Caedes

Wide screen images and other recent updates

Submitted by caedes 03/14/07 10:18 AM GMT

A week or so ago I quietly updated the site to allow members to upload images of (almost) any aspect ratio. This means that you can now upload your widescreen desktop wallpaper as well as non-wallpaper 'artistic' images. I think that this change is very important to the site because wide format displays are becoming increasingly common. Also, it was not good for the site when our many very talented artists had to go elsewhere to share images that were not in desktop format. The current system will accept any images between 600px and 3000px on a side.

There were many parts of the site that needed to be changed in order to work with non-wallpaper shaped images. This included the main image information pages, all galleries, the voting booth, and the search engine. This is also why the image drop shadows have been removed and replaced with a thin grey border. The shadows may return once I figure out a good way to generate them. The change also called for the purchase of a new server dedicated to serving images. This is because the new system generates images on the fly (and caches them) once they are requested for the first time. This allows us to save disk space on the main server because it only needs to keep the originally uploaded image file (not the smaller image sizes).

Finally, I've made a small change in the way dates are displayed on the site. The system now guesses your time zone based on the time that your computer is set to (so the timezone field in your profile is ignored). This means that all dates (even those in personal messages) should display correctly for your current time zone as long as your computer's time is set correctly. The system has to use javascript for this functionality, so if you have javascript turned off you will see only the old time display format. I've also fixed the code so that the month/day order is followed according to the settings in your profile.

If you find and problems with these changes just PM me or post a comment to this thread or the Suggestions forum in the discussion board. Thanks!

Comments

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.Donna68
03/14/07 10:37 AM GMT
The changes are very much for the better, thanks for all the hard work in making this a great site for us artists to use. :-)
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My site http://donnanut.tripod.com/index.htm
::CurtieBear
03/14/07 11:24 AM GMT
It looks good Caedes. Your work is really appreciated here on the site. It will be interesting to see how the site will continue to evolve in the future. :o)
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I always try to balance the light with the heavy - a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes ~ Bette Midler ~ :o)
::Hottrockin
03/14/07 11:36 AM GMT
~opens wallet~

So whadda I owe ya bub? Servers ain't cheap I'm sure.

Thanks for always working with us to make a grrreat community sir!!

~peers into wallet only to find an old condom~

8~O

~blushes and heads off to the ATM~
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::purmusic
03/14/07 12:14 AM GMT
LOLOL @ Randy.

Much appreciated Caedes.

I think the new upgrades/updates will serve the community well.

And hey ... don't be such a stranger ... nice to hear from you. :o)
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust
.ebjo
03/14/07 1:28 PM GMT
Yea I like the new layout too. Gettin better all the time. Thanks for the good work. Eric
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::theshrew
03/14/07 1:30 PM GMT
I certainly appreciate these changes very much (and I like the thin grey border on the pics!). Thank you for stimulating my cold grey winter days.
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Beware the man of one book." St. Thomas Aquinas Scholastic philosopher and theologian, 1225-1274
::phasmid
03/14/07 3:34 PM GMT
I have a wide screen, so the new sizes fit me to a "t". Thanks from this corner of the world for that work and also for the time zone effort. Much appreciated. :)PJ
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"You owe it to us all to get on with what you're good at." W.H. AUDEN (1907-1973)
.DERAIN
03/14/07 3:39 PM GMT
Excellent changes as I grew tired of adjusting the sizing...good to know you are responsive to members' needs.The other changes are also well done.Merci!
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::spoton
03/14/07 4:59 PM GMT
The site is showing it can respond to changing needs. I like the expanded sizes, but have noticed a little difference in download speed occasionally from the larger sizes. But maybe that's just my ISP. Appreciate all the efforts.
Charlie
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Charlie
::kwaters
03/14/07 5:03 PM GMT
Thank you for the work you put in on this site and for making adjustments to make it more accesible - especially to rank beginners like myself!
Kat
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kat
&philcUK
03/14/07 6:18 PM GMT
the loading of images in the VB seams to work much faster too now which is v.good so thanks for that and all the other efforts put into the upgrade.
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A smart bomb is only as clever as the idiot that tells it what to do
::cynlee
03/14/07 6:20 PM GMT
I thank you for the changes because they allow more artistic freedom and give our imaginations a chance to soar. Your fine work on this endeavor is much appreciated. Cindy
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You will be led to the knowledge of the internal things which are invisible to you, by the external things which you see before you. . . . Even so then, we can represent to ourselves in thought the Author of all that is, by contemplating and admiring the (visible) things which He has made, and ever brings into being. - Hermes
::laurengary
03/14/07 6:23 PM GMT
I noticed the same thing Charlie & commented on it on another thread. Though to be honest, & I suppose it doesn't matter much, but I hate Military time.
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I've got amnesia & deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before ! ......CLICK TO SAVE LIVES ! .......MY GALLERY
::PrettyFae
03/14/07 8:12 PM GMT
Wheeee! Ah, I love you :D
This is great news, thanks! ;]

Fae x
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&nmsmith
03/14/07 8:56 PM GMT
Your site just keeps improving. Nice work! Since I author and run several websites, I know how hard the work behind the scenes really is (and time consuming). Kudos on a great site!

