Avid Forum launched Professional Directory. This article aims to explain its usage.
Long in the making, the Directory is ready. Mostly. A Web developer's work is never done. I am still considering adding ability to attach files like Acrobat or Word, but not sure if there is any demand for this feature. Well, when in doubt I'll just ask. Meanwhile, here's a run-down of whats implemented.
First of all, you should register before submitting a listing. This will make you the owner of that entry. You will be able to edit it at any time, the system will notify you in the event of expiration. Although anonymous submissions will get trough, I strongly encourage you to register. It will simplify life for everybody and it only takes a minute.Every listing can have a logo and an icon. This stems from two possible views for each listing - V-card and detailed. V-card is abbreviated view used for the directory. It kind of looks like a business card, hence the name. The icon is used for the V-card and also currently for the featured list. Given the size restraints of the V-card, the dimensions of the icon are also expected to be small. The system is set to scale down anything exceeding 80x80 pixels maximum, but you can ensure the best image quality by doing it yourself. Look at the sample entry and decide for yourself the best image dimensions for the icon.
Same goes for the logo, except it is used in detailed view and therefore can be larger. The limit is set to 300x300 pixels, but I can hardly imagine anyone needing to be that gargantuan.
Use transparent background for both logo and icon images. This will avoid ugly white boxes on off-white pages.
In addition to the logo and icon, each listing can have two gallery pictures. I hope two is enough, but if it isn't please let me know. Currently dimensions for those images are not to exceed 500x500 pixels, the 80x80 pixel thumbnails are generated automatically. Please use image description field, otherwise there won't be any way to know what exactly the picture is showing and I know there are plenty of abstract painters out there.
Everything else concerning making a submission seems self-explanatory. You will find lots of formating possibilities in the text editor, please go easy on formating, use your best artistic judgment in not overdoing it. Please do not hesitate with any questions.
