Can we include images in our stories? What are the guidelines for using images on SWG?
When we set up the SWG archive, we granted permission to use images because, although SWG is a group formed by and for writers, we also have strong ties to the Tolkien fanart community, and we count numerous talented artists among our members. We encourage our members who wish to enhance their stories with visual artwork to feel free to do so.
However, since SWG is foremost a writers' group, then we ask members who want to use visual artwork in their stories to keep the following guidelines in mind when including images.
Where Images Can Be Used on SWG
We allow images anyplace on SWG where the content is controlled by a single author or coauthor group. This includes member profiles, story notes, story content, and LiveJournal entries behind an LJ-cut.
Images are not allowed in "public spaces," where multiple authors are contributing content. This includes story summaries (which appear on pages used by multiple authors) and LiveJournal entries outside an LJ-cut (where content appears beside the entries of others').
Other areas fall between the two designations, such as reviews or round-robin stories. While multiple authors can contribute to these areas, they are not able to be edited by the "controlling" author or contributors. Images are permitted in these areas but will be removed by a moderator if asked to do so by the controlling author or the user who added the image.
We ask authors to limit images to areas that they control since images load slower than other site content and may disrupt the layout of the site. When images are added to areas used by multiple authors, this may affect the loading speed and layout for multiple authors, most of whom do not control the image, and negatively impact readership for those authors.
Storing Images for Use on SWG
We do not allow members to store images on our webspace. Images tend to use far more bandwidth than text-only pages, and since we don't ask our members to assist with paying for the webspace for our site, then we expect that members who wish to use images will upload those images to their own webspace or image-hosting service in order to keep our bandwidth usage (and costs) low.
Need an image host? Type "image hosting" into your preferred search engine and you will find myriad sites offering free space for your images.
Image Content Permitted by SWG
If an image is used in a space covered by a rating--such as story content--then the image's rating cannot exceed the story's rating. For example, a story rated General should not include an image depicting blood and gore. Likewise, warnings applied to the story should include warnings relevant to the image(s) used.
It is highly recommended that warnings for images be given independently of warnings for written content. Readers may have different sensitivities to visual depictions than written descriptions of the same. A reader who can handle violent content in a story may not be comfortable with images showing violence. Moderators may ask you to add such warnings to your summary or story notes if you use images that we feel may be bothersome to some readers.
Our webhost does not allow pornography on the sites that it hosts. Therefore, graphic visual depictions of sexuality cannot be permitted, even in stories that carry an adequate rating. If you are unsure about whether an image is acceptable according to our host's TOS, then please contact a moderator for assistance at moderator@silmarillionwritersguild.org.
As both SWG and our webhost are American-based organizations and are therefore under the purview of American law, then depictions of minors engaging in sexual acts are not permitted, as this violates American law regarding child pornography on the Internet.
Finally, images are also covered by our TOS, so images that violate our TOS will be removed by the moderators, and members may face restriction or suspension of account privileges as with any TOS violation.
Image Removal by Moderators
SWG moderators may request that an image be moved, altered, or removed if it is found to be in violation of the policies outlined here or if there is reason to believe that the image is negatively affecting users' experiences on SWG (e.g., slowing page-loading times or disrupting the site layout). Moderators will give the author several days to meet the request before removing the image.
In urgent situations--such as TOS or legal violation--moderators may remove an image without first contacting the author. Moderators will attempt to contact the author using the email address that the user has registered with the site in order to notify the user of the action taken and why it was taken. Images may be temporarily removed pending moderator decision on the above; moderators will restore the image if it is found not to be in violation of the law or TOS.
Moderators will also remove any persistently broken image links. Please notify a moderator if you find any broken links, image or otherwise.
Tips on Using Images Effectively
When using images, authors should keep in mind that images can create varied and sometimes unpleasant experiences for visitors. If an image causes a page to load too slowly or destroys the layout of a story, frustrated readers may be unwilling to spend time on that story. When using images, authors are encouraged to keep the following in mind:
- Keep file sizes as small as possible. The larger the file size, the slower the image--and the page--will load on slower connections. While specifics on reducing the file sizes of images is beyond the purview of this FAQ, images with smaller dimensions tend to take less file space, and images saved as the .JPG type tend to result in smaller file sizes. For more information on keeping your image files lean, search "reduce image file size" on your preferred search engine.
- Be conscientious of image dimensions. While standard monitor resolution is 800x600 pixels, some users may still be using the lower-resolution 640x480 pixels. When a story includes an image with a width that exceeds the 640 pixels allowed by their monitor, the reader may have to continually scroll to the right in order to read the story, an experience that is both annoying and distracting and may prevent readers from enjoying your story. Keep the dimensions of your images small and more readers will be able to enjoy your work.
- Web Monkey and HTML Goodies include in-depth articles about creating and using web graphics.
Using the Artwork of Other Artists
SWG has always been an artist-friendly group, and we take art theft seriously. Users who wish to use images that they have not created should be aware of the standard etiquette for using another artist's work.
At the minimum, before using artwork or images created by another artist, one should acquire permission to use the image, to make any modifications (including cropping and resizing the image and adding text), and should discuss what sort of credit the artist expects. Some artists require watermarks or copyright notices on their images; others may want just a note providing credit; others may ask for nothing at all. This varies depending on the artist and the particular use of the work and should be discussed and agreed upon before the image is used.
If SWG receives a complaint from an artist that his or her work has been used or modified without permission, or has been used or modified without proper credit, then the moderators will remove the image immediately and inform the user of the action taken and why it was taken using the email address the user has registered with SWG.
Last updated 30 December 2007.