Oversize signatures [Archive] - Grand Am Owners Club Forums

sunrunner_pei

02-05-2007, 02:47 PM

It's been noted that people's signatures on the forums are growing well beyond our acceptable limits. We've asked on more than one occasion for people to kindly abide by our size guidelines, however some must think the rules don't apply to them.

As such we have been editing the signatures of those outside the size limitations. If your signature has been edited, you now know why.

1.4 Signatures
Through the Control Panel, you may set up a signature to be displayed under each of your posts. While small images are permitted, we ask that the total file size for linked images not exceed 50 KB, and that the total signature not exceed 5 lines of text or 200 pixels total image height. Your signature should not be longer than your posts.

Please help us by checking your signature, and editing it if you don't meet our size restrictions. There is no need to list every modification you have done to your car, etc.

If this continues to be a problem I will have to disable the signature function completely.

Big Joe

02-05-2007, 02:56 PM

Originally posted by sunrunner_pei

If this continues to be a problem I will have to disable the signature function completely.

And we dont want that people, so fix your sigs!

Jchiasson

02-05-2007, 04:41 PM

I checked mine, it's ok. But I also checked the area where we setup our sigs, there is no mention of these guidelines. Maybe make a note of it there or add a link to the FAQ concerning it.

curtisjade1

02-05-2007, 04:57 PM

Nobody ever gave me a warning and when i set it up there was no mention of this if i was given a warning i would have been happy to change it you didn't have to do it for me :mad:

99GrandAMSE

02-05-2007, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by Jchiasson
I checked mine, it's ok. But I also checked the area where we setup our sigs, there is no mention of these guidelines. Maybe make a note of it there or add a link to the FAQ concerning it.

I know where you are coming from but all the 'rules' and 'guidelines' are in the Membership Agreement you are supposed to read when you register :)

Either way, we're not trying to be 'hard nosed' but having such large signature takes away from the look and the 'flow' of the forum :)

bballr4567

02-05-2007, 05:10 PM

Yea I had to search around a little bit to find what exactly the limitations were. I do agree that some people can carry it out a while but Id think that as long as their sing isnt longer then their vehicle info they are good.

curtisjade1

02-05-2007, 06:04 PM

that is all that mine was it was just some of my stereo info it wasn't near as long as some of the ones i have seen around here but i guess im just going to have to make a new sig

red98grandamse

02-05-2007, 08:41 PM

Originally posted by 99grandamse
I know where you are coming from but all the 'rules' and 'guidelines' are in the Membership Agreement you are supposed to read when you register :)

Either way, we're not trying to be 'hard nosed' but having such large signature takes away from the look and the 'flow' of the forum :)

:agree: thats why I checked the little box in the CP that disables everyones sig. That was way back during the summer because i got annoyed with it, lol.

DontPassTheFence

02-06-2007, 04:02 AM

isnt there a way to control the signatures from within vbulletin? I know phpbb has some controls for this very problem, as well as shogunID.

Also, I think mine is too big.. Ill take out the quote and update the pic, since its old anyways.

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 06:54 AM

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 06:57 AM

Originally posted by curtisjade1
Nobody ever gave me a warning and when i set it up there was no mention of this if i was given a warning i would have been happy to change it you didn't have to do it for me :mad:

We've already given several warnings about this. And you know what, I'm tired of giving warnings. Your signature was among the longest, at 14 lines of text. That's well beyond the 5 we allow.

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by DontPassTheFence
isnt there a way to control the signatures from within vbulletin? I know phpbb has some controls for this very problem, as well as shogunID.

Also, I think mine is too big.. Ill take out the quote and update the pic, since its old anyways.

With this version of vB, no. It's all or nothing with regards to signatures. So it's either that people pay attention to and follow our guidelines, or we remove them completely.

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by Jchiasson
...I also checked the area where we setup our sigs, there is no mention of these guidelines. Maybe make a note of it there...

