GOAL: Make the reasons for voting better understood at the moment where it's important, increase convenience by extra eliminating steps and unnecessary barriers, improve the visibility of the voting proccess that we want to the viewer to follow.

Suggestions for improvements on Comments and Votes:

•• That the process for commenting and voting should be one single step, not two.

•• That there should be a sentence on the page with the image explaining why the viewer should vote (people traveling the site are highly unlikely to visit FAQ's).

•• That the VOTE choice and COMMENT fields should 'stand out' more so as to make it more obvious. (I'll leave this to the creative folks but it could be presented with more dominance)

•• That the VOTE and COMMENTS fields should immediately follow the image, not at the bottom of all other comments (OR optionally that it can appear in both locations). This reduces the need to scroll down and I suspect that the link to the comment field currently provided (beside the subscribe to link) is simply missed. People will still have the option of reading others comments should this be their personal preference (it would be mine).

•• Decrease the flood control from 1 minute to 40 seconds. This is one that I run into all the time. This is just another point of inconvenience that can improve the process of comments by eliminating a process barrier.

I'm sure there are other better ideas ..but here's a few.

Feedback is always encouraged.

These are all excellent ideas Rob! It seems as if most of these could be fairly easy to implement as well. I'm glad you were able to offer concrete solution suggestions, whereas others might simply make complaints. Nice :)

Good job, Rob. I'd vote for that.

Sounds like a plan.

I believe that a multi-step voting system would be amazingly wonderful so that everyone could express why they like or dislike an image, yet I fully realize the reason why this wouldn't work. Nobody would take the time! Fortunately, I have just experienced a moment of inspiration (or idiocy, you tell me). Have the voting procedure be as straight forward and easy as Rob's suggestion, but have an optional link for extensive voting with a reward system of 1 karma everytime you vote in the detailed mode.

I think that caedes said somewhere that the flood control is already less than one minute. However I still think it's too long, personally I think it should be something like ten or fifteen seconds. Keep in mind that the idea behind it is to prevent "trolling" though (ie people leaving lots of pointless comments everywhere) so this might be too short a time. Maybe the shorter flood control could apply just to cadre members to prevent trolling.

Sam: I believe the flood control is currently 1 minute. I bump into this frequently mainly because I can type like a son-of-a-gun. ;)

I quite like the suggestion of a lower limit for Cadre members as this would solve my problem however I think lowering the limit to the suggested 40 seconds (heck..make it 41 seconds ..that's fine too) will accomplish the goal of "...removing unnecessary barriers...". Most of those leaving comments on the site are not Cadre members and I don't think the reduction in flood time limit would be an incentive to donate.

NOTE: Cadre members = those who find the value of the site equals or exceeds a requested donation of US$9 for 3 months. Cadre members are recognized by the double colon prefix on their names.

Luke: I like your idea of the option for a more detailed voting schema. This should be optional and should accrue points/credits/rewards within a counter other than Karma. At the moment one Karma point can be earned by leaving a comment like "Kewl image Doood". Which does not well equate to a thoughtful scoring of an image. Your idea does tie well into another thread entitled "Reward Systems" started by Romane. You may want to post this specific idea there. Just a thought.

ALL. Thanks for weighing in on this. It will follow the characteristic path of going nowhere unless it receives a greater profile. I would rather see a solution than a thoughtful discussion around a solution. Any ideas how we can drive this forward and attract the attention of those who have real influence? Sam, you will likely have strong insights here.

Thoughts?

I've gone ahead and reduced the 'flood control' to 30 seconds. My original intention was for it to prevent people from making double posts; 30 seconds will still serve that purpose.

Most of the ideas concerning voting will be rendered moot by the new voting system that I'm working on. I also feel that there isn't much of a problem with the current system of commenting. Since members will have needed to register a username before making comments, and this signifies at least some familiarity with the way the website and the web in general opperates, I wouldn't expect them to be confused about the process. So thoughts on streamlining the process is cerntainly welcome, but it isn't going to be high on my todo list. To ensure that theideas won't fall through the cracks, the developer site is the best place to finally present such ideas.

