Bob Books | Flick Book Frequently Asked Questions

1 GETTING STARTED

1.1 How do I start making my Bob Books flickbook?

First, go to the Bob Books website or follow the link http://www.bobflickbooks.co.uk. Click on the flickbook generator to start the application. It will take a few moments to load the application. To start uploading your movie, click on 'Upload a movie' icon, this allows you to browse and locate your movie on your computer. Once you have found your movie click upload.
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2 REQUIREMENTS

2.1 What are the system requirements?

The Bob Books flickbook generator is compatible with all operating systems from 2000, NT 6.0, XP Home Edition to Professional and on any Mac or Linux. Bob Books recommends a high-performance processor of at least a Pentium III (or comparable). We support the following formats: .mov, .avi, .mp4, .mpg. Please note the maximum file size you can use for your movie is 30MB.
If the Bob Books flickbook generator takes a long time to start please check that your computer meets our system requirements and that your internet connection is active. Older computers may struggle to perform at the required processing speed.

2.2 Do I have to have an internet connection?

Internet access is required for the flickbook generator, uploading and to order your completed flickbook. A high-performance connection (ISDN or DSL) is recommended. You will require an e-mail account so we can keep you informed about the status of your flickbook order. If you are using a wireless network, try to connect directly to your router before uploading your movie.

2.3 Can I use my old movies such as 8mm?

Yes you can. By using movie/video converter programs such as Quicktime you can export the video into a suitable format. Unfortunately we do not offer technical support for converting movie files.

2.4 Is my movie of a high enough quality?

Our traffic light system gives a guideline of film qualities. The higher the resolution of the film the higher the print quality.

2.5 Do I need to edit my movie before uploading?

The flickbook generator allows for some editing, such as selecting your start and finish points. However if you would like to edit sections of your movie, we suggest editing before uploading. Please note the suggested length and file size is 6 to 8 seconds and 30MB.

2.6 Can I use any font?

Unfortunately, the resolution your movie was captured at will determine the print quality. Therefore a film captured in a low resolution will result in a poor quality movie.

2.7 How can I convert my files to suitable Bob Books flickbook files (mpeg, mp4, etc)?

You can convert your files by using movie/video converter programs such as Quicktime to export the video into a suitable format. Unfortunately we do not offer full technical support on file conversion.

2.8 What is an ideal Bob Books flickbook specification?

The ideal specification for the flickbook is 640x480 movie, 6-8 seconds and a maximum files size of 30MB. Please note these are only guidelines.
We often find that the most successful Bob Books flickbooks are the ones which show dynamic movements, such as background to foreground, left to right and with bold contrasting colours. Static videos will produce a relatively static flickbook.
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3 USING THE BOB BOOKS PHOTO BOOK SOFTWARE

3.1 How do I get started?

Creating your flickbook is really easy. It all happens online; simply upload your saved digicam, camera phone videos or video files onto our special web application, then follow the instructions to design your flickbook. You can design everything from the start and finish of your movie to the front and back cover of your flickbook.

3.2 How do I arrange my frames?

Once your video has been uploaded, using the black triangle you can select your start and finish frames.

3.3 Which books can I make?

You can restart any time during the flickbook generator process simply by clicking on the restart link in the top left corner of the application window.

3.4 Why is there a barcode on my flickbook?

The barcode is used in our book factory to identity your cover and inlay.
As each flickbook is produced in two parts (the cover and the inlay) there is a barcode present on both the last page and the back cover of your book. We also feature our branding and barcode on the back cover.

3.5 Can I remove the barcode and the logo?

Unfortunately the barcode and logo can not be removed on the flickbooks.

3.6 Can I use any font?

The Bob Books flickbook creator provides a selection of fonts for you to use. You can create your text in any size or colour provided it is in the flickbook generator. To enable correct reproduction, the fonts that you can use are limited to the fonts supplied by the creator.

3.7 Can Bob Books edit my movie for me?

Unfortunately we do not provide an editing service or technical support for flickbook movies.

