How to Upload & Post Images

Crabman

How to Post Images on a Thread

To be read in conjunction with the "Welcome to the Parking Fines Board" thread.

1) Scan/Take a Photo

First, you need to scan the paperwork you want to upload. If you're scanning a council issued PCN, please remember to scan both sides.

Note that for private parking tickets there isn't usually any need to scan and upload the ticket unless you're one of the kind people who contributes to the "What To Expect" thread.

If you have a scanner, use the software provided to scan it in. A resolution setting of 200dpi is sufficient for this purpose. Make sure the file is saved as a jpg/jpeg, not a PDF file as you won't be able to upload it.

If you don't have a scanner, try using a digital camera (or a phone camera). If holding the camera close to the subject, you may need to set it to "macro" mode so that the text can be seen. Most digital cameras are capable of capturing text adequately.


2) Remove Personal Details

Remove any personal details:

• Name
• Address
• Date of letter
• Vehicle registration
• Reference/serial numbers
• Barcodes or other codes on the edges of the letter

Imagine someone from the parking firm is reading your thread - will they be able to identify you from the details you've left visible? If it's a small PPC, they may only have issued one or two tickets on a particular date, so leaving any date on the letters may be enough to identify you.

Right-click on the image file (once scanned in) and select "Open With", then select "Paint".

Paint Toolbar (Windows Vista)

Click on the dashed rectangle (top right, circled above), drag it over the areas you want to erase, then press delete on your keyboard.

Save the file once the appropriate information has been removed, remembering where on the computer you've saved it.


3) Upload the Photo/Image

Sadly, Tinypic has stopped accepting new registrations, however, Photobucket is a suggested alternative and you can sign in with your facebook account.



4) Post the Image on the Forums

Once uploaded, you simply need to copy the direct image link over to MSE.

Note that the below picture indicates options that are available only when registered with Tinypic/Photobucket:

Tinypic Toolbox:

Photobucket Toolbar:

Looking at the above screenshots, you need to copy the "Direct Link".

Important: If you are a new user or have a low post count, please remove the "http://" part of the link when copying and pasting the image link into your post.

Crabman

It's just been pointed out that Tinypic is now closed to new registrations.

An alternative site for hosting images can be found here: http://register.photobucket.com/

The above screenshots and information will be updated over the weekend.

Crabman

First post has now been updated with Photobucket information/screenshot