Admin
Administrator 
Posts: 2,636
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Post by Admin on Sept 9, 2013 3:19:59 GMT
I would like to explain to members about the cost to run this forum. It is hosted by proboards and is free. Free with out any bell's or whistle's . I want to keep the forum ad free a couple of times when the ad's were on the forum most of us experience very slow load times and lots of lag. The cost to keep the site ad free depends on the number of page views we receive per month. At the moment we receive about 80-100,000 page views. Each time a page is refreshed or when you go to another part of the forum that is classed as a page view. The ad free is not to expensive at the moment its about $6 per month but with more members we will have more views, I not to worried about this cost as donations from members are more then enough to cover this expense. The big cost is image storage. When I first started the forum I looked into what the cost would be. We received 200mb of storage for free with the forum. I liked the add attachment feature that proboards has, very easy and quick. I looked into extra storage the cost was $3 for 500mb, which was cheap. I thought if all I needed to do was drop 3 bucks when ever we needed some more storage this will be ok. After the first month we had used 340mb of storage, I had paid to have 500mb, the month ended and some of us experienced a image freeze for a few hours till I paid for the current month. It appears that I have to pay each month for the storage so when we get to 10,000 mb of storage I/we will have to pay for the obsidian plan. If we don't we will have image freeze. After having a long think of this very soon this forum will cost 100 or more per month just for image storage. I have talked to some members private about this . Some are willing to pay a subscription for the forum. This I against I want the forum to be free for everyone. I understand that members may be on a limited income. I have added a couple of images of the cost per image plan, this will be each month, I trust you will agree its very expensive. The only thing I think to curb this expense is to use outside image hosting like Photo bucket or flicker. Many other forums will only allow images to be posted using this. I would like it if members could begin to use image hosting, you can open up a free account and upload scans to it and using simple code post to the forum. I understand that some will be for or against this new policy. For the time being I will still allow the old Add attachments to work but will phase it out over the next little while to allow members to open new accounts if the do not have a photo image account. I hope you all understand the reason behind this.  |
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Post by spain1850 on Sept 9, 2013 3:25:49 GMT
I already have a photobucket account and don't have a problem using it here.
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firstfrog2013
Member 
Posts: 3,276 
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Sept 9, 2013 3:51:59 GMT
O.K. one of our tech gurus will have to walk me through how to set up photo bucket and how to post from there.
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Post by jkjblue on Sept 9, 2013 3:56:12 GMT
Jack- I have all my images on Picasa- thousands of them  . I think it is a win-win. I've been very pleased with Picasa, the site for my images for my blog, and it is quite easy to share those images here. And it does not cost you or The Stamp Forum $ to host the images. You are making the right decision for the long term financial health of The Stamp Forum.  |
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Admin
Administrator
Posts: 2,636
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Post by Admin on Sept 9, 2013 6:05:16 GMT
I have open a photo bucket account which is free, once you have uploaded images to PB all you do is open the image and copy the IMG code and paste it in the post and you will end up with images in your post. Later I will write up a tutorial on how to do it. I did a test post which you can see by the link . I uploaded 11 images one is a video, sorry not all stamp related thestampforum.boards.net/thread/860/testI don't think there is a need to have a limted on the number of images per post, once the files are not like 10mb plus there should be no lag time. I like to keep my images around 1mb and it seems to work ok. It will take a little while to get use to it.  |
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,843
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Sept 9, 2013 7:06:46 GMT
Jack- I have all my images on Picasa- thousands of them . I am about to try Picasa, mainly because it is my major image source, for adjustment. I am at home in Picasa. Can you run through how you set up "on Picasa" images, how you store them? any tricks and work arounds? Any advice / links would be welcomed. Rod. Can the geeks hack Picasa, and pinch all the images? how secure? |
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,843
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Sept 9, 2013 7:17:15 GMT
That guy on the skateboard, with his tiny son, Has he not heard of a "Helmet" ?
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I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
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Post by I.L.S. on Sept 9, 2013 8:19:22 GMT
That Grizzly really shocked me awake this morning! haha..
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,843
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Sept 9, 2013 15:02:39 GMT
For the record.
I have been kicking tyres on the internet regarding remote image hosting,
It appears a bit of a tough call with pros and cons for all contenders.
I was going with "Drop Bucket" an ally of Google, 2 Gb Free, and I must have misread $9.99 for 20Gb
After downloading the 31 Mb install, I find it is $9.99 a MONTH, for 20Gb
and if the account is not used for any consecutive 90 day period, they reserve the right to delete all files.
