Frequently
Asked Questions
1. How
can I get my order started?
2. Once I place my order will I receive some type of
confirmation?
3. What do you look for in the pictures we send and
can you give us any tips in preparing and selecting the best photo
for the painting.
4. How would you suggest I send you the photographs
of our pet.
5. What method of payment do you accept and how can
we make sure it is secure.
6. I am not computer literate. How would you suggest
I complete my order and get my photographs to you?
7. What is the best way to send an e-mail of our pets
photograph?
8. If I scan the photographs of my pet what type of
file is it best to send?
9. Will my photographs be returned?
10. Do you have a price guarantee on my order if your
prices should go up before it is completed and shipped?
11. Can you walk me through my payment using PayPal?
12. Please clarify if there are any additional add-on
costs other than those listed under pricing.
13. Can we make special requests?
14. Can you add additional pets to the painting and
how many pets would you consider including in a painting that wouldn't
be overpowering.
15. What is your policy if I want some alterations
done to the painting?
16. Can I choose the style I want of my painting and
the background?
17. Can you help me decide which size canvas I should
select that would complement the picture I'm sending you?
18. What type of portrait won't you paint?
19. Can I review my painting before receiving it?
20. How long will it take to get my painting?
21. Please explain your deposit policy.
22. What is the procedure once the painting is completed
in sending the balance due?
23. What is your return policy?
24. How will my painting be shipped?
25. Why don't you frame them?
26. Why do you prefer using acrylic instead of oil
paint?
27. Do you put a protective coating on the paintings?
28. Do you have gift certificates?
29. Can I call you?
30. Will you accept overseas orders?
31. Am I responsible for any special state taxes if
this is shipped to a USA address and/or duties or customs if this
is an overseas order?
32. What is the right of ownership and copyright of
the painting?
33. Frequently asked questions about the order form.
34. My question isn't answered on this FAQ page, what
should I do?
35. Do you have other artistic products?
36. Do you have other illustrations of different styles
of painting by you?
Answers:
1. How can I get my order started?
a. First off, I would like you to become familiar with my Frequently
Asked Questions section so you will have a better understanding
of what to expect from the initial start to the completion of your
painting.
b. Fill out the order form.
c. Initiate the 50% deposit.
d. Forward the photographs of your pet
c. Be patient! It will be worth it.
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2. Once I place my order will I receive
some type of confirmation?
Yes! Once your order is placed, you'll immediately receive acknowledgment
by e-mail that your order was received.
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3. What do you look for in the pictures
we send and can you give us any tips in preparing and selecting
the best photo for the painting.
The photograph of your pet that you pick should be chosen very carefully,
as that is the image I will be using for your painting. You will
want to send me a variety of poses and expressions and especially
some good clear head shots so I can capture their expression and
personality. Try and make sure you get some that are good shots
of their eyes, as this reflects their inner soul and thoughts and
it's so important in capturing that in the picture. For best results,
the pictures should be at least 4 x 6 or larger and naturally with
good color that shows the truest coloring of their eyes and coat.
Please make sure you mark the back of all the pictures either directly
or attatch a post-it note with your name and your pet, include any
comments if applicable and by all means don't forget to mark the
specific one that you want me to use. If you are able to send a
photograph of the area and the wall where you think you would like
to hang the picture, it would be most helpful so I could incorporate
that general color scheme in the background. Also make sure you
mark that picture as such.
If you don't already have that perfect photo that you want to use,
please take your time in taking these new photographs and selecting
the one that you want painted. It may take several days working
with your pet until you get that perfect one. We also tend to shoot
down at our pets when taking their picture and normally that does
not give us the best results. If it is possible to take some of
these pictures on their level, I think you'll be very pleased at
the outcome. Focus on your pet's face and head, unless you want
a whole body drawing. The best view of your pet is usually a tight
three-quarter picture. Remember, I can only work with what I see
from your pictures. Also try and take some out doors in natural
light that is not overly bright. This will normally produce a truer
color of your pet. Don't forget, this painting is going to last
forever and be passed down for many generations to enjoy, so once
again, take your time and take a lot of shots until you get the
perfect one, as the end result will definitely be worth it.
If by some chance I find your photographs not workable, I would
certainly contact you before starting on the painting.
Please do not send any framed pictures!
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4. How would you suggest I send you
the photographs of our pet.