If I may interject another suggestion that I feel could possibility tie into this thread. This idea belongs to, bayoubooger, after discussing it over a two week period it makes a lot of sense to me. I just checked the Caedes Cadre. There are 146 members listed.
Total members listed to date are; 132378. For argument sake lets say that half of theses listed members no longer are active.That would still leave an active membership of; 66189 members. The figures indicate that only 0.002 (two tenths of one percent) of the members are supporting this web site. Yet all members have the right to vote, upload and make comments about the images posted here. Bayoubooger's and my idea would increase funds to keep the site operational plus give benefit to those who are members in good standing. Only members that have made contributions to support the web site would have the privilege of voting or commenting on others images. This privilege would only last until the membership paid for expired. I realize that there are many that cannot afford to even apply for a monthly membership. For those, let them upload their images and be open to comments and votes by members, but not by those non paying members. I feel that in a very short time membership will increase sharply. The deadwood would be weeded out and all of the freeloaders will seek other sites. The final results; a better Caedes site with members that care about the work displayed upon it. No more free lunch to those who feel that they rule this site through their childish remarks. All of this and still the right to upload images if you are serious enough to take criticism about your work even if cannot afford to become a member. Seems like a win/ win situation to me
fotobob

Hurray for the flood control reduction!

An interesting idea, fotobob. As ever, I feel that a large part of the problem is too many uploads. Perhaps, following your suggestion, uploads could also be tied in somehow to cadre membership.

CaptainHero:

Volume of uploads is tied to Cadre membership. 1/day for site members 2/day for Cadre.

Caedes: Thank you for your prompt response on the flood control timeout.

Fotobob: I think this discussion thread is about to end in light of Caedes response. I'm concerned that your subject thread (concerning the membership) will get lost. If you're open to the suggestion you might want to open a new thread appropriately named to attract discussion to your idea. *passes you an aspestos jacket*

Rob

Just to clarify, limiting the reduced flood control time to cadre members wasn't to increase membership, but just to make sure trolling still didn't occur. The logic was that: a. Trolling would be done by idiots and b. These idiots wouldn't go to the trouble of donating or winning a contest to become cadre members. Just thought I'd explain that concept. But I think 30 seconds for everyone will be fine.

Sam. Well said.

As much as I would like to contribute, and become a cadre member. I cannot. I live on disability, and that is a grand total of $386.00 per month. This is not a lifestyle choice, is is because I cannot work. It would hurt me very much to loose the ability to contribute in the small way I do to this site. I try to make good comments. I try to convey with words, how the image made me feel, how it affected me emotionally, and sometimes to make people laugh. I had hoped this was a good way to comment. I am not as knowledgable as I would like to be, but I am learning. I have learned so much from spending my time here, rather than on the gaming sites. I have made what I hope are good friends. Please do not think, because I am unable to financially contribute, that I should be shut out from being a part of this wonderful site.

Morwyn, I was just suggesting that the flood control be reduced for cadre members and kept the same for non members. It doesn't matter anymore as caedes is happy to reduce it for everyone.

Go Caedes ... and Go Morwyn!

Thank you.

I agree with Morwyn. I do not feel that we should prevent people from joining Caedes if they don't have enough money. As a long-time supporter of "open-source", I love the free nature of this site, and I would miss the contributions of those who can't afford to pay or don't have credit cards with which to pay. Some very good comments have come from young people, and I was one once (albeit a very, very long time ago). I haven't experienced the ill words that ya'll are discussing - everyone has been kind and helpful to me, so I'm not going to support any initiative that would exclude these people from this site.

