Find Your Niche » eBook Marketing

What is an eBook compiler?

ZZul — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:09:08 +0000

You’ve written and revised your ebook, hired an artist who has produced outstanding graphics, and now you’re ready to actually put together your ebook. What you need to make an ebook is software called an ebook Compiler.

There are many different compilers to chose from, but first, you need to know exactly what an ebook Compiler does. Here is the simple explanation:

An ebook compiler is a software program that converts either text pages or HTML text into a single executable file or an ebook.

If you or someone you hired has created a file with graphics in HTML, you will need an HTML ebook Compiler. This type of compiler requires a working knowledge of the HTML tag language. You can also use software to do this for you, such as Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver.

How do you choose an eBook Compiler?

There are a large number of ebook Compilers available on the market, all with glowing sales copy and tekkie language. It can get very confusing and overwhelming very fast without some simple guidelines to help you figure out which compiler is right for you.

Choosing an ebook Compiler depends on a number of factors:

1. How did you create your pages? Did you use HTML or PDF format? There are many more compilers available for HTML, but you can find some very good compilers that will covert your PDF files into an ebook.

2. Consider how easy the program is to use and the thoroughness of the software’s instruction manual. It is absolutely necessary that the compiler you buy have an instructional manual, documentation, or online “wizards.” If it doesn’t, your chances of figuring out how to correctly use the program are compromised, and the time required doing so is going to be significant. Many manufacturers of compilers offer a free trial version so you can play around with it and see if it suits your needs. Download the trial version and ascertain that it actually does what it claims to do.

3. Security features. If you plan to sell your ebook, check out the security features of the compiler software carefully. Security features should include: prevention of the reader from modifying text, access only to the pages you assign or by entering a password, different ways of generating passwords such as secure passwords, user-friendly, and open passwords.

4. Supported scripting. Find out what scripts the software supports. Scripting allows you to create special effects, customize menus, and create and modify other user interactivity. Choose a compiler that permits you to include graphics, search windows, hyperlinks, forms, surveys, etc.

5. Pricing. This is a factor that is not always easy to gauge. The highest priced compilers are not automatically your best choice. Choose your compiler based on the necessary requirements for your Ebook. That means you need to know exactly how you plan to use your Ebook and what functions you require.

Let’s look at some of these factors in more detail. First of all, make sure you have the correct browser to run the compiler. The majority of HTML compilers use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape. Check out the version that the compiler supports. Compilers that require a browser will not run on a computer that does not have the required browser installed. However, there are ebook HTML compilers that don’t require you to have any browser installed on your computer. These compilers run on any Windows system.

If you choose a compiler that requires a browser, check to ascertain that the browser is installed correctly and that it is properly configured to the specifications of the compiler. Check to see if certain functions are turned off or on, and make any adjustments according to the compiler instructions.

Security is an essential element of any compiler, regardless of whether you plan to sell or give away your ebook. One of the main reasons for using a compiler is to prevent the reader from modifying the contents. A secure compiler allows access only to the pages you want the user to access unless they enter a correct password.

To find out how secure an ebook HTML compiler is, open an ebook on it. While it is open, check the temporary directory of your computer. This can usually be accessed by typing in C:Windowstemp. If you see a bunch of files when your ebook is open or running, it means that your computer is decompressing the secure data from your ebook before showing the ebook to the viewer. This method is not secure! It means that anyone with the knowledge of how to access these temporary files can steal the secure data and then they can fiddle with your ebook to their evil heart’s desire. Remember, one of the main purposes of buying and using an HTML compiler is to protect your property.

Next, let’s discuss passwords. When trying to choose an ebook Compiler, check out the type of passwords that the compiler supports. Almost all compilers offer some kind of password protection that insures that the user can only access the contents they have purchased from you. However, the best compilers offer varied ways to generate different types of passwords. Choose a compiler that gives you the options of secure, user-friendly, and open password generation.

Another important factor when it comes to passwords is how the compiler generates them. A compiler that has internal password protection generation built into the software is more secure than compilers that link to live Internet password control systems.

Find out if the compiler generates passwords online. If it has this option, it allows you to choose any payment processing system you want or to do the payment processing yourself.

