Knowledgebase

Entering dates of Events

Q: I'm having trouble uploading my images
I'm having trouble uploading my images, what is the problem?

A: 1. MAKE SURE YOUR IMAGE IS A JPG.
Just renaming an image does not automatically JPG. If your images are not JPG files already you will have to open them in a photo editing program and re-save them as JPGs.

2. MAKE SURE YOUR JPG IS IN THE CORRECT FORMAT
JPGS must be in RGB mode (this is usually the default unless you save for print usage). JPGS must also be set to the 8-bits per channel mode. (Under Image/Mode in photoshop). Again 8-bits per channel is normally the default.

3. MAKE SURE YOUR IMAGES ARE NOT TOO BIG.
Depending on the speed of your Internet connection, your uploads may be "timing out" if your images are too large. In general, for web use, your images doesn't need to be any larger than 600 pixels along its longest dimension.

4. Try a DIFFERENT browser. Our software has been tested on all major browsers but occasionally personalized settings or third party add-ins can cause issues. You can download firefox from www.mozilla.org.

5. Be sure all of your security and privacy settings on your browser are set to medium or default.

6. BE sure the image is not in use or locked.
If the image is open in another program (like photoshop) or if the computer "thinks" it is open - sometimes it will be "locked" and you won't be able to upload it. Make sure it is not open in another program - and if it still doesn't work reboot the computer.

7. REBOOT - this is always a good thing to try with any persistent error.
We have seen unexplainable problems just "disappear" after rebooting.

8. WHAT IF I STILL GET AN ERROR MESSAGE?
If you've tried all of the above and still get an error message during the upload process, especially if it happens more than once, please email ONE of the images that you were attempting to upload to support@fineartstudioonline.com. We will attempt to upload it and see if we can duplicate the problem.

Q: How do I add a link to another website to my site?
How do I add a link to another website to my site?

A: From the Control Panel main page, click Edit Category Information.

In the All Categories column, click Links.

Then click Add New. Be sure when you add the link URL NOT to enter the http://, start with the www.

You can also give a brief description of the link, telling that your artwork is shown there also, etc.

When you are finished click Add. You can add additional links in the same way.

When you are finished, return to the main Control Panel. (you can get there by clicking the picture of the house along the top tool bar)

Now you will need to create a button on your Navigation Bar to this Links page so people can find it.

From the main Control Panel, click Edit Navigation Bar.

In the Category column, choose a category the is set to (None), click the pull down menu and select Links.

Click Submit and you are finished!

Q: How Can I add a Win a Free Painting Form to my site?
How Can I add a "Win a Free Painting Form" to my site?

A: 1. Log in to your control panel

2. click on �Edit Navigation Bar�

3. Choose �Other Form� as one of your categories

4. To the right of �Other Form� type �Win a Free Painting�

5. click �Submit�

6. Click �Edit Categories�

7. Click �Other Form�

8. Type a message that you want to appear at the top of your �Win a free painting form�

9. Select �Win a free painting� as the Form type

10. Click �Update�

11. That�s it, you now have a �Win a Free Painting form� on your web site.

Q: How do I Clear My Cache?
How do I clear my cache?

A: In internet explorer, go to tools/Internet options.

Click on Delete Files, Click "Delete all offline content" then click OK.

After it finishes, close your browser and reopen it. Your cache has now been cleared.

Here is a comprehensive list on how to clear your cache:

http://data.fineartstudioonline.com/clear_cache.html

Q: How do I know what pages visitors are viewing?
My statistics only give the web address of the pages visitors are viewing, how do I know what paintings those pages represent?

A: Unfortunately at this time there is no easy way to know. You can pull up each artwork on your site and write down the number in the address bar of your browser, this is the number that will correspond with the dataplain stats.

Q: Enlarge thumbnails
How do I make my images larger?

A: This will change the size of your thumbnails.
1. Log in to your Control Panel
2. Click on MY ADMINISTRATIVE INFO
3. Go to VariableTN
4. Change from No to Yes
5. For Variable TN Width, enter a value from 80-150 to designate the width in pixels that you want your thumbnails to be
6. Save Changes

Q: I can't log in! What do I do?
I can't Log In to my FASO acccount! Help! What do I do?

A: If you can't log in to your FASO account here are some things you need to do:

1. Be SURE you are using the correct username and password.

2. Don't rely on your browser to auto fill the username and password - type them in again to be SURE.

3. If you are unsure what your username and/or password are, click the "Forgot Password?" link on the login screen.

4. Make sure your browser is accepting cookies.

5. Try not blocking pop ups.

6. Try our alternative login screen at:

http://data.fineartstudioonline.com/login

7. Make sure (especially in Internet Explorer) that your privacy setting allows our site, here are two options for changing your privacy setting in Internet Explorer:

FIRST OPTION

1. In internet Explorer click the "Tools"

2. Click "Internet Options"

3. Click the "Privacy" tab

4. Change the setting to "Default" or "Medium"

5. Click "OK"

SECOND OPTION

1. In internet Explorer click the "Tools"

2. Click "Internet Options"

3. Click the "Privacy" tab

4. Click "Sites"

5. add the site exactly as follows:
data.fineartstudioonline.com

6. click "Allow"

The large text box should now contain the site "data.fineartstudioonline.com" and read "Always Allow"

7. Click OK

8. Click OK

FINALLY:
If none of these resolutions solves your problem, please contact support (or contact them again if they provided this info to you). If it is necessary to re-contact support, please be ready with your browser name (firefox,safari,Internet Explorer,etc) and version (6.0,7.0,etc)

Q: Why can't I find my site on google?
I signed up for the gold plan but can't find my site on google...why?

