Chapter B. HTML for eBayers

HTML is one of those acronyms that rolls off the tongues of computer geeks while the rest of the world wonders what the heck they're talking about. For most people, knowing that the letters stand for Hypertext Markup Language probably doesn't help much. So here's what HTML does: it tells Web browsers (like Internet Explorer and Netscape) how to display Web pages. If, for example, you run across a Web page with text that's bold, italicized, blinking, or three inches high and bright green against an eye-splitting magenta background, you're witnessing HTML at work.

What all this means to you, if you sell on eBay, is greater control of how your auction listings look. HTML is easy to learnyou can master the basics in an afternoonand with it, you can make your own templates and fine-tune your listings to create a look and feel that's all your own.

Note: HTML mostly comes into play in step 2 of the Sell Your Item form (Describe Your Item, Section 5.4.4) to give your item description pizzazz with color , formatting, and extra photos (Section 6.2.4). When you type or paste your item description into the "Item description" box, you can use HTML tags to create tables, center text, add colors and photos, and so on. When you've used some HTML, say you've created a table to display a digital camera's features at a glance, click the "Preview description" link (it's just below the"Item description" box). A new window opens, showing you how your table will look when a Web browser displays your item description.

This appendix introduces you to the basics of HTML. To hone your skills, you might want to check out one of the many fine HTML tutorials available online. A few to check out:

  • Auction Insights (http://auctioninsights.com/html.html). This tutorial has a convenient pop-up practice window that lets you try out your skills as you learn them.

  • Ed O'Brien's Copy and Paste HTML Page for eBay (www.eobcards.com/tutorial3.htm). Developed by an eBayer for other eBayers, this site lets you choose the effect you want, then copy the HTML and paste it into your item description.

  • Tozo's Sandbox (http://xample.net). This site has a step-by-step tutorial geared to enhancing eBay listings by formatting text, using color, creating tables, and more. There's an HTML editor you can use to test out your code and see if it's doing what you want it to.

  • W3 Schools (www.w3schools.com). Here you'll find a good general tutorial, complete with a quiz to test your knowledge when you're done (or think you're done).

Tip: This appendix only covers the most basic basics of getting started with HTML. To become an HTML hotshot, check out Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML, Graphics, and Beyond by Jennifer Niederst, from O'Reilly (www.oreilly.com).


eBay[c] The Missing Manual
eBay[c] The Missing Manual
ISBN: 596006446
EAN: N/A
Year: 2006
Pages: 100

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