N Gauge Forum

Am I doing something wrong? The only option to upload pictures appears to be clicking where it says: • NOTE: If you want to add an image to the gallery please use [REPLY] button instead

Clicking on that opens another window where I can upload images, but 9 times out of 10 when I do that the new window refreshes to the thread I was looking at, with no images uploaded and no reply typed out.

What is actually going on?

I'm having the same trouble. The missing images are showing up in the Gallery. So, adding pictures to a post is taking 3 times as long as it used to.

Webbo

I think these process could be easier, but I haven't had problems, the steps I generally use are:

Go to gallery
Hit add picture
Select user gallery - category "my gallery"
upload the picture
Look for the BB code (starts with [img] )
Copy the entire text make sure you include the img tag at the end
Open your reply or topic and paste that to the thread
Hit preview to make sure it displays
Hit post to publish it.

Note, I use two browser windows if I'm posting multiple images so I can copy and paste the BBcode to the reply/topic window from the other window.

Yes, that's basically the procedure I use. It becomes second nature quickly.

However, there is no doubt that it's cumbersome, and we've had several questions about it over the years.

Tank is aware of it, and hopefully a simpler process will be developed.

Same process for me as that described by Intercity. I've used it for the past 8 years with very few problems.

Whilst there are better forum apps around, there are also many worse.

Quote from: Intercity on February 15, 2024, 03:06:22 AMLook for the BB code (starts with [img] )
Copy the entire text make sure you include the img tag at the end

If it's there on your browser/OS, if you just hit the button that looks like 2 bits of paper at the end of the box containing the code and it selects & copies the full BB Code URL to the clipboard ready for pasting into the post - that is both quicker and eliminates the risk of missing characters at either end of the code.

Quote from: Bealman on February 15, 2024, 03:38:57 AMHowever, there is no doubt that it's cumbersome, and we've had several questions about it over the years.
Tank is aware of it, and hopefully a simpler process will be developed.

Strangely, since the latest forum upgrade I find uploading pics to my gallery to be simpler than it was before - especially bulk upload with drag and drop. In fact I fond it so much simpler that I use bulk upload even to add a single image.

The only thing that I find lacking since the upgrade is the code to embed an image in a post so that when clicked it expands over the post rather than opening the image in the gallery before it can be clicked again to expand it.

Quote from: chrism on February 15, 2024, 07:29:29 AMStrangely, since the latest forum upgrade I find uploading pics to my gallery to be simpler than it was before - especially bulk upload with drag and drop. In fact I fond it so much simpler that I use bulk upload even to add a single image.

Same here. You don't have to think of a name for your uploaded photo either - it just uploads with the original filename.

Neil

Quote from: nabber on February 15, 2024, 07:31:28 AMSame here. You don't have to think of a name for your uploaded photo either - it just uploads with the original filename.

I'd forgotten that bit - although, since I always use the bulk upload using drag & drop (even for just one image), there isn't an option to give it a name anyway.

Can we more accurately rename this thread "Why do some still find it difficult to post pictures to this forum?, when others just follow simple instructions..."

When you click on NOTE: If you want to add an image to the gallery please use [REPLY] button instead you should get a pop-up box like this. - If you don't it is a local setting in your browser preventing it, not a forum fault...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/139/647-150224074248.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=139621)

Just fill in the details, click add picture and the bb-code even automatically appears in your draft post!

You can even do it multiple times in the same post - takes less than 10 seconds per pic...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/139/647-150224074337.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=139622)

Admittedly, "NOTE: If you want to add an image to the gallery please use [REPLY] button instead" could possibly be better labelled e.g. "Click here If you want to add an image to your post"

The pop-up window confuses matters by having two upload sections. Only one is needed (saves image to different locations on the Forum's server) but they're a bit mushed together.

Once you've done it a couple of times it becomes a lot easier to do. At least we have control over where images go in a post. In another forum I use all the photos end up at the bottom of the text.

Steven B

It's a little clunky compared to some forums, always has been and the last update didn't help when it became necessary to include that NOTE:..  message within the editor box (the link to add images used to be just above the box). 

