Posted by Jim Erhardt on November 12, 2011 at 8:56 AM
There has been discussion in other regional forums that the addition of the image critique galleries to the regional groups has been counter productive to overall activity. There seems to be a growing consensus that placing photos in the discussion forum - the way we used to do it - is better for the regional groups.
One of the updates Nick referred to is the addition of the 1200 pixel/500kb optional photo upload feature in the discussion forums. We are currently working on this and should have it ready in a week or so.
Discussion - once this happens, would it be better to abandon the UKNP IC Gallery, or would you prefer to keep it?
Posted by Matt Cole on November 12, 2011 at 10:07 AM
personally Jim I would prefer to go back to the old system of purely using the discussion forum but with the addition of 1200px images. The image critique gallery could then be removed to re-focus attention back on the discussion forum.
While at face value the creation of the image critique gallery was a step forward it does seem to have adversely affected activity levels. Almost from the word go the pattern of commenting significantly changed.
Matt
Posted by Philip Kirkham on November 12, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Jim
I totally agree with Matt.
Best wishes
Phil
Posted by John Robinson on November 12, 2011 at 10:53 AM
I don't see a problem with either system.
I personally am not convinced that the new format has been the reason for many of the former members leaving. Quality of posted images has been a reason put forward for reduction in participation by some members, so I don't see how any system would make a difference in that respect.
Maybe we shall see.
JR
Posted by Oscar Dewhurst on November 12, 2011 at 12:22 PM
I agree with John and do not think that the change to the gallery is the reason for members leaving. If people think that images have received less comments with the gallery format, it is probably because people can see a thumbnail and so decide if they want to view it, whereas when it is a discussion forum you can just see a title and so have to click on it to see it. One thing that has crossed my mind is that it then may be more difficult to find discussion topics or questions in the forum if it is flooded with images.
Oscar
Posted by Bob Johnson on November 12, 2011 at 12:34 PM
I like it as it is. Having the thumbs in the gallery is very sensible and just having discuusion topics listed in the forum is equally sensible.
Bob
Posted by Pete Etheridge on November 12, 2011 at 1:10 PM
I prefer the old system - it just felt better having everything in one place.
Posted by Ian Mason on November 13, 2011 at 5:05 AM
Is it possible to have the old system, with a modification to show that a post has an image attached for critique? I used to find it a little frustrating to have to open the link then find only a discussion topic rather than the image I was hoping for.
Posted by Graham Goddard on November 13, 2011 at 7:18 AM
Hmmm - an interesting range of opinions.
Personally, I like both systems, but for ease, prefer the old 'everything in one place' format.
Posted by Vincent Jones on November 13, 2011 at 3:15 PM
I prefer it the way it used to be, one meeting place for all as it put us all together in one group, the new way in my eyes as split everyone up, thats my veiw over time anyway if it counts. Why change something if it wasn't broken
Try putting it back to how it was to re-test it, there is nothing to loose is there?
Posted by Mike Smith on November 14, 2011 at 1:46 AM
If you open an image you are more likley to comment, if you browse a thumbnail you don't even open the full res image.
The thumbnails make people "lazy", I certainly can go for days without opening up an image now, when it was title only you could be more creative with the naming and hence draw people to open up the image.
Cost does seem to be an issue for what is at the end of the day posting for pleasure.
I too would prefer a single platform
Posted by Mark Green on November 14, 2011 at 8:42 AM
I also prefer the old system, one place for everything. its the reason i stopped posting.
Posted by Neil Burton on November 15, 2011 at 3:43 AM
I am a photographer, I like to see what I am critting before I open the thread. Having various forums for images and discussion does not seem to be a problem on other forums so why is it to blame here? Or is it a case of "It was good enough for us before..."
OK folks, this forum is now back open again for images - Jim has the larger image upload feature enabled within this forum, and you can also get your fix at the bargain price of $19 in this forum... but not in the 'new style image critique gallery'.
In the short term (until the news filters through to everyone), both forum and gallery will remain open for images while we decide how best to take the thumbnailed IC gallery forward.
Discussion
13 repliesOne of the updates Nick referred to is the addition of the 1200 pixel/500kb optional photo upload feature in the discussion forums. We are currently working on this and should have it ready in a week or so.
Discussion - once this happens, would it be better to abandon the UKNP IC Gallery, or would you prefer to keep it?
While at face value the creation of the image critique gallery was a step forward it does seem to have adversely affected activity levels. Almost from the word go the pattern of commenting significantly changed.
Matt
I totally agree with Matt.
Best wishes
Phil
I personally am not convinced that the new format has been the reason for many of the former members leaving. Quality of posted images has been a reason put forward for reduction in participation by some members, so I don't see how any system would make a difference in that respect.
Maybe we shall see.
JR
Oscar
Bob
Personally, I like both systems, but for ease, prefer the old 'everything in one place' format.
Try putting it back to how it was to re-test it, there is nothing to loose is there?
The thumbnails make people "lazy", I certainly can go for days without opening up an image now, when it was title only you could be more creative with the naming and hence draw people to open up the image.
Cost does seem to be an issue for what is at the end of the day posting for pleasure.
I too would prefer a single platform
In the short term (until the news filters through to everyone), both forum and gallery will remain open for images while we decide how best to take the thumbnailed IC gallery forward.