Next, look into the size of ebook the compiler supports. The best compilers can create ebooks up to 2 GB in size without decompressing the HTML pages or images to your hard disk. Usually, ebooks that are 2 GB in size can easily support 6 GB of compressed data. The catch here is that only text files will generally be compressible.

You do not want a compiler that decompresses this amount of data when the user attempts to open your ebook. This would mean that anyone who purchases your ebook will have to wait for all the data to decompress before they can access your ebook right after downloading it. So look for compilers that only decompress temporarily files that are NOT HTML to the local hardisk. Non-HTML files include Flash, Word, and Acrobat files. This type of compiler is more secure and certainly faster.

Make sure the compiler you choose is compatible with your system software. Check out what version of Windows it requires, and make sure you have that version before buying your compiler.

Support issues are extremely important. Choose a compiler that includes an installation program. This program allows your user to choose a number of different places on their computer to install the ebook, to place a shortcut on their desktop, and to add the ebook, if they choose, to the Start Programs menu.

You also want excellent and accessible vendor support. Make sure you can access quick technical support! At three o’clock in the morning, this factor will be VERY important. Also, check to see the terms of free technical support offered. Unlimited technical support is obviously the best option.

Check to see if the company that puts out the compiler software offers a service level agreement. This agreement is to assure you of their quality response to your questions or problems.

A good thing to consider is how long the compiler has been on the market. Usually, the version number will give you an idea. The longer the program is on the market, the higher the version number, the more bugs have been worked out.

When choosing an ebook compiler, do not be swayed by incredible promises and dazzling sales copy. Do your homework first, and then consider all the above issues and factors before choosing an ebook compiler.

Rating eBook Compilers

ZZul — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Now that you’ve finished writing your eBook and have a basic understanding of what an eBook compiler does, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the number of compilers on the market. To help you make your decision, I have tested and reviewed the best-rated eBook compilers currently available.

* E-ditor

This software has a demo version that you can download to try out before purchasing. You can’t actually use the demo to create an eBook, but you can run the software and test it out thoroughly to see if it does what you need it to do for your particular eBook.

This eBook compiler is one of the easiest to use. The software has a very user-friendly help menu that provides instructions for and explanations of every field on every screen. The program also includes video tutorials demonstrating every step of this compiler with clear explanations of all fields that need to be filled out. There are 7 screens that you use to choose your eBook options.

This compiler requires your files to be in HTML format. You follow simple directions, and the compiler loads your files. If you decide to edit your eBook after it has been compiled, make any changes in your original files and click on “Compile you eBook” and your changes will appear in your compiled eBook.

E-editor allows for some customization of your eBook. You can create a special page that appears when the eBook is opened; create customized icons that appear on the desktop after downloading; use your own logo on the task bar of your eBook; customize the task bar’s buttons, where the task bar appears in your eBook, and choose the task bar’s colors. Additionally, you can choose to have the eBook open to the last page read, which many of your buyers will appreciate.

An excellent and unique feature of E-ditor is the capability to choose a standard Microsoft window or to create your own design for a window to personalize your eBook. The program provides some sample window designs, but you can use any .bmp (bit map skin) graphic you have stored on your hard drive.

E-ditor is a good choice if you are new at producing eBooks because it is easy to use and allows you to customize the appearance of your eBook.

* Desktop Author

This compiler does not require a browser, nor do you have to download software or plug-ins. The program converts exe. files into pages that look like a standard book. You can create and produce eBook pages scaled to fit on your computer screen without any scrolling. Additional features include WYSIWGY (what you see is what you get) page editing and creation, the ability to manipulate internal images, cut and paste functions, hotlinks to pages, email, website, or other files. It is an excellent compiler to use for a marketing tools, such as creating brochures and manuals in addition to eBooks.

* EBook Edit Pro

This compiler provides a demo version, which allows you to test out its features. The software uses a Wizard that leads you step-by-step through the set-up and creation of your eBook. Customization includes text editing that appears on the pop-up starting message window; the ability to allow or prevent resizing of your book and the mouse-click pop-up menu; enabling or disabling the navigation bar and choosing the buttons you want to appear; and customizing the eBook’s desktop icon and the logo that appears on the navigation bar.