You can always send them by mail. If you do mail them out, please
make sure you protect them using a stiff envelope with cardboard
encasing them or a bubble pack mailer that you can pick up at just
about any drugstore and don't forget to write PHOTOS - PLEASE
DO NOT BEND on the envelope, front and back. If by chance
you have duplicate copies of the originals, that would even be better,
then I would have no worries. I promise I will treat them well,
but cannot guarantee that the Post Office will too. So far I have
never had an accident with any of my client's photographs, but being
around my studio with all the paints and chemicals, I am constantly
concerned that they could accidentally get splattered. In any case
, so far so good and naturally if you request it on the order form,
they will be returned with your painting.
If you are computer savvy, by all means e-mail them if that would
be more convenient.
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5. What method of payment do you
accept and how can we make sure it is secure.
Your payment will be processed securely by PayPal who accepts all
major credit cards and not only uses encryption to protect your
credit card number and personal information, but has also installed
the premier top security and anti-fraud systems in use today. It
processes tens of millions of dollars a day for just eBay alone
and has one of the best reputations in the business for online security.
We never handle, see or store your credit card number.
However, if you prefer you can send in your payment via check directly
to me (Anna Agsten), but be advised that it will delay your starting
time until your check has been cleared.
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6. I am not computer literate. How
would you suggest I complete my order and get my photographs to
you?
Just follow the mailing instructions on the bottom of the order
form. It's just that easy!
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7. What is the best way to send an
e-mail of our pets photograph?
PetArtByAnna.com offers an easy way to upload your photos from within
the PetArtByAnna.com web site.
Uploading your photos means getting the digital photos from your
hard drive or digital camera to our servers on PetArtByAnna.com.
Your digital photos must be saved in a popular file type such as
JPEG (".jpg"), TIFF (".tiff"), or GIF (".gif"). They very probably
are already.
In "Step 2 - Upload Photo" in the "Order" page, you simply click
the "Browse" button to open up the search box. This will allow you
to locate and select the photo that you want to upload.
Search for the photo that you want to upload and select it with
your mouse.
Click the "Open" button to complete placing your digital photo on
the upload form.
Finish filling in the required fields and click the "SEND" button.
Once the upload has finished you will be automatically sent to a
"submission complete" page confirming that your photos are safely stored on
our servers and you will also be sent an additional confirmation by email.
If you prefer to directly e-mail them feel free to e-mail your photos
to: photos@petartbyanna.com.
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8. If I scan the photographs of my
pet what type of file is it best to send?
You may send pictures in .jpeg, .gif, or .tiff. I suggest sending
the highest resolution and quality photo available, no matter how
big the file is. The better the image is, the better I will be able
to create your painting.
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9. Will my photographs be returned?
We have added a box in the Order Section in the event you mailed
us the photographs, to let us know if you want them returned or
if we can keep them in your file.
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10. Do you have a price guarantee
on my order if your prices should go up before it is completed and
shipped?
Absolutely! Once your order is received and we have received your
50% deposit, that will guarantee you the charges that you have committed
to will remain the same, even if the prices go up prior to completion
and the shipping of your painting.
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11. Can you walk me through my
payment using PayPal?
PayPal is a very easy online banking system. If you do not have
a Pay Pal account, don't worry -- Pay Pal will still process your
credit card the same as any other credit card processor.
If you do not have an account, simply click on the link that reads
"Don't have a PayPal account?" during checkout to securely enter
your credit card and shipping information.
However, if you have not used it before you may find these notes
useful.
1. Click on the relevant PayPal button (Add to Cart) on the web
site. You will then be taken to the PayPal site and shown a page
which gives details of what you are paying for and how much. When
ready to checkout click "Proceed to Checkout".
2. If you don't have a PayPal account Click the "continue" link
at "Don't have a PayPal account?". Otherwise login with your PayPal
Account.
3. You will then be taken to a page that asks you for your details.
Just fill in your name, address, postcode, phone, and email. Click
"Review Order and Continue".
4. If this is your "DEPOSIT" Click "Pay Now". If you are paying
the "Balance Due" On this page you will be able to specify your
shipping address and shipping method (UPS 2nd Day Air or UPS Ground),
once you have looked over your shipping address and specified your
shipping click "Pay Now".
5. You will then be taken to a "thank you and receipt ID" page.
Also a detailed receipt will be email to your email address specified
in your PayPal checkout.
We understand that some people prefer not to use PayPal for various
reasons, and we'll be adding additional payment methods as we move
forward.
