Not to be petty, but aren't contest images supposed to be limited to 1024 pixels...

[teamster633]

...on their longest dimension? I randomly opened one image in Photoshop and it measured 3503x2627. I realized that I don't post that much in the group, and don't mean to step on any toes, but I do frequently enter the contests, and this is a fairly regular occurrence.

[Solly Mack]

1. It's up to the host to make sure the entries are within guidelines.

I'm a bit of a stickler about it when I host. I resize entries myself.

Sometimes, though, file size/dimensions can read one way in one program or one hosting site vs another one, but then upload at its full size/dimensions. I've had glitches like that before.

It helps for everyone to pitch in and make sure all entries are within guidelines - by resizing their own photos to fit guidelines.

A host can make an exception, however, and allow a larger size/dimension upon request.

I've messaged hosts before to get permission for a slightly larger entry.

Life happens though and people miss things, so it never hurts to help each other out.

Simply message them and let them know - or let the host know.

[mnhtnbb]

2. Yes, and I just went through and looked

at the dimensions on all the entries.

If I set my account at the Standard format for regular web browsers, all the entries are scaled to being within limits. If I change the account setting to classic, then quite a few of the entries (and I confess both of mine) exceed the 1024 limit, because they haven't been automatically rescaled.

A host can't control how individual people set their accounts for viewing DU. I normally set my account at Standard, just because I prefer that setting.

A lot of us used to use Photobucket to host our photos for posting. I know I was used to resizing--and checking for size--when I used it. I recently started using Imgur and just went on it to see if I could figure out where/how to resize. I found it. So I will check from now on before submitting a photo that I have resized it to no more than the 1024 limit for those that like to use the Classic format for their regular web browser.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

3. What is the reason for the limit? I figure most people use their phones

and the pix are tiny. Also, in the last two contests, even on my computer (which is where I prefer to view photo contest entries and any pix I'm really interested in seeing) all entries have appeared on the page about the same size, not particularly large. Many photos are not shown to their best advantage at that size. I liked that I could open each photo in a new window and usually get a much larger size image to view.

[ManiacJoe]

4. Limit reasons:

Many people do not have high speed connections or are on data limits.
When at 1000-ish pixels you don't have to scroll to see the whole image.

I know that there have been discussions about upping the limits, but I don't recall the results of those conversations.