A: Google only re-indexes our site every 6 - 8 weeks. So depending upon when you signed up for the gold plan, it may take up to 8 weeks before your listing appears on Google. This is generally true for the other search engines as well.

Q: Why are there little boxes with red X's in them next to my Collections?
There are little boxes with red X's in them next to my Collections on my Works page. How do I fix it?

A: This happens when you set up collections and do not select a Collection Picture to represent the collection.

From the Main Control panel, click My Artwork portfolio.

Click Add/Edit Collections, then click Edit to the side of the collection you want to change.

Select an image from the drop down menu in the Collection Picture field to represent this collection.

Click update and you are finished!

Q: How do I check my Praxis Personalized Email Account?
I set up a personalized email account with Praxis Technology company but I don't know how to check the account.

A: In your FineArtStudioOnline.com control panel there is a link called "Check my personalized Email."

In that part of your control panel, it will show you the email addresses you have set up with a link to a webmail login page for checking the email. You will also find a link to instructions for setting up Microsoft Outlook to check your email.

Q: How do I login to my control panel after hiding the EDIT MY WEBSITE Link?
I hid the "edit my website" link and now I don't know how to login to my control panel!

A: 1. Go to www.FineArtStudioOnline.com.
Here is the link:
http://www.fineartstudioonline.com/

2. Click on "Member Login". Here is the link:
https://data.fineartstudioonline.com/login/

3. You may log in normally from here - however, since you are not logging in from your site, you will also need to provide your account number. If you don't know your account number, there is a link to look it up. Click on "Lookup Account #". Follow instructions.

If you have forgotten all login info, click the "Forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

4. Type in part or all of your last name, account number and password.

5. Click the "Secure Log In".

6. You will now see your normal control panel login screen.

Q: How can I rotate images on my website?
How can I rotate images on my website?

A: Our system does not change the orientation of the images when they are uploaded. The solution is to rotate the image in a photo editing program BEFORE you upload it.

Q: How do I add an image on the FASO client list?
How do I add an image by my name on the FASO client list?

A: The FASO client list uses whatever image you have selected as your "Main Page Image" for the image in the client list.

Q: How do I copy and paste text?
How do I copy and paste text?

A: 1. Open the document containing the text you wish to copy
2. Click somewhere in the document and press the "Ctrl" key and the "A" key at the same time (Global Select All Command). This should highlight all of the text. (You can also highlight everything with your mouse by moving the cursor to the beginning of the text and then click your mouse and drag the cursor to the end of the text)(You can also click on the "Edit" menu at the top of your window and when it drops down click "Select All")
3. Once the text is highlighted, press the "Ctrl" key and "C" key at the same time (Global Copy Command). This will copy the selected text into the computers temporary memory. (You can also click the edit menu and select "Copy" from the drop down menu)
4. Enter the location you wish to paste the text and click the mouse somewhere in the field. (If you are wanting to paste the text in your "About the Artist" category, enter your control panel, click Edit category information, then click About the Artist, and click in the larger field for text)
5. Once you have clicked in the new location press the "Ctrl" key and the "V" key at the same time (Global Paste Command). You should see the text appear in the text box. (You can also click the edit menu and select paste from the drop down menu).

Q: What does it mean to add a new ticket?
What does it mean to add a new ticket?

A: Adding a new ticket is simply a direct means to communicating with FASO technical support. You can report problems, ask questions and get issues resolved through a two-way communication interface.

The ticket system is more efficient than trying to email FASO support because it keeps a record of the issue, communication from both technical support and the user, and the final solution. It stores everything in a database that can be used for reference at a later date if necessary.

Q: Shouldn't my domain be registered under MY name?
I noticed my domain is not registered under my own name, why is that? How do I change it?

A: We don't register domains under the artists name for three reasons:

1. TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY.

If it is registered in your name, your personal information is available to the entire world via a "whois" search.

2. To prevent spammers from "tricking" you into moving your domain to another company.

Much like the old "slamming" techniques in the long-distance wars, domains are often "slammed" by unsuspecting registrants. It is real pain on our end to try to sort that out for our clients, even though it isn't our fault when it happens.

3. To save you money by including the domain with your service.

Having said all of this, if you ever leave our service, we will happily transfer the domain into an account that you control under your name.

In addition, if, knowing the pitfalls, you wish to have the domain under your name name. you can do so by going to www.mydomainstuff.com (our registrar) and set up an account (no charge for that). Once you have done so, open a ticket and let us know, we will transfer the domain to your control. From that point on you will be responsible for protecting the domain and for paying the fees to keep it active.

Q: Additonal Website
I would like to create a second website, is there any special discount?

A: We offer a 25% discount for the second site. That is predicated upon the second site being for the same artist's work, administered by the same person, and not requiring any special handling from our side.

Q: How do I group my artworks into Collections?
How do I group my artworks into different categories (we call them collections)?

A: Many artists wish to organize their works into distinct groups such as "wildlife" and "figurative" or "New Works" and "Sold Works." How can this be accomplished on a website with FineArtStudioOnline.com? It is easy with "Collections!" You can create an unlimited number of collections in which to group your artwork. This tutorial explains how to create the collections, how to place artwork into each collection, and how to display the collections on your website.

A. Set Up Your Collections

1. Login to your control panel

2. Click "My Artwork Portfolio"

3. Click "Add/Edit Collections"

4. Click "Add a New Collection"

5. Type the Name of this Collection (ie Landscapes, Wildlife, etc)

6. Type the Description of this collection (a paragraph to describe the collection)

7. Select a picture to associate with this collection (if you've already uploaded pictures. If not, you can always come back later to associate an image).

