Posting Photos in Social Group Discussions

[deusex]

Sometimes you need an image to back up what you say in a Social Group discussion. Unfortunately, there's no image upload like you have in the message board posts, but you can still add a photo...

If you click on any of your photos in your albums, you'll see two lines of code below your photos. The first is a link to your photo, but the second BB Code is the one you'll need. Just highlight that line of code and copy it (Ctrl-C for PC and Cmd-C for MAC) then paste ( Ctrl-V for PC and Cmd-V for MAC) that into your post.

[SweatyAussie]

To be honest, I don't quite understand the point of the Social Groups.

I'm not criticising them necessarily, just saying I don't understand what they offer that is not already offered by the existing USG Forum with its many sub-fora. (It's the public groups I am talking about here, I have already expressed my reservations about the private groups.) That's why I have not yet bothered joining any of the social groups that might be relevant to me, such as swimwear, when I can say anything I wish to say - and attach a photo if I want - to the Speedos thread or the Thongs thread or whichever is most appropriate.

I'm willing to have my mind changed, if someone will explain what the public social groups offer that the USG Forum doesn't.

[deusex]

Quite simply, what they offer (although not completely flushed out yet) is a change for users to create their own spaces and mold the content. Sort of like building a webpage or starting a blog, except other people with the same interest can join and contribute to the theme.

Although there are no rules on how one manages their group, my own Celebrities in Underwear or the Speedos and Swimwear one are for posting photos that may not be selfpics. My Jockstrap Central one is a combination of Behind the scenes photos and non-released photos (we have thousands) but also for guys to post their jockstrap photos. Sort of like a personal Flickr gallery except I invite other members to contribute.

Personally, I think the Underwear Tents group is a good one - shows a niche. Sure you could see those same shots (or similar) in the Member Galleries or Albums, but you'd have to sift through all the other shots to get to them.

To me they just add another dimension to the site. I realize that it's not everyone's cup of tea, and many people are just not motivated to captain a group and prefer a more passive experience, but there already have been a few brave souls to try their hand at them, and in time I know there will be more.

There is another addon to the forums software that I was actually going to try out, but with the reaction to the new features, I'm probably going to wait. That feature is personal blogs. That would give members a place to have their own personal webpage, with it's own URL and everything.

I think it's going to take a new type of user to this site to really embrace the groups and the blogs (if added.) One that's a bit more adventurous and creative. But they're out there. The people using MySpace, Flickr, Xtube and and the explosion of blogs made possible by easy to use software like Google's Blogger/Blogspot and the more advanced Wordpress are proof of that.

[SweatyAussie]

There is also a thing called Reform Fatigue, that sets in when there's too much change at once. You see this happening in politics when a government does lots and lots of economic reforms, and after a certain time the people say "Enough" - they know that some of the reforms are good, and that more may be needed at some stage, but they just want a break so they can catch up and adapt to the changes that have already occurred.

The same thing can happen with software and web applications. Users get comfortable with the way the thing works, they will accept improvements if they are genuine improvements, but there is no need to introduce a host of new features all at once and freak them out.

[pnhmrk]

There is also a thing called Reform Fatigue

And there was me thinking that it was just resistance to change! I feel a lot better knowing that it's got a name :)

[The Bondsman]

There is also a thing called Reform Fatigue,
There's also an old adage that goes along the lines: "If it ain't broke, don't break your neck fixin' it"!
Just a thought.........
I prefer to post any stuff in the forums where more people see it. If it's in a specified gallery, only those interested in that specific topic will open it.
However, I can foresee the forums will probably become less frequented so unless I too join the "groups" I will fade away....................NOT such a bad thing I hear so many say!

[deusex]

I can foresee the forums will probably become less frequented so unless I too join the "groups"

I doubt it. When the galleries reopen, the forums (and the albums and groups) will become deserted.

The forums, simply because they occupy the homepage should be used more than the groups. But that's just my feeling, who really knows.

[The Bondsman]

I doubt it. When the galleries reopen, the forums (and the albums and groups) will become deserted.
Yes, that's what I think too.
The forums, simply because they occupy the homepage should be used more than the groups. But that's just my feeling, who really knows.
SHOULD! But will they?
I love da forums! (No surprise there!)
Will really miss the cut-&-thrust if they fade. (sob, sob!)
MAYBE I'll have to write something REALLY controversial to ensure the heat stays on?
Brief pause here while deusex seriously considers hitting the "delete this user's account" button, .....no, just kidding!
Would I ever do such a thing?:rolleyes:;):D

[deusex]

The forums had faded. I'm not sure if you remember the forums before the galleries were installed. Sure they get a little activity here and there when a thread gets heated (usually caused by you Bondsman. (which as you know, I usually love (unless it's me you're arguing with.)))

I am trying to put my mind around making the forums a little more obvious on the Member Galleries page. I'm considering making a menubar for the galleries that will have graphic buttons to each of the features of the message boards.

That may not happen right away, as Adrian is giving me shit for paying so much attention to USG and neglecting programming and designing the new shopping cart for Jockstrap Central (which has been ongoing for over a year now)

[fuzzybriefsfan]

I am one of those users who would love to manage my own space/blog! So keep me in mind if you want a beta tester...

Would those web pages be publicly-viewed or for members only? Ideally, it would be nice to feel really free to write some hot fiction, post favorite pics, etc., knowing that the content is being viewed only by like-minded dudes.