New Contest

[fire_code]

I tell ya, after all the pressure you guys put on us (http://firehall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3288) to release some highly requested features and none of you are using them... FLASHOVER05 I'm looking in your direction .

We are currently working on some more features, but we really need to see some activity in the current areas _we don't want our site to consist of entirely empty "New" features.

So we are introducing a new contest (http://firehall.com/contests.php) that will hopefully spark some more interest in the image gallery. Every month we will be awarding the member who adds the most pictures to the image galleries a Firehall mug and hat. No voting, no luck involved, can't get much easier than that.

Keep in mind we have to follow strict copyright laws. We weren't too clear on this before, so don't feel bad if you submitted a picture that you do not have rights to, simply contact us (http://firehall.com/contact.php) and let us know and your karma will be spared. If you choose to ignore this rule in the future, horrible things will happen to you.

You will probably see this message a number of times, but we want to make sure it's absolutely clear...

When submitting images you must have FULL COPYRIGHT to the image! We will not accept any picture for any contest/gallery that you do not have publishing rights for. A good rule of thumb is that if you did not take the picture, don't submit it. If your friend emails you a funny picture, great, send it to another friend... don't submit it. If you find a fabulous picture in a magazine/newspaper, on a website, at the hall, on a roll of film from camera you lifted from an unsuspecting tourist, don't submit it. If you are not sure if you have rights to publish it, you probably don't, don't submit it (instead, contact us (http://firehall.com/contact.php) and explain the situation and we will let you know). If we find anyone violating this rule we will take appropriate action which may include, but is not limited to: removing the image, removing your account and everything related to it. By submitting something that is not yours you are also opening up a door for legal action by the copyright holder, keep this in mind. We look forward to seeing YOUR pictures.

Please keep in mind that this rule applies to ALL content you submit anywhere on Firehall.com.

Before I get a flood of messages saying "why don't you just move the images from the forum into the galleries", there are two reasons. The first is that perhaps the member who originally posted the image only wanted it displayed in the context of the forum. The second is due to our copyright policy we must ensure that all images are actually owned by the submitter, you must agree to our rules before submitting the image to the gallery.

We have a couple more contests in the works, we'll hopefully be announcing those early next week.

[fire_code]

We are also taking suggestions for any category you think should be included in the galleries.

[iamvff]

Keep in mind we have to follow scrict copyright laws.

Whats a scrict copyright law??

iamvff

Spell check would be great....IT...WOULD GET USED! :D

PS...I am once again sorry....I just can resist!! :D

[fire_code]

Whats a scrict copyright law??

iamvff

Spell check would be great....IT...WOULD GET USED! :D

PS...I am once again sorry....I just can resist!! :D

Note to self: draft "smart ass" rule.

[iamvff]

Note to self: draft "smart ass" rule.
I said I'm sorry :rolleyes: :o

iamvff

[wilderness]

Sorry in a pigs (*) :D

[irsqyu]

We are also taking suggestions for any category you think should be included in the galleries.
I believe "Training" would be a good gallery topic e.g. High angle, Hazmat, Ice Rescue
Thanks

[fire_code]

I believe "Training" would be a good gallery topic e.g. High angle, Hazmat, Ice Rescue
Thanks

Good call, we've created a general training gallery. Once we have a nice collection in there we may consider breaking it up into specific areas.

BTW... looks like wilderness has the lead right right now... :D

[iamvff]

How about a specialty tool category?? With necessity being the mother of invention...we would probably be amazed what king of specialty equipment, and home invented tools are available out there! Stuff that is out of the ordinary. Actual firefighting tools/equipment...training aids..???? Just a thought

iamvff

[fire_code]

How about a specialty tool category?? With necessity being the mother of invention...we would probably be amazed what king of specialty equipment, and home invented tools are available out there! Stuff that is out of the ordinary. Actual firefighting tools/equipment...training aids..???? Just a thought

iamvff

Done. I have created an "equipment" gallery. Again, we may look at breaking it down into specific sub-categories later.

[dentedhead]

Note to self: draft "smart ass" rule.

Go ahead I triple dog dare ya.

Dentedhead

[Scuba]

What about a 'Who can find the most spelling errors in a week' contest?

Eliminates the need for a spell checker :)

Form a spelling and grammatical adjustment committee to decide on the winners.

[Michael13]

Note to self: draft "smart ass" rule.

I would love a smart ass rule.... IAMVFF I'm talking bout you.

[irsqyu]

Fire_Code, False_Alarm, is there an optimum file size or pixel size for pictures posted in the gallery

[wilderness]

Fire-Code what about a category for "Public Relations"

[iamvff]

I would love a smart ass rule.... IAMVFF I'm talking bout you.

:confused:

Whatever!!

iamvff

[dentedhead]

:confused:

Whatever!!

iamvff

From one to another...smartasses rule

Dentedhead

[Scuba]

Yeah iamvff.....the first step is admiting it - come on brother - you can do it.



From one to another...smartasses rule

Dentedhead

[irsqyu]

We are also taking suggestions for any category you think should be included in the galleries.
Fire Prevention might also be an interesting category, Sparky, Open Houses, Fire Safety Houses etc

[Buckster]

From one to another...smartasses rule

Dentedhead
I figure its better to be a smartass than a dumbass

[iamvff]

I figure its better to be a smartass than a dumbass

You know...I had that typed in as a response...but I am so tired of getting shit for everything I do on this site...I did not post it! Thanks Buckster! If people can't recognize a little haha every now and then, well....I don't know how to help!

