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Online Tips For Tech Users, Bloggers and Designers

• 10 Websites to Create Your Very Own Avatar

  Posted on: 18 May 2012, 7:01 am

  Having problems with a profile picture that has been reused one too many times? With so many social networking profiles to manage, and running out of ideas on how to customize them for every single platform, it’s time you start looking for external help. We’ve compiled for you 10 websites that you can use to create your very own Avatar. Apply effects, distort, clean up or reimagine yourself in an impossible scene – you can do all that on these websites. But we’re not going to give all the fun away, you should try them for yourself and show us your avatar creations.

  Recommended Reading: 25 Websites To Have Fun With Your Photos

  Montagraph

  
  

  Montagraph is a social platform that gives you an easy way to make and share your photo montages.

  

  FunnyWow

  
  

  Turn yourself into a superstar with FunnyWow’s special photo effect templates.

  

  Loogix

  
  

  Loogix allows you to create animate avatar as big as 400px (width) easily online. Effect options include rotations, painting, recursion radial blur and blur.

  

  Iamunique

  
  

  Iamunique allows you to build an interactive 3D portrait of yourself that is made up of things that you make: unique quips, pictures, videos, stories or even tweets. You can even share your portrait with friends and family.

  

  Makeup Photo

  
  

  Just upload a photo and you can immediately apply various effects or even remove imperfections in the photo. Makeup Photo is part of the Pho.to service. Be sure to also check out other Pho.to services like Enhance Photo, Photo Editor, Funny Photo, Cartoon Photo and Avatar Photo.

  

  BeFunky

  
  

  We’ve previously mentioned BeFunky, but the updated site comes with even more fun. It turns your photo into various marvelous digital artworks on the fly. No registration required.

  

  Messdudes

  
  

  Create and customize your own buddy icon from head to toe.

  

  Build Your Wild Self

  
  

  You start with a human self, and then you add your favourite animal parts until you get yourself a wild and funny hybrid.

  

  MadMen Yourself

  
  

  Yet another interactive free service to create yourself a customized character, this time in the MadMen theme.

  

  Hero Factory

  
  

  Style and personalise your own superhero. Decide his/her superpower too!

  

  Here’s more!

  
  

  • 12 Sites To Create Cartoon Characters Of Yourself
  • 25 Websites To Have Fun With Your Photos

  Related posts:

  1. Showcase of Beautiful Government Websites

  

• How to Update WordPress Automatically Without Using FTP [Quicktip]

  Posted on: 18 May 2012, 4:03 am

  In some cases, you are not able to update/upgrade your WordPress and plugins to a newer version without providing your FTP connection information. This is a common issue whereby the WordPress system can’t write to your /wp-content folder directly.

  

  To solve this issue you need to define the FTP details in your wp-config.php file so WordPress will remember it. Alternatively, you may also provide WordPress with write access to your /wp-content folder by accessing the FTP root file and changing the folder file permission (CHMOD) to 775 rather than the default 755 and 644.

  There is however an easier way to deal with this; by defining constant, FS_METHOD in your wp-config.php file. This bypasses WordPress’s recurring prompts, and allows auto-updates of your files to happen. And it takes only 1 line of code to do this.

  1. Open /wp-config.php

  
  

  Now the first thing you need to do is to open the wp-config.php file from your WordPress root folder (you may access this file from your WordPress installer folder). From the installation folder, the file is located at wordpress/wp-config.php

  2. Insert FS_METHOD

  
  

  Paste the following code to your wp-config.php file, preferably just below every other line of code.

  define('FS_METHOD','direct');

  

  3. Save and upload

  
  

  When you have already pasted the one-line code, you can proceed to upload the file to your WordPress root folder on your server, and it should work right away. Uploading can be done directly from your host control panel.

  Conclusion

  
  

  The FTP issue normally happens when you are on shared hosting and when WordPress is having a conflict with permissions and ownerships. With this ‘direct’ method implemented, you will be able to update or upgrade your WordPress and plugins installations to newer versions without having to provide any FTP details.

  Related posts:

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• Facebook Friends: How Many Is Too Many?

  Posted on: 17 May 2012, 6:03 am

  Those who log in to Facebook on a regular basis, like me, would agree that different types of users exist. Some of us would not fail to post an update every few hours, sharing the tiniest of details of our lives with our network of friends. Others tend to be less obsessed with that, choosing instead to maintain a low profile while observing postings from our peers on our newsfeed. We can even categorize these users in terms of the types of updates they tend to post, such as complaints about life or work, philosophical musings, photos, etc.

  
  
  (Image credit: Creoleindc)

  Regardless of the difference in usage, the basis of using Facebook is still for sharing information. We’ve seen users who have more than a thousand ‘friends’ in their account but we all know that not all of these friends are equal. For starters, for some of the updates you post, you’ll only wish that the posts are seen by a select few. Unless you diligently tweak your privacy settings, most of your ‘friends’ will see the majority of your postings, and vice versa. This raises the question: is having more friends on Facebook a good thing?

  Recommended Reading: Essential Facebook Etiquette: 10 Dos And Don’ts

  Fulfilling Social Needs

  
  

  Usually, we would associate a ‘small community’ with a tight-knit group of people whom we are close with – family members and friends who we interact with on a regular, if not daily, basis. When it comes to a ‘large community’, the sense of kinship is lost in the midst of the multiple layers of network. This is where cliques start to form, but the in-group ties within these cliques can become so strong that people who don’t belong to the group are treated as outsiders.

  The same analogy can be applied to the ‘relationships’ on Facebook. Technically, the more ‘friends’ we have, the fewer our interactions are with most of them. You usually end up having only a few ‘friends’ who would regularly comment on your posts or interact with you. More likely than not, these few are also your close friends offline.

  The rest of your ‘friends’ on Facebook are obsolete, irrelevant, disconnected, and just random receivers of your updates. You’ll get updates from them as well, but you’d probably treat these indifferently or treat them as pet peeves, the same way they treat your status updates.

  
  
  (Image credit: Mashable)

  As a matter of fact, having fewer ‘friends’ on your list may be better, simply because the worth of your interaction with them will be more valuable. Having access to their updates is not enough, it’s the interaction that we eagerly crave. As it is with the offline world, we hang out with the people we are most comfortable with. The online world is not that much more different.

  Sharing at the cost of Privacy

  
  

  Do not underestimate the power of gossip in social networks. Nothing spreads news faster through the grapevine than word-of-mouth. The issue here is the sharing of your information to people whom you don’t even know. The problem comes when your info spreads to the friends of your friends. When you post complaints about work or study, or worse still about your business clients, eventually one of these gripes may get you into trouble when they accidentally spread to the ears of the people you were complaining about. The more ‘friends’ you have, the easier a connection can be made. The loss of your privacy through such voluntary sharing actually makes your position all the more vulnerable and you can’t do anything about it!

  
  
  (Image credit: SteveWeigl)

  If you exercised more restraint in the selection of your ‘friends’ on Facebook, then these updates will have less bearing on your reputation. Or you can always choose the alternative and just not post anything bad about anyone on Facebook.

  Free flow of Information

  
  

  The networking service which Facebook provides not only applies to friends per se, but also to acquaintances. The exchange of information between you and the rest of your ‘friends’ in the network is precisely what makes Facebook valuable. Just as you how you filter the news in the papers on any day, you can also filter out and read only what captures your attention on the newsfeed. The important thing is, the updates from all your peers are there; the more ‘friends’ you add, the more information you would receive.

  
  
  (Image credit: Nutshellmail)

  From this point of view, having more ‘friends’ would benefit the one who reads the newsfeed, more than the one who shares updates. As for the sharer, the advantage is that he or she gets to influence more people with their updates. In fact, this is what fan pages are for. The aim is to gather as many fans as possible to provide the information that fans wish to know and keep updated on. Nevertheless, there are always certain private details of your life which you’d prefer to share with only a select group of friends or family.

  Quality over Quantity, Anyone?

  
  

  After reading the above, you may have uncovered the relevance of the type of friends you have on Facebook to what it is that you hope to get from the giant social network. If it is to keep yourself informed of the latest buzz among your peers, quantity matters more. The same applies to users who want to spread certain messages through the network. However, if maintaining social ties with your existing friends and family is more important to you, then the fewer the number of friends you have, the better the quality of interaction. You don’t have to accept every single friend request you receive, especially when they come from random strangers or people you have only spoken once to or have no reason to interact with ever again.

