use in on-line product catalogs.</div>
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PhotoShop ® requires creating a macro to perform batch resizes, and then only on identically-oriented (all vertical or all horizontal) images. IrfanView lets you apply one measurement to the longest or shortest side.</div>
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IrfanView will automatically crop the borders and allow to perform many other functions on batches of images.</div>
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Image 2: IrfanView’s Advanced Options dialog box.</div>
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A suggested way of working with groups of photos is creating at least one Output folder as a nested sub-folder of the folder where your images are stored. Have your adjusted images saved to the new location. This way your originals are not overwritten should a problem occur.</div>
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Using PhotoShop and IrfanView Sequentially</h3>
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Many photographers prefer to shoot their images at the maximum resolution available then “dumb down” copies for other purposes such as displaying them online. Using PhotoShop® first then IrfanView makes a lot of sense and saves a lot of time and frustration.</div>
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Consider this method, which assumes your original images come in a Raw format, which retains all of the shooting information and lets you alter the exposure after the fact.</div>
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Let’s start with a possible scenario: your firm has 50 new products it wants to sell on its website and promote in both print and online ads. You need to have three copies of each photo:</div>
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1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Maximum quality images for print advertising. These should be 240-300 dots per inch (dpi) or greater for the best results.</div>
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2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Smaller versions designed for the Internet that are still fairly large both for executives to pick from and for use with blogs. A size of 4 inches by 6 inches at 72 dpi (screen resolution) is a good starting point.</div>
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3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Even smaller images for use in your online catalog, such as with a maximum size of 1200 pixels on the longest side.</div>
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First, run your images individually through PhotoShop making adjustments to the exposure, color balance, contrast, brightness and color intensity, then save the adjusted versions as .jpg images at maximum (100 percent) resolution. Keep these images in a folder separate from the Raw files just as a precaution.</div>
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Remember, jpgs compress image files, causing a reduction in information and therefore a drop in clarity every time the image size is changed. Having an unaltered original means that you can always go back to the original.</div>
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Once adjusted, these first-level images can be printed up the maximum size, such as 11-inches by 17 inches or even larger, depending on the settings and capabilities available, of the camera used.</div>
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The result of your first round is a group of jpgs, some with the lowercase .jpg extension and possibly others with upper case JPG or mixed-cased Jpg extensions. Why does it matter? Because some ecommerce platforms such as Magento will only accept images with the lowercase extension.</div>
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You just completed your first task.</div>
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Once your first round of jpgs are ready, close PhotoShop® and open Windows Explorer (<i>not</i> <i>the Internet Explorer web </i>browser). Create two nested subfolders labeled Output1 and Output 2.</div>
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Using the dialog box shown above, click the “Resize” box (Image 2, above) and select 6 then inches as the longest size and put 72 in the “Set new DPI value.”</div>
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Now go to the Basic dialog box (Image 1) and select Output1 as the “Output directory for results” folder.</div>
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In the interest of ensuring all images have the lowercase .jpg extension and the original filename, place “$n.jpg” (no quotes) in the “Batch rename” “Name Pattern” box.</div>
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Select “Add All” images from the basic choices then “Run Batch.” IrfanView will quickly process all images and place them in Output1 while leaving your original Raw and first-round jpgs alone.</div>
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Task 2 is now complete.</div>
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Now go select Output1 as your starting point and Output2 as the end point for Task 3. This time, go into the Advanced Settings Dialog Box and click the Resize Image box then select an appropriate size for your online catalog shots, such as 1200 pixels at 72 dpi.</div>
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Image 3: The JPEG/GIF “Save Options” Dialog box.</div>
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You can also reduce the file size further by dropping the image quality set in the JPEG/GIF Save Options Dialog Box from 100 percent, which is where it should be set initially. Consider a setting of about 50 percent for images that only appear online.</div>
