akaCINDERS' Blog

Fun with Cinders
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Photo Tips on a Budget

Published: 02-09-2012 09:56am
Posted In: Selling Tips
Your photography should be professional ad worthy. You never know when your merchandise could be chosen for a mag ad. There should be enough contrast between the setting and product to distinguish between them. Not necessarily a white or black backdrop, it can be something with character: a vintage table top, an old love letter, a slab of stone or wood.  My first tip is don't do it yourself. What? Yes really! If you are not a pro, you can often get a student or fledgling photographer to take pictures for the exposure. Try local schools or listing on craigslist.com. You can find photographers and models (clothing, jewelry) at modelmayh... » Read More

The Cradle of Civilization - The Nile Vs the Internet

Published: 02-04-2012 10:17am
Posted In: Commentary
The other night I was trying to watch a BBC special on Ancient Egypt, the Nile, and How the Ancient Egyptians developed around it. The narrator suggested that dependence and reliance on the Nile caused the Egyptians to stay status quo for centuries.In my semi conscious mental state I wondered, are we like the Ancient Egyptians? Is the Internet like the Nile? I know that it provides my life needs, work and play. The internet is now a vital element of many lives. It provides financial support, socialization, and advice. I wouldn't have been able to wire my new outdoor GFCI without it.So the question that has me wondering is, will it stifle our growt... » Read More

Versatility versus Focus

Published: 01-25-2012 10:31am
Posted In: Commentary
I'm versatile. I can do just about anything. Which for an online seller, is a good thing, right? Maybe yes, maybe no.I can write ad copy, do decent photography, make my own graphics and do photo editing, I slightly understand SEO and even a little html. I'm decent at social networking and I can even do my own sales accounting and taxes (with the help of tax software, because I don't have the time to do it all). And I can actually make decent product to sell too.So is versatility a good thing? I can do so many things, that I do. I do them for myself and my daughter and maybe a bit for an occasional friend or two. There are only so many hours in th... » Read More
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