In order to keep things moving forward here at MWNP, I (along with our new moderators and webmaster) will be overseeing the creation of new MWNP banners. Currently we are thinking that we will change these banners quarterly based on seasons. Here's some quick information to let you know how we initially envisioned this working:
1. The first thing you need to know is that I have created a confidential photobucket account for MWNP members to upload images to. In order to receive access to this account, you MUST email me via the link in my NPN signature. Upon receiving your email, I will respond with the username and password to this account. There was some concern (rightfully so) about keeping the access to the submitted images private. The submitted images are intended ONLY for sole use in the design of MWNP banners.
2. File size for this account is limited to 1 mb. This should easily be large enough for uploading small files intended for web display. For example, the RMNP Banner is 720x150 pixels. Keep this in mind when uploading, as the files are not in any way intended for any other type of usage. Vertical images should perhaps be uploaded at larger sizes to give the designer more flexibility in their implementation of the design.
3. The reason photobucket was chosen was because of the accounts ability to serve as a free-floating "dropbox" for images that isn't tied to any specific photographer. It also will allow you the ability to access the images without the help of our moderators or webmaster if you choose to design a banner. The goal is to make this as easy and flexible for everyone who wishes to participate in this process!
4. IMPORTANT: Feel free to upload your personal images to this account, but do NOT delete anyone else's images that have been uploaded.
All other suggestions are most welcome. If there is an easier way to approach this process, please let myself or some member of the MWNP team know. Also, A number of individuals have expressed interest in creating banner designs. As a result, we will have to figure out a way to choose from the created designs. One fun suggestion has been the possibility of a contest.
Stay tuned, there is more to come. Thanks so much for your involvement!
Posted by Susie Hopkins on December 26, 2007 at 7:53 PM
I'm pretty excited about the possibilities.. This would be a great place for suggestions and/or themes to use in the banners.. We do have a strong water theme in the Best of 2007 images.. Maybe the Best ones could be possible contenders for banners? Should the owners of those images contact Joel to upload to the Photobucket account, it would be greatly appreciated.. I like the idea of a contest for images/banners too.. Let's hear from the participants here and let us know what you would like to see..
Posted by Toni Lankerd on December 26, 2007 at 8:20 PM
Sounds good, Joel, thanks for the update.
I'd like to see a combination of different compositions of images for the banners. Take the winter banner for instance...maybe a scenic or two, along with an intimate winter scene, snow covered trees, ice, etc and carry that over to the other seasonal banners in the same manner.
Posted by Robert Helms on December 26, 2007 at 10:03 PM
Excellent idea Joel, and thanks for setting this up. I, personally, see no problems arising from using photobucket as a staging area for the images.
As for changing the banner to fit the season I feel this is a good idea as well. I would ask for people to upload images in advance of the seasons. For instance I wouldn't mind seeing both winter, and spring images being uploaded now. I'd say that most participants of the forum currently have images on file that cover all seasons and it would make the process of creating banners easier for those wishing to do so.
Also, since I'm sure the banner will consist of multiple images, but each image that is uploaded to photobucket will be at a larger size than needed, then downsized for use in the banner, I wonder how best to go about sharpening? I'd almost suggest that no sharpening be applied, but then that wouldn't allow for a good view on photobucket.
Anyhow, I'm going to be thankful when the current banner goes away, and something more colorful and catching takes it's place.
Joel, thanks for taking the lead here--this should be a lot of fun.
A couple of quick questions--first, any chance of a bit more specific guidance on the ideal size of uploaded images? Second, I gather that this goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway), I assume that any images to be considered for the banner should originate in the area covered by MWNP, correct?
Posted by Toni Lankerd on December 27, 2007 at 3:47 PM
Kerry, I can't answer your first question, but as to the second one..you assume correctly.
I've contacted Chuck about the sizing, and hopefully, there should be an answer soon. There appears to be some flexibility available, but having some parameters would be helpful.
Stay tuned!
Posted by Chuck Beatty on December 28, 2007 at 7:49 AM
I looked through the code of our pages and found that the green "Log In" bar near the top is 780 pixels wide. Visually, it seems reasonable that our banner should be that wide as well. For now, unless anyone has an objection, let's make banner art 780 x 150 pixels at 72 dpi, saved as a jpg.
Those of you who are interested in designing banners, please let Joel know so he can coordinate the process.
Looking forward to lots of creativity from you all! Thanks for your participation.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on December 28, 2007 at 9:02 AM
The SENP banner is the widest at 750 x 120 and the RMNP is 720 x 150. 750 pixels looks plenty wide and is just inside the width of the green bar at the top. Personally, I like the looks of the 720 x150 banner.
Joel, you might want to check with Jim regarding the allowable width of the banner.
Posted by David Weber on December 28, 2007 at 9:43 AM
Thanks Joel, Toni & Susie!
Posted by Chuck Beatty on December 29, 2007 at 11:38 AM
OK, we're now agreed that the banners will be 750 x 150 at 72 dpi. My apologies for jumping the gun earlier.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on December 29, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Not a problem, Chuck!