Thx Regmar, your comment touch me because I love this site, i've made it my home ever since I came here! I can't contribute financially yet and I would be very sad to be deprived of some advantages to be member here. I was so happy when I found this site! I love every minute I spend here and I come more and more often. I've made friends and I can finaly express myself here. It is important to me. I think that financial contribution should stay optional and if ever caedes became in some financial difficulties, they can come to the members for help. Why does money have to always be an issue?I am well aware that donations are what makes the site possible but Members paying or non paying are what makes this site alive and a very special place to be.

how about something like this.. have it where you have to leave a certain ammount of comments/votes per day to be able to keep viewing.. say 5 or so.. kinda like a toll.. i know this would present an issue with having people make comments like "its c0ol" or "i like it".. so in turn maybe have a fair minimum character count per comment.. say 25-50 characters.. not too huge, but it would help to eliminate the small comments.. i think it would help to "ween out" some of the users here just to take.. but it would also help generate more in depth commenting by all.. and for those who are able to make the donations and become part of the Cadre, they would be waived of the "toll" due to their contributions..

personally, i have no problems commenting.. i know others enjoy recieving comments about their work just as much as i do.. gives a satisfaction, so to speak, that the things ive done are enjoyed..

anyhow.. thats my 2 cents on this idea..

Dj

Well I have to say that counting the words on comments is even more shocking for the persons who give them because I'd rather have a simple word comment then no comment at all! Some people take the time to say :''Hey I like what you did'', that's the essential of it, if people don't know what to say to show there appreciation or if they know that it takes at least 25-50 words( that looks more like a novel to me then just a comment )they won't even bother leaving a message! And what is this notion that paying member have to be waved of Toll? of any kind that is creating social classes Kind of. i'm here because I like this site the way it is; Free and open to everyone(fom 4 to 104!) And I repeat it is not everybody that can contribute financialy .Does that mean that those people have less value then the paying ones? I think that I do pay my contribution here, if not financialy by being active ,by my presence and also my appreciation to the other's art.!!

vamoura.. im in the same boat you are rite now.. im not in a position to make a donation to the site just yet, but i will.. and as far as the paying members, most in the Cadre do leave comments every single day..

the reason i suggested a small count was to possibly build more in depth comments.. keep in mind, 25 characters isnt a lot at all.. watch..

"i really enjoyed the colors in this image.. wonderful job.."

thats a 59 character comment.. not much at all, but it would hopefully build on "nice", if you follow what i mean.. believe me, i enjoy when someone leaves me a comment at all.. great to know they took the time to say they enjoyed it.. but i would love to build off that and know why, not just that they liked it..

but keep in mind.. this was only a suggestion.. nothing more..

*shuts up and goes back to his corner*

I understand what you meant xyccoc, when I saw 25-50 character, I though you meant 25-50 words, wich is very different! Thats why I jumped on my chair! Always better to read carefully and think carefully too! I know it was just a suggestion, its just that I feel for the people who don't know how to express their feelings whit words, so they make the effort to leave at least one word wich is fine too.
And please don't shut up and go back to your corner, discussion is what make life interesting, i'd rather have a strong discussion with you then no discussion at all :0))!

Vamoura has a point that I feel to be valid. Some people contibute to Caedes without the use of currency. In fact I'd bet that Caedes, the person values peoples opinions and feelings over their money (Caedes?), although money does help him to bring us what he does. People who don't give money but give their time, words, images, etc. make Caedes a great site, and one that I want to visit to get help on the creation of my art. I don't think I've made any lifelong friends here, but the colleagues I've met have taught me to be a better photographer, and that's why I like it. I will give money, because I can and because I want to do so, but if it becomes a requirement I don't think I'll like the result - an elitist playground for property-owners.

As far as requirements for commenting, I think Caedes has tried variations on this theme, and you know what happens - people leave comments like "ahviluvilunluanprug aginaklvrjknl;". I don't need to see stuff like this, and I'm pretty sure Caedes doesn't want his server clogged with it. I'm not sure why its necessary - What's so wrong with the way the site is that makes it need a change like this? Comments like "nice" don't help my photography, but I sure like the ego-stroke, and I'd prefer it to seeing a bunch of characters left by someone who's just fulfilling a requirement.

Let's keep Caedes free.