8. Click "Add" to add this collection

Repeat steps 4-8 for each collection you wish to answer

B. Add (or edit) your artwork

1. Login to your control panel and click on "My Artwork Portfolio"

2. Click "Add a New Artwork"

3. Fill out the information about the artwork. When you get to the field titled "Collection", drop down the list and select the collection that you wish for this artwork to be associated with.

4. Click Submit

5. Click Browse

6. Find the image of the artwork on your own computer and click on it, then click "Open"

7. Click "Upload the File"

8. After the file uploads, click "Click here to return to the works page"

9. Repeat steps 2-8 to add as many artworks as you wish.

If you had previously added artworks that you wish to associate with one of your collections, click "Edit" next to the artwork that you previously added and select the appropriate collection from the drop down box next to the "Collection" field.

C. Display the collections on your website's art work portfolio

1. Login to your control panel and click on "My Artwork Portfolio"

2. Click "Edit the Works Display"

3. In the field titled "Default Portfolio Page", Select "Collections"
(This will group your portfolio into your collections)
(Selecting "default" displays ALL of your artwork together)

4. Click "Update"

Note - you can change the order in which the collections display in your artwork portfolio by clicking on "My Artwork Portfolio", clicking "Add/Edit Collections" and then clicking "Change the Collections Display Order."

D. Display individual collections as categories on your navigation bar

1. Login to your control panel and click on "Edit Navigation Bar"

2. Pick one of the categories (1-8) and drop down the box. You will see your collections toward the end of the list in the drop down box. Select the one you wish to display on your navigation bar.

3. Click "Submit"

Q: Why can�t I log into my website control panel?
Why can�t I log into my website control panel?

A: There are several possibilities that can affect the ability to log-in to your control panel. The first and foremost is using the correct username and password. The FASO log-in is case sensitive which means if you entered a capital letter when you created your username and password then the appropriate letter(s) must be capitalized when you log-in.

Another possibility that can affect your ability to log-in is being overdue on your payment or payment arrangements. If you reach the end of your trial period and don�t update your credit card information for billing your account will be tagged �Overdue�. While your website will still available online for viewing it won�t be accessible for editing until your billing information is updated, your account is billed for monthly service and then tagged �Active�.

One more possibility affecting your ability to log-in is trying to log in from a different computer that does not have cookies enabled. If you log-in from a different computer check the browser settings to make sure cookies are enabled.

Q: How do I indicate that an artwork is sold on my site?
How do I indicate that an artwork is sold on my site?

A: 1. Log in to your control panel

2. Click on "My Artwork Portfolio"

3. Click "Edit" next to the artwork that you wish to indicate SOLD

4. Look for the AVAILABILITY Field.

5. Drop down the menu and click on "Sold"

6. Click "Update"

7. That's It!

Q: How do I link to Other web sites?
How do I link to other web sites like other artists, my galleries and museums where I'm showing?

A: The Links category is designed to allow you to create OUTBOUND Links TO Other web sites. This allows you to support other people and businesses whom you wish to link to.

To add a link, log in to your control panel

Click on "Edit Categories"

Click on "Links"

Click "Add"

Fill out the appropriate information and submit.

Q: How can I Get Better Search Engine Results?
How can I get better search engine results and more traffic to my site?

A: 1. Get Other Web Sites to Link To You
This is the number-one thing you can do to increase your search engine results. Why? Search Engines use the number and quality of links to your site to determine your site's popularity. Ask your artist friends, your galleries, your art clubs and anyone else related to art you can think of to link to you. Make asking for a link part of your regular routine. If you don't do anything else on this list, PLEASE get other web sites to link to you.

2. Use Keyword-Rich Text
Write a paragraph or two for each page on your web site. Be sure to "work in" your most important key words into the text. The magic number seems to be four times. If your name is the keyword you are targeting, use your name naturally in your paragraph four times.

3. Keep each page focused on one major theme
Don't try to use all your keywords on every page. Focus on one or two keywords on each page of your site. For most artists, this happens naturally. Focus your main page and your "about the artist" pages on you as an artist and what you mostly create. Then focus each artwork detail page on the particulars of that piece.

4. Use Descriptive Page Titles that Contain your Key Words
Page Titles are weighted heavily by search engines. Be sure to title each artwork with a very keyword rich, descriptive title. "Old Courthouse in Steamboat Springs, Colorado" is a MUCH better title (for search engines and humans) than "Landscape #23." FASO uses the artwork title as the page title for artwork pages. In the Marketing Center of your control panel, you can override the default Main Page Title we use if you have specific keywords you want to use.

5. Build an ever increasing "library" of content
Over time, you need to create more and more text content that search engines can index. If you do, you will capture, over time, more and more smaller "niche" keywords. There are two ways to do this for most artists: 1. Write a good, descriptive paragraph to go with each artwork and KEEP MOST ARTWORKS ON YOUR SITE INDEFINITELY (this is why we have an "archive" feature) and 2. Set up a Blog - it is better if the blog is integrated with your web site (as with FASO)

6. Build word-of-mouth "buzz"
Tell people about your web site! Put your Web Site Address on your business card. Put it on your letterhead. Put it on the back of EVERY SINGLE ART WORK. Send email to your friends. Ask your friends to send email to their friends talking about you. Submit comments in online forums. Advertise your web site in any print ads you run. Tell people at shows about your site. Tell people when they lament missing out on a sold piece, that they can get "previews" on your web site. The list goes on and on and on. . .

