A little flavour of what's in store...

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Purple 13 in the top 0.25 percent - twice!

Photographers Direct image portal has an in-house image quality system that rates images submitted on a scale of 1 to 9 (9 being the highest). It proudly states that only 0.25% of its library gets awarded the 9 or WOW rating and only 2.5% get awarded an 8.

So when Mandy Collins started submitting her artworks and stock photography last week, whilst she hoped for high ratings, she was up against some very tough judging.

You can imagine then that with over 736,000 images on their database, to get an 8 rating for just one image or artwork would be considered a great achievement.

So far, of the submittions by Mandy, 2 have received the coveted WOW rating of 9 and over 11% of her other submittions have received a rating of 8.

To find out why people get so enthusiastic about Purple 13 art, visit Mandy's website now and find out for yourself. Apparently, the people at Photographers Direct quite like it!

http://www.purple13.co.uk - the Award Winning Digital Photo Art of Mandy Collins

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Photographers Direct go WOW!

Following on from the news that Mandy's work has achieved well above average ratings on the image site Photographers Direct with most of her artworks achieving a judges rating of 8, she learnt today that one of her works has been awarded the ultimate rating of 9.

This automatically places the image, in this case one of her artworks, onto their WOW page.
The artwork is entitled Rose Kaleidoscope.

To view Rose Kaleidoscope, click on this link: http://www.purple13.co.uk/index.htm?ref=products_2&o_code=584465658

What jingle would a mobile chip shop play?

Completely off the subject of photo art i know but we were discussing childhood memories and in particular the weekly visit from the mobile fish and chip van.

Apart from safety concerns of all that hot oil sloshing around the wagon, we also wondered what jingle they played to announce their arrival.

Our own service had a muted singular horn that suited its image completely, however the food was always delicious.

Office suggestions were limited and not very imaginative i have to say - "blow the man down", "we hope its chips its chips", "I feel like chicken tonight" even a sea shanty by Vaughn Williams?

Please offer your suggestions as we try to compile the definitive top ten of mobile chippy tunes.

Purple 13

Article - Search for yourself as part of your SEO program

A very quick article this one but how often do you search on Google and others for yourself?

It may sound silly but if you're not aware of what other people are writing about you or articles their including you in (apart from Blogs) then you could be really missing something - good or bad.

It's worth checking as part of your SEO routine. Articles that do feature your website, business or you personally may offer valuable link opportunities. By way of reciprocol linking, you can always link back to the actual article. Your link 'buddy' will love this as it will draw attention to their article and their business.

For example, a recent search on Mandy Collins threw up two results that we were not aware of. An article written by Fotolibra that had found its way onto the BAPLA website and the Welsh national website where Fotolibra are based.

The main article was about a new, previously unavailable collection of Beatles images. In the same article, it also talked of Mandy Collins as a major contributor to the Fotolibra collection.

You can read both articles by following the links:

BAPLA editorial: http://www.bapla.org.uk/news/index.php?a=show&id=595&from=

ICWales - the national website of Wales editorial: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0300business/0100news/tm_objectid=17284660&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=---beatles-pictures-mix-with-royalties--and-he-loves-it--yeah--yeah---------name_page.html

You can view Mandy's Fotolibra collection by visiting http://www.purple13.co.uk and following the Fotolibra link on the Home Page.

So SEO fans, get checking now. A word of caution though, make sure you visit these links because they can change, without warning and your link will either become dead (not good) or link to another story altogether (even worse if its a competitor).

Articles and stories, especially when they show your service or product in a positive light are an excellent way of communicating to visitors the sincerity and trustworthyness of your site. It also serves as a memory jogger, particularly if they may have seen the article and come searching for you, this will re-inforce the message that they have arrived at the right site.

Purple 13 Webmaster

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Article - Newspapers versus the Web

Driving back from Cambridge on the Bank Holiday, I tuned into Radio 2 and came across a discussion about the viability of newspapers with the availability of news and comment on the Internet.

There were many comments by text, phone etc for and against the idea that newspapers were a ‘dying breed’.

It struck me as drove along that both sides were missing the point slightly.

Most newspaper content may be available online, however, having discussed this with others, there is something tangible about a newspaper that will probably ensure its survival, albeit, in a reduced capacity that may well see some familiar publications cease.

Newspapers will still be with us, more as a social function than for any other reason and that’s probably reason enough.

However, it’s not to difficult to imagine in the next couple of decades, with advances in flat screen technology and wireless connectivity that very soon, we could be holding a piece of plastic, no bigger or thicker than an ice-cream tub lid that will be a fully portable ‘hand-top’. Then sitting in the garden, enjoying a morning coffee will be even easier, when one doesn’t have to battle with the morning breeze every 5 seconds.

How are newspapers to combat their slow demise? My suggestion would be to embrace rather than shun these new technologies – something most publications have already started – but push their advance into mainstream society rather than keep hoping customers will keep buying the printed product.