Nathan
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::za4em9
03/14/07 9:39 PM GMT
YES!!! I love you!!! I have a new widescreen monitor, so I am about to take full advantage of this new and improved Caedes... I thought I'd lose interest in this site after a couple of months, but i still love it. Thanks! :)

P.S.: oh, and with regards to military time - all's fine.
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::mimi
03/14/07 10:40 PM GMT
Thanks *caedes for all you do. This (((((hug)))) is for you!!! ;=)
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~mimi~
.scionlord
03/14/07 10:46 PM GMT
Looks good. Nice work.
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'Study the past, if you would divine the future.' - Confucius
.DixieNormus
03/14/07 11:40 PM GMT
Change is good. I've always loved the site Geri. Excellent work! =)
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::djholmes
03/15/07 12:16 AM GMT
I am also very happy about the new changes. I think it's great that we can share all types/shapes of images now. Thanks for all your hard work!
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::djholmes
03/15/07 1:21 AM GMT
Oh, I have noticed though that since the changes, I often have trouble viewing some photos. For instance, I just tried to look at the permanent photo gallery. The main gallery photos show up fine, but when I click on one of the smaller galleries, like landscapes, I don't see any pictures. I have a MAC and use Safari. Is it a possible browser incompatibility?
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::cynlee
03/15/07 1:23 AM GMT
Donna is right. I can't pull them up with IE on a Win PC either. Doesn't work with Firefox either.
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You will be led to the knowledge of the internal things which are invisible to you, by the external things which you see before you. . . . Even so then, we can represent to ourselves in thought the Author of all that is, by contemplating and admiring the (visible) things which He has made, and ever brings into being. - Hermes
+Samatar
03/15/07 1:51 AM GMT
Looks like you're right. I'll post something in the bug squash forum.
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion- rescope.com.au
::cynlee
03/15/07 2:12 AM GMT
I looked to see when I could upload an image next and there is no posted time. Maybe another thing to check.
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You will be led to the knowledge of the internal things which are invisible to you, by the external things which you see before you. . . . Even so then, we can represent to ourselves in thought the Author of all that is, by contemplating and admiring the (visible) things which He has made, and ever brings into being. - Hermes
+Samatar
03/15/07 4:18 AM GMT
You should post it in the bug squash forum. The subgalleries are fixed now...
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion- rescope.com.au
*caedes
03/15/07 4:31 AM GMT
I think all these problem should be fixed now. Thanks for the feedback so far.
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-caedes
::jeenie11
03/15/07 10:07 AM GMT
although i haven't had much time to look at the new features, i am amazed, at how you are able to do so much with the website. i am not up to speed in website technology and am awed by your ability to keep up and make the changes which seem so big. thanks very much, jen
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i'm so far behind that i know i'll never catch up. sorry if i don't comment on each of your pictures. . be patient! Please Visit My Gallery
.DJP
03/15/07 12:58 AM GMT
With a widescreen laptop, I am very much enjoying the addition of widescreen images. Thank you very much for your hard work!
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.Nekopuff
03/15/07 1:25 PM GMT
Yep, me love widescreen wallies too. And it's great that we can post non-desktop images as well. Thank you, Caedes!
And about the grey border... I kinda like it. =)
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Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. Visit my G A L L E R Y ^^ ANCA
malc_hall
03/15/07 3:26 PM GMT
Thankyou Caedes - you do a great job.
I might even pluck up the courage to post something now.....
;)
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How do you Know I'm Mad? I must be, otherwise you wouldn't have come here.
::muggsy
03/15/07 5:59 PM GMT
I like the changes made and Thank You for all your work. Considering how much has been changed I'm in awe of your ability to accomplish all you have with little if any disruption in site performance. Marvelous job. One minor question if I may ... I no longer see in "New Images" the small popup that gave the Title and Artist when the cursor moved over an image. Will it remain that way or has that feature been done away with permanently? With all you've accomplished it's a very minor point ... but it was something I found convenient. Thanks again Jerry for making this site a joy to be a member of.
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Just an old "Grampa" who still has a Kodak "Box" camera kicking around the attic ... learning and enjoying the wonders of modern digital photography.
*caedes
03/15/07 7:12 PM GMT
Thanks muggsy, I'll try to add that feature soon.
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-caedes
.mesmerized
03/15/07 7:40 PM GMT
No complaints from this corner of the world...I also noticed muggsy's 'minor' observation but it's no big deal and if that function eventually returns it would be nice...that aside, I really appreciate and thank you for the changes and new size formats and second muggys' appreciation of the fact that all this took place with no disruption of service...I also applaud you for always taking the time to consider the artists requests and for continuing to maintain a well run and ever improving site of which we can all be proud to be a part of.:Pat.
