Signature Size Limits

[Meadow Whisper (Natasha)]

We've always had pretty lax signature rules here, but a few members have abused this, so we need to set some limits.  Unfortunately, we can't script signature image sizes, but the general guideline is that your signature should not be more than twice the length of your average post.  Also, please don't post quiz results or memes in your signature.

Thanks!

[Kimouru_Hasagara]

I agree, Some sigs are up to 3x the post size and it makes everything take up more space and its harder to read.

[Okami]

Stating actual signature image dimensions would be more useful here.

I've been using 400x150 + a single line of text as my signature in most forums. The max dimensions for the signature image on most forums I've seen is 400x150 - either that, or they disable the 'img' tags entirely for signatures. I'm hoping these are reasonable image dimensions for signatures.

While I realize this isn't the problem being discussed here, signature image sizes should be addressed at the same time. There is no reason the total signature image size should be greater than 30KB. Currently, a handful of members are using a total signature image size of over 100KB and the highest total I've seen is over 200KB.

On a side-note, if the avatars are approximately half-the size of most signatures, why are they greater than 15KB for the majority of members - especially when 125x125 is the max avatar dimension?

Sure, I'm on broadband, but every little bit adds up and it really kills those who don't have a high-speed connection.

[Meadow Whisper (Natasha)]

Well, the problem is that everyone has a different opinion on what an appropriately-sized signature image is.  Some people don't want sig images at all, some don't care, and the impact of a signature image is largely dependant on the viewer's screen resolution, something we have no control over.  As far as I can remember, this is the first time in the history of the forum that this has been an issue, and I don't think it will be a big enough problem in the future to impose signature size rules.  Besides, there's nothing server-side that can check that, and the staff members of this site have better things to do than checking pixel sizes of every signature they see.

All we need is for people to be more concious of what they're posting to their signature, and the problem should correct itself.  I removed some images from the worst offenders that I was made aware of, and if you see one that you think is too big, or you're curious about your own signature, feel free to PM any of the admins or moderators about it.

[Lynsey]

I think so long as your signature doesn't actually take over like half the page when reading a post it is fine. Even if it's like a banner and a picture that's fine too.

[Okami]

Well, I found this: http://mods.simplemachines.org/index.php?mod=528

Unfortunately, it's for SMF1.1 RC3. It also doesn't have a image file size limiter.

(Why is an image file size limiter useful? Prevents thread pages from becoming a 1MB+ download per page).

[Lynsey]

Yeah I know that's a little bit crappy I have to admit. But it's so weird that it doesn't I mean do they expect people to be good and post the right sizes all the time? Cos that isn't the case.

[Meadow Whisper (Natasha)]

Well, I found this: http://mods.simplemachines.org/index.php?mod=528

Unfortunately, it's for SMF1.1 RC3. It also doesn't have a image file size limiter.

(Why is an image file size limiter useful? Prevents thread pages from becoming a 1MB+ download per page).

Interesting.  Like I said, this hasn't become a major problem yet, so I don't see a need for a mod like that.  Maybe in the future, if it becomes necessary to impose hard limits.

[Commander A]

Actually...at another forum I go to...the size limit for pictures is 300 pixels high...it seems pretty reasonable.

[Aerion]

Sounds reasonable, especially since there is a minumum sice of the posts, no matter if you have no signature and typed a space only, due to the avatar and other stuff on the left hand side.

And as you can see from this post, that makes a lot of empty space.

[Lynsey]

I always thought it was respectable to have about 3 Return hits for a picture size. But I am no expert.

[Taren]

I feel that 400x150 is more of an appropriate size. Keep in mind that not everyone has a blazing fast internet connection! D:

[Okami]

I feel that 400x150 is more of an appropriate size. Keep in mind that not everyone has a blazing fast internet connection! D:

Like I said before, dimension doesn't matter as much as image file size when you're referring to internet connection speeds.

If you take a look at my signature's image file size, its only 21KB. There are avatar/signature images that are much smaller in dimension but with a larger image file size.

As an example (assuming ten different posters per page):

Avatars (5 + 5 + 20 + 20 + 25 + 30 + 30 + 40 + 50 + 100 = 325KB) + Signatures (10 + 10 + 20 + 25 + 25 + 40 + 40 + 50 + 100 + 200 = 520KB) = 845KB per page

The example results in 845KB per page (which would take approximately two-four minutes to download on dial-up). The example also assumes that the majority of users use small image file sizes.

However, this isn't my decision to make. It's up to whatever the higher-ups decide.

Anyway, if you're on dial-up, you should probably disable the showing of images on the forum or browser.

[Meadow Whisper (Natasha)]

I feel that 400x150 is more of an appropriate size. Keep in mind that not everyone has a blazing fast internet connection! D:

I always thought it was respectable to have about 3 Return hits for a picture size. But I am no expert.

Actually...at another forum I go to...the size limit for pictures is 300 pixels high...it seems pretty reasonable.

The limit I suggest is 200px max height, and 550px max width. Notice I didn't say 200x550.

This is precisely why there isn't a specific size specified in the rules, EVERYONE has a different opinion of what an appropriate size is, and someone will always be unhappy with the rules.  So, let's keep signatures to a reasonable size, with an appropriate file size.  If you're not sure if your signature is the right size, ask a staff member.  This thread started because of a few extreme examples, which have been resolved, and this was a reminder to keep signatures to a reasonable size, and keep them relatively relevant (no quiz results).

[Mik]

My signature really needed to be made smaller lol =D at last it is

EDIT: I just noticed, a species thing has appeared under your name...lol was it there before? because I definetely do not remember seeing it on my edit user panel thing (I put mine on =))

[Flinch]

If you knew your signature should be smaller, you should have reduced it yourself and then we would not have had to force people to make theirs smaller.

Yes, the species thing is new.

[Mik]

Okay thanks

No I just thought I needed a change from a text signature as it was kind of cluttered, sorry

[Princess Rei]

I posted another thread explaining the species addition.

http://www.furryteens.org/forum/index.php?topic=3980.0

[Meadow Whisper (Natasha)]

Bumping this thread to remind people that, while we haven't really enforced signature sizes lately, it is starting to be a problem.  If you receive a notice that your signature is too large, please respect this warning and change your signature accordingly, or we will be forced to pursue further action.

[Jim]

why don't the mods and admins just agree on a maximum image width/height, and then set a character limit in the signature field?  I understand the difference in opinions and whatnot, but it certainly would make things a lot easier.