I am starting to feel a little like Don Cherry!
Yet again...
sorry to all, I will try to keep my nose out of your website!!

iamvff :rolleyes:

[fire_code]

Fire_Code, False_Alarm, is there an optimum file size or pixel size for pictures posted in the gallery

The images are downsampled to a maximum 400x300 pixel @ 72dpi, so anything larger than that is just eating up bandwidth. I believe that I set a 2MB cap on upload as well. We feel that is a reasonable size to view without killing us in bandwidth. Also, all images that you submit to Firehall.com remain your property, so we do not want to publish images that are of a quality that someone may be inclined to steal your images for print. We are looking at starting "emergency stock image" service down the road. This will provide Firehall.com photography enthusiasts the ability to advertise and sell the publishing rights to their images.

Fire-Code what about a category for "Public Relations"

Sure. We're also going to create "Department (Buildings)" and "Department Life".

Fire Prevention might also be an interesting category, Sparky, Open Houses, Fire Safety Houses etc

I think this would fit under "Public Relations"... let me know if you disagree.

[fire_code]

sorry to all, I will try to keep my nose out of your website!!

Com'on now, we all know that isn't going to happen.

[iamvff]

Com'on now, we all know that isn't going to happen.

Ya I know...but it felt right at the time!!

iamvff ;)

[irsqyu]

Sounds like an all encompassing heading,I agree



I think this would fit under "Public Relations"... let me know if you disagree.

[dentedhead]

Ya I know...but it felt right at the time!!

iamvff ;)

I got your back speedy its all good.

Dentedhead

[wilderness]

stirring the pot, stirring the pot.... its all good

[dentedhead]

stiring the pot, stiring the pot.... its all good


STIRRING the pot STIRRING the pot.They dont call me spoons for nothin.

Dentedhead

[wilderness]

Hey, what about a sections called "oops boo boo"

[Whitewater_419]

Hey, what about a sections called "oops boo boo"

If he puts up a section like that, then I'm never getting on a truck with you again, if you've got your camera with you - I don't wanna get famous *that* way... :)


(Now, how was I gonna attach this 1.5" attack line to the hydrant, again ? )

[wilderness]

Note to self...fill life jackets with cement, and weaken rope with acid, send #419 with rapid pump......onto frozen lake

[fire_code]

So we are introducing a new contest (http://../contests.php) that will hopefully spark some more interest in the image gallery. Every month we will be awarding the member who adds the most pictures to the image galleries a Firehall mug and hat. No voting, no luck involved, can't get much easier than that.

Wow, time really flies 'round here...

...only a few more days to get your images uploaded before we announce the first "Gallery Contributor of the Month"! We might even toss in something extra, being the first one and all ;).

[dentedhead]

Wow, time really flies 'round here...

...only a few more days to get your images uploaded before we announce the first "Gallery Contributor of the Month"! We might even toss in something extra, being the first one and all ;).

No fair I am computer illiterate so I cant enter.Hey! Maybe the gvt will pay for me to go to computer school.

Sorry couldnt help it.

Dentedhead

[FFWannabe]

No fair I am computer illiterate so I cant enter.Hey! Maybe the gvt will pay for me to go to computer school.

Sorry couldnt help it.

Dentedhead

Pot stirrer!! ;) Me thinks that's why I like you!! haha!

Sue :)

[iamvff]

No fair I am computer illiterate so I cant enter.Hey! Maybe the gvt will pay for me to go to computer school.

Sorry couldnt help it.

Dentedhead
Yes they would, but you would have to get yourself fired from your current job first!! :D

iamvff

[dentedhead]

Yes they would, but you would have to get yourself fired from your current job first!! :D

iamvff

See comment about roshambowing the chief tomorrow.

Dentedhead

[irsqyu]

I believe it takes away from the quality and interesting nature of the gallery when multiple pictures of the same subject are posted, examples being the burning of derelict houses, closeup pics of burnt wood after a fire (overhaul). Most other pictures are very informative and interesting.

[fire_code]

I believe it takes away from the quality and interesting nature of the gallery when multiple pictures of the same subject are posted, examples being the burning of derelict houses, closeup pics of burnt wood after a fire (overhaul). Most other pictures are very informative and interesting.

Agreed. There have been a number of images that were rejected due to their redundant nature (ie. same subject, 5 different angles). However, with close to 100 images uploaded over night, I may of missed a few and will take another look. In a few cases I have left multiple images because I feel that they make an interesting sequence.

With that said, I'm not going to get so picky that pictures of similar themes get rejected. Just because someone has uploaded a picture of a burnt derelict house doesn't mean that someone else shouldn't be able to submit one as well if they feel it is of interest. There is no doubt we are going to see repeating themes here, and as the gallery grows we will start to subdivide the sections into more specific areas. We are also may consider introducing a rating system to the gallery and possibly combining it with the Pic of the Week (ie. image with highest rating that week wins). This will allow a "sort by rating" option.

[fire_code]

As of midnight Aug 31st, wilderness and irsqyu have tied for "gallery contributor of the month" with 69 images submitted each. As much as I'd like to see 'em duke it out for the prize, we're going to make it easy and send them both a mug & a hat. As an added bonus for the launch of the contest (and as a shamless plug for the new Firehall.com store:D, check it out here http://www.firehallstore.com), we're also going to send them each a t-shirt of their choice from the 60 shirts now listed in our catalog. For any of you who have not checked it out for awhile, we've updated our cart and have added over 75 new items to our catalog!

Thank you to everyone who submitted images to the gallery. We're going to continue this contest every month, so be sure to keep the images coming!

[dentedhead]

Congrats to both.

Still say its no fair to those of us with no computer savvy.

Dentedhead
P.S I am kiddin of course

[irsqyu]

Well Wilderness, that was fun going through all the files, every time I looked in the gallery and saw more Whitewater, I had to look some more. Maybe you and I could get Dentedhead to send us some hard copies, we could scan them for him! Where is your computer savvy anyway DH, I must be at least 10-12 years older than you, but I think being around my kid's as they grew up and got into computers helped. Gotta go and charge up my camera batteries.

