1. Use the practice green to guage speed and work on distance control. Distance control (sometimes called speed control) should be the focus when practicing putting.
2. Hit your putts at a ball marker, not at a hole, to start with. Don't immediately try to make putts - simply roll the ball toward a ball marker you've put down about six feet away. Think about the stroke and centering the ball on the putter face.
3. Set down distance markers and alternate putting to different distances. Set ball markers, clubs or some other markers at 10-foot intervals, out to 30 feet. Alternate hitting balls to the different distances.
4. Hit from one side of the green to the other to practice long putts. Making a 70-footer is something we're very unlikely to do, it doesn't make sense to aim at the cup. You'll only be disappointed when the ball doesn't go in.
5. Practice making putts, not missing them. Putt from no more than six feet out, and preferably around four feet out. Even the pros make only about half their 6-footers. If you're practicing 15-footers, you're only hurting your confidence.
6. Putt on a flat part of the practice green. On a practice green, you want to practing making putts. That means putting from a short distance - and on a flat part of the green. Short, flat putts are the ones you have to make to get better.
7. Always end your practice session by making short putts. Don't walk off the green on a miss. Force yourselve to make five or six putts in a row to end the session - even if you have to putt from 6 inches to do it.
Also
Visualize to stay positive. Confidence plays a huge role in putting. As you stand over putts on the practice green, visualize a trough leading from your putter to the cup and imagine hearing the sound of the ball dropping into the cup.
Put down a chalk line to practice keeping your putter on-line. You can find a chalk line in a hardware store - it's that string carpenters snap to a surface to leave a chalk imprint.
Practice keeping your putter on line and hitting the sweet spot in your living room. Use an alignment tool (a ruler, for instance) and putting aids you can buy to affix to your putter's head that will help with centering the stroke.
Orignal From: Practicle Putting Tips
Friday, April 18, 2008
Things to Consider Before Buying a Name-Brand Computer
A Few Things to Consider Before Buying a Name-Brand Computer
Provided by Q & N Premium Computer and Electronics
It is inevitable that we will all eventually need to upgrade or purchase a new computer. Important things like cost, tech support, warrantee and quality are all a big factor in deciding what to buy. But what about maintenance? Suppose the hard drive dies, no big deal you can get a new one anywhere. Suppose the power supply goes? If you bought a Dell, chances are you can only get one from Dell ..if your computer is still under warranty.
A few years ago a man brought his computer to me because it would not boot up. After quickly checking it out I noticed that the fans were all running very slowly, and the hard drive did not start. I told him I thought the hard drive was probably dead and either the motherboard or power supply was going bad. I took it to the office to repair.
The computer was manufactured by Dell in 2000. Upon testing the computer I found that, indeed, the hard drive had gone bad as well as the power supply. I had another hard drive and power supply on the shelf, and proceeded to install them. While attempting to install my standard ATX power supply I discovered that it would not fit. Weird. I then noticed that the Dell power supply was built completely opposite of a standard (nonproprietary) power supply and could not be installed into the Dell case. So I did a search on the internet to purchase a Dell power supply, but found that no one on the internet sells one. I also found out that even if you hacked up the computer box to fit a standard ATX power supply, the wiring configuration is completely different. Compounding the pounding, Dell uses a standard ATX plug to attach to the motherboard and at this point the unknowing individual would plug in and fry the motherboard and toast the power supply. So the only choice I had was to go to Dell to get a power supply.
I then found out that Dell does not sell parts, they replace them under warranty, if the computer in still under warranty. If not, you will need to return the unit to them for repair and pay for all the shipping, allow 3 to 4 weeks for the return of your computer. Or trade it in for a new one. This was unacceptable, 4 weeks or $600 for a new tower! All I needed was a $30.00 power supply.
Getting back on the internet I found a guy who makes an adapter for the wiring, but still no way to mount the power supply into the Dell box. My next thought was to get a new box and move the other components into a new box. Then as I went to remove the motherboard out of the Dell I noticed that it mounted differently than all the other motherboards I had installed before. All of the ports would not line up and none of the mounting holes lined up.
Not only was the Dell power supply proprietary (not interchangeable with standard industry parts), but so was the motherboard and tower. In fact even the CPU fan was proprietary. Now what else do I need? What are my choices? The Dell was a 1 GHz Intel (a PIII) with 256K Rambus Ram (RDRAM). RDRAM was real hi-tech and expensive at the time. But trying to find a standard Motherboard for a PIII (socket 370) and RDRAM is impossible. I spent at least 10 hours searching for one, to no avail.
Now before I go on, I must say that all the parts Dell used on this machine were high quality parts, but barebones. The power supply was only a 200 watt, but very well made. RDRAM must be installed as pairs, Dell installed a single stick or 256K and the second stick was a filler. RDRAM needs a pair to run at top speed. The tower was well constructed weighing a good 15 pounds, stripped.
The CD-ROM was salvageable. and the CPU, or the RDRAM, but not both. By this time you can no longer find a P3 socket 370 motherboard that accepted RDRAM. The only motherboards that would accept it were P4 socket 478 motherboards which were really expensive at the time.
After all was said and done, my client spent $800.00 for a new nonproprietary pre-built computer, due to the inability to purchase the $30.00 power supply that was needed to fix his machine.
Now the point to this story is before you buy a pre-built computer you want to find out if the parts are proprietary like Dell's, Compaq's ,HP's, Gateway's, and Packard Bell's. If so, buyer beware. I know Micron was using all standand parts the last time I looked at one, but these days I build my own computers. If a power supply goes, I simply take another backup part off the shelf and install it.
The same can go for upgrades, too. If you plan to upgrade one of these pre-built computers a lot of times you are probably better off just buying a whole new system.
Case in point.. point out a case you like and have somebody build you a computer that will not only save you money on repairs, but can mean the difference between purchasing few inexpensive upgrades or being forced to buy an entirely new system just to get the same results.
Orignal From: Things to Consider Before Buying a Name-Brand Computer
Provided by Q & N Premium Computer and Electronics
It is inevitable that we will all eventually need to upgrade or purchase a new computer. Important things like cost, tech support, warrantee and quality are all a big factor in deciding what to buy. But what about maintenance? Suppose the hard drive dies, no big deal you can get a new one anywhere. Suppose the power supply goes? If you bought a Dell, chances are you can only get one from Dell ..if your computer is still under warranty.
A few years ago a man brought his computer to me because it would not boot up. After quickly checking it out I noticed that the fans were all running very slowly, and the hard drive did not start. I told him I thought the hard drive was probably dead and either the motherboard or power supply was going bad. I took it to the office to repair.
The computer was manufactured by Dell in 2000. Upon testing the computer I found that, indeed, the hard drive had gone bad as well as the power supply. I had another hard drive and power supply on the shelf, and proceeded to install them. While attempting to install my standard ATX power supply I discovered that it would not fit. Weird. I then noticed that the Dell power supply was built completely opposite of a standard (nonproprietary) power supply and could not be installed into the Dell case. So I did a search on the internet to purchase a Dell power supply, but found that no one on the internet sells one. I also found out that even if you hacked up the computer box to fit a standard ATX power supply, the wiring configuration is completely different. Compounding the pounding, Dell uses a standard ATX plug to attach to the motherboard and at this point the unknowing individual would plug in and fry the motherboard and toast the power supply. So the only choice I had was to go to Dell to get a power supply.
I then found out that Dell does not sell parts, they replace them under warranty, if the computer in still under warranty. If not, you will need to return the unit to them for repair and pay for all the shipping, allow 3 to 4 weeks for the return of your computer. Or trade it in for a new one. This was unacceptable, 4 weeks or $600 for a new tower! All I needed was a $30.00 power supply.
Getting back on the internet I found a guy who makes an adapter for the wiring, but still no way to mount the power supply into the Dell box. My next thought was to get a new box and move the other components into a new box. Then as I went to remove the motherboard out of the Dell I noticed that it mounted differently than all the other motherboards I had installed before. All of the ports would not line up and none of the mounting holes lined up.
Not only was the Dell power supply proprietary (not interchangeable with standard industry parts), but so was the motherboard and tower. In fact even the CPU fan was proprietary. Now what else do I need? What are my choices? The Dell was a 1 GHz Intel (a PIII) with 256K Rambus Ram (RDRAM). RDRAM was real hi-tech and expensive at the time. But trying to find a standard Motherboard for a PIII (socket 370) and RDRAM is impossible. I spent at least 10 hours searching for one, to no avail.
Now before I go on, I must say that all the parts Dell used on this machine were high quality parts, but barebones. The power supply was only a 200 watt, but very well made. RDRAM must be installed as pairs, Dell installed a single stick or 256K and the second stick was a filler. RDRAM needs a pair to run at top speed. The tower was well constructed weighing a good 15 pounds, stripped.
The CD-ROM was salvageable. and the CPU, or the RDRAM, but not both. By this time you can no longer find a P3 socket 370 motherboard that accepted RDRAM. The only motherboards that would accept it were P4 socket 478 motherboards which were really expensive at the time.
After all was said and done, my client spent $800.00 for a new nonproprietary pre-built computer, due to the inability to purchase the $30.00 power supply that was needed to fix his machine.
Now the point to this story is before you buy a pre-built computer you want to find out if the parts are proprietary like Dell's, Compaq's ,HP's, Gateway's, and Packard Bell's. If so, buyer beware. I know Micron was using all standand parts the last time I looked at one, but these days I build my own computers. If a power supply goes, I simply take another backup part off the shelf and install it.
The same can go for upgrades, too. If you plan to upgrade one of these pre-built computers a lot of times you are probably better off just buying a whole new system.
Case in point.. point out a case you like and have somebody build you a computer that will not only save you money on repairs, but can mean the difference between purchasing few inexpensive upgrades or being forced to buy an entirely new system just to get the same results.
Orignal From: Things to Consider Before Buying a Name-Brand Computer
WHICH INSTINCTS DO YOU HAVE?
WHICH INSTINCTS DO YOU HAVE?
Gathering
1. Do you buy healthy food only to have it rot in the refrigerator while you go out to eat fast food?2. Do you often feel panicked about money, safety and having enough of things?
3. If you can sleep in as long as you want to, do you?
Hunting
1. Do you delight in knowing details or facts?
2. Do you feel good when you can master a process, like using a software program or doing your taxes?
3. Do you try to find the most efficient, most effective way to do something?Warrior
1. Do you believe that there is a right way and a wrong way to do most things, and you know the right way?
2. Do you believe second place is first loser?
3. Do you get annoyed at people who get in your way and delay you?
Worker
1. Do you pretty much take things with a grain of salt and not worry too much about stuff you can鈥檛 control?
2. Do you get up every day and go to work at some crappy job, but you keep doing it because you need the money?
3. Do you have a hobby? Do you collect things or make crafts?
Inventor
1. Do you constantly see the way things around you could be improved?
2. Do you often feel depressed because other people cannot see things that are so obvious to you?
3. Have you ever taken apart something just to see how it works?
Attraction
1. When choosing clothes to wear, do you consider what other people, (including strangers), may think of your clothing?
2. Do you have to 鈥渕ake yourself presentable鈥?before you leave the house?
3. Do you get depressed when you see pictures of yourself and realize that you are aging?
Nurturing
1. Are you often concerned about the negative and unhealthy ways some people are living their lives?
2. Do you constantly put other people鈥檚 needs before your own?
3. Do you want to live as long as you can, and just want everyone to be happy and healthy?
Home,
caveman, diet,
relationships, -
who am I ? The more questions you answer YES,
The more of that instinct you may have.
Orignal From: WHICH INSTINCTS DO YOU HAVE?
Gathering
1. Do you buy healthy food only to have it rot in the refrigerator while you go out to eat fast food?2. Do you often feel panicked about money, safety and having enough of things?
3. If you can sleep in as long as you want to, do you?
Hunting
1. Do you delight in knowing details or facts?
2. Do you feel good when you can master a process, like using a software program or doing your taxes?
3. Do you try to find the most efficient, most effective way to do something?Warrior
1. Do you believe that there is a right way and a wrong way to do most things, and you know the right way?
2. Do you believe second place is first loser?
3. Do you get annoyed at people who get in your way and delay you?
Worker
1. Do you pretty much take things with a grain of salt and not worry too much about stuff you can鈥檛 control?
2. Do you get up every day and go to work at some crappy job, but you keep doing it because you need the money?
3. Do you have a hobby? Do you collect things or make crafts?
Inventor
1. Do you constantly see the way things around you could be improved?
2. Do you often feel depressed because other people cannot see things that are so obvious to you?
3. Have you ever taken apart something just to see how it works?
Attraction
1. When choosing clothes to wear, do you consider what other people, (including strangers), may think of your clothing?
2. Do you have to 鈥渕ake yourself presentable鈥?before you leave the house?
3. Do you get depressed when you see pictures of yourself and realize that you are aging?
Nurturing
1. Are you often concerned about the negative and unhealthy ways some people are living their lives?
2. Do you constantly put other people鈥檚 needs before your own?
3. Do you want to live as long as you can, and just want everyone to be happy and healthy?
Home,
caveman, diet,
relationships, -
who am I ? The more questions you answer YES,
The more of that instinct you may have.
Orignal From: WHICH INSTINCTS DO YOU HAVE?
FREE Rare list - Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonalds
Don't buy a rare piece list for the Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonald's. It is free virtually everywhere. In fact I'm providing it to you free right here. I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw sellers were making a bunch of money on this. Here is a neat list for your viewing pleasure. This isn鈥檛 as pretty as my HTML version but the eBay guide interface wont allow me to post HTML. Don't be afraid to hit the "yes" button on the "this guide was helpful" section below. Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonald's Rare ListName Appeal # of Rares Prize $ #801 - Mediterranean Avenue Rare 15,000 $50#802 - Baltic Avenue Common#823 - Reading Railroad Common#824 - Pennsylvania Railroad Common#825 - B&O Railroad Common#826 - Short Line Rare 1,500 $100 #803 - Oriental Avenue Common#804 - Vermont Avenue Rare 250 $500#805 - Connecticut Avenue Common #806 - St Charles Place Common#807 - States Avenue Common#808 - Virginia Avenue Rare 250 $1,000#809 - St James Place Common#810 - Tennessee Avenue Rare 50 $5,000#811 - New York Avenue Common#812 - Kentucky Avenue Rare 30 $10,000#813 - Indiana Avenue Common#814 - Illinois Avenue Common#815 - Atlantic Avenue Common#816 - Ventnor Avenue Rare 5 $25,000#817 - Marvin Gardens Common #818 - Pacific Avenue Common#819 - North Carolina Avenue Common#820 - Pennsylvania Avenue Rare 5 $50,000#821 - Park Place Common#822 - Boardwalk Rare 3 $1,000,000 Property Pieces OnlyThis guide's format and information style belongs to socure. This guide remains copyright 2007 by socure
Orignal From: FREE Rare list - Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonalds
Orignal From: FREE Rare list - Monopoly 2007 Game at McDonalds
Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360
I have read some pretty bias articles lately on the differences between the Ps 3 and the xbox 360. The Majority of these articles favor the playstation 3 as the Next generation console. Not one of these articles talk about game quality and title availability. They have mostly drooled over the fact that the Ps3 has 7 processors and a 60gb harddrive, so that must make it better. Never once do you read that becuase of those 7 Single layer processors that big game studios have turned Sony exclusive games into xbox 360 games as well. Game titles that include: Final Fantasy XII, Grand Theft Auto IV, Metal Gear Solid IV, Assasains Creed, Guitar Hero II, and the list goes on..
Why are all these ex Sony exlusive titles migrating to the xbox 360? Because Sony has made it so difficult to produce a game for its console that game companies like Rockstar will have to sell 500,000 copies of EACH title just to break even on their game.. The next question I would ask is if it is so hard to make games for the ps3 does that give me better graffix? The answer I'm afraid is NO.. Both consoles support 1080p and frankly I dont know any television that can do better than that.. Infact the ps3 only has 256mb of Ram compared to the 360's 512mb of Ram. I do give the Playstation 3 credit it does have a milionth of a sec. faster load time,but, Frankly I cant see a milonth of a Sec. I can however see the $200.00 price difference and a Milionth of as sec is not worth $200 to me..
Now lets talk about the harddrive size difference.. The playstation 3 does come with a huge 40gb difference in harddrive size. The reason behind this is Sony has made their games harddrive dependent. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means that a portion of every game you put in your ps3 is copied and saved to your harddrive. With this happening to serious gamers like me my harddrive could fill real quick, so I can see why they added an additonal 40gb of space. The xbox 360 supports a smaller 20 gb harddrive but has no software dependancy on it. Anouther words if you dont let it save it wont..