That said, if you follow the instructions as @PLD says (eg. use the Reply button first not the Quick Reply box) it works fine, I have no problems with it.   The wording of the link isn't ideal perhaps (we discussed this at the time), it's trying to remind you which option to use first.   If you try and use the link from Quick Reply that's when it goes through the motions of uploading but then doesn't actually add the link to your post, but as has been said you image will have been uploaded you just have to find it and copy the link.  Open a second browser tab and navigate to the Gallery and it'll show  up as the most recently added image.

The alternative method of adding the pictures to your gallery first and then copying the link into your post also works fine - I use that method if I have several images to upload or if I want to embed a previous image from my gallery.

With regard to the choice of sections to upload, well I always try and upload to my gallery except for images which I'll never want to re-use again or are for someone else (eg. pulling an image out of a pdf where someone's used that method of attachment).  I have subfolders within my gallery for specific subjects, though I admit a lot ends up in "Miscellaneous" :)

Firstly, full disclosure.  I'm a complete half-wit as regards digital technology.  And that's on a good day.  I've never found it interesting and have only learnt the absolute basics to do what I want.

Like posting dodgy pictures on our FabulousForum.  I use the method @PLD helpfully described and upon which @Steven B and @ntpntpntp kindly elaborated.  Thank you, chaps.

I find it works about eight times out of ten.  If it sulks, I simply save my draft post and reopen it.  Then try again.  This appears to jolt the recalcitrant electrons out of their complacency and the picture goes where I want it to go.

I agree completely that the text NOTE: If you want to add an image to the gallery please use [REPLY] button instead is mightily confusing.  It seemed to appear at the last forum upgrade and threw me for a day or two as I was already using the [REPLY} button.  But I'm used to it now.  I seem to recall, to switch off a Microsoft computer, one had to click on the [START} button until, eventually, this was changed.  Perhaps confusing instructions are commonplace with digital technology.

With regard to the 'Gallery' feature, I've never knowingly used it.  I just use the 'Random Pictures' facility.  Interestingly, I was kindly given a 'Larger Gallery' by @Tank so that I could continue to post pictures which implies I might be using the 'Gallery' after all.  Just that I don't know I am.  Which, rather neatly, takes us back to my opening remark.

This is the only internet forum I use, so I have no idea what others are like and cannot offer comparisons.  I have attempted to view a couple of things on RMWEB but was bombarded by advertising-type stuff which caused me to retreat.

Many thanks to Chris, the MarvellousModerators and the technical support person/s for giving us this wonderful resource which I really enjoy.

With all best wishes

John

As one who has 100s, maybe even 1000s of pics stored on the forum I've always used the 'Gallery' (Jeez, but I hate that word. What's wrong with 'album'?). I just create one with a title such as 'TINGS Mugshots' and upload relevant pics into it. Like others, I use upload multiple pics even if just one. Then I use the BB code to copy the required pic into a post. At the RH end of the BB code there's what looks like 2 sheets of blue A4 overlapping. Click on that, go to your post and hit 'Paste'. Preview your post if you are unsure of success. I find it easiest to have the forum open in 2 tabs, especially if posting more than one pic.
It is clunky but it works and, like everything, practice makes things easier.

the above prompted me to see if I have a gallery, and after much faffing about I found I do not.

which to me is great, but if anyone want to rent space in my gallery, feel free to contact me. :)

I opened one gallery and found a Minstrel in there.
I shouted "Oi! Ian Anderson! Get out of my gallery! :telloff: "
(especially for Jethro Tull fans)

@Browning 9mm   I'm sure everyone gets a gallery section, you've probably never uploaded anything to it.    It does make it easier to categorise images you may use again in the future. Better than uploading everything to "Random Photos".

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 15, 2024, 10:33:03 AMI opened one gallery and found a Minstrel in there.
I shouted "Oi! Ian Anderson! Get out of my gallery! :telloff: "
(especially for Jethro Tull fans)

Mick @Newportnobby you still "Living in the Past" ;)

Must admit that I find it strange that some find it difficult to upload photographs and include them in their posts.