[dentedhead]

Well Wilderness, that was fun going through all the files, every time I looked in the gallery and saw more Whitewater, I had to look some more. Maybe you and I could get Dentedhead to send us some hard copies, we could scan them for him! Where is your computer savvy anyway DH, I must be at least 10-12 years older than you, but I think being around my kid's as they grew up and got into computers helped. Gotta go and charge up my camera batteries.

I have only had a computer in my house for just over 2 years.Thats cause the kids need it for school.

My 10 y/o has tried to teach me but.......you know what they say about old dogsLOL.

Dentedhead

[irsqyu]

I have only had a computer in my house for just over 2 years.Thats cause the kids need it for school.

My 10 y/o has tried to teach me but.......you know what they say about old dogsLOL.

Dentedhead
When my kid's were 10-12 we were just getting into the Commodore64, Scott ran a bulletin board even before the internet existed. You will learn, I have my 90 yr old father in law (really old dog)surfing and sending e-mails, instant messenger next

[dentedhead]

When my kid's were 10-12 we were just getting into the Commodore64, Scott ran a bulletin board even before the internet existed. You will learn, I have my 90 yr old father in law (really old dog)surfing and sending e-mails, instant messenger next


Surfing,Emails and a bit of borrowing music are mastered.I am now becoming proficient with copy and paste.

I was in grade 10 before they even introduced calculators.they still hold a certain mystique for me as well.

Dentedhead

[DCCHam]

As of midnight Aug 31st, wilderness and irsqyu have tied for "gallery contributor of the month" with 69 images submitted each. As much as I'd like to see 'em duke it out for the prize, we're going to make it easy and send them both a mug & a hat. As an added bonus for the launch of the contest (and as a shamless plug for the new Firehall.com store:D, check it out here http://www.firehallstore.com), we're also going to send them each a t-shirt of their choice from the 60 shirts now listed in our catalog. For any of you who have not checked it out for awhile, we've updated our cart and have added over 75 new items to our catalog!

Thank you to everyone who submitted images to the gallery. We're going to continue this contest every month, so be sure to keep the images coming!

I couldn't have been too distant of a thrid was I?....I know I stayed up one night till 3:30am submitting pics. LOL

[wilderness]

Well Wilderness, that was fun going through all the files, every time I looked in the gallery and saw more Whitewater, I had to look some more. Maybe you and I could get Dentedhead to send us some hard copies, we could scan them for him! Where is your computer savvy anyway DH, I must be at least 10-12 years older than you, but I think being around my kid's as they grew up and got into computers helped. Gotta go and charge up my camera batteries.

Congradulations Irsqyu,
Well fasten your seat belt its going to be another fast month.... well thank god, i don't think i left a stone unturned, or a file not searched, DH.... with the winnings maybe Irsqyu and myself will send you to "computers for dummies" :o Ham old buddy i was up till 3:35 sorry
it was sure fun, lets see who will win next month...come on guys and gals....... We challenge you to out do 69 pictures

[irsqyu]

Congradulations Irsqyu,
Well fasten your seat belt its going to be another fast month.... well thank god, i don't think i left a stone unturned, or a file not searched, DH.... with the winnings maybe Irsqyu and myself will send you to "computers for dummies" :o Ham old buddy i was up till 3:35 sorry
it was sure fun, lets see who will win next month...come on guys and gals....... We challenge you to out do 69 pictures

I'll prolly be resting for September, but watch out in Oct when we have our Open House. I have hundred's more pics on file, but can't submit a lot them as they are not mine. I have done a history of Department buildings & Vehicles since the first motorized vehicle, A 1914 Denby Chemical Wagon, as well as every station, before and after facelifts. I have found every vehicle from Apparatus to Fire Prevention Vehicles as well as support vehicles. But Rules are Rules

[DCCHam]

I'll have lots of pictures in the upcoming year, it's our department's 100th anniversary and we have lots planned. The 100 truck parade should be fun, along with our new training facility, water fountain, and wood carving.

I should soon have our new Centenial shoulder patches available for the patch exchange as well.

[irsqyu]

Looking forward to seeing the pics Ham, congrats on the 100th Anniversary

[firefighter26]

I figured you two must have run out of pictures by now ;) now its my turn!!

[irsqyu]

I figured you two must have run out of pictures by now ;) now its my turn!!

Looking forward to the pics, especially like your Mug Shot

[firefighter26]

Looking forward to the pics, especially like your Mug Shot

My mug shot is up there already, and yes, I will be in a few of the pictures. (don't worry firecode, I am allowed to use the photos). I have about a 500 photos on my computer that I have taken over the last few years and I spent most of the long weekend (what spare time I did have) filtering them down and eliminating "doubles" etc (to save firecode a bunch of work). I should be able to start sending them in this week!

Fire Code, I was wondering what your thoughts on video are? I have a number of 30 second clips that I took with my digital camera, including some great footage from INSIDE a training fire (Complete with roll over!). The file size is in the 3-5meg range so I don't want to overload firehall.com's bandwidth! If you want I can e-mail them to you or something so you can have a look at them first! (do I get a special prize for posting video?)

[wilderness]

My mug shot is up there already, and yes, I will be in a few of the pictures. (don't worry firecode, I am allowed to use the photos). I have about a 500 photos on my computer that I have taken over the last few years and I spent most of the long weekend (what spare time I did have) filtering them down and eliminating "doubles" etc (to save firecode a bunch of work). I should be able to start sending them in this week!