7. Submit Your Site To Google
It seems like this should be the number one recommendation doesn't it? Well, it's not. Why? Because if you follow our advice given in number and get other web sites to link to you, Google will find you anyway. However, it never hurts, so to submit your site to Google, visit the following link:
http://www.google.com/addurl

8. Be Realistic
Selling art takes marketing. Real marketing. You must be willing to build contacts, build a mailing list, communicate with prospects, etc. Search Engine marketing is important but please don't think it is a substitute for other forms of marketing. Many artists are shy and prefer to be in the studio and have little contact with prospects. This makes "substituting" search engine optimization for "physical" marketing a strong temptation for some personality types. In the real world, it takes both types of marketing.

Q: Can I install a right-click disabler to prevent image downloads?
Can I install a right-click disabler to prevent image downloads?

A: Those right-click disable programs DO NOT protect your images. They don't work on all browsers and, more importantly, right clicking is not the only way to download an image. In fact,when you are viewing an images, they are ALREADY downloaded and on your hard drive. If you use Internet Explorer, it is in your "Temporary Internet Files" folder. We don't like them, because we think some web designers install them for clients who then have a false sense of security, thinking that their images are "protected."

We also think they make it harder for your customers to legitimately download and image while considering a possible purchase, while doing nothing to curb the real "thieves." Kinda like the old adage "If we outlaw guns...then only the outlaws will have guns."

AND more importantly right-click disablers are ANNOYING to many people.

For example, when I browse and want to go "back", I just hit the right-mouse button and click "back" from the pop up menu. It's much easier to me than navigating around the screen to click back. I find it faster, more efficient and it doesn't aggravate my carpal tunnel as much. I suspect I'm not alone.

Q: Cancelling an Account
How do I cancel my account?

A: To cancel an account, simply notify us of your intent.
Send us an email (opening a ticket from your control panel is the quickest and most effective method) or call our toll free line and let us know that you wish to cancel.
Once we receive your request, we will process your cancellation. You will then receive an email verifying that the cancellation request was made by you, the account holder.

Q: RSS Feed Link
What is the new Feed link that appeared on my site?

A: Here is some information about the new RSS Feed link from Clint's newsletter:

If you don't know what an RSS feed is, don't worry - we'll enlighten you in an upcomming newsletter. Let's just say they are like channels that visitors can subscribe to and that they are about to explode into common usage. We have integrated an RSS Feed into the Blog mentioned above. For those of you who don't want to blog (and even for those who do), we have added a built-in RSS Feed to every single FASO account. If you go to your "Works" page on your web site, you will notice a new little orange icon with the word "Feed" next to it. (It is not visible if you've chosen to hide the artworks subheader) This allows site visitors who use RSS to with a few clicks "subscribe" to your works portfolio. Why would someone do that? Because it will allow the visitor to monitor when you post new artwork without having to manually check your site every day. Communicate with your clients and friends and encourage them to subscribe to your RSS feed (and be sure to post new artwork often).

If you want to hide the subheaders (ie the line that reads 'All � Originals � Limited Editions � Open Editions � Feed')
you can do so by following these instructions:

1. Login to your control panel.

2. Click on "My Administration Info"

3. Next to "HideWorksSubheader" click "Yes"

4. Click "Update"

Q: Domain Name Questions
Client is asking questions about domain names.

A: 1. Pull up the client's account
2. Click "Edit Admin Data"
3. See if there is a domain attached to the account by looking at the "Main Domain Field."

3. Determine if FASO registered the domain by looking at the "Main Domain Host" field - if it is a zero then FASO is NOT the host, if it is a -1 then FASO IS the host

Q: Domain Name Expiring on a Cancelled Account
Domain Name Expiring on a Cancelled Account

A: Open a ticket in the cancelled account with the subject of:

DOMAINNAME.COM EXPIRING ON DATE

Repeat the same line as the descripton of the ticket.

Then use the following text as a response to the client:

As you know, we previously hosted your web site at address listed above. The domain is coming due. Would you like for us to renew the domain and remain on our Managed Domain service which is $25 per year?

Or would you simply like for us to let the domain expire?

The domain will expire on the date listed above if we have not heard back from you.

Sincerely,

Clint Watson
Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic

Q: Using an existing PayPal account
I already have a PayPal account. How do I set it up so that I can use it with my FASO account?

A: If you already have a PayPal account you can use it. To use the account with our site follow these steps:

1. Log into your control panel
2. Click Marketing Center
3. Click Ecommerce (PayPal)
4. Click the "Click here to Begin" link
5. Since you already have an acct. click the link titled "Click here to continue if you already set up your PayPal account"
6. Enter the email address that is registered with your PayPal account.
7. Click the link "Click here to activate your WebArtSites.com Artist Purchase Pal Account"

Your website will automatically create "Buy Now" buttons for any artwork you have a valid price on.

Q: How do I update/change my Credit Card Info?
How do I update/change my Credit Card Info?

A: You can change your credit card info at any time by logging in to your Control Panel and clicking "Billing Information". Then click "Change My Credit Card Info" and make the updates. Click Submit when you are finished.

Q: How do I add "Buy Now" buttons to my website?
How do I add "Buy Now" buttons to my website?

A: First you must set up a PayPal account, or if you already have one you can use the existing account.

1. Log into your control panel
2. Click Marketing Center
3. Click Ecommerce (PayPal)
4. Follow the steps provided

Q: How do I use the Links page template?
I would like to add links to my site to gallery sites, other artist sites etc. How do I create the links page?

A: From the Control Panel main page, click Edit Category Information.

