Allow us to change our attachment limits

[flyoffacliff]

All forums currently have a limit of 3 attachments, 1MB each. Some forums might want to change their limit to something like 2 attachments, 3MB each. As long as the whole forum combined is not going over the global limit, I see no problem. Also, maybe allow us to restrict uploads to certain types, such as images and documents only. Or even disable uploads completely. You should do that in V4.

[Rick Ace]

I don't see much modification possible in this area. The attachment feature seems to be mainly a paid feature. It's basically storage. Would you store materials in your room for free? So, you'd either have to pay or put up with the limits.

You can kind of "replace" the attachment feature through code by using an alternative file host. PM me for the code, if needed.

[VS Admin]

If you want to increase any of these limits, you can pay in v5 to upgrade.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

What's the largest amount we could have, enough to upload full videos or documentaries?

[flyoffacliff]

Dec 15, 2012 11:39:29 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

If you want to increase any of these limits, you can pay in v5 to upgrade.

First of all, that part of V5 is not setup yet.
Second of all, why should we have to pay to change the individual post limits. As long as we are not going over the global limit for the whole forum.
Third of all, would about lowering the limits, or disabling attachments completely. You could disable attachments in V4.5.

Thanks.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

Dec 15, 2012 17:59:57 GMT -8 flyoffacliff said:

Dec 15, 2012 11:39:29 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

If you want to increase any of these limits, you can pay in v5 to upgrade.

First of all, that part of V5 is not setup yet.
Second of all, why should we have to pay to change the individual post limits. As long as we are not going over the global limit for the whole forum.
Third of all, would about lowering the limits, or disabling attachments completely. You could disable attachments in V4.5.

Thanks.

Changing the size limits would increase the coast on database space, so they would have to purchase new servers every so often.

[RedBassett]

Dec 15, 2012 18:16:17 GMT -8 User 180565 is taking donation said:

Dec 15, 2012 17:59:57 GMT -8 flyoffacliff said:

First of all, that part of V5 is not setup yet.
Second of all, why should we have to pay to change the individual post limits. As long as we are not going over the global limit for the whole forum.
Third of all, would about lowering the limits, or disabling attachments completely. You could disable attachments in V4.5.

Thanks.

Changing the size limits would increase the coast on database space, so they would have to purchase new servers every so often.

flyoffacliff is correct that it actually wouldn't make a difference on a post by post basis, it is still the same global limit for the forum, however large attachments degrade user experience, taking a long time to upload and download.  Generally something like video, which is one of the larger types of files handled regularly online, are best hosted via Youtube, Vimeo, etc.

In my (limited) experience with V4 attachments, the per attachment limit was decent for most images and small files. I cannot see much practical purpose for larger file limits on posts.

[Stinky666]

Dec 15, 2012 21:59:10 GMT -8 RedBassett said:

Dec 15, 2012 18:16:17 GMT -8 User 180565 is taking donation said:

Changing the size limits would increase the coast on database space, so they would have to purchase new servers every so often.

flyoffacliff is correct that it actually wouldn't make a difference on a post by post basis, it is still the same global limit for the forum, however large attachments degrade user experience, taking a long time to upload and download.  Generally something like video, which is one of the larger types of files handled regularly online, are best hosted via Youtube, Vimeo, etc.

In my (limited) experience with V4 attachments, the per attachment limit was decent for most images and small files. I cannot see much practical purpose for larger file limits on posts.

The point flyoffacliff is trying to make though, or partly at least is, just because it may not suit some people, the majority of people nowadays have fast enough broadband for them to not be affected. If a forum was to have a board or topic where it has larger files uploaded, the users going into said board or topic would be aware before hand..

Personally, I'm with flyoffacliff. It would definitely be nice to be able to adjust. Just a shame you have to buy some form of premium. I do understand, gotta find new ways to make money, but still, something "minor" like this, so long as not going over the global total would be nice to have..

[Rick Ace]

I still wouldn't suggest using Proboards' attachment feature. You're going to run out of space very fast. And if you were uploading bigger files, you'll run out of space in no time. It's better to integrate a file host, which is relatively easy with v5, compared to the coding needed in v4.

[flyoffacliff]

Would about disabling the Proboards attachment system completely?

I
still wouldn't suggest using Proboards' attachment feature. You're
going to run out of space very fast. And if you were uploading bigger
files, you'll run out of space in no time. It's better to integrate a
file host, which is relatively easy with v5, compared to the coding
needed in v4.

Their are no plug-ins for this yet though.

[Stinky666]

Dec 16, 2012 7:10:32 GMT -8 Rick Ace said:

I still wouldn't suggest using Proboards' attachment feature. You're going to run out of space very fast. And if you were uploading bigger files, you'll run out of space in no time. It's better to integrate a file host, which is relatively easy with v5, compared to the coding needed in v4.

I absolutely disagree with you. You're making the assumption that everyone will be making topics/posts with huge files and that they will be videos. It's a simple case of images that are possibly even just slightly over the current 1mb limit (1.2mb rather than 1mb and such).

