Promote adding metadata?

I'm in the habit lately of trying to encourage folks to add metadata and to add photo's to their galleries. I've seen some great photo's being posted with the poster just writing the camera settings below the image and not filling in the metadata. I enjoy being able to view the new photo's by hitting the Gallery link, and even more checking out the Best of Gallery. We have some truly inspirational photographers that should be show casing there work.

So how can we promote it's use? Is there a popup that can be projected after an upload to encourage the use? Or perhaps a check mark when uploading that asks if you would like metadata added right away if possible? I understand many shots are just snaps that don't require a trip to the gallery, but the shots that are worthy should be added.

Maybe a button under the picture next to the like button that asks the poster to add the metadata, they could then get one of those Heads up messages with the request?

Any thoughts from the POTN throbbing brain?

I like being able to see the metadata in others images so I do the same with mine when I post. It's easy to forget when posting though so I like the idea of a button to request this be added that will ping the poster. I just think with the features of AMASS it will be more beneficial to have the meta included to take full advantage of the new features Pekka added. Also even if you dont want to add the image itself to your gallery, you can still add the meta data.

Agreed. Add the metadata. Promote adding the metadata.

I agree, this is an idea to promote. I add metadata unless the photo is a casual shot for a competition thread or to show a setup or something. One reason is to provide evidence that you can make good images without a fancypants camera and a thousand-dollar lens.

The only existing incentive for metadata is to be able to put the image in your gallery and possibly get into Best Of. A popup would remind people to do it but wouldn't reward those who aren't interested in galleries. (I'd want the option of preventing the popups or at least not having to respond to them.) Maybe an announcement that metadata are a public service because other members may want to know what you used.

I've seen photo's that some don't feel are gallery worthy as well, so they don't bother to add metadata. But some of these images are actually well composed and have a specific offering. Many photo's also promote specific bodies and lenses as well. Would tying the like button to a reminder if metadata is not entered work? It still boggles the mind that some will take the time to hand write the information in their post as they must still be unaware of the metadata feature.

Would a reminder like EBay has work? You still have 6 blah blah transaction that you have not added feedback to? A POTN reminder of photo's you may have that don't have metadata? A clear all function could be added to reset the count once you've entered the data to those you wish retained in your gallery.


I appreciate the brain storming here as this is an important topic.

Chet wrote in post #17404346
It still boggles the mind that some will take the time to hand write the information in their post as they must still be unaware of the metadata feature.

The (sad) fact is that people do not read what is on the screen, they might see it but they do not read it. I have seen this over and over again.

Actually, a couple of days ago I decided to do something like this:

1. ALL images are added metadata automatically. I mean ALL, millions of them. I'll add metadata save to AMASS image crawler and crawl all the images again. Each metadata item is added if found and not previously inserted. When you post a new image, it is crawled after the post is submitted. Usually this is so fast that when you open the editor it is already filled. If the data is saved before you open the editor after posting, the editor link changes to metadata info possibly with an ADD TO GALLERY button as usual.

The ADD TO YOUR GALLERY button will be shown above the image, not over it.

2. On FYEO, when you open "Your Gallery", you'll have

a) a list of photos that have a camera and a lens found, by forum.

You'll get an "add to gallery" button next to the thumb (= the actual image resized).

b) a list of photos which have metadata, but lack either camera or lens or both. These are links to the images.

Of course many won't ever go to FYEO, so there will be some other method of notification for the possible gallery images. One viable option would be to add to the notification popup a "What Else is going on..." footer which tells you

You have 6 new likes | You have 43 photos ready to be picked for your gallery

The whole approach is like "if they do not come to the honey, let's bring the honey to them"

People include images into their posts to get them viewed.

What might not be clear to all yet is how adding image to gallery REALLY gets your post viewed MUCH more, and keep the post "on the radar" even after it has passed from page 1 a long time ago. The main reason for adding photos to gallery is not the shutter speed, it is getting your work viewed a lot more, and remembered/found for a long time.

Adding to above: I just added a gallery link under avatar for those who have something there (taking account the forum filtering). Not many click that member info (MORE INFO) link, so this is a sure way to show something new is there in POTN.

Thanks Pekka, it seems that you have thought of everything. Well done.

Pekka wrote in post #17404519
Adding to above: I just added a gallery link under avatar for those who have something there (taking account the forum filtering). Not many click that member info (MORE INFO) link, so this is a sure way to show something new is there in POTN.

I just noticed that the under avatar link doesn't take you directly to the members gallery but to member info page.

Chet wrote in post #17404847
I just noticed that the under avatar link doesn't take you directly to the members gallery but to member info page.

The new JavaScript may need a page refresh to load. Without that the link does not trigger. So try a page reload a couple of times and see if it helps.

Pekka wrote in post #17404884
The new JavaScript may need a page refresh to load. Without that the link does not trigger. So try a page reload a couple of times and see if it helps.

I'm still getting member page - not gallery.

The link under the avatar is a nice touch. Good addition.

I always think it interesting why people want, and sometimes insist on other sites, the metadata. If you visit a gallery of water colour paintings and the artist is there, would you approach him and ask what brushes he used, and what brand of paint? Can we not just enjoy what is produced?

Clearing my cache and refreshing worked great. Nice addition!

rob ashcroft wrote in post #17405141
Can we not just enjoy what is produced?

No.
On POTN the metadata is very important. It helps other photographers evaluate and choose equipment as well as being able to learn the limitations of our own gear. With metadata available on photo's I can now search for specific images that for example use a 7dii with a 400mm lens. That's a terrific feature when I am researching new gear. POTN exists to help all levels of photographers learn and grow their craft. If I want to see pretty pictures I'll subscribe to pintrest.