I agree, forcing people to vote or comment is really not the way to go. First and foremost, the site relies on people to contribute content. Without that there would be no site and no need for monetary donations. The only way to increase the amount of quality comments is to reward such contributions.

very true Regmar.. and im one of those.. id be out of luck if caedes wasnt a free site.. wasnt trying to imply that we should all pay and stop worrying about comments, or anything remotely close to that.. it was only an idea.. nothing more.. i have no control whatsoever as to what happens :P i was only trying to find a common ground between some of the other suggestions made earlier in the thread..

so please.. noone take my suggestion too seriously..

This is a re-posting of a comment that I had left on 03/30/05. I have been warned not to post this and even some of my dearest friends would be affected by this suggestion. As a retired businessman and looking at the overall picture it seems highly unfair for a group of 148 Caedes members to support a web site of 133,000 plus members. Before all of you scream that you cannot afford membership and it would be a hardship on you., let me interject a thought or two. If all 133,000 members were that hard up to donate US $9.00 for a monthly membership then I am thinking about where did all of the money come from for the purchase of digital cameras, or cameras in general. Computers to use to upload the images or the costly programs used to "enhance" these images. I am not a rich man. I live on a fixed income. I do however feel that I should pay my own way in life. The first day that I joined this web site I surfed through it to see what it was all about, liked what I saw and sent a contribution for a one years membership. Did it hurt my budget. Hell yes! But I also believe in a thing known as Ethics. I heisted on re-posting this comment as it will affect some friends that I have made since I have joined Caedes but for what it is worth READ THE ENTIRE POST before you make any judgement calls. This time it is my comment and not bayouboogers. If you want to jump on someone I'm the one not him.

Form post on 03/30/05

If I may interject another suggestion that I feel could possibility tie into this thread. This idea belongs to, bayoubooger, after discussing it over a two week period it makes a lot of sense to me. I just checked the Caedes Cadre. There are 148 members listed.
Total members listed to date are; 133,278. For argument sake lets say that half of theses listed members no longer are active.That would still leave an active membership of; 66,189 members. The figures indicate that only 0.002 (two tenths of one percent) of the members are supporting this web site. Yet all members have the right to vote, upload and make comments about the images posted here. Bayoubooger's and my idea would increase funds to keep the site operational plus give benefit to those who are members in good standing. Only members that have made contributions to support the web site would have the privilege of voting or commenting on others images. This privilege would only last until the membership paid for expired. I realize that there are many that cannot afford to even apply for a monthly membership. For those, let them upload their images and be open to comments and votes by members, but not by those non paying members. I feel that in a very short time membership will increase sharply. The deadwood would be weeded out and all of the freeloaders will seek other sites. The final results; a better Caedes site with members that care about the work displayed upon it. No more free lunch to those who feel that they rule this site through their childish remarks. All of this and still the right to upload images if you are serious enough to take criticism about your work even if cannot afford to become a member. Seems like a win/ win situation to me
fotobob

I agree with fotobob and bayoubooger, the cameras are very expensive and also the programs they use, it looks to me, the lesser you participate on Caedes membership the more people complain about their disagreement on how the site is run ;but demanding a donation is for some people impossible and this is to understand.Can there be any solidarity among caedes members, to support other members contributing the site ???of course anonymously.

Johanna;
I think that your ideal is a very good one. I feel that the only problem would be the requirements for the members support. How would you,or Caedes establish the rules for those that should receive help. I have found that most people that really need assistance. are to proud to ask.
Please, remember they are not eliminated from the web site. They would receive all of the benefits that now exist EXCEPT they would have no voting ability or the ability to leave comments. Their work would still be subject to comments by members.It would therefore become a learning situation for them. I do like your idea of a "Help Fund" for those that would need some financial help. Does anyone have any ideas on how to establish or set up the requirements
for such a fund?

I wouldn't mind seeing a 'pay as you can' policy, rather than to deny comment and voting priviledges. For example, if a member can afford a $5 donation in August, and $4 in October, seems to me that's better than nothing at all.