In the All Categories column, click Links.

Then click Add New. Be sure when you add the link URL NOT to enter the http://, start with the www.

You can also give a brief description of the link, telling that your artwork is shown there also, etc.

When you are finished click Add. You can add additional links in the same way.

When you are finished, return to the main Control Panel.

Now you will need to create a button on your Navigation Bar to this Links page so people can find it.

From the main Control Panel, click Edit Navigation Bar.

In the Category column, choose a category that is set to (None), click the pull down menu and select Links.

Click Submit and you are finished!

Q: What Happens When My Free Trial is Over?
What Happens When My Free Trial is Over?

A: Two to three days before your trial period expires, you will receive a reminder from us that your trial period is almost over. Should you decide to continue your service with FineArtStudioOnline.com, you have two options for payment. Call 210-402-0752 and provide your credit card by phone or you can go to the control panel of your website and pay online. Here are the steps for paying online:

Login to your website.

Click Billing Information.

Click Change My Credit Card Info.

Fill in all fields in the form. All are required fields.

Click the Submit button.

Click Return to the Billing Page.

Click Change My Plan.

Select your plan.

Click Update.

Click Return to Control Panel.

Click Return to My Main Page.

You�re done!

Q: How do I protect my images from copyright infringement?
How do I protect my images from copyright infringement?

A: Unfortunately the way the Internet works makes it impossible to prevent people from downloading images. In fact, when someone views an image on your website, their web browser has ALREADY downloaded the image. In short an image must be downloaded to be viewed.

So what options do we have to protect our images?

One option is to watermark the image, which must be done in a photo editing program. I use the term "watermark" loosely. You might simply add some subtle text over each image that reads "Copyright TB." At least this lets people know that the images are copyrighted. However it has the drawback of detracting from your actual work, plus it won't do anything to stop true thieves. For example, if another artist simply wants to copy your work by repainting it, having a watermark isn't going to help.

The second option (and best in my opinion) is to realize that web images do not have enough resolution to create high quality reproductions. People might download and print images, but most of the time these are people who might actually be considering purchasing the artwork. Our system uses a resolution of 550 pixels for the largest image. A high-quality reproduction requires at least 300 dots per inch. So an image from your site could create a decent printed image that was 1.8 (550 / 300) inches long. I don't see that much could be done with such an image. Of course, the image could be printed larger if the dots per inch was reduced, but the image quality would suffer greatly.

Q: Can I edit my images after I upload them?
Can I edit my images after I upload them?

A: Once an image is uploaded to FASO it cannot be edited. You will want to take the time to make any necessary adjustments such as cropping, rotating and straightening your images prior to uploading them. You will represent your work more professionally if you crop out your background and color registration bars before you upload them as well. Most image editing software offers the ability to perform these tasks. If you don�t know how to do this try doing an Internet search for your software with different features for example �Cropping images in Photoshop Elements� or �Rotating Images with ArcSoft Photo�. There are millions of online tips, help files and tutorials for using digital imaging software if you are willing to take a little bit of time to look for it.

Q: Can I Have a Personalized Website Address?
Can I Have a Personalized Website Address?

A: Yes. If you are a subscriber to FineArtStudioOnline.com, your current web site address is something like www.fineartstudioonline.com/YourName. If you prefer, there are other options for a customized name. For example: www.YourName.com might be available. We can register this name or any other available name you select and set it up to work with your FineArtStudioOnline.com website.

The fee for a personalized website address is $35 per year and a one-time setup fee of $25. If you sign up for the gold plan or higher the fees do not apply because domain service is included in the higher plans.

Q: How do I get the collections function to work in my artwork portfolio?
How do I get the collections function to work in my artwork portfolio?

A: The collections feature is a very useful feature that will enable you to separate your works categorically. You can engage the collections feature by going into your artwork portfolio clicking on edit the works display then from the drop down menu for default works display select collections and then submit. After that you have to create your collections. Return to your artwork portfolio page and click the link that says Add/Edit Collections. That will take you to a window where you can select add new to create new collections. After your collections are created you will have to go into each individual artwork record and select the appropriate collection from the drop down menu and submit.

The collections feature has recently been modified to allow the user to control the order works are displayed within the collections. If you enter "my artwork portfolio" and click "edit the works display" you can select the means you wish to control the order from the default works display order drop down menu. You have the option to use a numerical sequence, view alphabetically by title or the most recent work first.

By engaging the collections the works link will go to a collections index page then clicking the appropriate collection will take you to the thumbnail views.

Q: Can I use my existing domain name?
I already have a domain registered. How do I direct it to my FASO website?

A: Absolutely - you can use your existing domain:

1. Login to your FASO Control panel
2. Click on MANAGE DOMAINS / ACTIVATE
3. Click on Click Here to use a domain name that you already own
4. Type in your domain name as shown.
5. Click GO
6. Follow the instructions.

Our Name servers are:
NS1.STUDIOTOPIA.COM
NS2.STUDIOTOPIA.COM

However, simply changing your name servers is not enough, you must follow the instructions given - those instructions will set up the name servers on our side to work with your off-site domain.

Note - these instructions will make your domain point to your FASO web site. This will NOT make FASO your domain registrar. If you wish for FASO to become your domain registrar please review our FAQ, How do I transfer my domain to FASO?

Q: Why does my address window show http://data.fineartstudioonline.com/dataviewer.asp?keyvalue=0000 even though I have my own domain (www.mydomain.com) r
Why does my address window show http://data.fineartstudioonline.com/dataviewer.asp?keyvalue=0000 even though I have my own domain (www.mydomain.com) registered?