What size should our images be that we upload to photobucket for consideration for the banner?
Posted by Chuck Beatty on December 29, 2007 at 5:16 PM
Joel gave us a size limitation of 1MB in #2 at the beginning of this thread. The advantage of starting with larger files is that those who are creating the banners have more flexibility to use all or part of the image while maintaining image quality. I just did a quick experiment with one of my images. A 900 x 600 (72 dpi) image saved at maximum JPEG quality gave a file size right at 1MB. (This will vary based on the visual complexity of the image.) Not sure what the total memory available is on Joel's account. If we think in terms of maybe 5 images being included on a banner, then the approximate area used by each image would be 150 x 150. If we stick with something close to 400 x 600 at 72 dpi, that should be more than large enough for our purposes.
Joel and anyone else, any thoughts here?
Posted by Toni Lankerd on December 29, 2007 at 6:31 PM
Thanks, Chuck...that's what I wanted to know!
Posted by Susie Hopkins on January 18, 2008 at 8:07 AM
Well Joel! How are things progressing with the first official MWNP banner for 2008.. Are there any image needs?
There have been a lot of great submissions, and I certainly won't be able to use them all for this initial banner design. Thankfully, these images can be used for future designs, so a very special thanks to everyone who contributed!
I am going to be out of town through Sunday, but will complete the banner immediately upon returning. Thanks for your patience!
Discussion
15 repliesIn order to keep things moving forward here at MWNP, I (along with our new moderators and webmaster) will be overseeing the creation of new MWNP banners. Currently we are thinking that we will change these banners quarterly based on seasons. Here's some quick information to let you know how we initially envisioned this working:
1. The first thing you need to know is that I have created a confidential photobucket account for MWNP members to upload images to. In order to receive access to this account, you MUST email me via the link in my NPN signature. Upon receiving your email, I will respond with the username and password to this account. There was some concern (rightfully so) about keeping the access to the submitted images private. The submitted images are intended ONLY for sole use in the design of MWNP banners.
2. File size for this account is limited to 1 mb. This should easily be large enough for uploading small files intended for web display. For example, the RMNP Banner is 720x150 pixels. Keep this in mind when uploading, as the files are not in any way intended for any other type of usage. Vertical images should perhaps be uploaded at larger sizes to give the designer more flexibility in their implementation of the design.
3. The reason photobucket was chosen was because of the accounts ability to serve as a free-floating "dropbox" for images that isn't tied to any specific photographer. It also will allow you the ability to access the images without the help of our moderators or webmaster if you choose to design a banner. The goal is to make this as easy and flexible for everyone who wishes to participate in this process!
4. IMPORTANT: Feel free to upload your personal images to this account, but do NOT delete anyone else's images that have been uploaded.
All other suggestions are most welcome. If there is an easier way to approach this process, please let myself or some member of the MWNP team know. Also, A number of individuals have expressed interest in creating banner designs. As a result, we will have to figure out a way to choose from the created designs. One fun suggestion has been the possibility of a contest.
Stay tuned, there is more to come. Thanks so much for your involvement!
I'd like to see a combination of different compositions of images for the banners. Take the winter banner for instance...maybe a scenic or two, along with an intimate winter scene, snow covered trees, ice, etc and carry that over to the other seasonal banners in the same manner.
As for changing the banner to fit the season I feel this is a good idea as well. I would ask for people to upload images in advance of the seasons. For instance I wouldn't mind seeing both winter, and spring images being uploaded now. I'd say that most participants of the forum currently have images on file that cover all seasons and it would make the process of creating banners easier for those wishing to do so.
Also, since I'm sure the banner will consist of multiple images, but each image that is uploaded to photobucket will be at a larger size than needed, then downsized for use in the banner, I wonder how best to go about sharpening? I'd almost suggest that no sharpening be applied, but then that wouldn't allow for a good view on photobucket.
Anyhow, I'm going to be thankful when the current banner goes away, and something more colorful and catching takes it's place.
A couple of quick questions--first, any chance of a bit more specific guidance on the ideal size of uploaded images? Second, I gather that this goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway), I assume that any images to be considered for the banner should originate in the area covered by MWNP, correct?
I've contacted Chuck about the sizing, and hopefully, there should be an answer soon. There appears to be some flexibility available, but having some parameters would be helpful.
Stay tuned!
Those of you who are interested in designing banners, please let Joel know so he can coordinate the process.
Looking forward to lots of creativity from you all! Thanks for your participation.
Joel, you might want to check with Jim regarding the allowable width of the banner.
What size should our images be that we upload to photobucket for consideration for the banner?
Joel and anyone else, any thoughts here?
There have been a lot of great submissions, and I certainly won't be able to use them all for this initial banner design. Thankfully, these images can be used for future designs, so a very special thanks to everyone who contributed!
I am going to be out of town through Sunday, but will complete the banner immediately upon returning. Thanks for your patience!