For a forum site to provide facilities for the posting of images raises a number of issues. The first is time and space. I have noticed how a few threads here, which contain images, load significantly more slowly than text-only threads. Even JPEGs take up lots more space, in terms of storage. Without substantial expansion, our hosts may soon find themselves cramped for space. Expansion costs money, and that would have to come from somewhere. Even a modest subscription fee might cause some people to have to leave, and discourage others from joining. A second alternative would be to go commercial, and pepper the site with advertising.
Second, there would need to be rules about posting images, and someone to fairly enforce them. There would need to be censorhip, to remove unacceptable images. Habitual offenders would need to shown the door. I have seen several sites specifically devoted to photography. Invariably, the forums are like Bedlam, and ugly things are said. I have seen so-called fetish images, depicting violence against women. I have seen virtual pornography, including pictures of children posted in the open, in public forums, with no disclaimer and no warning. This is so-called liberalism. I have been the object of innumerable sexual solicitations, by men as well as women. It can get to be a nightmare.
Third, there are alternatives available. For example, I have a small collection of my own photos posted at a site, and I have shared the link to it privately with some of the members here. That seems to me to be the best way. Access to the site is free, and a generous amount of space is available to anyone willing to register.
The image I posted the link to above means nothing to me personally. Laetitia is a beautiful model, and the photographers with whom she works have created some impressive and tasteful images. It's advertising, but it is also fine art. I was intending to be provocative with my choice. I am aware that some people might find the image makes them uncomfortable--the sight of a woman in her boudoir in her underware. I am very conscious of my obligation as a member here to exercise good judgment in my postings, even when I'm just trying to make a point. I would feel bad, indeed, were I to be seen to in any way diminish what is here.
