posted
As much as I hate to do it, sometimes I have to be the bad guy who says NO!
I am referring to "Hot Linking" to animations and graphics from other web sites.... Hot linking is when you create a link directly to files on a different site, rather than to a web page.
The problem with this is that you are basically stealing the bandwidth that the owner of the site has paid for. It puts an extra load on the owner's server, slowing that site down for legitimate visitors.
Webmasters are only allowed a certain amount of bandwidth usage before they are charged extra fees, and even though the graphics may be small in size, they tend to add up when a lot of people start hot linking.
This bandwidth theft by members of other message boards has become enough of a significant problem for me that I have been planning on removing the entire animation collection from this site...... sigh...... something I do not want to have to do! (These people who have been hotlinking to our images appear to only visit The Garden Helper to grab the URLs to use elsewhere)
I know that many of you have been enjoying the ability to decorate your posts with graphics, and I'm not about to ruin your fun. However, I'm afraid that we'll have to set a rule or two....
First and foremost... DO NOT hotlink to graphics or files from sites! This does not mean that you can't provide a link to a web page on a different site, nor to your own photographs located elsewhere.
I will remove illegal hotlinks to any other type of file.
Rather than removing my collection, I will leave it intact, but soon I will be setting it up to only be accessed with a password which I will gladly provide to members of OUR forum.
Your are welcome to hotlink to OUR collection of graphics. Please don't use excessive amounts in any single post because this slows the loading time of pages for people using dialup connections.
If you use Netscape, right click on the image, then select "copy image location" You can then paste this URL int the UBB "Image" pop up box and post it.
If you use Internet Explorer, right click on the image, then select "properties" (at the bottom of the list). Highlight the web URL, then copy it and paste into the UBB "Image" pop up box and post it.
I don't like making rules or being a mean old man, but... I have to do what is right. I hope that you all understand!
Have fun!!!
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From: Cedar Hill Washington | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted
Ah, Bill, you're not a meanie at all. Although I don't throrughly understand the hot-linking stuff, I do understand about maintaining a reasonably tight ship and protecting what you have, here. Hooray for your dilligence. I only just learned about how to use this site's animations and I'm glad you're reserving stuff just for us. Right on!
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From: Ugh...Van Nuys, CA | Registered: Nov 2003
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posted
I'm sorry Bill - I agree with everything that Jillie has said. And I, too, don't know much about how these things work. So, please, go ahead and do what you need to do to keep these forums as wonderful as they are. I've never heard of hotlinking before - is that when you take the properties link from a picture and post that? So, would that mean that I shouldn't use the picture in my signature either?
Whatever is best for the gardenhelper is what I shall do. Thanks again for providing the opportunity for us to be here!
bbbbbbbbb Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"
From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
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THANK YOU SO MUCH, oh KING of forum websites!!!
mums the word!!!
bbbbbbbbb Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"
From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
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does this also mean that we cannot use different color fonts here that take certain codes? I just learned about this at another site and was wondering if this would mess things up here also?
bbbbbbbbb Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"
From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
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posted
No, I'm afraid that you can't set font colors or styles. That takes HTML coding which I chose to disallow for members use. I decided to only allow the UBB code which uses an entirely different set of tags. Improper HTML coding could definately make a mess that I would have to track down and clean up.
Sorry!
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From: Cedar Hill Washington | Registered: Aug 2002
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bbbbbbbbb Lynne's knitting journal "I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"
From: Rockland County, NY | Registered: Nov 2003
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posted
You are not so mean, Bill. We all think you're wonderful. Thanks for explaining why those pics are a no-no in such a nice way.
bbbbbbbbb Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
From: The real OC in sunny So. Cal. | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
I agree too!! Most people who spend time on boards, know that is a common rule of courtesy, but sometimes newbies don't realize so it's good to explain just what it is.
posted
Hi M.D., Welcome to our little group! It's nice to have another Northwesterner here....
No, that is not "hot linking" because they are your photos, on your site, and that is just fine!
Hot linking would be if I were to use your photo on my site (using your servers facilities...) under the premise that it was my picture... (does that make sense?)
i.e. If I were to say "this is MY picture!" ---->
From: Cedar Hill Washington | Registered: Aug 2002
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This forum is 1000 times better then *********.... thanks for letting me help all out here. ********* told me to participate on their boards i had to advertise with them because i am a business (but i don't make my living from homeowners)
Thanks again for letting me share my info and photos.
Suzanne aka Buglady
bbbbbbbbb The Buglady Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, www.bugladyconsulting.com Educating the world... one bug at a time
From: PA | Registered: Jan 2004
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I was just browsing looking for a new gardening site when I came across yours.
I have had much problems with hotlink of my personal stuff I set up for my gaming friends, gardeners, and food smoking friend.
I don't know if you have solve your problem, but I did using a simple program. It is off of PC Man Web site. It allows you to enter the URL that are permitted to link/ use your images etc. All other sites cannot link. Just put your site's URL in the first "allowed" and no other URL and that is it it. Download the file that is creates and then upload it into the directory you want protected. Or if you want your whole site protected then place it in your root directory.
