No, not everybody has a digital camera. I know I don't have such a thing.

And not everyone is willing to post images of their houses, either. I might be willing to do so but my DH is flatly opposed to it and since his name is also on the deed, that pretty much eliminates it.

If I haven't got time to slow down and imagine what the poster is describing in words, I will skip the thread. That does limit the responses a poster might get, but it is their choice.

Just my 2 cents.

L.

Yes, we all love pics, and it can be frustrating to make suggestions uising words alone as a guide. I have the ability to post pics, and have on occasion. I'd love to share more......take all my friends here on a house tour!
What stops me is my discomfort with the hundreds of 'strangers' lurking. Just my little privacy quirk.
Those who take the time to help others , with or without pics, make this forum a welcoming place to hang out, and that goes for the help given without the aid of photos . You who take that extra time are pretty great, imo.
So beverly, I totally get your wish for pics, and encourage others ....not me..ha!..to do so.. Just don't want anyone to feel it's a prerequisite to asking for ideas . Ykwim?

"but it's very frustrating when posters will compose a 500 word explanation of something they have done, but won't post a picture that could illustrate the situation instantly."

I think this is key. The problem is the essays that attempt to describe something, that then draw several responses asking for clarification, which in turn elicits several attempts at clarification, and then we're on page two and have just finally figured out the general layout of the room.

Folks who are averse to sharing pictures for privacy reasons typically aren't the ones who are typing vague essays -- it's usually those who are in a hurry, or aren't comfortable with whatever tech issues come with posting photos, and/or the time involved. The privacy folks are used to explaining without pictures, or just know not to start threads that will only beg for a photo, or are more into responding than asking.

Upfront I will state that I'm probably not here enough to know who is a regular and who is not. However those posters who do post pics of their homes usually stick in my memory and yours doesn't Beverly. So I'm just wondering how many pics you've posted of your home. I see from your member page you state you are a "Commercial & Residential Interior Designer with 30+ years experience" so it would likely be very helpful for us amateur decorators to see pics of your home.

One of my problems with posting pics, either my own or inspirational ones, is that too often the original poster never even acknowledges my effort. I'm not looking for empty compliments but when adding a pic to a thread a thank you is always appreciated. I know I'm not alone in this and while it is *relatively* easy to take and post pics it still does require some time and effort and often I don't feel like it when no one seems to even notice.

There is also always the situation (besides the privacy issue) for some of us that we are not looking for criticism or validation of our decor so posting pics of our homes is not something we feel the need to do.

Message boards work best when everyone uses good manners and understands that those who do respond, with or without pics, have put in some effort to do so.

Off my own soapbox now! :D

I have had significant difficulties posting pictures in the past. I absolutely understand that pictures make it easier to help, but I think it should be up to the poster whether or not they post pictures. And likewise I think it is up to everyone else whether or not they respond to posts with or without pictures.

I don't think insisting on pictures and making people feel bad if they can't or don't want to post them is very helpful. I know that I have felt very nearly attacked and others have implied to me that one must be stupid to have techincal barriers to posting pictures before and it's not a good feeling, especially when I came here for help.

If I can't visualize something from a description, then I just skip the thread.

I have posted pics of my work from time to time if it helps illustrate a comment. It is not my intent to show off my interiors work, as I am not soliciting work on this forum.

This morning someone requested some suggestions for their existing LR and posted a picture. I responded with a few comments & a marked up photo to illustrate my suggestions. This is where a photo is extremely helpful because you can 'speak in short hand' to the poster.

What you see below is her photo, & her photo marked up by me.

You can see recent examples of my work on my website.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gulf Coast Design

Luckygal, I feel the same way. I'm not really a "regular", but I do post now and then. I have added photographs that have been totally ignored. I don't have a thin skin, but I think most would be willing to admit if your picture doesn't even get the slightest acknowledgement, why bother? As you more or less said, it might be easy, but there is a little effort required.

I came here for advice on a specific issue once and got lots of good help. However, after giving it some consideration, I have opted not to post a photo of what I actually did and whose advice I took, if anyone's. I think I''m just gonna keep it to myself.

So, mostly, I am just here to read and enjoy other people's photos. I'm okay with that.

