Hi,
since I have made our community site in drupal 5, I have constant requests from our users to "make it simple" because it's apparently far too complex. One big sore point seems to be uploading of images (in stories or as albums). I'm using the image module and derivatives. Now, it reached the point where they want me to switch to another framework, like joomla.
So, does anyone have a way to make images uploading intuitive ?
Thanks, Xav
What are all the "derivative" image modules you are using? I found that "image attach" is pretty bad because it doesn't allow for the user to change any of the image settings. You have to basically set them "in stone" and not allow any changes whatsoever.
I think it was PingV who create the "Image Assist" module and that one is quite good. I also use the "Upload Preview" module, BUT what's been most helpful than anything else is BUEditor. My contributors have their images hosted elsewhere. BUEditor allows for just adding the image URL and changing dimensions. I have added an extra DIV option for adding credits and/or a comment under the pic. That though, is my customization.
Liza Sabater, Publisher www.culturekitchen.com www.dailygotham.com
MOB - 646.552.7365 AIM - cultkitdiva
On 07.Oct.2007, at 06:42, Xavier Bestel wrote:
Hi,
since I have made our community site in drupal 5, I have constant requests from our users to "make it simple" because it's apparently far too complex. One big sore point seems to be uploading of images (in stories or as albums). I'm using the image module and derivatives. Now, it reached the point where they want me to switch to another framework, like joomla.
So, does anyone have a way to make images uploading intuitive ?
Thanks, Xav
-- [ Drupal support list | http://lists.drupal.org/ ]
On Sunday 07 October 2007 03:42:13 Xavier Bestel wrote:
Hi,
since I have made our community site in drupal 5, I have constant requests from our users to "make it simple" because it's apparently far too complex. One big sore point seems to be uploading of images (in stories or as albums). I'm using the image module and derivatives. Now, it reached the point where they want me to switch to another framework, like joomla.
So, does anyone have a way to make images uploading intuitive ?
I don't know that Joomla will get you anything better. Based on what I was able to tell on your site (I don't speak, read or write Danish), the current form structure you have for uploading an image is fairly basic and common. I don't think you can get much simpler w/o losing the functionality.
You could change or add some verbage to make it more clear, if that would help. You could also try using the CCK image field module and adding it to the Forum node type. I don't know if that would actually get you anything different, but you might have more control over what is displayed.
Is there anything specific about what and/or how your users want it simpler? To me, it's as simple as it gets.
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
I'm currently using multiple different approaches to image uploading in order to make images intuitive to my users including IMCE with tinyMCE, Imagecache (resizes, scales and crops to preconfigured specs), Ad module for rotating and tracking clicks (used only internally as cross-sell) etc.
IMHO, after building sites in both, You're much more likely to get exactly what you want with drupal than with joomla, but it will take a bit of work to figure out exactly what you want it to do and then how to get it to happen.
.s
Xavier Bestel wrote:
Hi,
since I have made our community site in drupal 5, I have constant requests from our users to "make it simple" because it's apparently far too complex. One big sore point seems to be uploading of images (in stories or as albums). I'm using the image module and derivatives. Now, it reached the point where they want me to switch to another framework, like joomla.
So, does anyone have a way to make images uploading intuitive ?
Thanks, Xav
On 10/7/07, sander-martijn lists@severeddreams.com wrote:
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
I agree with Sander - I don't there is an "intuitive" way. You'll have to ask them for an example of what is "intuitive".
That said, I've been using image field and imagecache which allows users to upload a file and then does preprocessing on the files to get them into sizes/shapes that I can consistently integrate into the site. This takes away some control from the users, but most users accept the loss of control in exchange for the ease of use.
Regards, Greg
hi all, i really have to agree that the user end experience of drupal handling images is very difficult.
even with image-assist and other modules installed.
what users need is very simple: a one click "browse" button and a one click "upload" button. Drupal would then position the image in a uniform location relative to the post body and teaser, and either resize the image to uniform dimensions, or inform the user that they need to resize it in an image editor.
right now with tinymce the process is just too complicated.
users on my site don't like it because they can't get over the complicated image upload issue. sure it sound simple -- to coders -- but the end user experience is a roadblock.
Greg Knaddison wrote:
On 10/7/07, sander-martijn lists@severeddreams.com wrote:
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
I agree with Sander - I don't there is an "intuitive" way. You'll have to ask them for an example of what is "intuitive".