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Now For the Results</h3>
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Image 4: The T-Rex skeleton at the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco. (Size reduced to fit space limitations) after the first pass through IrfanView. There is no noticeable drop in image quality.</div>
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Image 5: The T-Rex skeleton and a blue jellyfish<span style="font-size: 8pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;"> at the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco. Size reduced to fit space limitations after the second pass through IrfanView. Image quality is degraded, though this is not typically a problem with static products such as clothing.</span></div>
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Summary</h3>
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IrfanView is not designed to replace Adobe’s PhotoShop as a photo editor. However, it is a good compliment to PhotoShop. IrfanView makes applying repetitive alterations, such as changing sizes and resolutions, a quick and easy process.</div>
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Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-12773724583263101082012-12-02T17:46:00.002-08:002012-12-02T17:46:36.462-08:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnlFLqBS0G592X8qaKr8auKRkyxUJr1-fRXU8gUtanmoRRKHQKQpsx75byKkcq7_v9Qw7j5672aP_ZilppJNtVugClHAT1kiw-wDJbXOiHuAgKw3FqHLlNdEuIlxxCZfoFq6oHN4a0gg/s1600/computer+mouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnlFLqBS0G592X8qaKr8auKRkyxUJr1-fRXU8gUtanmoRRKHQKQpsx75byKkcq7_v9Qw7j5672aP_ZilppJNtVugClHAT1kiw-wDJbXOiHuAgKw3FqHLlNdEuIlxxCZfoFq6oHN4a0gg/s320/computer+mouse.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a mouse is much less efficient than using keyboard shortcuts.</td></tr>
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Introduction</h3>
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Keyboard shortcuts save an immense amount of time because your fingers never leave the keys. You are not constantly clicking on a menu nor moving your mouse several times as you select from a series of drop-down menus.</div>
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These are a few of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office programs.</div>
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<span style="text-indent: 12.75pt;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Shortcuts</span></b> </span></div>
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Ctrl+W: Close Windows</div>
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Alt+Tab: Switch between programs</div>
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Ctrl+Tab: Switch between tabs or windows in the same program</div>
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Crtl+C: Copy</div>
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Crtl+F: Opens the Find dialog in MS Office programs</div>
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Crtl+H: Opens the Find and Replace dialog in MS Office programs</div>
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Ctrl+N: New document</div>
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Ctrl+S: Save</div>
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Crtl+P: Print</div>
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Crtl+X: Cut</div>
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Crtl+V: Paste at cursor location</div>
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Crtl+Z: Undo one action</div>
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Alt+F+A: Save As</div>
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F1: Calls up context sensitive help</div>
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F7: Spellcheck document (Microsoft Office programs)</div>
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Shift+F7: Activates Thesaurus in Microsoft Word</div>
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F12: Save As (Microsoft Office programs)</div>
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Windows key+E: Opens Windows Explorer</div>
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Windows Key+D: Returns users to the Desktop</div>
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To save an Excel document in CSV (comma separated values) files instead of an Excel XLS (older versions of Excel) or XLSX (Excel 2010) follow these steps.</div>
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1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Tap the F12 key to open the “Save As” dialog box</div>
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2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Press the Tab key to go to the “Save As Type” dropdown box</div>
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3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Press C to select the CSV option</div>
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4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Press Enter to make your selection</div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-89167686201017519712012-12-02T17:40:00.002-08:002012-12-02T17:40:48.848-08:00Online Catalogs Require Planning, Attention to Detail<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy-g1tuAbpFEIqWNI2CuTUiU6wCEHCmUT3l_HXxmB9mqSHIZ6cM7cbuCQ5fkg8j-qx6kME12IEEdkAr2f14ZzMLZiVhR1NofuaID9HG_ZAWUPhNGGli_Kaz1V2Ihyi-FI_DtTzut3lcU/s1600/MC900060029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy-g1tuAbpFEIqWNI2CuTUiU6wCEHCmUT3l_HXxmB9mqSHIZ6cM7cbuCQ5fkg8j-qx6kME12IEEdkAr2f14ZzMLZiVhR1NofuaID9HG_ZAWUPhNGGli_Kaz1V2Ihyi-FI_DtTzut3lcU/s1600/MC900060029.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Online catalogs help drive sales.</td></tr>
