It has been suggested that we consider changing our image hosting and posting policies. It has been suggested that AVSIM no longer host images, but instead ask users here to host their own images. With the increase in free storage available, such as Google, Microsoft, and the many other Cloud based storage providers, this suggestion has some merit. What would it impact in terms of our policies?

 

If we were to do that, we would reduce the restriction on the number of images shown here. We would probably double it from 10 to 20. We would also most likely increase, somewhat, the physical size of the image allowed to be seen here in the forums.

 

Just to make this clear... WE HAVE NOT DECIDED TO DO THIS. We are taking suggestions and are encouraging discussion here. So, with that caveat, what do you think about this approach?

Time to give my halo a rub. I've always hosted my own screenshots etc. Although I never realised one could upload them directly. Dagnabbit! :rolleyes:

Me too, all mine are hosted over on Ozx image hosting, so no problem. I can't see any issue with this proposal, it's a very simple process to post screenies from over there.

From a posting perspective, the few images I've posted are all self-hosted so I'm perfectly comfortable with the idea.  As a viewer however, the value in Avsim hosting is fewer busted image links, especially on older threads where screenshots have been used to illustrate issues and solutions.

 

Scott

It's not possible to reduce the limits just for self-hosted images, but still allow for AVSIM-hosted images with the existing limits? I would think that's a good incentive for people to switch to self-hosting, but to allow people to continue to upload to AVSIM if for some reason they don't want to host photos elsewhere. I'm guessing the majority would opt for external hosting.

 

I use photobucket for hosting. Very easy to use.

 

If you withdrew image hosting, would you grandfather-in existing images, or would they need to be moved off the AVSIM server?

Although I do not understand hosting stuff, all I know is that I am using photobucket for my screenshots and I have only one suggestion, please. Remember it is just suggestion.

 

It would be nice to increase limit of screenshots from current limit of 10 to suggested l.

 

imit of 50, please.

 

Just a suggestion!!! No need to cause storm or furor:):)

 

I believe in joy of sharing my flight results with all of you via screenshots!! That is my SOLE reason for flying!!

 

Regarding all other regulations of screenshot posting, I am satisfied.

 

Regards,

 

Aharon

Just a well I've just opened a Photobucket account.

But seriously I'm all for making improvements especially as my previous attempts at uploading my screenshots have been a dismal failure.

 

Go for it.

 

Mike

Idea sounds fine to me, I always use image links to my own web site. I also try to optimize my images as best I can to minimize download time ... but sometimes those FSX, P3D, XP10 gradients require a tad more quality than a normal pic.

 

I think the new forum software AVSIM updated to will now auto resize any URL linked images ... so I'm hoping this will allow me to link in some of my very wide and very big hi-res images? I think I got a slap once for not following correct image size policy even though the image was hosted on my own web site.

 

Rob

 

P.S. and if it makes the site faster, then a BIG YES!   My routine for posting is ... compose the post, copy the post text to notepad, hit the Post button, wait a few minutes for it to fail to post, then hit refresh, make sure it didn't actually post and then copy notepad back into a reply and hit post again ... can be a tad time consuming

I had no clue I could host images here.

neither had I, all my shots are on photobucket anyway

one thing I forgot to mention in addition to my previous post is that the new rules should have screenshot size limit of 1024x800 with freedom of leeway to allow up to 1200x 900 for error margin. Any screenshot over 1200x900 will be deleted.

 

Aharon

Like many already stated, all my images are self hosted and to be quite honest, I never even thought to take advantage of that offering. Many people here cross post on different forums so I can see why self hosting is as popular as it is.

 

I'm also in favour of increasing the number of images shown in our posts and 20 seems like a manageable number. Anything north of that and you risk people losing interest in a thread and eventually diluting the appeal of viewing future posts.

Hosting pictures on a non specialized site isn't optimal I think. It makes better sense to out source or leave behind the things that aren't your "core activities" and rather concentrate on what's your own unique specialities. I use Imageshack, there are many free specialists out there.

 

Better be awesome at the Avsim basics:

* FS addon file hosting

* forums

* news

* reviews

 

I'd say drop the rest. Fewer headaches for the admins, cheaper server rent, etc. 

 

I think most people have faster lines now than when the rules were (re-?)written, it seems to me that the image size at least is unneccessary to the vast majority of people. Same goes for image size. Most probably have wide screen monitors now, 1920x1280 at least. Looking at Avsim from back in 1999 makes me remember the good old dial-up days and VGA monitors. Not so anymore. 

 

You'd probably be better off making a long running but very short and to the point poll, pinned to the top of forums and the front page asking people basic questions about their actual forum usage. I hardly knew of the file hosting feature too, so no it wouldn't be missed on my part. Nor would I miss CSS feeds. And I wouldn't miss anything other than the four things I listed. 

I have posted very few images  and even in posts have put in links to box.net. Easy retrieval and no cost to Avsim, members or me!!

I would prefer a move over to cloud service picture hosting. I currently store all of my photos in Skydrive so being able to copy and link and go is very simple. :smile: