Absolute Write Image Linking Policy
Absolute Write's official policy prohibits hotlinking (also known as inline linking) to images on sites that you do not own or where you do not have an account that is intended for image linking.
Definitions
Hotlinking or inline linking refers to using the vBulletin image link tool (accessed via this icon:
) to link to an image on a site that is not yours, or that is not stored on your account on an image hosting site like PhotoBucket or Flickr or Picasa.
Sharp-eyed member Mac H reminds me that some sites, like xkcd.com, explicitly provide permission (as explained here) for hotlinking; they too would be an exception to the rule, though I'd include a link in the post to the hosting site's policy as a courtesy.
Why is Hotlinking a Problem
And for lots of other reasons.
How Should You Link to Images
Get a free account at PhotoBucket or Flickr or Picasa or ImageShack or a similar site, and upload the image there. Look for a Share button or menu item on that site. Copy the image URL or use the Share feature to create BBulletin code, the code used by the AW Forums software, to link to the image.
PhotoBucket makes this especially easy because they give you a link that's already formatted; you can just copy and paste it into the body of a post.
You want a link that looks like this [IMG]http://somewebaddress.example.com[/IMG]
Caution
Absolute Write's official policy prohibits hotlinking (also known as inline linking) to images on sites that you do not own or where you do not have an account that is intended for image linking.
Definitions
Hotlinking or inline linking refers to using the vBulletin image link tool (accessed via this icon:
Sharp-eyed member Mac H reminds me that some sites, like xkcd.com, explicitly provide permission (as explained here) for hotlinking; they too would be an exception to the rule, though I'd include a link in the post to the hosting site's policy as a courtesy.
Why is Hotlinking a Problem
- Because it uses the bandwidth of the site where the image lives, and the owner of the site is therefore paying for AW bandwidth.
- Because the image may not be in a context that the rights holder and owner find acceptable.
- Because the site owner or image owner may be annoyed enough to swap out the innocent image of kittens and bunnies you linked to, and replace it with a pornographic or offensive image.
- Because the image may contain code or malware.
- Because it makes MacAllister's eyeballs itch when she gets a nasty email from the poor person whose bandwidth jumped dramatically because someone on AW hotlinked to a cute kitty cat picture.
And for lots of other reasons.
How Should You Link to Images
Get a free account at PhotoBucket or Flickr or Picasa or ImageShack or a similar site, and upload the image there. Look for a Share button or menu item on that site. Copy the image URL or use the Share feature to create BBulletin code, the code used by the AW Forums software, to link to the image.
- Copy the address of the specific image on your hosting account that you want to link to in a post.
- Write your post.
- When you are ready to insert the linked image, position your cursor where you want the image to show.
- Click the Image Insert button
- Copy the URL for the image in the field.
- Click OK.
PhotoBucket makes this especially easy because they give you a link that's already formatted; you can just copy and paste it into the body of a post.
You want a link that looks like this [IMG]http://somewebaddress.example.com[/IMG]
Caution
- Please do not link to very large images; keep them to within about 400 x 400 pixels, and small files, please.
- We have a lot of members who pay for Internet access based on how much data they use, and a lot who are still using dialup.
- Be courteous when a Mod asks you to reduce an image in size.
- Ask for assistance if you need help reducing an image.
- Don't link, post or use images in violation of copyright. Just Don't.
- Remember that chocolate is one of the basic food groups.