I have also read an article that stated Sony's online media experience was incredible. Come on now, The 360 has a way better media center. You can download brand new release Hd movies to your console for under $5.00, download your favorite television programs like: Lost, CSI, MTV, Sports games and more. Further more your Ipod or Zune player plugs right into your 360 for optimal streaming of music. You can set up your own sound tracks for all games. Not to mention has the best online game play in history. Now with the release of Microsoft Vista you will be able to play 360 vs the pc. Yes, that is right! When the release of a much anticipated game called shadow run releases you will be able to play it on your pc and take advantage of xbox live from any computer. You can use either a Keyboard and mouse or plug your 360 controller right into your usb port. They also have created a adapter for your usb port so you can use your wireless controllers. Xbox 360 has monthly tournaments for gamers to compete for money, has famous actors and other celeberties playing so that you can Q&A them. Lets face it Ps3 can not compare the xbox 360's online experience.
There are alot more inconsitancies in these articles where the writers are ultimatelly bias to Sony. There was an independant research done at the begining of Febuary where they called and found a 84% instock rate on Ps 3's and a 70% instock rate on xbox 360's. For a New console like the Playstation 3 that is having problems delivering quanities to the US, there should be a 0% instock rate like the Nintendo Wii. When the xbox 360 released you could not find a single 360 on a store shelf untill well into the summer and they release 1million more units during launch than the PS3. Sony executives themself have been quoted saying if we do not drop the price, release some better games that people want to buy we will not be able to even think about designing a playstation 4.
People may say that I am a hippacrit, writing an article calling people bias to the Ps3 as I promote the xbox 360. Well, all I can say to defend myself to that is I never played my xbox but for halo, and halo 2. I have allways been a diehard Sony fan. I've waited in line for days at every playstation release, including the ps3. One day I decieded to go play some online game play and walked up to my consoles to turn them. When I got to my entertainment center I realised my ps3 was collecting dust on it's stylish black case. I then began to think that besides Resitance fall of man I havent played any other title on my ps3. Then I looked at my profit op sheet for my store at the New release games coming out. I noticed immidiatelly that all of the releases coming out I have beaten already on my 360. At that point I decieded I wasted $600 of my hard earned cash on a system that I wont play. It's just not me that thinks this way. The country of Japan has allways been a huge Sony follower. They would never buy an american console vs. a Sony product. It was just unthinkable, But, if you take a look at Japans top 10 games for the month of Febuary you will notice that there is not 1 Ps3 game on it. There is two xbox 360 games on it. Now dont misunderstand what I am saying, the playstation 3 is way outselling the xbox 360 in Japan, however, they are not buying games. That is right, the playstation 3 is nothing more than a $600 BlueRay DVD player with an extra bonus that it plays games. I am sorry Sony but I am a gamer!! I want to feel the challange of killing someone else during an online battle or playing an RPG that I can just get lost in a fantasy world for a few hours. I could really care less about Talladega Nights!! Dont worry Sony. There are plenty of gamers that do care about watching Movies.
So to answer the question on which system is better for. It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a dvd player than the ps 3 is the way to go. If you want gaming with a great online experience, then save $200 and get a xbox 360
Orignal From: Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360
Why are all these ex Sony exlusive titles migrating to the xbox 360? Because Sony has made it so difficult to produce a game for its console that game companies like Rockstar will have to sell 500,000 copies of EACH title just to break even on their game.. The next question I would ask is if it is so hard to make games for the ps3 does that give me better graffix? The answer I'm afraid is NO.. Both consoles support 1080p and frankly I dont know any television that can do better than that.. Infact the ps3 only has 256mb of Ram compared to the 360's 512mb of Ram. I do give the Playstation 3 credit it does have a milionth of a sec. faster load time,but, Frankly I cant see a milonth of a Sec. I can however see the $200.00 price difference and a Milionth of as sec is not worth $200 to me..
Now lets talk about the harddrive size difference.. The playstation 3 does come with a huge 40gb difference in harddrive size. The reason behind this is Sony has made their games harddrive dependent. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means that a portion of every game you put in your ps3 is copied and saved to your harddrive. With this happening to serious gamers like me my harddrive could fill real quick, so I can see why they added an additonal 40gb of space. The xbox 360 supports a smaller 20 gb harddrive but has no software dependancy on it. Anouther words if you dont let it save it wont..
I have also read an article that stated Sony's online media experience was incredible. Come on now, The 360 has a way better media center. You can download brand new release Hd movies to your console for under $5.00, download your favorite television programs like: Lost, CSI, MTV, Sports games and more. Further more your Ipod or Zune player plugs right into your 360 for optimal streaming of music. You can set up your own sound tracks for all games. Not to mention has the best online game play in history. Now with the release of Microsoft Vista you will be able to play 360 vs the pc. Yes, that is right! When the release of a much anticipated game called shadow run releases you will be able to play it on your pc and take advantage of xbox live from any computer. You can use either a Keyboard and mouse or plug your 360 controller right into your usb port. They also have created a adapter for your usb port so you can use your wireless controllers. Xbox 360 has monthly tournaments for gamers to compete for money, has famous actors and other celeberties playing so that you can Q&A them. Lets face it Ps3 can not compare the xbox 360's online experience.
There are alot more inconsitancies in these articles where the writers are ultimatelly bias to Sony. There was an independant research done at the begining of Febuary where they called and found a 84% instock rate on Ps 3's and a 70% instock rate on xbox 360's. For a New console like the Playstation 3 that is having problems delivering quanities to the US, there should be a 0% instock rate like the Nintendo Wii. When the xbox 360 released you could not find a single 360 on a store shelf untill well into the summer and they release 1million more units during launch than the PS3. Sony executives themself have been quoted saying if we do not drop the price, release some better games that people want to buy we will not be able to even think about designing a playstation 4.
People may say that I am a hippacrit, writing an article calling people bias to the Ps3 as I promote the xbox 360. Well, all I can say to defend myself to that is I never played my xbox but for halo, and halo 2. I have allways been a diehard Sony fan. I've waited in line for days at every playstation release, including the ps3. One day I decieded to go play some online game play and walked up to my consoles to turn them. When I got to my entertainment center I realised my ps3 was collecting dust on it's stylish black case. I then began to think that besides Resitance fall of man I havent played any other title on my ps3. Then I looked at my profit op sheet for my store at the New release games coming out. I noticed immidiatelly that all of the releases coming out I have beaten already on my 360. At that point I decieded I wasted $600 of my hard earned cash on a system that I wont play. It's just not me that thinks this way. The country of Japan has allways been a huge Sony follower. They would never buy an american console vs. a Sony product. It was just unthinkable, But, if you take a look at Japans top 10 games for the month of Febuary you will notice that there is not 1 Ps3 game on it. There is two xbox 360 games on it. Now dont misunderstand what I am saying, the playstation 3 is way outselling the xbox 360 in Japan, however, they are not buying games. That is right, the playstation 3 is nothing more than a $600 BlueRay DVD player with an extra bonus that it plays games. I am sorry Sony but I am a gamer!! I want to feel the challange of killing someone else during an online battle or playing an RPG that I can just get lost in a fantasy world for a few hours. I could really care less about Talladega Nights!! Dont worry Sony. There are plenty of gamers that do care about watching Movies.
So to answer the question on which system is better for. It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a dvd player than the ps 3 is the way to go. If you want gaming with a great online experience, then save $200 and get a xbox 360
Orignal From: Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360
Sierra On-Line: A History, Part TWO
A History of Sierra On-Line, Part Two: What's In A Name, Anyway?
This article is a continuation of the History of Sierra series presented by magisterrex . Part One can be found here: How It All Fits Together
Packaging was not the only aspect of Sierra that was in a state of flux throughout their history; their very name and identity have changed over the years.
As most old-school gamers know, the company was founded by the power-gaming couple of Ken and Roberta Williams in 1980. Back then it was known On-Line Systems. The games Mystery House and Time Zone were first released under this label.
By 1982, the company changed its name to Sierra On-Line, but used two other labels to sell some of their product line. SierraVenture was created to sell the company's re-released software that once sold under the On-Line Systems brand, while the company's action/arcade games were to be produced under the SierraVision label. Both logos were discontinued in 1984, and the company published all their titles under the Sierra On-Line label.
As revenues increased, so did buying opportunities for Sierra, which had become a software juggernaut. The company acquired other software companies, often including both logos on subsequent products. Purchases included:
1990 Dynamix1992 Bright Star Technology1993 Coktel Vision1995 Arion Software, Green Thumb Software, Impressions, Papyrus Design Group, Pixellite Group, subLOGIC1997 Berkeley Systems, Books That Work, Headgate, Pyrotechnix
However, in 1996 Sierra On-Line itself was sold to CUC International, and ceased to be an independent company. Shortly thereafter, in 1997, CUC International merged with HFS Incorporated, creating a new company named Cendant Corporation, which itself was purchased by Havas in 1998, which was then purchased by Vivendi that same year. A veritable whirlwind of stock acquisition!
In 1998 Sierra reorganized themselves, and went with five internal divisions:
Sierra Attractions, home the Hoyle and You Don't Know Jack franchisesSierra Home, where various "home improvement" software was housed, such as Master Cook and Print ArtistSierra Sports, home of the Nascar, Trophy Bass and other sports-related titlesSierra Studios, the logo under which all the mainstream titles such as King's Quest would be publishedDynamix, A Sierra Company, which continued to produce all the 3D combat simulations (such as Red Baron)
All seemed well - or well enough - until 1999, when the downsizing axe fell on Sierra in a day known as Black Monday among Sierra collectors. If the company had only seemed a shadow of its former self prior to Black Monday, in the aftermath the Sierra that everyone had come to know and love was gone forever, replaced by a soulless corporate entity that looked only to what market share could be found for the least amount of expenditure. For the next few years Sierra would lay off hundreds of employees by closing entire divisions. Gone were Dynamix (R.I.P., 2001), Impressions (R.I.P., 2004), Papyrus Design (R.I.P., 2004), Berkeley Systems (R.I.P., 2000), and others. Sierra itself would change its name once again, this time to Sierra Entertainment, Inc., a name which it has kept to the present day.
But there's hope! Sierra was injected with new life in 2006 and has released several hot new products, which include new additions to the Police Quest SWAT, Caesar, and Trophy Bass lines. Although it will never recapture its past glory, Sierra continues to be a vibrant software company, with many more "hot" titles to come!This article was continued from A History of Sierra On-Line, PART 1: How It All Fits Together This article
continues from the years 1979-1980, found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1979-1980 This article continues from the year 1981,
found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1981 This article continues from the year 1982, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1982 This article continues from the year 1983, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1983 Visit our store for GAMES and MORE! Click here
=> http://stores.ebay.com/Magisterrex-Retro-Gaming-GamesAlso
Visit our ABOUT ME Page! Click here => magisterrrex
About ME Page
Orignal From: Sierra On-Line: A History, Part TWO
This article is a continuation of the History of Sierra series presented by magisterrex . Part One can be found here: How It All Fits Together
Packaging was not the only aspect of Sierra that was in a state of flux throughout their history; their very name and identity have changed over the years.
As most old-school gamers know, the company was founded by the power-gaming couple of Ken and Roberta Williams in 1980. Back then it was known On-Line Systems. The games Mystery House and Time Zone were first released under this label.
By 1982, the company changed its name to Sierra On-Line, but used two other labels to sell some of their product line. SierraVenture was created to sell the company's re-released software that once sold under the On-Line Systems brand, while the company's action/arcade games were to be produced under the SierraVision label. Both logos were discontinued in 1984, and the company published all their titles under the Sierra On-Line label.
As revenues increased, so did buying opportunities for Sierra, which had become a software juggernaut. The company acquired other software companies, often including both logos on subsequent products. Purchases included:
1990 Dynamix1992 Bright Star Technology1993 Coktel Vision1995 Arion Software, Green Thumb Software, Impressions, Papyrus Design Group, Pixellite Group, subLOGIC1997 Berkeley Systems, Books That Work, Headgate, Pyrotechnix
However, in 1996 Sierra On-Line itself was sold to CUC International, and ceased to be an independent company. Shortly thereafter, in 1997, CUC International merged with HFS Incorporated, creating a new company named Cendant Corporation, which itself was purchased by Havas in 1998, which was then purchased by Vivendi that same year. A veritable whirlwind of stock acquisition!
In 1998 Sierra reorganized themselves, and went with five internal divisions:
Sierra Attractions, home the Hoyle and You Don't Know Jack franchisesSierra Home, where various "home improvement" software was housed, such as Master Cook and Print ArtistSierra Sports, home of the Nascar, Trophy Bass and other sports-related titlesSierra Studios, the logo under which all the mainstream titles such as King's Quest would be publishedDynamix, A Sierra Company, which continued to produce all the 3D combat simulations (such as Red Baron)
All seemed well - or well enough - until 1999, when the downsizing axe fell on Sierra in a day known as Black Monday among Sierra collectors. If the company had only seemed a shadow of its former self prior to Black Monday, in the aftermath the Sierra that everyone had come to know and love was gone forever, replaced by a soulless corporate entity that looked only to what market share could be found for the least amount of expenditure. For the next few years Sierra would lay off hundreds of employees by closing entire divisions. Gone were Dynamix (R.I.P., 2001), Impressions (R.I.P., 2004), Papyrus Design (R.I.P., 2004), Berkeley Systems (R.I.P., 2000), and others. Sierra itself would change its name once again, this time to Sierra Entertainment, Inc., a name which it has kept to the present day.
But there's hope! Sierra was injected with new life in 2006 and has released several hot new products, which include new additions to the Police Quest SWAT, Caesar, and Trophy Bass lines. Although it will never recapture its past glory, Sierra continues to be a vibrant software company, with many more "hot" titles to come!This article was continued from A History of Sierra On-Line, PART 1: How It All Fits Together This article
continues from the years 1979-1980, found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1979-1980 This article continues from the year 1981,
found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1981 This article continues from the year 1982, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1982 This article continues from the year 1983, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1983 Visit our store for GAMES and MORE! Click here
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Orignal From: Sierra On-Line: A History, Part TWO
ATV scam
I found multiple ATV scams when starting in the ATV Polaris Ranger category. The scams use a USA location but have a Euro price. They don't have a bid now button. They have a direct email contact. These are all red flags per Ebay security. Watch out!! There is one item a Honda Rincon that has 18 bids. If you are one of these bidders you need to check scam warnings. See the Ebay security section on how to report these jerks.
Orignal From: ATV scam
Orignal From: ATV scam
Don't shake and blow - clean your cartridges properly!
How many times have you seen someone grab a cartridge, pop it into their NES, curse because the game isnt playing and they've got a flickering screen? Then they usually go through a ritual that involves jiggling the cart or taking out the cart and then blowing in it - rinse and repeat ad nausem?
Well, even though we all went through that ritual back in the 80's, it really is not a good way to get your carts to work. Blowing in them might be a short term fix, but just think: whatever goes on that cartridge (spit, food particles, whatever else is in your mouth) will likely end up on the pins inside your console...which is a lot more difficult to take care of then just taking a moment to clean the cartridges properly before you pop it in. So, here's how I've kept my consoles working and my games grime free for many years now. (NOTE: This is how I clean my carts. This is not the recommended way by Sega, Nintendo, or anybody else except myself. I've had a great deal of luck with this, but I strongly recommend people experiment with their spare copy of Shaq-Fu before doing this (or anything else) to their Nintendo World Championship cartridge...)
First,: I replaced my pin connectors inside my consoles (I was an idiot for selling my consoles when I was at the university - I had to repurchase used ones, and goodness only knows where they'd been or what they'd been through! I still recommend replacing them even if you are the consoles only owner though). Nintendo used to sell them back in the day, but they are still available from ebay sellers. If you dont think you are up to the challenge of replacing the connector yourself, there are people out there willing to do it, or sell you a console with the connector already replaced. There is also a new console out that plays both Famicom and NES carts, it tends to sell for less than $30. Whatever your preference, I strongly encourage one of the above options to start simply because this gives you a 'clean slate'. Remember, the NES came out in 1985/86- thats 20 years of wear and tear, grime, dust, smoke, children shoving carts in and jiggling them and blowing in them....that pin connector has probably taken a beating. Replacing them helps ensure your newly cleaned carts STAY clean and will continue to get a good, non-blinking connection when you play.
