NationStates Jolt Archive


Link to flag image

Elrondor
06-09-2006, 18:47
Instead of limiting users to JPG flag format and 10KB file size, I think they should be able to provide a URL for their flag to use.
Shazbotdom
06-09-2006, 19:07
Not sure if that will ever happen. It will cause more bandwith to be used on the JOLT servers as if this option becomes available, many, MANY, people will use it and it will cause sever crashes up the *insert word here*.
Elrondor
06-09-2006, 19:19
Exactly why will it cause server crashes, as the flags will be hosted on remote servers.
Shazbotdom
06-09-2006, 19:25
Yes, but in the wide world of the internet there is something called Bandwith. Using up too much bandwith on a server will cause errors and server lockups. Which is what will happen if the JOLT server has to look elswhere for images. This is how it will look. Note that arrows are transit points in which data will be sent. The first one is how it is now, the second is how it will be after the change you suggest will go into effect (which it won't)


Image Link On Jolt ----> Your CPU
Offsite Image Link ----> Jolt Servers ----> Your CPU


Each arrow is Bandwith being used. Comming into and then leaving Jolt Servers will use more bandwith than the images being stored on JOLT servers.
Elrondor
06-09-2006, 19:33
So the server of the website you're visiting gets the images for you, not your computer getting the images?
Shazbotdom
06-09-2006, 19:50
In most cases yes.
Flibbleites
06-09-2006, 20:00
And I seem to remember the admins saying that allowing that would create a potential security problem as well.
Shazbotdom
06-09-2006, 20:28
And I seem to remember the admins saying that allowing that would create a potential security problem as well.

Thats also true. Offsite Images are more likely to have Viruses and other wares built into them. At least while they are on the JOLT server, JOLT has the right to scan them for any illegal content.
Elrondor
06-09-2006, 20:35
I thought those were images, not EXEs?
Shazbotdom
06-09-2006, 20:54
Images can have embedded viruses and other types of spyware and adware.


I had a bunch of them like that a few months ago from Adobe.com and i read somewhere that their server was hacked or something and someone planted stuff on it.
Frisbeeteria
07-09-2006, 00:14
I think they should be able to provide a URL for their flag to use.
We will not be permitting flag URLs for the same reason that we don't allow URLs in telegrams, regional messageboards, or World Factbook entries. It's a security and Terms of Service issue (porn links, anyone?) and we don't have sufficient mods to police 106,414 nations in 13,020 regions on an hourly basis.

No.
Elrondor
07-09-2006, 05:28
Seems reasonable.