That said, I've been using image field and imagecache which allows users to upload a file and then does preprocessing on the files to get them into sizes/shapes that I can consistently integrate into the site. This takes away some control from the users, but most users accept the loss of control in exchange for the ease of use.
Regards, Greg
That's pretty much the basic definition of CCK, imagefield and imagecache. A little setup on your end, but takes all the confusion (and options) away from the end user.
-Mike
__________________ Michael Prasuhn mike@mikeyp.net mikeyp.phone@gmail.com phone 714.356.0168 cell 949.200.7670 fax
-----Original Message----- From: will hall will@theicarusproject.net
Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:32:16 To:support@drupal.org Subject: Re: [support] easy way for users to upload images ?
hi all, i really have to agree that the user end experience of drupal handling images is very difficult.
even with image-assist and other modules installed.
what users need is very simple: a one click "browse" button and a one click "upload" button. Drupal would then position the image in a uniform location relative to the post body and teaser, and either resize the image to uniform dimensions, or inform the user that they need to resize it in an image editor.
right now with tinymce the process is just too complicated.
users on my site don't like it because they can't get over the complicated image upload issue. sure it sound simple -- to coders -- but the end user experience is a roadblock.
Greg Knaddison wrote:
On 10/7/07, sander-martijn lists@severeddreams.com wrote:
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
I agree with Sander - I don't there is an "intuitive" way. You'll have to ask them for an example of what is "intuitive".
That said, I've been using image field and imagecache which allows users to upload a file and then does preprocessing on the files to get them into sizes/shapes that I can consistently integrate into the site. This takes away some control from the users, but most users accept the loss of control in exchange for the ease of use.
Regards, Greg
ah ok that is the piece of the puzzle i am missing here.
so instead of using default Page entries, I use cck, imagefield, and imagecache. I create a new content type (News or something) and configure it to auto place and size the photo? basically?
is there a tutorial specifically on how to do this? cck has felt daunting to me from the beginning.
thanks for the reply and glad to hear drupal can handle my needs here.
- will
Michael Prasuhn wrote:
That's pretty much the basic definition of CCK, imagefield and imagecache. A little setup on your end, but takes all the confusion (and options) away from the end user.
-Mike
Michael Prasuhn mike@mikeyp.net mikeyp.phone@gmail.com phone 714.356.0168 cell 949.200.7670 fax
-----Original Message----- From: will hall will@theicarusproject.net
Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:32:16 To:support@drupal.org Subject: Re: [support] easy way for users to upload images ?
hi all, i really have to agree that the user end experience of drupal handling images is very difficult.
even with image-assist and other modules installed.
what users need is very simple: a one click "browse" button and a one click "upload" button. Drupal would then position the image in a uniform location relative to the post body and teaser, and either resize the image to uniform dimensions, or inform the user that they need to resize it in an image editor.
right now with tinymce the process is just too complicated.
users on my site don't like it because they can't get over the complicated image upload issue. sure it sound simple -- to coders -- but the end user experience is a roadblock.
Greg Knaddison wrote:
On 10/7/07, sander-martijn lists@severeddreams.com wrote:
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
I agree with Sander - I don't there is an "intuitive" way. You'll have to ask them for an example of what is "intuitive".
That said, I've been using image field and imagecache which allows users to upload a file and then does preprocessing on the files to get them into sizes/shapes that I can consistently integrate into the site. This takes away some control from the users, but most users accept the loss of control in exchange for the ease of use.
Regards, Greg
I think there are a bunch of them on the site. A quick search gave me this one which may not apply exactly but should show you how they work together (probably the only part that doesn't matter to you is the Create a Module bit): http://drupal.org/node/134086
I'm positive I've seen others .s
will hall wrote:
ah ok that is the piece of the puzzle i am missing here.
so instead of using default Page entries, I use cck, imagefield, and imagecache. I create a new content type (News or something) and configure it to auto place and size the photo? basically?
is there a tutorial specifically on how to do this? cck has felt daunting to me from the beginning.
thanks for the reply and glad to hear drupal can handle my needs here.
- will
Michael Prasuhn wrote:
That's pretty much the basic definition of CCK, imagefield and imagecache. A little setup on your end, but takes all the confusion (and options) away from the end user.
