OK, tonight was the last straw. PhotoPost actually caused the forums to crash for a short time, and I've gotten pathetic response back from PP's tech support wankers. Screw them and their lame software.
So, here's the deal, please read carefully:
PhotoPost is currently locked down and no further uploads will be allowed to it. It will remain running simply to retain the pics we currently have (like an archive).
Contrary to popular belief, it costs us money. A lot. While the software is farly cheap (couple benjis), the bandwidth is not, and that's on our nickel.
We've implemented a pretty impressive software package called iServe, which works seamlessly in conjunction with ZeroForums.
Here's how it works (pay attention folks, this is good stuff):
Include Images in PostsYou can easily include your iServe hosted images in your posts by clicking the iServe button in the New Topic or Reply windows.
ONE CLICK to add a pic to a post? WOO HOO!
Image ManagerUpload and manage all of your images online. Images can be upload one at a time or several at once. You can even upload zipped files containing several images files in different image formats.
No more uploading pics one at a time to PhotoPost. SWEET.
Image EditorThe iServe online image edit feature gives you access to several tools to easily manipulate your images online.
Imagine the possibilities - Lots of captioned images, and a few PhotoChops of yours truly, I'm sure.... Dammit.
GalleryCreate an online image gallery which you can make public or private.
Keep your "bathroom mirror self-portraits" from making it onto teh Intarwebs ( PMQ).
OK, so what's the catch?
Well, it ain't free. Those wishing to use it will incur a small fee (I think it's like $20 for 6 months, cheaper for longer memberships).
I can hear the wailing from here....
Please note, this is NOT to provide revenue to NICO, as we are completely self-sufficient. We don't charge a membership fee, we don't charge for premium content, and a lot of what we bring in goes right back into the site and events.
Now, there are those who choose to continue to use the free hosting services such as PhotoBucket and such. And that's fine. Photobucket can pay for the bandwidth, and you can keep using IMG tags and one-at-a-time uploads.
But, I think a lot of you will be able to see the value in it.
We may even consider using it as an incentive: Write an article? I'll tack on an extra month of iServe. ROTM? More iServe. We can play around with it and make it something worthwhile....
OMGWTFBBQ I DRIVE A NISSAN AND I GOTS NO MONEYS OH WOE IS ME I AIN'T PAYIN' FOR CRAP.... SCREWIT THIS FORUM IS TEH SUCK I QUIT YO.
Quitcherbitchin.
Check it out and see what you think. You can have a look around iServe atat:
http://iserve.nicoclub.com - Check it out...
We have also setup an iServe message forum to help answer any question you may have at:
http://iserve-support.rely.net
Couple questions I got on the beta run:
"What happens if I buy a membership and then decide to not continue with it?"
Your pics will stay, all links will still work, the functionality will just be locked out. I think after you use it tho, you'll be hooked - it's THAT cool.
"Why would I pay for something that I can get fo' free elsewhere?"
Well, lots of reasons - One, this has more functionality - you can theoretically load ALL the pics on your PC on it, save your HD space, and create folders and manage your pics online. Two, it's quick - Upload an entire zipped file, and iServe will UNZIP them for you. Cool. Three, one-click pic insertion into posts - No more IMG tags. Four, load big pics in a post as clickable thumbs (no more oversized pics).
I hope this is well-received as a powerful photo hosting tool.
Feedback, props, complaints, nekkid pics of your GF, post 'em up - I can take it.