Now, the carts. I actually have a little routine I like to use when cleaning up my carts. I have done this with everything from Atari carts to the memory cards for my PS2: Qtips and windex (that blue glass cleaner). I know some people prefer alcohol or distilled water, but I swear by windex for mine. I dampen a qtip with windex, then give the exposed metal pins a good rubbing - both sides if I can (like for NES, SNES carts where the pins run down the middle and you can clean both sides). When I do this, I keep the cart angled so that if the qtip drips it will just drop on the floor (or on me) rather than running up inside the cart. After a few moments of scrubbing with the wet qtip (make sure you've scrubbed all along the pins), examine the qtip. Is there a lot of grime coming off onto the qtip? Eventually, you'll be able to tell whether its just dusty, or came from a smoking home, or if little previous owner Johnny liked to bury his carts in the back yard. At this point, I change to a DRY qtip, and give it another good rubbing. Is there more grime coming off? I will repeat this proceedure until the qtips stop picking up dirt, and no longer have a greyish/blackish/brownish tint to them. After I have finished cleaning them, I always let them dry for 10 minute or so before putting them in a console, just to be on the safe side. The number of qtips you will need is determined by how dirty the cart is. I usually average one wet and one dry if the cart is in decent condition, however I have used as many as 10 on a cart that was just filthy.
I clean every cart that I purchase, no matter if the seller claims 'cleaned and tested' or not. I also clean carts if I havent used them in a while, or have accidentally left them out where dust can collect on them. Those quick 'spot cleanings' tend to take up just one qtip and about 30 seconds of my time, well worth the effort when I remind myself I havent had a 'dead' or blinking cart in my NES for 3 years now. :)
Exterior cart cleaning is a little more tricky. There are several substances you can use in an attempt to remove markers, crayon, or sticky goo left over from price tags....I hesitate to mention any of these by name simply because it all depends on what it is you are trying to remove. A particular chemical that is supposed to remove markers may work well with a modern brand of permanent markers, but not so well on a permanent marker used 15 years ago thats sunk in and stained the cartridge. Your best bet is to test a small bit and see how the plastic reacts.
Orignal From: Don't shake and blow - clean your cartridges properly!
Well, even though we all went through that ritual back in the 80's, it really is not a good way to get your carts to work. Blowing in them might be a short term fix, but just think: whatever goes on that cartridge (spit, food particles, whatever else is in your mouth) will likely end up on the pins inside your console...which is a lot more difficult to take care of then just taking a moment to clean the cartridges properly before you pop it in. So, here's how I've kept my consoles working and my games grime free for many years now. (NOTE: This is how I clean my carts. This is not the recommended way by Sega, Nintendo, or anybody else except myself. I've had a great deal of luck with this, but I strongly recommend people experiment with their spare copy of Shaq-Fu before doing this (or anything else) to their Nintendo World Championship cartridge...)
First,: I replaced my pin connectors inside my consoles (I was an idiot for selling my consoles when I was at the university - I had to repurchase used ones, and goodness only knows where they'd been or what they'd been through! I still recommend replacing them even if you are the consoles only owner though). Nintendo used to sell them back in the day, but they are still available from ebay sellers. If you dont think you are up to the challenge of replacing the connector yourself, there are people out there willing to do it, or sell you a console with the connector already replaced. There is also a new console out that plays both Famicom and NES carts, it tends to sell for less than $30. Whatever your preference, I strongly encourage one of the above options to start simply because this gives you a 'clean slate'. Remember, the NES came out in 1985/86- thats 20 years of wear and tear, grime, dust, smoke, children shoving carts in and jiggling them and blowing in them....that pin connector has probably taken a beating. Replacing them helps ensure your newly cleaned carts STAY clean and will continue to get a good, non-blinking connection when you play.
Now, the carts. I actually have a little routine I like to use when cleaning up my carts. I have done this with everything from Atari carts to the memory cards for my PS2: Qtips and windex (that blue glass cleaner). I know some people prefer alcohol or distilled water, but I swear by windex for mine. I dampen a qtip with windex, then give the exposed metal pins a good rubbing - both sides if I can (like for NES, SNES carts where the pins run down the middle and you can clean both sides). When I do this, I keep the cart angled so that if the qtip drips it will just drop on the floor (or on me) rather than running up inside the cart. After a few moments of scrubbing with the wet qtip (make sure you've scrubbed all along the pins), examine the qtip. Is there a lot of grime coming off onto the qtip? Eventually, you'll be able to tell whether its just dusty, or came from a smoking home, or if little previous owner Johnny liked to bury his carts in the back yard. At this point, I change to a DRY qtip, and give it another good rubbing. Is there more grime coming off? I will repeat this proceedure until the qtips stop picking up dirt, and no longer have a greyish/blackish/brownish tint to them. After I have finished cleaning them, I always let them dry for 10 minute or so before putting them in a console, just to be on the safe side. The number of qtips you will need is determined by how dirty the cart is. I usually average one wet and one dry if the cart is in decent condition, however I have used as many as 10 on a cart that was just filthy.
I clean every cart that I purchase, no matter if the seller claims 'cleaned and tested' or not. I also clean carts if I havent used them in a while, or have accidentally left them out where dust can collect on them. Those quick 'spot cleanings' tend to take up just one qtip and about 30 seconds of my time, well worth the effort when I remind myself I havent had a 'dead' or blinking cart in my NES for 3 years now. :)
Exterior cart cleaning is a little more tricky. There are several substances you can use in an attempt to remove markers, crayon, or sticky goo left over from price tags....I hesitate to mention any of these by name simply because it all depends on what it is you are trying to remove. A particular chemical that is supposed to remove markers may work well with a modern brand of permanent markers, but not so well on a permanent marker used 15 years ago thats sunk in and stained the cartridge. Your best bet is to test a small bit and see how the plastic reacts.
Orignal From: Don't shake and blow - clean your cartridges properly!
Non-Paying Bidders Suck! Get Even!
Every month I get 2 or 3 non-paying bidders. Many sellers just take the loss and forget about it, relist the item, and life goes on. This is a bad practice. It gives the deadbeat bidder a chance to continue screwing the sellers. I feel they should be reported, 1 to let others know they do not pay, and 2 to get your final value fee refunded. I personally have made it my policy to file a non-paying bidder complaint and leave negative feedback. These deadbeats need to be kicked off ebay.
Orignal From: Non-Paying Bidders Suck! Get Even!
Orignal From: Non-Paying Bidders Suck! Get Even!
Paid for Taking Online Surveys?
Almost anyone can create a "paid surveys" website in a matter of a few hours. And they only have one intent, and that is making you pay to become a member of their website just so they can supposedly tell you where to go on the internet to find surveys that actually pay. But all they really do is provide you with a list of useless links to companies that no longer exist, or more companies that want you to pay more money to join their website as well!
Most of these websites will charge you a $30-$100 fee for access to their directory of "high-paying" survey sources. But in reality, 99% of these websites offer you nothing more than the following:
* Outdated directories & resources with non-working links, phone numbers, & email addresses.
* No customer service or help available.
* No refunds if you are unsatisfied - Most of these fly-by-night paid survey websites won't even respond to your refund requests, and once their website gets shut down due to complaints, they start another one under a different name.
* Poorly designed sites with confusing navigation systems and information, and non-working pages.
Most of the free-to-join paid survey sites out there are simply scams that offer no real paid surveys; instead they wish to collect your email address so that they can deluge your email with spam and spyware, or worse, sell your email address and any other information they can get out of you.
Free-to-Join Paid Survey & Mystery Shopping Sites
Be aware though that they are much smaller than the professional membership sites it is not reasonable to expect to make a full-time income from the jobs they will send you. For any free-to-join paid survey site that is legitimate, for example, it is likely you will only recieve 3 - 5 paid surveys a month, most of which will pay around $5 each.
So, don't expect to quit your daytime job to take surveys online.
Be realistic and do your homework, and you won't get scammed.
Orignal From: Paid for Taking Online Surveys?
Most of these websites will charge you a $30-$100 fee for access to their directory of "high-paying" survey sources. But in reality, 99% of these websites offer you nothing more than the following:
* Outdated directories & resources with non-working links, phone numbers, & email addresses.
* No customer service or help available.
* No refunds if you are unsatisfied - Most of these fly-by-night paid survey websites won't even respond to your refund requests, and once their website gets shut down due to complaints, they start another one under a different name.
* Poorly designed sites with confusing navigation systems and information, and non-working pages.
Most of the free-to-join paid survey sites out there are simply scams that offer no real paid surveys; instead they wish to collect your email address so that they can deluge your email with spam and spyware, or worse, sell your email address and any other information they can get out of you.
Free-to-Join Paid Survey & Mystery Shopping Sites
Be aware though that they are much smaller than the professional membership sites it is not reasonable to expect to make a full-time income from the jobs they will send you. For any free-to-join paid survey site that is legitimate, for example, it is likely you will only recieve 3 - 5 paid surveys a month, most of which will pay around $5 each.
So, don't expect to quit your daytime job to take surveys online.
Be realistic and do your homework, and you won't get scammed.
Orignal From: Paid for Taking Online Surveys?
XBOX 360 - XBOX 360 Games, XBOX 360 Release Sched
XBOX 360 - XBOX 360 Games & XBOX 360 Game Release Schedule
Xbox 360 : At a Glance
* Xbox 360 processing power.
* High-definition visuals.
* Xbox Live online power.
* Wireless integration.
* Gamers always first.
* Comments from developers.
We all know that Xbox 360 blows the doors off today's consoles in the
power department. But just how much power does Xbox 360 have, and why
do developers and gamers agree that it's the system to beat? Glad you
asked!
XBOX 360 - XBOX 360 Games Schedule
11/15/2005: Aeon Flux
11/15/2005: America's Army庐: Rise of a Soldier鈩?br>
11/15/2005: Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2
11/15/2005: Dance Dance Revolution ULTRAMIX庐 3
11/15/2005: Half-Life庐 2
11/15/2005: Need for Speed鈩?Most Wanted
11/15/2005: Pac-Man World鈩?3
11/15/2005: Rogue Trooper
11/15/2005: Shadow The Hedgehog鈩?br>
11/15/2005: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
11/15/2005: The King of Fighters '94 Re-Bout
11/15/2005: True Crime鈩? New York City
11/15/2005: World Racing 2
11/22/2005: 50 Cent Bulletproof
11/22/2005: Combat Elite: WWII Paratroopers鈩?br>
11/22/2005: Crime Life Gang Wars
11/22/2005: Peter Jackson's King Kong
11/22/2005: Samurai Shodown V
11/22/2005: SnoCross 2 Featuring Blair Morgan
11/29/2005 Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure
date
XBox 360game title
publisher genre
Nov 14, 2005 Project Gotham Racing 3 Microsoft Racing
Nov 15, 2005 NBA Live 06 Electronic Arts Sports
Nov 15, 2005 Condemned: Criminal Origins
SEGA Action
Nov 15, 2005 Need for Speed Most Wanted Electronic Arts Racing
Nov 15, 2005 Call of Duty 2
Activision
Shooter
Nov 15, 2005 Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Activision Sports
Nov 15, 2005 Gun
Activision
Shooter
Nov 15, 2005 FIFA Soccer 06 Electronic Arts Sports
Nov 15, 2005 NBA 2K6
2K Games Sports
Nov 15, 2005 Amped 3
2K Games Sports
Nov 15, 2005 Madden NFL 06 Electronic Arts Sports
Nov 16, 2005 Perfect Dark Zero: Limited Collector's
Edition Microsoft Shooter
Nov 16, 2005 Perfect Dark Zero Microsoft Shooter
Nov 18, 2005 QUAKE 4
Activision Shooter
Nov 22, 2005 Ridge Racer 6
Namco
Racing
Nov 22, 2005 Peter Jackson's King Kong Ubisoft Action
Nov 22, 2005 QUAKE 4 -- Special Edition Activision Shooter
Nov 22, 2005 Marble Blast Ultra (Xbox 360 Live
Arcade) Garage Games Racing
Nov 22, 2005 NHL 2K6
2K Games Sports
Nov 2005 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 Electronic Arts Sports
Dec 1, 2005 Dead or Alive 4
Tecmo
Fighting
Holiday 2005 Mutant Storm (Xbox 360 Live Arcade) Microsoft Action
TBA 2005 SSX 4
Electronic Arts Sports
Action
TBA 2005 NHL 06
Electronic Arts
Sports
January 1, 2006 Top Spin 2 2K Games Sports
Orignal From: XBOX 360 - XBOX 360 Games, XBOX 360 Release Sched
Xbox 360 : At a Glance
* Xbox 360 processing power.
* High-definition visuals.
* Xbox Live online power.
* Wireless integration.
* Gamers always first.
* Comments from developers.
We all know that Xbox 360 blows the doors off today's consoles in the
power department. But just how much power does Xbox 360 have, and why
do developers and gamers agree that it's the system to beat? Glad you
asked!
XBOX 360 - XBOX 360 Games Schedule
11/15/2005: Aeon Flux
11/15/2005: America's Army庐: Rise of a Soldier鈩?br>
11/15/2005: Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2
11/15/2005: Dance Dance Revolution ULTRAMIX庐 3
11/15/2005: Half-Life庐 2
11/15/2005: Need for Speed鈩?Most Wanted
11/15/2005: Pac-Man World鈩?3
11/15/2005: Rogue Trooper
11/15/2005: Shadow The Hedgehog鈩?br>
11/15/2005: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
11/15/2005: The King of Fighters '94 Re-Bout
11/15/2005: True Crime鈩? New York City
11/15/2005: World Racing 2
11/22/2005: 50 Cent Bulletproof
11/22/2005: Combat Elite: WWII Paratroopers鈩?br>
11/22/2005: Crime Life Gang Wars
11/22/2005: Peter Jackson's King Kong
11/22/2005: Samurai Shodown V
11/22/2005: SnoCross 2 Featuring Blair Morgan
11/29/2005 Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure
date
XBox 360game title
publisher genre
Nov 14, 2005 Project Gotham Racing 3 Microsoft Racing
Nov 15, 2005 NBA Live 06 Electronic Arts Sports
Nov 15, 2005 Condemned: Criminal Origins
SEGA Action
Nov 15, 2005 Need for Speed Most Wanted Electronic Arts Racing
Nov 15, 2005 Call of Duty 2
Activision
Shooter
Nov 15, 2005 Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Activision Sports
Nov 15, 2005 Gun
Activision
Shooter
Nov 15, 2005 FIFA Soccer 06 Electronic Arts Sports
Nov 15, 2005 NBA 2K6
2K Games Sports
Nov 15, 2005 Amped 3
2K Games Sports
Nov 15, 2005 Madden NFL 06 Electronic Arts Sports
Nov 16, 2005 Perfect Dark Zero: Limited Collector's
Edition Microsoft Shooter
Nov 16, 2005 Perfect Dark Zero Microsoft Shooter
Nov 18, 2005 QUAKE 4
Activision Shooter
Nov 22, 2005 Ridge Racer 6
Namco
Racing
Nov 22, 2005 Peter Jackson's King Kong Ubisoft Action
Nov 22, 2005 QUAKE 4 -- Special Edition Activision Shooter
Nov 22, 2005 Marble Blast Ultra (Xbox 360 Live
Arcade) Garage Games Racing
Nov 22, 2005 NHL 2K6
2K Games Sports
Nov 2005 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 Electronic Arts Sports
Dec 1, 2005 Dead or Alive 4
Tecmo
Fighting
Holiday 2005 Mutant Storm (Xbox 360 Live Arcade) Microsoft Action
TBA 2005 SSX 4
Electronic Arts Sports
Action
TBA 2005 NHL 06
Electronic Arts
Sports
January 1, 2006 Top Spin 2 2K Games Sports
Orignal From: XBOX 360 - XBOX 360 Games, XBOX 360 Release Sched
GBA SP: Spongebob GBA SP Bundle System, Spongebob Games
GBA SP: Spongebob Bundle with Spongebob: Battle for Bikini Bottom and Nicktoons Freeze Frame Frenzy
Want the perfect holiday toy for your youngster?!
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) SP Spongebob Bundle! It is from Nintendo and
combines the excellence of Nintendo Game Boy Advanced technology with
the playfulness of Spongebob. The GBA SP Spongebob Bundle is a GBA
system in a Spongebob casing and is very rare! It also included two GBA
Spongebob Games: Battle for Bikini Bottom and Nicktoons Freeze Frame Frenzy
SpongeBob-shaped GameBoy Advance and Two Games in One...SpongeBob: Battle for Bikini Bottom and Nicktoons Freeze Frame Frenzy.
