How do you get your screenshots to look so good?

There are two programs I use in helping me take and edit screenshots: FRAPS and Adobe Photoshop. When taking screenshots, I try (but sometimes fail) to smash the screenshot button as much as possible. I then use a program such as Ifran View to sort through the screenshots, delete what I do not need, and then save what I consider to be usable. When I’m ready, I run it through Photoshop and crop the photos down and then I change the Brightness/Contrast settings to about 20 or so (adjust as necessary). Now take that and run it through Gaussian Blur with a setting of a 3.0 radius. Yeah, your picture will look fugly for now but trust me… it will look better. Now that you’ve done that, go to Edit > Fade Gaussian Blur and use either Overlay, Soft Light, or Hard Light and play with the percentages and edit them as you see fit. And… viola! That’s that. :3

What kind of video card/settings do you have?

GeForce 9800 GT
Enable MIP Mapping: Yes
Texture Compression: Uncompressed
On-screen Maps: Uncompressed
Enable bump mapping: Yes
Environmental Animation: Normal
Enable hardware mouse cursor: Yes (for game pad)

Please note I also edit my registry files to bump up MIP Mapping levels and to double my background resolution. I highly recommend doing this, but ONLY if you are comfortable changing your registry. As always do backups if you are unsure of what the hell you’re doing (I’m cocky and don’t bother). For more details, hit up BG of the Wiki and you’ll find all you need to know there.

I also play on a Sony Vaio SZ 6 series. Its sexy and I love it.

How did you do the banner to your layout?

I honestly wish I could tell you, but I can’t. My boyfriend did the layout for me using stock photos, a .DAT viewer, and Photoshop. If you want to ask him questions, try shooting me an e-mail and I’ll see if I can get him to answer them for you.

I tried stalking you! When can I get a hold of you on FFXI!?

I am not a hardcore player. I’m actually rather casual. I’m typically on during the weekends, and once in awhile I will make an appearance during the weekday. It all depends on when I feel like it, when I have time, and more importantly… if my health is able to handle me logging onto FFXI.