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Introduction</h3>
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Having an online catalog is critical to the financial success of any sales-oriented firm, whether that firm operates on a retail “bricks and mortar” store, only an online ecommerce site, or a combination of both. Creating an online catalog requires research, writing and design, search engine optimization and a detailed database. When done properly, good online catalogs let your customers shop any time of the day or night. They also provide much more information—at a substantially lower cost—than a printed version.</div>
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On-line catalogs are costly in one major respect: they require a lot of material be manually inputted into a computer system.</div>
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Let’s take a look at each element starting with research.</div>
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Research</h3>
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Researching items for an online catalog means pouring through other online resources, such as those from your suppliers, and/or printed product descriptions. Your goal is to gather these critical elements for each item:</div>
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1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>A product photo. Customers want to see items they cannot touch and feel. Product photos should accurately reproduce the color and shape of each product.</div>
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2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>A product description. This and your product photo will make or break your sales. Too little information will drive customers to other sites where they can get the data they need.</div>
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3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>A product number. Each variation of each product should have its own product number. For example, a white, short-sleeved men’s extra large T-shirt would have one product number while an identical shirt in blue would have a different number.</div>
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4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>A price. List your normal price for each product. If one size costs more than another, explain it. For example, a half-inch dog leash costs $25. The three-quarter-inch version is $10 more.</div>
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5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>A simple, effective and easy way to order every product in any quantity. Use the electronic version of a shopping cart (have your web master create one or use one of many free versions).</div>
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6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>A shipping calculator. Have it calculate the cost based on the customer’s zip code.</div>
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7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Ways to contact you with questions about various products, the shipping status of a specific order, return policies, etc.</div>
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Now it’s time to take a look at the writing and design of your online catalog.</div>
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Writing and Design</h3>
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While much of your information will come from your suppliers, make sure your online catalog presents it in a clear, logical way. Make sure your writing is clear and uses complete sentences, not sentence fragments or phrases.</div>
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Writing your product description is critical to your success. Every product description should include key information customers will need. When referring to clothing, for example, make sure your product listing (<i>not</i> the description) lists every available size, color and variation.</div>
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Using multiple tabs is a common and effective method. Present a brief description or product summary on one tab, greater details on a second, customer reviews on a third, and for those products requiring it, technical specifications on a fourth tab.</div>
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The product page design should be uniform. Descriptive segments should appear in the same location on every page. For example, if you have some product photos on the middle left side of your screen and some on the right, adjust your pages so every product photo is in the same location.</div>
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A suggestion is having your webmaster create a design template. People inputting product information simply stick it in the right slot. Another method involves creating a detailed database that is run through one or more conversion programs. The conversion programs create the webpages automatically.</div>
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Your design is also a key in helping your customers find the products they want. Start with a combination of pop-out menu category lists on the left side. This helps your customer narrow their search to a given product category, such as long-sleeved work shirts. Have a summary page of smaller photos with links to each product category next to the menu. When your menu reaches the bottom level of a given category, include photos of specific products prices, brief descriptions and links to each product’s specific page.</div>
