Listings 'Not Active'

[tdisraeli]

Hello - Some of my listings aren't being processed because users are not activating ads. For those here with much more knowledge than myself...What would the most comon reason be for users not 'activating' ads?

Out of 40 new listings I have received in the last few days (I know, small #) I have only had a few that were 'not active' but I am still curious.

As always, thanks in advance!

[Lhotch]

Your best bet is to look at the order status and not the ad status itself.

When you modify an order it modifies the ad but not the other way around. The most common reason ads are in an inactive state AND orders are incomplete is because the ad placement process was not completed. This is more often than not caused by people trying to upload an image thatis larger than your web server settings will allow (keep in mind I am not talking about your admin settings but the web server setings which are set by your host).

When someone tries to upload an image that consumes all of the memory your web host allows a script to use they simply get a blank white screen. They will press the back button, try again and have the same result, then think your site is broken an leave.

[tdisraeli]

Thanks Larry...I understand the host settings but what are optimal admin settings for images. A screen shot of my current settings is attached.

Any insight would be appreciated, as always.

[Lhotch]

Originally Posted by tdisraeli

Thanks Larry...I understand the host settings but what are optimal admin settings for images. A screen shot of my current settings is attached.

Any insight would be appreciated, as always.

Optimal settings depend on what your host has their memory_limit set to.

We have a few things to look at with your settings. For starters, the upload image file size. This value is nearly impossible to use to determine the pixel dimensions of an image. Since the contents of an image and the compression value used when saving the image (as a jpg) all have an impact this setting really is only good for making sure people dont try and upload a file that is larger than your servers upload_max_filesize setting.

Next, if we look at your max image width and height settings you specified 1500 x 1500. An image of that size, when uncompressed will use approx 20mg of memory. Many shared hosting plans only allow 16mg for script use.

So, with your above settings, if your servers memory_limit is set to 16mg and your max upload in kb is set to 1000 then someone an come along and upload an image thats 1500x1500 pixels (which is only a 2 megapixel image by the way) and your script will run out of memory and give them a white screen.

What I recommend is you find you servers memory_limit and set you max height and width dimensions to a size that wont allow the script to use all the memory.

Then modiy you checkout template and add text telling your clients what your max dimensions are for uploaded images. Also add these details to your sites FAQ etc.

[tdisraeli]

Thanks again for this Larry.

I do have one other question. Why would some listings show 'pending payment' in admin/manage listings when all my ads are free? It's only happened a few times but it doesn't make any sense.

Thanks!

On a side note - Please let me know when your work load levels off so we can discuss me possibly hiring you for side jobs.

[Lhotch]

Originally Posted by tdisraeli

Thanks again for this Larry.

I do have one other question. Why would some listings show 'pending payment' in admin/manage listings when all my ads are free? It's only happened a few times but it doesn't make any sense.

Thanks!

On a side note - Please let me know when your work load levels off so we can discuss me possibly hiring you for side jobs.

What payment gateways do you have active in admin? Could it be that you are allowing them more choices besides e-mail?

[tdisraeli]

Originally Posted by Lhotch

What payment gateways do you have active in admin? Could it be that you are allowing them more choices besides e-mail?

You're right Larry. When I first launched I was charging for Featured ads and sense then I eliminated featured ads and everything is free. So I guess I should remove the PayPal method of payment.

Thanks Larry.