Fire Code, I was wondering what your thoughts on video are? I have a number of 30 second clips that I took with my digital camera, including some great footage from INSIDE a training fire (Complete with roll over!). The file size is in the 3-5meg range so I don't want to overload firehall.com's bandwidth! If you want I can e-mail them to you or something so you can have a look at them first! (do I get a special prize for posting video?)
OOOH ITS VIDEO'S NOW........ :cool:

[dentedhead]

OOOH ITS VIDEO'S NOW........ :cool:

are saucy vacation videos allowed?

Dentedhead
BTW wilderness not all country music is for cousin wedding marches

[web-chief]

Fire Code, I was wondering what your thoughts on video are? I have a number of 30 second clips that I took with my digital camera, including some great footage from INSIDE a training fire (Complete with roll over!). The file size is in the 3-5meg range so I don't want to overload firehall.com's bandwidth! If you want I can e-mail them to you or something so you can have a look at them first! (do I get a special prize for posting video?)

Hi All,

Fire_Code is away on holiday's until Monday. However I do know the answer. At this time please do not upload videos as they do tend to tach the bandwidth. We may be looking at this in the future and we will let you know if we do.

Stay Safe,

Cris Leonard, (Web-Chief)

[firefighter26]

Good call web_chief, I figured the bandwidth would be to much!

Thanks for the info on fire_code as well. I assume that the rest of you administration type folks will be approving photos for posting to the galleries until he gets back? Or should I wate so the code-ster doesn't have a ton of work waiting for him to come back?

[five_alarm]

Pile it on!!

I love to see F_C sweat.

No realy, holding off till next week is best but he can handle it either way.

F_A

[firefighter26]

Sounds good. I will hold off until next week and give the chief a break....... besides, gives me time to get more pictures together!

I do have a few suggestions to make it easier to catalog the pictures in the galleries, if anyone cared to listen ;)

For example, under "action shots" including three sub categories
"fire" - Fires, structure, vehicle, bush, whatever
"extrication" - extrication stuff, tactful of course!
"rescue" - Rope, Trench, medical, whatever.

The same with training photos.

Just my opinion, but I think it would help:
1) Group things together for easier navigation and cataloging;
2) Make it easier for users to find the photos they want to look at;
3) Reduce redundant photos or photos of the same thing;
4) Lower your bandwidth usage (IE, someone wants to look at fire scenes they don't have to download all the auto ex and rope rescue photos, etc).

Also, perhaps it might be a good idea, in the future to include a "Documents" section. In there we could put some things like operational guidelines, Training ideas, scenarios, evaluation forms, training material (posters, hand outs, etc)... actually, this might need two subcategories as well, "administration" and "training".... just something to think about. I know that the rural VFDs would take advantage of this more. Why start from scratch if someone else has already done it! I know when I was re-writing our OGs I would have loved to have someone else's to help reference, etc, etc.

I know, I know... I am crazy.......... LIKE A FOX!

[fire_code]

I do have a few suggestions to make it easier to catalog the pictures in the galleries, if anyone cared to listen ;)

For example, under "action shots" including three sub categories
"fire" - Fires, structure, vehicle, bush, whatever
"extrication" - extrication stuff, tactful of course!
"rescue" - Rope, Trench, medical, whatever.

The same with training photos.


We do plan to break the galleries down into sub categories. For the initial launch we kept it pretty general to encourage activity; features that look empty usually remain empty. We'll look at splitting it up next month.

There are a number of improvements that we have planned for the picture gallery, at this time we're just letting everyone have a bit of fun with it. Now that we are seeing some activity in the section we may get a little more picky with what is posted, so don't be offended if we reject a picture or two.


Also, perhaps it might be a good idea, in the future to include a "Documents" section. In there we could put some things like operational guidelines, Training ideas, scenarios, evaluation forms, training material (posters, hand outs, etc)...


Good idea, but it is a bit of a tricky one. The poster would have to have 100% copyright to all material uploaded, there is no easy way for us to verify that. There are also some liability issues to consider. I think the forum is a pretty good medium for sharing this sort of information. Rural VFDs that understand that the information they are receiving is simply opinions and suggestions in an open discussion is one thing, distributing an un-verified document with specific instructions and procedures is another, especially with our name behind it. With that said, we are looking at having more exclusive content written for our site and if you have anything original that you feel may be of interest feel free to send it along to one of the admins.

I know, I know... I am crazy.......... LIKE A FOX!

Are foxes crazy?

[fire_code]

I couldn't have been too distant of a thrid was I?....I know I stayed up one night till 3:30am submitting pics. LOL

You were indeed third @ 33 pictures. Unfortunately some of your images were rejected due to their redundant nature. Try to pick the best shots of a scene and you'll only be up until 1:30:D

[Scuba]

When we gonna see our members map????!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[fire_code]

When we gonna see our members map????!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

As neat as it would be, it's not exceptionally high on the priority list right now. I have researched ways to implement it, so it's just a matter of time.

[irsqyu]

I figured you two must have run out of pictures by now ;) now its my turn!!
Hi 26, the gallery is getting pretty boring, hav'nt seen any new pics since August. Are you waiting unil Sept 30 to upload so we can't count them up? LOL
irsqyu

[firefighter26]

To the best of my knowledge there should be 30-35 new pictures sitting in Mr. Code's que waiting to be approved! (Though, I think I may have double submitted one of them by accident)

I will hold off the rest until fire_code can catch up!

[firefighter26]

hav'nt seen any new pics since August. Are you waiting unil Sept 30 to upload so we can't count them up?

That should hold you.... 35 new pictures (plus 10 more waiting for Mr. Code to have a look at) and more to come as I have about 40 more folders to look through!

