Insider Tip Archives

JPEG Images Best for Email
What is the best way to e-mail digital photos to businesses, friends and family? Of the many file formats to choose from JPEG (Joint Photographics Experts Group—file extension .jpg) is the most popular format for photos on the Web. The image quality is very good in relation to a file's overall size, and JPEG's display more colors. An added plus: virtually all web browsers can open JPEG files, without special software.

Benefits of Plastic Coil Binding
Ever wrestle with reports or other materials that won't stay open or lay flat on your desk? Plastic coil binding is the answer. More durable than plain metal, it allows publications to lay perfectly flat and is virtually indestructible. Ideal for company directories, the coil also makes it easy to add or remove pages.

Tab Your Way Around
The Tab key is your friend. Keyboard shortcuts are almost always faster than using a mouse. To jump through the links on a Web page, the Address bar, or the items on the Links bar, hit the Tab key. Go too far? To jump backward, hit Shift-Tab.

Different Papers for Different Printers
When selecting paper for letterhead, make sure you choose a brand of paper and finish that is compatible with your office copier, laser or inkjet printer. Different printers have different effects on various types of paper. Try the paper in your equipment before you have large quantities of letterhead printed.

When E-Mailing Photos or Graphic Images...
If you don't want to jam up someone's mailbox, but still want a good quality file, JPEG is the way to go. The smaller the file, the faster it will send and show up on the screen. Aim for files to be no larger than 300k. If the image will be printed, do not go below "8" or "Max" image quality setting.

Text Copying Tip
When copying text from a document that has different formatting than the document you are pasting text to, click on "Edit/Paste Special," then choose "Unformatted Text" (when in MS Word or WordPerfect). This allows the text to assume the formatting, or at least minimize formatting problems of the document you're working in.

Outlook Vs. Outlook Express
Confused about which is which? So are a lot of other users. Outlook Express is the email program that comes with Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser program. It is simply email, newsgroups and an address book. Outlook, on the other hand, is much more than email. Part of Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook also includes a Calendar, Contacts, Journal and tasks components.

Unsubscribe With Care...
Be careful when unsubscribing from mailing lists. If it's something you KNOW you signed up for, there should be no problem getting off the list. However, if it's "junk mail" don't believe it when it says "to unsubscribe" or "to be removed from this mailing list"... more than likely "unsubscribing" from junk mail only lets the spammer know your address is legitimate, so they'll just send you more.

What's In A Name
A lot! A name is a personal icon. People don't just read their own names - they absorb them as a visual unit. That's why personalization is so important to direct mail. It guides the reader into the copy. At the same time, getting someone's name wrong can turn the hottest prospect cold. What to do? Include an 800 number with your mailing, asking customers to call if their name or any other information is incorrect. This will make your database "self cleaning" and show customers you're on the ball.
Source: The Devil's Dictionary of Marketing - Jim Rosenfield

Autoformat Driving You Nuts?
Newer versions of Microsoft Word have pre-set autoformat features that can be annoying and time-consuming. Capitol letters at the beginning of every line, automatically numbered and bulleted lists, and strange indents are some of the more exasperating features. To turn these unwanted "helpers" off, go under "Tools" and select AutoCorrect Options. Uncheck the things you DON'T want under these three tabs: "AutoFormat As You Type," "AutoFormat," and "Auto Correct."

Good Headlines Grab Attention
When creating print ads or brochures, don't spend a lot of time tinkering with the body copy. The eye goes to headlines, photos, captions and subheads before it ever gets near body copy. You have about ten seconds to engage the reader in whatever it is you're selling. Spend the bulk of your time creating powerful headlines and subheads, and be sure your photos are intriguing. These elements work together to draw the reader into the body copy.

Scanning? Watch Those Dots
DPI (dots-per-inch) is an important barometer affecting the print quality of photos and other material scanned for printing. This can be confusing, given differences in scanner types, capabilities, and experience of the user. Rule of thumb for acceptable dpi for digital printing? A 150 dots-per- inch scan at the final size a photo will be printed. If the photo is to be enlarged, the dpi should be increased accordingly to hold clarity and detail. Best to check with your printer before scanning any photos.

Don't Come Up Short On Print Runs
With tighter budgets and to-the-penny purchase orders the norm today, it is more important than ever to print-buyers that you specify how many extras, or "overs," they'll need on their print jobs at the time a job is estimated. "Overs" can include everything from handouts to additional pieces needed for machine set up, depending on the number of processes involved. This often-overlooked detail can cost time and money if a job must go back to press. Specifying "overs" up front is a safeguard both for the buyer and the printer.

Sharper Images On Color Copies
When supplying files that contain an image to a color copier, save that image in .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) format. Leave the color mode RGB (red-green-blue) because color copiers handle this color mode best. Popular layout programs such as QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe PageMaker automatically convert RGB images to CMYK (4-color process) when output - but not when the files are saved in .EPS format. Also, photos should be scanned at 150 dpi.

E-Mail Etiquette
Before writing an inflammatory e-mail, remember that it is always better to count to 10 before composing the message. If you are "on the outs" with someone, it is much better to verbally talk with one another. Also, be careful when using sarcasm and humor. Without face to face communications, your joke may be viewed as criticism.