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Also make sure your website allows customers to enter specific terms and search for products that match those terms. For example, someone should be able to enter “men’s shoes size 12 DD” and come up with a list of products that match those terms. They should also be able to enter simply “women’s shoes” and be shown a much broader list of products.</div>
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By this point you should have a good general idea of what your online catalog may look like. Just writing and designing it, though, does not mean customers can find it unless they have already visited your site. That is where search engine optimization comes in.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcsCwlOjrnLBpKX9cO-96qrMD_yEv-_6jyo3JUJvR1VdCfn735p7e-65Mjd9itrATUpeu-40p5u4XwC0S-u8A1B7c3Y5mkR7PX-bbhCx3iVxjJrS6dJ-5fsrEHZvDa9y0YwWLAaEm950/s1600/google+keywords+tool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcsCwlOjrnLBpKX9cO-96qrMD_yEv-_6jyo3JUJvR1VdCfn735p7e-65Mjd9itrATUpeu-40p5u4XwC0S-u8A1B7c3Y5mkR7PX-bbhCx3iVxjJrS6dJ-5fsrEHZvDa9y0YwWLAaEm950/s400/google+keywords+tool.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google's Keywords tool helps you find the right words and phrases.</td></tr>
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Search Engine Optimization</h3>
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Most online shoppers start by using a search engine such as Google, Yahoo or Bing. They enter a query and look for the most accurate match. One of your goals is to design your catalog so that each of these search engines quickly and easily records every product you sell.</div>
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Many shoppers will enter their shopping query, such as “where can I buy women’s blouses?” and only look at the top site. Others may look at any or all of the top five sites while a few look at the top 10 sites. Very few people, though, look beyond the sites listed on the first page of query results, even though there may be hundreds or thousands of matches.</div>
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Since your goal is to generate sales, it makes sense to include terms that help you achieve that goal. The technical expression used to define words and phrases that help search engines find your products is “key words.”</div>
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Key words (also called “tags”) are individual words and short phrases search engines look for when examining your site. They create a list of those words and phrases then match them to online queries. Exact word and phrase matches will generate a higher position on search engine results pages.</div>
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Your job is to include these words both in the actual text on your page, such as in the product descriptions, or in hidden text, such as the “Tags” section of Microsoft Word’s “Save As” screen.</div>
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Make sure your words and phrases are relevant to each product page. Why? Because search engines will look in the “Tags” and the product page. Tags referring to words not found on the specific web page may cause a search engine to reject the tag, lowering or eliminating your page from its rankings.</div>
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Good key words or tags about a product page advertising a specific type of work shirt, for example, could include: work shirts, long-sleeved work shirts, outdoor work shirts, stain-resistant work shirts, cotton work shirts, men’s work shirts, women’s work shirts, XYZ brand work shirts, etc. Again, it is very important to only include tags that are relevant to each specific product.</div>
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Bad key words are those completely irrelevant to the subject at hand. For example, don’t use the word “nude” as a key word unless your product has a function involving nudity. Some clothing products (e.g., women’s stockings) classify “nude” as a color, so “nude” in that situation, since it refers to an actual product feature, is accurate. Calling the handle of a sledgehammer “nude” as in “naked wood” is inaccurate, causing search engines to reject the listing.</div>
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The Google Keyword Tool</h3>
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One simple, free way to check the effectiveness of your individual keywords and phrases is to run them through <a href="https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__c=1000000000&__u=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS" style="color: purple;">Google’s keyword tool</a>.</div>
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“The<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><strong style="font-style: inherit; outline: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Keyword Tool</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span>can help you find new relevant keywords and add them directly to your ad groups. That's important because the keywords you create for a given ad group are used to target your ads to potential customers. In other words, good keywords can help you show your ads to the customers you want, when you want. You can enter a word, a phrase, or a website address, and the tool will suggest relevant keywords for you automatically. Think of it as a keyword brainstorming session!<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Remember, though, that while the Keyword Tool can provide some great suggestions, keyword performance depends on a variety of factors. For example, your bid, budget, product, and customer behavior in your industry can all influence the success of your keywords.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Simply type in a word or phrase, such as “hats for dogs,” select a category such as “Hobbies and Leisure” and the sub-categories “Pets and Animals” and “Pet Grooming” then click Search. Continue to try various words or phrases until you find a word or phrase where the competition is low but the Global Monthly Searches and/or the Local Monthly Searches is in an acceptable range.</div>