  
  
  (Image credit: Ezatkamel)

  Related posts:

  1. How to Listen to Music with Friends on Facebook [Quicktip]
  2. How to Prevent Yourself From Turning Up on Facebook Recommendation Ads
  3. 5 Must-Know Facebook Timeline Tips/Tricks
  4. How To Find Out who Unfriended You on Facebook [Quicktip]

  

• Showcase of 70 Awesome Ultra-Wide Angle (UWA) Photos

  Posted on: 16 May 2012, 7:01 am

  In the art of photography you will find many small niches of focus. The technique of using an ultra wide-angle lens for one, has been around for quite some time and can display a deep level of professionalism. Yet even amateur and professional photographers alike can utilize these unique lenses in their own work.

  I’ve taken the liberty to collect a showcase of brilliant UWA photographs. The collection includes shots from cities and countries all around the world. In the past we have written on panoramic photography which offers a similar yet distinguished feeling. If you have thoughts or examples of your own wide-angle photos, feel free to share them with us in the discussion area.

  Recommended Reading: Beautiful Tilt-Shift Photography

  Sunset over Neist Point (Image source: Alexandre Moreau)

  

  Christmas Tree Square in Georgia (Image source: Greg Foster)

  

  Bryce Canyon (Image source: Brian McIntyre)

  

  Pluto in Disneyworld (Image source: Samantha Decker)

  

  Light Rain over Zion Canyon (Image source: Brian McIntyre)

  

  Tokyo City View (Image source: Will Stotler)

  

  Manhattan NYC Pier (Image source: Ayinde)

  

  Whale Beach, Australia (Image source: Jack Chauvel)

  

  Cold Twilight in Lexington Massachusetts (Image source: Rowland Williams)

  

  Martha’s Vineyard Path (Image source: Samantha Decker)

  

  Canyon in Utah (Image source: Brian McIntyre)

  

  Dalles Mountain Ranch (Image source: Daniel Parks)

  

  Scenic Route in Disneyland (Image source: Hamilton!)

  

  Flying Over Central Park (Image source: Mike Wan)

  

  Cherry Blossoms in Japan (Image source: Francis)

  

  Italy on the Water (Image source: ChrisFitzPhotography)

  

  Philippines Landmarks (Image source: Adem Chua)

  

  Shadow of the Day (Image source: Trim Reaper)

  

  Out Walking the Dog (Image source: Rowland Williams)

  

  Iowa Fields & Sky (Image source: Arthur Domagala)

  

  Sunset at Cave Rock (Image source: Brian McIntyre)

  

  The Assonet Edge (Image source: Frank Grace)

  

  Looking Downriver (Image source: Greg Foster)

  

  Lake Grasmere, United Kingdom (Image source: Dennis Fischer)

  

  Open Gate to Nature (Image source: Dennie Fischer)

  

  University of California, Berkeley (Image source: Daniel Parks)

  

  Snoqualmie Falls (Image source: Nizam Jusoh)

  

  San Francisco from Twin Peaks (Image source: Darcy McCarty)

  

  Quiet Fishing Boat (Image source: Dennis Fischer)

  

  Los Angeles Park (Image source: Chriztrax)

  

  Foggy Golden Gate Bridge (Image source: Dr Tebi)

  

  Hudson River, New York (Image source: Mike Wan)

  

  The Tall Ship (Image source: David Burnet)

  

  Osaka – Night Temple (Image source: Ernest Wong)

  

  Hollywood Studios: Sorcerer’s Hat (Image source: Hamilton!)

  

  Old Pumping Factory (Image source: Mike Bing)

  

  Blue Mediterranean (Image source: ChrisFitzPhotography)

  

  Oregon Tundra (Image source: Douglas Remington)

  

  Autumn on Beebe Lake (Image source: Scott Thomas)

  

  Rainbow Kite (Image source: Car Trev)

  

  Retro 1931 Ford (Image source: Tom Sales)

  

  Hiking The Great Wall (Image source: Phillip Walker)

  

  Winter is Golden (Image source: Tom Bower)

  

  Shadows in Spring (Image source: imad1510)

  

  Los Alamos Pond (Image source: cfmcmillan)

  

  Illinois Christmas Eve 2010 (Image source: Seth Oliver Photographic Art)

  

  Chicago Lights at Night (Image source: Mike Wan)

  

  Carnival Ferris Wheel (Image source: Nic Prins)

  

  Manitou Springs Dawn (Image source: Nick Anderson)

  

  Bay of Deba, Spain (Image source: Jonas Eberhardt)

  

  Urban Station in Brisbane (Image source: Nic Prins)

  

  Taiwan Landscape (Image source: Ah Zhi)

  

  Old Shack (Image source: Rasmus Zetter)

  

  Mansion Lights (Image source: Erwin G.)

  

  Love at the Pier (Image source: Frederic Giloy)

  

  Budapest Rooftops (Image source: tik_tok)

  

  Large Airplane (Image source: Michael Flanagan)

  

  Cogsworth and Lumière (Image source: Samantha Decker)

  

  Berkeley Rose Garden (Image source: Daniel Parks)

  

  Central Park Pond (Image source: Davy Timmermans)

  

  Purple Dawn (Image source: Brett Valentine)

  

  King in the Throne (Image source: Santos Corpas)

  

  Natural Green (Image source: Ah Zhi)

  

  Lanterns at Night (Image source: Zbigniew Ratajczak)

  

  Downtown Huntsville, Alabama (Image source: Brad Lackey)

  

  A Mouse’s Perspective (Image source: Nick Anderson)

  

  Woods in Canada (Image source: Chris)

  

  Panorama Overlooking Injebreck (Image source: Kjell-Arne Nordgard)

  

  Calm Landscape Sunrise (Image source: Ah Zhi)

  

  Big Ben in London (Image source: Steve Bartlett)

  

  Related posts:

  1. Showcase of Creative Facebook Timeline Cover – Part II
  2. 40 Beautiful Photos of India
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  4. 40 Exceptionally Beautiful HDR Photos Of Airports In Asia

  

• How to Read .ePub Ebooks on Firefox and Chrome [Quicktip]

  Posted on: 16 May 2012, 4:01 am

  ePub is an open standard format for ebooks, a format used to publish electronic books, magazines and newspapers. The difference between an ePub format file with a normal doc file is its reflowability to suit the many display dimensions of mobile devices i.e. tablets, smartphones etc. It was created to be flexible with font size and text layout, allowing you to read the same material on any mobile device that you may own.

  However, it is not possible to open files with *.ePub extensions on your browsers, even though you can do that with *.pdf and *.doc (opened with Google Docs) files. To open *.ePub formatted files, you need an ebook-reader application like those available on tablets like the iPad, or e-readers like the Kindle or Nook. With more and more publishers switching to producing their ebooks in .ePub versions, you may think that the only way you can keep your reading habits up is to get yourself an e-reader or tablet. Hold that thought.

  In this quick tip, we are going to share with you how you can open *.ePub files on your browser with EPUBReader on Firefox and MagicScroll on Chrome. These extensions are made as a minimalist ebook reader that will allow you to browse through ebooks directly from these two browsers.

  Recommended Reading: E-book Readers & Managers – Best of

  EPUBReader for Firefox

  
  

  if you are using Firefox, get to the EPUBReader extension page and click the green button ‘Add to Firefox’ to install EPUBReader.

  

  When installation is complete, you will see an additional button appear at the top right corner of your Firefox browser, click the button to launch EPUBReader.

  

  You will then be redirected to your reader page where you will find lots of ebook collections that are available from archive.org and feedbook.com for free.

  

  If you want to download an ebook with an .epub extension from the Internet, EPUBReader will automatically load the ebook for you.

  

  MagicScroll For Chrome

  
  

  To start reading ebook from your Chrome browser, go to the MagicScroll extension page and click on ‘Add to Chrome’ to install.

  

  Once installed, you can open a new tab and go to this web address:

  MagicScroll.net

  When the page is loaded, you will see your ebook library. To add new ebook to your library, click on ‘Add a Book to Your Library’.

  

  Now you will be given options to import the ebook from your computer, or provide the link to an ebook source if you want to add them from the Internet.

  

  Once added, all ebooks will be accessible from your library.

  

  To read an ebook, click on any available ebook cover from your library.

  

  Using MagicScroll on Chrome makes you feel like you are reading on an e-reader. There are 4 menu buttons available at the top left corner of each book page. They will bring you to the library main page, table of contents, options to change font size and theme colors as well as option to download the ebook locally onto your computer.

  Conclusion

  
  

  With these two extensions for FireFox and Chrome, you can now read ebooks from the convenience of your browsers even when you are offline, and there is no need to get an e-reader or tablet, or install external applications for ebook.

  Related posts:

  1. 40 Useful Google Chrome Extensions for Web Designers
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• Top 10 Fonts Web Designers Love

  Posted on: 15 May 2012, 7:02 am

  When I was starting out with Web and graphic design, I was always wondering about the fonts that real designers use. So I conducted a research to find out the most popular fonts designers like to use, their best practices, and also out of personal curiosity, their typographical needs. It would be nice to know which font is good for which situation and today I am sharing with you the results of my research.