* Has new backlight screen
* SpongeBob-shaped GameBoy Advance system
Orignal From: GBA SP: Spongebob GBA SP Bundle System, Spongebob Games
Want the perfect holiday toy for your youngster?!
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) SP Spongebob Bundle! It is from Nintendo and
combines the excellence of Nintendo Game Boy Advanced technology with
the playfulness of Spongebob. The GBA SP Spongebob Bundle is a GBA
system in a Spongebob casing and is very rare! It also included two GBA
Spongebob Games: Battle for Bikini Bottom and Nicktoons Freeze Frame Frenzy
SpongeBob-shaped GameBoy Advance and Two Games in One...SpongeBob: Battle for Bikini Bottom and Nicktoons Freeze Frame Frenzy.
* Has new backlight screen
* SpongeBob-shaped GameBoy Advance system
Orignal From: GBA SP: Spongebob GBA SP Bundle System, Spongebob Games
Fake PSP battery pack. MUST READ
hellofor those who would like to buy a PSP battery pack on Ebay, this is a must read guide before buying.a Sony PSP battery pack 2200 mAh has a retail price of $39.99 in most stores. why you can buy one in just about 2-3 dollars on Ebay. BEWAREpay attention to the seal packing and the battery.the fake battery pack will have a packing states made in Japan but what will get inside is a made in China battery. on the other hand, the genuine battery will states made in Japan in both packing and the battery. (unfortunately, Ebay doesnt allow me to embed high-res photos, if you want to want to look at the photos of both, send me an email and i'll provide it to youthe genuine 2200 mAh allows you to play about 4 hours of game and 11 hours of MP3 playing only. however, the counterfeit just play about 1-1.5 hours of games play and 3 hours of MP3 play back. you may said, that's it ?. well. there are lots of differences.first, you can never fully charge the counterfeit battery. it will stop charging somewhere between 40-60%. although the PSP said the battery is 100%, . wait about 1-2 mins and it will drop to about 40-60%. you plug the charger back and wait several hours, it said 100%, after 2-3 mins, i will come back to 40-60%second, the charging level will automatically decrease everytime you charge the battery. for instance, i have 2 fake batteries ( one bought from a US seller and one from a HK seller). the first time, it reached 54%, the second time 50%, after the fifth time, reached 30% and continue to decrease.third, the battery will automatically shut down the electric current ( the PSP will shut down when you are playing game without any notices, turn it on again and play from the beginning, terrible experience)i will recommend that you buy it in retail stores such as Bestbuy, CircuitCity, Walmart, or Sony Style.remember, never buy those stuffs from anything HK, China, Taiwan, Singapore sellers ( most of them are selling counterfeit items). and pay much attention to those US sellers with giveaway prices. no one buys at $39.99 and sells it to you at 2-20 dollarsnhan2049
Orignal From: Fake PSP battery pack. MUST READ
Orignal From: Fake PSP battery pack. MUST READ
SELLERS BEWARE!!!!! PayPal Dispute Resolution Policy
Think twice before ever using PayPal as an eBay seller. It seems that buried in their fine print is a "buyer protection policy" and a "dispute resolution process" that is very easy for an unscrupulous buyer to take advantage of. Consider this: I sold my son's xBox 360 (as is, no warranty) plus games and accessories on 7/10/06 to a buyer who files a claim 8/14/06 with PayPal that the item is "not as described". He most likely received the xBox around 07/14/06 so I would presume that PayPal has a 30 day window in which a buyer can file a claim.
I sent him a like new unit in perfect working order; he leaves positive feedback for the transaction, and asks me a few weeks after getting the xBox if I would give him our password to xBox Live so he can use up our remaining subscription. Do you think he'd be asking for this if the xBox didn't work? I gave him the password even though it was not part of the sale - then a week or so later he asks if I have the original packing, also not included in the sale but I had found it in the garage so at my trouble and expense I send it to him. There is no mention of the slightest problem with the xBox up to this point. Then he files a claim with PayPal that the unit is malfunctioning so it is "not as described". Lovely.
PayPal runs a circus court and the seller's evidence is dismissed; I end up with a broken xBox minus one of the accessories originally sent and my PayPal account is in the red $475. PayPal has the audacity to send me an email saying "this claim has been solved amicably" and "a refund has been initiated from your account and the case is now closed". Now they want me to bring the account balance to zero or some positive dollar amount.
I guess PayPal figures the guy was just kidding when he left me positive feedback. Now I am stuck with the final value fees from eBay and a broken xBox 360. Needless to say, I will never, ever use PayPal again for any transaction......that is, of course, unless I have a need to rip-off some unwary seller on eBay!
Orignal From: SELLERS BEWARE!!!!! PayPal Dispute Resolution Policy
I sent him a like new unit in perfect working order; he leaves positive feedback for the transaction, and asks me a few weeks after getting the xBox if I would give him our password to xBox Live so he can use up our remaining subscription. Do you think he'd be asking for this if the xBox didn't work? I gave him the password even though it was not part of the sale - then a week or so later he asks if I have the original packing, also not included in the sale but I had found it in the garage so at my trouble and expense I send it to him. There is no mention of the slightest problem with the xBox up to this point. Then he files a claim with PayPal that the unit is malfunctioning so it is "not as described". Lovely.
PayPal runs a circus court and the seller's evidence is dismissed; I end up with a broken xBox minus one of the accessories originally sent and my PayPal account is in the red $475. PayPal has the audacity to send me an email saying "this claim has been solved amicably" and "a refund has been initiated from your account and the case is now closed". Now they want me to bring the account balance to zero or some positive dollar amount.
I guess PayPal figures the guy was just kidding when he left me positive feedback. Now I am stuck with the final value fees from eBay and a broken xBox 360. Needless to say, I will never, ever use PayPal again for any transaction......that is, of course, unless I have a need to rip-off some unwary seller on eBay!
Orignal From: SELLERS BEWARE!!!!! PayPal Dispute Resolution Policy
The DOs of Setting up a Missile Character in D2 LOD
Generally speaking, to set up a godly missile character, you need to do the following.
Godly gear for at least 15 skill points boost and strength and dexterity enhancement
Must have high percentage of life and mana leech generated by your gear or items in inventory
Must have high percentage of fastest hit recovery by holding small charms with such mods PLUS life, resistance and dexterity enhancement.
Must have a short-range melee hireling (e.g. act 2 or act 5 hireling) to protect you in short range attack from enemies
Must add stats points on dexterity to achieve highest physical damage
Must have a lot of items or charms to boost life and to enhance overall resistances
Hope this helps you a lot in your setting-up of your missle character.
Click Here to My Ebay Store
Orignal From: The DOs of Setting up a Missile Character in D2 LOD
Godly gear for at least 15 skill points boost and strength and dexterity enhancement
Must have high percentage of life and mana leech generated by your gear or items in inventory
Must have high percentage of fastest hit recovery by holding small charms with such mods PLUS life, resistance and dexterity enhancement.
Must have a short-range melee hireling (e.g. act 2 or act 5 hireling) to protect you in short range attack from enemies
Must add stats points on dexterity to achieve highest physical damage
Must have a lot of items or charms to boost life and to enhance overall resistances
Hope this helps you a lot in your setting-up of your missle character.
Click Here to My Ebay Store
Orignal From: The DOs of Setting up a Missile Character in D2 LOD
Signs that a Second Chance Offer is a SCAM
Second Chance Offers are usually used to allow non winning bidders to get an item that they placed a bid on. Unfortunately many ebayers are using Second Chance Offers to their advantage through SCAMMING. Here is a checklist of things to do and look out for when dealing with Second Chance Offers.
Make sure that the Second Chance Offer came through your My Messages inbox in your ebay account. If it did not it is likely a SCAM. Do not commit to a Second Chance Offer that is made through one of your outside email addresses.
Contact the seller through his or her ebay account email address and request their contact infomation along with phone number. Always use contact through their ebay email address because this establishes a record of communication between you and the seller.
If the Seller refuses to offer contact infomation do not commit to the Second Chance Offer.
Second Chance Offers SCAMMING is usually linked to items related to Motors, Laptops, and any other high value goods. Before committing to it make sure that it is legitimate. Make sure it passes all the infomation on my checklist. If you found this guide helpful click YES to make it more visible.
Orignal From: Signs that a Second Chance Offer is a SCAM
Make sure that the Second Chance Offer came through your My Messages inbox in your ebay account. If it did not it is likely a SCAM. Do not commit to a Second Chance Offer that is made through one of your outside email addresses.
Contact the seller through his or her ebay account email address and request their contact infomation along with phone number. Always use contact through their ebay email address because this establishes a record of communication between you and the seller.
If the Seller refuses to offer contact infomation do not commit to the Second Chance Offer.
Second Chance Offers SCAMMING is usually linked to items related to Motors, Laptops, and any other high value goods. Before committing to it make sure that it is legitimate. Make sure it passes all the infomation on my checklist. If you found this guide helpful click YES to make it more visible.
Orignal From: Signs that a Second Chance Offer is a SCAM
Paypal Login Scam
These scams have been around since paypal was first introduced to the ebay community. I myself have never paid much attention until i started recieving them in my inbox. Today, most ebay users have a paypal account and these accounts are a prime target for scammers. Most of these scams will arrive via your email. It will present itself in a very official looking email receipt of a paypal payment from your account. When you open it , a very authentic looking paypal statement will appear. It will be for an item that you havent bought or even looked at, and will be for a more than nominal amount. On this invoice there will be a button that states if you did not pay for this item click here, on the premise that you will be opening a dispute. The next page you will see will be a VERY authentic looking paypal login page-very familiar to all paypal users. After entering account, password and login button , you will land on an empty link and you may even backscreen and make another attempt. You have just given some scammer everything he/she needs to access your account and all your personal information. They can now take over your account, steal your identity, and take all your money. If you fall into this trap you must immediately change your password or ontact paypal immediately. In doing this make sure you login with the link that is available on the left column of your my ebay page, as this is probably your most secure link. Paypals home page will always be with https://www.paypal.com/. If you are at a site without the https it is insecure and it probably isnt from paypal. It is also a good idea to download the ebay toolbar as it contains the account guard which will inform you when you are visiting a real or a fake ebay or paypal site. Most of these scams are hard to detect and even harder to to find the scammer doing them, they are done using stolen email accounts and done from public internet terminals so you cant trace them. Dont be a victim, never enter your login information unless you are 100% sure it is a legit paypal site. Thank you for reading my guide and if you found this helpful, please vote yes below..
Orignal From: Paypal Login Scam
Playstation : Complete (S-Z) list of USA Released games
Here's the fourth and last part of all the
NTSC-U
Playstation 1 officially released games. The first Playstation had a
library of over 1200 titles. There's so many titles that I need to put
up 4 eBay guides to put them all up because of the character limit. Look up
for my other 3 parts of this guide to get all the games from A to Z.
S.C.A.R.S.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch - A Twitch In Time
Saga Frontier
SaGa Frontier 2
Saiyuki - Journey West
Sammy Sosa's Softball Slam
Saltwater Sport Fishing
Samurai Showdown 3
Samurai Showdown - Warrior Rage
San Francisco Rush
Scooby Doo - Classic Creep Capers
Scooby Doo and the Cyber Chase
Scrabble
Sea-Doo HydroCross
Sentient
Sentinel Returns
Sesame Street Sports
Shadow Madness
Shadow Man
Shadow Master
Shadow Tower
Shanghai - True Valor
Shao Lin
Sheep
Sheep Raider
Shellshock
Shipwreckers
Shockwave Assault
SideWinder
Silent Bomber
Silent Hill
Silhouette Mirage
Silverload
Sim City 2000
Sim Theme Park
Simpsons Wrestling
Skeleton Warriors
Skull Monkeys
SkyDiving Extreme
Slam'n Jam '96
Slamscape
Sledstorm
Slots - 6/17/03
Small Soldiers
Smurf Racer
Sno Cross Championship Racing
Snowboarding
Soul Blade
Soul of the Samurai
South Park
South Park Chefs Luv Shack
South Park Rally
Soviet Strike
Space Debris
Space Griffon VF-9
Space Hulk - Vengeance Of The Blood Angels
Space Invaders
Space Jam
Spawn The Eternal
Spec Ops - Ranger Elite
Spec Ops - Airborne Commando
Spec Ops - Covert Assault
Spec Ops - Stealth Patrol
Speed Punks
Speed Racer
Speedball 2100
Spice World
Spider
Spider-Man
Spider-Man 2 - Enter Electro
Spin Jam
SpongeBob Squarepants
Sports Car GT
Spot Goes To Hollywood
Spyro Collectors Edition
Spyro the Dragon
Spyro the Dragon 2 - Riptos Rage
Spyro the Dragon - Year of the Dragon
Star Gladiator
Star Ocean - Second Story
Star Sweep ( Puzzle )
Star Trek Invasion
Star Wars - Dark Forces
Star Wars - Demolition
Star Wars - Episode 1 - Phantom Menace
Star Wars - Jedi Power Battles
Star Wars - Masters of Teras Kasi
Star Wars - Rebel Assault II The Hidden Empire
Starblade Alpha
Starfighter Savein
Starwinder - The Ultimate Space Race
Steel Harbinger
Steel Reign
Streak - Hover Board Racing
Street Fighter Alpha
Street Fighter Alpha 2
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Street Fighter Collection
Street Fighter Collection 2
Street Fighter EX Plus
Street Fighter EX2 Plus
Street Racer Deluxe
Street Sk8er
Street Sk8er 2
Strider 2
Strike Point
Striker Pro 2000
Strikers 1945
Stuart Little 2
Suikoden
Suikoden 2
Super Bike 2000
Super Bubble Pop
Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
Super Shot Soccer
Supercross 2000
Supercross 2001
Supercross '98 w/ Jeremy McGrath
Supercross Circuit
Superman
Surf Riders
SUV Mania - 8/26/03
Swagman
Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
Syndicate Wars
Syphon Filter
Syphon Filter 2
Syphonfilter 3
T'ai Fu
T'ai Fu W-O-T-T
T.R.A.G. Mission Mercy
Tactics Ogre
Tail Concerto
Tail of the Sun
Tales of Destiny
Tales of Destiny 2
Tarzan
Team Buddies
Team Losi RC Racer
Tecmo - Deception
Tecmo - Deception 3 Dark Delusion
Tecmo - Stackers
Tecmo - Super Bowl
Tecmo - World Golf
Tekken
Tekken 2
Tekken 3
Tempest-X
Ten Pin Alley
Tenchu 2 Birth of the Stealth Assassins
Tenchu Stealth Assassins
Tennis
Tennis Arena
Test Drive 4
Test Drive 5
Test Drive 6
Test Drive Le Mans
Test Drive Off Road
Test Drive Off Road 2
Test Drive Off Road 3
Tetris Plus
The Adventures of Lomax in Lemmingland
The Adventure of Phix - 7/8/03
The Amazing Virtual Sea-Monkeys
The Crow City Of Angels
The Divide Enemies Within
The Emperors New Groove
The Fifth Element
The Final Round
The Flintstones Bedrock Bowling
The Game of Life
The Grinch
The Hive
The Italian Job
The Land Before Time - Great Valley Racing Adventure
The Land Before Time - Return To The Great Valley
The Lion King 2 - Simba's Mighty Adventure
The Little Mermaid 2
The Misadventures of Tron Bonne
The Mummy
The Next Tetris
The Road to El Dorado
The Smurfs
The Sniper 9/9/03
The UnHoly War
The Weakest Link
The World Is Not Enough
The X-Files
Theme Aquarium
Theme Hospital
Theme Park
Thousand Arms
Thrasher - Skate & Destroy
Threads of Fate
Thunder Force 5 Perfect System
ThunderStrike 2
Thunder Truck Rally
Tic Tac Chicken
Tiger Woods PGA Tour
Tiger Woods PGA Tour '99
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2000
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2001
TIGERSHARK
Tiggers Honey Hunt
Time Commando
Time Crisis 2 Project Titan
Time Crisis with Guncom
Tiny Tank
Tiny Tank - Up Your Arsenal
Tiny Toons - Plucky's Big Adventure
Tiny Toons - The Great Beanstalk
TNN Motorsports - Hardcore 4X4
TNN Motorsports - Hardcore TR2
Tobal No. 1
Tobal No. 2
TOCA 2 - Touring Car Challenge
TOCA - Championship Racing
TOCA - Touring Car Championship 2
Tokyo Highway Battle
Tom & Jerry - House Trap
Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider 2 - Classic
Tomb Raider 3 - Adventures Of Laura Croft
Tomb Raider 4 - The Last Revelation
Tomb Raider 5 - Chronicles
Tomb Raider Compilation: 1-3
Tomba!