A: This is the actual system address of your website on our web-server. Currently Your domain serves to direct a browser to this location.

If you would like for your domain to serve as the "parent directory" (which simply means your domain name remains visible in your address bar) this service starts at the gold plan level.

Q: What do I gain from being submitted to the search engines?
What do I gain from being submitted to the search engines?

A: Every person/company with a website is going to gain different results from search engines. We can�t guarantee you will gain anything from search engine listings however, the potential exists for your site to show up in a search listing and someone may visit it. So the simple answer to this question is potential exposure and an increase in site traffic.

Q: What are keywords and what keywords should I add to increase traffic to my sight?
What are keywords and what keywords should I add to increase traffic to my sight?

A: Keywords are as the name implies key words. These words are built into the source code of a web page in the meta tag data and are not visible unless you right-click on the page and select view source. Keywords are important to a web page because they are used in analyzing the Internet to build search engine indexes. They should be worked into the text of your web page. FASO is programmed to automatically insert your name and a few other keywords when you create your website account. FASO has had excellent results with sites being indexed in association with the artist�s name. You are free to add additional keywords to your site however; additional keywords may not be beneficial and can have a negative affect on search engine listing if it gives the appearance you are trying to manipulate rankings.

We get questions from artists all the time asking why their site isn�t being indexed when they search plein air or New Mexico Artist, etc. The honest answer is you can�t expect to be listed in such a vague search. Actually there is a possibility your site is listed, just not in the top 2-3 pages. If you search plein air you will retrieve over a million listings and someone has to be number 999,997.

The point we're trying to make is don�t become too obsessed in search engine listings and keywords. While they are helpful, you can�t rely on them for your sole means of marketing your site and artwork. One of the best means of increasing traffic to your site still involves human contact and offline promotion. One FASO client made about 500 postcards and printed them off her printer and sent them to her mailing list notifying them of her website. She sold 13 paintings in two weeks. Market your site in association with your name and make sure you include your website address on every piece of correspondence you send out whether it is letterhead, business cards, email etc.

Q: What is a domain and why do I need one?
What is a domain and why do I need one?

A: A domain is simply an Internet address. By registering a domain and directing it to your FASO website the domain acts to re-direct a browser to the actual address of your website account. It is not a requirement to register a domain. The main benefit from your personalized domain is convenience and having an individual identity through the ability to associate your name with your website.

Q: Why can�t I find my site with Google when my associates can find theirs?
Why can�t I find my site with Google when my associates using FASO can find theirs?

A: Search engine submission starts at the Gold Plan level. If you are not on the Gold Plan then your site has not been submitted to Google. That doesn�t mean you can�t submit your site on your own if you wish. We only provide that submission for the Gold Plan and higher. If you are on the Gold Plan or higher and your site still doesn�t appear on Google, unfortunately there isn�t anything FASO can do about it. Google is very explicit in making known the fact that they do not guarantee listing in their indexes.

Q: What does DNS stand for?
What does DNS stand for?

A: DNS stands for Domain Name Service or Domain Name System. A DNS setup is required for each domain that is added to FASO. It allows each individual domain the ability to be directed to a specific FASO website account.

Q: Why does it seem to take forever for my images to upload?
Why does it seem to take forever for my images to upload?

A: The speed and/or type of internet connection combined with the file size of your image are the main factors concerning the length of time it takes to upload your images.

Q: Why are my images not as sharp as the original?
Why are my images not as sharp as the original?

A: If your images appear jagged or distorted after you upload them to your website the only thing that can cause this is a compression setting in some browsers. This compression setting over-compresses images and graphics downloaded from the Internet to give the appearance of faster download times. You can change the setting in the browser to allow for high quality graphics. That will alleviate the jagged appearance but it will increase the time it takes for pages to load in the browser.

Something else to keep in mind is the fact that digital images can lose a little sharpness when their size is modified. If you are uploading a full size image from a digital camera that is 1800 x 1400 pixels the upload routine is going to create 3 web images with the largest dimension being 550 pixels. It does have a point of built in sharpening to compensate for this however, if you feel the image still isn�t sharp enough, then you may want to resize your image to 600 pixels and apply a sharpen or unsharp mask filter before you upload it. This should take care of any sharpness issues you may encounter.

Q: Why do my images appear too dark, or too light?
Why do my images appear too dark, or too light?

A: Once an image is uploaded to FASO it is not altered in any way. If you feel it appears too dark or too light, the only factors that can cause this are settings within your monitor, a change in the lighting conditions in the room your monitor is in or perhaps you are viewing your images on a different monitor. Every monitor will display colors and contrast differently and every computer is going to have a different graphics card and color settings.

Q: Why won�t my images upload?
Why won�t my images upload?

A: There are several factors affecting the image upload process. FASO is programmed to only upload .jpg (.jpeg) images in RGB mode at 72 dpi resolution. The first thing to check is the file extension to make sure you have jpg images. The file extension is the period followed by 3-4 letters after the filename. It will look like this �filename.jpg� or �filename.jpeg�. If the extension is anything else (such as .tif, .tiff, .bmp, .gif, .pcx, .psd, .png) you will have to open the image in your image editing software and save it as a jpg.