  Through a combination of data collected from Polldaddy, Forrst, Facebook and Twitter, I got feedback from 34 designers from 14 countries answering questions about their favorite fonts and explaining to me why they love them. By analysing all the input submitted I have uncovered some interesting information, which has been put together in an infographic by friends in Piktochart.

  Below that, check out the Top 10 list of free and premium fonts, and some of the interesting reasons why designers have their favorite fonts.

  Click on image to see in full scale.

  

  Top 10 Favorite Free Fonts

  
  

  Here is the list of Top 10 free fonts mentioned by Web and graphic designers in the survey. Fonts that come bundled with operating systems, fonts like Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman, Georgia, and Tahoma have been excluded.

  1. Myriad Pro
  2. League Gothic
  3. Cabin
  4. Corbel
  5. Museo Slab
  6. Bebas Neue
  7. Ubuntu
  8. Lobster
  9. Franchise
  10. PT Serif

  Top 10 Premium Fonts

  
  

  This is the list of most popular premium (paid) fonts among designers. Some of them are very expensive but the quality of the font speaks for itself.

  1. Helvetica
  2. Gotham
  3. DIN
  4. Futura
  5. Neo Sans
  6. Adobe Caslon
  7. Skolar
  8. Kautiva
  9. Caecilia
  10. Fedra Sans

  What designers are saying

  
  
  

  Jonny Pigg, United Kingdom

  
  

  Twitter: @jonnydapigg

  Impact – lovely striking bold headline font, easy to read.

  Avant garde – bit common but popular with clients, smooth, no fuss lettering. Great for headings, sub-headings and body text (if there’s not too much).

  Jr! hand – this turns up in a lot of my t-shirt designs.

  Courier – great for sale-type banners, readable and available everywhere (handy for the Web).

  

  R Bitten, Brazil

  
  

  Twitter: @bittenworks

  Frutiger – It’s temporal, balanced and natural.

  Futura – elegance, simplicity, looks good almost everywhere.

  Didot – elegance and personality.

  Lobster/Marketscript – my favorite retro manuscript font.

  Museo Slab – a recent discovery.

  League Gothic – a better impact.

  Courier – another elegant font.

  Rockwell – good for headlines.

  Gills Sans and Helvetica are always good options too.

  

  Edgaras Benediktavicius, Denmark

  
  

  Twitter: @edgarascom

  Century Gothic – solid circular letters.

  Trebuchet MS – high readability, web safe, nice.

  DejaVu Serif – my favorite serif font.

  Rockwell – my favorite slab font.

  Convington – very nice modernized retro font.

  Comic Sans – makes me laugh.

  

  Keiron Lowe, United Kingdom

  
  

  Twitter: @Keiron_Lowe

  Lobster has been so overused it’s become the new comic sans! The most popular font used by designers is definitely Helvetica Neue.

  

  Cameron Olivier, South Africa

  
  

  Twitter: @cameronolivier

  If it is free-for-web fonts, FontSquirrel is for the win but as such, my ‘favourite’ fonts are from a very limited stock.

  Trebuchet Ms. mostly because it’s on the standard web compatible list, underused, has some great lines and a very tasty italic version.

  Quicksand – love the light version – although the font in general is well produced and has some great lines.

  Makes – for good heading text, albeit softer, with its subtle curves.

  Museo Slab – a great slab-serif. All the Museo’s are great in their own right really, particularly the Slab.

  Marketing Script – what a great little font – has a great hand-written feel without being ‘kiddie’. Really like using it as a constrained "easy" font.

  Aller – another great font. The different weightings are handy, but the display variant lets loose a little and makes for some great headlines.

  ChunkFive – a great, solid heavy font. Really like the heaviness and impact it makes in the page.

  

  Stacey Lane, United States

  
  

  Twitter: @stacigh

  DIN, Gotham, Caecilia, FF Meta, Helvetica Neue.

  With the exception of Caecilia, all of these are sans-serif fonts with loads of varying weights. Caecilia is also on this list because it is very geometric and I love the Slab. Also, all of these fonts have a relatively large x-height, which is my preference.

  

  Sergiu Naslau, Romania

  
  

  Twitter: @serjeniu

  Franklin Gothic – this font screams for attention. It’s big, bold, and it plays well with other sans-serif fonts.

  Helvetica – when it comes to readability, it’s Helvetica or Tahoma. It has its own personality (Inserat or Neue). When it comes to designing a logo, when it comes to the typography, I always play with Helvetica first.

  Tahoma – this font is a team player. When it comes to integrating content into the layout and putting everything together, Tahoma looks like it was made to be there.

  Brush Script Std – the handwriting look blows me away, in general. In online projects, they tell a story and it appeals to the ego too.

  Georgia – this font works great when it comes to capitalizing everything. When you play with the kerning, the letters always look good. It fills the space between the letters, not add to it (too much space lettering in Helvetica may destroy the visual impact).

  

  Conclusion

  
  

  So there you have it a brief but telling research about the relationship between designers and their fonts. A big thank you to all the designers who helped me out by taking the survey, answering questions as well as sharing their favorite fonts with the design community at large. What about your favourite fonts? Have your say.

  Related posts:

  1. Beautiful Fonts for Titles & Headlines
  2. 7 Types of Extra Bold Fonts (With Examples)
  3. A Look Into: Fonts Used In Logos of Popular Brands
  4. 10 Free Fonts to Capture Online Visitors

  

• Top 10 Fonts Web Designers Love [Infographic]

  Posted on: 15 May 2012, 7:01 am

  Ever wonder what fonts other web designers prefer to use in their work? Ever wonder if your choice of font can help you set you apart from the rest? Ever wanted to know the answers to a question so badly that you would carry out a research to find out? Fellow web designer and writer of Hongkiat.com, Tomas Laurinavicius did just that. Granted it’s not a large sample size but the research revealed some interesting information like 3 Top 10 lists of fonts designers most love, most popular free fonts and most popular premium ones.

  With some help from our friends in Piktochart, here is the gist of the research bundled up in a short infographic, exclusively for Hongkiat.com readers. And if you would like to know more, check out Tomas’ write-up about the research to get some insights from a few designers who took the time out to talk to Tomas about their favorite fonts to work with.

  Recommended Reading: Top 10 Fonts Web Designers Love

  

  Spot an infographic you think will be a perfect fit here? Send the link to us with relevant details and we’ll credit you with the find.

  Related posts:

  1. Wikipedia: Redefining Research [Infographic]
  2. Graphic Designer’s Journey: Freelance to Freedom [Infographic]
  3. Beautiful Fonts for Titles & Headlines
  4. 7 Types of Extra Bold Fonts (With Examples)

  

• Diving Into E-Commerce: Do You Have What It Takes?

  Posted on: 14 May 2012, 7:01 am

  You may have come across this infographic depicting the new generation of tech millionaires under the age of 30 and wondered if it was time that you got yourself involved with an online venture yourself. Won’t that be great? Being your own boss, calling all the shots, go golfing whenever you feel like it, and charge all your trips and meals to the company’s account. That’s the life!

  But hold your horses, cowboy. It’s not as easy as it looks. Before you get yourself tangled in e-commerce, here are a few things you should know first.

  Recommended Reading: 10 Essential Things Your E-Commerce Site Should Have

  It Takes More than Just an Idea

  
  

  It seems so easy to get into an online business nowadays. You can just take a successful and working business concept, tweak them a little, add an extra feature or two, then market the business out as your own. There are people who do that because… why mess with something that works, right? But don’t think that you can piggyback on the pioneer’s success if you are going down this road.

  
  
  (Image source: Fotolia)

  A lot happens behind the scenes. You can’t see the inner workings of the organization, the amount of time and effort devoted behind marketing, and finding and retaining good staff; the dedication it takes to provide customer satisfaction and handle difficult requests; etc. What I’m trying to say here is don’t think that just because you know the idea works, you can leave every other aspect of the business unattended, because that is pretty much one of the main reasons a business will go bust.

  Money isn’t easier to make online

  
  

  Well, to be fair, it isn’t easy to make money. Period. Before your business can hit the skies, you have to first spend quite a sum to get it down the runway and take off first. We’re not talking about a freelance business where all you need is a platform to market your expertise (a blog, a self-made website or a social media network), a portfolio to showcase your talents and strong networking ties.