Suggestion noted and followed. There is now a reminder on the profile edit page next to the signature box. Thanks for the suggestion. :)

curtisjade1

02-06-2007, 08:32 AM

Originally posted by sunrunner_pei
We've already given several warnings about this. And you know what, I'm tired of giving warnings. Your signature was among the longest, at 14 lines of text. That's well beyond the 5 we allow.

Ok im sorry I was out of line with what I have said all I was trying to say was that if I knew that there was a rule against this I would have never made a signature that long in the first place I’m sorry that if I have caused you any trouble

Sweet98GA

02-06-2007, 08:38 AM

I know you guys aren't trying to come off as hard ass's, but I don't see what the big deal is. As Paul mentioned, there's a switch people can flip to turn off signatures if they don't want to view them / have a problem with them. And with the way this world works, if you are still on dial up, you don't deserve the internet anyway so it's not like the page is taking a long time to load. The big difference I see is that people list the mods one line at a time instead of next to each other which is harder to read anyway... I mean, I can see someone listing off one mod per line and having an extensive amount (as I used to) which is why I got a picture w/ a clickable link to cardomain as it's obvious thru the picture that I have a highly modded car so people can go that route to see my mod list now... and i'd say the majority of people w/ sigs on here also all do that (guys w/ pictures anyway). Obviously its your site and you can do what you want with it, i'm just trying to stir the pot, NICELY! lol. For the record a buddy made this pic in my sig, and i'm not sure if that is more than what you guys are allowing, so you could you let me know if I need to shrink it? Thanks!

Teamlino21

02-06-2007, 08:41 AM

"Old and Cranky" That's what happens when you turn 30 :lol:

Just kidding with ya Shawn, rules are rules.

Matt95GT

02-06-2007, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by Sweet98GA
I know you guys aren't trying to come off as hard ass's, but I don't see what the big deal is. As Paul mentioned, there's a switch people can flip to turn off signatures if they don't want to view them / have a problem with them.

I personally like having access to links in sigs, but it only takes a few huge lists/banners to become messy looking when trying to read threads (like advertisement banners on commercial sites).

Your banner is already under the limit of 200 pixels in height.

Originally posted by sunrunner_pei
With this version of vB, no. It's all or nothing with regards to signatures. So it's either that people pay attention to and follow our guidelines, or we remove them completely.

Just to comment on that... this is one of the only forums I can think of that allows images in the sig. It will only take a handful of asses to ruin it for everyone else... I think Shawn just wants everyone to be a bit self-regulating, which will make this a non-issue.

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by curtisjade1
Ok im sorry I was out of line with what I have said all I was trying to say was that if I knew that there was a rule against this I would have never made a signature that long in the first place I’m sorry that if I have caused you any trouble

I understand. However the rules were listed during the registration process. In order to have an account here, you clicked that you read and agreed to abide by the rules. We have had size guidelines for signatures for 5 years now, it's not like it's a sudden change.

I have a copy of your signature saved should you like to re-use some of the text. Just send me a PM. :)

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 10:11 AM

Originally posted by Sweet98GA
I know you guys aren't trying to come off as hard ass's, but I don't see what the big deal is. As Paul mentioned, there's a switch people can flip to turn off signatures if they don't want to view them / have a problem with them. And with the way this world works, if you are still on dial up, you don't deserve the internet anyway so it's not like the page is taking a long time to load. The big difference I see is that people list the mods one line at a time instead of next to each other which is harder to read anyway... I mean, I can see someone listing off one mod per line and having an extensive amount (as I used to) which is why I got a picture w/ a clickable link to cardomain as it's obvious thru the picture that I have a highly modded car so people can go that route to see my mod list now... and i'd say the majority of people w/ sigs on here also all do that (guys w/ pictures anyway). Obviously its your site and you can do what you want with it, i'm just trying to stir the pot, NICELY! lol. For the record a buddy made this pic in my sig, and i'm not sure if that is more than what you guys are allowing, so you could you let me know if I need to shrink it? Thanks!