The next possibility depends upon your internet connection. Broadband DSL and Cable modem connections should not be a problem. Dial up connections can interfere because the rate the connection transfers data is much slower. It is not impossible to upload images over a dial-up connection however, be prepared for it to take a while. How long will it take? It mainly depends upon the connection speed. Current dial up modems are rated at 56k, which means in a perfect world it can transfer 5.6 kilobytes of data per second. If you are trying to download an image that is 1 megabyte (which is 1000 kilobytes) divide 1000 by 5.6, which equals the number of seconds it will take to download. Divide the number of seconds by 60 and you will get the number of minutes it will take. Roughly a 1mb image will take about three minutes. However, this scenario is figuring ideal connection speeds, which rarely exist in the real world. Depending on which internet service provider you use, most of the time the dial up connections will actually connect somewhere between 24-36k sometimes more, sometimes less. (Something else to keep in mind is the upload rate is usually slower than the download rate.) To spare you any more details the smaller the connection number the longer it is going to take.

There are a couple of tricks to decrease the potential problems in uploading your images. The first step is to decrease your file size. The FASO image upload component processes 3 different sized web images for every image you upload. The largest dimension of the largest image created is 550 pixels at 72 dpi. If you open your image in your editing software you should be able to change your units of measure to pixels. Some software will display the pixel dimensions as well as the print dimensions. Don�t worry about the print dimensions. Change your largest dimension to 600 pixels and save your changes to a new file. Whenever you reduce a digital image, it may lose a little sharpness so you may want to apply a sharpen or unsharp mask filter before saving the file. Saving as a jpeg will give you the option to apply compression to the image, which will also make the file size smaller (please note I said file size not image size). Some people get alarmed by the fact they are compressing their images, which potentially alters the image quality. Honestly, if you have a nice image to begin with you can set the compression or quality level at 6-8, which significantly reduces the size of the file but has little or no visual affect on the appearance of the image.

Q: Why did the 'Edit my Website link' disappear from my home page?
Why did the 'Edit my Website link' disappear from my home page?

A: If the link to 'Edit My Website' disappears from your main page it is simply because you have chosen to display two images on the main page. The second image is put in place of the 'Edit My Website'. In order to log into your control panel simply click on the second image and your log-in window will pop-up.

Q: How do I enable cookies in my browser?
How do I enable cookies in my browser?

A: Different browsers will be modified differently. Look for your browser�s properties/preferences, security settings etc. It is not feasible for FASO to provide browser support so if you are still unable to enable cookies consult the tech support of the company distributing your browser.

Q: How do search engines work?
How do search engines work?

A: Please keep in mind this is the highly simplified answer...Periodically search engines will send out an electronic signal called a spider. The spider�s job is to surf the Internet and analyze links as well as additional information and send it back to the search engine database. It looks for relevant links, the incorporation of keywords in the text of a webpage, and site statistics, etc. The search engine then compiles the information the spider retrieves and indexes them by relevance.

Q: Can I control the order my works are displayed?
Can I control the order my works are displayed?

A: You can control the order your works are displayed either by:
1. numerical sequence you assign
2: alphabetically by title
3. the order in which you add the pieces, most recent first.

To select one, enter your control panel and click on �My Artwork Portfolio�.

Click on the link to �Edit the works display�.

This will take you to a window with three drop down menu options. Leave Default Portfolio Page set to default (unless you have Collections set up). Choose the setting for the Default Works Display order to either Display Sequence Number, Alphabetical or Most Recent First.

Hit Save Changes.

If you select Display Sequence Number you will then need to go to the link that says "Reorder Works" in "My Artwork Portfolio" and use the up and down arrow to reorder the artworks.

Q: Can I hide one of my collections?
Can I hide one of my collections?

A: Yes.

1. Login to your control panel

2. Click on My Artwork Portfolio

3. Click on Add/Edit Collections

4. Click Edit next the the collection you wish to hide

5. Click Yes next to "Hide in Portfolio"

6. Click Update

This will hide the collection in the regular portfolio view of collections. It will NOT automatically remove the collection from your navigation bar if you have chosen to display the collection on your navbar.

Q: What if I Forget My Username and Password?
What if I Forget My Username and Password?

A: If you forget your password, click on Edit My Website from your Main Page. Click the link that says "Forgot Your Password?" For security reasons, you will be asked to verify the email address associated with your FASO account. If the email accounts match, your username and password will automatically be e-mailed to you.

Q: How Many Images Can I Add to My Website?
How Many Images Can I Add to My Website?

A: Basic Plan members can add up to 100 images.
Gold Plan members can add up to 200 images.
Platinum Plan members can add up to 300 images.
Should you require more than 300 images to be added to your website, contact technical support for information and pricing.

Q: How Do I Upload Photos of My Artwork?
How Do I Upload Photos of My Artwork?

A: 1. Log into FASO control panel
2. click on My Artwork Portfolio.
3. click on Add a New Artwork
*Enter as little or as much info into this screen as you want - you can always go back and edit or add more later.
4. Hit Submit
5. New screen pops up that says "Uploading an image"
6. Click the Browse button
This will open the files on your computer. Find the image file that you want to upload, either on your hard drive or on a disk.
7. Click OPEN or SELECT (this varies - it depends upon your operating system)
8. Image file name now appears in the text box on the "Uploading an image" screen
9. hit Upload the File

Q: Can I Change My Color Scheme and Style?
Can I Change My Color Scheme and Style?

A: Yes, from the control panel you can select from up to 12 different color schemes and six style templates. More color schemes and templates will be added later.

Q: After My Website is Created, What�s Next?
After My Website is Created, What�s Next?

A: You can begin customizing your website. To log in to the control panel, from your website�s main page, click Edit My Website. You will then be prompted for your username and password. From the control panel you can change the style, colors, categories, add text and photos, change your password, view your billing info, check your statistics, or contact technical support.

Q: Can I link directly to my individual collection pages in my navigation bar?
Can I link directly to my individual collection pages in my navigation bar?

