Character Pictures, Signatures and Links

[Head Girl Andi]

This was originally posted on 11/27/04 but I've reposted it, please read it again and also the other notices here if you haven't read them.


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This notice is being put up again because people aren't reading these notices as we've had many violations lately.

First is your picture. The picture you use should be a representation of your character, most people use a picture or animie that looks similar to their description of the character. Cartoon pictures of Garfield or Bart Simpson are not acceptable.

When you've found the picture you want to use for your character, please save it onto your own image-hosting account. Do not link straight to the original url for your picture. If you do, every time someone views your picture on Four Houses, it will use up the bandwidth of the website hosting the picture. This is called hotlinking and is a very inconsiderate thing to do! Photobucket and ImageCave will both host your images for free, so there is no excuse to use up other people's bandwidth.

Next is your personal text and signature. For both of these we again are looking for something that directly reflects your character, a personal quote is ideal. We'd also like to see these short and sweet, please no novels or we will ask you to shorten it. There's nothing more annoying than seeing a signature that has more lines than the actual post!

Lastly, and MOST IMPORTANT! Website links in your profile should ONLY be links to your character’s bio page if you have one. As stated in the Site Rules 'Do NOT advertise websites on this board WITHOUT permission!' This applies to any other RPG site. The only websites you should have in your profiles are your character's bio pages. It's general courtesy to NOT join someone else's RPG and then advertise your own RPG. Four Houses has been up and running for close to 2 years now and we've worked really hard and have been professional. All our new members find us through web searches, web rings and word of mouth. If you have your own RPG site and want information about how to get more members, ASK us! I'll be glad to share what I know, but please don't illegally advertise here, that also goes for sending mass PMs to members telling them to go to your site.

Once again if you have any questions, feel free to post in Talk to the Staff and we'll be happy to assist you.

4 Houses Staff

[Mary Evans]

Please note all the information here is still in effect. As well, signatures being long also refers to them being large. Small, plain images of your character's writing of their name or a favourite saying you want in a certain font are ok but when they distract from your post they really do become a problem. This also applies to moving signatures - they are fine but sometimes become too much. So if everyone could please check that all signatures are tasteful and don't take away from your posts. If you are uncertain it is better just to change it. Remember, signatures are meant to add to your posts, not overpower them.

[Mackenzie Holden]

Well, it would appear we have to talk about signatures again with how many people are making new ones!

We're glad you all are finding ways to expand your character's personality into your signature, but there are some new guidelines that need to be put into effect because of how big some of the signatures have gotten.

Most of the signatures we have on site are great sizes, but there are a few that need to be altered. 600 x 100 is now the maximum size for your signature. If your signature exceeds the length or the width of this rectangle, Staff will ask you to remove or to alter it.

Thank you.

[Ariane Chan]

Dear all,

A reminder to you all, especially for home-signature-makers and sig-makers helping at Signature Services of the Graphics Shop, that the rules still remain for the size of signatures here: the maximum size is 600 x 100. This will be moreso than ever because of the new layout - 600 x 100 only just fits, so anything bigger and for those with small monitors, your screens will likely be stretched. Therefore we ask you to make your signatures according to the size rules, and I encourage you to use smaller signatures which, given the length and width of the forum now, will probably look a lot better! I've provided a few examples of 600 x 100 signatures below just to make you aware of the limit (hope these characters don't mind; if you do, just PM me and I'll remove them!).

Thanks for your cooperation, everyone!
Viv & Staff


Examples: