Here is a post with an explanation of some very simple HTML code so, you can get the most benefit of those great pictures on your website. Having a graphic to catch peoples attention is wonderful but, you want it to be placed (center, right, left), sized, and linked right to your product page!

Many times your company may supply you with a pre made banner for your blog or to use on any site. It comes with all the HTML Code that you need to get it visible and when clicked goes to the appropriate site. But, what if you want to use your own banner, a product picture, or the pre made one is not a good size? You need to know how to make it work.

Here we go! For a basic banner or picture you can make your own html code and have more control.

You will need to imput your own information in certain areas –
http://YOURURLHERE – This will be the link people will be directed to when they click the picture. You will want to leave target”_blank” just as it is. This means that the page will open in a new tab. This way they still have your blog open in a tab without clicking the back button.

http://YOURPICTUREURLHERE This is the link where your picture is stored. Be sure to include all /folders that will be needed to pull up the picture. Example – http://sherylloch.com/lochpic/amlban.jpg

alt="INSERT KEYWORD" – This is your Alternate Text. Many people say that since a spider can not see pictures (only text), that the alt text is how the spiders will categorize what you have placed as a picture. You will want to insert a keyword or phrase. I will say that I have found no proof that the ALT tag is even of any relevance. It may be a totally worthless as far as link anchor association but, I put it there just in case. To get the anchor text benefit simply insert a text link under your picture or banner.

title="INSERT PIC TITLE HERE” Here you can simply title your picture. Many times this is the text that shows when someone mouses over the picture.

width="440" height="70" Without these numbers the picture is shown on your site in the size that was loaded onto the server. Just because it is a certain size on the server does not mean it is good for placement on your site. If they have loaded a large picture this is how you can size it to me more manageable. I am sure you have seen the banners that hang over the edges of post or make a profile on a social site super huge. That looks like crap – all they need to do is put in a Width and Height that will make it more suitable.

Many of your button ads are 125x125 if that is the size you need put 125 in for width and again for height. Remember when working with pictures you may need to adjust the numbers a few times until you get it right.

If you would like to CENTER your image on the area you only need 2 pieces of code. You will see we have the center code at the beginning and the end of or entire code.

If you are wondering how people get pictures placed and have “wrap around text”, the words on the side.

You can make the Class=”rightmargin” or class=”leftmargin” depending on which side of the page you would like it on and the text will be on the opposite. Place your entire picture code immediately before the start of the paragraph that you would like beside the picture. REMEMBER – if you are going to use a right or left picture do not have the CENTER code included.

This same code can be used in Social Networking profiles, blog post, and most html based areas.

Now that you have made your codes be sure to copy, paste, and label them into a document so, next time you need them the are easy to find!

Have a great time posting your pictures and banners!
Sheryl Loch

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I wanted to let you all know about my favorite Twitter Tool, TweetDeck.

Because I am a twitter – a – holic, I think this is the easiest way to keep up on all my Twitter needs.

Tweetdeck allows you to Tweet, Reply, Shorten a URL, ReTweet, Search Terms, Make Groups for your Followers, or Direct Message right from this single app.

Tweets from all the people you follow will always be shown in the column to the far left. All other columns can be moved right or left so, you do have the ability to arrange the order of columns.(UPDATE 10/8/08 - ANY column can now be moved left or right.)
You can also close any column that you do not wish to view by simply clicking the ‘X’ in that columns upper right corner.

You can make groups for your friends; each group will have its own column.

Replies to you, from your followers will go into one column. While Direct Messages to you will be in another.

The TwitScoop tab will open a column with word cloud of the top words being posted in tweets at the time.

You can click the Magnifying Glass (in the top left bar) type in your key word(s), click the Global Button and any time that word or phrase is Tweeted you will see it in it's own column.
I love that I can have multiple search term columns that automatically update my Summize search words. It makes it so much easier to find out about a certain topic without the need to open a separate browser tab for each Summize Global search. I personally have a watch on Market Samurai and Nascar. If I have a certain interest one day, I open a search for that term and then just close it when I am done. Tonight I watched the term ‘OJ Simpson’ while the verdict was read.

If you are following a #, simply put the #term in your SEARCH, click GLOBAL. There you now have your # search updates in a column right next to all other tweets and on 1 page. I do not even put the #, I just list the letters and have no problems.

I love the Search, I watch people tweet that they are trying to flip back and forth on pages to watch 'all tweets, DM's, Replys, and follow the group #' HA,HA,HA!! I do it all one 1 page!

Be aware that if you post a tweet it only updates every minute so, if you do not see your tweet appear immediately just wait a minute until it refreshes. Otherwise you will be sending it out several times.

If you have 'lost' your tweetdeck and you have been clicking on the desktop icon and it will not open - look over to the bottom right in your bottom bar. It will be the little black bird. Depending on your machine you may have to click the arrow to show hidden open Icons. I know on my PC's it is normally near the skype button down there.

Settings for TweetDeck -
I helped Brad set up his Tweetdeck and had the realization that I could not leave out something very important about using the app.

That sound, the one when a tweet comes in and it is like a submarine in an old movie. You can easily kill it!

Open up your Tweetdeck to full screen so you can see the little 'wrench' in the top right corner.

There you can turn off the Alert Notification. You can also change colors in the next tab. Even with the sound off you will still see the little window pop up when it updates tweets.

TweetDeck UPDATE as of 10/8/08
Tweetdeck did an update just 2 days after I posted this.

They have now added the buttons to Reply, DM, ReTweet, and Delete under the picture of the Tweeter. Put your mouse over the persons picture and click the action you would like to make.

They have also added a small White Dot with each tweet that comes in. This dot indicates NOT READ. You can save yourself a lot of scrolling if once you have read a column of tweets, go to the bottom of that column and click on the Pencil. This will mark all of the tweets in that column as read, removing the White Dot. This way you will know where you left off next time you open up your TweetDeck Page. EXCELLENT for marking your spot over night or when you step away. If you have marked the column as read, the white dots are gone so, now you can easily see, tweets that have the white dots are new since you left!

They have also placed a Garbage Can at the bottom of each column. Here you can simply Delete all Tweets in that column. You can also delete them singly by placing your mouse on the persons picture and clicking on the Garbage Can.

My Favorite update today was the ability to see a persons profile and follow from TweetDeck. If you click on an @.... in a tweet, a new column will open with the complete profile, their latest tweets, number of followers... and a follow button at the bottom.

They have also added the option of which URL shortner you would like to use for your link. Just click the dropdown Arrow (to the left of the Shorten button)and pick the service you would like. With this section they also added the TwitPic link option!

I do hope I got in all the info. I was a bit confused when adding to this post. Old - New - oh crap, did I forget anything...LOL!

I downloaded TweetDeck just a few hours after they sent out the link and have not had a single problem. I will add that I have it on almost 24/7. I just keep it minimized and pull it up once an hour or so to check things. It is easy to scan and go!

TweetDeck does use Adobe Air, you will also be ask to download that, if you do not already have it. Now, just go get your own TweetDeck and you too can become a Twitter- a – holic!

Have a Twitterific day,
Sheryl Loch

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