Image Server Test Comments & Feedback

[lildog]

I've created this thread to coordinate with volunteers testing the new image server (you know who you are). Non-testers are welcomed to submit wish list items.

[Lurker Carl]

I can't figure out how to post an image from the server, only as a URL. Does this capability exist?

[lildog]

Here's what I've got so far:

I looked all over the site and played around a bit. I never did find anything to re-size the pictures. I can delete them and upload new files. This may be a problem with some of the users not re-sizing their pictures before the upload. Is there a way to limit the size of a single file before it's uploaded?

I mispoke in my earlier response to you. It appears that the resize tool is an admin-only feature. Registered users can crop and rotate images, but not resize them. By default, the image size limit is 1MB. I've adjusted that down to 512kb (1/2MB), but we may want to adjust down further. A typical 1024x768 jpg image (with 80% compression) is about 300k.

I have adjusted each user's private gallery disk quota to 5Mb instead of the default 1Mb. The math tells me I can support about 3500 users at this quota. I figure this will be more than enough for the short run.

[lildog]

I can't figure out how to post an image from the server, only as a URL. Does this capability exist?

I cant figure out how to post pictures in the forum used the tags and it did not work.

Unfortunately, this is a feature I thought the software had, but it appears it doesn't. Looks like the best we can do is post the link to the image gallery page containing the picture. This is a bit of a disappointment, but I don't think it derails the project.

[Lurker Carl]

I figured early on I had to resize and reduce the file sizes before uploading to the new server. Ran out of space too fast. Easier to manipulate photos on Photoshop than what I came across on the server.

Posting a URL might be better in many cases than IMG. Many images tend to be oversized and tedious to download on dial up. We'll muddle thru!

Thanks for all your work, John. This is coming along pretty good so far.

[lildog]

I need to be talked through loading pictures I am afraid. Can you help.

To upload a file, you have to first create a gallery to hold them.

Once you're logged in, make sure you are in admin mode. If you're in admin mode, you should see a menu option for "user mode" (I know it seems counter-intuitive, but clicking the link takes you to user mode). If the menu says "Admin Mode" instead, click that link to switch.

Once in Admin mode, you should see a small button bar just below the top menu.

Click "Create/Order My Albums"and click "New".

Change "New Album" to your desired name.

Click "Apply Modifications".

After you've done this, you should be able to post a picture by clicking that link and following the prompts.

[lildog]

If you don't want to go through the effort of creating a gallery, you can also post in the public gallery (a feature I just enabled).

I had kind of thought about creating a set of public galleries to parallel the forum titles on this board. What do you think?

[Jim Becker]

It would definitely be nice to be able to stick an image straight into a post. Like this:


Does this need to be my new avatar?

[Lurker Carl]

I was just about to ask about posting to the Public Gallery. Good idea with the forum titles!

This would be a great place to download Cubfest and Cubarama pictures to.

Sorry, Jim. I just couldn't resist when I came across that picture. Better a red variety than the green one. Did you manage to post it directly from the photo server?

[lildog]

I just checked out the e-card feature. Very cool.

[Donny M]

I just left click on the picture then click on properties. Highlight the url and copy then paste here:

Just like always

[George Willer]

It would definitely be nice to be able to stick an image straight into a post. Like this:


Does this need to be my new avatar?

That background looks very familiar!

[Rudi]

John:

I didn't realize that there were probs inserting jpg's directly from the server to a post here. I tried it and it worked slick.

Once I figured out how to create an album etc., everything else went pretty well. I also resized my pics prior to uploading.

I am going to try resizing after the upload...

I am liking this....

[1541]

Lildog

Is there anyway of adding a tips or tricks section to the photo album FAQ?

Overall it was pretty easy to get the hang of navigation and uploading. However, I can see where some folks may get a bit confused

The search feature is really cool

Doug

[lildog]

Doug,

I believe it is possible to edit the FAQ, though it would be just as easy to create a separate tips file and link it from the main gallery menu.