The Essential Guide for Better Product Photography

A crash course on product photography and the use of simple studio equipment. As eBay Traders, we all know how good looking photographs can make or break a listing. We also know how dark, blurry and out of focus photos can make our listings look unprofessional and tacky. Hopefully this guide will help you make your listings look better.Here's a quick checklist of equipment that I use and would recommend if you're serious about getting the best out of your images- A Camera (it doesn't have to be a top end Digital SLR with a Macro Lens but you will need settings like "exposure compensation", "white balance" and if possible a good "macro" mode and "manual exposure"- A Tripod and Cable Release (camera shake is the cause of blurred photos - a tripod will allow you to take sharp photos each and every time. The cable release prevents any shake from pressing the shutter button. The self-timer function will also work)- A Light Tent/Softbox (these diffuse light and provide a clean background to photograph against, most people haven't seen them before but they are a staple of product photographs. They areavailable on eBay )- Lights (we recommend using Daylight Corrected lighting to avoid orange/green/blue colour casts - they areavailable on eBay )

Depression Glass

Depression glass is so named because it was made during the depression years. In very austere times when jobs and money were hard to come by, depression glass offered a small spark of luxury in dark times.Green, amber, pink and blue are the main colours and come in clear or frosted glass. Gorgeous vases, bowls, dressing table sets, juicers, mixing bowl, plates and cups and saucers, to name just a few were produced in depression glass. You can collect a design pattern or just collect any design you like. Displayed in a cabinet they look fantastic.As many years has passed since produced in the 1920's to 1940's these everyday items may be worse for wear.What should a buyer look for?ensure the item is not damaged run your finger around the edges to find any chipslook for any repairsHandy tip:Take a photograph of a piece which has the pattern you are searching for and take it with you to antique fairs and markets. Then you'll know for sure if you have the right one and maybe you can ask them to be on the look out for that special piece.

SELLING ISN'T EASY

When I joined Ebay to become a seller, i thought it was going to make me some money - ok - alot of money, and i would totally enjoy the experience. Well, here i am 5 months later, I'm still waiting to earn my first thousand and it has been everything but fun, in fact I'm sure i have sprouted a few grey hairs lately! My first sale went well and earned me $6.00 clear profit - wow - but I misjudged the post amount and so it ended up costing me $3.25 of my profit. I learned the hard way, but I was determined to stay honest and charge the right amount which I do, and i recycle packing to keep costs down for my buyers and me too. But i think sometimes I'm too honest and it ends up coming from my pocket. I'm still waiting to earn my first thousand!Selling isn't easy, I would call it hard. Above all things about selling is the people you have to contend with, while most are lovely, there are those which you could happily strangle, if you could get your hands on them. If you are a seller, then you will understand where I am coming from.The people that frenzy out on heavy bidding, and you are sitting there watching this activity thinking yeah, my first thousand, but when it comes down to the crunch. this person, this frantic specimen of bidding gone mad, won't come forward with the cash. You remind him, you send him mild threats of negative feedback, you send him last warnings, but to no bloody avail. he has just cost you a valid sale, he has just cost you a final valuation fee and you are now out of pocket, and don't turn to Ebay for help, I'm still waiting to hear anything from them about my valuation fee refund. And if that doesn't hurt enough, then this frantic specimen leaves feedback - negative bloody feedback - so you are left looking like an artful dodger as well.Another type is the scammer - he buys, he pays and demands insurance, and all of this is fine. So you insure, pack the item well and send it off. then you get his first email demanding to know where his item is, 'it's been 3 days since i paid for it, it should be here by now'- but sir you will have to take that up with Aust Post, not me.... then.... the next email ' my item has arrived and it's broken and i want a refund' - but sir, it is not my fault, it was good when it left my hands.....I demand a refund, and i will leave negative feedback as well....- but Sir you have insurance, claim on that, this really is not my problem....and negative feedback was left and you are left feeling like a right twat because you have delivered this scammer a broken item and won't give him a refund and it's all your fault.......and I'm still waiting to make my first thousand!!!!!!!!Selling isn't easy, it's not all fun but it's worth the effort. I have learnt that you need the patience of an angel to deal with people, honesty is also a good policy and above all, it's not a good idea to sell yourself short, there are always going to people out there waiting to stab you in the back, more importantly, most people are geniune, are good people and bend to help you if they can see you are genuine. Selling is a challenge.So, I hear you ask, why am I still selling - I'll tell you why - i'm waiting to make my first thousand.and I do love the people contact - good and bad..........cheers.