Ebook Edit Pro is loaded with excellent features that allow you to create multi-media Ebooks, and includes a Wizard that is customized for beginners and for advanced users. The software uses HTML files, downloading them from the directory where they are saved. Edit and resave your files in the original software used to create those files, and then with a single click you can re-compile your Ebook.

Features include customization of icons, toolbars, and the “about box.” This compiler has a particularly useful feature called the Rebrander feature. This permits you to enter customized code into your Ebook pages and distribute the Rebrander software to your affiliates or distributors. They can then customize the links included in the Ebook, but they can not alter any link or information that you have not entered a customized code for.

The software includes “eBrand-It” software that allows custom fields for your customer’s name, affiliate ID or URL. This feature is a powerful marketing tool because affiliates are much happier giving away your Ebook from their own site when they can customize it.

* Ebook Compiler

This compiler offers a demo version that allows you to compile 10 files. If you don’t include graphics, you can create a 10 page Ebook that allows printing and copying of the Ebook. The catch is that you can’t sell any Ebook you create in the demo version.

The purchased software is user-friendly with easy-to-follow help files that not only guide you through the steps of compiling your Ebook, but also explains what an Ebook compiler does. The software provides detailed instructions on how to create source files from Microsoft Word 2000 and 1997, PowerPoint 2000 and 1997, and HTML documents. It contains less detailed instructions for creating source files from other programs.

This compiler allows for password protection of your entire Ebook or for selected pages. Additionally, you can set a time limit on your Ebook. When the runs out, the customer no longer has access unless they pay for it. In other words, it allows you to create a demo version of your Ebook for marketing purposes.

You can set a single password or multiple passwords. Using multiple passwords assigns each user their own specific password. Online help files guide you through setting up your passwords. You can also create a Sales and Thank-you page for selling a password protected Ebook. This is a good choice for the novice, particularly since it includes basic features for password protection and distribution.

* Activ Ebook Compiler

This is an easy to use compiler that provides excellent features. This software can support HTML, JPEG, GIF, and all active plug-ins. Features includes password protection, branding, internet linking, icon customization, assigning unique serial numbers, splash screen, file compression, and start-up messages. It also provides free lifetime upgrades. Additionally, it includes a preprocessor, re-brander, active script, and detailed instructions for using HTML, Power Point, and Microsoft Word files.

There are several other excellent Ebook compilers on the market that are worth looking into.

Ebook Generator features splash screens, password protection, branding, icon customization, and compression control. Additionally, it includes virus prevention that alerts the user to any modifications made to your Ebook and offers usage statistics so you can track your Ebook’s use. With all these advanced features, this is an excellent compiler for the beginner because it is exceptionally easy to run.

Ebook Creator is another excellent compiler, supporting HTML, JPEG, GIF, and PNG graphics, and Javascript, VB script, and Java applets. It also supports all Internet Explorer plug-ins. Standard features include unique serial numbers, direct linking to a form or a page on your website, disabled right clicking, and search functions. The software allows for expiration after a set number of days or usages, which allows you to create demo versions. You can create up to 1000 different passwords; every time the Ebook is downloaded, a unique password is required to access protected pages. The software provides user-friendly menus and buttons that allow the beginner to the advanced user to easily create their Ebook.

Obviously, there are some excellent compilers out there. So figure out EVERYTHING you need in terms of features, and then compare prices and options. Do take advantage of demo versions if they are offered before purchasing. And then, have fun creating your Ebook!

Giving away your mini e-book via your blogs

ZZul — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:29:43 +0000

Blogs are a wonderful, viral tool that you can use to your advantage by giving away your mini e-book via them. If you haven’t got a blog you can get started in about five minutes at places like http://wordpress.com or http://blogger.com. Even though you don’t have a sales page on your blog, you can still post about, and link to your new product, and promote via a channel that search engines love, and are increasing in leaps and bounds every day.

Care should be taken when generating traffic for your blog – you can post all about the benefits of your e-book on your own blog, but to get traffic back, you’ll need to consider finding blogs that are in your niche, or promote TO your niche and comment on them – offer something meaningful, as blogging has the same ’spam’ problems as email, and people are very sensitive to others coming in and simply advertising on their blogs via comments.
Aside from the spam issue, commenting well on other blogs leads to others coming back to YOUR blog to see if you’ve got any other information that they might be interested in – and increasing your status as an ‘expert’ on a certain niche.