Because the technology is so cheap to set up and maintain, why don’t newspapers think about live broadcasts – particularly local evening newspapers, where advance notice to a reader base of ‘broadcast’ times is easily achieved. People will log on if there is enough reason for them to do so.

Newspapers versus the Web? At the moment I think there is room enough for both. Complacency may well prove the ultimate undoing of many newspapers. They are a business like any other, whether that’s a DIY store or a local artist like Mandy Collins. How we embrace these new methods of communicating with our public, and make it even easier for them to access the information or goods they seek in as quick a time as possible will be the yardstick of success.

Purple 13 has already started using these new platforms to reach and inform its customers ensuring the online future of artist Mandy Collins. RSS feeds and Blog’s that are constantly updated, a dedicated News Page and Guestbook facility all designed with keeping you informed, in mind.

Purple 13 Webmaster

More new-born kitten pictures

If you've been following this Blog (at Purple 13, we've started referring to it as a Plog), you'll know our cat recently had kittens.

We've just posted some more pictures for everybody to go ahh over on their very own web page.

Go to: http://www.purple13.co.uk/kitten2 and take a look at the kittens at 23 days old.

Mum cat (Amy) and all six kittens are doing fine.

Purple 13.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Purple 13 Office Cat - Kitten capers

It was very funny, our office cat recently had kittens. Only 3 weeks old, they are just starting to wriggle out of their basket for a first tentative explore of their surroundings.

This morning, we discovered one of the kittens (nicknamed Molly Mackerel) sitting in the middle of the hall squeaking loudly. The Mum was ignoring her and waiting to be let out.

Only later on did we witness her feeding another 'stray' outside of the kitten basket. It's as if she was thinking 'those humans' will come and pick it up and put it back for me!

It's a cats life!

We've posted a few pictures of the kittens development for everyone to keep up with their progress. You can share them to by going to http://www.purple13.co.uk/kitten2

Everybody go ahhhhh!

Article - An RSS feed is not enough

Every SEO article you've probably ever seen about RSS feeds will have told you how they are a vital part of your website marketing and keeping your visitors and customers informed.

And there's no doubt that an RSS feed makes perfect sense. Subscribers don't need to visit your site everytime, their news reader software delivers the latest update - they read, and then they visit if looks interesting.

But here's the catch. Most people are relatively new to RSS, and as with any new thing many ignore it in ignorance or 'fear of the unknown' believing they'll be targeted with spam from day one etc.

To help possible subscribers get over these fears, why not consider putting a useful guide to using RSS on your own website?

For an example, go to http://www.purple13.co.uk/index.htm?ref=rssfeed_help you'll get the idea. And make a link to it next to your RSS feed button.

The Purple 13 Web Team
IF you use this article, please place a link back to http://www.purple13.co.uk

Finding Purple 13 on Google

Can't remember the Purple 13 url (http://www.purple13.co.uk)? No need to worry!

Just type in Mandy Collins or Purple 13 in your Google search bar and we'll be there.

Now all you've got to do is remember to add Purple 13 to your favourites next time you visit.

Whilst your there, why not add our RSS feed to your news reader? You'll get all the news and exclusive previews of new artworks.

Purple 13 has the wow factor at Photographers Direct

Purple 13 art has certainly caught the eye of the judges rating images at Photographers Direct.com - a leading image portal in the UK.

Their site rates all submitted images as a guide for potential purchasers, with many picture requests having a minimum standard. On their site they quote a 2.5% average of images receiving an outstanding rating of 8.

So far, of the images submitted by Mandy Collins, 8% have received the rating of 8 and she has had works put forward for final consideration on a number of picture request projects already.

Friday, August 25, 2006

Article - You, Google and Purple 13 - it's all about trust

Earlier today, I read a very interesting article that talked about Google rankings being affected by sites that Google felt it could trust, much as a visitor to a site will be able to rely on the content and goods or services that site sells. Here’s how Purple 13 has worked to establish that trust with its customers, visitors (and Google).

Firstly, Purple 13 has been fully online since 2003, during which time the site has developed from a simple click and display of Mandy Collins artworks to a full online shopping experience. New artworks are always being completed and added and the number now available to view and purchase online via the website is over 500.

In addition, our ever popular News Page carries all the news of new artworks, prominent sales and international sales, website amendments and art news from her two High St galleries at Heanor and Belper in Derbsyhire.

To help keep visitors informed, the long running Purple 13 News service was recently extended to include an RSS feed that is updated at least every week and our latest service – this Blog, which receives regular daily updates and provides a useful portal for visitors to leave their comments or questions for Mandy or her Web Team. As and when we get questions, in addition to replying personally, we’ll post them (minus any individual’s information) and their reply for future visitors – search this Blog for FAQ to view all.

Purple 13 has also invested in state of the art secure servers and hosting through Price Engines Ltd and the addition of an 0845 local call rate telephone number.

