Believe it or not (joke joke, I know you will) it has sometimes been said I talk too much so I will try and keep this short(ish) and apologise for repeating something I have said before which I have searched for but now cannot find.

There has been considerable discussion recently (as always) regarding the c-index and archiving of images, critiquing (lack of)

Suggestions :-

1. Respectfully suggest that the word 'archive' be dropped. For some it suggests hidden never to see the light of day again which is NOT the case. All members and visitors have access to archived images. Put the asterisks on the permed images and just leave the unselected ones in 'galleries'

2. Suggest renaming the Permanent Galleries - they are not in fact permanent - I think last time I suggested Showcase Galleries but I am sure there are better suggestions.. Also suggest a quicker rotation of images in these galleries. I accept that some of them are of such exceptional quality that they should indeed be permanent. I am aware that the perm galleries are purged from time to time but if it were more accepted that this was done at image mods discretion on a regular basis then there would not be the disappointment when a perm image is unpermed.
Expanding on this I think it would be nice if those images that had been 'showcased' for a time had some permanent recognition on the individual image page - perhaps a star or some sort of logo/badge of honour.

3. Encourage more people to use "Request for Comment' - especially if the comments they have received they do not consider have been deep enough. From personal experience reponses to requests are always of help, and I have learnt much from the responses to requests of others as well. Maybe even rename it 'Request for Critical Comment' as is stated in the description.
The last comment request was 3 weeks ago.

4. Finally - I know the image mods have a lot of spare time ( joke joke, don't shoot me! )

I was wondering it it would be possible for an image to be chosen by them on a weekly basis, not neccessarily a candidate for the perm galleries - but one that they could give as a good example of a certain aspect - composition, rule of thirds, lighting and such. Either a good or a poor example. This would also work for non photo images, and to read an expert opinion pointing out good points and faults would lead to a better understanding for many. The image mods are selected for their knowledge and expertise and this could be another way of sharing it - a weekly lesson, and would also serve as a lesson in good critiquing.

There now, I said I would keep it short lol. I started this yesterday and the clock has just ticked over to today.

Yes, allowing users the opportunity to showcase several of their best pieces that they could also change out at regular intervals would be a good alternative to the Perms and would also do away with the preoccupation that many members have with the galleries and their perceived standing in them.

It would also help with reducing the saturation of particular subject matters and give every genre a fair representation or at least as fair as it will get.

Clear, concise, logical and incorporates many things touched on in other threads into one logical plan. Well done, Lyn, particularily the renaming part..perception is everything.

If the Mods feel point 4 would add to much to their already heavy load, how about adding a button that the members could click if they thought something was truly exceptional about a picture (composition, lighting, etc) with the caveat they would also have to leave a note explaining why they found it exceptional, and the top vote getters for each category are highlighted...weekly?...bi-weekly?...whatever.

Again, thank you Lyn, imho nicely thought out and well presented.

Bravo, Eve. Very lucid and succinct expression of your views, of which I am very much in agreement.