Newbie dot Org
How Do I Import Ads?
The Import feature of eCatalog works well with eBay ads. In fact at this writing that is the only type auction which is configured for importing. Why? Because the current uses of eCatalog mostly have auctions on eBay. You have a different situtation let us know and if you happen to be an eCatalog user in good standing -- well, we'll take it under advisement.

To enter into the Import feature you will first need to access the Main eCatalog Admin functions. To do that you will either need to enter the administration URL manually into the Location Bar of your browser or access a bookmark.

The eCatalog Administration Center is in a password protected directory. This will be the first of two username/password keys you will need to access the update functions.

Here we see the username and password entered into the authentification panel. This panel is presented by your browser.

It is called the Authentification Panel.

The example here is one taken from Netscape. If you are using Opera or MSIE it will appear slightly differ in some details. But generally the idea is the same. You will have two boxes -- one for a name and the other for a password.

Once you have entered the authentification codes you will have access to the eCatalog Administrative programs. In this example there are two key functions. Later there will be more. (We may or may not get around to updating this image when more functions are added.)

During eCatalog Administration you will typically spend 95% of your time doing Main eCatalog Admin and 5% of your time updating the websites summary data through use of the "Update Catalog Display Files".

To get access to the import feature we need to continue onto the Main eCatalog Admin area. To enter just click on the hypertext hot-link


As you may know, the Admin Center has two main sections -- the top and the bottom. The part we are looking for is the bottom section. This has the sign-in form used to access the import feature of eCatalog. Fill in nickname and password and you will be on your way.

Remember, you shall need to enter your eCat username/password. This is the second set of username/passwords you were (or will be) given. As you will recall the first set was used for authentification to gain access to the basic center. Now the second set is used to give continued verification that you are who you say you are. While nothing is 100% safe this is good added security.

What is the deal with ebayness, etc?
When an ad is captured for import the program scripts give it the once over looking for certain features which may render the ad improperly in eCatalog. Anything which is found will be brought to your attention. Anything which is not found will not be brought to your attention. Hence, you will also need to be vigilant to ensure that your ads are being imported properly and not all scrambled up.

If you do encounter any problems at all use the Contact Form to let us know. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.