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Negative expectations yield negative results.
::verenabloo
03/15/07 9:04 PM GMT
What a great new change! Thank you Geri for the hard work. I have a website and had to do a lot of learning first and still am. But the changes you have made this time are fabulous. Its greatly appreciated! And it makes it all flow better and is so much more fun! Muchos Gracias...and Dankeschoen!! Verena
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What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
::egggray
03/16/07 1:20 AM GMT
Thank you for all your hard work on making this already perfect site for us even better. I love everything about it...Gregg
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"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get" Forrest Gump...kinda relates to photograghy
::Papi11on
03/16/07 9:52 AM GMT
My grateful thanks too, Geri. I love the improvements you've made to the site, especially the flexibility over sizings. I appreciate all the hard work that's gone into the upgrade. Anne-Marie
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.Digital_Angel
03/16/07 12:46 AM GMT
I will most definitely be taking full advantage of the new image size allowance. :) Definitely a huge step forward. Now no one can complain about "Well... it would look a lot better without a border.." lol, thanks for your work. It will actually allow me to upload more work.
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Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen
.alexis518
03/16/07 1:18 PM GMT
I like the way this site continues to evolve and respond to members' needs. Thank you Caedes.
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We make a living by what we get; but we make a life by what we give.
::jds
03/16/07 1:35 PM GMT
Thanks Caedes for all you do and continue to make this an elite site................Jim
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::madmaven
03/16/07 4:27 PM GMT
I think you are a very self-less man, and you are generous and so tolerant to/of us. Thank you. I appreciate you very much.
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Hey there Mister Madman, wat'cha know that I don't know Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away Tell me what made you that way
.BorderingOrion
03/16/07 6:55 PM GMT
The improvements are a bonus for existing Caedes members and a honey-pot for prospective members.
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[b]USE A TRIPOD[/b]
.bigchuck33
03/17/07 1:14 AM GMT
Good work, caedes. This site keeps getting better. Any chance that you can make a "search by ratio" feature in the future?
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::verenabloo
03/17/07 9:24 AM GMT
I just now figured out that we only have to right click on the first posting we see, no more click and then right click..That is sooooooooo great! I love that. I love all the improvements. Sure makes life easier..and faster to post stuff nowadays..thanx a ton Geri...for all your hard work...its much appreciated..Verena
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What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
::JQ
03/17/07 12:01 AM GMT
kudos, love the improvements! Thanks a lot kind sir :-)
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::Dunstickin
03/17/07 4:31 PM GMT
I appreciate all the changes you have made!..makes a great deal of difference!....Lots of scope now for various types of postings!....
You done good again!
Cheers and thanks!.....
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*You will have noticed that I haven't been commenting as much on your fine images!..This is because of the pains in my hands!..the constant use of the keyboard, makes this difficult..so, my dear friends..I can only apologise to you all in advance!* Dunstickin's Gallery
.Lloshram
03/17/07 11:54 PM GMT
I agree with everyone's positive comments. I've had a number of images in not the most aspect ratio friendly formats....Thanks Caedes!
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True religion is visiting widows and orphans in their affliction.
::doubleheader
03/19/07 4:52 AM GMT
Change is good.... YEAH!!
Bless you Great One for making life here
better for all concerned.
*shuffels off to make resize changes*..=D
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Live simply. Speak kindly. Care deeply. Love generously.
::LynEve
03/20/07 10:41 AM GMT
Sincere thanks and high praise for the recent improvements resulting in a more streamlined site. The sizing relaxation is a big plus, it is great to see images in the best possible size.The behind the scenes work often goes un noticed and this is a fine opportunity for us to express our appreciation. So - from way down under - Thank you :)
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The question is not what you look at, but what you see ~ Marcel Proust
.danmus
03/20/07 3:28 PM GMT
that's an enormous improvement, thanks a lot!
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daniel
.dutch_postings
03/23/07 12:07 AM GMT
Sorry to drop in here so late, but you have made some awesome changes and where noticed right away.
Tweaking a board can be a hassle for sure, and trust me i know, since i have runned some forums myself.
I certanly do like most changes, but ( as always, there is a but ) i do not see the need for wide angle, weather in hight or in width images.
Since we are a desktop site, it does not seem to fit the reason why we are here.
Specialy the hight images... all pc's have a horizontal screen, so what is the use ?
Seeing we all have different tastes, i might be standing alone here, so never mind.