  We’re talking about the cost, time and effort it takes to get a team together to work the areas that make the cogwheels in your business run – things like the setting up of a content management system, and payment solutions that will give your customers the confidence to do business with you. Having round-the-clock technical support will also be beneficial to the business since there is no closing time on the Web. Also equally important are the branding exercises in social media networks. All of this will take up your time; if you don’t have the time, you still need to pay someone else to do it for you.

  There’s a lot of commitment involved

  
  

  As I’m sure you would have realized by now, there is a lot of commitment involved if you want your own e-commerce business. As with any other life-changing event in your life, having your own online business will also affect your current lifestyle.

  All that talk about being your own boss means you can get on and off work as you please, right? It doesn’t work like that. You may be your own boss, but you answer to customer demand. For starters, you can throw your weekend plans, shopping trips and movie nights out the window because you’re not going to find enough time to eat a proper meal. Anytime you aren’t manning your counter, you may be losing out on a deal to a rival.

  
  
  (Image source: Fotolia)

  Getting someone else to watch the counter for you will cost you, but you really don’t want to burn out before the business takes off, and it will take a while before it starts to simmer. But what really sucks about being the man (or woman) on top is that you don’t get to call in sick to get away from all the madness no more. Have a busy period? Deal with it. Got a tough customer who just won’t let you get your way? Suck it up and deal with it. A client or supplier reneged on something promised to you? You guessed it. You want to be the head honcho, you deal with it.

  The Stress of Decision-making

  
  

  After the first hurdle, you may have made a name for yourself and with things going so well, you may be thinking of expanding the business. Here is when your analytical skills and decision-making skills may help you make or break the business. As your business starts to build up, you may consider investing in new technologies or hiring new, or more, people to help you watch over things.

  However, if you expand too quickly, you may find your liabilities locking up your cash flow, and over time, it may drag the business down like an overzealous anchor. Expand too slowly and you may find your staff (or even yourself) overworked, customers running off to a more efficient rival and no one happy. It’s a precarious spot to find yourself in, this balancing act between low-threshold stability and potential high income risk, but it’s a stage you want to look forward to because it means that your business is doing well. The stakes are higher on the Web because users don’t respond to changes lightly. But that is a risk online entrepreneurs may have to face to take the business higher.

  Conclusion

  
  

  The purpose of this article is not to deter you from engaging your own e-commerce experience. However, we do want you to know what you are getting yourself into. Starting your own business is not something you can turn on and off like a light switch. And it’s not like school, where if you study hard you are likely to get a good grade. At times, if you spend too much time trying to perfect your craft, your online business may lose out on new upcoming trends and be left stuck in the mud. Nonetheless, if at the end of the day you find that e-commerce is not your cup of tea, you can always choose to sell the business to cut your losses. But that’s another article for another day.

  Related posts:

  1. 10 Essential Things Your E-Commerce Site Should Have
  2. 7 Free E-Commerce WordPress Plugins
  3. [Freebie] Glossy E-Commerce Icon Set
  4. [Freebie] Hand-drawn E-Commerce Icon Set

  

• How to Prevent Yourself From Turning Up on Facebook Recommendation Ads

  Posted on: 14 May 2012, 4:02 am

  If you don’t already know, Facebook has been using your personal preferences on its ads network, which includes your name, likes and other activities. To some, this may be a major privacy issue since Facebook is using its users’ personal data without prior consent to falsely attract or mislead others for marketing or advertising purposes.

  

  It is quite impossible to expect Facebook to change their advertising strategy especially when a majority Facebook users did not express discomfort with the issue. But if this bugs you, there is a solution that will remove Facebook’s misuse of your personal data.

  This can be achieved by changing the account setting on your Facebook account. With only one simple action, your personal data will be free from exposure.

  Recommended Reading: 5 Facebook Privacy Settings You Should Know

  1. Account Setting

  
  

  Login to your Facebook account and click on the ‘Account Settings’ button at the top right corner of your Facebook page.

  

  2. Facebook Ads

  
  

  Click on the ‘Facebook Ads’ button on the left menu.

  

  3. Ads and friends

  
  

  Clicking on the ‘Facebook Ads’ menu will bring you to the ads setting page. You are given two options:

  1. Ads by third parties – Mainly for future planning
  2. Ads and Friends – Current setting

  Since we are looking at the current privacy setting, lets go to the second option that says ‘Ads and friends’, and click on ‘Edit social ads setting’.

  

  4. Pair for no one

  
  

  Scroll down to the bottom of the page and change the setting ‘Pair my social actions with ads for’ from ‘Only my friends’ to ‘No one’, and then click on the save button.

  

  Conclusion

  
  

  It takes only one simple step to be free from this Facebook recommended ads issue. Your name or pictures will no longer appear on any recommendation ads within Facebook, and you won’t be made to mislead your friends on your preferences on the social networking site.

  Related posts:

  1. 5 Facebook Privacy Settings You Should Know
  2. How to Setup Messages + Facebook Chat in OS X Lion [Quicktip]
  3. How to View Facebook Photos, Pinterest Style [Quicktip]
  4. Facebook & Your Privacy: Why It Matters

  

• 10 Ideas to Simplify Your Online Life

  Posted on: 13 May 2012, 7:02 am

  In a time when the world is connected to the Internet 24/7, it’s hard to imagine how we can survive a day without it. Our work, social life and entertainment depend on being connected so much that we feel that living a life without connectivity is impossible. All the info we obtain online: the emails, news feed, tweets, social networking statuses etc can make us feel a little overwhelmed. If we don’t have some form of organization in our online life, it will be hard to stay away long enough to live out our offline life.

  
  
  (Image source: Marco Bardus)

  I believe that we ought to distance ourselves from our online life to experience the richness of the offline world. How do we do that? By simplifying what we deal with online on a day-to-day basis. Not only will it help makes us more efficient with our online activities, it will also give us some ‘time off’ to get away from our matters on the Web.

  Here are 10 basic tips you might consider using to help straighten out the mess.

  Recommended Reading: 8 Tips To Simplify Your Work Life

  1. Block Out Distractions

  
  

  There you are, working on your latest report to be submitted by the end of the day. You probably either have Facebook or some IM chat going on in the background, so what usually follows is a switching of your windows every few minutes to check out Facebook updates or the latest tweets, or even replying to that blinking task bar from your chat app. Personally, I feel that this keeps me going when the task at hand gets too boring.

  On the other hand though, I know how much more I could accomplish if I placed all my attention on the work to be done and remove all unnecessary distractions. If you don’t want your online life to be interfering with whatever you have to do, take my advice and put them aside. Despite being able to connect and obtain information like never before, such benefits can actually backfire and become a liability if you are find yourself being addicted to being connected all the time.

  2. Leverage on Cloud Computing

  
  

  Cloud computing is the ‘in’ thing now, with good reasons. Instead of storing data in a fixed storage device like your hard drive or thumbdrive, cloud computing enables you to put them on the Net in an online storage device, so to speak. That way, whenever you are connected to the Net, on whichever device you please, you will still have access to all your vital information.

  Cloud computing enables you to be mobile. Storing all that you need online offers unprecedented convenience. You don’t have to carry around storage devices and worry about misplacing them or forgetting to bring them from one venue to the other. Secondly, you can access all your data any where an Internet connection is available and switch from one connected device to the next. Online life is never made simpler with file-sharing apps like Dropbox and synchronization services like Google Sync, Google Drive, or Amazon Cloud Drive.

  3. Minimize Accounts

  
  

  A pretty straightforward solution is to simply cut down on the number of accounts you are holding. If you have multiple social networking sites accounts and email accounts for different purposes (e.g. one for work, one for family, one for friends, etc), it will be hard for you to check on them individually and make sure that you are using the right account to contact them. Besides, unless you are using the same password for each account (which is not advisable), you’ll likely have a hard time recalling passwords.

  

  Take the minimalist approach if you want to simplify things online. At the most, choose no more than two accounts for social networking sites and emails each or consider accessing all your social networking sites from a desktop app.

  4. Centralize Your Instant Messengers

  
  

  The same thing applies for chat applications, except that it’s okay if you need to have multiple instant messaging (IM) accounts. After all, not everyone in your contacts would use the same IM platform as you normally do. All you need to do to make things easier is to put together all these accounts you have with a web-based service like Meebo Messenger and eBuddy.

  

  What they do is that they consolidate all your different IM accounts (and even social networking accounts) so that you’ll be logged in to all of them at a single go. Chatting will be a breeze now that you no longer have to log in to each individual accounts with their respective apps to reach your friends or contacts.

  5. Manage Your Notifications / Updates

  
  

  RSS feeds can get overwhelming when you subscribe to too many of them. The same goes for the daily notifications you receive on your smartphone on the latest update on Facebook, new add-ons for apps and many other clutter you may have. Remember that each time you are being notified, it takes your attention away from what you’re doing. You wouldn’t want unnecessary interruptions from them if you’re looking for a simplistic and efficient online universe. Configure those notification settings to filter out only what you really need to be informed about.