Postage Stamps And Postal History Of Australia

Stamps Australia OnlineThis is an overview of the postage stamps and postal history of Australia. The various colonies that joined to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 had long operated their own postal systems; see the articles on the systems of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia for the respective details. At federation the Commonwealth was granted the power to operate a central postal system through Section 51(v) of the Australian Constitution. Although unification of systems was expected to occur quickly, and a federal postmaster general was appointed, the process was delayed for several years; the stamps of each colony were not recognized by other colonies until 1910, and postal rates only became uniform throughout Australia on 1 May 1911. The Postmaster-General's department eventually became Australia Post in the 1970s - see that article for more details of the organizational aspects of Australia's postal system.Although one-penny postcards and lettercards appeared in 1911, for most students of the area, Australian philately proper begins in early 1913 with the Kangaroo and Map series of stamps, featuring a kangaroo standing on a map of Australia, and inscribed "AUSTRALIA POSTAGE". The first issue of the series consisted of 15 values ranging from a half penny to two pounds. The watermark was the first of several variations on the "A surmounted by a crown" theme, in this case the "wide crown and wide A". Kangaroo and Map stamps were reprinted several times: in 1915 with first the "wide crown and narrow A" watermark, then the "narrow crown and narrow A"; in 1929 with the "multiple small crown and A" watermark, and higher values in two colors; in 1932 with the "multiple small crown and C of A" watermark. In December 1945 the series ended with a redrawn two-shilling stamp. Most of the Kangaroo and Map stamps are readily available today, although values of 5 shillings and up are expensive.1913 also saw the first profile of King George V, a one-penny value in carmine. A cleaner version of the design was issued in 1914, and various denominations appeared from time to time, along with changes of watermark, as late as 1932. A 6-penny stamp depicting a kookaburra appeared in 1914 as well. The Commonwealth's first commemorative stamp was issued on 9 May 1927 to mark the opening of Parliament House in Canberra. Commemmoratives began appearing regularly in the 1930s, typically as sets of two to four of the same design, with the low value common and the higher values issued in much smaller numbers. The accession of George VI in 1937 was the occasion for a new definitive series of 14 designs, featuring both portraits of the new King and Queen, as well as Australia's unique animals, including the kangaroo, kookaburra, koala, platypus, and the commercially important Merino sheep. In 1938 the King and Queen portraits on the low values were re-engraved for improved appearance, and in 1942 they were superseded by new designs, along with a 5 1/2p value depicting an emu.New definitives from 1950 on showed an older George and Elizabeth, then gave way in 1953 to a profile of Elizabeth II. 1953 also saw the curious "PRODUCE FOOD!" stamps, depicting scenes from the butter, wheat, and beef industries, and issued to encourage food production. A 1956 issue for the Olympic Games being held in Melbourne included early examples of stamps printed in full color, and in 1957 Australia's first Christmas stamp began an annual tradition. The definitive series of 1959 used various portraits of the Queen for its low values, and a variety of plants and animals for the higher ones. Fluorescent paper began to be used in the 1960s. A series of 1963 included birds and well-engraved portraits of early explorers and their ships for values going up to two pounds. The introduction of decimal currency necessitated a new series of definitives in 1966. Values from 1c to 5c used the same portrait of the Queen, in different colors, while higher values included sea life in addition to the 1963 designs redrawn with decimal values; for instance, the 4-shilling Abel Tasman of 1963 became a 40c stamp of 1966. Stamp-issuing policy was relatively restrained in the 1970s, but in the 1980s and 1990s, considerable numbers of stamps began to appear, and many miniature sheets were overprinted for local stamp shows.Old Australian Postboxes found at the Australian National Museum