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Finding the right search terms is a time-consuming process but one that can be well worth the effort.</div>
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The goal is to find the right terms then use them, plus links to product pages on your website, to drive traffic and sales.</div>
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Note that while the keyword tool is free, Google’s goal is for you to pay it to use these terms as part of your advertising budget.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJj4n03VVCVO-21YE-QxYr1Zli5hXxSRN8tNoWgiVPglvLK08WO6zTbgZdm1KcwjDzmR4HntqyIeB_Vi9B2cRoWnvfn8mAQGlIHo3h2NecfarQyEqjSu1VBxChkEfmoRARUnl6qihutw/s1600/Excel+database.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJj4n03VVCVO-21YE-QxYr1Zli5hXxSRN8tNoWgiVPglvLK08WO6zTbgZdm1KcwjDzmR4HntqyIeB_Vi9B2cRoWnvfn8mAQGlIHo3h2NecfarQyEqjSu1VBxChkEfmoRARUnl6qihutw/s320/Excel+database.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This database is one a used bookstore might have.</td></tr>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 12.75pt;"> </span></div>
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Your Database</h3>
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Databases are collections of facts, figures and equations in searchable columns and rows that can be reordered based specific requirements.</div>
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Databases come in two main types: flat file (a spreadsheet is an example of a flat file database) and relational.</div>
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A list of products from one single supplier can be considered a flat file database. An identical list from a different supplier would be considered a second flat file database.</div>
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Relational databases are collections of flat file databases. They allow users to search multiple flat files databases based on common components. For example, be sure that every supplier’s individual spreadsheet has column headings containing the company name, product number, size, style, color, price and description. Having this commonality of design allows you to then search by each heading.</div>
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The results will also appear in a query or search window on your website, but only if the information is available to it.</div>
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For example, if you have three suppliers of men’s work shirts, you can then search through all three individual spreadsheets (which are flat file databases) and find a listing of those products that meet your specific requirements. Those requirements might be blue, short-sleeved, cotton shirts in size extra large. You or your customers can then compare shirts and find the ones they want.</div>
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So how does this database apply to your on-line catalog? Simply by helping people look through it. It allows them to type specific words (think SEO key words but this time inside your site) and go directly to pages that match those terms.</div>
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Good database also have other important functions that are critical to your business, but hidden from your customers. For example, you can—and should—have a database listing all important information about each supplier. This should include their contact name, address, phone number, email address, etc.</div>
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Your product databases should also include column headings that indicate your cost and the quantity in stock. This way you know to adjust your prices when a supplier raises or lowers theirs. You can also order hot-selling items to keep them in stock or reduce inventories to levels that meet, but don’t exceed, demand.</div>
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The critical part of database design goes back to the research phase as it applies to the information you might want at some point. Experience teaches us that it is a lot easier to add all the information you want at one time instead of adding bits and pieces here and there.</div>
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The Bottom Line</h3>
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Any company selling products should have an on-line catalog that functions as both a customer information resource and as a way to generate direct sales. Allow time and manpower to gather this information and present it clearly and logically.</div>
Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524482314046286927.post-62249398519989059292012-07-06T09:14:00.001-07:002012-07-06T21:44:06.432-07:00Build Your Own Raised Beds<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoBGJ-E4wISmKxAZ899HxK5OGsRXHvEwIr0JbgaWHncISJ7LG9xRdLRqrkpXn-KZ88IXXXvgtkWCBYS6jVXIlA5uXSpDAdqgIDFmQeBvxsXhvBY-v5bTJzeQhx0I9OJaRsSSzpUCuF0w/s1600/year-old+beds+x72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoBGJ-E4wISmKxAZ899HxK5OGsRXHvEwIr0JbgaWHncISJ7LG9xRdLRqrkpXn-KZ88IXXXvgtkWCBYS6jVXIlA5uXSpDAdqgIDFmQeBvxsXhvBY-v5bTJzeQhx0I9OJaRsSSzpUCuF0w/s400/year-old+beds+x72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Year-old redwood raised beds with drip irrigation holding calla lillies.</td></tr>
