Is there a way to incorporate the text formatting dialog box that is used when we comment on the articles presented by NPN?
The reason I ask is that the current 'text style' choices are quite limited and we have to type them in (or copy/paste) each time we want to apply a text style in our posts.
Also, in the text box shown here, one can indent paragraphs and or/ create ordered or bulleted lists. The latter would be very helpful when we are asked to provide a step-by-step procedure.
If this box won't work, is there way to have buttons in the current text entry box that will generate the BBCode for bold, italic, hyperlink, and lists?
Preston, it is certainly possible. What we need to do is create a prioritized list of site updates then get a quote to have them done. Perhaps we should create that list so we have an idea of what our members are looking for - feel free to add your suggestions;
I think the single button BBCode is an excellent idea if that can be done.
I also felt the suggestion by others in the past to increase the file size for the 1200 size image was a good idea too. I think Preston brought that up recently as a 750k from the present 500k. Not one to throw out cost increases without a possible compromise in design of dropping the standard gallery file back to the 200k from the present 300k. So, if a person posts the larger 1200 long side the gallery one is automatically lowered back to 200k saving 100k to offset some of the increase from 500k to 750k. Leaving the folks who post only a standard gallery size image the existing 300k if they care to. Not sure if I muddied things here in explaining the idea.
I often like images presented on the web with a narrow white border and a drop shadow. Adding that to my images in Photoshop cuts into my pixel allowance. A small selection of optional, automatically generated frame styles might be nice.
My first reaction to the "Like" button was my typical senior curmudgeon..."sounds modern and social". But on further thought, I like the idea....might call it "Good Comment" or something like that rather than follow the Facebook trail.
I definitely like the idea of placing a "Like" button on both the image post and on the critiques as well. I'm a little afraid that it could lead to laziness with people "Liking" an image instead of commenting, but I still think it's worth exploring. Preston's idea is wonderful as well.
Posted by Mark Stahlke on July 10, 2013 at 9:52 AM
I feel the same as Bill about a "Like" button so I'll accept his suggestion to explore that topic.
Can non-members post comments in the IC galleries? If not, can we give them a "Like" button or, better yet, a simple numerical rating system that would not be available to logged-in members? I think giving the general public a way to rate or "Like" images could provide valuable feedback about what non-photographers like.
I believe that we should continue to encourage thoughtful written commentary on images. It's very easy to click a "Like" button, but this action requires no critical thinking. I can look at an image and decide very quickly whether or not I like it, but stating 'why' makes me think about what I am seeing. In doing so, I learn something!
Since NPN is an educational resource at it's core, I believe we should encourage critical thinking.
Mark's idea of having a 'Like' button for non-members is not bad. This would give non-members at least a minimal amount of interactivity with NPN. If the non-member has more to say, they can become a regular member if they so choose. As I visualize it, a non-member would see a 'Like' button, but no text entry box. On the flip side, a regular member would see the text entry box, but no 'Like' button.
Some good ideas here, everyone! Keep them coming!
--P
Posted by Mark Stahlke on July 10, 2013 at 1:43 PM
As I visualize it, a non-member would see a 'Like' button, but no text entry box. On the flip side, a regular member would see the text entry box, but no 'Like' button.
Yes, that's exactly what I had in mind.
What do those "Like on Facebook" buttons do? Would they help promote the photographer and NPN on Facebook?
I agree with the previous comments that a "Like" button for members may discourage actual comments. Unfortunately, I think this would probably even be true if the "Like" button feature could be restricted to comments and not the original posted image. Some may feel that hitting the like button on a comment, thereby agreeing with the comment, would be a sufficient comment on the image. However, if doable, a "like" button for non-members would be pretty cool and helpful, I think.
I like Jim's clarification on Links. That would be helpful. A very modest suggestion: when the Editors' Picks are announced, could there be a link to the EP page?
I'd like to see the gray navigation bar (flag topic, previous topic, return to index, next topic, top of page) at the top of the discussion topic, the way it is on the critique galleries, so we don't have to scroll down to get to it.
And I like the idea of a like button for comments.
