Posting Pictures as attachments is generally a bad idea for the site and also for you. So, that ability is going to be severly restricted in the near future. I am waiting for the next major version of Photopost which is supposedly going to make uploading easier. I am also waiting for our new site programmers to get up to speed becuase I want to add some mods that we will write to even make the whole easier.
To get a better idea of why I am going to do this, I have added the posts that were in a discussion that took place in the Moderator's forum.
Will we totally disable to ability to use the attachment method? NO! But will post guidlines later as to what pictures and their intended usage will be allowed and what is not. At that point, any post that has an attachment will be placed in "Moderation" and a staff member will have to approve the post.
Anyway, why am I announcing this now instead of closer to the time when we actually do this? Becuase, if you know it is coming, then perhaps, you'll start learning to use the gallery for these purposes now.
Here's the discussion. And please feel free to disagree, make suggestions, etc.
To get a better idea of why I am going to do this, I have added the posts that were in a discussion that took place in the Moderator's forum.
Will we totally disable to ability to use the attachment method? NO! But will post guidlines later as to what pictures and their intended usage will be allowed and what is not. At that point, any post that has an attachment will be placed in "Moderation" and a staff member will have to approve the post.
Anyway, why am I announcing this now instead of closer to the time when we actually do this? Becuase, if you know it is coming, then perhaps, you'll start learning to use the gallery for these purposes now.
Here's the discussion. And please feel free to disagree, make suggestions, etc.
I much prefer the BB code.
I don't like attachments either but don't know what harm they do. I have heard they can be dangerous.
A clip from the FAQs:
If you want to include a picture in your post, you have two basic methods to do this: Attachment method and Insert Image method
Attachment method - use this method when you have a picture on your local computer (ie, not published on the net somewhere). You just "attach" an image to your post, just like you would attach a file or image to an e-mail message. This method has the advantage of simplicity, speed, and familiarity (if you're used to forums that use this method, like Saw Mill Creek). The main disadvantage is that the picture shows up in a box down at the bottom of the page -- you have no control over where the picture is placed within your post. Well, actually you do have some control, but you have to take an extra step to do this (see below). Most importantly, the picture does not go into your gallery, so it doesn't count towards your total post count, and you can lose track of where it's located if you need to refer to it later.
Insert Image method - use this method when you want to show a picture that is hosted on a web site somewhere on the net (like your own web site, or your photo gallery here on this web site). This is a bit more involved, but more versatile. This is the preferred method if you want to include more than one picture in your post, or if you want your picture to show up somewhere in the middle of the post instead of down at the bottom. This method is really simple once you get used to it, and it's definitely worth learning.The next post will address the Attachments method, then I will followup with a post on the Insert Image method, along with some more "advanced" tips & tricks... stay tuned.
I think most folks see the attachment method first and find it easier. However, as Monty notes in the FAQ: "inserting is more involved, but more versatile." Banning attachments would create a bit of grumbling, but eventually members would learn how to insert . . . I think. :eusa_thin
I lack the geek to speak regarding compression alogrithm of text. However, I see many pros for inserting and linking: reuse, resizing, rapid access, and removing. Gallery photos are easy to access and delete (something I need to do :BangHead, whereas no one is likely to return to an old thread and remove an attachment.
If banning attachments will improve the site, go for it. I would do my best to assist those who need help adjusting to the change.
Roger
It just dawned on me that this thread wasn't in the public realm. It should be. Maybe if more folks knew more about attachments and the advantages to placing their pictures in the gallery, they might use the attachment feature less. I was just replying to a thread, and went to look back at the posted picture to make sure I did say something stupid, and it was an attachment and not viewable while replying, like an embedded image :BangHead: :BangHead: .
I think attachments have their place and do serve a good function, but they are kinda like a Rotozip, mostly worthless except for cutting a hole in drywall :-D
Dave