You’ll need to find blogs within your niche – using http://ask.com or Google’s blog specific engine at http://blogsearch.google.com is a great start, as is checking out places like http://technorati.com (another blog specific search engine, based on content, tags and has a built in rating system) and decide where to comment, and what value to add to the conversations on these sites via your comments. Its not good enough to go on and say something about yourself – you have to offer feedback that is relevant to the article and would be a viable conversation point if you were discussing it in person.

As with every other traffic generation means, you’ll need to ensure that you can convert your visitors, via your comments or other blog promotional means to subscribers – or your efforts to give away your mini e-book may be wasted. You may find that you gain blog subscribers anyway, but always keep in mind that your primary goal when blogging to give your mini e-book away is to gain subscribers for that.

Your E-book is your Viral Salesman

ZZul — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:32:24 +0000

E-books are the future and the future is now. The printed word on paper and bound into books used to be the only way information was given and received. They were great, you could take them with you and put them on shelves and they do still exist and will continue to for the foreseeable future but the time of the E-book has arrived.

The marketing E-book is a slightly different animal from just an E-book. Marketing E-books contain text, images, links to web pages and navigation controls. The marketing E-book has become a very important part of marketing on the Internet.

With a marketing E-book you can present your story in an effective way and include links to your web sales pages. Your E-book can become your best salesman.

First, your E-book needs to be interesting and informative. It always has links back to your web site and to your sales page.

Next, be sure that you have a prominent section telling readers that they are free to give your E-book away. Let them know that they can post it on their site as a free download, that they can use it as a bonus, and that they can bundle it with other products. This is the way to create viral marketing for your products or services. Remember those links back to your site contained in the E-book?

Last but certainly not least before you send your E-book out to the world, double check spelling and grammar and be sure that you have tested every link to verify that it goes where it is supposed to go. Obvious errors will reflect badly on you and will not be of much value to you, it could even by damaging.

Post your E-book to some of the E-book directories. Many let you post it for free, or will let you post a link on their site to your E-book.

Hiring ghostwriters

ZZul — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:47:09 +0000

Ghostwriters are a great option when you’ve got multiple projects on, or you simply don’t enjoy writing much. You can simply give them an outline, notes, or a complete template to your hired ghostwriter or ghostwriters, and then await your finished product. It may need light editing to get it to a ‘perfect’ state, but professional ghostwriters, though possibly expensive, can add another professional element to your projects.

Before you hire a ghostwriter or ghostwriters, you’ll need to find some sites to submit your briefs to, and gather bids – or find a ghostwriter that’s worked with someone you trust. Word of mouth recommendations are infinitely less risky, but without knowing that a book is actually ghost written, you may never actually find out which books are ghost written, which makes gathering recommendations for ghostwriters tricky.
The other method – gathering bids on sites, requires that you use freelance bidding sites, such as guru.com, getafreelancer.com, rentacoder.com or e-lance.com. You’ll need to have a detailed and open project outline to submit to these sites, giving details of what you need, and what time frame you have. These sites allow you to set a budget, but one problem you may encounter is that not every freelancer you hire through these sites are particularly professional or will stick to their bids.

Such issues range from uppping the cost of their bid, to using ‘borrowed’ content, or plagurising from other sources, or even reselling your project to others – so you’ll need to make it explicitly clear what you expect of your freelance ghostwriters.

Its a good idea to take advantage of any escrow service these sites use, or find another site that offers this service – most freelancing sites also offer a ratings system, where you can check your prospective freelancers ratings and past work quality – which may also give you the opportunity to choose between bids.

Hiring ghostwriters to create mini e-books is relatively straightforward, as long as you take care to lay out your goals and needs clearly.

Offer your mini e-book as an incentive

ZZul — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:52:02 +0000

Offering your mini E book as a gift or incentive for sign ups is a great way to gain subscribers – out with the Internet marketing arena this isn’t a common thing to do, so if your niche is based there, you’ll have less competition.