3.8 How do I go back to a previous section?

You can go back to a previous section simply by clicking on the section you wish to go back to on the bottom of the application window.
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4 ORDERING MY BOB BOOKS FLICKBOOK

4.1 How do I order my Bob Books flickbook?

After you have finished designing your flickbook, simply choose the order icon. The order wizard will lead you through the process. Upon completion of your order the flickbook generator will upload your file via the internet and send it to our factory to be made. Ordering by post is not possible. You will be notified of your order status by e-mail and again when your order has been completed and is ready to ship.
Production and delivery time of an order will take 12 to 15 workings days.

4.2 Will I be notified of my flickbook order?

As soon as your flickbook order is received, you will be informed via e-mail. We will also email you when your flickbook order is nearing completion.

4.3 When will I receive my flickbook order?

The average processing time is twelve working days with an additional two to three days added for shipment by the Bob Books delivery partner. Unfortunately, a guaranteed time of delivery on a certain date is not possible so please place your flickbook order in plenty of time.

4.4 What if I am not happy with my Bob Book?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your flickbook. We therefore welcome all your suggestions. If you have questions on designing your flickbook or using the flickbook generator please contact us. If your flickbook has been damaged or you are not completely satisfied, please return the faulty flickbook to us within 7 working days. If your objection is warranted we will immediately arrange a free replacement to be printed.

4.5 What if my flickbook is not what I expected?

If your final flickbook is not satisfactory, please contact us and return the faulty flickbook to us if requested by the Bob Books team. The staff at Bob Books will investigate your complaint and, provided that no warnings by the flickbook order generator were overlooked, we will immediately arrange a free replacement to be printed. Please note that the quality of your flickbook will depend on the quality of your film.

4.6 Are there any discounts available?

The nature of the manufacturing process means that there are no savings to be made by printing multiple copies. However, we do offer a 3% discount for orders of five or more copies of the same flickbook. There is also a saving to be made on the posting of orders of ten or more copies of the same book within the UK.

4.7 How can I cancel my order?

To cancel your order simply close the window and try again. Or click the restart link in the top left corner of the application window.

4.8 How can I find out where my flickbook is?

You can contact Bob Books by phone, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm on +44 (0)20 7243 7404 or via e-mail: support@bobbooks.co.uk

4.9 How can I re-order my flickbook?

To re-order your flickbook you will need to upload it again from your computer onto our server and place the order again.

4.10 How long will Bob Books keep my flickbook for?

Bob Books will keep your files for 3 month only, after this time all books will be deleted and Bob Books can not be responsible for any lost data.

4.11 How much does it cost?

Each flickbook costs £12.99, which includes VAT but not postage or packaging. For delivery within the UK, P&P costs £3.50, please add £1 per additional flickbook.
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5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

5.1 How do I contact Bob Books?

You can contact Bob Books by phone, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm on +44 (0)20 7243 7404 or via e-mail: support@bobbooks.co.uk

5.2 What happens if I use low quality images?

Through-out the designing process our traffic light system informs you of the quality of your movie as well as cover image (if you upload your own image). Please be aware of this when designing your flickbook as the quality of your movie or image will affect the print quality.
Please be aware that after sending your order, your flickbook cannot be changed.

5.3 Is my data protected?

The flickbook generator application uses a secure server; however there is always a risk exchanging data via the internet, as data may be lost due to viruses. Protect your system with an updated virus protection program and a firewall and regularly save data on an independent data medium such as an external hard disk or DVD-RW.

5.4 How is my flickbook made?

Your book is manufactured using the latest digital printing technology and our 'hot glue' binding process assures long lasting durability.

5.5 What paper does Bob Books use for the flickbooks?

Bob Books uses high quality paper, the flickbooks are printed on 250 gsm matt coated paper (silver digital), feature a 350gsm cover, and boast a special durable binding - ensuring that they flick perfectly, time after time.

5.6 What size is my flickbook?

Our flickbooks come in one handy size, contain 70 pages, weigh approximately 175g, length 12.5 cm and width is 6.5 cm. Thickness is approximately 1.7 cm.

Any questions? Here you can find answers to any questions you might have about Bob Books.