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Did you plant some flowers and vegetables, planning to have a garden that would make the neighbors green with envy? You hit a slight snag, though: the gophers acted like a salad bar was open. You lost first one plant, then another and soon, all of them were in gophers' bellies.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 12.75pt;">Raised beds offer a simple solution to theses pesky pests. The best part is even novices can build and install a single basic raised bed in a weekend.</span></div>
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Building raised beds is a matter of planning and preparation, construction, installation and irrigation.</div>
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Each step is important but the first step is crucial to your success or failure.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG4tuzjD4PCS_FYRqLmAIiS5rZQvcQWBoascLFLSkfmWLYgBUBh5krCAPyWGyOKocvd_ID8J8Pg_yjLJf5hCTg8FzeImlaWf8Ja1O2quWx0EWTBAM70vMb2WqG3giM9Bi3S56-Mz3l_A/s1600/construction+tools+1+x72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG4tuzjD4PCS_FYRqLmAIiS5rZQvcQWBoascLFLSkfmWLYgBUBh5krCAPyWGyOKocvd_ID8J8Pg_yjLJf5hCTg8FzeImlaWf8Ja1O2quWx0EWTBAM70vMb2WqG3giM9Bi3S56-Mz3l_A/s400/construction+tools+1+x72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools include a Skilsaw, carpenter's square, tape measure, cordless drill and<br />
bits, screwdriver, safety goggles and ear protection</td></tr>
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<b>Step 1: Planning</b>. Tools required: a tape measure, pad and pen or way to draw out and record your plan. You will also need access to a pick-up truck for hauling lumber and planting soil.</div>
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Planning begins with measuring where the raised bed will go. Be sure to allow room to insert the bed and space to accommodate a water line.</div>
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<i>Tip: Water flows downhill. Do not have the top of your bed more than 12 inches above your water valve. Ideally, the bed should be lower in elevation.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Planning includes orienting the bed for sun exposure based on the type of plants you want to grow. It’s a lot easier to make this adjustment now than after you’ve built your bed.</div>
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Once you’ve measured where the bed will go, modify your design to reflect 8-foot wood lengths. Lumber comes in a variety of sizes, typically starting at 8 feet. Other common lengths are 10 feet, 12 feet, 16 feet and 20 feet. Eight foot boards fit in the bed of a full-size pick-up truck, while 10s and 12s stick out a bit. Anything over 12 feet can be tough to transport without a lumber rack.</div>
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Using 8 feet as a base, consider bed sizes such as 8 feet by 2 feet, 8 feet by 4 feet, 6 feet by 2 feet or 4 feet by 4 feet. Your final width may be slightly narrower, but these measurements give you a starting point.</div>
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You will also need corner posts, and for anything longer than 4-6 feet, center support posts. Use 2 by 4-inch posts when using “1 by” thick wood panels (this wood measures about .75 thick), 4 by 4-inch posts for “2 by” (1.5-inch thick) panels. Your posts should site about 6-8 inches below the bottom of your bed for stability.</div>
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Also look at how hard and level the ground is, if you are going to set your bed on it or slightly into it. The ground needs to be firm enough to support the weight of the box, dirt, plants and water on top of it. Muddy or extremely sandy soil is a bad location.</div>
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Now you have your bed’s site planned and wood lengths calculated. It’s time to move on to the Construction phase, which has three parts: cutting wood, assembling the bed and gopher-proofing it.</div>
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<b>Step 2a: Construction</b>. Tools required: a saw, carpenter’s square, tape measure, pencil and a flat and level surface. Safety equipment: Ear plugs or ear guards, clear goggles and gloves.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXPR5th7I0RCum1zsbiVcR51giLQZ6uZbaWHMnpMyOjhzDLnx70CZx31TZ6_jbCeLrEys81MU_vRiH6scdppNOJaJRKPgWqeKINPcptEhvHYRmUtwj0lN1h69ad5q2KK4Ems43Ug-L7c/s1600/wide+side+ready+to+go+x72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXPR5th7I0RCum1zsbiVcR51giLQZ6uZbaWHMnpMyOjhzDLnx70CZx31TZ6_jbCeLrEys81MU_vRiH6scdppNOJaJRKPgWqeKINPcptEhvHYRmUtwj0lN1h69ad5q2KK4Ems43Ug-L7c/s400/wide+side+ready+to+go+x72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine posts, redwood, drill ready for pre-drilling, tape measure, gloves and<br />
in foreground, a long clamp for warped wood. A stack of end boards sits<br />
at left.</td></tr>
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Start by measuring your side panels with your tape measure. Draw lines by placing your carpenter’s square along one straight edge then marking your cutting line across the board.</div>
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If you are going to make more than one cut from a single board, make your cut marks starting from one end then the other. This assures you of at least one straight, square edge.</div>
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Now that your lines are drawn, make sure your boards are flat and secure. Boards break, warp and can hurt you by bouncing back when the weight becomes uneven.</div>
