2 replies to this topic

[Greg K.]

In response to numerous user requests, Cloudy Nights is changing the rules for posting images. Effective immediately, we will no longer be restricting the dimensions for images that you post. Instead, there is a new display preference setting that can be configured by each user to control the size of displayed. See the Cloudy Nights Image Posting Guidelines for more information.

Frequently asked questions:

1) What has changed?

We are removing the restriction on image dimensions (width and height) for posting, and instead making it a configurable setting for display.

- Images included in posts, whether as attachments or external embedded images, no longer have any dimension restrictions. (Note: the 200KB max file size limit is still in effect.)

- We have added a new user display preference setting to allow users to set the maximum display size for images in posts. Users can choose 512, 640, 800, 1024, 1280 or unlimited so as to best match their own preferences and their monitor. Images will be scaled on display to match your setting, and the setting applies to both the width and the height of the image. The default setting is 800 pixels wide/high.


2) Very cool! How do I change my setting?

- Click on the "My Home" link at the top of the page, then click "Display preferences, number of shown threads, languages, colors…" Or, simply click this link: Display preferences

- Scroll down to the last setting on the page, "Maximum width and height to use for display of images in posts (default is 800px)". Choose the new setting. Note: the "no limit" setting will show all images in posts at their native resolution.

- Click "Submit".


3) Why are you changing this?

Our old restriction of 800x800 maximum size for images was intended to provide a reasonable compromise between showing detail in user's photos, and usability for the majority of users allowing them to view images without forcing them to scroll around. While this restriction worked reasonably well, it was still a compromise, and required a lot of effort from the moderator staff to make it work.


4) How will this help?

Astrophotographers and others who wish to show their work at a higher level of detail can now do so. Users who don't wish to scroll to view large images can control how images will be scaled on display. Moderators will no longer have to police image dimensions.


5) Why is file size still limited? I have a super-fast broadband connection!

Not everyone has a fast connection. Some people are still limited to dial up, others view on mobile devices that may not be fast in all locations, or have usage caps. Even with fast connections, huge photos take a long time to load. Our goal is to provide a site that can be enjoyed by all users, and we think the current file size limit is quite reasonable. Please be respectful of other users when posting.


6) What about avatars and signature images? Do these settings apply to those images as well?

No. The policy regarding avatars and signature images has not changed. These are still limited to 10KB or less.


7) Help! I changed my setting but it's not working for me. Images aren't scaled and/or are squeezed or otherwise mangled.

This feature has been tested on all major browsers, and should work on any that support CSS 2.1 standards. It's possible that some, particularly old browsers won't scale images using these settings. Try upgrading to a newer version of your browser. If all else fails, post in feedback and we will try to find a solution for you.

[rick rian]

Slick! Thanks ...

[hfjacinto]

Great news!