What i do miss is the drop shadow. it realy made the thumb stand out, and i liked it a lot. I hope you can find a way to bring back the shaded relief.
I understand it is harder to set a automatic standard, since different sizes have been increased. but still, allthough a detail, it makes all the difference...
Please try to get that back.

For the rest, thanks for working hard, to make this nice world wide comunity work, and spend your time to make it better !

Hans
Holland
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please visit my gallery - mountain site or my little Switzerland Forum
.AlienWithUFO
03/23/07 4:22 AM GMT
Thank you!
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"Without music, life is a journey through a desert." -Pat Conroy
.sbhar
03/23/07 7:47 AM GMT
A welcome change. It is really worth waiting .........
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&philcUK
03/23/07 4:32 PM GMT
'i do not see the need for wide angle, weather in hight or in width images. Since we are a desktop site, it does not seem to fit the reason why we are here. Specialy the hight images... all pc's have a horizontal screen, so what is the use ? '

see the opening line of the site front page:

'Welcome to Caedes, the Desktop Wallpaper and Artist Community'

:-)

the wide aspect is to both accommodate widescreen monitors which are increasingly becoming common place on desktops and almost a standard now on laptops and for artists to show panoramic or portrait works that would have been compromised in some way by cropping them into a regular aspect screen size.
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A smart bomb is only as clever as the idiot that tells it what to do
*caedes
03/23/07 5:42 PM GMT
I think that portrait images can also easily be called wallpaper as well since there are many tablet and PDA machines that can operate in portrait mode.
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-caedes
::100k_xle
03/24/07 2:22 PM GMT
Hi Caedes, Great Improvements! What do you think about a Lifetime Membership ? I'll JOIN ! My Favorite Site !

E J
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.dutch_postings
03/25/07 1:17 AM GMT
thanks for clearing that up &philcUK !
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please visit my gallery - mountain site or my little Switzerland Forum
.ladyred
03/26/07 2:59 AM GMT
I like the changes ... Thank you so much
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You do not have to thank me if I leave a comment on your image...unless you really want to. ..It is my pleasure to comment on your beautiful work.
parrothead_kc
03/28/07 3:14 AM GMT
I don't understand why the images aren't in 1024 X 768, they were on my pc at work. Now there is a weird one, like 900 x ?...Any ideas please?

Thanks-

Parrothead
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::mimi
03/28/07 9:48 PM GMT
*parrothead-please read the paragraph above all of these comments. It will help you understand the changes. *caedes is now allowing uploading of all sizes from 600x600px to 3000x3000px.
Any further questions, feel free to send me a PM. ;=)
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~mimi~
::wheedance
03/29/07 6:57 PM GMT
Thank you very much for all of the effort you put into keeping this site going and for the positive changes you have made. I can't imagine the amount of energy that must take, but I know your site is my all-time favorite and I appreciate you very much! Hilda
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All of earth is crammed with heaven And every bush aflame with God But only those who see take off their shoes. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning<p> mygallery
.G8R
06/01/07 6:59 PM GMT
I stumbled upon this site about 2 weeks ago and was amazed at the talent and artistry it encompassed...what an amazing find!! I never saw the "old" site, but I absolutely love the current format. It sounds like Caedes is working hard and is responsive to the needs of the community...can't ask for more than that. Fantastic site...my $$ is on the way...I definitely want to contribute to this effort!
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"All That Glitters Is Not Gold, All Those Who Wander Are Not Lost..." ~ J.R.R. Tolkien ~
*caedes
06/01/07 7:09 PM GMT
Before this update, the site was very similar with the main difference being that all images were close to a 4:3 ratio of width to height. Thanks for your comment.
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-caedes
.Con_
06/25/07 1:35 AM GMT
Of all the sites I visit for pictures, Caedes is the best! Management is great and so are the members of this community. It is this combination that works here. (edited... ) :o)
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