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Next, put on your safety gear and start cutting. Have the blade spinning before contacting the wood.</div>
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<i>Tip: When using power tools, <b>always</b> follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and <b>never </b>place your fingers close to a blade. Also, turn off your power saw between cuts as an additional precaution.</i></div>
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When you’re done cutting, pile the boards into stacks for long and short sides. Stand them on end. If one board is noticeably longer or shorter, measure it and either cut or replace it.</div>
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Your wood is ready, so it’s time to advance to the assembly stage.</div>
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<b>Step 2b: Assembly</b>. Tools required: a drill, Phillips head screwdriver bits, wood bits one size narrower than the screws you are using plus a manual screwdriver. Optional: long wood clamp.</div>
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Start by placing your posts on a flat, level surface. Align the top and outside of your longest top side board (if going more than one high) with the top and outside of your posts. If the top and outside of your top board is square to your posts, the bed will be square. If either side is off, the entire bed will be uneven.</div>
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Pre-drill holes for your screws. Predrilling helps reduce the amount of wood that will be split.</div>
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Your pre-drill holes should be slightly shorter and narrower than your screws. This makes driving your screws easy, but still makes the holes tight enough for the screws to hold securely.</div>
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Drive your screws in most of the way. If they stick out slightly, that’s easily fixed. Do the top board, left, middle (if longer than about 4 feet) and right.</div>
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Using the same procedure, align the second board with the top one butting up against it. If there is a gap at one end between the top board and second board, consider using a long wood clamp to force them together. Make sure your left side screws are in pace before attaching the clamp. Allow 2 or 3 screws per board per post. Once your two long sides are completed, use available materials—trees, concrete blocks, strong boxes in your garage—to support them. Now start attaching your narrow sides using a slightly different method than above.</div>
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First, align the top and outside with a long side. Pre-drill the top hole and insert your screw. Next, push, pull or tap the right long side so the top and outside of the narrow board lines up with it. Now attach the top screw. Make sure your top narrow board is square with both long sides.</div>
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With the top screws attached to both left and right sides of your narrow board, add the remaining screws to it and secure it. Now switch to the opposite end and repeat. Check to be sure the ends are square.</div>
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When all screws are in place, use a hand screwdriver to firmly tighten them. Using too much pressure will cause the wood to split.</div>
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Your basic raised bed is now complete. If gophers are not a problem or you are using it for vegetation with long roots, stick the sucker in the ground.</div>
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However, if gophers consider your plants fast food, move on to the next step.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOG_WKIeiNcib-SZ02Y3edT__mKbt-m8TLrQ5mZCFSld3kzrgx9DdjGd794T7q3naEie30IrZC_cjvcz-IZt2rXOnF2p0m0V0gS3WBw6W2P-RwNeUqqdYeTFlpAiHKdyWPhNvL5ZfolEQ/s1600/chicken+wire+install+x72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOG_WKIeiNcib-SZ02Y3edT__mKbt-m8TLrQ5mZCFSld3kzrgx9DdjGd794T7q3naEie30IrZC_cjvcz-IZt2rXOnF2p0m0V0gS3WBw6W2P-RwNeUqqdYeTFlpAiHKdyWPhNvL5ZfolEQ/s320/chicken+wire+install+x72.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken wire installation.</td></tr>
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<b>Step 2c: Gopher proofing</b>. Materials required: chicken wire, 3/8ths long staples. Tools: staple gun, wire cutters. Safety equipment: gloves, a long-sleeved shirt.</div>
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Start by turning your bed upside down.</div>
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Align one end of your roll of wire with the end and one side of your bed, allowing about 1 inch of overlap. Laying the wire over your first pair of posts, use your wire cutters to clip three sides of a hole just large enough for the post to slip through.</div>
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Use staples to attach the wire to one narrow end then lay the wire over the remaining posts. Cut those holes. Staple the far end then cut the wire. If your bed is narrower than the wire—it typically comes in 4-foot widths—trim down the long side as well. Now staple the long sides, with staples about 2-3 inches apart.</div>
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<i>Tip: You want the wire to be tight, but not so tight it puts tension on the wood. Slightly loose is better than too tight.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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While chicken wire will not keep all gophers out, it will make it more difficult for them. That's the idea: let them move somewhere else.</div>
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Congratulations. Your raised bed is now ready to be installed.</div>