A: By default your navigation bar will only direct to the works category. You can change this by enabling the collections feature. When you log in to your control panel there is a tutorial called "How to group your artwork into collections." It would be very helpful for you to print that out and follow the steps.

Q: How do I add an image to my main page?
How do I add an image to my main page?

A: As you upload images to your website the FASO software will create a list of images and make them available in a drop down menu. Simply enter your control panel and select �Edit Main Page Information.� You can add or change the main page image by clicking on the drop down menu by Main Page Picture and selecting from the list of uploaded images and update. The Edit Website Picture is an option to display an additional image. Keep in mind the second image will replace the Edit my Website link so in order to log in to your control panel you would just click on the second image.

Q: When Will I be Billed?
When Will I be Billed?

A: If you have already subscribed to one of the hosting plans and have submitted your credit card information, you will automatically be billed on the same day of every month.

Q: My artwork is copyrighted but how can I prevent the images from being stolen from my website?
My artwork is copyrighted but how can I prevent the images from being stolen from my website?

A: Unfortunately there is really nothing that can keep an image from being stolen from your website. There are measures such as right-click alarms that may deter users but they are easily bypassed. If you let fear of having images stolen grip you then you are defeating the whole purpose of having a website. There are hundreds of thousands of artists and photographers who have websites with their prized images displayed who are gaining exposure and selling work because they were willing to take a chance with the Internet. In 1978 copyright laws changed greatly in favor of the artist. If you are concerned with legal ramifications you may wish to consult the U.S. Copyright Office. http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ40.html#copyright

Q: What happens to my domain if I cancel my FASO account?
What happens to my domain if I cancel my FASO account?

A: If you had FASO register your domain and you decide to cancel your website account, you would hold the rights to the domain name. You would need to go to our registration partner (a separate company from us), MyDomainStuff.com and create an account (no charge for this). After that account is created, we transfer your domain into it, at which point you would be completely responsible for all settings and charges for the domain.

Q: How secure is FASO?
How secure is FASO?

A: Despite the changes and developments in Internet security there is always potential for vulnerability. This is applies to every site on the Internet not just FASO. This is not meant to be alarming nor should it prevent you from having a website. FASO was developed by a qualified professional with a degree in Computer Information Systems. The highest levels of security available have been implemented to provide a secure environment for your personal information. To give a real life comparison, your personal information and website is every bit as safe as the money you have in your checking or savings account.

Q: I entered my credit card information. Why is my account still showing it is overdue?
I entered my credit card information. Why is my account still showing it is overdue?

A: FASO billing does not happen automatically when you enter your credit card information. The FASO Accounting Department processes the billing daily to run the charges. If your account is tagged overdue, it will be returned to active status as soon as your account has been billed. If your credit card information is entered at night or a weekend, your account will remain overdue until the next business day and the daily billing is processed.

Q: Why did I receive an email reminding me of my username and password? I didn�t request it. Is someone trying to get into my site?
Why did I receive an email reminding me of my username and password? I didn�t request it. Is someone trying to get into my site?

A: Periodically you may receive an email reminding you of your username and password even though you didn�t request it. Should this occur there is no need for alarm. It is a search engine spider crawling the Internet testing the links in a site. Since the link to request the username and password is setup on an auto-responder the spider tests the link, which triggers the email.

Q: Why doesn't my name appear in the list of clients?
Why doesn't my name appear in the list of clients?

A: Once you have become a paying member, your listing will automatically appear in our Artist Directory.

If you are still in your free trial period and are committed to signing on, we will gladly include you in our directory. You will need to enter your billing info. Then contact us. Let us know that your billing info is in place and that you wish to become a member 'now'. We will process your first monthly payment and prorate your account so that you still get your full free trial's worth.

Q: How Do I Get Started?
How Do I Get Started?

A: To begin creating your own FineArtStudioOnline.com website, first click on the link "Create Your Site."

You will be walked step by step through a series of questions. Once you have answered the questions, our software will create your site for you!

You will NOT be asked to enter a credit card number.

You will NOT have to provide an address or a phone number.

You have nothing at risk and nothing to lose. After a 30-day FREE trial, all you will receive from us is an email asking you if you would like to continue with our service. If you decide at that point not to continue, you have lost nothing.

Please Note: Your browser must be set to accept cookies for the setup procedure to work.

Q: When I get my domain, can people still use the FASO domain too?
When I get my domain, can people still use the FASO domain too?
(ie when I become www.yourname.com will www.fineartstudioonline.com/yourname still work?)

A: The answer is Yes - the FineArtStudioOnline address will always work - no matter how many additional domains you register.

Q: Why can't I use the Blog Category on my site?
Why can't I use the Blog Category on my site?

A: The blog category is for gold and higher plans. The solution is to upgrade your site plan.

Q: Why can't I log in to the Email Newsletter part of my site?
Why can't I log in to the Email Newsletter part of my site?

A: Most likely this issue is cause due to a privacy setting under Internet Explorer, there are two ways to resolve the issue:

FIRST OPTION

1. In internet Explorer click the "Tools"

2. Click "Internet Options"

3. Click the "Privacy" tab

4. Change the setting to "Default" or "Medium"

5. Click "OK"

SECOND OPTION

1. In internet Explorer click the "Tools"

2. Click "Internet Options"

3. Click the "Privacy" tab

4. Click "Sites"

5. add the site exactly as follows:
data.fineartstudioonline.com

6. click "Allow"

The large text box should now contain the site "data.fineartstudioonline.com" and read "Always Allow"

7. Click OK

8. Click OK