If image signatures was implemented, it would need to be similar to the avtar system, in that the file was uploaded to our servers. Even with making it premium only there have been enough potential issues with people who get tired of the site and want to issue a grand "F you" to the forums before they leave that people linking to obsene images would be an issue. By making them at least upload it to the server we have a timestamp and IP log to deter things like that. I won't pretend that there have never been inapropriate avatar images, but those that do slip though get dealt with quickly, and if it becomes a problem we can lock down their avatar upload permissions.
There are a fair number of people who do not like image signatures as well. Wether they represent more of a majority, I don't know. A poll on the issue would probably be a good idea if someone wanted to present numbers to us to add strength to their argument...
As to the other part, There are two ways I could potentially see image tags being implemented for general users on the forusm here given the past issues we have had.
1. Enable them only in journals, and only for premium membes.
Once you enter a journal, you are relying on the moderation of that journal owner. I mean, we could go there and moderate stuff, but we don't. We assume that if you are looking in that journal, you want to be there. In that instance, images would be somewhat segregated from the main site, and even if a bad image did slip through the majority of forum viewers wouldn't see it.
2. Have a specific "artwork and screenshot" forum. Enable image tags in there. Would be easier to patrol, but still would have the potential for someone t slip in something obscene.
There are two real arguments though on why I doubt either of those solutions would happen. One would be the godraiden effect. Someone annoyed enough at the site would most likely not balk at using a throwaway paypal account to get premium, and then **** spam the sh*t out of everythign they could find. They have done it with links before, and no matter how quickly we pull them, there is the chance that minors will see them.
The other issue would be the fact that I would be the one most likely babysitting such an img tag enabled forum. One of the downsides of this job is that before you ban someone for posting something really bad, you generally have to verify that it is really bad first...
I have seen things I really never wanted to see that way. Ever. And thats why I would be hesitant to see image tags implemented for the general forum population.
Edited, Apr 29th 2007 12:02pm by Kaolian