Minus got a lot of rave reviews, then suddenly that's fallen. So it can be a bit of a minefield, the old reliables
like photobucket remain safe, but image size restriction is worth considering
I remain undecided.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2013 15:28:52 GMT
Straight from photobucket.  |
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antoniusra
Member
Inactive
Actively pursuing every stamp I do not have and continuing to expand my site.
Posts: 416
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Post by antoniusra on Sept 9, 2013 15:35:52 GMT
I think it might be a good idea to have tutorial thread on scanning and dealing with the size of images. Including it as a "must read" when being introduced to the site. Many people use huge scans that simply do not need to be that large. Also many people do not crop their scans and much totally wasted space still costs the same. Most full size scans of full pages can be saved at quality "1" with nice results. Many think saving at "10 or 12" is just the way to go and don't even think about storage issues. One could just have easliy saved at 1 and made 20 pages for the same amount of disk space. Of course when showing fine detail of single stamps, higher resloutions are preferrable and should be used.
I have my own storage space so it is no problem for me to use it. If others do not or cannot afford it, then they should at least show some conscious as to the use of board space.
I think Admin could also determine scans that really have no need to be kept, auctions would seem to fit into that category (after a couple months)
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,843
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Sept 9, 2013 15:56:08 GMT
At the risk of digging up old ground, personally, I would be re considering adverts.
The jazzy flashing ones are terrible, but I have no trouble having the flat stationery banners.
Weighing up the arguments for and against, I think banners offer many advantages especially for the possible newcomers to a stamp collecting forum.
Also consider, the work we put into a good site, will never be owned by us,
Move forward seven years and say 600,000 posts, Proboards can just shut it down and keep the database.
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BC
Departed
Rest in Peace
Vancouver, BC Canada
Posts: 836
What I collect: Worldwide USED up to the 1960's, later years from countries that came into existence after then, like Anguilla, Tuvalu and Transnistria.
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Post by BC on Sept 9, 2013 19:20:40 GMT
Jack, you need your own host, rather than using the Proboards server. Just download the software. There are plenty of hosts. I have been using Bravenet for 12 years, unlimited bandwidth and storage for less than $10 per month. www.bravehost.com/ |
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BC
Departed
Rest in Peace
Vancouver, BC Canada
Posts: 836
What I collect: Worldwide USED up to the 1960's, later years from countries that came into existence after then, like Anguilla, Tuvalu and Transnistria.
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Post by BC on Sept 9, 2013 19:43:42 GMT
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Post by stampgeezer on Sept 9, 2013 19:46:39 GMT
I have used imageshack for another forum and have no problem using it for TSF. Theron.
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Post by ramanandn on Sept 9, 2013 20:45:54 GMT
Hmm.. for some reason, my work network blocks imageshack but is perfectly ok with photobucket.
I have a photobucket account as well and it is pretty easy for hosting images. I keep it tidy by deleting pics I don't need anymore.
Using these websites has a downside that if you're using images hosted here as part of sticky threads (such as kg5's tutorial on identifying Oz KGVs, then those images need to stay in there 'forever'.)
Just my 2 paise...
Ram.
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Post by Perfs14 on Sept 9, 2013 21:37:31 GMT
I use postimg.cc/ No worries if the adds on it don't worry you and it's free. |
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Post by perfs12 on Sept 9, 2013 22:55:46 GMT
I fully support the decision made by Admin.
If anyone requires help working out photobucket, I am more than happy to assist.
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tomiseksj
Moderator 
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,262
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Sept 9, 2013 23:00:10 GMT
I used Imageshack after first joining SCF but stopped when I learned that some of the membership were unable to view the images I had posted. After that, I began using Irfanview to resize my images and save them at 99kb for upload.
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Admin
Administrator
Posts: 2,636
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Post by Admin on Sept 9, 2013 23:13:37 GMT
I will write up a how to guide using PhotoBucket photobucket.com/. I made a account and its very easy to use. Here is a image using the TSF image thumbnail. I will also post a photo bucket in a short time I have to upload first  |
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,843
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Sept 9, 2013 23:27:41 GMT
I think we all support Admin, it must be tough making the decisions that affect so many.
It is also helpful to be able to discuss openly our situation.
I have learnt so much in the past few days about cloud hosting my images.