I always use the bulk upload even for one, which allows you to drag and drop into the gallery.

Followed by copying and pasting the BB code into your post.

Simples

For more than one photograph in a post I usually copy and paste BB code into word or similar then copy them all and paste into my post

I admit I tend to only post photos on the Facebook page.  I find that intuitive and easy.  click on the icon for photos.  Find the relevant folder and file on your device.  Click on what you want and it is done.  On the rare occaisions I have done it on this site, I have had to be reminded.

don't do face ache, to twit features or X, Y Z etc.
when, and it is not often these days, I post a photo on the forum, I struggle with the name/ etc/ etc to post it, no reason to fill up the servers with my pics that already are stored on my computer.

and why, oh why, when I have clicked on 'reply', NOT 'quick reply' am I told I have to click on 'reply' to post a photo. :veryangry:

@Browning 9mm   I assume because the techies couldn't find a way of getting that active note/link to appear above the editor box like it used to be: it had to be stuffed into the editor box itself which is the same box for Reply and Quick Reply.

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 15, 2024, 10:33:03 AMI opened one gallery and found a Minstrel in there.
I shouted "Oi! Ian Anderson! Get out of my gallery! :telloff: "
(especially for Jethro Tull fans)

Ahem, showing your age are we?

 :whistle:

Have also struggled with this, thought i must be just thick ( as a brick), thanks for the pointers...

Appreciate all the replies!
As others have suggested, I use my personal gallery now then copy and paste the code into posts. Uploading directly to posts doesn't seem to work half the time but I know what to do now :)

Quote from: emjaybee on February 15, 2024, 01:03:45 PM

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 15, 2024, 10:33:03 AMI opened one gallery and found a Minstrel in there.
I shouted "Oi! Ian Anderson! Get out of my gallery! :telloff: "
(especially for Jethro Tull fans)

Ahem, showing your age are we?

 :whistle:

@emjaybee No - they're touring this year..................

https://jethrotull.com/tour-dates/

I must admit that of all the forums I subscribe to this is the only one where you can't simply click on an image and drag and drop said image into the section below the text box and have it automatically inserted into the post at the cursor placement.

The faffing around to upload it to a gallery and then copy and past the correct BB code to insert it rather than link to it makes me want to post less and less..

But it is what it is.  I don't control the purse strings, and whilst its already been mentioned that the technology is 20+ years old, the cost of newer platforms and the monthly server costs
to host the site might be part of the reasons why the forum isn't running the latest software from Innovations to name one platform.

But I would much rather have a forum on our hobby running old clunky software than have no forum at all... 

hence why I don't bother any more
g-mail, I open my photos, find the photo I want, and drag it to what I am writing.
it's where I want it, simples.

pity, but I just cannot be bothered any more.

It's fair to say posting photos is a bit clunky but that aside this is a great N gauge forum. It is free for us users and run by volunteers. I say well done chaps and keep up the good work. If anyone isn't happy with this forum there is no reason why they shouldn't set up and fund their own N gauge forum.

I just timed myself adding the photo below. I was using my phone and the WiFi was poor. The whole process took 30 seconds but it is usually quicker. I think the delay was more due to how far I am from the WiFi box than the photo posting process. I don't see that as a serious issue that should stop anyone posting photos.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/139/3123-150224162132.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=139637)
The night riviera just as dawn is breaking.

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 15, 2024, 03:54:30 PM

Quote from: emjaybee on February 15, 2024, 01:03:45 PM

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 15, 2024, 10:33:03 AMI opened one gallery and found a Minstrel in there.
I shouted "Oi! Ian Anderson! Get out of my gallery! :telloff: "
(especially for Jethro Tull fans)

Ahem, showing your age are we?

 :whistle:

@emjaybee No - they're touring this year..................

https://jethrotull.com/tour-dates/

Where do you get tickets from?

The local "Help the Aged" office?

 :smiley-laughing:

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 15, 2024, 03:54:30 PM@emjaybee No - they're touring this year..................

https://jethrotull.com/tour-dates/

If Martin Barre isn't on guitar then it's Ian Anderson who's touring.