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<b>Phase 3: Installation</b>. Tools required: bubble level, a shovel, possibly a “busting bar” for rocks and hard dirt, wheelbarrow for moving dirt.</div>
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Position the bed where you want it to go, then lightly tap the posts. This will mark the soil. Now dig holes for each post. Once the bed is touching the ground, remove or add dirt to level the bed.</div>
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If your ground is uneven, start by having your bed touch the ground at its lowest point. You will need to remove dirt from the higher area—or shift it to the lower point—to balance your bed.</div>
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Your bed is now set, but empty. If you have gopher problems, consider adding a layer of rocks atop the chicken wire. Larger rocks make it harder for gophers to get in. Fill your bed using a mixture of regular dirt and amendments such as potting soil.</div>
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I prefer to use regular dirt—so long as it is not either pure sand or solid clay—for the lower two-thirds, topped with a mix of potting soil and dirt for the top third bringing the soil mix to within the top 1-3 inches of your bed.</div>
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<i>Tip: Liberally water your raised bed before adding your watering devices and plants. This will compact the dirt, allowing you to add more if needed.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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At this point, some people add their plants and stop, preferring to water by hand or let Mother Nature do it.</div>
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If you live in an arid climate, though, irrigation is essential.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazoUFVNYuckTttnNF28uo6n7pTC9QJtBVBaiEPs-LHvDhX7D8AFqw7t4hyphenhyphenScWQC5DJU2KAlTa2wpRvQpaGCMfWTyl3hgy0pXQjr5LBHvMjib_lP8eZgzu_pYZn3YlP2aM90b0BEudWJ4/s1600/finished+bed+w+watering+system+x72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazoUFVNYuckTttnNF28uo6n7pTC9QJtBVBaiEPs-LHvDhX7D8AFqw7t4hyphenhyphenScWQC5DJU2KAlTa2wpRvQpaGCMfWTyl3hgy0pXQjr5LBHvMjib_lP8eZgzu_pYZn3YlP2aM90b0BEudWJ4/s400/finished+bed+w+watering+system+x72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PVC 3/4-inch feed line to 1/2-inch to 1/2 inch drip tubing to 1/4 inch sprinklers.</td></tr>
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<b>Phase 4: Irrigation</b>. Tools required: a pair of regular pliers and a drip irrigation hole punch. Materials: a timer that attaches to a hose bib, a female to half-inch drip connector, half-inch and quarter-inch drip tubing plus drippers and sprinklers to suit. The materials you will need depend on how many raised beds you have, their spacing and the type of plants you are using.</div>
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Start by connecting a watering timer to the nearest hose bib (outdoor faucet), then attach a garden hose to it. Next, attach the female to half-inch drip connector to the end of your hose. This device is made with black plastic and has a green ring on the end. You screw one end onto your hose then wriggle your half-inch tubing into the other, going in at least 1-2 inches for a secure fit.</div>
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For a single raised bed, run the half-inch tubing from your hose down the center of the bed to the far end. Cut it off and use a clamp (it looks a figure eight) or male hose connector (it looks like the end of a hose you screw onto the faucet but this version comes with a cap) to close it off. You can use either small rocks or special large metal staples to keep the half-inch line straight but allow a little play.</div>
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Now use your hole punch to make holes in the half-inch line and using small connectors (often supplied with spike-style drip sprinklers), connect your quarter-inch line to your half-inch. Place these drip sprinklers close to your plants then adjust their volume down or up so most of the water goes only on your plants.</div>
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It’s always a good idea to ask your local nursery or hardware store which type of drip devices to use with your plants.</div>
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<i>Tip: Some people have problems getting the quarter-inch connectors into the half-inch tubing. Use pliers makes this task far easier.</i></div>
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And now it’s time for the final phase.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlt1nVKzjY_DUKM8FiSPd_xkWr6zgFA4_L3sHT0SrcNm5mu7eapOsEQmfM1Eih-Cjj-QG-S1utpE33njWPVmWeQ5P8exR4DUNWtZJPldjHFcWYPgAdWY3jrir0SiZdpus_xXCgqJX5u0/s1600/finished+big+beds+1+x72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlt1nVKzjY_DUKM8FiSPd_xkWr6zgFA4_L3sHT0SrcNm5mu7eapOsEQmfM1Eih-Cjj-QG-S1utpE33njWPVmWeQ5P8exR4DUNWtZJPldjHFcWYPgAdWY3jrir0SiZdpus_xXCgqJX5u0/s320/finished+big+beds+1+x72.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three new beds join an older one (far left).</td></tr>
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<b>Phase 5: The End</b>. Tools required: a cold beverage, anti-inflammatories and a cold shower or hot bath. Take a load off and congratulate yourself on a job well done.</div>
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<i>Do some of these terms seem confusing? If so, read the accompanying story for explanations and more tips.</i></div>Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07145447683518581181noreply@blogger.com0