  6. Designate Time for Online Chores

  
  

  I have this unhealthy tendency to check my inbox, my Facebook, the news site and so on every 5-15 minutes even when I’m occupied with something on my computer. Sitting in front of a screen sort of conditioned me to do my routine chores even as I am working on my stuff. Multi-tasking is good at times, but I hardly think repeatitive checking is productive. It’s pretty obvious that these actions are robbing us of valuable time. Why not get the work done before we go check out the latest gossip in Facebook? The idea is to put aside some time to handle all our online chores, perhaps at the end of the day when we’ll get all the updates for the day.

  7. Unsubscribe from Email Lists

  
  

  We get subscribed to various email lists whenever we purchase or register products and services. That’s how they can market us their latest products or simply update us with what they’re up to. After awhile, you’ll realize that many of these emails don’t really provide us with the information we want, but we subscribed earlier on because we thought they might be useful eventually.

  So, we instinctively delete those emails from our Inbox when we recognize the sender. Why not just unsubscribe from their mailing list? If your inbox is often flooded with spam, you’ll be surprised at how good it feels when you only get emails that you want to read.

  8. Clear Your Inbox

  
  

  Stopping unnecessary incoming emails is one thing, clearing your Inbox is a totally something else. Put read emails into relevant folders if you must, but keep the Inbox clean. It should only contain unread emails.

  

  It’s a kind of discipline that you should impose on yourself as you try to keep your Inbox clear. It means that once you receive an email that requires your action, you have to act – reply, forwards, follow up, double check, confirm etc – and be done with it ASAP. After which, you can archive said email, and feel that sense of satisfaction when you realize your Inbox is empty until the next round of emails flow in. Once you have such a system in place, your online world will be more simplified knowing that you don’t have to work on emails no more.

  9. Use Password Managers

  
  

  For those with many accounts online, I can bet that most of you reuse the same username and password because it’s not easy to remember all of them. That’s not safe since gaining access to one of your account means that the rest of them can be hacked as well. A solution to this is to use password managers to remember your passwords. They are in fact, more secure than keying the passwords in yourself because they protect you from keyloggers when the managers input your passwords without having you typing.

  Furthermore, they compare the current site’s URL to the stored sites’ URL and thus prevent phishing and pharming incidents. Apart from providing these features, most of these managers also assist in filling up those lengthy web forms that you’ll come across from time to time. Consider getting and setting up a password manager to guard your accounts well.

  10. Have Time-outs or Day Offs

  
  

  Try to schedule time-outs from the Internet every day or even on day offs. If you’re connected all the time, you’d feel like you’re always on the go, ready to jump into whatever mails or tasks you receive.

  
  
  (Image source: hornoxe)

  Everyone needs a breather, and enjoy quality time away from such tension. Take an hour or so of quality offline time each day, or a day during the weekends. Just switch off from the Net. You’ll realize that you feel much more energetic and alive when you’re moving around and talking to people.

  Conclusion

  
  

  Social interactions offline are worth much more than those you make on your instant messengers or social networking sites. Similarly, nothing you do in front of the computer screen can substitute for an awesome workout under the sun. The online aspect of your life should complement your offline world, not replace it. Simplify it and you’ll see that it can work wonders for you.

  Related posts:

  1. 8 Tips to Simplify Your Work life
  2. 5 Tips to Simplify Your Web Design
  3. Freelance Designers: How to Balance Your Work Life
  4. Online Shoppers: Why Online Reviews Can Save Your Day

  

• 25 Top ipad-Exclusive HD Games

  Posted on: 12 May 2012, 7:01 am

  One of the best things about the iPad is the large HD screen which makes for excellent gameplay. There are thousands of games in the App Store, but how many are exclusive to the iPad and truly allows it to display its amazing graphics?

  

  While we can’t possibly name every app in this list, we’ll take a look at some of the best games available exclusively for the iPad. These games not only give you the ultimate gaming experience, but also take advantage of the bigger screen, and guarantee true satisfaction.

  More iPad related posts:

  • iPad apps for: Designers
  • iPad apps for: Business and presentation

  Defenders of Ardania

  
  

  If you are into the TD (tower defense) genre, you’ll love Defenders of Ardania; it puts you in control of offensive and defensive operations. You can buy towers, spells, and of course defense items.

  There are 3 playable races and 15 levels to complete, along with 18 different towers to upgrade. You can also challenge your friends via Apple’s Game service.

  Full Version ($4.99), Lite Version (Free)

  

  Lab Solitaire

  
  

  I’m sure you’re already familiar with the classic card game Solitaire. Lab Solitaire is a "photo-realistic version". With this version, you’ll be able to see all the cards from the start of the game. The object is to move all cards from the bottom columns to the top foundations.

  This game supports both landscape and portrait mode and your games are conveniently and automatically saved as you play.

  If you’re interested in more Solitaire games exclusively for iPad, check out Ski Solitaire, FreeCell for iPad, and Canfield Solitaire for iPad.

  Full Version ($0.99)

  

  Crystal Cross HD

  
  

  This simple, yet popular web-based Flash game can now be played on the iPad for free. The object of the game is to remove the crystal balls by touching empty cells that connect two or more of the same-colored crystals.

  The iPad version is an improvement over the original game as it has better scoring, special cards, versus modes, and supports OpenFeint so that you can play against others.

  Full Version (Free)

  

  Assassin’s Creed Recollection

  
  

  This real-time board game from Ubisoft is a must for all fans of the action adventure game Assassin’s Creed.

  In this game you’ll be able to compete in political battles using key characters and locations from the original game. Assassin’s Creed Recollection includes story mode, multiplayer support via Apple’s Game Center, and the short film Assassin’s Creed Embers.

  Full Version ($2.99)

  

  Michael Jackson The Experience HD

  
  

  Calling all Michael Jackson fans! This iPad exclusive rhythm game includes four iconic hits to master: Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Speed Demon, and Blood on the Dance Floor. You can also get more songs like Billie Jean and Black or White via in-app purchases.

  Players get to "dance along" by drawing a series of shapes according to how Michael Jackson’s avatar moves in the game.

  It’s a great game for fans of all ages.

  Full Version ($6.49)

  

  Olympic Gems HD

  
  

  While this game is free to download, you will need to unlock the full version via an in-app purchase.

  Olympic Gems is similar to the popular game Bejeweled, where you swap gems to match and eliminate them from the board. Along with being able to compete with friends, you can share your score on Facebook and unlock Game Center Achievements.

  If you’re looking for a similar iPad exclusive game, you may also enjoy Bouncy Toys HD.

  Full Version ($2.99)

  

  FairyFail HD

  
  

  FairyFail HD is not your typical fairy tale. This game is all about evil animals who have trapped all of the "kind" animals. It’s your job to release all of the good animals in this physics-based game, by aiming and shooting at the right locations.

  FairyFail HD will probably remind you a little of Angry Birds because of the "aim and shoot" gameplay. It offers 80 levels, Game Center Achievements, and an in-app purchase is needed to unlock the full game.

  Full Version ($1.99)

  

  The Signal

  
  

  This is a game in which you have to use both of your hands to touch all of the points displayed on screen at the same time and as fast as possible. Because of the way you will need to use both hands while playing, it is suggested that you turn off Multitasking Gestures in your iPad settings.

  The Signal includes a detailed storyline and YouTube video for those wanting to learn more about the game.

  Full Version (Free)

  

  Through the Cliff iHD

  
  

  This puzzle game involves helping Ross (the main character) cross the cliff so that he can continue downhill. There are 40 levels that are divided into the Green Mountain and Snow Mountain worlds. Each climate brings different challenges, which also increase in difficulty as you progress.

  In order to earn points, you must destroy the boxes and wooden structures, and collect gold coins.

  Full Version ($0.99), Lite Version (Free)

  

  Ninja Pong HD

  
  

  This adventure game takes you through 5 lands where you get to bounce around to collect bonuses while avoiding bombs and arrows. It includes both arcade and endless gameplay modes, plus other content and modifications that can be unlocked.

  The Game Center supported is used both for unlocking achievements and viewing leaderboards. Ninja Pong HD also includes Facebook and Twitter integration for sharing your scores.

  Full Version ($1.99)

  

  Save Ladybug HD

  
  

  Save Ladybug HD is a casual game where you gain gemstones by killing spiders and avoiding bites. The more spiders in the web and the faster you are, the more gemstones you’ll receive. There are two modes that you can play in: timed and unlimited.

  Save Ladybug HD supports OpenFeint and has both Facebook and Twitter integration.