Gus... First off, thanks for the nicely-worded reply. :)

As for the signature size guidelines, there are 2 reasons for it. The first, as you alluded to, is to help speed up forum load times. For those on slower Internet connections especially, but it really impacts everyone. And although you seem to think differently, there are many people that couldn't get high-speed internet even if they wanted to. To say 'sucks to be them' is rude and uncalled for. They deserve the same browsing experience as everyone else.

The second part is to do with aesthetics. Quite simply, huge signatures are ugly and clutter the forum. The signature content should not overshadow the actual content of the thread. Reading threads, it shouldn't look like you're browsing past ad after ad.

A lot of thought went into the size restrictions, and we feel that the maximum size is a great balance. You can fit a lot of information into 5 lines. Plus, you don't need to attach a full-size photo to every one of your posts.

Gus, your sig, as it is now, is fine. Your image is within our limits. Do you really think people should have images 2X the size of what you have now?

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by Matt95GT
I personally like having access to links in sigs, but it only takes a few huge lists/banners to become messy looking when trying to read threads (like advertisement banners on commercial sites).

Exactly!

Originally posted by Matt95GT
Just to comment on that... this is one of the only forums I can think of that allows images in the sig. It will only take a handful of asses to ruin it for everyone else... I think Shawn just wants everyone to be a bit self-regulating, which will make this a non-issue.

You hit the nail on the head, Matt. Believe me, I have better things to do besides policing signature lengths. Everyone here agreed to the rules, let's follow them. :)

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by Teamlino21
"Old and Cranky" That's what happens when you turn 30 :lol:

Just kidding with ya Shawn, rules are rules.

Just for that, you get a :kick: :kidding:

Rayz

02-06-2007, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by sunrunner_pei
Exactly!

You hit the nail on the head, Matt. Believe me, I have better things to do besides policing signature lengths. Everyone here agreed to the rules, let's follow them. :) :applause:

b2089

02-06-2007, 12:47 PM

Okay, just a question here, maybe I shouldn't ask as to stay under the radar but here goes. My image is 200 pixels and I have two lines of text. Does that make it too big? Is that equal then to 7 lines of text? I'm not sure how many pixels are in a line. Not to be too pedantic about it but I do understand the dilema.

Another thought, is there a way to disable signatures in the quick reply box only? That way people who type in it don't get a sig, but if we hit reply and fill out the form we do? That way people who make multiple replies per thread need only show their sig once, or once per page.

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 01:07 PM

Originally posted by b2089
Okay, just a question here, maybe I shouldn't ask as to stay under the radar but here goes. My image is 200 pixels and I have two lines of text. Does that make it too big? Is that equal then to 7 lines of text? I'm not sure how many pixels are in a line. Not to be too pedantic about it but I do understand the dilema.

Another thought, is there a way to disable signatures in the quick reply box only? That way people who type in it don't get a sig, but if we hit reply and fill out the form we do? That way people who make multiple replies per thread need only show their sig once, or once per page.

Yours is actually 202 pixels high, a hair over what we allow.

As for turning sigs on and off each post, that's a lot more work than simply complying with the signature guidelines in the first place.

Sweet98GA

02-06-2007, 01:28 PM

nah people shouldn't have sigs bigger than mine... Since reading this i've noticed a lot of people have pics in sigs, and it seems like I got the biggest one LOL...

about not being able to get high speed... I know that still happens... i'm just busting balls on that

I do have a random question though: I use this same pic in another forum, and to make it clickable, the first line of the whole sig reads " {url=www.cardomain.com/id/sweet98gagt}{img} the link for the pic {/url}{/img} " Now when I put that in this forums sig box, it becomes a clickable link, but does not show the picture... is there something i'm doing wrong or does the forum have some kind of limitation to that or what? (the brackets are changed to the shift ones so you can see the code)

sunrunner_pei

02-06-2007, 01:33 PM

Originally posted by Sweet98GA
nah people shouldn't have sigs bigger than mine... Since reading this i've noticed a lot of people have pics in sigs, and it seems like I got the biggest one LOL...

