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 Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:08 am
Alright, everybody. Let's talk about signatures and violations. These are an often overlooked, which is unfortunate because they're very common. I see violations which have gone unnoticed for days (or more!) all the time. Even sadder is the fact that these can be avoided quite easily. In order to avoid getting your signature disabled (and having to pay the fines to reinstate it), I give you a handy how-to on what you can and cannot do with your signatures.
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:09 am
The Basic RulesThe most basic of all rules, naturally, would be to follow the Terms of Service. However, many users do not read these terms and simply join not knowing the rules, then are surprised/upset when they are punished for doing so. Indeed, the document states: Terms of Service NOTICE: PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE CAREFULLY. BY ACCESSING THE GAIAONLINE.COM WEBSITE, YOU REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT 1) YOU ARE AT LEAST 13 YEARS OF AGE, AND 2) WILL COMPLY WITH, AND BE BOUND BY, THE FOLLOWING TERMS OF SERVICE, AS WELL AS, OUR PRIVACY POLICY. CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS AND THE PRIVACY POLICY IN THEIR ENTIRETY OR ARE UNDER 13 YEARS OF AGE, YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO ACCESS AND/OR USE THIS WEBSITE. This means that by joining this site, you agree to the rules and will abide to them, or you are not allowed to use Gaia. The Rules & Guidelines, an oversimplified Terms of Service, also states these rules. Putting that aside, I shall make a list of rules pertaining to signatures to make things easier to follow.
Images must be less than 500×500 pixels. This means that a picture, or the size of several pictures in total, cannot exceed the width or length of 500 pixels. This is to make it easier for users with bandwidth limits, dial-up, and/or smaller screens. You may use a link to said image instead, or you may resize it to fit Gaia's standards.
Images may not use visual effects that can cause seizures or migraines. This includes, but is not limited to, strobe light effects or rapidly-changing bright colors. These types of images are not allowed anywhere on Gaia, in order to provide access to these individuals with these issues. Linking these types of images is off-limits.
Images may not exceed 100,000 bytes. When using .gif(s) (Graphics Interchange Format, or "moving picture(s)"), please check the byte size. This again is for the same reason as the pixel size limit, and thus, the limit includes all images in total. Linking is allowed, given they do not use the above prohibited effects.
Observe the PG-13 limit. Do not post images or links that exceed this rating. This includes sexual content/nudity, language, blood and gore, drugs and drug usage, etc. If you can see it in a PG-13 movie or a TV-14 show, then it's probably fine to use in your signature.
Avoid image or text jokes that imply illicit content. Read this for an explanation. Additionally, links that contain illegal or otherwise prohibited content (such as file sharing sites, sites that promote self-harm such as "pro-ana," "pro-mia" and/or "thinspo" sites, or Gaia gold purchasing sites) are not allowed.
If in doubt, ask a mod. But please, use common sense! A full view of a naked body, for example, is never allowed!
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:16 am
How to Determine Your Image SizeGOOGLEOpen Google Images in a new tab
Click and drag the image into the search bar
Does not display size FIREFOXRight-click the image
Choose "View Image Info"
New window will pop up
Displays both size and dimensions GOOGLE CHROMEDownload this
Right-click the image
Choose "View Image Info"
Pop-in window will display
Displays both size and dimensions
Note that if the image is scaled, it will only show scaled dimensions/size INTERNET EXPLORERRight-click the image
Choose "Properties"
Pop-in window will display
Does not display size SAFARI (MAC OS BROWSER)Simple Method: Drag to desktop
Open in photo viewer
Displays both size and dimensions Advanced Users: Enable debug Safari menu
Open image in new tab
Control- or right-click the image
Choose "Open Image in New Window."
Go to the Debug menu and select "Show View Tree"
Option-click on the disclosure triangle next to the only visible line
Does not display size *** NOTES ***Dimensions pertains to pixels; size pertains to bytes.
If anyone has a better method than the "Advanced Users" option for Safari, let me know how. I don't run a Mac. sweatdrop
If anyone with Opera knows how to do this, please let me know. I can't find any information, and I don't run this browser either.
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:17 am
Achieving Appropriate Images
Resize in an Image Editor
Open your image into an editor of your choice. Look up tutorials if needed. Bold programs/sites are pay. Red programs/sites edit .gifs
Adobe Photoshop
Paint Tool SAI
Photobucket
PixlrLunapicFind more alternatives HERE.
Familiarize Yourself With the Rules
The Terms of Service and Rules & Guidelines are the most obvious. Also helpful is this PSA and this guide on the rules and reporting.
DON'T Use Spoiler Tags As Work-Arounds
Putting your n***s, 1000x600 pixel image or two million-byte .gif under a spoiler does NOT make your content acceptable and you can/will still be reported for this.
Avoid Using .Gifs
You do not have to have a .gif in your sig. Really, it's not necessary. If you find that you keep getting your signature disabled because you keep going over the limit, or because you keep using inappropriate visual effects, then perhaps it's best that you just don't put any in at all. It won't be the end of the world, honestly.
Count the Byte Size of ALL of Your Images
The 100,000 byte limit is a total for your entire signature; this means you must add up the bytes of every picture to make sure that they do not go over the limit. This includes both stationary images and .gifs. Limit your pictures to one if you have trouble with this, or edit them as needed.
Avoid Using Special Effects
Triggering a seizure or a migraine is awful. Doing so on purpose is even worse. If you don't understand this, then refrain from adding any effects to your .gifs, and don't use any that have them.
Ask, Ask, Ask!
If you aren't sure about a certain image, feel free to PM it to a mod, asking if it's okay. The old addage "If in doubt, throw it out" works as well.
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:18 am
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:35 am
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 9:33 pm
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