Purchasing Second-Hand PC Games Online

This guide is dealing with thepurchase of second-hand PC Games online. It covers some of the main points to be aware as there are pitfalls but when you know about them it can lead to better buying of second-hand PC Games online.Activation CodesA major thing to be aware of when purchasing second-hand PC Games, is that some second-hand PC Games cannot be practically resold due to them having activation codes. The majority of these games are online multiplayer games for example; Battlefield 2, Everquest II, World of Warcraft etc. These types of games are totally or mostly played online and the game providers use activation codes to control things like piracy and account creations.Technically the seller can pass on the account details to the purchaser, but if it is such a game you are purchasing then make sure they do, otherwise the game maybe worthless. Also find out, if its a Massive Multiplayer Online game like World of Warcraft what the current subscriptions are to play as this is an additional cost to pay on top of the game. Since the game is second-hand (unless never activated) any free time will have likely expired and a subscription is needed to play.Activation codes are also known as CD/DVD keys and Serial Numbers.PiracyPiracy is a real issue when purchasing any PC Game. To avoid potential pirates, always make sure the game is pictured with the contents of the box/case displayed. There should be CD/DVDs, a manual (for budget games though like platinum series the manual is in electronic form on the disk to save cost) and the original packaging. CD/DVDs are easily copied even to the detail of a hard to pick disk screen-print. Ensuring the other items are included minimises the risk of purchasing pirated goods as the manual and packaging reproduction would likely make the game sale unprofitable for them unless they are trying to pass it off at a new game price.The another reason to make sure you dont purchase pirated games, is again the activation code, many games even non online ones use this code to enable the purchaser of a game to access extended features. Of these features the most important is upgrades and patches to the game. Pirated games will often use cracks, programs that overcome anti-piracy measures in the game. However these programs are often reliant on a specific version of the game and will likely fail if the game is patched or upgraded. Meaning a purchaser of a pirated game that uses anti-piracy measures like a CD/DVD check will never be able to upgrade the game from its base version supplied on the CDs, unless they themselves track down and use another crack, which is illegal.Pirated games can come with activation codes however you will likely find them useless when trying to play online or for other game features.Game RequirementsThe advertised game should list the minimum and recommended game requirements to run the game as supplied by the game maker. These are listed on the game packaging. It is your responsibility to ensurethat youcan run the game and a seller is not at fault if theyve supplied the correct game requirements. You can double check the requirements by visiting the website of the game where it should be listed.Your PC should at least meet the recommended requirements of the game, as the minimum specifications, while they will often run the game it will be a sub par experience. Video Cards and RAM (your computers memory) are often the main areas of underperformance in most new games.Although uncommon for sale now old games that ran on DOS or a game makers variant of DOS will often not work at all or as intended on operating systems like Windows 2000 and XP. Technically minded people can get them to work sometimes but even then problems can arise. Also alot of newer games list the only supported operating system as Windows XP, if you have Windows 2000 there is a good chance it will run but it is not guaranteed or supported by the game maker.Check that the game is an expansion or not. Expansions often require a copy of the original game to use, for example: Diablo II Lords of Destruction, Warcraft III Frozen Throne, Everquest expansionsetc. An expansion that requires the original game is of no use by itself. The requirements of the game should note whether the original game is needed or not, as sometimes expansions or combination of expansions can include it as well.Many current games are coming out on DVD, so if you dont have a DVD-ROM in your PC make sure the game you are buying is in CD format.SummaryDont be put off by the suggestions I have made, as purchasing second-hand PC Games is still easy to do. However purchasers and sellers alike should know some of the major points regarding the trade of second-hand PC Games.