Tomba! 2 - The Evil Swine Return
Tomorrow Never Dies
Tonka Space Station
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
Toonenstein - Dare To Scare
Top Gun - Fire At Will
Torneko - The Last Hope
Total Eclipse Turbo
Toy Story 2 - Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue
Toy Story Racer
Track & Field 2000
Trap Gunner
Treasures of the Deep
Trick'n Snowboarder
Triple Play '97
Triple Play '98
Triple Play '99
Triple Play 2000
Triple Play 2001
Triple Play 2002
Tunnel B1
Turbo Prop Racing
Twisted Metal
Twisted Metal 2 World Tour
Twisted Metal 3
Twisted Metal 4
Twisted Metal Small Braw
Tyco RC - Assault with a Battery
Ultimate 8 Ball
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Un Jammer Lammy
Uprising X
Urban Chaos
V.I.P.
V Rally '97 World Championship
Vagrant Story
Valkyrie Profile
Vampire Hunter D
Vanark
Vandal Hearts
Vandal Hearts 2
Vanguard Bandits
Vanishing Point
Vegas Games 2000
Viewpoint
Vigilante 8
Vigilante 8 - Second Offense
Virtual Kasparov
Virtual Tennis
VIVA Soccer
V M X Racing
VR Baseball '97
VR Baseball '99
VR Golf
VR Pool
VR Power Boat Racing
Vs
War Games - Defcon 1
War Gods
Warcraft II - Dark Saga
Warhammer - Shadow of the Horned Rat
Warhammer 2 - Dark Omen
Warhawk - The Red Mercury Missions
Warriors of Might & Magic
Warzone 2100
WCW / NWO Thunder
WCW Backstage Assault
WCW Mayhem
WCW Nitro
WCW vs The World
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune 2
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire 2nd Ed.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire 3rd Ed.
Wild 9
Wild Arms
Wild Arms 2
Wild Thornberrys Animal Adventure
Wing Commander 3
Wing Commander 4
Winnie The Pooh Kindergarten
Winnie The Pooh Preschool
Wipeout
Wipeout 3
Wipeout XL
Woody Woodpecker Racing
World Cup '98
World Cup Golf Pro
World Destruction League - Thunder Tanks
World Destruction League - War Jetz
World's Scariest Police Chases
Worms
Worms Armageddon
Worms Pinball
Worms World Party
Wreckin Crew - Drive Dangerously
Wu Tang - Shaolin Style
WWF Attitude
WWF In Your House
WWF Smackdown
WWF Smackdown 2 - Know Your Role
WWF Warzone
WWF Wrestlemania - The Arcade Game
X Games - Pro Boarder
X Men - Children of Atom
X Men - Mutant Academy
X-Men - Mutant Academy 2
X Men vs Street Fighter
Xbladz - In Line Skating
Xena - Warrior Princess
Xenogears
Xevious 3D/G
You Don't Know Jack
You Don't Know Jack Mock 2
Zero Divide
ZoBooMaFoo - Leapin Leamurs
Zoop
Orignal From: Playstation : Complete (S-Z) list of USA Released games
NTSC-U
Playstation 1 officially released games. The first Playstation had a
library of over 1200 titles. There's so many titles that I need to put
up 4 eBay guides to put them all up because of the character limit. Look up
for my other 3 parts of this guide to get all the games from A to Z.
S.C.A.R.S.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch - A Twitch In Time
Saga Frontier
SaGa Frontier 2
Saiyuki - Journey West
Sammy Sosa's Softball Slam
Saltwater Sport Fishing
Samurai Showdown 3
Samurai Showdown - Warrior Rage
San Francisco Rush
Scooby Doo - Classic Creep Capers
Scooby Doo and the Cyber Chase
Scrabble
Sea-Doo HydroCross
Sentient
Sentinel Returns
Sesame Street Sports
Shadow Madness
Shadow Man
Shadow Master
Shadow Tower
Shanghai - True Valor
Shao Lin
Sheep
Sheep Raider
Shellshock
Shipwreckers
Shockwave Assault
SideWinder
Silent Bomber
Silent Hill
Silhouette Mirage
Silverload
Sim City 2000
Sim Theme Park
Simpsons Wrestling
Skeleton Warriors
Skull Monkeys
SkyDiving Extreme
Slam'n Jam '96
Slamscape
Sledstorm
Slots - 6/17/03
Small Soldiers
Smurf Racer
Sno Cross Championship Racing
Snowboarding
Soul Blade
Soul of the Samurai
South Park
South Park Chefs Luv Shack
South Park Rally
Soviet Strike
Space Debris
Space Griffon VF-9
Space Hulk - Vengeance Of The Blood Angels
Space Invaders
Space Jam
Spawn The Eternal
Spec Ops - Ranger Elite
Spec Ops - Airborne Commando
Spec Ops - Covert Assault
Spec Ops - Stealth Patrol
Speed Punks
Speed Racer
Speedball 2100
Spice World
Spider
Spider-Man
Spider-Man 2 - Enter Electro
Spin Jam
SpongeBob Squarepants
Sports Car GT
Spot Goes To Hollywood
Spyro Collectors Edition
Spyro the Dragon
Spyro the Dragon 2 - Riptos Rage
Spyro the Dragon - Year of the Dragon
Star Gladiator
Star Ocean - Second Story
Star Sweep ( Puzzle )
Star Trek Invasion
Star Wars - Dark Forces
Star Wars - Demolition
Star Wars - Episode 1 - Phantom Menace
Star Wars - Jedi Power Battles
Star Wars - Masters of Teras Kasi
Star Wars - Rebel Assault II The Hidden Empire
Starblade Alpha
Starfighter Savein
Starwinder - The Ultimate Space Race
Steel Harbinger
Steel Reign
Streak - Hover Board Racing
Street Fighter Alpha
Street Fighter Alpha 2
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Street Fighter Collection
Street Fighter Collection 2
Street Fighter EX Plus
Street Fighter EX2 Plus
Street Racer Deluxe
Street Sk8er
Street Sk8er 2
Strider 2
Strike Point
Striker Pro 2000
Strikers 1945
Stuart Little 2
Suikoden
Suikoden 2
Super Bike 2000
Super Bubble Pop
Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
Super Shot Soccer
Supercross 2000
Supercross 2001
Supercross '98 w/ Jeremy McGrath
Supercross Circuit
Superman
Surf Riders
SUV Mania - 8/26/03
Swagman
Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
Syndicate Wars
Syphon Filter
Syphon Filter 2
Syphonfilter 3
T'ai Fu
T'ai Fu W-O-T-T
T.R.A.G. Mission Mercy
Tactics Ogre
Tail Concerto
Tail of the Sun
Tales of Destiny
Tales of Destiny 2
Tarzan
Team Buddies
Team Losi RC Racer
Tecmo - Deception
Tecmo - Deception 3 Dark Delusion
Tecmo - Stackers
Tecmo - Super Bowl
Tecmo - World Golf
Tekken
Tekken 2
Tekken 3
Tempest-X
Ten Pin Alley
Tenchu 2 Birth of the Stealth Assassins
Tenchu Stealth Assassins
Tennis
Tennis Arena
Test Drive 4
Test Drive 5
Test Drive 6
Test Drive Le Mans
Test Drive Off Road
Test Drive Off Road 2
Test Drive Off Road 3
Tetris Plus
The Adventures of Lomax in Lemmingland
The Adventure of Phix - 7/8/03
The Amazing Virtual Sea-Monkeys
The Crow City Of Angels
The Divide Enemies Within
The Emperors New Groove
The Fifth Element
The Final Round
The Flintstones Bedrock Bowling
The Game of Life
The Grinch
The Hive
The Italian Job
The Land Before Time - Great Valley Racing Adventure
The Land Before Time - Return To The Great Valley
The Lion King 2 - Simba's Mighty Adventure
The Little Mermaid 2
The Misadventures of Tron Bonne
The Mummy
The Next Tetris
The Road to El Dorado
The Smurfs
The Sniper 9/9/03
The UnHoly War
The Weakest Link
The World Is Not Enough
The X-Files
Theme Aquarium
Theme Hospital
Theme Park
Thousand Arms
Thrasher - Skate & Destroy
Threads of Fate
Thunder Force 5 Perfect System
ThunderStrike 2
Thunder Truck Rally
Tic Tac Chicken
Tiger Woods PGA Tour
Tiger Woods PGA Tour '99
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2000
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2001
TIGERSHARK
Tiggers Honey Hunt
Time Commando
Time Crisis 2 Project Titan
Time Crisis with Guncom
Tiny Tank
Tiny Tank - Up Your Arsenal
Tiny Toons - Plucky's Big Adventure
Tiny Toons - The Great Beanstalk
TNN Motorsports - Hardcore 4X4
TNN Motorsports - Hardcore TR2
Tobal No. 1
Tobal No. 2
TOCA 2 - Touring Car Challenge
TOCA - Championship Racing
TOCA - Touring Car Championship 2
Tokyo Highway Battle
Tom & Jerry - House Trap
Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider 2 - Classic
Tomb Raider 3 - Adventures Of Laura Croft
Tomb Raider 4 - The Last Revelation
Tomb Raider 5 - Chronicles
Tomb Raider Compilation: 1-3
Tomba!
Tomba! 2 - The Evil Swine Return
Tomorrow Never Dies
Tonka Space Station
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
Toonenstein - Dare To Scare
Top Gun - Fire At Will
Torneko - The Last Hope
Total Eclipse Turbo
Toy Story 2 - Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue
Toy Story Racer
Track & Field 2000
Trap Gunner
Treasures of the Deep
Trick'n Snowboarder
Triple Play '97
Triple Play '98
Triple Play '99
Triple Play 2000
Triple Play 2001
Triple Play 2002
Tunnel B1
Turbo Prop Racing
Twisted Metal
Twisted Metal 2 World Tour
Twisted Metal 3
Twisted Metal 4
Twisted Metal Small Braw
Tyco RC - Assault with a Battery
Ultimate 8 Ball
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Un Jammer Lammy
Uprising X
Urban Chaos
V.I.P.
V Rally '97 World Championship
Vagrant Story
Valkyrie Profile
Vampire Hunter D
Vanark
Vandal Hearts
Vandal Hearts 2
Vanguard Bandits
Vanishing Point
Vegas Games 2000
Viewpoint
Vigilante 8
Vigilante 8 - Second Offense
Virtual Kasparov
Virtual Tennis
VIVA Soccer
V M X Racing
VR Baseball '97
VR Baseball '99
VR Golf
VR Pool
VR Power Boat Racing
Vs
War Games - Defcon 1
War Gods
Warcraft II - Dark Saga
Warhammer - Shadow of the Horned Rat
Warhammer 2 - Dark Omen
Warhawk - The Red Mercury Missions
Warriors of Might & Magic
Warzone 2100
WCW / NWO Thunder
WCW Backstage Assault
WCW Mayhem
WCW Nitro
WCW vs The World
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune 2
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire 2nd Ed.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire 3rd Ed.
Wild 9
Wild Arms
Wild Arms 2
Wild Thornberrys Animal Adventure
Wing Commander 3
Wing Commander 4
Winnie The Pooh Kindergarten
Winnie The Pooh Preschool
Wipeout
Wipeout 3
Wipeout XL
Woody Woodpecker Racing
World Cup '98
World Cup Golf Pro
World Destruction League - Thunder Tanks
World Destruction League - War Jetz
World's Scariest Police Chases
Worms
Worms Armageddon
Worms Pinball
Worms World Party
Wreckin Crew - Drive Dangerously
Wu Tang - Shaolin Style
WWF Attitude
WWF In Your House
WWF Smackdown
WWF Smackdown 2 - Know Your Role
WWF Warzone
WWF Wrestlemania - The Arcade Game
X Games - Pro Boarder
X Men - Children of Atom
X Men - Mutant Academy
X-Men - Mutant Academy 2
X Men vs Street Fighter
Xbladz - In Line Skating
Xena - Warrior Princess
Xenogears
Xevious 3D/G
You Don't Know Jack
You Don't Know Jack Mock 2
Zero Divide
ZoBooMaFoo - Leapin Leamurs
Zoop
Orignal From: Playstation : Complete (S-Z) list of USA Released games
Pearl White Nintendo DS - Nintendo DS Pearl White
Pearl White Nintendo DS - Nintendo DS Pearl White
Customization is so key in gadgets and technology. XBox 360
faceplates are all the rage. Pink RAZRs and Blue RAZRs are getting
buzz... well now Nintendo has created a new color series of the
Nintendo DS. One of the most sought after is the Pearl White Nintendo DS which
is very difficult to grab on the market - silver is shown below.
Features
Dimensions (WxDxH): 14.8 cm x 2.8 cm x 8.5 cm
Weight 275 g
The Nintendo DS is fully backwards
compatible with all Game Boy Advance titles.
I am an eBay employee and this guide reflects my personal views and is not written on behalf of the eBay company
Orignal From: Pearl White Nintendo DS - Nintendo DS Pearl White
Customization is so key in gadgets and technology. XBox 360
faceplates are all the rage. Pink RAZRs and Blue RAZRs are getting
buzz... well now Nintendo has created a new color series of the
Nintendo DS. One of the most sought after is the Pearl White Nintendo DS which
is very difficult to grab on the market - silver is shown below.
Features
Dimensions (WxDxH): 14.8 cm x 2.8 cm x 8.5 cm
Weight 275 g
The Nintendo DS is fully backwards
compatible with all Game Boy Advance titles.
I am an eBay employee and this guide reflects my personal views and is not written on behalf of the eBay company
Orignal From: Pearl White Nintendo DS - Nintendo DS Pearl White
How not to ship an expensive item!
This is a quick little guide just to let un-informed or new ebayers know some knitty-gritty truths of shipment. If you are the seller, you must get signature confirmation, delivery confirmation, or order tracking, which ever you can through the parcel service of your choice.
Why it costs more?
Yes it does, but heres the real deal. Say you sell an xbox 360 for example, it goes for 450 shipped. Cool. Now you get your paypal payment and then ship your item, all it well, right.
NO
All is not well, this buyer can still revoke payment via the credit card company, bank, or say they never received the item.
PayPal will refund them your money!
Yes, unfortunatly no matter how much email or proof in ebay you can send them does'nt make a bit of difference.
Pay for tracking, IT IS WELL WORTH IT!
Orignal From: How not to ship an expensive item!
Why it costs more?
Yes it does, but heres the real deal. Say you sell an xbox 360 for example, it goes for 450 shipped. Cool. Now you get your paypal payment and then ship your item, all it well, right.
NO
All is not well, this buyer can still revoke payment via the credit card company, bank, or say they never received the item.
PayPal will refund them your money!
Yes, unfortunatly no matter how much email or proof in ebay you can send them does'nt make a bit of difference.
Pay for tracking, IT IS WELL WORTH IT!
Orignal From: How not to ship an expensive item!
