Hi @dave,

I've noticed that if I upload an image to a plant in the database and it's on my plant list, my first image added to the plant becomes the thumbnail in my plant list. However, this might not be the preferred image (i.e. if it's a bulb or a bud rather than the bloom). Is it possible to be able to select which thumbnail you would like shown in your plants list?

Thanks.

Not currently. The system is currently setup to show your own photo first and if you didn't add one yourself, then show the main thumbnail from the database.

Okay. Is this something you might be able to add in future?

It is certainly something I can do, but finding the right interface for it is the challenge. Every new button, switch or checkbox adds complexity to the system and I've always tried to make simplicity of interface my highest priority. I'll have to give some thought to how it could potentially be made.

Thanks Dave. It's not a high priority, but it would be nice to have.

Just a thought - perhaps it could be placed on the "edit" page (below the categories or comments field)?

Placing it on the edit page is what I'm referring to, though, with the complexity. I really don't want to add new options to that page, for the sake of the majority of the users who aren't needing the feature.

On my old website I piled every feature in that everyone asked for, and as a consequence we had a lot of confused users and got a lot of complaints that the site was bloated and hard to use. In designing this site I've been careful to keep it as clean and simple as possible.

I was not aware of that, could you delete your first added photo then add another one that is a prefered photo, then go back and add the deleted one to get a more preferred photo in your plant list?

Whichever of your own photos has the most thumbs will be the one used. I know that's not ideal, but currently that is one way.

I much preferred the prior practice of using the most popular photo, regardless of who submitted it, as the thumbnail. Back when it was set up that way, I took the time to load in my own photos into the comment section, which was a fairly time consuming task. I could then compare my personal photo to the most popular photo. I also liked that the thumbnails changed now and again depending on the thumbs. And, it was a pleasant surprise to occasionally see my own photo as the thumbnail. As it is set up now, the thumbnail is just a redundancy in my personal list. I realize I could go back and delete all the photos in my comments, but the reality is I won't. In a perfect world, I'd like to have a setting choice for My List to either use my most popular photo or the membership's most popular photo.

dave said:Placing it on the edit page is what I'm referring to, though, with the complexity. I really don't want to add new options to that page, for the sake of the majority of the users who aren't needing the feature.

On my old website I piled every feature in that everyone asked for, and as a consequence we had a lot of confused users and got a lot of complaints that the site was bloated and hard to use. In designing this site I've been careful to keep it as clean and simple as possible.

Fair enough (I can certainly understand feature/project creep being a problem). Thanks for taking the time to look at it, Dave.

I'm always looking for 'work-arounds' for things that don't work precisely how I want them to. As I understand the current choosing of My List thumbnails, the system will post the member's most thumbed personal photo, correct? I just received a pile of Japanese maples that are just starting to leaf out. Most I have do not have any photo associated with their entry (likely because there are so many named cultivars, and I get mine from a collector cousin who seeks out unusual forms). Due to their changing nature, I typically try to capture photos of J. maples when first leafing out, early spring leaves, summer leaves (if there is a radical change), a full-on whole tree portrait, and of course fall color. I am usually most drawn to the fall color photos, but of course there will be 3-4 prior photos in my line-up. I assume I can somewhat control which photo is used by thumbing my own preferred photo, which seems a bit braggadocious. Does that make the most sense? That way, I can figure out which of 'my' photos will become the thumbnail, and then also pull into the comment section a larger photo of whatever other photo I feel best represents the plant. I remain unconvinced that 'my' photo is ever the best representative for the thumbnail in My List. But, I'm apparently in the minority on that thought. So, looking for a work-around.

Just a comment, that you can't give your own photos thumbs. Doesn't work.

Ah, you're right, just tried. I think that used to be an option, but who knows. I can't keep up with the changes. So, back to square one. How to manage My List thumbnails. Guess I just throw in the towel, continue to add the photo I want in the comment section and for the most part ignore the thumbnail. Pity. I liked it so well when it was the most popular of all submittals. Shrug. Certainly not the end of the world.

@Bonehead,
Why not ask a few members to help you out? In some cases if a non preferred photo has more thumbs you could ask to have them remove the thumb and that would allow a more preferred photo to appear in your list. Then you might need an extra thumb on a certain photo to push it into the lead to allow it to appear in your plant list. I'll bet in most cases just one or two thumbs would do the job.

Good idea, Seedfork. If it becomes annoying I will do so. But, since I typically pull into the comment section my preferred larger photo, it's not that big of a deal. Just ends up being redundant for me - my thumbnail and my inserted photo are usually one and the same. I just liked the old way better (sadly true for most aspects of my life...)

I think the best option here is going to be a preference option where you can choose to have the system use your photo, or else the most thumbed photo.

That would be lovely, Dave! Some folks really want 'their' photo; others want the 'most beautiful' photo. I prefer the latter. Choices are always appreciated.

I agree, that sounds like a great solution!