  Full Version ($2.99)

  

  Grabatron

  
  

  In this addicting game you get to control a UFO with a retractable claw in order to destroy humans! You can terrorize and kill them by crushing, tossing, or abducting them. It includes 40 missions and along the way you’ll find hidden power-ups.

  Grabatron supports both OpenFeint and Apple’s Game Center.

  Full Version ($2.99)

  

  Companions

  
  

  This adventurous battle game features a campaign with over 10 hours of playtime and different party combinations. You can build towers, lay traps, gather and gain items, fight bosses and battles, earn achievements, and much more. Companions supports both OpenFeint and Game Center and has 3 levels of difficulty.

  If you’re looking for a similar game exclusive to the iPad, you may also enjoy Fortress Under Siege for iPad.

  Full Version ($6.99)

  

  Conquer Online

  
  

  Conquer Online is "the first completely free-to-play MMORPG game for iPad". This popular online community is now available on the iPad for the ultimate PvP (player versus player) experience.

  Once you have customized your character, you can slay monsters and complete quests or hangout with friends in your own custom-built house.

  The best part of this game is the interaction among other players; you can make friends or enemies and even create a team for stronger force. With Conquer Online, the possibilities are endless.

  Full Version (Free)

  

  FIFA 12

  
  

  FIFA (The International Federation of Association Football) 12 is the ultimate soccer game that brings this popular sport to life with realistic graphics and animations. It features over 22 officially licensed leagues, 500 licensed teams, and over 15,000 players.

  In Manager Mode, you manage your own team, develop and trade players, upgrade staff, and more. There are also daily challenges that allow you to earn unique achievements.

  The best part of FIFA 12 is the 2-player mode, which allows you to turn your iPhone into a wireless controller for the ultimate head-to-head battle.

  Full Version ($9.99)

  

  Playing History: The Plague

  
  

  This educational game lets you play history by taking you back in time to the 14th century in Florence. You can explore the city and talk to the people there all while avoiding the mysterious plague.

  It features hidden games, 4 hours of gameplay, and best of all educational tidbits.

  Full Version ($6.99)

  

  War on Geometry HD

  
  

  This is another game where you have to use both hands and numerous fingers.

  In War on Geometry HD you have to drag your warship around the screen in order to avoid the "unlucky" geometry ships.

  Wherever you drag your finger, is where your ship will go. Likewise, wherever you point your finger is where you’ll shoot – so aim wisely! There are a variety of weapons and enemies to destroy.

  If you’re looking for a similar iPad exclusive game, you may also enjoy Finger Gravity HD.

  Full Version ($0.99)

  

  Sparkle 2: EVO

  
  

  At first glance, Sparkle 2: EVO may not appear to be a game, but it’s indeed a "subtle, captivating, and addictive" adventure.

  You first start out as a tiny organism and can then transform into a larger aquatic being. The object is to find food sources and attack other species so that you can grow into the biggest Sparkle; in short, the goal is to evolve. Sparkle 2: EVO works just like the saying, "you are what eat" – so choose wisely which species you want to devour.

  There are 12 levels and Game Center Achievements. The game also includes Air Play Mirroring so that you can play on your TV.

  Full Version ($3.99)

  

  Battle of Gundabad HD

  
  

  "Battle of Gundabad is the first deck building card game where every player plays with his own set of cards." The player with the most VP (victory points) wins the game.

  It includes 2 game modes (campaign and normal) and 27 cards with thousands of combo possibilities.

  Full Version ($6.49)

  

  Steambirds Survival HD

  
  

  Steambirds Survival HD is the sequel to the original Steambirds game released in 2010. The game is free to download, but there is an in-app purchase required for unlocking all cities.

  The object of the game is to defend yourself against enemy aircraft. It features 8 different aircraft and 64 missions (with more coming soon).

  Along the way you’ll collect power-ups that can be used to help you stay alive.

  Full Version ($2.99)

  

  Demolition Master HD: Project Implode All

  
  

  In this adventure game there are a whopping 135 levels that take place in 9 different locations on the Earth; additionally, there are another 75 levels that take place on 5 different locations on the Moon.

  The goal of each mission is to use explosives to demolish the constructions. There are even vibration effects along with realistic explosions, and the ability to zoom in and out.

  Demolition Master HD also includes Game Center support.

  Full Version ($1.99), Free Version

  

  Craze: Multiplayer Mayhem

  
  

  Have you ever played with up to 10 people at the same time on your iPad?

  Well Craze: Multiplayer Mayhem allows you to do just that, although it does also have single player mode. There are three levels of difficulty. The object of the game is to not crash and this is done by steering right or left to avoid all objects.

  Whenever a player crashes, the rest of the players receive one point. The player with the most points wins.

  Full Version ($2.99)

  

  N.O.V.A. – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance HD

  
  

  This action-packed first-shooter game includes both single player and multiplayer campaigns along with iPad optimized controls. With Gameloft Live you can play against your friends or the entire world.

  There are 13 levels, 5 environments, and 6 different weapons. The object is to survive!

  If you’re looking for a similar iPad exclusive game, you may also enjoy Dead Space for iPad.

  Full Version ($4.99)

  

  Ball Invasion for iPad2

  
  

  If you’re looking for something unique you’ve found it in Ball Invasion, which is unfortunately only available for the iPad 2.

  "Ball Invasion is the first (and only) iPad application to use the NASA-invented Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology to build real-time 3D maps of the environment as you move the iPad’s camera around."

  The objects of the game is to shoot the hidden bad balls that are made visible through the camera.

  Full Version ($0.99)

  

  Beyond Ynth HD

  
  

  This game will take you on an exciting adventure where you’ll face different climates, push boxes, climb platforms, jump, slide, fall, and more.

  This award-winning game actually took a year to make and it shows with the amazing graphics involved.

  There are 80 levels with 15 hours of gameplay and other unique features like the rewind feature, solution videos, and voice acting.

  Full Version ($2.99)

  

  What is your favorite game exclusively for the iPad? What’s missing from the list? Is there a game not listed that you think should be included? Have your say!

  Related posts:

  1. iPad Wallpapers for Video Gamers
  2. Setting Up POP3 Email With iPad [Quicktip]
  3. 20 Beautiful Examples of iPad Finger Painting
  4. 30 Useful iPad Apps for Business & Presentation

  

• How to Enhance & Retouch an Image – Photoshop Tutorial

  Posted on: 11 May 2012, 7:02 am

  Sometimes we have a precious moment in our lives captured in the wrong way. This is where Photoshop is used to fix this problem — to enhance and retouch our precious, yet less-than-perfect image to become precious perfect ones.

  

  In this tutorial, I will share some of my favourite enhancing and retouching techniques. You may know some of my techniques, and others, you may not. So, let’s get started.

  Step 1

  
  

  Open the Cosplay Girl image. Special thanks to Priestess Shizuka for her permission to use this image. You can find the image here. Crop it (Ctrl + C) to get rid of those black edges at the top and bottom.

  

  Step 2

  
  

  Notice that the image isn’t smooth enough, especially the hair, so I want to make it smoother by increasing the amount of the pixels. Choose Image > Image size, or hit Alt + Ctrl + I on the keyboard. In the resolution column, change the value to 200 pixels/inch or more. And then click OK.

  

  Step 3

  
  

  Now I want to level it, to make this image better. As you can see when we open the histogram (Window > Histogram), the histogram tells us that this image suffered an ‘unbalance’ tonal range. The gap at the light area (right side) means the highlight areas are not as bright as they could be. Thats why the image looks rather dull.

  

  It will be good if we can trace the brightest, darkest and midtone pixels of this image to apply proper level adjustment on it. This is so Photoshop can convert the brightest pixels in this image to become pure bright (pure white), darkest pixels to be pure dark, and the midtones as well, for ideal tonal distribution.

  To do that, duplicate the background layer by hitting Ctrl + J. Create a new layer under it by hitting Ctrl + Shift + N, and then, fill it with white color (Ctrl + Backspace).

  

  Step 4

  
  

  Target layer 1, and double click it to bring up the Layer Style dialog box. On the Blending Options window, drag the white triangle to the left, until it almost meets the black triangle on the left post. The remaining spot is the darkest pixel in this image.

  

  Step 5

  
  

  Take the Color Sampler tool, change the Sample Size to 3 by 3 Average, then point it to one of those remaining spots in this image. We’ve got sample 1 here — the darkest pixels.

  

  Step 6

  
  

  Repeat step 4, but this time in the Layer Style window, do the opposite by dragging the black triangle to the right.

  Again with the Color Sampler tool, point it to the one of those remaining spots. We’ve got sample 2: the lightest pixels.