Nintendo Gamecube Games: Best Selling Gamecube Games
Nintendo Gamecube Games: Best Selling Gamecube GamesOld
school video game buffs agree that Nintendo is where its at - Nintendo,
Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 (N64) are the classic video game consoles
of our generation. But Nintendo Gamecube was Nintendo's entrance into
the now very competitive landscape of high-resolution gaming systems
(ie XBox, Playstation II, Gamecube, etc). If
you own a Nintendo Gamecube, you surely have heard of the below titles
- these are the 11 most popular Gamecube games - all of which have sold
1,000,000 copies. So add to your collection now!Best Selling Nintendo GameCube: The 1,000,000 copy club1 * Super Smash Bros. Melee (4 million)2 * Super Mario Sunshine (2.04 million)3 * The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (1.92 million)4 * Mario Kart: Double Dash !! (1.89 million)5 * Luigi's Mansion (1.7 million)6 * Metroid Prime (1.3 million)7 * Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (1.14 million)8 * Animal Crossing (1.02 million)9 * Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (1 million)10 * Star Fox Adventures (1 million)11 * Mario Party 4 (1 million)Note: Stats are approximates for end of 2005. Stats are from sales estimates from Wikipedia
Related Video Game Guides:The Ultimate N64 Collection Top Nintendo / NES Games Best Selling Video Games Ever Best Selling PC Games Ever
I am an eBay employee and this guide reflects my personal views and is not written on behalf of the eBay company
Orignal From: Nintendo Gamecube Games: Best Selling Gamecube Games
school video game buffs agree that Nintendo is where its at - Nintendo,
Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 (N64) are the classic video game consoles
of our generation. But Nintendo Gamecube was Nintendo's entrance into
the now very competitive landscape of high-resolution gaming systems
(ie XBox, Playstation II, Gamecube, etc). If
you own a Nintendo Gamecube, you surely have heard of the below titles
- these are the 11 most popular Gamecube games - all of which have sold
1,000,000 copies. So add to your collection now!Best Selling Nintendo GameCube: The 1,000,000 copy club1 * Super Smash Bros. Melee (4 million)2 * Super Mario Sunshine (2.04 million)3 * The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (1.92 million)4 * Mario Kart: Double Dash !! (1.89 million)5 * Luigi's Mansion (1.7 million)6 * Metroid Prime (1.3 million)7 * Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (1.14 million)8 * Animal Crossing (1.02 million)9 * Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (1 million)10 * Star Fox Adventures (1 million)11 * Mario Party 4 (1 million)Note: Stats are approximates for end of 2005. Stats are from sales estimates from Wikipedia
Related Video Game Guides:The Ultimate N64 Collection Top Nintendo / NES Games Best Selling Video Games Ever Best Selling PC Games Ever
I am an eBay employee and this guide reflects my personal views and is not written on behalf of the eBay company
Orignal From: Nintendo Gamecube Games: Best Selling Gamecube Games
BEWARE LOCAL PICK UP
Some of us eBay sellers might have received personal messages if the "buyer" could pick up the items they've bought if they do Buy it Now.This happened to me, but not from eBay it was from other site I'll not state. So no worries eBay. Just want to share my story so other eBayers can be careful if same thing happen to them.Someone posted to pay for my item with paypal and they will pick the item up.So they did. We met, he sent me money through paypal with his iphone. Took the item and left.Then I notice that he didn't have his address in his paypal account and my status of seller protection policy was INELIGIBLE. ha.. ha.. ha... ha.........A week later, paypal sent me a note that the transaction must be investigated(it was $1100 value) and asked me where I shipped the item. When the guy sent me the money, he chose cash advance option. I explained to them that we met in person and he picked the item up.Here's what they did--- another week later they reveresed $1100 back to him, investigation closed.Huh.. so he got my $1100 worth of item... for... free......I e-mailed paypal about this situation and reported police of this issue. 2 months already I haven't received any updates.Last week paypal just replied me (after a month) that there can't be further action because investigation was closed. .. !!!So I was very upset(I had to tell the story twice and they still didn't do anything). So I used kind of offensive language saying that they're just lazy.They sent me back to tell them the situation again and if I continue to use abusive language they will stop serving me (???)(ok, so I told the story twice and they didn't help and they'll stop helping me even if they've never helped me). It's very hard to get paypal to assist you when you really have a serious problem. Because to them, when case is closed it's closed. Nothing more nothing less and they don't really care of what happened.Now I just have to have my police call them.But just tell you eBayers to beware of local pick ups as the buyer might say they've never get to meet you and want to do chargeback on their money paypal will sway the buyer's side. (btw, I had proofs of emails, his phone number, and the guy pictures.. police still couldn't do anything)So be careful guys. Pls. vote "Yes" if you find this guide helpful.
Orignal From: BEWARE LOCAL PICK UP
Orignal From: BEWARE LOCAL PICK UP
Don麓t Buy anyting to JUN SHAO, Beijing - P.R.China
This is the story and i hope anyone get trought:
I won, see the feedback information and he have 12 positive answers, and i pay a computer from this guy by paypal and i receive the first e-mail:
"Dear friendI am sorry ,I can't accept paypal.If you via Western Union money transfer or ."
I cancel the paypal payment and i receive the next e-mail:
"Dear friend;We prefer western unionBeijing,P.R.China.2.my Bank account information : Bank of China ,BEIJIANG BRANCH NO.8 YaBaoLu.Chao Yang District,Beijing,China A/C holder name : my first name is : JUN, my last name is : SHAO A/C NO4060600-0188-004427-2SWIFT code:BKCH CN BJ 110 when I receive your payment ,I will send the item to you right now.It may take you 3-5 daysThanks"
I made the payment by Western Union, inform the seller and ask him about the informations of shiping and he send me another e-mail:
"Dear friend:Thank you for your email .Of course we will inform you when the payment arrive .I can assure that I would shipping the item for you ASAP if we receive the payment .Thank you very much! You will get the best thing of the world and we are waiting for your order all the time! If you have any question ,please let me know by email!Best wishes to you!sincerely yoursBeijingP.R.China"
Then he send me two e-mails and i say do not understand what he want and send him a copy of the payment:
"Dear friend:I checked my bank.Can't get your payment.Because you name mistake that pays the time of to I.Please pay the detailed name of time to you to tell me.I wait for your news.Thanks"
"Dear FriendPlease translate you pay the name of the time into English to reply to me.Such I then can confirm your payment.Enter to send the item to you early.Will give you the EMS track the numeral.Thanks"
After that i dont receive any answer to my e-mails and i chech the information of the guy and appers that is no logger a rigistered ebay user.
This is the full history, i pay 162,50鈧?and dont recieve anything.
Orignal From: Don麓t Buy anyting to JUN SHAO, Beijing - P.R.China
I won, see the feedback information and he have 12 positive answers, and i pay a computer from this guy by paypal and i receive the first e-mail:
"Dear friendI am sorry ,I can't accept paypal.If you via Western Union money transfer or ."
I cancel the paypal payment and i receive the next e-mail:
"Dear friend;We prefer western unionBeijing,P.R.China.2.my Bank account information : Bank of China ,BEIJIANG BRANCH NO.8 YaBaoLu.Chao Yang District,Beijing,China A/C holder name : my first name is : JUN, my last name is : SHAO A/C NO4060600-0188-004427-2SWIFT code:BKCH CN BJ 110 when I receive your payment ,I will send the item to you right now.It may take you 3-5 daysThanks"
I made the payment by Western Union, inform the seller and ask him about the informations of shiping and he send me another e-mail:
"Dear friend:Thank you for your email .Of course we will inform you when the payment arrive .I can assure that I would shipping the item for you ASAP if we receive the payment .Thank you very much! You will get the best thing of the world and we are waiting for your order all the time! If you have any question ,please let me know by email!Best wishes to you!sincerely yoursBeijingP.R.China"
Then he send me two e-mails and i say do not understand what he want and send him a copy of the payment:
"Dear friend:I checked my bank.Can't get your payment.Because you name mistake that pays the time of to I.Please pay the detailed name of time to you to tell me.I wait for your news.Thanks"
"Dear FriendPlease translate you pay the name of the time into English to reply to me.Such I then can confirm your payment.Enter to send the item to you early.Will give you the EMS track the numeral.Thanks"
After that i dont receive any answer to my e-mails and i chech the information of the guy and appers that is no logger a rigistered ebay user.
This is the full history, i pay 162,50鈧?and dont recieve anything.
Orignal From: Don麓t Buy anyting to JUN SHAO, Beijing - P.R.China
USPS shipping (PC games and software) for buyers
Often, buyers seem unfamiliar regarding shipping and handling charges for video games and software. This guide is designed to help new ebay'ers understand United States Postal Service (USPS) shipping options.
Understand what YOU are paying for:
In most situations, the buyer pays for shipping and handling. Because you (the buyer) are paying for a service, it is always best to be a informed consumer. You need to understand that the option that you choose will determine your cost and the amount of time you will wait to receive your purchase.Get it at a reasonable price!We check our competition very often. Shipping and handling charges (S&H) vary from seller to seller and we have seen some extremes. Always add the purchase price of the item and the S&H cost to arrive at a total cost of ownership. Compare the total cost between the various sellers offering the item that you are interested in buying. Make a decision based on cost and your comfort level with the seller reputation (feedback rating).
When will my purchase arrive?
Ebay is quick to note that "sellers are not responsible for service transit time". Not trying to insult anyones intelligence, but I must state that buyers must realize that the seller is not delivering the item to you.
Basically, the amount of money that you are willing to spend will determine how quickly your item will arrive.
USPS Media Mail
A special class of mail designated for (as the name implies) media. Media can include disks, discs (CD's and/or DVD's) and the original form of media, books and printed media. Media Mail is inexpensive and usually slow. Let's face it, you get what you pay for. We offer Media Mail service for our buyers who are interested in the lowest cost possible.The few complaints that we receive, about speed of delivery, are due to Media Mail shipments. If you want it within a week, upgrade to First Class Mail.
USPS First Class Mail
Just as its name, this is a first class mail service. First Class is usually faster than Media Mail and Parcel Post. It is slightly more expensive than Media Mail, but worth the cost. We have actually seen First Class packages travel from the East coast to the West coast in two days (although this is not normal). Most First Class deliveries require 3-10 days.First Class service can not be used for packages weighing more than 13 ounces. If you buy two or more items, First Class can not be used.
USPS Priority Mail
This is the fastest of the most economical mail services. Priority Mail will go from anywhere in the lower 48 to anywhere in the lower 48 in 2-3 days. Service to Alaska and Hawaii usually requires an extra day to two.Priority is the best choice if you want it fast.
USPS Express Mail
Express Mail is fast (overnight / 1-day service to most locations) but it is expensive. We recommend that you stay away from the added expense. Use Prioriy Mail and be patient for an extra day or two.
Orignal From: USPS shipping (PC games and software) for buyers
Understand what YOU are paying for:
In most situations, the buyer pays for shipping and handling. Because you (the buyer) are paying for a service, it is always best to be a informed consumer. You need to understand that the option that you choose will determine your cost and the amount of time you will wait to receive your purchase.Get it at a reasonable price!We check our competition very often. Shipping and handling charges (S&H) vary from seller to seller and we have seen some extremes. Always add the purchase price of the item and the S&H cost to arrive at a total cost of ownership. Compare the total cost between the various sellers offering the item that you are interested in buying. Make a decision based on cost and your comfort level with the seller reputation (feedback rating).
When will my purchase arrive?
Ebay is quick to note that "sellers are not responsible for service transit time". Not trying to insult anyones intelligence, but I must state that buyers must realize that the seller is not delivering the item to you.
Basically, the amount of money that you are willing to spend will determine how quickly your item will arrive.
USPS Media Mail
A special class of mail designated for (as the name implies) media. Media can include disks, discs (CD's and/or DVD's) and the original form of media, books and printed media. Media Mail is inexpensive and usually slow. Let's face it, you get what you pay for. We offer Media Mail service for our buyers who are interested in the lowest cost possible.The few complaints that we receive, about speed of delivery, are due to Media Mail shipments. If you want it within a week, upgrade to First Class Mail.
USPS First Class Mail
Just as its name, this is a first class mail service. First Class is usually faster than Media Mail and Parcel Post. It is slightly more expensive than Media Mail, but worth the cost. We have actually seen First Class packages travel from the East coast to the West coast in two days (although this is not normal). Most First Class deliveries require 3-10 days.First Class service can not be used for packages weighing more than 13 ounces. If you buy two or more items, First Class can not be used.
USPS Priority Mail
This is the fastest of the most economical mail services. Priority Mail will go from anywhere in the lower 48 to anywhere in the lower 48 in 2-3 days. Service to Alaska and Hawaii usually requires an extra day to two.Priority is the best choice if you want it fast.
USPS Express Mail
Express Mail is fast (overnight / 1-day service to most locations) but it is expensive. We recommend that you stay away from the added expense. Use Prioriy Mail and be patient for an extra day or two.
Orignal From: USPS shipping (PC games and software) for buyers
Rare or VERY RARE - That is the question....
Rare or VERY RARE - That is the question....
Time to get on my soap box. Too many people are using the word RARE in their descriptions of items that aren't. It seems that just about every other auction anymore says it's rare. I guess this might stem from the idea that marketing is everything. After all, that's what drives the economy anymore. No matter where you go or what you do, you see marketing in some form or another. Everything from billboard ads in the background at sports games to casino advertisements painted on the backs of boxers. When you drive around, just about on every corner you see signs advertising everything from sports tickets to summer jobs to health insurance. Sometimes I think there's more advertising on TV than actual programming. Everything seems to be limited edition, one of a kind, going out of business sale, but at wholesale.... These are all catch phrases to draw you in. I think with all this overloading of advertising in everything we see and do today, people have learned that to sell it and you only have one, then it must be one of a kind and therefore RARE. So, they list their item and mark it as rare. Don't get me wrong, there are items out there that are actually rare. But, I would guess that 50% or more of the items listed on Ebay as rare actually aren't.
As a buyer, you need to be cautious. Do you know the seller? Are they trustworthy is the real question. If they sell a lot of the same type of items, such as paper money, then they probably know what they're talking about. Take a look at their feedback. Less than 100 positives and relatively new to Ebay? When did they sign up on Ebay? Most of their listings are selling as RARE? Probably not. If the seller has 50 items listed and it's the only item of it's type and the only item listed as rare, then it's a good possibility that it actually is.
Look at the whole auction. Is it marked extremely rare with no reserve but the starting price is $1. Why? Why would the seller start it at such a low bid with no reserve if the item was truely rare? One, the seller is either dumping it and just wants rid of it. Or two, the seller is willing to take whatever they can get for it. Email the seller and ask them. If they give you a general answer and no specifics as to why it's rare, then there's a major hint it's not. If the seller has it marked rare, they should be able to easily tell you clearly why it's such a unique item.
Also, with the power of the internet, take advantage of the research power you have. You can find anything on the internet if you search hard enough. Do some research. Hit the major search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc...and look for info on the item you're looking at buying. Believe me, it pays to do a little research on something that you don't know anything about. Also, be patient. Do some research on Ebay as well. You can search closed auctions from the last 30 days as well. Just click on Advanced search and then put a checkmark in the box that says "Search completed listings only". This way you can search for the item you want to buy in previous auctions. Look at what similar items sold for. If there's several of the same item that has sold recently, then it's not rare. Ebay only keeps auction for the last 30 days. Also take a look at the sellers closed auctions. Have they sold more than one of this item in the past as rare?
Lastly, just use some common sense. The old saying that has been around forever always applies..... "If it looks too good to be true, then it is!". All I'm saying is don't take the word RARE for it's face value. Do some research and make sure what you're buying is actually rare. It could save you some headaches later when you find out everyone has the same rare item you have...
Thanks for reading my guide... and don't forget to vote below if this info was helpful or not.
Rod
Orignal From: Rare or VERY RARE - That is the question....
Time to get on my soap box. Too many people are using the word RARE in their descriptions of items that aren't. It seems that just about every other auction anymore says it's rare. I guess this might stem from the idea that marketing is everything. After all, that's what drives the economy anymore. No matter where you go or what you do, you see marketing in some form or another. Everything from billboard ads in the background at sports games to casino advertisements painted on the backs of boxers. When you drive around, just about on every corner you see signs advertising everything from sports tickets to summer jobs to health insurance. Sometimes I think there's more advertising on TV than actual programming. Everything seems to be limited edition, one of a kind, going out of business sale, but at wholesale.... These are all catch phrases to draw you in. I think with all this overloading of advertising in everything we see and do today, people have learned that to sell it and you only have one, then it must be one of a kind and therefore RARE. So, they list their item and mark it as rare. Don't get me wrong, there are items out there that are actually rare. But, I would guess that 50% or more of the items listed on Ebay as rare actually aren't.
As a buyer, you need to be cautious. Do you know the seller? Are they trustworthy is the real question. If they sell a lot of the same type of items, such as paper money, then they probably know what they're talking about. Take a look at their feedback. Less than 100 positives and relatively new to Ebay? When did they sign up on Ebay? Most of their listings are selling as RARE? Probably not. If the seller has 50 items listed and it's the only item of it's type and the only item listed as rare, then it's a good possibility that it actually is.
Look at the whole auction. Is it marked extremely rare with no reserve but the starting price is $1. Why? Why would the seller start it at such a low bid with no reserve if the item was truely rare? One, the seller is either dumping it and just wants rid of it. Or two, the seller is willing to take whatever they can get for it. Email the seller and ask them. If they give you a general answer and no specifics as to why it's rare, then there's a major hint it's not. If the seller has it marked rare, they should be able to easily tell you clearly why it's such a unique item.
