Avatar and (auto) Signatures

[Joe Mc]

Will the Avatar and signatures (automatically) ever return? I know you have to select "show signature" but, after every post? What happened to the "at the end of every post option"?



Were both related to the server crash? Or am I missing something again?

 

[admin2]

The signatures and the Avatars were turned off in the forums to try and lessen the load on the old server. However, what we found when we looked at it was that the Avatars alone were using approximately 20% of the bandwidth on the site and signatures were way up there as well - and we use a LOT of bandwidth. We also got many positive comments from people after the signatures were turned off by default that the forums were much easier to read. We'd always asked that people only post their signature the first time they post to a thread but it didn't happen. If you click on profile at the bottom of someones message you will get all of the information on the individual. The avatar was always visible on that page but the signature was not. I recently modified the software to display the signature on that screen as well so now you can just click on profile at the bottom of someones message and see their signature if they didn't post it. I'm also looking into ways to limit the signature length (isn't possible right now) and we may move the current signatures to a seperate field and then limit the signatures to a pretty short one (100 characters or so) that you could put basic information in and then if someone wanted to see more they could go to your profile. If we do that then we'll turn the signatures back on by default.



-TDR Webmaster

 

[Joe Mc]

Thanks for the information. Sounds like you have a good plan to try and keep everyone happy Now that you mention it I do recall some of the signatures being very long and at times extravagant in descriptions of carpet color etc. But that is what makes this site great . . . the diversity and opportunity to be individuals.



Thanks for all your hard work and efforts to keep us happy.



As someone recently said "the best $35 bucks I've spent so far on my truck". If you think about it the membership fee is less than a full tank of fuel - now that's a bargain. Have a great weekend.

 

[Chipstien]

So there is no chance of the avatars will ever be posted with your name again. Bummer, I always thought that the avatars added a sense of singularity..... and oneness. I think the sigs should be made to stay off, (only seen by clicking the profile button), and the avatars turned back on. What do you say gang.

 

[gitchesum]

What if the avatars were hosted on our own servers instead of the TDR servers? Would that allow the avatars and not load up the servers?

 

[1 ALC]

I could'nt figue out what happened to my signature.....



Did some digging and foun this post.



TTT,

If anyone else is wondering too.

 

[LarryB]

I too miss the avitars. They added a lot, like recognizing someones face but you can't remember their name.



Is it possible to allow IMG for the avitars? That way we can host our own avitars.



Good idea gitchesum!



I know Steve, we're full of good ideas when you have to do the work.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

The avatars won't be coming back. There are many dial up users on the boards (more than on high speed connections) and the overwhelming response from them is that they like how much faster the pages load, etc. The owners of the site have made a decision that the avatars are gone for good.



-Steve

 

[LarryB]

:{



Thanks Steve.