Paying By Check Make a check payable Anna Agsten, and mail it to:
Anna Agsten
PetArtByAnna.com
11124 NE Halsey
Studio #646
Portland, OR 97220
PayPal payment systems:
The security of your information, transactions, and money is the
core of our business and our top priority. We pride ourselves in
taking extra measures to protect you so we'll have you as a customer
for years to come.
PayPal automatically encrypts your confidential information in transit
from your computer to their system using the Secure Sockets Layer
protocol (SSL) with an encryption key length of 128-bits (the highest
level commercially available). Before you even register or login
to their site, their server checks that you're using an approved
browser - one that uses SSL 3.0 or higher.
Once your information reaches PayPal, it resides on a server that
is heavily guarded both physically and electronically. PayPal servers
sit behind an electronic firewall and are not directly connected
to the Internet, so your private information is available only to
authorized computers.
The information you give us (which does not include credit card
information ) is handled with the same sincerity. We do not give,
or sell, any information to anyone. Your name, address, telephone
number and email address are only used for shipping purposes or
to contact you if questions arise.
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12. Please clarify if there are
any additional add-on costs other than those listed under pricing.
Other than the original price quoted, there would be an additional
$100 charge for each animal added to the picture and/or an additional
$75 charge if your picture required extra time spent on a more detailed
custom background. Also as indicated there is an additional $50
charge if your pet is to be painted in full body. In the event there
were any additional extra costs, I would definitely contact you
for your approval before starting the painting. Please understand
these additional charges are only requested because of the additional
time in completing them.
The only additional charge other than those listed above, would
be for shipping and handling. It would be $22 for ground shipping
to anywhere in North America and $28 if you wanted 2nd Day Air.
Also, I highly recommend having the painting ensured for its full
value, for only five dollars more.
Any special charges and conversion rates for overseas orders would
be confirmed and quoted in US dollars by e-mail.
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13. Can we make special requests?
Yes, if you think it will add to the picture. We have provided a
Comments and/or Special Requests box for just that purpose. Please
try and make your request as clear and precise as possible, so there
will be no doubt what you are requesting and naturally if it's feasible
and obtainable and within our scope. The simpler the request always
seems to turn out much better than something more bizarre and complicated.
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14. Can you add additional pets
to the painting and how many pets would you consider including in
a painting that wouldn't be overpowering.
Yes! The most I would recommend would be three, but unless it's
the perfect composition, it can look a bit crowded and overpowering.
That is why I prefer just one and suggests two at the most, but
it also has a lot to do with the photograph I am working from with
more than one pet.
If you do want multiple pets painted and don't have that perfect
photograph of them together, you can submit separate photos of each,
if you will trust my judgment and allow me to arrange them.
Please be advised that there is a $100 fee for each additional pet
added to your painting.
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15. What is your policy if I want
some alterations done to the painting?
If any time within the first 90 days of receiving your painting
you would like some minor alterations done, I would be pleased to
accommodate you. In most cases there would be no additional cost,
unless it was an add-on that was not covered in the original photograph.
Please be aware that it would be your responsibility to cover the
cost of shipping and insurance both ways and I strongly suggest
that you package it in the same box that it was originally shipped
in.
Before initiating this action, I would want you to send me a photograph
of the painting and explain in detail what you would like done to
eliminate any confusion.
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16. Can I choose the style I want
of my painting and the background?
Yes! Please review the SELECT A STYLE
section.
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17. Can you help me decide which
size canvas I should select that would complement the picture I'm
sending you?
That's a tough one. There are many factors to take into consideration.
First off, how many pets do you want to display in the painting,
portrait or full body and just what size would complement the space
you are looking to hang it at.
What seems to work for a lot of my clients, is they will cut out
some of these various sizes out of butcher paper or cardboard and
hold them up to the wall to get an idea of how that size might blend
in to the surrounding area.
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18. What type of portrait won't
you paint?
I certainly will not paint anything offensive, unlawful or any material
that is copyrighted or is not legally admissible in your particular
country under your government's custom laws.
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19. Can I review my painting before
receiving it?
Absolutely! Once your painting is completed, we will contact you
to be able to review it online. Fortunately, most of our customers
have been confirming their portrait when receiving the first preview
e-mail. However, at that time , if you feel that any modifications
should be made or something needs to be tweaked on your painting,
we will be more than happy to do it before sending it out to you.
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20. How long will it take to get
my painting?
There are several factors that influence the total time it takes
for you to receive your painting. Generally, our normal lead time
is usually around four to five weeks once your order, pictures and
funds have been received. I am normally swamped with orders around
all the major holidays and any add-ons and more detailed finishing
and/or tweaking, would definitely add more time to its completion.
