Images

[#1]

Hi @jab1,

The pre-moderation process for images is there to protect members: it helps prevent accidental uploads of personal information on a public site, and also stops inappropriate content from being published.

Approvals are usually handled pretty quickly by our moderators (thanks guys!), but we're also looking at options to speed up the process.

If you ever notice that an image hasn’t been approved in a reasonable time, just drop me or one of the mods a message—we can check whether it was rejected or just waiting for approval.

Thanks

James

[#2]

Thanks for replying, @James_B , but with the greatest respect, I don't believe you. Only VERY rarely do images contain 'personal information', and those instances are usually caught fairly quickly - I have personally flagged some to the mods. As to the 'inappropriate content', can you please give me an example of such?

My issue is that, as I, and at least one other, have pointed out, this recent policy change renders the forum useless if images are the easiest way of communicating information. Although I spend quite a while on here, TRYING to help, there is no way of being informed when an image on a topic is released, and I can't remember which topics have 'unapproved' images, without keeping a written list - sorry, not going down that path.

The whole point of images is that they are often the easiest way of explaining an issue, and if they are 'censored', they are effectively rendered useless.

I hate to say this, but after being on here since 2012, I am seriously considering giving up. Unfortunate, because I have really enjoyed my time here and it has kept my ageing brain active.

No matter, BTCD obviously wishes to kill this forum slowly, by inflicting a thousand tiny cuts. 

[#3]

@James_B

Whilst it's understood this measure has been introduced as BT policy , the delays in image approvals, often hours, are creating a two tier forum.

Only moderators, super users and the OP can see the relevant information and respond to it until image approvals.

I'm sure that this was not the intention of this measure but is the current situation.

As @jab1 and others have pointed out, automated image screening and approval systems are readily available to speed up approvals. This would also reduce the workload on the volunteers who keep this forum running.

As well as making this forum usable for everyone again .

[#4]

I  note with regret that a fair few replies to this topic have suddenly disappeared.

Removing them does not invalidate them, but  it clearly shows the way this forum is going, i.e. if the management don't like them, they are deleted.

As I said on the 'New Faces' topic, this forum is being emasculated, and failing in its purpose. I said on that topic that I would give until the end of this month for some sane answers to be given before I became merely an observer - I think that window has shrunk to the end of this week. 

[#5]

@jab1 

I couldn't find any posts having been removed from this thread.

There was a post removed from the other thread which contained an insult to staff.

[#6]

@Mav Maybe I am mistaken, in which case I apologise. I am aware of the 'other thread' edit.

[#7]

Sorry to resuscitate this topic - but is there any progress or does 'the business' think it has been forgotten? 

[#8]

The staff team are hot on approving images when they are around.  It’s gone 7pm and it ain’t going to happen unless there’s a sad mod or SU with nothing better to do lurking around.  For the time being it is what it is.  And no it’s not been forgotten.

[#9]

Your comment is noted, @Townman , but as many of these incidents seem to occur at weekends or late in the day, a resolution this side of 2030 (the year, not the hour 😉) would be good.

[#10]

@jab1  You could always post images as attachments then the upper eschelon are going to have to open them  to view and approve the images, or not….

[#11]

@Champnet My understanding (or experience - recently) is that attachments do not get caught by this crass 'instruction'.

[#12]

I once had a boss who would carefully and patiently listen to our howls of protest against a new management rule, then simply say: “I hear you, but this is not a democracy”.

[#13]

Fortunately, I had a more enlightened management. 😉

[#14]

Whether this was unenlightened or not is debateable. There was no messing about with half promises of 'looking in to it in the future etc.’. We knew exactly where we stood and just had to just get on with managing our departments despite the new rules.

[#15]

@Baldrick1  What exactly is your brief ? Just to view images in posts or are you oblidged to view attachments or even the contents of links to other sites ?