A recent spell of Google Adwords campaign and various advertising campaigns in prominent home style magazines like Living Etc and Location, Location, Location magazine which will start in September and run till Christmas all point towards an artist whose work and website will be visible for a very long time to come.

The Purple 13 web design team are constantly tweaking and refining the Purple 13 online art experience for visitors including helpful new graphics and banners to help visitors get the most from their visit and make their purchase as easy as possible.

Mandy has also made her work available for licenced commercial use via respected image portals – Alamy, Fotolibra and Photographers Direct and in addition to her artworks, has over 500 other quality stock photographs that sell the world over. In particular, her artworks have been licenced for commercial use from South Korea to America to the Czech Republic.

Links from respected online companies and directories feature on their own Links Page with many being personally known to Mandy. Names like The Chocolate Trading Company, NSYS Online and Homesources and a full listing of the international countries Mandy’s art has sold in along with a list of present and previous advertisement carriers and exhibitions that have featured Purple 13 works.

Finally, her work has won critical acclaim and her winning of a Novartis Visions-of -Science award in 2005, judged by a panel of leading Fleet Street photographers and Editors surely places her work at the very highest levels of integrity.

As you can see, Purple 13 has, and continues, to work very hard at creating a website that visitors feel comfortable buying from. Mandy welcomes any correspondence by email, phone or post prior to any purchase or information request. Mandy wants you to be happy with your final purchase and get many years of stimulation and enjoyment from it, as much as she has enjoyed creating each and every individual work of art.

The Purple 13 Web Team
Email: mandy@purple13.co.uk

Google key search phrases: Purple 13 , Mandy Collins

FAQ - Can I licence Purple 13 art for commercial use?

Yes you can. Purple 13 has joined forces with 3 image libraries so that you can licence art and other stock photography from Mandy Collins quickly and easily.

Because the Purple 13 website only displays and sells online her art portfolio, the image libraries are an ideal platform for over 1000 other quality images taken by Mandy that have sold the world over and been used in everything from fashion houses to school publications - even by Epson at Olympia!

You will also find Mandy's art collection which can also be licenced.

Follow the links on the home page to Alamy, Fotolibra (recently their photographer of the week) or Photographers Direct to go straight to Mandy's collections.

If you require any further assistance or information, please don't hesitate to contact Mandy directly via the contact details on http://www.purple13.co.uk

Thursday, August 24, 2006

FAQ - Do you deliver stretched canvases to America?

We recently took an enquiry from a lady in America enquiring about ordering a stretched canvas artwork from Purple 13.

The most cost effective solution we could provide was sending the completed canvas rolled, to reduce postage and local taxes, for her to have stretched and mounted by a tradesman local to her.

Purple 13 is happy to discuss individual purchases without obligation e.g. to find the solution that's right for your overseas (non UK) order etc.

UPDATE:
Purple 13 has now forged links with quality Canvas printing companies in America for future orders. Please contact us with your order enquiry for more details and have your canvas order delivered already stretched and mounted, ready to hang.

More art, more features in Summer upgrade...

Blog template updated from temporary design - hope you like it.
Don't forget to visit the main Purple 13 website where the Summer Upgrade continues... more art, more features, more news and more interactivity!

Purple 13 News Page updated

The News page was updated last night along with some additions to the Home page with links to this Blog and our RSS feed. Extra navigation links to the News page and RSS were added to the top navigation bar also.

As well as a beginner's guide to RSS for visitors unfamiliar with its advantages, a new 'how to shop' graphic has also been introduced and is visible once visitors have made their first choice of art topic/gallery from the Home page.

We hope you enjoy and find these changes useful. Have a look at www.purple13.co.uk.

The Purple 13 Web Design Team.

P.S The free mount on A3+ prints offer is still running, we've just relocated the advert banner to underneath the actual artwork price tables.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

images accepted by Photographers Direct

Mandy had 4 images shortlisted for a picture call on childhood nostalgia this afternoon at respected image portal Photographers Direct.

technical update - please ignore

Technorati Profile

Blog and RSS info update made to Purple 13 website

Work was completed on updating the Purple 13 website with links to this Blog and the RSS feed.

A useful guide to RSS has also been added to encourage more use and can be reached via the home page (scroll down a bit and you'll see it!).

The News page will hopefully get updated later this evening when I'll have news of Mandy's more recent submissions to image libraries.

Thanks for checking in - Don't forget to add a link to this Blog or Purple13.co.uk if you like what you see.

Purple 13 Webmaster.

Purple 13 launches Blog

Purple 13 - The digital photo art of Mandy Collins launches its very own Blog.
Bloggers can use this service to keep informed of new artworks from Mandy Collins, website design changes and sales and other news from Purple 13.

There is a guestbook facility where visitors can get an exclusive 12 hour advance notice and previews of new artworks before anyone else.

Mandy Collins is an award winning digital photo artist with over 500 artworks available in print, limited edition or stretched canvas finishes all of which can be viewed and purchased online at www.purple13.co.uk.