There could be a specific place, a special kind of board or category (as there is here basically; support, requests) in which people put these so that they have a purpose, and wont run out. And I am sure like with most places, if they do do something like that they would come up with some form of ruling "Attachments uploaded before x date with be removed", or something.



Edit:
As for using a filehost, implementing one or not, I personally would much rather use PB's attachment. More reliable and I know it isn't going to be dead in X days or months because it hasn't been viewed or god knows what.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

Dec 16, 2012 12:14:53 GMT -8 Stinky666 said:

Dec 16, 2012 7:10:32 GMT -8 Rick Ace said:

I still wouldn't suggest using Proboards' attachment feature. You're going to run out of space very fast. And if you were uploading bigger files, you'll run out of space in no time. It's better to integrate a file host, which is relatively easy with v5, compared to the coding needed in v4.

I absolutely disagree with you. You're making the assumption that everyone will be making topics/posts with huge files and that they will be videos. It's a simple case of images that are possibly even just slightly over the current 1mb limit (1.2mb rather than 1mb and such).

There could be a specific place, a special kind of board or category (as there is here basically; support, requests) in which people put these so that they have a purpose, and wont run out. And I am sure like with most places, if they do do something like that they would come up with some form of ruling "Attachments uploaded before x date with be removed", or something.



Edit:
As for using a filehost, implementing one or not, I personally would much rather use PB's attachment. More reliable and I know it isn't going to be dead in X days or months because it hasn't been viewed or god knows what.

5GB of space is really any forum would need for file attachments, but I dunno. Depends on what you use it for. Home movies/Dosumantaries could be a legal set up but may require 700mb+.

Another thing about using other websites is they could Delete it in a second and you'd have no way of getting it back I've never seen proboards delete an attachment unless it broke ToS. 

[Vu1canF0rce]

I'm in a toss-up on this one. I do agree that there should be some sort of modification made to the existing implementation of attachments, not PB+ related. This ties into one of those unknown variables where you'll never know 100% the ISP speed/bandwidth someone is using. Therefore, whether you have three 1-MB files or one 3-MB file it would make no difference from either perspective. If someone has slow Internet ultimately that's between them and their ISP, per say, to address and you cannot let that drive your conscience. On the other hand, if they're a dedicated member then they'll wait the extra few seconds or moments for whatever to load. As RedBassett already stated, the overall majority of folks have a suitable ISP package that can deliver most of the Internet's demands within a respectable amount of time.



On my other other hand I also agree with business practices that drive revenue (within reason). Adding a PB+ option to increase the storage capacity for a forum would be great. It'd already be a hard-coded solution provided by PB that you know would provide mirror uptime like the forum software and not be concerned with a third-parties reliability (even if it's good). Lastly, if you were to integrate a third-party option there's the case of is the said third-party blocked from certain users networks/firewalls (again and undetermined variable). More than likely not but if it's PB integrated then you know that if they can see the forum they can see the hard-coded attachments solution.


Andrew

[Rick Ace]

Dec 16, 2012 12:14:53 GMT -8 Stinky666 said:

Dec 16, 2012 7:10:32 GMT -8 Rick Ace said:

I still wouldn't suggest using Proboards' attachment feature. You're going to run out of space very fast. And if you were uploading bigger files, you'll run out of space in no time. It's better to integrate a file host, which is relatively easy with v5, compared to the coding needed in v4.

I absolutely disagree with you. You're making the assumption that everyone will be making topics/posts with huge files and that they will be videos. 

Yes, I am making that assumption based on the OP's needs. Read the OP.

And if you do have to do above the limit constantly, even if it is slightly, you're a heavy user. So you're going to have to pay up, or be shut out.

[Ryan Roos]

Dec 15, 2012 17:59:57 GMT -8 flyoffacliff said:

Dec 15, 2012 11:39:29 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

If you want to increase any of these limits, you can pay in v5 to upgrade.

First of all, that part of V5 is not setup yet.
Second of all, why should we have to pay to change the individual post limits. As long as we are not going over the global limit for the whole forum.
Third of all, would about lowering the limits, or disabling attachments completely. You could disable attachments in V4.5.

Thanks.

1) V5 also isn't launched yet. We are still in Beta. Not all features are active yet.

2) Because bandwidth, storage space, and processing power all cost us money. We actually are taking the approach that you can hit your forum limit however you see fit. However there are limitations to that as well. Don't forget how attachments worked in v4. Also you need to look at it from our side. If we let you upload as many files as you want as large as you want (not counting the issues with this to our servers) where is the incentive for anyone to purchase an upgrade? There wouldn't be one. We offer a great thing for free. If you want even more then you can look at one of our increased storage plans. Again, I'll point out that we have to pay for the servers that do this work, so more means more. I hope that makes sense. We are very generous when it comes to these things. Pat and I have even calculated certain things at a loss, just so we can pass the savings on to you guys. So please don't complain about how much free stuff you're getting.

3) We have discussed this and have not made final decisions yet. Again, v5 is still in Beta and isn't finished. You don't even have access to the newest areas and you're making judgement calls about them already. Please be patient and wait until things are actually done and waiting for you. And then take a step back and remember that we are providing all this to you for free and trying to give you the best forum experience possible (of all forums).