And I especially like Preston's suggestion in the OP for ease of use instead of having to use html tags.
I think that the "like" button for a critique/comment is an excellent suggestion, which would promote interactivity, and recognition for good critiques. The critiques/comments could potentially then be sorted so that the best one is on top (like they do on stackoverflow.com).
I think allowing non-members to post critiques would benefit the site - after all, we are comment starved, not image starved. So anyone should (with a name / log in, but unpaid) should be allowed to give feedback. Eventually that might even get them to join so they can get their own images evaluated.
Floris, there is a free 30 day trial membership. Perhaps that fact could be more prominent on the site in order to encourage folks to see what we're all about?
If there is consideration of file size increase for the larger photo with a possible need to offset with a smaller standard size, would it be a good idea to also keep the portfolio size the same as the standard as it once was. Or, is there a away to setup the portfolio area to do the same thing we have for the galleries. If you post a size larger then 200k allowable in the portfolio area it just auto downsizes. Just another thought to include an update for that area with the running list here.
Paul, ideally I would like to integrate the PhotoPortfolio features on NPN, so files could be uploaded to either or both in one shot. That is a longer term project but one that IMO we should do.
"Paul, ideally I would like to integrate the PhotoPortfolio features on NPN, so files could be uploaded to either or both in one shot. That is a longer term project but one that IMO we should do. "
This gets a vote from me!
Given that PPN is one of the 'membership benefits', I feel that an upgrade to it should be considered for the reasonably near term.
Discussion
23 repliesIs there a way to incorporate the text formatting dialog box that is used when we comment on the articles presented by NPN?
The reason I ask is that the current 'text style' choices are quite limited and we have to type them in (or copy/paste) each time we want to apply a text style in our posts.
Also, in the text box shown here, one can indent paragraphs and or/ create ordered or bulleted lists. The latter would be very helpful when we are asked to provide a step-by-step procedure.
If this box won't work, is there way to have buttons in the current text entry box that will generate the BBCode for bold, italic, hyperlink, and lists?
--P
1. Text enhancement upgrade
2. ?
--P
I also felt the suggestion by others in the past to increase the file size for the 1200 size image was a good idea too. I think Preston brought that up recently as a 750k from the present 500k. Not one to throw out cost increases without a possible compromise in design of dropping the standard gallery file back to the 200k from the present 300k. So, if a person posts the larger 1200 long side the gallery one is automatically lowered back to 200k saving 100k to offset some of the increase from 500k to 750k. Leaving the folks who post only a standard gallery size image the existing 300k if they care to. Not sure if I muddied things here in explaining the idea.
Thanks for asking and being open to suggestions Jim
Harold
How about a "Like" button for comments (with a counter)? It would be used to start a new Critique of the Week recognition...
Can non-members post comments in the IC galleries? If not, can we give them a "Like" button or, better yet, a simple numerical rating system that would not be available to logged-in members? I think giving the general public a way to rate or "Like" images could provide valuable feedback about what non-photographers like.
Since NPN is an educational resource at it's core, I believe we should encourage critical thinking.
Mark's idea of having a 'Like' button for non-members is not bad. This would give non-members at least a minimal amount of interactivity with NPN. If the non-member has more to say, they can become a regular member if they so choose. As I visualize it, a non-member would see a 'Like' button, but no text entry box. On the flip side, a regular member would see the text entry box, but no 'Like' button.
Some good ideas here, everyone! Keep them coming!
--P
What do those "Like on Facebook" buttons do? Would they help promote the photographer and NPN on Facebook?
The idea is to begin recognizing good critique, as well as good photos.
And I like the idea of a like button for comments.
And I especially like Preston's suggestion in the OP for ease of use instead of having to use html tags.
I think allowing non-members to post critiques would benefit the site - after all, we are comment starved, not image starved. So anyone should (with a name / log in, but unpaid) should be allowed to give feedback. Eventually that might even get them to join so they can get their own images evaluated.
--P
This gets a vote from me!
Given that PPN is one of the 'membership benefits', I feel that an upgrade to it should be considered for the reasonably near term.
--P