about not being able to get high speed... I know that still happens... i'm just busting balls on that

I do have a random question though: I use this same pic in another forum, and to make it clickable, the first line of the whole sig reads " {url=www.cardomain.com/id/sweet98gagt}{img} the link for the pic {/url}{/img} " Now when I put that in this forums sig box, it becomes a clickable link, but does not show the picture... is there something i'm doing wrong or does the forum have some kind of limitation to that or what? (the brackets are changed to the shift ones so you can see the code)

It should be {url=www.cardomain.com/id/sweet98gagt}{img}the link for the pic{/img}{/url} - you had the {/ur} and {/img} reversed. :)

Sweet98GA

02-06-2007, 03:34 PM

yep that worked, sweet

since you helped me out...

Yeah seriously people, lets get our shit together... no one wants to see obnoxiously huge signatures, and no one cares that you have a jensen cd player, or that you put a GT reflective overlay on ure badges... Lets show some respect to the guys that make this happen

:):):) :lol: :lol:

Big Joe

02-06-2007, 05:17 PM

^ :funny:

b2089

02-06-2007, 09:56 PM

Well I made my sig 150 pixels and have two lines of text. Is that within specs or is it a 200 pixel max for words and pic? Again sorry to be pedantic but I just figured out how to get back into the host, so I may as well fix it all now before I forget again :)

sunrunner_pei

02-07-2007, 06:33 AM

That's perfect, Marshall. :thumbup2:

99GrandAMSE

02-07-2007, 06:56 PM

... Shawn, your signature is too big :poke: :lol:

Seriously though fellas, we don't want to appear like jerks about this but we really need certain rules to be followed ... we don't ask for much compared to what we offer so I don't see the problem :) ... if you have any additional questions, please post them here or contact me

curtisjade1

02-07-2007, 07:49 PM

Is my signature look ok now or is the picture too big?

99GrandAMSE

02-07-2007, 08:00 PM

... you tell me, does it meet with the rules ;) :)

curtisjade1

02-07-2007, 08:03 PM

I think it dose meet the requirements but I just wanted to make sure:)

99GrandAMSE

02-07-2007, 08:05 PM

It is right on the edge :)

curtisjade1

02-07-2007, 08:07 PM

I think it does meet the requirements but I just wanted to make sure:)

OhioGrandAm

02-07-2007, 08:31 PM

Mine probably does not fit into the "rules"... I'll fix it (if needed)

Sweet98GA

02-08-2007, 09:11 AM

you'd be good with removing the history of your ga since you got a gp now and you'd be fine I think

99GrandAMSE

02-08-2007, 05:10 PM

Yeah, you had better shrink it down a little Jo :)

b2089

02-08-2007, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by OhioGrandAm
Mine probably does not fit into the "rules"... I'll fix it (if needed)

If it were my (unsolicited advice warning) I'd move the car name to be next to the pic and delete the info about the GA. Maybe just one line saying RIP GA with the Cardomain link on the same line. It would shrink it down alot and still have all the pertinent info.
(end unsolicited advice)

MantaGreen97

02-08-2007, 05:35 PM

Hmm I think mine was a little spaced out (it looked kinda big to me too, lol) so I compressed it a bit... When I line it up against the 200 pixel height sigs it's a little smaller than that now so I think it's okay?

Matt95GT

07-30-2007, 10:40 AM

Bump.

There are still a lot of members that have not corrected this.

Tip:
100K banners are NOT under 50K.
The 50K limit applies to the sum of all images.
Being allowed 5 lines of text doesn't mean 9.
Inappropriate images are NOT allowed in signature images. (or anywhere else)

If you get a PM about your signature from one of the moderators/admins, please correct it. If we have to... well, you don't want that.