The only problem with giving away your mini e-book in return for sign ups is that some people will use a ‘junk’ email account – one that they don’t check – to sign up, and then never read anything you’re sending ever again. If you’ve got them to sign up for the auto responder, you may want to consider that you need to reach them via the book, or your very first email – very few people religiously read auto responder based emails, mainly because many people are sick of being bombarded with offers, and things they can’t use. Many web masters are now requesting that people use a valid email address and require that they confirm their subscription before downloading – and explaining themselves in the first email, before giving the download link.

Whether you’re within or out with the Internet marketing arena, you’ll need to structure, and explain your offer in the clearest possible of terms – people don’t want to sign up to an email list unless its worthwhile, and many people may not even realize that they are signing up to a mailing list to get something – or ever connect the two. You may find that this leads to spam complaints, or your list fills with prospects that aren’t actually reading your important information, so you’ll need to ensure that you’re offering, consistently, information that they want, and need.

You will want to make sure you solve this problem by correctly lining up the information in the book with the course that will immediately follow it logically. This will give readers a clear transition.

Understanding E-books

ZZul — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:54:55 +0000

Pros and Cons of E-Books.

An e-book is a digital or electronic copy of a book. Just like e-mail is digital mail.

With the advancement of technology an entire library can be referenced and indexed just at the tip of your fingertips. Millions upon millions of text can be stored in devices that get smaller and smaller every year.

E-books have certainly opened more doors for us to enjoy literature.

Books in digital form can be indexed and searched for a particular text in a flash. With the advancements in technology even e-books captured in image formats can be searched.

E-books take up less space. An entire volume of encyclopedia can be stored in a single compact disk.

Devices for reading e-books make it possible to read even in low light

Texts in e-books can be magnified, changed to a different font or color. This feature will enable handicapped readers an option for possibly reading more books.

They can be converted to audio books using text-to-speech software.

They are versatile and readily portable to different media and platforms.

Distribution and Reproduction can be done instantly and at a low cost.

Errors can be easily rectified just like downloading a patch for software.

Publishing requirements aren’t as difficult to produce as requirements for normal books. They can be published by independent publishing entities.

They are relatively cheaper and easier to maintain.

E-books are easily converted to any format desired even to a database.

The potentials of e-books may be limitless but they also have their disadvantages. Some advantages of e-books over standard books can also be a double edged sword.

They cause eyestrain. Extended periods of reading can also cause other health-related problems.

You always need a power source for your device for you to be able to read.

Electronic media wears and tears easier than standard books. A scratched CD might be useless compared to a book with a torn page.

Has no more ‘collectors item’ value to it. There are no rare e-books.

Certain software requires upgrades and can cause incompatibilities.

Proves too easy to be copied illegally. Copies can just be sent through emails.

Types of E-books.

E-books come in different formats. Each format was designed for a certain purpose. The most common formats used for e-books are as follows:

Plain text, is the most basic format of them all. Plain text can be easily read by almost all computers and related devices.

Image files, these books primarily comprise of snap shots of the pages of a book. Zooming is possible but may compromise the quality of the displayed item.

Rich Text Format (RTF), is a standard file set by Microsoft Corporation. RTF files like HTML (HyperText Markup Language) files; they are text files that have special tags or markups.

Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), quite similar to an RTF and an HTML, the main difference is that the markups can come from sets that can vary.

eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is derived from (SGML) also a markup language but using a markup set that conforms to the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) standard

TeX is an e-book format that is popular with the academe. It specializes in e-books for math, science and computers. Its best feature is in representing mathematical formula.

PostScript is defined as a page description format. It is used essentially in desktop publishing. PostScript files have the ‘.ps’ extension

Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format by Adobe Systems. A widely accepted format for its robustness and many features.

eReader is file format normally associated with Palm Digital Media electronic books (Palm Digital Media)
E-books from digital Media are usually encrypted. Readers are required to buy the decryption key, which are usually the credit card number and the buyer’s full name.

Publishing e-books are proving to be profitable especially with laws regarding electronic copyrights are becoming stricter. E-books are great sources of reading material some of them you can actually get for free. There are numerous web sites that offer writers a place to showcase their writing. In a way writers gain public exposure and readers get variety. The quality is often good.

No matter how many kinds of e-books out there, no matter how trivial or important the advantages or disadvantages of e-books, E-books are definitely here to stay.