  

  Step 7

  
  

  This time we want to trace the midtones. Repeat step 4, and in the Layer Style window drag the black and white triangles to the center, around 127.5 (= 255/2). However, when we drag it close to 127.5, the spot sample becomes too narrow, with a focus on the girl only, not the background, thus we should drag the black triangle to 121, and the white triangle to 134 (6.5 units either way of 127.5).

  That will be the ‘equal’ value for both of them. Then, with the Sampler Color tool, take a sample from one of those remaining spots. Here we’ve got Sample 3: the midtones.

  

  Step 8

  
  

  Now target Layer 1, double click it to bring up the Layer Style dialog box, and then reset those triangles to the original post. Now, with the Sampler tool still active, you should indications as shown below:

  

  You can use actual pixel mode when tracing those spots, to get more accurate results, but in this case, I think what we did before is enough.

  Step 9

  
  

  Now, create a Levels Adjustments layer above layer 1. On the Levels Adjustments window, use the eyedropper to set the black point. Click on the eyedropper, at black, then on Sample 1 that we made previously.

  

  Step 10

  
  

  For the midtones, click the eyedropper for gray point, point and click it to Sample 3. And last, click the eyedropper for white point, then point and click Sample 2.

  

  Now, what we’ve got here is an image with an ‘ideal’ tonal and color range. We’ve got pure black, pure white and the tonal spans mathematically ideal. With a quick visual check, you can see that the image is indeed getting better. That’s the best I can achieve for this image so far.

  Step 11

  
  

  Now let’s add some details and emphasize some parts of the image. Of course, Photoshop can’t create any details, but it can reveal or enhance it. First, hit Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E to merge the layers without flattening all layers beneath it. Target this new layer, then go to Image > Calculations. This will bring us to the Calculations dialog box.

  

  Step 12

  
  

  After taking a closer look at each channel, you will see that the green channel contains the most details, so we’re going to use that channel as a ‘patch’. We’re going to multiply it to get a more significant result. In the Calculations dialog box, set the value as shown below.

  

  Step 13

  
  

  The result will be located at the bottom of the Channels palette, name it ‘Alpha 1′. Click it, select all (Ctrl + A), copy (Ctrl + C), and then go back to the Layers Palette and paste it (Ctrl + V) on top of all the layers. Then set the Blending Mode to Soft light. Name it ‘Basic’.

  

  Step 14

  
  

  The dark details distribute nicely, but there seems to be too much light. Let’s decrease it a little. Double click the Basic Layer to bring up the Layer Style dialog box, then while holding the Alt key, move the white triangle to the left; it will separate the triangles to give us a smooth transition.

  

  Step 15

  
  

  On step 13, we may have lost some details on her clothes; so let’s fix that. To do that, add a layer mask for this Layer (Basic Layer), and brush that area with the soft black brush, to get back some detail from the underlying layer. I use a Soft Round Brush with size 50 px, Hardness 0%, and Opacity 20%. Make sure you target the Layer Mask Thumbnail on the Layers Pallete before brushing.

  

  Step 16

  
  

  Now let’s smooth out the skin especially the right shoulder. To do that, hit Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E again and apply the median filter. Choose Filter > Noise > Median. Set the radius to 10 pixels. Again, apply a layer mask to this layer, Hide All by holding the Alt key when you click the Add Layer Mask button. Use a white smooth brush to cover the rough areas, but leave the hair and edges. Name this layer ‘Smooth Skin’.

  

  Step 17

  
  

  Now let’s sharpen the image. Like before, hit Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E, and name it ‘Sharpen’. Copy this new layer by hitting Ctrl + J. Hide the copy by clicking the eye icon on the Layers Palette. And then target the original Sharpen layer, go to Filter > Other > High Pass. Set the radius to 2 pixels, and change the Blending Mode to Vivid Light.

  We can see now, how the details become more vivid in this image. However, the hair has also ‘sharpened’ and looks rough, which is not wanted, so, let’s add a layer mask again, reveal only some parts: eyes, nose, lips and clothes using a smooth soft brush.

  

  Step 18

  
  

  Now target the Sharpen Copy layer that we’ve made before. Make it visible. Name it ‘Smooth Hair’, because this time I want to smooth out the hair using this layer. Go to Filter > Stylize > Diffuse. Select Anisotropic, and then click OK. Add a Layer Mask, and hide all areas except the hair. Zoom in to see the result.

  

  Step 19

  
  

  Finally, create the Hue/Saturation adjustments layer on top. Set the Saturation value to 20 to give this image more color. You can compare this final result with the original image, by simply holding the Alt key, and clicking on the eye icon of the original layer image.

  Final result

  
  

  And walla, here’s our final image! You can download the PSD here.

  

  Related posts:

  1. Drawing Realistic iPad2 – Photoshop Tutorial
  2. How to Draw Apple iCloud Icon – Photoshop Tutorial
  3. How to Create a TRON Minimal Design – Photoshop Tutorial
  4. How to Make Delicious French Fries Icon – Photoshop Tutorial

  

• How To Make Your Own Facebook Timeline Movie [Quicktip]

  Posted on: 11 May 2012, 4:01 am

  Facebook Timeline changes how you present your life-story on the Web; some treat it like an online diary while others can create a simple yet beautiful collage of real-life stories. But Timeline still uses the classic web view — you still have to do plenty of scrolling to see the rest of the story.

  

  What if you can change the experience, make your Timeline move on its own or better yet, turn it into a movie? Add a little background music for that extra feel and experience, and let the story of your life roll out frame by frame. You can do this with the help of the web application Timeline Movie Maker.

  Recommended Reading: Facebook Timeline Cover: 40 (Really) Creative Examples

  Preparing your Timeline movie

  
  

  Preparing your Timeline movie is easy, and even after the movie is completed, you can change the background music as well as the photos that appear in the movie.

  1. Make your movie

  
  

  To start off, go to the Timeline Movie Maker homepage and click on the ‘Make Your Movie’ button.

  

  2. Facebook Login

  
  

  Click on the button ‘Log in with Facebook’ to proceed.

  

  3. Processing

  
  

  Right after you have logged in with Facebook and allowed the access to your Timeline, the Timeline Movie Maker will process and prepare your movies. It will take around a minute or less.

  

  Watch your Timeline Movie

  
  

  When the movie is ready, it will autoplay. Just relax and enjoy your Timeline movie.

  

  At the end of the movie, you will have an option to replay, or share it with your friends.

  

  Not only that, you also get to remake your movie with changes. You are allowed to change the music background as well as photos that appear in the movie.

  

  Conclusion

  
  

  The storyboard used for every video made in Timeline Movie Maker is the same: every video will have the same length, structure and timeframe from the start to the end. In other words, you will see a similarity of the movie presentation between yours and others. Nevertheless, it is still very exciting to see a movie made out of your own real-life story.

  Related posts:

  1. 5 Must-Know Facebook Timeline Tips/Tricks
  2. How to Browse Your Facebook Like It’s Pinterest [Quicktip]
  3. How to Rename Facebook Page Vanity URL [Quicktip]
  4. How to Listen to Music with Friends on Facebook [Quicktip]

  

• What’s your Facebook Pet Peeve? Here’s Our 5

  Posted on: 10 May 2012, 9:31 am

  Facebook being a social network is an assembly ground for all sorts of people. At times we forget that it’s Facebook, a place where you can unwind, and do silly things, post pictures and funny statuses and make fun of friends – in essence, have a good time in. Then there are other people who do the oddest of things which are nothing but a source of petty annoyances.

  As you read my half-hearted pleas to these individuals, see if any of them are familiar sights on your Facebook wall.

  Recommended Reading: 5 Things That Shouldn’t Be On Your Facebook

  1. Please don’t spoil movies

  
  

  Do you have that family member or friend who sits with you through a movie you have yet to watch, then spoils the movie scene by scene? Oh, I hate them so so much, and I won’t be ashamed to give them a piece of my mind when they do that. It’s like having a villain monologue through his evil plans in your living room.

  With Facebook, this is now way worse. Within the first week of a movie’s release, there will be ‘friends’ grading the movie, spoiling the best scenes and best lines all in a battery of statuses with no alert and no warnings – you can’t even turn away in time!

  Here’s a thought:

  
  

  Don’t spoil movies for other movie-goers. You know what you can do? Write about it on your blog or go join fan forums to celebrate or mock the movie there. Facebook is not your review column. If no one asked you how the movie was, please don’t go around giving away the secrets, twists and surprises of the movie at least until tickets to the movie stop selling out.

  2. Please Keep PDAs in your Room

  
  

  We’re all for nice people finding love, getting together, deciding to settle down and take the plunge to start a family. We get that. We really do. But once the PDA (public display of affection) hits reality-show level, public response will also take a dive from an "awww, that’s so sweet of Jack," to "ewww, my goosebumps are tearing through my skin – make it stop, make it stop!"