Yes this is true, but there are people who can even not spend that on a membership, so something done on a free basis should be created in a specification like Help Fund. But agree with fotobob this is a delicate matter.What i am wondering about is that in earlier discussions there is so much talking about expensive models of camera and programs, that i think a small contribution should be possible, but that is everyone's choice. I accept this. I admire most of the artists on this site, whether they are contributing or not.For the continuity of Caedes there must be fund raising., this is in my point of view.

When at was at my most active on caedes.net I could not afford to pay.
I really mean it when I say I couldnt afford. I was living off of my scholarship, I got my $50 camera before I started college and I got photoshop for free in school. My meals were paid for for the rest of the yr with my scholarship and so was my housing. I had no cash. None.
I had a gallery of 3 pages (at 36 a page) and was on the front page of the author list. I voted on a wealth of new images daily and commented on many as well. I would say that I contributed to the site very much even though I didnt not contribute with money. My comments were constructive criticism and often even led to collaborations. I was a cadre member for a few months but that was because of winning a few contests. I dont think it would have been fair to pull my voting and commenting privaleges because I did not contribute to the cadre. This would probably have just caused me to leave the site and find something elsewhere.
I still do not contribute even tho now I have two jobs. Mostly now because I am rarely ever on anymore, hardly ever commenting or posting. If I do become active then I will probably contribute just because I want to help out with the cost of the site (I know its expensive to maintain) but this would be voluntary.
One of the biggest problems on the site is the lack of voting and commenting. We talk about constructive comments but even the Nice Jobs are lacking compared to times before. I think restricting it to cadre members only would only hurt. We already dont have enough people voting and commenting - why bring those numbers down any further and even restrict them from rising.
I believe you are looking at your contribution in the wrong way. It is a donation - completely voluntary. And **"As a special thank you, members are upgraded to the 'Caedes Cadre' group when they make a contribution"** The cadre is a reward for your contribution, not a required subscription.
I believe making this site a pay site would only push it in the wrong direction.
No personal offense fotobob - but I completely disagree with you...

Let me say something folks. I am Canadian, meaning that it would cost you $36/yr if I am correct, and therefore for me it would cost $44/yr. For some that is only pennies. For others it is milk in the babies bottles. I do have some great programs but I did not purchase them, they were given to me. I am fortunate here in Caedes to be learning and growing, and I am forever thankful to everyone for their part in it. At some point financial status will change and then it may be more feesable to contribute financially. I do want to comment though, that I do try to support the Caedes team through encouragement, suggestions etc. I always view full screen before voting and I am always honest with what I think the images deserves regardless of any friends I have made here. That is how we learn and grow. I am concerned that if this were to be implemented, we would see some increase in funds received but......I really believe that we would lose many many wonderful artists who are among us who will be insulted! It would be different if the site were only beginning, but many have been here for yrs. This is not meant as whining, and I hope you can see some points that I am raising here.
Let me add this...I do agree that the site would require funding to continue, but perhaps at the times when it is feeling tight, make a request for donations? That way perhaps that is a month that there are extra pennies in bank for those who haven't contributed yet or those who have spare change...... just a thought.
JuneBug

Noobguy and June'
Thank you for your inputs. No offense taken noobguy or June. I am open to all suggestions. It appears that I may be totally wrong about all of this but bear with me a little longer and we can all see the results as more people make their feelings known. I respect both of your inputs . They are clear and to the point without any anger or name calling. This is the way, I think that all of the discussions should be. As we know they are not always.

all i can say is this.. we may not all agree on ways to help possibly improve this wonderful site, but we all care enough about it to take the time to voice our opinions about it.. whatever changes that happen, if any, will only make this place that much better than it already is.. i value the input and criticism i recieve from each and everyone here.. my only regret is not becoming more active sooner.. if i would have known almost 3 years ago, the great people on this site, i would have been active from the start..

so to caedes, ty for creating and upkeeping this newfound "home".. i have watched this site grow immensly the past couple years.. and i hope to watch it grow even further..

to each and every artist on here, ty as well.. for becoming friends across the world.. for giving advice.. giving praise.. stimulating creativity.. etc.. .. this great place wouldnt be the same without all of you..

i tip my hat to all of you..