-Mike
Michael Prasuhn mike@mikeyp.net mikeyp.phone@gmail.com phone 714.356.0168 cell 949.200.7670 fax
-----Original Message----- From: will hall will@theicarusproject.net
Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:32:16 To:support@drupal.org Subject: Re: [support] easy way for users to upload images ?
hi all, i really have to agree that the user end experience of drupal handling images is very difficult.
even with image-assist and other modules installed.
what users need is very simple: a one click "browse" button and a one click "upload" button. Drupal would then position the image in a uniform location relative to the post body and teaser, and either resize the image to uniform dimensions, or inform the user that they need to resize it in an image editor.
right now with tinymce the process is just too complicated.
users on my site don't like it because they can't get over the complicated image upload issue. sure it sound simple -- to coders -- but the end user experience is a roadblock.
Greg Knaddison wrote:
On 10/7/07, sander-martijn lists@severeddreams.com wrote:
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
I agree with Sander - I don't there is an "intuitive" way. You'll have to ask them for an example of what is "intuitive".
That said, I've been using image field and imagecache which allows users to upload a file and then does preprocessing on the files to get them into sizes/shapes that I can consistently integrate into the site. This takes away some control from the users, but most users accept the loss of control in exchange for the ease of use.
Regards, Greg
Somehow it seems, the docs are missing out on these 'tutorials'.
On 07.Oct.2007, at 01:10 PM, sander-martijn wrote:
I think there are a bunch of them on the site. A quick search gave me this one which may not apply exactly but should show you how they work together (probably the only part that doesn't matter to you is the Create a Module bit): http://drupal.org/node/134086
I'm positive I've seen others .s
will hall wrote:
ah ok that is the piece of the puzzle i am missing here.
so instead of using default Page entries, I use cck, imagefield, and imagecache. I create a new content type (News or something) and configure it to auto place and size the photo? basically?
is there a tutorial specifically on how to do this? cck has felt daunting to me from the beginning.
thanks for the reply and glad to hear drupal can handle my needs here.
- will
Michael Prasuhn wrote:
That's pretty much the basic definition of CCK, imagefield and imagecache. A little setup on your end, but takes all the confusion (and options) away from the end user.
-Mike
Michael Prasuhn mike@mikeyp.net mikeyp.phone@gmail.com phone 714.356.0168 cell 949.200.7670 fax
-----Original Message----- From: will hall will@theicarusproject.net
Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:32:16 To:support@drupal.org Subject: Re: [support] easy way for users to upload images ?
hi all, i really have to agree that the user end experience of drupal handling images is very difficult.
even with image-assist and other modules installed.
what users need is very simple: a one click "browse" button and a one click "upload" button. Drupal would then position the image in a uniform location relative to the post body and teaser, and either resize the image to uniform dimensions, or inform the user that they need to resize it in an image editor.
right now with tinymce the process is just too complicated.
users on my site don't like it because they can't get over the complicated image upload issue. sure it sound simple -- to coders -- but the end user experience is a roadblock.
Greg Knaddison wrote:
On 10/7/07, sander-martijn lists@severeddreams.com wrote:
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
I agree with Sander - I don't there is an "intuitive" way. You'll have to ask them for an example of what is "intuitive".
That said, I've been using image field and imagecache which allows users to upload a file and then does preprocessing on the files to get them into sizes/shapes that I can consistently integrate into the site. This takes away some control from the users, but most users accept the loss of control in exchange for the ease of use.
Regards, Greg
-- [ Drupal support list | http://lists.drupal.org/ ]
http://www.lullabot.com/articles/ image_and_image_exact_sizes_vs_imagefield_and_imagecache and http://www.lullabot.com/articles/ imagecache_example_user_profile_pictures
Hope that helps
-Mike
__________________ Michael Prasuhn mike@mikeyp.net http://mikeyp.net 949.200.7595 714.356.0168 cell 949.200.7670 fax
On Oct 7, 2007, at 12:58 PM, will hall wrote:
ah ok that is the piece of the puzzle i am missing here.
so instead of using default Page entries, I use cck, imagefield, and imagecache. I create a new content type (News or something) and configure it to auto place and size the photo? basically?
is there a tutorial specifically on how to do this? cck has felt daunting to me from the beginning.
thanks for the reply and glad to hear drupal can handle my needs here.
- will
Michael Prasuhn wrote:
That's pretty much the basic definition of CCK, imagefield and imagecache. A little setup on your end, but takes all the confusion (and options) away from the end user.
