Because imbedded graphic or sound files in messages slow down the operation of our discussion pages and because some participants have difficulty with such files, we have instituted a policy of restricting the use of sound files and embedded graphics (that display in the message, rather than just a link to another page) in the SeniorNet Discussions.  All graphics and sounds must comply with copyright law (see the Copyright section below).

First, regarding the avatar that may appear below your username, next to a message you have posted and in your profile and a graphic that may appear in the signature that displays below your posted messages: Only static photos and images are permitted (no animations). Your signature text may be bolded or in color, but please do not specify a font size.

We know that many of our participants enjoy posting and exchanging graphics and sounds. Therefore, we have set up several discussions where these are permitted and encouraged. We ask that participants only use moving text in the "fun graphics"-permitted discussions; not the other discussions, even where graphics are permitted. Discussion leaders may use moving text to alert participants to information about scheduling or other resources.

You may post graphics and sounds in the following discussions: the Dates we Celebrate--Graphics and Cards discussion (in the Celebrations category) where birthdays and other occasions are celebrated and in the Sympathy and Bereavement discussion (in the Memorial category) for sharing cards of condolence.

You may also post graphics and sounds in Bis' Busy Nest discussion (in the Wit & Wisdom category).

You may post music files in the Music for your Listening Pleasure discussion (in the Arts & Entertainment category).

You may post screen shots in the Computer Q&A discussions (in the Computers & Technology category)

We also permit participants to post graphics or photos that are directly relevant to the content of the discussion topic and enhance the informational or educational content of the discussion, or permit members to share their creative work and relevant files, in the following discussions: the discussions in the Art section of Arts & Entertainment; and discussions in Books & Literature; Crafts & Collectibles; Animals; Gardening; Holiday Traditions; and the Where you Live and Want to Travel discussions to share your regional or travel photos.

If there are graphics that are relevant to other topical discussions, Volunteer Discussion Leaders usually put them in the heading or initial post in the discussion or in a linked page. Occasionally, discussion leaders may post graphics that support and enhance the participants' understanding of the topic in a message in a discussion they manage even if the discussion does not usually permit graphics.
Please do not post any graphic files or music clips in any discussion that is not specified above. Graphics or sounds that are posted in inappropriate discussions will be removed.

Compliance with Copyrights

There are some web sites with graphics and sounds that permit you to download graphics or sounds for your personal use. To speed up the process of linking and to avoid linking to sites that are very busy, if possible, upload any copyright-free graphics, sounds and animations, you may find on other sites to your own home page or other photo/file storage location and then, when posting your message in the SeniorNet discussions, link to the item on the storage page. Do not, under any circumstances, link directly to a graphic or other item on a site when linking has been expressly prohibited on that site.

On the other hand, some sites encourage and permit your linking to them and do not permit downloading of their graphics or other materials to your home page or to any other site.

Please follow the specific guidelines you may find on other sites and review any statement of "fair use" or "copyright" on the sites you want to use as resources and follow their policies and instructions.

If you are new to posting graphics, you may make use of the Practice Special Effects Here discussion (in the Practice Posting Messages board) before posting in the discussions where graphics or sounds are permitted.

See our Graphics Size Guidelines.

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