Edited to say I am mostly speaking about when I shared photos of things like art, my pets, etc. I wasn't looking for advice then, as I'm not going to change my pets. ;0)

This post was edited by bettydee on Mon, Aug 5, 13 at 15:20

I do think there was a hurdle to posting pics in the past, but the link that is now included in the post makes it very easy.

I am occasionally startled by the venom in some responses to posts. Of course I'm equally startled by some of the predicaments some of the posters get themselves into.

My sister and I thank my late father daily for raising daughters who learned to use power tools. It can change your world.

The link that is now included works beautifully with my new iPad mini. It did not work at all with my old iPad. Different people have different technology and different abilities to use it and different amounts of time and energy to devote to figuring it out if things don't work smoothly.

Beverly, I have no idea if you addressing me, or not, so I'm going to assume you weren't. I've seen "venom" in some threads, for sure, but none here. All I see are honest opinions and responses.

I think you made a valid point for encouraging people to post pictures. I just wanted to say why I usually don't anymore.

For me, I love having pics to work with. If someone makes their explanation too lengthy (especially with no pics), I tend to skip over it and move on. I totally respect everyone's right to privacy and to post or not post pics as they desire, but this forum for the most part is anonymous...with some exceptions, we don't know each other's names, where people live, etc..so I don't quite get not posting for privacy reasons...it's not like I could find you and stalk you if I see a picture of your living room.

Im admittedly a techno idiot--have no patience for it---so I do have difficulty posting pics. Recently, I went to a lot of trouble (for me) to post pics and only got 2 responses and was very disappointed after taking the pics, figuring out how to post them,not getting it right etc..then finally having DS help me....so maybe it's a case of people tired of going to the trouble because they get so few responses.

But, yes...pics are always preferred....

bettydee are you referring to pictures you posted related to something decorating that didn't get any acknowledgement? I won't say it never happens because sometimes there is a post that gets lost in a shuffle of very active threads or is presenting an issue that no one feels up to the challenge of addressing at that moment and before you know it it's off page 1 and lost to history! But if you're talking about threads where many or most posters share a picture related to the topic, it's rare that EVERY photo elicits a comment or question or even an acknowledgement - there could just be too many for that. If you'll notice, on the Slice of Life threads, some people make a real effort to acknowledge many photos but it's just not possible for every single one - and then who is the responsible party to do that? The OP? We all do what we can, contribute where we can, share what we're comfortable with and that's ok. I'm sorry if you're feeling slighted in some way.

I do agree that a picture paints a thousand words but I also understand privacy concerns. Many people (myself included) are not able to succinctly describe a space and the problem with a space. There are also many people (myself included) who cannot accurately visualize what another person is describing.

As much as I want to help fellow GW members I will often skip over items that don't include a picture, not because I don't want to help but I am truly at a loss to aptly visualize what the poster is trying to describe.

I am so grateful that I found GW and I am fascinated and appreciative of the different points of view our members express!

Beverly, after looking at your website and seeing some really lovely rooms, I think people would be glad if they figured out how to post pics if it was going to solicit help/ideas from you.

I do think most people with interest and talent in design are visually oriented and pics will probably get their attention.
Many of us here try to help others who can't figure out how to post pics and people who originally didn't post pics, then got someone (either here or a friend or family member) to help them get the pics in their post do get better help or more responses at least.

Privacy? Who knows any of our real names or could figure out our home's location from seeing our living rooms? And even exteriors...it's not like everyone who lives near you or drives by doesn't see your home. If you want to edit out your house #'s or something, that's pretty easy to do.

OlyChick, Thanks for your kind words & thanks for pointing out what should have been obvious to me,........ that since I think visually, this is an easy task for me. Though I am techno challenged none the less at times.

If I take a pic with my Iphone or Ipad, I still must transfer it to my computer to do anything with it, short of emailing it.

I have tried to wrap my brain around the privacy issue that many posters have brought up, and really cannot see this as an issue in most instances. I do have my suspicions that objections from a spouse about posting a picture might have more to do with something other than privacy. Just sayin.

I'm not a regular poster on here either but I typically read daily. I do tend to skip over the long detailed posts in favor of pictures. If there aren't pictures I just skip it altogether. The main reason I due to time constraints and being a visual person.

I've really appreciated anyone who took the time to post pictures or links on any of my previous threads even if I neglected to thank them at the time.

Everyone has their own level of comfort on the internet, I get that and can respect it.