-Mike
Michael Prasuhn mike@mikeyp.net mikeyp.phone@gmail.com phone 714.356.0168 cell 949.200.7670 fax
-----Original Message----- From: will hall will@theicarusproject.net
Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:32:16 To:support@drupal.org Subject: Re: [support] easy way for users to upload images ?
hi all, i really have to agree that the user end experience of drupal handling images is very difficult.
even with image-assist and other modules installed.
what users need is very simple: a one click "browse" button and a one click "upload" button. Drupal would then position the image in a uniform location relative to the post body and teaser, and either resize the image to uniform dimensions, or inform the user that they need to resize it in an image editor.
right now with tinymce the process is just too complicated.
users on my site don't like it because they can't get over the complicated image upload issue. sure it sound simple -- to coders -- but the end user experience is a roadblock.
Greg Knaddison wrote:
On 10/7/07, sander-martijn lists@severeddreams.com wrote:
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
I agree with Sander - I don't there is an "intuitive" way. You'll have to ask them for an example of what is "intuitive".
That said, I've been using image field and imagecache which allows users to upload a file and then does preprocessing on the files to get them into sizes/shapes that I can consistently integrate into the site. This takes away some control from the users, but most users accept the loss of control in exchange for the ease of use.
Regards, Greg
-- [ Drupal support list | http://lists.drupal.org/ ]
will hall wrote:
what users need is very simple: a one click "browse" button and a one click "upload" button. Drupal would then position the image in a uniform location relative to the post body and teaser, and either resize the image to uniform dimensions, or inform the user that they need to resize it in an image editor.
We have done exactly this --
We use imagefield and imagecache, and a select field (with two values; image on the left/image on the right).
The user creates their content, specifies whether they want the image on the left or the right, and then they browse to the image, and hit submit.
A function in the tpl.php files positions the images according to the select box (on right/on left), and we add some divs to allow us to put a border around the image as needed.
See http://www.osbhcn.org/membership for a page created using this technique.
With that said, for some situations, this technique won't work (ie, someone wants to have four images on a page, all paired with specific text). For that situation, I'd probably recommend a tinymce/imce based solution, supported by a good screencast training video that users can access via the node/add form
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
This is also *my* preferred way -- simple, direct. What's not to love :)
Cheers,
Bill
Le dimanche 07 octobre 2007 à 12:39 -0300, Greg Knaddison a écrit :
On 10/7/07, sander-martijn lists@severeddreams.com wrote:
There are so many ways to handle images that I think you need to describe what exactly you mean by "make images uploading intuitive".
What do you mean - doesn't everyone agree that this is the most intuitive way ?
scp -r imagefolder/ user@example.com:link_to_image_folder/
Eeek !
I agree with Sander - I don't there is an "intuitive" way. You'll have to ask them for an example of what is "intuitive".
Many of my users certainly can't use scp. Imagine the Windows-only Joe, usign hotmail and surfing the web and barely knowing that there's a difference between XP and Vista. Yet these users sometimes have very interesting lives, and want to post a blog or a photo album. I'm using the Image module (and previously tried IMCE), but it sucks at being intuitive. I was wondering if some people managed to do better.
Thanks, Xav
On 10/14/07, Xavier Bestel xavier.bestel@free.fr wrote:
Many of my users certainly can't use scp. Imagine the Windows-only Joe, usign hotmail and surfing the web and barely knowing that there's a difference between XP and Vista. Yet these users sometimes have very interesting lives, and want to post a blog or a photo album. I'm using the Image module (and previously tried IMCE), but it sucks at being intuitive. I was wondering if some people managed to do better.
My point wasn't that "scp" was the most intuitive way for all people, but rather that saying something isn't "intuitive" is like saying it's "ugly". Everyone has their own feelings about what makes something ugly/pretty or intuitive/unintuitive. What's intuitive for me may not be for you and a third person complicates the situation further.
If this were as easy as "make IMCE intuitive" then this problem would be solved. Instead, we have 10+ different modules that attack the problem in slightly different ways because they are more or less intuitive *to the users of those systems*.
One thing that might help is if you could have your users gather screenshots of image uploading systems that seem "intuitive" to them. Then you can look for common elements in those systems and build a solution that would work for them (probably by "theming" the input form of an existing system).
Greg
Xavier Bestel wrote:
So, does anyone have a way to make images uploading intuitive ?
Inline module is probably the simplest, if you don't bother with the tags and configure it to display images automatically.
http://drupal.org/project/inline
Neil
-
Bill Fitzgerald -
blogdiva＠culturekitchen.com -
Greg Knaddison -
Greg Knaddison - GVS -
Jason Flatt -
Michael Prasuhn -
Neil Adair -
sander-martijn -
will hall -
Xavier Bestel