Posting photos??

[khallam]

Hello,

If I want to post an image here, do I need it have it hosted online somewhere first - as the insert image option seems to suggest. If this is the case, is there an idiots guide how to do it?

TIA

[Libraraptor]

https://dinotoyblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=173.0

[khallam]

https://dinotoyblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=173.0

After I've learnt to upload images....I learn to read the help section!!     

[DinoToyForum]

This is the most often asked question by people on the forum. I've been wondering if there's a simpler solution.

The forum does have an attachment option but I've disabled it because I'm worried we'd run out of space very soon, especially if people upload original high res images, which many people tend to do by default these days. The forum software functions up as a text-based discussion forum first and foremost, it just happens that our hobby is very image heavy, so most of us want to post images regularly. But we aren't set up on the back end to be an image host, not for the volume I'd expect we'd receive. In any case, the forum's attachment process isn't as streamlined as I'd like it to be: by default it attaches the images as thumbnails below the post, then to insert them into the post takes another step, it's just one click but it's easy to miss.

I've considered allowing image attachments but limiting the file size to a reasonable size for the internet, about 2000 x 2000 pixels. But then I'd get complaints from people saying they can't upload an image because it is too big.

Maybe there's an option to automatically resize the images, but even then I think the full original has to be uploaded in the first place, so it could actually take more space by duplicating the image at different sizes.

Hmmm.

[triceratops83]

Could you maybe just put the "Posting Images" thread on the main page somewhere? Have the guide in an obvious spot, so new members can get an idea on how to do it before they even join?

[ceratopsian]

Can it be flagged in some way to new members when they join?

[khallam]

This is the most often asked question by people on the forum. I've been wondering if there's a simpler solution.

The forum does have an attachment option but I've disabled it because I'm worried we'd run out of space very soon, especially if people upload original high res images, which many people tend to do by default these days. The forum software functions up as a text-based discussion forum first and foremost, it just happens that our hobby is very image heavy, so most of us want to post images regularly. But we aren't set up on the back end to be an image host, not for the volume I'd expect we'd receive. In any case, the forum's attachment process isn't as streamlined as I'd like it to be: by default it attaches the images as thumbnails below the post, then to insert them into the post takes another step, it's just one click but it's easy to miss.

I've considered allowing image attachments but limiting the file size to a reasonable size for the internet, about 2000 x 2000 pixels. But then I'd get complaints from people saying they can't upload an image because it is too big.

Maybe there's an option to automatically resize the images, but even then I think the full original has to be uploaded in the first place, so it could actually take more space by duplicating the image at different sizes.

Hmmm.

Sounds like a possibility to use small images - but would not need to be 2000x size. For quick forum post 1280x1024 would be fine.

Would it also be possible though if users want to post high res then there remains the option for external image hosting?

[ceratopsian]

I personally would find it a much slower process to reduce image size than simply to host externally.

[DinoToyForum]

Can it be flagged in some way to new members when they join?

Maybe. Perhaps I could set up a message at the top of the forum that only 'newbies' will see, so it doesn't distract guests or other forum members. But 'newbies' are currently classified as having 0-50 posts. 50 seems a lot to be constantly reminded how to post images. So I could change that to, say, 5-50 posts, and create a new group for 0-5 posts. 'New blood', or 'origin of the species' or something like that. 

[Halichoeres]

Is there a welcome email generated when members join? If so, could a link to the photo instructions post be included in it?