Many people still do not have digital cameras.
Many people do not know how to post photos here.

Some, like me, just don't bother at all, even though we can.

Unless you are willing to loan them the technology and help them with it, there is not much you can do (except scroll on by those descriptive posts!).

Pictures have their limitations too, being in the physical space can be different than what you see in a picture. It can give you an idea, but may not always be helpful when it comes to picking paint colors, or placing furniture etc., in the actual physical space.

As someone who has photoshopped some photos on here in the past, when it comes to marking/photoshoping photos, sometimes I think it can be helpful, and sometimes (when it's done very rough) I wonder, if not being a very accurate illustration of an idea or suggestion and distortion of the photo, is really all that helpful.

Dlm, let me try again. I *really* do not feel slighted. I have lived too much and experienced too many things to let a message board upset me. I was just trying to explain why I don't always post pictures.

Even with a digital camera, it takes a little effort to take the photo, upload it, then post it to this board. If no one acknowledges it, then why waste my time? It's sort if like I tell my DH - if you aren't going to listen to me, why should I waste my breath? (Tongue placed firmly in cheek.)

I'm not referring to photos where I am asking for advice. It would be in threads like slice of life. While I have had one or two comments in those types of threads, I don't get many.

I understand it's hard to acknowledge every picture, and I am not calling out the OP at all. I'm guilty, too. I don't comment on pictures very much, but then, I am not here that much. It's self perpetuating, really,. You don't see comments, you don't want to post much.

Hope that explains it better.

Could someone please explain the concern about privacy and posting pictures of the interior of one's home? What am I missing?

"Could someone please explain the concern about privacy and posting pictures of the interior of one's home? What am I missing?"

Well, one reason: I don't want people I know in real life recognizing my house in photos. That eliminates the feeling of anonymity I enjoy on this site; I like being able to post and give my opinion anonymously. Although the world is large, I personally know several people on here in real life.... chances are there are others.

Second reason: I want ownership of my photos of my home. I don't want them being shared over the internet (pinterest, google and such.) Posting here gives up ownership. I am a private person all around, and I don't love the idea of my personal spaces being blasted around the internet.

This post was edited by lolauren on Mon, Aug 5, 13 at 19:34

Re: the privacy issue on the internet. When I used to post more pics years ago on other MB's I had 2 pics reposted by people I didn't even know. While they didn't 'say' it was their home, neither did they acknowledge where the pics came from or whose home it was. AND, those were only the pics I inadvertently found on other sites so I wonder how many other of my pics were used by others without my permission or knowledge. Kinda gave me the creeps that there are people out there who have no respect for others' property. I know I can watermark photos and have even figured out how to do that but it's just another time consuming step to do before posting and still no guarantee that someone won't edit it out.

Another thing I realized was the number of views of one of my public albums and there were many thousands of views in a very short period of time. I made me realize how many people really have access to pics posted on the net. All my albums with pics of my house are now private and I only post a few closely cropped pics.

"I do have my suspicions that objections from a spouse about posting a picture might have more to do with something other than privacy. Just sayin."

Beverly, that seems unwarrantedly judgmental. Like Lirio, I too have a spouse who is concerned about private information being leaked all over the web - for very valid professional reasons. It has nothing to do with some implied emotional imbalance; to the contrary, it's my decision to respect his need not to be harassed by perfect strangers who've tracked him down.

Many people neglect (or don't even know how) to disengage the geo-positioning on their digital images - the metadata that is sent along with every photo that defines the exact location it was shot. Any halfway decent hack could pinpoint their house in an instant, just based on an innocuous photo of a lamp.

In addition to this, the advent of Google Image Search has greatly contributed to this lack of privacy. Example: recently one of the GW members on the Buying & Selling Houses forum was disgruntled because other members freely referred to this person's MLS listing for a house they were selling. What the person hadn't realized is how easy it is to plug in earlier 'before & after' remodel photos they had posted, and find those exact same photos showing up in the real estate listing.

I don't feel either way about posting photos on forums - often it's useful, sometimes not necessary. I certainly respect that not everyone wants their personal information shared around the web.

circuspeanut,

I don't believe anything I posted implied 'emotional imbalance' on the part of a spouse. I had a whole host of other possible reasons for not wanting a spouse to post a pic that had more to do with an employer, church, politics, girlfriend and mother. (sarcasm)

That said, your stated concerns should also be mine. So,while I do some research on how to disable any tracking tags on my photos and my computer, I am posting a link that explains how to disable the geotagging on smartphones. Mea Culpa.