John P

now try uploading a video clip....

 :sleep:

Having to upload them to a personal album or general gallery is fine if the pictures are of significance and you want to use the space as a on-line back up sort of thing, but often if trying to help someone with a particular problem its easier to take a picture and upload it to that thread. The image isn't important to want to retain it... if could be something like where a wire or screw goes on a bit of rolling stock, which would be confusing or lengthy to describe... It those times I hate the chunkiness of the forum...

Then you just add them to random photos. +1 for it's not as slick as it could be, but it's alright.

Quote from: PLD on February 15, 2024, 07:54:53 AMCan we more accurately rename this thread "Why do some still find it difficult to post pictures to this forum?, when others just follow simple instructions..."

When you click on NOTE: If you want to add an image to the gallery please use [REPLY] button instead you should get a pop-up box like this. - If you don't it is a local setting in your browser preventing it, not a forum fault...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/139/647-150224074248.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=139621)

Just fill in the details, click add picture and the bb-code even automatically appears in your draft post!

You can even do it multiple times in the same post - takes less than 10 seconds per pic...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/139/647-150224074337.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=139622)

Admittedly, "NOTE: If you want to add an image to the gallery please use [REPLY] button instead" could possibly be better labelled e.g. "Click here If you want to add an image to your post"

This is exactly how I've done it and always have done it with zero problem till a couple of weeks ago. Had worked easily and beautifully until then. Now whether the image address gets written to the bottom of my post or whether the image gets sent off to my Gallery is random. Could very well be something in my browser that's changed. So, will try the Gallery method that seems to be working for others even though it does seem clunkier.

Webbo

Quote from: Malc-c on February 15, 2024, 03:55:23 PMBut I would much rather have a forum on our hobby running old clunky software than have no forum at all... 

In fairness - this isn't "old clunky software": It's pretty much the current version of SMF, which is still actively developed & has the advantage - unlike say vBulletin or phpBB - of being free open source software.

It does, however, have some "quirks", particularly around image handling, and I'm not aware of any SMF board which has fully fixed it. Having not been here until after the change to the latest version, I'm not aware of what the forum was like "before" - but I'm guessing the whole Gallery plugin was developed for a previous version, and was probably a bit of a smoother integration than in its current form.

I am admin on a couple of SMF forums (unrelated to model railways), and images are a constant bane for me and for the users... we don't use any fancy plugins, so images are simply "plonked" at the bottom of the posts - assuming the user can even upload the damn things in the first place. Most people host their photos somewhere else & simply link to them inline.

I realise that's not helpful here... but I thought it worth correcting the "clunky old software" comment that's been made a few times (& apologies to you Malc for picking on your post - it just happened to be the last one that mentioned it!)

Quote from: AdeV on May 31, 1975, 11:36:25 PMquote author=AdeV link=msg=824758 date=1708077856]

In fairness - this isn't "old clunky software": It's pretty much the current version of SMF, which is still actively developed & has the advantage - unlike say vBulletin or phpBB - of being free open source software.

That may be the case, but the look and operation seems unchanged to how forum software was some 20 or 30 years back.  I appreciate NGF probably lacks the funds to use "commercial" software, but you would have thought that with this software being open source the issue and clunkiness of how the software handles images would have been addressed years ago.

Don't get me wrong.. As I mentioned, I'm very pleased there is the forum and like being a member, but simply feel that the way image handling and processing in its current form puts me off adding images to my posts that would really benefit from them.
 

Quote from: Malc-c on February 23, 2024, 12:17:16 PMThat may be the case, but the look and operation seems unchanged to how forum software was some 20 or 30 years back.  I appreciate NGF probably lacks the funds to use "commercial" software, but you would have thought that with this software being open source the issue and clunkiness of how the software handles images would have been addressed years ago.

TBH - part of that is the theming - the default SMF theme does look somewhat old fashioned... and with no "dark mode" available, it's also a pain on my monitor (which occasionally flickers - dark mode minimises the epileptic effect somewhat!

The image handling.... yeah. Can't disagree with that. The base software is a pain, and I've yet to see a truly seamless plugin that improves it.