GarciaNY

07-30-2007, 11:28 AM

(just helpin out here)

for those who my try to me a wise-ace and say "well i dont know what the 200 size is cuz i dont have a decent program...

first off...i would like to say b/s because even PAINT program tells you how many pixels it is,as for those people with Photoshop...its even more of a cakewalk for you because you can begin the project wit that specific size already set....

so for those of you still trying to come up with the excuse of not knowing the suggested size of your picture....i quickly came up with this

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w223/frankie76g/sigsize.jpg

which is...a fairly decent example of the MAX size of the sig you should have....anything more than that is kinda overkill...and if its over the 200 pixel height....than its not permitted anyways

Matt95GT

07-30-2007, 12:03 PM

For those looking for an easy way to check...
1. right click on your sig image
2. click "Properties"

The image properties window will tell you both the dimensions and file size of the image. This works in both IE and Firefox.

Originally posted by GarciaNY
which is...a fairly decent example of the MAX size of the sig you should have....anything more than that is kinda overkill...

Not to be an ass, but does that not apply to you?

GarciaNY

07-30-2007, 12:04 PM

in what way?
they never said any limit as to the width (which im assuming is what your talking about)

GarciaNY

07-30-2007, 12:10 PM

correct me if im wrong....
but the main focuse is the total HEIGHT of the sig

1.4 Signatures
Through the Control Panel, you may set up a signature to be displayed under each of your posts. While small images are permitted, we ask that the total file size for linked images not exceed 50 KB, and that the total signature not exceed 5 lines of text or 200 pixels total image height. Your signature should not be longer than your posts.

Matt95GT

07-30-2007, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by GarciaNY
in what way?
they never said any limit as to the width (which im assuming is what your talking about)

You're correct - there is no actual width limit specified. But the rule of thumb - if it's big enough to get noticed by us, then it is probably too big.

And...
69.75 KB > 50 KB

GarciaNY

07-30-2007, 12:21 PM

bah! the only reason the file size is that large is because of whats in the pic,because a sig that i just made that is larger....has less of a file size.....so the file size stuff...is sorta b/s

Matt95GT

07-30-2007, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by GarciaNY
bah! the only reason the file size is that large is because of whats in the pic,because a sig that i just made that is larger....has less of a file size.....so the file size stuff...is sorta b/s

File size is important. Not everyone has broadband. For those 56K'ers, they shouldn't have to wait over a minute for a thread to load solely because of sig images.

You can decrease file size by increasing the JPEG compression. Most photo manipulation software has an "options" button for adjusting this while doing a "Save As..." Dropping the size will also help.

Not trying to single you out, but just curious why you suggest a size and exceed it yourself.

GarciaNY

07-30-2007, 12:28 PM

:lol:

correct me if im wrong...but now!!! its only 32 kb and YETTT!!! its still the same size as before
and yes...i did edit it,but once again...its still the same size and consists of the same exact stuff as before

:lol:

pick a battle that you can win ;)

Matt95GT

07-30-2007, 12:35 PM

Yep... it's 28 KB now. It's all about the image settings when saving ;)

Classifieds

07-30-2007, 06:33 PM

who the http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_censored.gif wants to look at a stock grand am with a primer trunk anyways, ahahahha

GarciaNY

07-30-2007, 07:29 PM

i want to? :lol:
the pics are there cuz they will help show the massive change....but criticism/ trash talking is always expected...

im kinda thinkin your jokin but not 100% sure

iceman

07-30-2007, 10:00 PM

I would think he's serious.. thankfully theres an option to turn off signatures so there is actually more than 1/2 a post on a screen like ^^

Big Joe

07-30-2007, 10:04 PM

200 pixels in height and 50 KB are the limits, thats doesn't mean you have to meat them. The smaller the sig is the better they are for everyone.

Matt95GT

10-08-2007, 11:03 AM

*bump*

I'm still seeing a bunch of members with way too much text in their signatures. It is not necessary to list all mods in your signature, and if you do list a few mods, please keep them consolidated vertically instead of listing 1 mod per line.

If you receive a PM from myself or another moderator about your signature length, please do everyone a favor and resize it. If you ignore us, we will remove your signature and warn appropriately.

Thanks.