It is interesting to note, that until I expanded the Frequently
Asked Questions section, a disproportionate amount of my time was
on the telephone going over the questions we have covered in this
section. That is why it might seem a bit wordy and an overkill,
but it has cut the phone calls down at least 90% so I can now dedicate
that time to your painting. Please, before you think of making a
call, read this section again, as I think it will just about covers
everything you want to talk about.
I am very conscious of how frustrating it can be waiting for something
that you're anxiously anticipating, but on the other hand, it can't
be rushed and I hope you understand that it takes great concentration
and time to be able to deliver to you a paining of your beloved
pet, that I hope you and your family will cherish forever.
I take great pride in my work and want you to be pleased.
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21. Please explain your deposit
policy.
With the time, effort and expense that goes into a painting and
especially because it is something creative, it is very important
to make sure we are committed to each other.
Painting can be very exhilarating one minute and at the same time
be very draining, as you're constantly concentrating on your subject
matter and go through many intense cycles in this process. It's
very easy for time to slip away and for a normal one pet portrait
without any extra features; it will take me a better part of the
week to complete it.
I think it would be very unfair if I was not compensated for a portion
of this effort and expenses, if it ever came to pass that a client
refused the painting. That is why I have set this 50% nonrefundable
policy. Fortunately, to date I have never had to enforce it.
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22. What is the procedure once
the painting is completed in sending the balance due?
Once the painting is completed, you will be sent a digital photograph
of your painting to confirm your satisfaction. You will also receive
an itemized statement totaling your final balance due. Once we receive
your confirmation and we received the remaining funds due, your
painting will immediately be forwarded to you by UPS in the manner
that you initially requested on your order form.
Unless you send us a check, you will be directed back to the website
to activate step three, the Paid Deposit button in the Order Section.
You must completely fill this form out, highlighting any add-ons
or extras that you requested, so that the total due matches your
invoice.
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23. What is your return policy?
If you are not completely satisfied with the painting, you may return
it within fifteen days of receiving it for a full 50% refund of
the purchase price (less shipping and handling costs). The painting
must be returned in the same condition as mailed to you, using the
same UPS service and insured for full value. The cost of mailing
and insurance will be at the client's expense. After receiving the
painting, your refund will be immediately processed. Please be advised
that I will retain the right to sell the return painting to the
public and retain all rights to display, reproduce and duplicated
in any form, printed, electronically and/or painting multiple originals
of the subject for any purpose.
Knock on wood, I've never had a painting returned.
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24. How will my painting be shipped?
The canvas will be shipped flat by UPS and fitted to a stretching
frame. Obviously, this is a large package and will not fit in a
mailbox; you'll want to keep this in mind when you give us a shipping
address and that you have made sure it will be sent to a location
that can receive it safely for you.
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25. Why don't you frame them?
At one time we did offer framing and in many cases that proved to
be a wasted expense for our clients. Many of them later told us
that although the frame was gorgeous, it just wasn't perfect for
the area they were displaying it in and had to go to an extra expense
of having it reframed more to their taste and location. Even though
this can be hanged just fitted to the stretching frame and displayed
like this, you might like to explore a more decorative frame to
complement the painting. The 16 x 20 and 20 x 24 is a standard size
as is the 24 x 30 and you will find most art stores will carry a
variety of these ready-made frames at very reasonable prices in
those sizes.
If there is an Aaron Brothers frames store in your area or a Michael
Arts and Crafts, it's worth a visit as they carry a fantastic selection
of ready-made frames in the sizes we recommend at very reasonable
prices. Several times a year they have big sales with up to 50%
off on some of there ready-made frames and a substantial discount
on custom frames. It's worth the wait. I would also suggest registering
with them online, as you will get discount coupon and be automatically
notified of the sales.
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26. Why do you prefer using acrylic
instead of oil paint?
First off, with the high quality of acrylic paint that is offered
today, many experts find it very difficult to tell the difference
between an oil painting and an acrylic painting. You can purchase
different consistencies in the acrylics that will allow you to layer
it much like the oils. However, there are a couple of major considerations
that makes it much easier using acrylic paint over oils and the
main one is the drying time. Most people don't know that an oil
painting can stay wet for many weeks or even months depending upon
the humidity and temperature. A normal acrylic painting will dry
within 15 minutes to half an hour and one that's heavily layered,
might take an hour or two. This makes a big difference to our customers
when they are patiently waiting for their painting. Imagine if we
had to hold them up for a couple of months waiting for them to dry,
it would be too impractical.