[irsqyu]

That should hold you.... 35 new pictures (plus 10 more waiting for Mr. Code to have a look at) and more to come as I have about 40 more folders to look through!
Fantastic pics 26, keep up the good work!!

[wilderness]

Great pictures #26, looks like irsqyu and myself have to raise the bar the next time....

[firefighter26]

Thanks you two, it means a lot coming from the Firehall.com picture Gurus'!!

I keep my camera the pocket of my turn out gear ALL the time (or at least I used to). I also like to dable a little bit in photography and being a graphic artist by trade tends to help!

I think my unofficial count so far is somewhere between 40-50, and I have another 10 to upload today, including one of my favourates that I took while advancing down the hallway of a mobile home fire, complete with rolling flames licking out the doorway!

[firefighter26]

....another 10 to upload today....

I wonder if they got lost or something because I have not seen them appear in the galleries...... Actually, come to think of it, I have not seen Fire_Code around here in the last few days..... could it be that he took an extra long weekend for his birthday?

.......or maybe it's another government plot to stop me from winning the photo submission contest for the month..... that's right, it is all so clear now....... The government used their powers to change all of fire_codes vital statistics and idendification and then kidnapped and brainwashed him and the rest of his family and friends into thinking his birthday is THIS WEEK (rather than when ever it REALLY is) so he would take time off and my photos wouldn't be posted in time to win the contest, thus leaving my victory at the mercy of the government itself who has a ringer sitting on the side lines ready to jump into action and post more pictures than me on the last day and to snatch the power of victory away from me and claiming the fabled firehall.com coffee mug for themselves as the final piece in their devious plan for world domination.....

[wilderness]

you need help

[firefighter26]

Can't you see how simple it is!?!?!?!

you need help

Naw, I just need to get back into action again.... my firefighterist trainingitis is flaring up from lack of activity....

At least I stopped wearing my tin foil hat... It wasn't helping since the government changed to ultra-beta scanning waves.... damn, there it is agian...... where's my IFSTA manual? I need to read a few chapters to get this under control again....

[fire_code]

I wonder if they got lost or something because I have not seen them appear in the galleries...... Actually, come to think of it, I have not seen Fire_Code around here in the last few days..... could it be that he took an extra long weekend for his birthday?

Sorry guys, last week was spent playing catch-up from the vacation.


Now that we have a number of images in the gallery it is time to start getting a bit picky. We ask that if you would like to upload multiple images of a scene to merge them into a single image (eg http://firehall.com/gallery.php?item=6713178&gallery=6711809&func=view (http://firehall.com/gallery.php?item=6713178&gallery=6711809&func=view)). I have started doing this with the recent images that have been uploaded, however, it is time consuming and in the future I will probably just choose the best one and axe the rest. I will eventually do the same to some of last month's uploads, however this will not change the result of the contributor contest. Not only did wilderness and irsqyu leave everyone far behind in number of uploads, they were very good about not uploading duplicate images. In the future we may allow you to add multiple images under the same description.

Also, we will be introducing sub-categories pretty quick so that the image groups are more specific (ie. some people have seen enough car accidents and would probably like to skip those).

[wilderness]

Sorry guys, last week was spent playing catch-up from the vacation.


Now that we have a number of images in the gallery it is time to start getting a bit picky. We ask that if you would like to upload multiple images of a scene to merge them into a single image (eg http://firehall.com/gallery.php?item=6713178&gallery=6711809&func=view). I have started doing this with the recent images that have been uploaded, however, it is time consuming and in the future I will probably just choose the best one and axe the rest. I will eventually do the same to some of last month's uploads, however this will not change the result of the contributor contest. Not only did wilderness and irsqyu leave everyone far behind in number of uploads, they were very good about not uploading duplicate images. In the future we may allow you to add multiple images under the same description.

We will be introducing sub-categories pretty quick so that the image groups are more specific (ie. some people have seen enough car accidents and would probably like to skip those).


See IRSQYU told you so....... he does love us......... :D

[firefighter26]

Sorry guys, last week was spent playing catch-up from the vacation.
No problem code-arama, it good to hear that you got some time off for your birthday.... just so long as the goverment didn't brain wash you!

Now that we have a number of images in the gallery it is time to start getting a bit picky. We ask that if you would like to upload multiple images of a scene to merge them into a single image (eg http://firehall.com/gallery.php?item=6713178&gallery=6711809&func=view (http://firehall.com/gallery.php?item=6713178&gallery=6711809&func=view)).
Yea, I was sure that was a direct shot at me but it is alright.... I only cried for a few hours......... I tend to upload mulitple pictures of the same scene. But in my own defence each one is interesting and told a different story!! However, the rules are now duely noted Code-man, I will put my multiple shots together such as you have (side note: you might want to come up with a brief description on how. I wont have any problems but others who are not so technically minded might!)

Just a few tech questions for ya:
1) if I group multiple images together do you want me to reduce the overall file size as well or will you look after that?
2) will the number of characters to describe the photo be increased if photos are grouped together?
3) why do I wake up sometimes in a cold sweat with a ringing in my head, and a small circle of rocks around a blue and orage florecent lavalamp in the middle of my living room?
4) Is there a limit to the number of photos you would like grouped together, such as three in your sample?
5) If I group 5 photos together, do I get credit for 5 photos in the contest, or just 1 for the upload? :)

Also, we will be introducing sub-categories pretty quick so that the image groups are more specific (ie. some people have seen enough car accidents and would probably like to skip those).
Damn, another shot at me.... I am going to need a therapist (even more so). Fair enough though, I guess I am a bit of trauma junkie... oh, and we run about 130:1 MVAs vs Structure Fires (give or take) so my selection of fire related pictures are a bit slim. I've cut up a lot of cars though!!!!!!!!!

