Help with Forum Posts

[P100DHG]

I realized something. If someone isn't a member they don't have access to the photos in thumbnail but if I post them through the gallery and then link back they do. I am super deep into my build thread and would prefer not to redo all the photos. Is there a way to allow guests to see it as if they were members. Just to add, the thumbnail photos allow easier flow for reading and referencing images without clogging up a post or making it so long it's hard to follow IMO.

You help would be greatly appreciated. I tried reaching out to the ADMIN but no response.

[Papa]

The best way to ensure your posts are readable by all is to use the BB code to embed your photos. This can be done from any image hosting service such as Photobucket, Flickr, or the free gallery that is provided to all forum members. I don't know of any way to convert the attached thumbnails to BB code. I started my build thread using Photobucket until they tried to extort thousands of users to pay $400/year to keep their photos visible. I then switched to Flickr, and they followed suit with their own set of limitations for "free" service along with the Ad spam that eventually made their free accounts useless. Finally, I gave in and learned to use the features provided here. It felt a bit clunky at first compared with the other services, but it's truly free and works. Once you get comfortable with it, it isn't that hard.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18962-How-to-use-the-Image-Gallery-to-embed-pictures-in-posts

[David Hodgkins]

You and I have a difference in opinion about embedded images and the flow of a thread post. I’m a visual oriented person and images really help to put a description into perspective. Clicking a thumbnail image and dealing with a modal disrupts the flow of reading a post for me.

I’d also like to retain the incentive to sign up as a member. It’s free, your data isn’t sold and we don’t bombard you with generic ads. I keep gallery image embeds public so that they can be used on other sites. Some sites don’t even allow that. But the main ones associated with our hobby do so I like to keep that openness here as well.

Those are my initial thoughts. If anyone wants to chime in with an opinion feel free.

:)

[edwardb]

I agree with David that I'd rather see photos directly in the threads vs. clicking and opening another window. Obviously I guess because that's how I do mine. Also, FWIW, many other forums require you to join/sign in to see attachments. Nothing new there. It's pretty generous IMO to allow forum pictures from the gallery to display without signing in. I too have friends and family who aren't forum members that check out my builds occasionally, so nice they can see my pictures.

Maybe a compromise would be to use the URL link for pictures in the forum gallery versus the BB code? It's also listed with the picture once you upload it. Like this: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=135214&d=1600464964.