  
  
  (Image source: Freevector)

  Here’s a thought:

  
  

  We enjoy a good love story and happy endings, but as with everything that ensures a healthy lifestyle, the key is moderation. Besides, flower bouquets and the size of the rock on her fingers are (maybe) for show but love declarations for honey bun and gingerbread man are meant to be kept between the two lovebirds; so why not keep it that way? Facebook is not your love nest. *whispers* There are children in there! Have some dignity.

  3. Please don’t rant or scream at us

  
  

  What did we do to deserve "What in the world is wrong with you, you fat jerk?" or insults like… erm, I don’t know, I can’t think of any good examples to slot in here. You know why? Because I don’t read them. These rants are obviously not directed to your Facebook friends (me), and chances are the person who should be receiving this (fat jerk) is not even a Facebook friend of yours. So why do it? Why post such distressing statuses to vent your frustrations at the expense of others?

  Here’s a thought:

  
  

  Instead, why not take to the status bar and tell them (as in describe briefly, not make a novel of) the terrible day you had, how that nasty colleague of yours stole your handmade sandwich, then said it was horrible which made it even worse, because you made it. (What? I just suggested no ranting. I’m not asking you to be a saint.) We are a sympathetic crowd and we love to lend a shoulder for you to cry on as long as you don’t barge into our comfort zone going Sparta on all our hinds because someone else incurred your wrath. Vent, but please don’t let your frustration rub off on people who read your statuses. Facebook is not your psychiatrist or online journal.

  4. Please don’t plan your wedding with Facebook Events

  
  

  Really? Would you really plan your wedding with Facebook? Is there nothing sacred about a promise of everlasting union between two souls who are in love? What happened to proper invitations with RSVP wedding cards and a call to declare that he has finally proposed, and almost just as important, the planning of the bachelor(ette) party?

  Where is the fun in getting people to click ‘Join’ or ‘Decline’?

  

  Here’s a thought:

  
  

  Facebook is not your wedding planner – and is useless as one. If these people you are inviting are close friends, you would stay in direct communication with them all the way to the wedding day itself. If you can’t find the time to call the rest of them it will be hard to get a proper head count for the wedding reception, because despite the 900 million accounts, not everyone logs into Facebook regularly enough.

  You can however make use of Facebook Events to deliver information like directions to the venue, inform them of the wedding theme if you have one, list your contact number, or to thank everyone who had taken the time to make your wedding day a special one.

  5. Please don’t complain about your job

  
  

  I once watched a business show where a successful 60-year-old entrepreneur was interviewed about how he started his career in his business. He said that back then there was no such thing as stress. Stress was only invented by the generations that came after him. "Back then, you either work, or you starve." How’s that for a dose of reality?

  The youths of today are using their Facebook accounts to complain about how much work they have to deal with, or how thoughtless their bosses are to make them stay back to do more work, or how their life is only about work and nothing else. The same batch of people chose to ignore the fact that they have a stable job; that under today’s labour laws they are properly compensated for their extra working time, and that they work in safe, well-lit and comfortable environments – if you can still Facebook from your workplace, then you’re one of the luckier ones.

  To add to this, let’s not forget the fact that most of them are not working to put bread on the table; they are working to pay off their cars and house loans.

  Here’s a thought:

  
  

  If you don’t see CEOs or organisation leaders complaining about their work or responsibilities, it’s probably because they know better not to. Rather than take to Facebook, which shows all our good and bad sides, company leaders use other ways to relax, re-energise and reboot. I suggest you do the same by using Facebook to reconnect with friends outside the workplace, and leave behind unhappy experiences back at work. There is a need to compartmentalize in order to continue moving forward.

  Conclusion

  
  

  Believe me, I love my friends to bits but on a day when I am a lesser person, these things will really get to me. And I believe that there are things that I do that annoy other people as well. But let’s not just be critical, let’s be constructive. If you have any Facebook pet peeves you want to share, and some remedies to suggest, have your say in the comments section.

  Related posts:

  1. 5 Must-Know Facebook Timeline Tips/Tricks
  2. How To Find Out who Unfriended You on Facebook [Quicktip]
  3. How to Rename Facebook Page Vanity URL [Quicktip]
  4. How to Browse Your Facebook Like It’s Pinterest [Quicktip]

  

• 55 Popular Pinterest Pinboards for Your Office Decor Inspirations

  Posted on: 10 May 2012, 7:01 am

  When you’re going through your rounds in Pinterest, have you ever got that feeling that the site reminds you of an interior decor magazine? Well, if you look hard enough you can find tons of ideas on how to decorate the interior of your home, kitchen, living space and even your office. A little decor can go a long way in lightening up the mood in the office; or to personalize your office space enough to make you feel more at home (for most people, the office is their second home).

  Even for those who work from home, there is no reason for your workstation to look office-y or carry a style that is too different to jive with the rest of the house. Well, we’ve gone and done the research for you. Here is a list of 55 popular Pinterest Pinboards that carry interesting ideas which could help inspire the decorator within you to start sprucing up your workplace.

  Recommended Reading: Creative & Modern Office Designs Around The World

  Craft Rooms – Office by Barbara McHenry [Visit]

  

  {Home} The Home Office by B.A. Bollinger [Visit]

  

  An Amazing Place to Get Some Work Done! by Renee O’Banion [Visit]

  

  Craft Rooms – Office by Barbara McHenry [Visit]

  

  Studio/Office by Lynn Harvey [Visit]

  

  HOME OFFICE! by Madeleine Peterson [Visit]

  

  O F F I C E S P A C E by HoltwoodHipster [Visit]

  

  Organized Office by Ann W [Visit]

  

  home | office by Lindsey Iverson [Visit]

  

  Office Makeover by Alyssa Hollis [Visit]

  

  Office by Karen Martin Warmerdam [Visit]

  

  Office Space by Scrumbellina [Visit]

  

  Office by Karen Capson [Visit]

  

  Office Spaces by Cheryl Ann Cavurro [Visit]

  

  Office Ideas by Jaimee Keppel [Visit]

  

  The Office by Laura Busche [Visit]

  

  Office by SusieJ [Visit]

  

  Home Office and Office Help by Pamela Novakovich [Visit]

  

  Office Spaces by Kristi Wiggins [Visit]

  

  Office Space by Jentry Dryden [Visit]

  

  Office Ideas by Krista [Visit]

  

  Office Options by Robin [Visit]

  

  Office Ideas by Caroline Hinrichs [Visit]

  

  Home Office by Iona Frans [Visit]

  

  Office Inspiration by Kara Brennan [Visit]

  

  Office But Not THE Office by Jennifer N [Visit]

  

  Home Office/Office by Vicki Schimpf [Visit]

  

  Office and Office Spaces by Mimi Cheng [Visit]

  

  HOME OFFICE by Blanca Feldman [Visit]

  

  Office Space by Cindy McMahan [Visit]

  

  Office Mojo by mspinkandblue [Visit]

  

  Office by Melinda Dame Christensen [Visit]

  

  Office Inspired by Nycia Emerson [Visit]

  

  Office Space by Barb Payne [Visit]

  

  Office Design & Decor by Steph Hart [Visit]

  

  Office/Home Office by Master Cruz [Visit]

  

  Office by Zellain Dystopia [Visit]

  

  Office Space by AphroChic [Visit]

  

  Office, Workspace by Mel C [Visit]

  

  Office Inspiration by Lindsay Hayes [Visit]

  

  Home Office by Janet Smith [Visit]

  

  Office Space by Joanne Cumberland [Visit]

  

  Office by Rachel Martino [Visit]

  

  Office Office Office!!! by Paola Torres Esquivel [Visit]

  

  Den Design & Decor by Debbie Peabody [Visit]

  

  Decor – Office & Work Areas by Janet Kilby [Visit]

  

  Office by Megan Gilger [Visit]

  

  Office by Patty Hall [Visit]

  

  Work It! by Tracey Murray [Visit]

  

  For The Office by Pennyweight [Visit]

  

  My Future Office and Studio by Bridgette Clarke Lade [Visit]

  

  Future Office by Janet Hertogh [Visit]

  

  Office by Jensen Chiu [Visit]

  

  As usual, if you have stumbled upon any pinboards that feature similar or even better styles, do share them with us in the comments section.

  Related posts:

  1. Survive Office: 10 Tips For Moving Up Corporate Ladder
  2. Survive Office: 7 (More) Tips For Moving Up Corporate Ladder
  3. 7 Useful Pinterest Tools You Should Know
  4. How to Protect Your Pictures from Pinterest Pinnings [Quicktip]

  

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