I will admit though that I left out some of the not so "user friendly" photos. I didn't see any rules about such a thing, (you might want to add something about PT privacy or something, I don't know, you're the bosses), but I figured it was common sense to leave those ones out so I did.

Welcome back Fire_Code, I hope the hang over itsn't to much!

[fire_code]

No problem code-arama, it good to hear that you got some time off for your birthday.... just so long as the goverment didn't brain wash you!
Actually, no time off for the b-day _it was a well deserved (if I say so myself) vacation a couple weeks ago, good to see I was missed ;).

Yea, I was sure that was a direct shot at me but it is alright.... I only cried for a few hours.........
Trust me, you'll know if I'm shooting at you. We were fully aware that we were askin' for it when we started a contest for the most contributions, but it was a good way to get things rolling initially, features that look empty stay empty. You can expect to see this contest change shortly. There were a number of people that emptied their digi-cams into the gallery, thought I'd warn everyone before I get a flood of messages regarding missing images.


But in my own defence each one is interesting and told a different story!!
We will be allowing people to create their own galleries pretty soon, then you can have your very own storyboard :D.

Just a few tech questions for ya:
1) if I group multiple images together do you want me to reduce the overall file size as well or will you look after that?
The script handles the resampling, it will be downsampled to 600x600 pixels, anything bigger is just going to cost you time uploading (and us bandwidth). Eg. If you have four shots you'll want to put them in a 2x2 grid to a maximum of 300x300 pixels each.

2) will the number of characters to describe the photo be increased if photos are grouped together?
Sure

3) why do I wake up sometimes in a cold sweat with a ringing in my head, and a small circle of rocks around a blue and orage florecent lavalamp in the middle of my living room?
Normal behaviour of Firehall.com junkies; log back into the site and drink lots of water before you go to sleep.

4) Is there a limit to the number of photos you would like grouped together, such as three in your sample?
Should probably limit it to 4 images in a 2x2 grid. Again the maximum size is 600 pixels, so the images may be hard to see if there are too many grouped.

5) If I group 5 photos together, do I get credit for 5 photos in the contest, or just 1 for the upload? :)
Nope. Again, the contest will be changing soon, so do it for the benefit of the community (or fame and praise), it's just a contest after all.

Damn, another shot at me.... I am going to need a therapist (even more so). Fair enough though, I guess I am a bit of trauma junkie...
Just an example, as I'm sure lots of people have seen enough burned out structures as well, but we're not going to deny the people who are interested. Just don't be offended if your images get moved 'round.

I will admit though that I left out some of the not so "user friendly" photos. I didn't see any rules about such a thing, (you might want to add something about PT privacy or something, I don't know, you're the bosses), but I figured it was common sense to leave those ones out so I did.
The second rule around here is common sense. The first is that I make up the rules and have the power to drop any user submitted content, without cause or explanation.

Welcome back Fire_Code, I hope the hang over itsn't to much!
Thanks! You don't get a hangover if you don't stop drinking:D.

[firefighter26]

....There were a number of people that emptied their digi-cams into the gallery....
Ok, you got me worried. Can I ask if I am still winning???? Have I even come close to matching the calibre of Wilderness and irsqyu???? Can my name even be used in the same sentence with such great photo contributors????

....You don't get a hangover if you don't stop drinking....
Yeah, plus it makes the work day easier if you show up in the morning already hammered! Sounds like we are going to have to have an official firehall.com party/get together!!!

Normal behaviour of Firehall.com junkies; log back into the site and drink lots of water before you go to sleep.
Check, more water... but that doesn't explain the Lava lamp..... I mean, I don't even OWN one so I am still trying to figure out how it keeps showing up!!

[firefighter26]

fire_code, did you dump some of my photos... seen some listed that are gone now (no, not the ones you put together in a film strip)?

Not that I have any problem with it, but I just want to make sure I still have enough to put me in the lead this morth!

[fire_code]

fire_code, did you dump some of my photos... seen some listed that are gone now (no, not the ones you put together in a film strip)?

Don't recall dumping any, but very well could have. If you resubmit them and they don't get posted then I probably did :D

[firefighter26]

It's all good, just as long as I have a healthy this month!

[irsqyu]

Hey 26, looks like the boys from NDVFD are going to give you some competition. lol

[wilderness]

I,m starting tonight...just kidding

[firefighter26]

I wouldn't doubt that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like I will be going through some CDs and dust'n off some books while fire'n up the ol' scanner....... gotta increase my lead because I suspect there are a few lurkers who will try to gun for me near the end of the month!! :D

[irsqyu]

I wouldn't doubt that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like I will be going through some CDs and dust'n off some books while fire'n up the ol' scanner....... gotta increase my lead because I suspect there are a few lurkers who will try to gun for me near the end of the month!! :D
Hey 26, got the mug and baseball hat in the mail today, very cool,something to look forward to for sure. Thanks again Firehall Gang.

[firefighter26]

That is great.... figured you would have gotten it as soon as you said something about it taking so long ;)

I look forward to one day getting my own mug in the mail...... though I have not won yet!!!!! Got some more to post this week when I get a chance to scan them in. Got some older ones that are still very good pictures!

[wilderness]

yeeeeeee haaaaaaa got my mug and hat today, geeesh the stuff is awesome, i did have a shirt that said "this dog likes it hot", but the wife stole it, and has it hid somewhere. grrrrrrrrrrr
HEY Everyone "GET OFF YOUR LAZY BEHIND AND CHECK OUT THE STORE" the murchandise is second to non,
And i see afew more T/Shirts i will be ordering in the near future....Just a simple thankyou to the staff at Firehall....

[firefighter26]

Well????

Did I win????

[wilderness]

Well????