Here is a link that might be useful: Way to Disable Geotagging on Smartphone

"Many people neglect (or don't even know how) to disengage the geo-positioning on their digital images - the metadata that is sent along with every photo that defines the exact location it was shot. Any halfway decent hack could pinpoint their house in an instant, just based on an innocuous photo of a lamp."

Not quite, circuspeanut. That metadata is called the EXIF data. You can right-click on a photo file in your computer to see what information is included in the EXIF data. The data displayed is editable -- you can change or delete it. (right click on a file, choose Properties, choose Details)

IF your camera has GPS capability, and IF if you turned GPS on, then yes, you'll see geo positioning information. But GPS features on cameras are fairly new, so chances are most pictures won't have this info. My new camera has a GPS feature, but it doesn't work for indoor shots or for shots too close to the house. If the GPS is turned off, then GPS info isn't even included in the EXIF data. If it's turned on but can't find positioning, then GPS is shown, but info is blank.

Secondly, it depends how you post your pictures. Some photo hosting sites obtain full EXIF data from your uploaded file, some only basic EXIF data. You might have the option to display what EXIF data you do & don't want made public or if you want public access to your photos at all (see your photo hosting site's user's guide).

Thirdly, if you upload directly from your computer to GW, the EXIF data isn't retained. I use a little applet that shows very basic EXIF data for photos, because as a photographer, sometimes I like to know what camera, shutter speed, aperture, & focal length were used to get a shot -- just the very basics, nothing more. With the GW-hosted pictures, the applet doesn't find the info.

Re protecting photos, here's basic info on how to create a watermark. Scroll down, and there's a link to how to create a watermark in Paint.net, a freeware program some of you might want to try if you're interested in watermarking or other photo editing techniques.

eta: I just noticed when you right click/Properties/Details on a photo file, there is now an option to Remove Properties And Personal Information. It gives you two options: 1. Create a copy with all possible properties removed; 2. Remove selected info from current file.

This post was edited by awm03 on Tue, Aug 6, 13 at 11:24

My beautifully balanced, "I can see both sides of the issue" post just shot itself off into the void somewhere. oh well.

In brief, I wanted to point out to you, beverly27, that some people (myself included), lack the training and/or vocabulary to describe issues and problems succinctly. Result is people tend to over-describe -- they don't know what's important for others to know, and what isn't. That's why, when asking for advice on blinds, for example, they describe the type of window, the number, the dimensions, what one sees looking out the window, and in, what the room's like, what adjacent rooms are like, their furniture, their...you get the point. Is all of that necessary? Beats me!

Also, I agree pictures are often helpful. However, I'm not convinced they're always necessary. Also, that 500-word posts -- of which I'm the master, I might add ;) -- can be counterproductive. But sometimes, people are just excited about a new house or house project and want to enthuse about it in detail.

"What the person hadn't realized is how easy it is to plug in earlier 'before & after' remodel photos they had posted, and find those exact same photos showing up in the real estate listing"

Actually the issue in that situation is that the person uses the same userid which, when googled, provides the person and spouse's real name, address and complete set of images from a previous online presence. It wasn't that pictures of someone's living room were 'matched' online, ie not the same issue at all.

I have to agree that I can't follow long involved verbiage about decorating challenges. As a visual thinker I have to *see* what is being discussed. For me, trying to picture color or scale without a picture is almost impossible.

And last but not least, Beverly your website is very nice but on your home page you have a typo in the link using the word 'portfolio'. I'm a college career advisor and it's similar to my students' resumes: anyone seeing such a blatant error may assume if you don't care enough or don't even know how to spell, your work may not be top notch. Not assuming that is the case for you-or my kids-but it's what readers of the site/resume may think. You probably want to fix that ASAP.

Hope to hear more from you on the forum, I really appreciate designers' input.

Ann

runninginplace,

Fixed and thanks. beverly27

What you get out of it is what you put into it. Simple as that.