The other problem is the high toxicity of the oil paint, especially
around young children and pets, notwithstanding the discomfort to
myself. I am also very experienced in oils and still receive commissions
from my earlier style of work.
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27. Do you put a protective coating
on the paintings?
Yes! It's a perfectly clear finish and I think its best qualities
are, that it not only protects the surface from dust and dirt and
provides protection from scratching, marring and moisture, but it
also offers protection against sun damage and ultraviolet light
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28. Do you have gift certificates?
Yes! The certificates are attractively printed with a place to identify
you as the gift giver and are mailed either to the purchaser or
to the intended recipient of the gift. Gift certificates are valid
for two years after purchase and are not redeemable for cash. One
especially nice feature is if the price should go up for the size
you are purchasing, we will still honor that commitment without
any additional cost to the recipient, unless they request some additional
work that was not initially contracted in the gift certificate.
In addition to personal gifts, we have supplied many of these for
charities and special groups and clubs in need of prizes for their
events.
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29. Can I call you?
Yes, if it is absolutely necessary and not covered in this Frequently
Asked Questions section. It's not that I don't want to talk to you,
but 10 calls a day could easily take up a couple of hours of painting
time. As I've mentioned herein, before I expanded this FAQ section,
I was on the phone for at least two to three hours every day and
it proved to be very draining and so unproductive having to break
away so many times from the painting. Once I start a painting, I
find I really immerse myself in it and when you stop cold to take
a phone call, it can take some time to recapture that inspiration,
sensitivity and energy you were experiencing before the interruption.
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30. Will you accept overseas orders?
Absolutely! All prices will be quoted and remitted in US dollars.
In most cases your order and shipping arrangements, duty and/or
any additional expense will be confirmed upon receipt of your initial
order by e-mail or by phone if necessary.
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31. Am I responsible for any special
state taxes if this is shipped to a USA address and/or duties or
customs if this is an overseas order?
Because you're painting would be shipped out from Oregon which does
not have state sales tax, in most cases that added expense would
not be an issue. However, there are some states that are trying
to enact a law that requires the seller to collect sales tax for
that state, even though the sale was not consummated in that state.
Naturally we are doing our best to keep on top of this and will
certainly comply and notify our customers, just as soon as we become
aware of any changes or new laws, but we can not be held responsible
for any omissions. It is solely the buyer's responsibility for any
taxes or charges due that their state or country imposes.
Any currency conversion rates, taxes and/or duty charges for overseas
orders would be confirmed and quoted in US dollars by e-mail.
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32. What is the right of ownership
and copyright of the painting?
Most people are not aware that an artist is able to retain all rights
to their paintings and be able to reproduce in any form, printed
or electronically for any purpose, including painting a similar
original for public sale. I have never used or abused this right
of copyright, but I do want to call it to my client's attention
if a similar likeness ever appears.
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33. Frequently asked questions
about the order form.
I think the biggest confusion is, if you have not filled
out all the requested information, it
will not submit and you will be alerted that you
have not completed a required field. All required fields are marked
with an asterisk "*". All of these questions were specifically
designed so that there would be no confusion in my being able to complete your painting,
as you envisioned.
The reason I request your home telephone number and any alternate
numbers such as your work and cell phone number if they are available,
is because in the off chance I need to reach you, it certainly helps
if I'm able to get a hold of you immediately while working on that
aspect of your painting that I feel your feedback would be helpful.
Obviously, the other requested information should be pretty much
self-explanatory.
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34. My question isn't answered
on this FAQ page, what should I do?
You may use our e-mail form to send us any specific questions that
are not covered above.
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35. Do you have other artistic
products?
Not at the present. However, we have received many inquiries in
the past about transferring the image from the painting to cups,
T-shirts, jigsaw puzzles, etc. etc. If we our ever in a position
to offer any of these extra services, I am sure we will either send
out an e-mail or a mailing to our clients.
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36. Do you have other illustrations
of different styles of painting by you?
Yes! My earlier work lends itself to more of an abstract technique
that combines light, gases and energy exploding in space. It's an
exciting release for me and renews my energy when I come back to
the exactness and the detail that goes into the pet paintings. I
also need to rearrange my time and scheduling when I do one of these
paintings because of the fumes that the oils release.
(*Please Review My Other Web Site-CLICK
HERE)
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