Did I win????
better recount there buddy..... i added a lot of pictures on friday night :eek:

[firefighter26]

well, unless they have not been approved yet, I don't see 'em!

I guess the codester is the only one who truely knows what the official count was for September....... c'mon code-man, fill us in!

[fire_code]

well, unless they have not been approved yet, I don't see 'em!

I guess the codester is the only one who truely knows what the official count was for September....... c'mon code-man, fill us in!

Well I was going to make you wait until next week......



The winner is.... to everyone's surprise.............


firefighter26 with 43 images! So he gets the coveted Firehall.com mug and hat. Because it's the last contributor of the month contest, we're also going to send him a t-shirt of his choice from the Firehall.com Store (http://firehallstore.com). And just because we're nice guys, we're going to do the same for the runner up, ndvfd_ff33.

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped turn this into a real feature of the site. Now that we see some activity in this area we are going to be cancelling the "mass contibutor" conest. Don't worry however, we are working on a new contest for the gallery which will give more people an opportunity to win (and won't rely solely on how late someone stayed up on their computer :D). Anyone that has already posted still has a chance to win. Stay tuned for details....

[wilderness]

aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh thats so sweet....

[iamvff]

Well I was going to make you wait until next week......



The winner is.... to everyone's surprise.............


firefighter26 with 43 images! So he gets the coveted Firehall.com mug and hat. Because it's the last contributor of the month contest, we're also going to send him a t-shirt of his choice from the Firehall.com Store (http://firehallstore.com). And just because we're nice guys, we're going to do the same for the runner up, ndvfd_ff33.

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped turn this into a real feature of the site. Now that we see some activity in this area we are going to be cancelling the "mass contibutor" conest. Don't worry however, we are working on a new contest for the gallery which will give more people an opportunity to win (and won't rely solely on how late someone stayed up on their computer :D). Anyone that has already posted still has a chance to win. Stay tuned for details....

How about...who can take a thread the furthest off topic!! We would have fun with it, and you guys would get to stay awake 24/7!!

Just a suggestion!
iamvff :cool:

[firefighter26]

“Ahem” says a man with a lame Bill Gates style hair cut, clearing is voice before beginning.

“My name is Stewart O’donnely from the Ministry of Information. The Office of firefighter26 has released this statement which I will read momentarily. Copies will be distributed at the end of the press conference after a short question and answer period.” claims O’donnely to the attentively silent crowd.

“The Office of firefighter26” O’donnely continues, “is proud to accept and recognize the award for winning the September 2005 Gallery Photo Submission Contest on Firehall.com, which the Office of firefighter26 endorses as the best fire services related website in Canada. The Office of firefighter26 would like to take a moment to extend their congratulations to ndvfd_ff33 for the valiant attempt during the month of September. The Office of firefighter26 would also like to thank both Wilderness and irsqyu for laying the foundation of such a great competition and raising the bar to an unprecedented 69 images each in the initial month of competition. The Office of firefighter26 would like to point out that they could have easily have surpassed their great record but felt that their record would best be left un-shattered by the current administration out of respect for the achievements of the firehall.com photo gurus.”

O’donnely stops to take a short class of water and review some of the papers retrieved from his briefcase before continuing.

“The Office of firefighter26 would also like to gratefully extend it’s gratitude towards the firehall.com team for the intrepid work in providing such a great resource to the fire services community. The Office of firefighter26 can confirm that firefighter26 looks forward to receiving his prize in the mail and will refrain from posting “did you send it yet” type messages every few days on the firehall.com forums. Additionally, the Office of firefighter26 fully endorses the firehall.com store and is eagerly awaiting the Christmas season to execute a number of strategic purchases for members of the firefighter26 family. In closing, the Office of firefighter26 would like to thank all those that have contributed images to the firehall.com gallery and looks forward to further participation in firehall.com events and contests. Good luck, and stay safe.”

O’donnely pauses for another drink as the lights come on and the crowd of reporters start and jostle for his attention in an attempt to get their questions answered.

“Mr. O’donnely, Janice Michael of the New York Times. Does firefighter26 know what t-shirt he would like form the firehall.com store?”

“At this time” answers O’donnely, “firefighter26 is still making his decision. The firehall.com store offers such a wide collection of excellent t-shirts that it might take some time before an official decision is reached.”

“Mr. O’donnely, Bill Paklin, Calgary Herald. Can firefighter26 comment the on coffee mug he will be receiving?”

“Mr. Paklin, as we are all are aware firefighter26 enjoys hot chocolate, usually with two creams. We at the Office of firefighter26 believe that the firehall.com coffee mugs will serve a duel roll for both coffee and hot chocolate and our operational advisors have informed us that they should cross platform effectively and without any problems.”

“Alright everyone,” claims O’donnely, “I am afraid that we are running short on time so I can not accept any more questions. There will be a follow up press conference later this afternoon after you have had time to review the written press release. Thank you for your time.”

[wilderness]

FIREFIGHTER26, FIREFIGHTER26...... JUST ONE MORE QUESTION.....WILDERNESS, JUST has to ask one question......i have never herd so much BS in one press release, can you explain this please........

[firefighter26]

A 5'10 vivacious blonde wearing a perfectly taylored business suit that acents her curves that are so sensual that everyone in the crowd can't help but take notice comes onto the stage....

"Good morning Mr. Wilderness" she says in a soft voice "My name is Christine and I am firefighter26's secretary. To answer your seemingly anarchest question, the Office of firefighter26 believes all statements regarding the fact that firefighter26 himself could have blown your record of 69 photos out of the water in a simular fashion as five US carrier battle groups fighting the Iraq Navy to be true. However, out of respect for your achievements, firefighter26 did not feel that he had to subject you to a crusing defeat. Perhaps at a later date the two of you could square off in an all out battle royal for the title of "Ultimate Firehall.com Photo Contributer of the Universe!"