Dj

Hey Bob. Did someone tell you that you shouldn't say what you want to say? That seems contrary to the entire spirit of Caedes.net. If you weren't allowed to speak your mind then there would be no point in coming here.

But to address your suggestion, if all 133,000 members were to pay $9.00 each month for membership then Caedes would have to move to an offshore location to conceal his income. $14 million is a lot of bread :-) OK I'm being facetious, but my point is that Caedes isn't asking us to support him - only our website.

Is it really that bad here that we have to change it? I mean I've recommended ways of doing the same things ya'll are suggesting, but now I think I was wrong. I like the place. I don't think it's really so bad that we have to start restricting things. You might want to think about this: When you start restricting people, some of them are going to want to hack you, because you won't let them in. The best protection might be none at all.

good point = caedes states it costs about 140 a month to lease the site, well that would only require 47 cadre members monthly.
Also, right now for being in the cadre you get the ability to not see ads, a less restricted comment timer, the ability to post more images per day, the ability to personalize the site, little double colons in front of your name to make you feel special, and the personal satisfaction of knowing the you were caring enough to voluntarily donate to a good cause.
I'd say thats thanks enough for your $3, no need to also restrict the members who arent donating
*Being that caedes is a linux/unix user - I would doubt that he is much into subscription services anyways :-p*

Thank all of you for your inputs. I must admit that some of the points are very valid and taken to heart. I want to make just a brief comment as I have a series of meetings that I must attend tonight.I feel that all of your points are very good. But aren't we getting away from the subject? Like regmar, I do not intend to support Mr.Caedes, I was suggesting a method of (see the title) Improving the voting and comments. My thought was to use this as a method of improving both. I know that I am beating dead horse as I have read many discussions on this topic since I signed on to Caedes. If it is to remain as is then there should be no more complaints, correct? Regmar, to answer your question about was It old what I could say and not say. Let me just say that I was warned that I would receive a lot of flap and lower inputs to my images if I made all of you angry. I do not think that this is the way it works. We have all had a conversation about a subject that has many different avenues. It has been serious and open. No one gotten out of line with their language or statements. Thank you all for the superb inputs. I will be reading any further comments in the morning. Until then I'll see you on your uploads with good comments, if they are warranted
fotobob.

Don't worry about me Bob. I love your work.

Even if I can't contribute financially yet, i really really enjoy being able to communicate with Caedes members. I would hate to have to give it up just because I can't afford it! I love the way it works right now. i can vote and comment and express on what I like here! UF and all the programms I use where given to me by a friend
I can not thk him enough for it. . So when people say that members who can pay fancy programms could afford a membership... well I'm sure I am not the only one here who just can't squeeze it in their budget.To be able to pay for a membership I would have to give up my internet( wich is 56k modem not high speed) Either way I lose something...I want to be able to comment and vote. I was so happy when I found Caedes... I have been turning away from all the website who where membership working only. I always though its stinx.
anyway its just my opinion.

Marou, i can understand it very well, my intervention on this discussion is just meant for people that financially can afford to contribute to Caedes membership, but no one may loose the privilege to vote and comment either, whether they pay or not.

Although it's always nice to get more money (of course) I think the site is dong OK financially; I think the idea of rewarding other types of contributions, ie truly constructive comments, tutorials, advice, thoughtful voting etc. is more valid. I believe that the new measures caedes intends to implement (when he has time to do so) will fulfill this goal and make the site an even better one. If that is indeed possible :-)

PS this isn't aimed at anyone in particular, I haven't read every word in the above posts so might have the wrong end of the stick to some degree. Just take it as a general opinion.

PPS I also agree with noob that those who contribute already get more than their moneys worth ( no ads, double the uploads, free website etc.) If some people are able to afford the membership and decide not to, they are really only hurting themselves IMO.

I didn't aimed my opinion at anyone either, my main concern here is wheter some measures will affect the quality of the time I spend here. when I'm here I forget my problems and being able to share with others is a must for me. Caedes really became my home and in a home everybody share in his own way. :0))!!