These sites often evangelise about the safety inherent in the utility, but in real terms, at best it is temporary,
and one is tied to the vagaries of the business one selects.
If I was a betting man, I'd be leaving the cash in my pocket, and watching the race.
I think Steve's and KG5's answer is one we are going to have to adopt
instead of eye popping in your face images, we employ more budget orientated pictures.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2013 23:34:13 GMT
The question for me with the The Australian KGV thread can I change the images to photobucket. I do not think all threads have this same problem.
Doesthis mean that all images need to be changed to stop the payment for the already posted images?
I have been using photobucket all along and then "save image as" to get the image sized and into my computer file to load onto the forum.
So, ever image I have posted here is already in photobucket.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,843
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Sept 10, 2013 1:01:07 GMT
I cannot get Photobucket to work.
I have my "album" set to private, is that why, do you think?
If public, then the viewer can link back to my album, and download all images
Is there no way just to just link the image desired?
Thanks.
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Post by ramanandn on Sept 10, 2013 1:53:24 GMT
Rod... Not sure if the privacy settings would affect your posting links to the pictures.
What do you mean you cannot get photobucket to work?
Ram
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2013 2:12:15 GMT
Photobucket has changed a little to tag IMG code.
Now you have to click on the image and it goes to a page by itself. At the right side in the IMG code selection.
Do not know if this is help but I have put it out there.
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Admin
Administrator
Posts: 2,636
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Post by Admin on Sept 10, 2013 2:14:59 GMT
I cannot get Photobucket to work. I have my "album" set to private, is that why, do you think? If public, then the viewer can link back to my album, and download all images Is there no way just to just link the image desired? Thanks. Rod just open a second photo bucket account for tsf, you might need to open a new email account. I think you are only allowed one PB account per email account. This is what I have done All my personal photo's and stuff are on another account. |
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Sept 10, 2013 4:59:29 GMT
I feel like the kid in the back row that broke his pencil and doesn't know how to sharpen it.I never used a image hosting site,have no idea how to open account, move pictures from scanner to any place other than my documents,how to copy and paste image code,etc.Guess this old guys golng to sit this one out.
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Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 4,844
What I collect: Cinderellas and some Ephemera from Great Britain, France and Israel plus a few beautiful bits from elsewhere !! Topical interests include Flags & Judaica, the latter with an emphasis on the Jewish National Fund.
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Post by Londonbus1 on Sept 10, 2013 5:47:45 GMT
Photobucket has changed a little to tag IMG code. Now you have to click on the image and it goes to a page by itself. At the right side in the IMG code selection. Do not know if this is help but I have put it out there. You don't need to click the image. Scroll over the star/asterisk at top right of every pic and the tags will come up. I preferred the old way but I guess PB have their reasons !! |
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Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 4,844
What I collect: Cinderellas and some Ephemera from Great Britain, France and Israel plus a few beautiful bits from elsewhere !! Topical interests include Flags & Judaica, the latter with an emphasis on the Jewish National Fund.
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Post by Londonbus1 on Sept 10, 2013 5:50:00 GMT
I feel like the kid in the back row that broke his pencil and doesn't know how to sharpen it.I never used a image hosting site,have no idea how to open account, move pictures from scanner to any place other than my documents,how to copy and paste image code,etc.Guess this old guys golng to sit this one out. If you need help opening an account, just let me know. It really is very simple and transferring pics from your computer is even easier. If you want me to open an account for you, I can do that too. Just holler...and don't be afraid !!  Londonbus1 |
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Londonbus1
Moderator
Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 4,844
What I collect: Cinderellas and some Ephemera from Great Britain, France and Israel plus a few beautiful bits from elsewhere !! Topical interests include Flags & Judaica, the latter with an emphasis on the Jewish National Fund.
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Post by Londonbus1 on Sept 10, 2013 5:59:10 GMT
Hmm.. for some reason, my work network blocks imageshack but is perfectly ok with photobucket. I have a photobucket account as well and it is pretty easy for hosting images. I keep it tidy by deleting pics I don't need anymore. Using these websites has a downside that if you're using images hosted here as part of sticky threads (such as kg5's tutorial on identifying Oz KGVs, then those images need to stay in there 'forever'.) Just my 2 paise... Ram. I never delete anything from PB because I know that some forum or another will be missing a picture. So I leave them all, even those I have two or three times, just in case. I promised myself at the outset that I would never delete and I have kept to it. I will never run out of space so it is does not really matter. Londonbus1 |
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