BTW I have a sig-pic but have not set it up. I linked it below. Please tell me if there is a problem with me using it. Thanks.
From: St. Petersburg Florida | Registered: Jul 2004
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I just joined this site today, and I am finding a wonderful, very soul-filled group. As a gardener, and someone who truly feels that this is a gift from God, I see that this group is very sharing, loving and knowledgable. Please, keep the information flowing (as best as we can). This site is very much needed as gardeners, we need as much educated information as possible. Yes, some may share their experience that will not be as accurate as can be, however, we must use discernment..as much as possible. The information is sent with the best of intentions..We only can share what we have experienced...
Kindest Regards, Karen
bbbbbbbbb The More I know, the more I know I need to know more
From: Tulsa Oklahoma | Registered: Aug 2004
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I am referring to "Hot Linking" to animations and graphics from other web sites.... Hot linking is when you create a link directly to files on a different site, rather than to a web page.
The problem with this is that you are basically stealing the bandwidth that the owner of the site has paid for. It puts an extra load on the owner's server, slowing that site down for legitimate visitors.
Webmasters are only allowed a certain amount of bandwidth usage before they are charged extra fees, and even though the graphics may be small in size, they tend to add up when a lot of people start hot linking. [/QB]
I have my own web site where I store my graphics for posting. If you need help with your bandwidth I'd be willing to donate through Paypal to help.
I can make a payment through Paypal to anyone with an e-mail address.
bbbbbbbbb Morning Glory The morning-glory's blossoming Will soon be coming round We see their rows of heart- shaped leaves Upspringing from the ground.
From: Springfield, MA | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Thank you for the offer, Avalon, but Cindy is right. I decided long ago that I wouldn't take money from our members or guests to support the site. I do appreciate the offer though... to me, that's better than money! (because it shows me that you're happy here)
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From: Cedar Hill Washington | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted
I was called Mr. Mean when I used to drive the school bus (but I really wasn't mean..... I just didn't take any guff from the lil darlins.. ) When I posted this topic, the name seemed to fit!
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From: Cedar Hill Washington | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted
For what it's worth, I like the font you chose as a default. Icons can be interesting but too many of them can also make a message a bit "busy". Just my 5c CDN.
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jan 2005
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Another newbie here. As I am getting to know my way around this site I'm liking it more and more. I still don't understand the hot linking thing.......BUT
(I've been known to be a little thick-shhhh!)
Rules that keep this site functional are good, not mean at all.
From: new england | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
Hello Bill: Let me echo the postive commnts above. Am totally brown-thumbed when it comes to gardening. Have learned much fom browsing this site and even manageed to send my first offering--red sedum--to seed exchange. Your forum is not only informative, it is absolutely entertaining as well.
bbbbbbbbb "Keep on the sunny side of life"
Huntington
From: Huntington, LI New York | Registered: Aug 2004
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yes. hotlinking is a bad thing. i always tell people not to do it when im in different forums. thanks for telling everyone!
From: Toronto | Registered: Aug 2005
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Hi I am new. This is my first time on this site and I have fallen in love with it. I just recently got a purple passion plant from a friend. In the past I have been terrible at raising plants but this purple passion has been growing wonderfully. I am absolutly in love with this plant
bbbbbbbbb Cole--Purple Passion Lover
You have to leave the past behind to move into the future......
From: Missouri, United States of America | Registered: Nov 2005
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Hey Mr. Bill.. This is why I'm stuck on this site because you SET STANDARDS AND IMPLIMENT THEM for this reason as well as great people and topics here I recommend my family and friends
oh! OH!! But then again I haven't been to.... 'Area 51' Have I?
Mr. Mean?? I think NOT!! Just Pappa Bear Looking out in keeping us in a safe zone
quote: for this reason as well as great people and topics here I recommend my family and friends
That's so great Angel....I may be biased but I really do think this is the BEST gardening site on the web..... I'm glad you love it as much as we all do!
Papa Bear does a great job of keeping it up and running for us all ....hey does this make me Sister Bear??????
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loz's blog
From: Beautiful Western Maryland...zone 6 | Registered: May 2003
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Celebrating 10 years of helping your gardens grow!
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- I agree with everything that Jillie has said. And I, too, don't know much about how these things work. ![[dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
So, please, go ahead and do what you need to do to keep these forums as wonderful as they are. ![[tears]](graemlins/crying.gif)
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Hi I am new. This is my first time on this site and I have fallen in love with it. I just recently got a purple passion plant from a friend. In the past I have been terrible at raising plants but this purple passion has been growing wonderfully. I am absolutly in love with this plant![[critic]](graemlins/critic.gif)
for this reason as well as great people and topics here I recommend my family and friends ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
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I'm glad you love it as much as we all do!![[thinker]](graemlins/idea.gif)
does this make me Sister Bear?????? 
