Why use [img][/img] for pictures

[Ruark]

Seems like almost all online forums use the [img]<imageURL>[/img] method for putting pictures into posts. It seems like it would be a LOT simpler to let people upload it off their hard drives using a browse button, but you almost never see a forum using it. I'm wondering what the specific reasons are for this. I know server storage space can be a factor. What about security, or other reasons?

[brucer]

when you post go to the advanced page, and click on manage attachments.

[Ruark]

Yes, Brucer, I know that option is available.... but the original question was, why do most forums use the [img][/img] format?

[Tensaiteki]

Originally Posted by Ruark

... why do most forums use the [img][/img] format?

Using the attachment method, all the images and files would have to reside on the WeldingWeb servers taking up valuable/expensive space. This becomes a major problem on sites with thousands of active users. One way to deal with this is through limits on the size and number of images uploaded/attached. There can also be legal problems with copyright infringement or illegal content whenever you allow users to upload data on to your servers.

The [img] tag forces or encourages the use of third party image/attachment hosting. This way the images never reside on, or even pass though, the WeldingWeb servers. Therefore, the storage and bandwidth expenses as well as legal liabilities become someone else's problem.

[zipzit]

Whoa... to use the image tag, you must have the photo stored ONLINE somewhere, not simply loaded on your local hard drive. Its much easier to upload a photo from your local hard drive to welding web.

Note there are many online free sites that will keep photos for you, but they are not entirely reliable (or totally free) for that matter.. I use imageshack.us and they manage to lose one in 50 photos each year. You can also expect to see more ads, etc.

On this site, I do like using the image tag when I'm replying to another's posting and I want to include one of their photos in my response. to get the URL of a photo (in windows) right click on the photo, look at properties, and copy the URL (Universal Resource Locator).. .. then paste that into your response with the [img] formating.

--zip

[Joarek]

Many forumusers (including me) like to use a third party imagehost simply cause we use many forums, and perhaps also share the same images on multiple. Thus having the said images stored on a imagehost is much more flexible.

I myself use photobucket and have for nearly 10 years without a hitch (free).

[37ford4dr]

not to mention the storage requirements for a zillion photos....i use photo bucket also

[Jon K]

Someone like me, I have all my photos uploaded. If you had to upload a photo to a forum each time - what if you use the photo on a few different forums? that's a waste! I have a personal web server and flickr account from which I host my photos. Using the IMG button/tags is also the only way to get in-line photos if documenting or asking detailed questions. Further, if you want to update a thread or post with an image, or want to update an image in the thread, just go update the file where it's hosted, the change will reflect in the post.

The IMG reference is the defacto standard on forums and I don't imagine it's going anywhere.