RE: the privacy issue; "it's not like I could find you and stalk you if I see a picture of your living room"......
But remember that this is not the only forum on GW, and the bits of provided info in total over time can add up.... Obviously there are those not at all uncomfortable with such sharing, even posting addresses through home listings, etc. But there is such a wide range for tolerance of sharing personal information, and even for what info may feel ok to share and what does not. Some don't use social media for privacy reasons, shred personal info, and may choose to not even shop at grocery stores that track info. Some people may be single and feel more vulnerable, or have been a victim or know a victim of identity theft, or have been abused...or just feel being careful is prudent. Although I love it when people post photos as not only is it easier for me to visualize but I treasure the diversity of decorating styles, abilities and ideas, I fully respect those who for whatever reason choose not to add photos. I really do get the OP's frustration, but hope we all can find acceptance for our differences.

Of course I respect anyone's decision not to post a picture...they have that right and it really does not affect me in any way other than skipping over a lengthy post where a picture would be warranted instead. I do wonder however, if people who won't post pics think nothing of buying and selling on CL..I find this far more "dangerous" than posting a picture of a room anonymously. And what are the chances of some lunatic stalker hanging out on a decorating forum....hmmmmm......Lifetime movie?

joanie -- I don't meet anyone at my own home for CL. We meet in a very public place, and I bring my husband/protection.

Lolauren--I've never done CL...but if you're buying that means the seller has to haul the chest of drawers or whatever to a public place...or you have to drag a set of chairs, etc. if selling? Of course it makes sense for security issues, but I wouldnt want to have to haul large furniture around onthe chance it may sell.

Joanie - I meant for me selling things. People aren't allowed at my house. I can get into detail about how I buy things on craigslist, but the point is that I am (mostly) private with photos on GW AND private/cautious about day to day things in real life. I'm guessing other people who are "private" for whatever the reason are similar.

lolauren ...

My solution to CL sales: borrow the neighbor's pitbull, and have a 6'4" SO answer the door in his motorcycle jacket.

We tend to sell things that are too heavy to lug to the local supermarket. I do put them in the garage, for easier loading.

lolauren ...

My solution to CL sales: borrow the neighbor's pitbull, and have a 6'4" SO answer the door in his motorcycle jacket.

We tend to sell things that are too heavy to lug to the local supermarket. I do put them in the garage, for easier loading.

Lo Lauren....totally get it...I wouldn't want strangers at my house either..which is why I don't do CL..we usually just donate ...and we are careful to shred anything with our name on it...we have been the victims of credit card fraud 3 times.

I'm pretty cautious. But I still post pics. I don't consider the outside of my house private, you can google and see any address from just about any angle. I don't keep personal pics in my BP, only stuff I post here. There are no pics of people with faces visible, and no personal items that identify anyone visible. I don't post much detail about our personal lives. I also don't post anything that I wouldn't say face to face, so even if my DH or GC found my posts there would be no problems.

I figure if I want kind strangers on the web to share their expertise, I should make it easy for them to help me. If I'm not comfortable sharing info that is immensely helpful to those offering advice, I have no right to complain if I don't get the advice I am seeking. If something is too identifying to post, I don't ask about it.

If pics are too easy to identify, please consider a pencil sketch illustrating the area or item. Lacking the background items, colors, and fine details it would be much harder to place. Just snap a pic and post the sketch.

Found some more info. For those of you worried about having your GW pictures reproduced elsewhere, some photo hosting sites have a copyright watermark feature so you can add a copyright notice on your pictures. Photobucket, Picasa, & Pbase can do this. Flickr doesn't have this.

Again, if you have photo editing software, it probably has a watermark feature. If not, below's a tutorial on how to add one using the MS Paint applet that comes free with Windows.

I don't think a copyright watermark is sure fire protection. But it's kind of like those security signs in front of houses that say, like, "This house is protected by Terminator Security System" that makes would-be trespassers believe the risk is not worth the effort.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to add a watermark in MS Paint

Maybe it is a generational issue, but I have no qualms concerning privacy when posting on the Internet. It never even occurred to me that it would be a violation of privacy to some. The Internet to me is like air, it is not a compartment that I try to separate from.

Regardless, anyone who knows my last name can look me up on the county assessors website and obtain property records and address. They can also look up any possible civil court cases, etc.

Frankly I post all kinds of pics on Facebook so why would I be concerned about posting relatively anonymous pictures on here?