Also, with the power of the internet, take advantage of the research power you have. You can find anything on the internet if you search hard enough. Do some research. Hit the major search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc...and look for info on the item you're looking at buying. Believe me, it pays to do a little research on something that you don't know anything about. Also, be patient. Do some research on Ebay as well. You can search closed auctions from the last 30 days as well. Just click on Advanced search and then put a checkmark in the box that says "Search completed listings only". This way you can search for the item you want to buy in previous auctions. Look at what similar items sold for. If there's several of the same item that has sold recently, then it's not rare. Ebay only keeps auction for the last 30 days. Also take a look at the sellers closed auctions. Have they sold more than one of this item in the past as rare?
Lastly, just use some common sense. The old saying that has been around forever always applies..... "If it looks too good to be true, then it is!". All I'm saying is don't take the word RARE for it's face value. Do some research and make sure what you're buying is actually rare. It could save you some headaches later when you find out everyone has the same rare item you have...
Thanks for reading my guide... and don't forget to vote below if this info was helpful or not.
Rod
Orignal From: Rare or VERY RARE - That is the question....
XBox 360 Shipments - XBox 360 System Shipments News!
XBox 360 Shipments - XBox 360 System Shipments News!
Having trouble getting your hands on the hottest gift this season
(the XBox 360 System)?! Of course. Well here is some promising news
about the XBox 360 Shipments which have seen a shortage to date. This
is official news from USA Today:
"Microsoft's Molly O'Donnell says the company has 'a weekly
replenishment strategy.' The first follow-up shipment "is on the way,
and it should be on retailers' shelves by the end of the week or for
the weekend."
The article continues and estimates that between 300,000 and 400,000 Xbox 360s were available and sold on day one.
Orignal From: XBox 360 Shipments - XBox 360 System Shipments News!
Having trouble getting your hands on the hottest gift this season
(the XBox 360 System)?! Of course. Well here is some promising news
about the XBox 360 Shipments which have seen a shortage to date. This
is official news from USA Today:
"Microsoft's Molly O'Donnell says the company has 'a weekly
replenishment strategy.' The first follow-up shipment "is on the way,
and it should be on retailers' shelves by the end of the week or for
the weekend."
The article continues and estimates that between 300,000 and 400,000 Xbox 360s were available and sold on day one.
Orignal From: XBox 360 Shipments - XBox 360 System Shipments News!
Nintendo Wii - Nintendo Wii to Launch Q4
Nintendo Wii - Nintendo Wii to Launch Q4
Nintendo, known throughout the industry for years of video game ingenuity, recently launched the Nintendo Wii , a video game console that features wireless controllers, advanced control capabilities, and a handsome kick in power. Announced at this year's E3 Expo, Wii is likely to be available on the retail market by the year's end. The video game manufacturer says by the fourth quarter, Wii could be competing heavily with rivals Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.
Wii features an unconventional controlling system. First, there is a wireless, motion-sensor controller. In addition, you can also use a nunchuck controller as a weapon of choice or as a shield or other device. Depending on the game you're playing, your controller can morph into a tennis racket, golf club, or sword. The controllers are meant to be actively used, like a real tennis racket or flight simulator.
The design is created to encourage more movement and to make the games more user friendly. After all, you don't play tennis by pushing "A" or "X" keys, you play it by swinging a racket. Nintendo is trying to capitalize on the realism of the games in this way, as opposed to over-the top graphics or media additions.
However, the games system is said to have hi-tech advances. It offers USB 2.0 and 802.11 b/g wireless networking, 512 MB of flash memory, and support for SD cards of varying size. A price has not yet been set for the console, but Wii is supposedly going to be more affordably priced than its graphics-loaded counterparts on the market.
Orignal From: Nintendo Wii - Nintendo Wii to Launch Q4
Nintendo, known throughout the industry for years of video game ingenuity, recently launched the Nintendo Wii , a video game console that features wireless controllers, advanced control capabilities, and a handsome kick in power. Announced at this year's E3 Expo, Wii is likely to be available on the retail market by the year's end. The video game manufacturer says by the fourth quarter, Wii could be competing heavily with rivals Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.
Wii features an unconventional controlling system. First, there is a wireless, motion-sensor controller. In addition, you can also use a nunchuck controller as a weapon of choice or as a shield or other device. Depending on the game you're playing, your controller can morph into a tennis racket, golf club, or sword. The controllers are meant to be actively used, like a real tennis racket or flight simulator.
The design is created to encourage more movement and to make the games more user friendly. After all, you don't play tennis by pushing "A" or "X" keys, you play it by swinging a racket. Nintendo is trying to capitalize on the realism of the games in this way, as opposed to over-the top graphics or media additions.
However, the games system is said to have hi-tech advances. It offers USB 2.0 and 802.11 b/g wireless networking, 512 MB of flash memory, and support for SD cards of varying size. A price has not yet been set for the console, but Wii is supposedly going to be more affordably priced than its graphics-loaded counterparts on the market.
Orignal From: Nintendo Wii - Nintendo Wii to Launch Q4
How to Talk Your Parents into a Xbox 360 for 2005!
You know you want a xbox 360. Its your mission to get one no
matter what! In this guide, I give you the ammunition you need to
go after your parents, or perhaps what you could call nay-sayers of the
xbox 360. (Now for those of you that read my guide "How to Talk
Your Kids Out of a Xbox for 2005" hold off on the hate mail,
and bear in mind that I give you 7 reasons, whereas the parents
only have 5, so it could be said the odds are in your favor)
The Xbox 360 is a Rare Commodity, and Therefore Valueable!
Retailers won't get nearly as many Xbox 360 units as originally
expected because Microsoft will not meet their production quotas for
the 2005 holiday season until sometime in the spring, but you
don't have to tell your parents that, because afterall you want them to
think they're making a sound investment here. All they need to
know is that the Xbox 360 is going to be a scarce resource this holiday
season and that you must have one. Your mom and dad should have
some things that are scarce - such as jewelry, fine wine, dare I say
hair, and should understand that a scarcity of anything increases it's
overall value. To add creditibility to your cliam you could do a
google search on the string "xbox 360 shortage".
It can play DVDs, and CDs!
In order to help you make your case for the Xbox 360 you need to
point out all the cool features it has, and how it will save your
parents money, or so they can think. If you don't have a DVD
player, then you could point out that a Xbox 360 would save about a $50
on a future purchase. Though this may be offsetted by the $1000
in games and accessories you'll want to get, you can worry about
crossing that bridge when you get to it.
It can play Music!
This is something your parents may have been wondering about for
some time. They may have more MP3s on their personal computer
that they know what to do with, and wonder how they could play them on
the home stereo. With a home network set up to work with the Xbox
360, its certainly do able. Although they'll want to get near
your beloved xbox 360 to hear their music. Don't allow them!
You can view Photos!
Your parents may have a gazillion different photos from vacations,
and who know's where else to on their computer. By purchasing a
xbox 360 they can then browse their pictures from within the comfort of
their living room tv.
Silly Arcade Games for the Whole Family!
Xbox Live has a feature that allows you to download some of the
classic games like Pac Man, Tetris, and Space Invaders. You could
suggest that this would allow for some good quality family time, and at
the same time remind them of what it was to be young and into games if
they are near say the age of 40 or so. Chances are they may feel
nostalgic to the old Pac Man, though it bores you to tears.
You'll Meet Friends from All Over the World!
Granted these new found friends may want to kill you (virtually),
and shout obscene things at you that comes after the fact that you've
got the Xbox 360. If you got it, then its mission accomplished;
if not, then you can suggest how teamwork in games builds up
communication, and leadership skills and is good way to make friends
with whom you share a common thing with. If you do a really good
job here, you may be able to convince them to fork out the $50 or so
dollars it costs for a year's subscription to xbox live.
It's an Excuse to get High Definition Tv!
You'll have to be careful here so that your parents don't think its
a requirement for you to thave HDTV, or this stratedgy could backfire
on you. By talking about the mind blowing graphics of the Xbox
360, and how it was intended to be on HDTVs, you can make it sound like
fun the whole entire family would enjoy.
Count'em up. Seven good reasons (any reason is a good reason
for a loyal fan, right?), versus the five reasons your parents may or
may not have if they read my opposing guide on this subject.
Chances are they didn't, and you're good.
Orignal From: How to Talk Your Parents into a Xbox 360 for 2005!
matter what! In this guide, I give you the ammunition you need to
go after your parents, or perhaps what you could call nay-sayers of the
xbox 360. (Now for those of you that read my guide "How to Talk
Your Kids Out of a Xbox for 2005" hold off on the hate mail,
and bear in mind that I give you 7 reasons, whereas the parents
only have 5, so it could be said the odds are in your favor)
The Xbox 360 is a Rare Commodity, and Therefore Valueable!
Retailers won't get nearly as many Xbox 360 units as originally
expected because Microsoft will not meet their production quotas for
the 2005 holiday season until sometime in the spring, but you
don't have to tell your parents that, because afterall you want them to
think they're making a sound investment here. All they need to
know is that the Xbox 360 is going to be a scarce resource this holiday
season and that you must have one. Your mom and dad should have
some things that are scarce - such as jewelry, fine wine, dare I say
hair, and should understand that a scarcity of anything increases it's
overall value. To add creditibility to your cliam you could do a
google search on the string "xbox 360 shortage".
It can play DVDs, and CDs!
In order to help you make your case for the Xbox 360 you need to
point out all the cool features it has, and how it will save your
parents money, or so they can think. If you don't have a DVD
player, then you could point out that a Xbox 360 would save about a $50
on a future purchase. Though this may be offsetted by the $1000
in games and accessories you'll want to get, you can worry about
crossing that bridge when you get to it.
It can play Music!
This is something your parents may have been wondering about for
some time. They may have more MP3s on their personal computer
that they know what to do with, and wonder how they could play them on
the home stereo. With a home network set up to work with the Xbox
360, its certainly do able. Although they'll want to get near
your beloved xbox 360 to hear their music. Don't allow them!
You can view Photos!
Your parents may have a gazillion different photos from vacations,
and who know's where else to on their computer. By purchasing a
xbox 360 they can then browse their pictures from within the comfort of
their living room tv.
Silly Arcade Games for the Whole Family!
Xbox Live has a feature that allows you to download some of the
classic games like Pac Man, Tetris, and Space Invaders. You could
suggest that this would allow for some good quality family time, and at
the same time remind them of what it was to be young and into games if
they are near say the age of 40 or so. Chances are they may feel
nostalgic to the old Pac Man, though it bores you to tears.
You'll Meet Friends from All Over the World!
Granted these new found friends may want to kill you (virtually),
and shout obscene things at you that comes after the fact that you've
got the Xbox 360. If you got it, then its mission accomplished;
if not, then you can suggest how teamwork in games builds up
communication, and leadership skills and is good way to make friends
with whom you share a common thing with. If you do a really good
job here, you may be able to convince them to fork out the $50 or so
dollars it costs for a year's subscription to xbox live.
It's an Excuse to get High Definition Tv!
You'll have to be careful here so that your parents don't think its
a requirement for you to thave HDTV, or this stratedgy could backfire
on you. By talking about the mind blowing graphics of the Xbox
360, and how it was intended to be on HDTVs, you can make it sound like
fun the whole entire family would enjoy.
Count'em up. Seven good reasons (any reason is a good reason
for a loyal fan, right?), versus the five reasons your parents may or
may not have if they read my opposing guide on this subject.
Chances are they didn't, and you're good.
Orignal From: How to Talk Your Parents into a Xbox 360 for 2005!
Xbox 360 or 360 ELITE?
Basically what it comes down to...
The only thing you get extra with ELITE, is the HD cable, and the 120GB hard drive (massive) and the black console.
If you DON'T have an original 360 yet, you may aswell go ELITE, in time, it pays off for the avid gamer.
But if you don't play harcore, than just stick with the original 360, it's cheaper.
If you DO have the original 360 already, the only reason you should upgrade is if you really need the 120GB hard drive
Which is now available on it's own for $220 (canadian)
Orignal From: Xbox 360 or 360 ELITE?
The only thing you get extra with ELITE, is the HD cable, and the 120GB hard drive (massive) and the black console.
If you DON'T have an original 360 yet, you may aswell go ELITE, in time, it pays off for the avid gamer.
But if you don't play harcore, than just stick with the original 360, it's cheaper.
If you DO have the original 360 already, the only reason you should upgrade is if you really need the 120GB hard drive
Which is now available on it's own for $220 (canadian)
Orignal From: Xbox 360 or 360 ELITE?
Battle between Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and the Internet for HD
Battle between Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and the Internet for your High Definition Dollars
If history is any indication, Blu-ray and HD DVD will soon knock DVDs off the stores shelves and out of your home-theater racks. Only a few years ago, retail stores and low-priced DVD players nailed the VHS coffin shut.
But as soon as Blockbuster, Best Buy, and other major retailers started moving away from VHS and offering more DVD titles, even the VHS diehards started transitioning to DVD due to the amount of selection available on DVD. Everything from movies, television shows, documentaries, etc. was, and can be, found on DVD. Studios loaded their media on DVDs. Now another shift is about to happen: the transition to HD optical formats. But this time, it won鈥檛 be as smooth as it was for DVD.
1. TWO DIFFERENT FORMATS? VHS vs. BETA part deux
First, there are two HD optical formats鈥擧D DVD and Blu-ray鈥攙ersus just one universal standard DVD. Toshiba is pushing HD DVD with the help of Microsoft, while Sony and nearly all of the movie studios push Blu-ray. It really doesn鈥檛 matter who wins, as long as one format wins quickly, and saving the customers money when choosing ann HD optical format.
2. AFFORDABLE HARDWARE
Second, it will take some time for HD DVD and Blu-ray players to hit that magical $99 retail price that it took DVD to hit to become mainstream. Currently, Sony鈥檚 stand alone BDP-S1 Blu-ray player costs $999.95, while Toshiba鈥檚 HDXA1 HD DVD player comes in at $799.99. Sony does offer the Playstation 3 which includes a Blu-Ray player for only $499.99 (for the cheapest version). Toshiba also has a version (HD-A1) that costs $499.99. You can buy an HD DVD add-on to your Microsoft XBOX 360 for only $199.99 to have an HD player.
For prices to come down, the scale of production needs to increase. But due to the conflicting formats, many consumers are waiting to purchase a player, making it difficult for production to scale up and prices to drop.
3. WHO IS HD FOR?
Third, the market for these HD optical players is somewhat limited to consumers who already have a capable HDTV鈥攏amely, an HDTV that can display 1080p. To take full advantage of true 1080p, you鈥檒l need a 1080p display. The good news is that televisions are becoming standard with this display option, and the prices are just starting to level off in comparison to technology. Though it is predicted that roughly 10% of the market will have this technology while the format wars are going on.
FAILURE OF BOTH: The Internet
Some skeptics believe neither format will succeed, expecting movie download services via the Internet to render optical formats obsolete. For instance, Microsoft鈥檚 Xbox Live movie rental and download service has HD content. With Xbox 360 consoles already connected to a TV, the problem of connecting downloaded HD content is easily solved.
Even with a faster pipe at 6 Mbits/s from cable Internet, a broadband Internet connection will require several hours to completely download an HD movie. Assuming the size of a compressed HD movie is 10 Gbytes, downloading via a 6-Mbit/s Internet pipe will take approximately four hours. For 1080p content, the download will take much longer due to the sheer size.
Not everyone has a 6-Mbit/s broadband connection. The most popular bandwidth seems to average around 1.5 Mbits/s, which will quadruple the download time to about 16 hours! Fortunately, streaming technologies will let users begin watching the movie in several minutes, but there is always the issue if the internet drops.
Consumer Psychology
Aside from the current limitations in technology, consumers have a psychological tendency to need to have something to hold, like an optical disc. The actual purchase of a physical goods; holding the product, inspection, and the actual transaction, fulfills a psychological void. Consumers who purchase a $25 Blu-ray movie via the Internet probably also will want to have a backup of the movie on a Blu-ray disc to reassure they have the physical movie.
Instead of downloading, then, most consumers would rather go to the store and purchase a Blu-ray disc for about the same price as an Internet download. However, they鈥檒l get all the bells and whistles along with it, such as professional graphics on the optical disc packaged in a sturdy plastic case with a nicely printed cover.
