Where are the direct links?

[djwixx]

If the number of direct links are being recorded is there any reason why the location of the direct link can't also be recorded?

[flemmingbo]

I don't think the number itself is accurate at all anyway. And while it's certainly technically possible to try and store the url of the page linking directly to a photo, storing this data for any period of time would create a mega mega mega database for Pbase to handle. Not to mention the actual tracking and recording itself of billions of links to images would create a huge load on the servers. I think that's the main reason it's not recorded.

regards,

Flemming

[djwixx]

I don't think the number itself is accurate at all anyway. And while it's certainly technically possible to try and store the url of the page linking directly to a photo, storing this data for any period of time would create a mega mega mega database for Pbase to handle. Not to mention the actual tracking and recording itself of billions of links to images would create a huge load on the servers. I think that's the main reason it's not recorded.

regards,

Flemming

That's not quite true. You're talking about adding 100 bytes or so to a gallery or image page that already contains 100KB - x MBs. Given amount of exif/camera/lens/comment/visit data etc., the additional data size and database load would be insignificant.

[flemmingbo]

The database load might not be much but I believe some sort of tracking system to retrieve and record the IP address of the server doing the direct linking would have to be running all the time, wouldn't it ? I mean just typing in a Pbase image url in a browser and adding .jpg to the end creates a direct link. I do remember Slug discussing this long time ago, maybe we can find his answer in some old thread.

How useful would the location be anyway when you think about it? Yes, if someone stole one of my images and are using it for example on their webpage without paying me a license fee then yeah I would like to know. But in this case they're probably not direct linking anyway, they probably saved a copy of my file. If we had a recording of the direct link locations I would suspect that 99% would be from various forums and blogs on the net. Personally I'm not really gonna go after people linking to my images on their private blog - as long as it's not a corporation, then I'll definitely unleash the hounds

I'll see if I can find Slug's old explanation...

regards,

Flemming

[djwixx]

The database load might not be much but I believe some sort of tracking system to retrieve and record the IP address of the server doing the direct linking would have to be running all the time, wouldn't it ? I mean just typing in a Pbase image url in a browser and adding .jpg to the end creates a direct link. I do remember Slug discussing this long time ago, maybe we can find his answer in some old thread.

How useful would the location be anyway when you think about it? Yes, if someone stole one of my images and are using it for example on their webpage without paying me a license fee then yeah I would like to know. But in this case they're probably not direct linking anyway, they probably saved a copy of my file. If we had a recording of the direct link locations I would suspect that 99% would be from various forums and blogs on the net. Personally I'm not really gonna go after people linking to my images on their private blog - as long as it's not a corporation, then I'll definitely unleash the hounds

I'll see if I can find Slug's old explanation...

regards,

Flemming

I see a number of my shots direct linked and I know I haven't done it in the forums. I've also found some of my direct links as a result of 'came from' details on statcounter. It's just interesting to see how some galleries become a resource to the outside world.

If you can find Slug's old post that would be great.

Thanks for the replies.

[prinothcat]

I wonder if anyone came up with an answer to this question? I have images linked and for fun would like to know who linked to them. Some I know and some I do not.

[neus]

I have images linked and for fun would like to know who linked to them. Some I know and some I do not.

I wanted to know too, thanks!

[dang]

When searching for "Direct link", poster "Slug" it yields 11 responses. None of which are the ones Flemming was thinking of, if I'm recalling right, since it's been a few years back. I also searched for "image tracking", poster "Slug" having only 4 comments, none of which pertained to direct linking. From the first search, you can view these two comments which were the closest responses:
http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=170&hilit=direct+link
http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4177&hilit=direct+link

Doug started a thread with link to a good article about unauthorized image use: http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=38500
There's a relevant response from Sheila within it about TinEye which everyone might check. While still in Bata they allow free accounts. You can sign up to get on their waiting list for an invite, which I received within an hour:
http://ideeinc.com/products/tineye/

Another option for image tracking is "DigiMark", which you can add to your images in PhotoShop with paid accounts. But unless you're earning your full income from photos, I doubt it's going to be cost affective, or affordable for most people. You can Google it, or click the DigiMark link in some versions of PS & Elements within the "Filter" section.

You might also try Google to check for images you find linked. Sometimes you'll get lucky if they've been posted on other sites. But it may be possible that a link count was added when people right click to check exif with programs. And if an image was saved to their hard drive, nothings available.

Lastly, as mentioned earlier... If you haven't installed Google Analytics, and Statcounter to your sites, they're somewhat helpful. They'll tell you where visitors came from, and you can back-track. I've found images numerous times by doing so, though it can be time consuming. Here's the relevant threads where Slug announced their implementation into our site settings:
http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32045
http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32021

If anyone else has other information, I'd love to hear it also. I use to be like Flemming concerning personal blogs, but only if asked first. I'm not found of having to track shots down, so being made aware before hand avoided the hassle. But recently discussing free use taking income from those selling, I'm reconsidering my thinking.