Thank all of you for you inputs. I can understand, now that I have read all of your comments, why this system would never work. I had no idea of the personal problems or financial hardships that many members have. I received many PM from friends that I have made since I have signed up with Caedes. All of them expressed fear that I was in someway going to implement these changes. I do not have any power on this site to make any changes, only suggestions, just like all of you can, to the Big Guy. I now have a change of heart after all of your inputs, so I will drop my idea of the membership only voting idea. I believe it was Johannna that sort of made a comment that could be improved upon. If I may take the Liberty, Johannna, to elaborate upon your idea. She has in her own way suggested that if a campaign or request was presented to all members asking for to keep the web site active. those that could afford to make a small or large donation could do so as their finical situation would allow. I think at this is the best idea that I have seen since I have stared reading articles in the discussion groups.

One more thing. I was warned by friends, that I would regret opening this subject. I was informed that all I would get was a lot of angry inputs as well as negative comments. I am happy to say that they were wrong. All of you expressed your thoughts in a very mature way. No one became angry or rude and obnoxious. Thank you all. It seems that I have left this discussion as the looser, NOT SO. In many ways I am much wiser about the status of the members on Caedes and Very proud to be in a discussion that was conducted in such a mature way.

Once again, Thank you all for enlightening me.

fotobob

and thank you as well Bob.. even just the way this thread has been approached by all, is why i wanted to take the time to thank everyone here.. i know im not as well known as others here.. but in the past few months of my becoming highly active on this site, i feel ive made some wonderful friends.. i hope everyone here has, and will, grow in many ways..

Dj

Yes a huge thank you to everyone for a wonderful, calm and respectful discussion on this matter!
JuneBug

Ahhhh... Grownups.

*sigh of relief*

Although I am generally against restrictions on useage, if we must implement a solution to the voting issue, how about this? After I download an image maybe I shouldn't be allowed to download another until I vote on the first. Caedes, would it be difficult to implement? What do ya'll think? Would it be practical? I am certain that it would have no impact on my use because I always vote on every image I view anyway. The immediate problem I could foresee is the problem of unregistered users. Who knows if they voted the last time they were here?

Perhaps as a way round that, there could be an option at the time of uploading so that artists could indicate whether they wish to have their image available to all to download or only to registered members.

i believe its like that now.. you can d/l the image, but you cant save it unless you are a registered member.. (if i remember correctly)

I don't believe there is any coding that could stop someone saving an image once it was viewed fullsize, even if right-click context menu was disabled (which it isn't). They could always get it from their browser cache as a last resort anyway.

A non-member can download several images (I think it's 5) freely. After that the "please register" message appears every time instead.

When I first came to Caedes I wasn't registered, I couldn't vote on the images, i didn't know that it even existed . Once i downloaded 5 images the web site asked me if I wanted to register to continue downloading images, I did so and never regretted it since. So it seems that unregistered members have already been taken care of. As for getting the full size image, there is always the print screen fonction that you can use also! So even if the right click is disable and copyiright forbid it, everybody can do it anyway!

Maybe I didn't clearly describe what I was suggesting. The original idea was to require downloaders to vote on the image they downloaded before they could download another image. It wasn't dependent on membership. Nor was it about saving images. It was a way of preventing people from viewing a second full-sized image after they viewed one full-sized and before they voted on the first.

and regmar is on the right groove, the only thing that lacks in here, is VOTING, other than that it is a wonderful site, but all needs votes positive or negative, come on people, vote whether you're a contributing member or not just vote, it's the only way the system will work, we all try and do our thing here, but if there are no votes, tis all in vain...the c index works if you just vote

*returns to original post*

If we can make the voting process easier ... one step not two, more obvious and better understood the value of the voting process will improve.

I understand that the 'new' site will bring improvements in this process. Whether or not it will meet the suggestion above I just don't know.

Yes, easy and obvious voting would be good which is why I did not agree (on another forum) with the idea of having more voting categories. Your initial suggestions were good.