And with that, the vivascious Christine smiles and winks and the aw-struck wilderness and walks off the stage with the grace and style of a Paris Runway Fashion Model.

[dentedhead]

How about...who can take a thread the furthest off topic!! We would have fun with it, and you guys would get to stay awake 24/7!!

Just a suggestion!
iamvff :cool:


Now thats a contest we could prolly win MFM!!

Dentedhead

[wilderness]

man your good (with a smoke screen like that by chance are you running for the liberal party)......

[firefighter26]

At this time the Office of firefighter26 can neither confirm nor deny any rumours or alligations about the up-coming election and what party or parties he will be endrosing or will endorse him.

A seperate press conference will be held in late October to discuess election issues.

Please direct any additional questions to firefighter26's media liason, Mr. Bojangles.
<points to the monkey wearing the suit and carrying a brief case at the back of the room>

Other than that, please submit your noterized written questions to the Office of firefighter26 during regular business hours. Please allow 8-10 business days for a reply.

Should you require an interview with firefigher26, please have form 178A and 178B filled out and submited to the Office of firefighter26 at least 14 days prior to the interview date.

[irsqyu]

26 you seem to be losing it:) Anyway congrats, enjoy the new stuff

[Roadwarrior]

Wow...first of all congrats 26 on your magnificent achievement. I clicked on the link for the last page (10 I believe) and then had to scroll back through reams of posts to find out WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED???
And then that got me wondering...DOES ANYBODY IN HERE WORK FOR A LIVING??
Just jerking your chains....keep the pics coming...:)
Roadwarrior out.

[firefighter26]

So I guess I should send ya'll my mailing address or something, eh?

.....That is, unless you already have it on file from the information gathered by the secret spy satallite that the government has in geosynchronous oribit above my house...... They probably already used their secret mind-reading ray guns to figure out what shirt I was hoping to get....

[fire_code]

So I guess I should send ya'll my mailing address or something, eh?

.....That is, unless you already have it on file from the information gathered by the secret spy satallite that the government has in geosynchronous oribit above my house...... They probably already used their secret mind-reading ray guns to figure out what shirt I was hoping to get....

Yea, you'll probably want to do that. Just private message false_alarm with your current mailing address and what shirt image/size/colour you would like. We normally private message winners to confirm mailing details, but I guess we forgot this time :eek:.

[firefighter26]

Forgot, or forgot on purpose ;)

....I am sure the government probably brainwashed you into forgetting so the world famous firehall.com coffee mug, which also cross platforms as a great hot chocollate mug, wouldn't be sent out to me... you see, the hot chocollate companies are onto the government's evil plots so they put a "special" chemical agent in their hot chocollate powder that keeps the government tracking rays from pinpointing your location and recording your every move. They, the government, knows this and are trying to do anything and everything to keep people from drinking it, hence why they would brainwash you into forgetting to send me the mug.... it is all so simple....!!

[irsqyu]

Yea, you'll probably want to do that. Just private message false_alarm with your current mailing address and what shirt image/size/colour you would like. We normally private message winners to confirm mailing details, but I guess we forgot this time :eek:.

I don't think they forgot, they just didn't have time after reading through 26's many essays. :)

[firefighter26]

yeah, yeah, yeah........ duely noted!

[firefighter26]

Got the stuff in the mail the yesterday... I guess it helps to actually check the mail once in a while!!!

I for one am very impressed with it all and was the envy of everyone who seen my newest shirt to add to my collection (and I had 4 attempts to "borrow" the hat when I wasn't looking).

I am also happy to report that the coffee cup works flawlessly for hot chocollate... in fact, I am using it this morning while I type this. No more will I have to use the crappy Xerox coffee cup with the cracked handle!

Can't wait to place my orders for christmas!

[five_alarm]

Now that is a front page testimonial IMHO

[wilderness]

When i was told (monkey tells no lies)that 26 received his prize. I paid the monkey to slip in undercover, and made his way to the desk and hide in the drawer, until 26 opened his mail... Then the monkey was to jump out and hold the coffee mug for ransome. "See i like my hat so much and the monkey was envious that we planed to hold the coffee mug for ransom and the payoff would have been the hat", but atlast there was so much BS in 26's office that the monkey slipped of the desk and while trying to get the mug and hit his head on the chair, and was tragically killed..... Damn you 26, we will advenge his death, don't look high don't look low, we are comming for the hat beware, be very aware........ guard it with your life mister.......

[firefighter26]

HAHAHAHAH, that is what the Propaganda and Miss-Information Department wanted you to believe...... sucker!

......in reality the monkey was a double-double agent and actually working on our side! That's right, a double-double agent! All the time he was working for us while you thought he was working for you, he was actually working for us again! HAHAHAHAHAHA

The coveted firehall.com hat has now been transfered to a secure location and is under the guard of a crack team of ultra-elite monkey commandos and super international monkey anti-terrorist unit along with a ultra-top secret monkey secret service brigade to back them up. So ultra-top secret that if I type any more about them The Department of Information and Control will have to hack the firehall.com server to remove it while hunting down and eliminating anyone who reads it. The firehall.com team was nice enough to send me the hat that I don't want to have to order a hacking of their system. Fire_code has some elite-apps going on but he is no match for my legions of cubical working monkey geeks.

On that note, the firehall.com coffee mug, which cross-platforms as an excellent hot chocollate mug, is also protected by a series of bio-lazers and pressure plates on and around my desk... that's right, bio-lasers and pressure plates.... nothing can get passed the bio-lasers and pressure plates!

I only need a few more pieces to the puzzle and my plan for world domination will be ready to put into action.......