Plastic Playing Cards All you need to know about them

Good playing cards make a huge difference in any type of card playing game. There are several types of playing cards, the most popular are plastic and plastic coated with the main difference being the quality and durability of the cards. Plastic coated cards are paper cards coated in plastic and will not last as long as a 100% plastic card.You can expect plastic coated cards to be good for a few tournaments and you can expect plastic cards to be good for many tournaments.The type of playing cards you use will have a great impact on your card game. There's nothing worse than playing poker, bridge, or whatever with bad cards on a bad playing surface. You should probably use one or two decks of plastic playing cards, rather than paper (plastic coated) cards. Plastic cards will last for months or years compared to lasting only one or two tournaments for paper cards.Paper (plastic coated) playing cards will bend, crease, rip, chip and tear. They will only be good for one tournament or less. Paper cards mark easily and don't bend back into shape. They become dirty and sticky and don't slide as well as they did when they were new. They cannot be washed when they do become sticky. The colours are bright but fade as the cards wear out. If you spill a drink on a paper card, you might as well throw away the deck. They can be easily smudged or marked with a fingernail. It is easy to crease or bend a corner.Plastic (100%)playing cards are much more durable and long-lasting than paper cards. They will not crease, rip, or tear as easily as a coated plastic card. Plastic cards will last longer, shuffle better, and slide across the table better. Plastic cards may be washed using a damp cloth when they begin to get dirty and stick together. Plastic cards can get wet and soiled and are easy to clean.Plastic cards are easier to handle and shuffle. They bend back into shape better than a paper card and are much harder to mark or smudge than a paper card. They are more expensive than paper cards but are worth the extra money in the long run.Plastic cards slide very easily on just about any playing surface. They feel strange to shuffle at first but once you start using them, you'll never want to go back to a paper card. Plastic cards may smell when you first open a new deck. The smell will disappear with use.In the long run, plastic playing cards will probably cost you less than paper playing cards. If you are going to use use paper cards, plan on buying lots of decks. On the other hand, plastic playing cards will last dozens of tournaments, with a little cleaning needed now and then. When the cards get a little sticky, simply wipe them clean with a damp towel and let them dry. This will save you money in the long run.As with any type of card various brands will have differing type of plastic.The best cards and best value for money I have ever used are the COPAG range of plastic playing cards.Card SizePlaying cards are 3.5" in height. Poker (Wide) size cards are 2.5" (6.35cm) wide and Bridge size cards are 2.25" (5.72cm) wide. The relevant card sizes are show in the pictures below. Card IndexRegular, Jumbo or Magnum Index refers to the size of the numbers and pips (suits) on the card. Jumbo (Large) index cards have larger, easier-to-read numbers and suits than Regular (Standard) index cards. Jumbo Index cards are good to use on large oval tables because it is much easier to see the board cards (Flop, Turn and River) from the end seats. On the other hand, for inexperience players Jumbo index cards are worse as hole cards (down cards) because you have to expose more of your card to see what it is.Magnum index cards have even larger numbers and pips than Large index cards. Thething about Magnum Index cards is that they have huge numbers and pips that can be seen from across the table but they also have smaller numbers and pips in the corners of the card, allowing you to simply flip up a corner of your down-card to view it. Below are designs showing the difference between regular, jumbo and magnum index. REGULAR JUMBO MAGNUMRemember that it may be difficult for the players at the ends of the table to see the board cards (Flop, Turn, and River) especially if the overhead lighting is inadequate or the player's eyes are aged. You might consider using Jumbo index cards to make it easier to see the board cards, much depends on your players and your lighting. You could, alternatively, use regular index cards and ask the dealer to announce the cards as they are shown.PipsMost playing cards have numbers and pips located on the top left and bottom right corners of the card. Some decks, have numbers and pips on all four corners of the card. These are so-called "left-handed cards" and they make it easier to bend up any corner of your down card to view it. Most card decks have only two pips.StorageStore your cards in a consistently cool and dry environment. Do not leave your playing cards in a hot car or exposed to direct sunlight.Looking After Plastic Playing CardsYour cards will last longer if you keep them clean.To wash your cards, use cold water, mild neutral soap and a soft cloth. Do not use hot water. Clean only a few cards at a time. Rub lightly on both sides of the card and rinse quickly.Dry thoroughly at once using a clean, soft cloth. Spread your washed cards on a table and allow time to dry each side. Avoid direct sunshine or artificial heating. Occasionally wipe your plastic cards with a damp cloth and let dry thoroughly. Never use detergent or alkaline soap. Never put cards away damp, either from washing or perspiration. Never store cards where they will be exposed to sunshine or any other source of heat.Play on a clean felt table. Playing on poor quality or dirty surfaces will result in scratches which will allow dirt to accumulate on the cards.One of the best places to buy quality 100% plastic playing cards is right here on ebay.

What are Bombonieres?

Bomboniereare small gifts or tokens given by the bride and groom theirguests as a thank you for sharing their special day.The word bomboniereis Italian in origin but also know in other parts of the world as favors. Traditionally, bomboniere consist of 5 white sugar coated almonds encased ina bag of tulle and completed with ribbon and an artificial flower. Each almondhas a meaning which symbolise the following symbolise Health, Happiness,Wealth, Fertility and Longevity. Nowadays there is a whole range of styles to choose from including organzabags, plastic holder, various designs in boxes, candles, sops, bath bombs andmuch much more. There are also a wide variety of filling for your bomboniere ifyou would prefer not to use the sugar coated almonds. Chocolate hearts, boiledsweets, jelly bean, mini chocolate rocks to name a few. There are many colour, decorations and additions that you can add to yourbomboniere these days. Tulle circles come in a variety of colours and there isalso an endless list of ribbons ranging from stain, satin edge and organzathrough to the personalised printed ribbon with your names which is quitepopular to wrap around boxes. Then there is the bomboniere pull bow ribbon,very easy and results in a beautiful shiny bow. Traditionally they is one bomboniere placed at each table setting, in recentyears they have also been added to the centrepiece on the tables allowingguests to help themselves. You can even attach a small tag to thebomboniere with your guests names to reduce the need for place cards.You do not need to spend a lot to have a truly wonderful bomboniere for yourguest. You can create a traditional 5 almond bomboniere for under $1. We hope this has shed some light on the issue of bomboniere for those whoare not to sure. If you still need help or suggestions please do not hesitateto contact us at Australian Bridal