Conclusion
The transition to HD optical formats is in progress. If history is any indication, it will run over DVD in a few short years - but it is going to take more than the early adopters to get either format going. Technology will have to improve, as well as prices drop, for the masses to adopt.
Let鈥檚 hope the battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD ends up in a quick knockout so consumers can feel confident about purchasing a HD optical player. If the battle goes for the long haul, the true winner will be the developers of the dual-format players.
Orignal From: Battle between Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and the Internet for HD
If history is any indication, Blu-ray and HD DVD will soon knock DVDs off the stores shelves and out of your home-theater racks. Only a few years ago, retail stores and low-priced DVD players nailed the VHS coffin shut.
But as soon as Blockbuster, Best Buy, and other major retailers started moving away from VHS and offering more DVD titles, even the VHS diehards started transitioning to DVD due to the amount of selection available on DVD. Everything from movies, television shows, documentaries, etc. was, and can be, found on DVD. Studios loaded their media on DVDs. Now another shift is about to happen: the transition to HD optical formats. But this time, it won鈥檛 be as smooth as it was for DVD.
1. TWO DIFFERENT FORMATS? VHS vs. BETA part deux
First, there are two HD optical formats鈥擧D DVD and Blu-ray鈥攙ersus just one universal standard DVD. Toshiba is pushing HD DVD with the help of Microsoft, while Sony and nearly all of the movie studios push Blu-ray. It really doesn鈥檛 matter who wins, as long as one format wins quickly, and saving the customers money when choosing ann HD optical format.
2. AFFORDABLE HARDWARE
Second, it will take some time for HD DVD and Blu-ray players to hit that magical $99 retail price that it took DVD to hit to become mainstream. Currently, Sony鈥檚 stand alone BDP-S1 Blu-ray player costs $999.95, while Toshiba鈥檚 HDXA1 HD DVD player comes in at $799.99. Sony does offer the Playstation 3 which includes a Blu-Ray player for only $499.99 (for the cheapest version). Toshiba also has a version (HD-A1) that costs $499.99. You can buy an HD DVD add-on to your Microsoft XBOX 360 for only $199.99 to have an HD player.
For prices to come down, the scale of production needs to increase. But due to the conflicting formats, many consumers are waiting to purchase a player, making it difficult for production to scale up and prices to drop.
3. WHO IS HD FOR?
Third, the market for these HD optical players is somewhat limited to consumers who already have a capable HDTV鈥攏amely, an HDTV that can display 1080p. To take full advantage of true 1080p, you鈥檒l need a 1080p display. The good news is that televisions are becoming standard with this display option, and the prices are just starting to level off in comparison to technology. Though it is predicted that roughly 10% of the market will have this technology while the format wars are going on.
FAILURE OF BOTH: The Internet
Some skeptics believe neither format will succeed, expecting movie download services via the Internet to render optical formats obsolete. For instance, Microsoft鈥檚 Xbox Live movie rental and download service has HD content. With Xbox 360 consoles already connected to a TV, the problem of connecting downloaded HD content is easily solved.
Even with a faster pipe at 6 Mbits/s from cable Internet, a broadband Internet connection will require several hours to completely download an HD movie. Assuming the size of a compressed HD movie is 10 Gbytes, downloading via a 6-Mbit/s Internet pipe will take approximately four hours. For 1080p content, the download will take much longer due to the sheer size.
Not everyone has a 6-Mbit/s broadband connection. The most popular bandwidth seems to average around 1.5 Mbits/s, which will quadruple the download time to about 16 hours! Fortunately, streaming technologies will let users begin watching the movie in several minutes, but there is always the issue if the internet drops.
Consumer Psychology
Aside from the current limitations in technology, consumers have a psychological tendency to need to have something to hold, like an optical disc. The actual purchase of a physical goods; holding the product, inspection, and the actual transaction, fulfills a psychological void. Consumers who purchase a $25 Blu-ray movie via the Internet probably also will want to have a backup of the movie on a Blu-ray disc to reassure they have the physical movie.
Instead of downloading, then, most consumers would rather go to the store and purchase a Blu-ray disc for about the same price as an Internet download. However, they鈥檒l get all the bells and whistles along with it, such as professional graphics on the optical disc packaged in a sturdy plastic case with a nicely printed cover.
Conclusion
The transition to HD optical formats is in progress. If history is any indication, it will run over DVD in a few short years - but it is going to take more than the early adopters to get either format going. Technology will have to improve, as well as prices drop, for the masses to adopt.
Let鈥檚 hope the battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD ends up in a quick knockout so consumers can feel confident about purchasing a HD optical player. If the battle goes for the long haul, the true winner will be the developers of the dual-format players.
Orignal From: Battle between Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and the Internet for HD
Sierra On-Line: A History, Part ONE
A History of Sierra On-Line, Part One: How It All Fits Together
In the realm of vintage gaming, Sierra On-Line was the heavy-weight sales leader and gaming company of choice for a generation of old-school gamers. Even today, this elder statesman of gaming remains the collector's choice in the field of old-school gaming software.
Sierra released a plethora of software tiles on several gaming platforms, including MS-DOS, Windows, Atari 2600, Atari ST, Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore VIC-20, Commodore 64 (C64), Commodore AMIGA, Apple II, Macintosh - even the Sega Master System! However, in the interest of brevity, this article focuses on the PC platforms only (Apple, Atari, IBM PC, and Commodore series of personal computers).
The first Sierra titles were shipped in ziplock bags - no cardboard boxes whatsoever! Mystery House and The Wizard and the Princess are examples of early titles that were released in this format. Realizing more sales would result from the use of more professional-appearing packaging, the company began to use full-color folders as packaging (around 8"x11" large) within the next two years. (Examples of games released in the folder format are Ulysses and the Golden Fleece and Softporn Adventure.) At the time, games were one or two disks in size, manuals small, and the packaging did not need to be very large to accommodate its contents. However, as games became more sophisticated they required more diskettes, and more diskettes meant that the folder concept was now seriously in jeopardy. Accordingly, the first grey-boxed (with plastic inserts) packaging for Sierra software was introduced in 1984, and games such as King's Quest II and Space Quest were released.
Even so, the grey boxes were still too small to fit the company's newer multi-disk games, and the company discontinued their use in 1987, replacing them with a tan-colored, two-piece box that had the Sierra logo printed on it, and a full-color slip cover surrounding it. Gold Rush and King's Quest IV are examples of this style of packaging. This worked well until some of their games again began to bulge the box - such as The Adventures of Laura Bow: The Colonel's Bequest and Conquests of Camelot: The Search For The Grail - so Sierra once again changed their packaging to suit their product. The two-piece box style was kept, but it grew to around twice its size. The logo was removed, as was the color; the boxes were now white. The full-color slipcase remained, also, and games such as Ecoquest 2: The Lost Secret of the Rainforest and Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood are examples of games that used the white box packaging method.
Now there was plenty of room for the game disks, manuals and the myriad brochures and advertising offers that the software came with...except technology jumped forward, the CD-ROM drive was introduced, and disk-based software model became obsolete. Now the white-box format was simply too big for its contents. This left the Sierra marketing team at a crossroads: should they return to their previous configuration, or boldly strike out in a new direction? Since it was a board room decision, the company managed to do both: the box depth was reduced to around its previous size, but the length and width of the box was increased to 8.5"x10.5", much like a hardcover book. Games such as Betrayal at Krondor and Phantasmagoria took advantage of the increased visibility of this packaging size and had more shelf-presence than their predecessors. But events outside the company were soon to change the way Sierra presented their products once again!
Around 2000, retailers banded together to ask software companies to reduce their box sizes to more closely match their console game counterparts. Sierra was no different than any of its competitors, seeing an advantage to reducing materials costs and unwilling to risk the ire of the large retail chains that supplied them with a steady revenue stream, so the company essentially reduced its box size back to 1984 levels. Lords of the Realm III is an example of this box format. Gone were the massive printed game manuals as it was far less expensive to simply include a game manual file directly on the CD.
Of course, as technology marches on, there is no doubt that Sierra will be required to change their packaging to better suit the times!
This article continues with A History of Sierra On-Line, PART 2: What's In A Name, Anyway?This article continues from the years 1979-1980, found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1979-1980 This article continues from the year 1981,
found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1981 This article continues from the year 1982, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1982 This article continues from the year 1983, found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1983 Visit our store for GAMES and MORE! Click here
=> http://stores.ebay.com/MagisterrexAlso
Visit our ABOUT ME Page! Click here => magisterrrex
About ME Page
Orignal From: Sierra On-Line: A History, Part ONE
In the realm of vintage gaming, Sierra On-Line was the heavy-weight sales leader and gaming company of choice for a generation of old-school gamers. Even today, this elder statesman of gaming remains the collector's choice in the field of old-school gaming software.
Sierra released a plethora of software tiles on several gaming platforms, including MS-DOS, Windows, Atari 2600, Atari ST, Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore VIC-20, Commodore 64 (C64), Commodore AMIGA, Apple II, Macintosh - even the Sega Master System! However, in the interest of brevity, this article focuses on the PC platforms only (Apple, Atari, IBM PC, and Commodore series of personal computers).
The first Sierra titles were shipped in ziplock bags - no cardboard boxes whatsoever! Mystery House and The Wizard and the Princess are examples of early titles that were released in this format. Realizing more sales would result from the use of more professional-appearing packaging, the company began to use full-color folders as packaging (around 8"x11" large) within the next two years. (Examples of games released in the folder format are Ulysses and the Golden Fleece and Softporn Adventure.) At the time, games were one or two disks in size, manuals small, and the packaging did not need to be very large to accommodate its contents. However, as games became more sophisticated they required more diskettes, and more diskettes meant that the folder concept was now seriously in jeopardy. Accordingly, the first grey-boxed (with plastic inserts) packaging for Sierra software was introduced in 1984, and games such as King's Quest II and Space Quest were released.
Even so, the grey boxes were still too small to fit the company's newer multi-disk games, and the company discontinued their use in 1987, replacing them with a tan-colored, two-piece box that had the Sierra logo printed on it, and a full-color slip cover surrounding it. Gold Rush and King's Quest IV are examples of this style of packaging. This worked well until some of their games again began to bulge the box - such as The Adventures of Laura Bow: The Colonel's Bequest and Conquests of Camelot: The Search For The Grail - so Sierra once again changed their packaging to suit their product. The two-piece box style was kept, but it grew to around twice its size. The logo was removed, as was the color; the boxes were now white. The full-color slipcase remained, also, and games such as Ecoquest 2: The Lost Secret of the Rainforest and Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood are examples of games that used the white box packaging method.
Now there was plenty of room for the game disks, manuals and the myriad brochures and advertising offers that the software came with...except technology jumped forward, the CD-ROM drive was introduced, and disk-based software model became obsolete. Now the white-box format was simply too big for its contents. This left the Sierra marketing team at a crossroads: should they return to their previous configuration, or boldly strike out in a new direction? Since it was a board room decision, the company managed to do both: the box depth was reduced to around its previous size, but the length and width of the box was increased to 8.5"x10.5", much like a hardcover book. Games such as Betrayal at Krondor and Phantasmagoria took advantage of the increased visibility of this packaging size and had more shelf-presence than their predecessors. But events outside the company were soon to change the way Sierra presented their products once again!
Around 2000, retailers banded together to ask software companies to reduce their box sizes to more closely match their console game counterparts. Sierra was no different than any of its competitors, seeing an advantage to reducing materials costs and unwilling to risk the ire of the large retail chains that supplied them with a steady revenue stream, so the company essentially reduced its box size back to 1984 levels. Lords of the Realm III is an example of this box format. Gone were the massive printed game manuals as it was far less expensive to simply include a game manual file directly on the CD.
Of course, as technology marches on, there is no doubt that Sierra will be required to change their packaging to better suit the times!
This article continues with A History of Sierra On-Line, PART 2: What's In A Name, Anyway?This article continues from the years 1979-1980, found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1979-1980 This article continues from the year 1981,
found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1981 This article continues from the year 1982, found
here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1982 This article continues from the year 1983, found here: Sierra
On-Line GENESIS: 1983 Visit our store for GAMES and MORE! Click here
=> http://stores.ebay.com/MagisterrexAlso
Visit our ABOUT ME Page! Click here => magisterrrex
About ME Page
Orignal From: Sierra On-Line: A History, Part ONE
Video Game Tips and Tricks
Hi, this guide is for the beginers and also for everyone else too because I can tell you, I have been doing this for 27 years and I always learn something from someone all the time!
Most people have thought about building their own game for home. Do yourself a favor and read all of this before lifting your first tool.
TIPS:
SAFTEY FIRST: ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR
THIS MEANS EYES, CLOTHING, GLOVES. ALSO BE SURE TO KEEP ALL LONG SLEEVES CLOSE AND TIGHT TO YOUR ARMS SO THEY DONT GET HUNG UP IN WHAT EVER MACHINE YOU MAY BE USING!
EVERYTHING IS REPLACEABALE EXCEPT YOUR BODY PARTS!
First I strongly reccomend you do ALOT of research before you spend your hard earned dollars! Then do some more. This will undoubtedly save you some money. Some of the best ways to save some dough is start with an old arcade cabinet. My estimation of this would be an old NBA game because of the large oversize control panel and they are 25 inch size monitors. You can lay that bad boy out with 2 sets of controls and a 4 way and a spinner and a trackball with no modifications to the original size of the control panel-just to the top part.
If you intend to go full out then I reccomend any midway game like a MK2 or better and using the old control panel as a guide just build a new panel that has the width you want. The original metal trim will be the same and best of all you can knock the old panel apart for the patterns.
Also a J pac works really nice for these cabinets because it was made to plug right in to the JAMMA harness of the machine so almost 50% of your wiring is already done! On some machines with an over/under coind door I like to remove the coin doors and install a blank one piece door so you can mount your computer directly inside the door for easy access, can you say "NO MOVING THE MACHINE" of If moneys tight, just remove the money box from the inside as the coin door is in 2 pieces, one piece is the door the other the coin box!
The monitors can be used with your mame and I reccomend the ultimarc video card, it will aloow full size vertical games to be played on the monitor-as far a a vertical game could be shown on a horizontal monitor, this will not happen with most video cards out there. If you have the bucks buy an arcade style monitor made to be used with a computer, they are high dollar but give the best results possible. also with a computer style arcade monitor they usually dont need the ultimarc card so this will save you some money that you can use towards the computer monitor cost!
Control panels can be built from 3/4 MDF or plywood, use lexan not plexi, plexi will crack on you when you try to drill it. When drilling holes in both wood and lexan drill the holes part of the way through and then drill from the other side, this gives you a clean start to the hole on both sides with no "punch through" edges. If you build your control panel first you can use the control panel to help drill the holes in the lexan. Start by clamping the lexan to the control panel. Using a router with a flush cut bit that has a bearing roller guide, remove excess lexan around the edges of the control panel. After doing this, with the lexan still clamped on the bottom of your wood, use your drill press (assuming you have one, you can still use a hand drill) apply your 1 1/8th hole saw down through the new existing holes you already cut out on your panel and they will guide you to the lexan, this will make for perfect alingment of your lexan holes to control panel holes, remember to drill the hole only part of the way through the lexan, when you have drilled them part way, remove the lexan from the control panel and finish the holes from the opposite side of the lexan.
This will yeild as smooth of a cut as can be expected. Lexan is somewhat soft and you bit will clog easily and you will need to stop and clear the bit for each use. Its a bit of a pain but anything less will result in poor hole cutting.
MORE INFO:
Button hole size for Happ buttons = 1 1/8th
Center hole for the stick needs to be 1 3/16th when using 3/4 wood with a lexan cover.
Carriage bolts if used are 1-1/2 , 10 24 thread, nuts are 10-24 also
Happ USB PS2 ready trackballs use your mouse driver-no optipac needed.
Tornado Spinners are also USB ready-no opti pac needed
When building a mame system the power supply in a used game is not needed so remove or unplug it. The power you will be using comes directly from the computer power supply, do no unplug the power to the monitor.
If buying and using an older monitor be sure to use an isolation transformer, if not youll blow up monitor chassisand then its dead. Late model monitors dont use them, if in doubt add an isolation transformer because they will both work with an isolation transformer.
12-12-2007 The new Vista is not working out to well from all the people I have talked to, most are reverting back to XP. Most of you will be using XP anyway just as these are getting cheap but I put this here to forewarn you of the Vista pitfall.
Well your pretty much on your own from here, good luck and good building!
Terry!
Orignal From: Video Game Tips and Tricks
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