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Related cards in series (Read 1251 times)
Tom_133317
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Related cards in series
Jan 16th, 2011, 7:50am
 
I just thought of something.
 
Shoppers have no easy way to bring up all the identical cards offered by an artist when they see a relationship card that they like.
 
For instance, let's say a Bride-to-Be sees a Sister Bridesmaid Invitation Card that she loves and wants to buy the same card for other relationships, like cousin or friend.  Right now this is horribly hard to do, and they might just leave while trying and buy nothing!
 
My idea it to use one of the mini-icons under the thumbnail that when clicked immediately brings up all of the cards in that series from that artist.  Perhaps use a pulsing RED Heart "Favorites" mini icon (use an animated gif) that brings up the card series as well as gives the option of Favoriting the card. (Dual-use of the icon in other words).  Perhaps there are other ways, such as moving the Sell this Card icon to the Card Details page, like the review icon was,  as I doubt it is getting used much.  
 
OK, great idea Tom, but how can this be programmed?
 
Well, I can think of several ways, but the easiest would be to use the PID of the first card and have the artist enter that value in a "new" database field during create a card for all the cards in the series.  The restriction would be that the image would have to be identical other than the relationship,  or, an identical image with the alternate relationship in the inner verse (3x card rule).
 
Some code would have to be written to fetch all the cards in the series if the icon is clicked.  That should not be to hard.  (Spoken like someone who doesn't have to do it). Cheesy
 
This scheme might also work for anniversary years, age specific birthday cards, and perhaps some others.  It could be very popular with shoppers.
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Doreen_137017
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Re: Related cards in series
Reply #1 - Jan 16th, 2011, 8:08am
 
Love the idea, but PLEASE don't move the Sell This Card Link to the details page!  That creates a lot of additional work!  I use the Sell This Card Link a lot and based on the number of sales I get via other artists/members using this tool, I believe it is used a fair amount and that will undoubtedly increase over the years.
 
Using the Favorites button works for me since I can't imagine anyone identifying a card as a favorite based only on looking at it as a thumbnail.  Moving that option to the details page where they are actually looking at the large view of the card makes sense and using that spot on the thumb page for Tom's idea would be a nice idea.
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Susan_142450
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Re: Related cards in series
Reply #2 - Jan 16th, 2011, 8:14am
 
I think it's a GREAT idea Tom and would also allow the artists to better use the images in their featured/storefront areas.
Instead of a fabulous image of roses and 14 cards on your front page that say "To my Sweetie On Valentines Day," "To my Husband on Valentines Day," "To My Wife on Valentines Day," etc., You could actually use the space to show some of your other fabulous images for valentines day with a tag or note or whatever seems appropriate that says: "More in this Series" or "See Other Versions" or "More Versions."
Categories with in our storefronts would be helpful too.
It can be a drag to page through literally 100s of names or messages on an artist's page, with no hint that what you're looking for may exist. (I know search words - but you may like a particular artist's work. I'm just sayin.)
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Marion_133078
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Re: Related cards in series
Reply #3 - Jan 16th, 2011, 8:25am
 
Good idea, but like Doreen I wouldn't like the sell this card link to be moved.
 
This can be achieved at the moment though, by the artist. The artist could put in the same keyword into related cards, and put a note to that effect in the Artists Note. Maybe not as slick, but it would work providing the artist's note was read of course  Smiley
 
It might be quite a bit more work for the artistwhich would have to be weighed up against the benefits. The PID input field would have to be available to edit at all times, not just  when the card is created.
 
As someone who has never sold a wedding related card, it would be of little benefit to me - but maybe this would change that Grin
 
My art website http://artbymarion.co.uk/
My zazzle art products http://www.zazzle.co.uk/Marionsart
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Websprinter_148078
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Re: Related cards in series
Reply #4 - Jan 16th, 2011, 8:30am
 
Great idea Tom  Cool (as usual) but being devils advocate here, what if there are a 1000 cards to wade through with that graphic and maybe she still can't find what she wants. Can we help out somehow with our categories and keywords? (I try to be consistant with keywords per design. ) There has to be a way to narrow the search down just a little bit.  
 
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Christena_145704
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Re: Related cards in series
Reply #5 - Jan 16th, 2011, 9:00am
 
I rarely use an image more than once but that's just me and it could change in the future. Tom's idea sounds wonderful and would be of great help for our customers. I too have to vote with my fellow artists that we like the sell this button where it is as it is used often.
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Marie_134287
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Re: Related cards in series
Reply #6 - Jan 16th, 2011, 9:55am
 
Please don't move the sell this card.  As a designer and a seller, I use this icon all the time to post my cards on my blog. This helps me be more efficient.  What's wrong with our viewers. ???...If they can read, why don't they ask the designer a question/request?  I have received these from people liking a design that they would like to customize for their personal use.  It seems we are very involved and have a tendency to love minutia.  I think people who browse to purchase a card couldn't  care less about how to make life more complicated.
 
Just an observation I personally have a mini-gripe with.  So many cards are designed for so many sub,sub,sub categories, it drives me crazy.  I think this gives GCU a definite edge in the greeting card market, but it also slows everything way down and presents a nit-picky impression of the site as a whole.  This has been GREATLY IMPROVED with the new site, which is why I love it.
 
Don't people read, or think anymore?  Everybody is way to concerned about their "branding" lately.  I have read that word too many times lately regarding any self promotional efforts by artists.  Tom, I am not putting you down, you are always very helpful, so I don't have an issue with you.
 
I don't think as artists we need to be babysitters.  Personally, that's why I'm at gcu.  I feel we have a good group and it gives me more time to draw and design, which is what I really like to do.
 
Guess I'm having a little Sunday morning rant.  Nice weekend to all. Roll Eyes
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