Viral mini e-books

ZZul — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:46:50 +0000

Mini e-books are quite simply, one of the most viral tools in your arsenal. While giving them away, you can collect sign-ups – if you give others permission to give them away, you’ll then generate yet MORE sign-ups and buzz in your niche.

Below are some tips on how to go viral with mini e-books:

Tip #1 on “Viral mini e-books”:

Torrents are a great way to get your name out there – and to give people a way to download your book without needing to wait for sluggish servers. It’ll also take the load off YOUR server – peer to peer downloading is both efficient and cost effective, saving web masters bandwidth and hosting fees. Upload your book to as many of the legitimate torrent sites as you can find – even open office uses a torrent system to distribute its software!

Tip #2 on “Viral mini e-books”:

Give so you can receive – the laws of reciprocity are easy – give something more and people are more likely to sign up – if you’re selling your book – offer valuable matching bonuses that enhance what you are offering – if you’re giving it away, find some other items that you can give to match it, or offer a discount on another of your products.

Tip #3 on “Viral mini e-books”:

Create a stir by making it exclusive. You may find that making your book ‘exclusive’ to a handful of sites for the first few weeks raises its perceived value. Having 20, or 30 people distribute your content from the get go will make people believe you are desperate to get rid of it – which means that you may not believe in its value – however, if you only allow a select few the rights to distribute it, at first, you’ll find that your perceived value goes through the roof, and people may clamor to sign up.

Co-authoring a mini e-book

ZZul — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:26:35 +0000

You’ve got the niche, you’ve got the idea, but…
There’s a small problem – maybe you’re new to the online business, and though your ideas are fresh – you’ve not got the experience or the ‘guru’ standing to pull it off – or you’ve got an idea, you just can’t – quite – explain it.

So your next option is to co-author or co-create a book with an expert or ghostwriter. You can find them by looking for sites in your niche – and then take the time to contact the webmaster or site owner and ask if he or she is interested in co-authoring a book with you – as with every joint venture though, you have to offer some benefit to your prospective co-author or co-creator.

Your co-author can provide anything from half (or more) of the content, to an introduction, articles, or additional information – or even a joint venture that merges your information and theirs. Regardless of what your co-author brings to the e-book by creating an mini e-book as a joint venture, you can increase its credibility, especially if you select a guru or expert in your chosen niche.

It also means that you’ve got an instant promotion joint venture already in place – though you’ll both want to discuss how to set up the OTO and upsell aspects of the venture to give you both a great deal from the JV itself. Depending on your co-author’s contribution to the book, this could be within the book, or through back end sales – or both.

Keep in mind that there should always be a powerful incentive for your potential co-author to come on board – having a great idea and a unique spin may not be enough, and you will have to make sure that any arrangement you come to is win-win for everyone involved, including your co-author.

Avoiding some common e-book mistakes

ZZul — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 07:06:57 +0000

There are three very common e-book mistakes. Mistakes that can cost you your hard work and time much faster than any other mistake you’ll ever make – ones which are easily avoidable and but can be very hard to remedy.

The first of these mistakes is not providing a strong reason to redistribute your e-book – although you’ll find that ‘free’ goes a long way, you’ll also find that some people aren’t inclined to redistribute free – they won’t read the e-book, or just won’t find the time to create a way to offer it to others via their affiliate link. So you’ll have to offer some form of attractive bonus to the people downloading it to redistribute your e-book. That bonus could be anything from a percentage or ALL of the OTO in your membership area, or the ability to sell the book themselves – or some other valuable items that give them a reason to distribute your book to their lists.

The second of these mistakes is failing to create a buzz – hyping your product before launch is a great way to ensure that people will be clamoring to get it – but at the same time, don’t over promise or under deliver. Its important to remember that you’ll need to create honest buzz, so that people beat a path to your door to download your content.

The third of these is not finding a joint venture partner or group of people to help you distribute your book – affiliates are great when you’ve reached critical mass, and pay per click and search engine results won’t hold a candle to the amount of promotional traffic a strong joint venture partner will bring you.

And there it is – the three most common mistakes that you can make and the easiest ways to avoid them – avoiding them, though perhaps a bit more time consuming, but well worth it in the long run.