Do you hate the use of GIFs?

[[deleted user]]

People need to understand that "I am offended" does not equal "That is offensive." I don't like reviews that are just a book summary. And you know what I do? I SKIP THOSE REVIEWS BECAUSE THAT PERSON CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT. These reviews aren't here to please me, they are not here to make my life better, they are here because someone wanted that are their review. End of story, that is that, and I am not advocating to change the site.

[Heather]

Sorry but Gifs are awesome.

[Manybooks]

Heather wrote: ""

Maybe for you, but I don't like them (and that is a legitimate opinion even if you don't agree with it).

[[deleted user]]

Jen wrote: "And more importantly, how do I block someone? I guess they let children and adolescents post because these are the most juvenile comments I've ever seen."
Excuse me? Is it not juvenile to JUDGE others because they use a picture to support their own words?

[[deleted user]]

Rachael wrote: "I have to agree. Seriously, a bunch of reviews that aren't even reviews, just people getting crazy over a release book? How the f*ck is that useful? *ocd causes desire to eliminate clutter* grrrr"
Common sense causes me to block you.

[Ava]

Lyn wrote: "Jen wrote: "And more importantly, how do I block someone? I guess they let children and adolescents post because these are the most juvenile comments I've ever seen."
Excuse me? Is it not juvenile ..."

Lyn, being a young reviewer is a bad thing around these parts, don't you know? Our opinion doesn't count, and gifs are a sign of our immaturity.

I dunno, I think my reviews are pretty liked.

[[deleted user]]

Amber wrote: "Ivy and Avani can't take a little criticism, apparently."
And it seems that you cannot as well.

[Angela]

I don't use gifs at all but that doesn't mean I don't like or mind them when other people do, they add to the review and to their style of writing. It does not make the reviewer any less 'literate' for their use of them.

[[deleted user]]

Angela wrote: "I don't use gifs at all but that doesn't mean I don't like or mind them when other people do, they add to the review and to their style of writing. It does not make the reviewer any less 'literate'..."

^^^
THIS! Thank you for acting like an adult, Angela.

[[deleted user]]

Official Oceana wrote: "Lyn wrote: "Jen wrote: "And more importantly, how do I block someone? I guess they let children and adolescents post because these are the most juvenile comments I've ever seen."
Excuse me? Is it n..."

It took 2 replies for the name calling to begin. TWO. I'm deeply saddened that the mud was slung, that people call us insensitive, that we are attacking people with disabilities, and that we are illiterate children. Wow, guys. I've already blocked about half the people on this thread, and it is very sad that people who do use gifs are not allowed to defend them own opinion, and that we are labeled for daring to highlight and support our ideas using images.
I can't handle the hatred in this thread, and I am done.

[Stefani]

You know what's ironic, that the stuck up greater than thou crowd has the nerve to call anyone immature, childish, ADHD, in constant need of stimulation, illiterate, etc. How very mature and accepting! What a great way to encourage young people to read and share their views! /sarcasm

Personally, I don't use GIFs but I don't really care if other people do. I've read plenty of reviews on GR (from adults who are older than me often times) who use the GIFs in a funny and witty way and makes the very intelligent review that much better. Is it annoying to go to a book page of a yet to be released book and see nothing but GIFs, yes, but I for one am not in favor of censorship. So since it's not breaking GR rules, live and let live.

And just for future reference, it makes your point a lot stronger when you don't resort to calling people names and accusing them of making people have seizures. Really that just makes you look silly.

[Manybooks]

Christina wrote: "Official Oceana wrote: "I'm saddened by your discrimination of 'children and adolescents'.

Not all of us are immature, Tumblr-using teenagers. I hope you realize that, because it sounds really bad..."

That's all I am asking for (a way to block them for me, personally, because sometimes they do make me feel ill). And I don't think that is too much to ask!!

[Angela]

Lyn wrote: "^^^
THIS! Thank you for acting like an adult, Angela.

You are welcome medear.

[PJforaDay]

Official Oceana wrote: "Lyn wrote: "Jen wrote: "And more importantly, how do I block someone? I guess they let children and adolescents post because these are the most juvenile comments I've ever seen."
Excuse me? Is it n..."

Here's something to think about it's pretty well known.A picture is worth a thousand words.As for calling young people bad reviewers because we use gifs is just pathetic .

[Chrissie]

Many of us who dislike GIFs, often for health reasons, would just like a way to block them on our own computer. All of us, let's keep this polite. There is absolutely no reason to be nasty.

[Katy]

Here is the deal. I think most people agree that, used judiciously and sparingly, the .gifs are okay. Used on your own site, where people choose to go and look at them, they're okay. Constant use of lots of .gifs in book reviews and statuses are annoying people for multiple reasons.
A) not everyone has fast internet access. You're slowing them down. Be considerate.
B) people might have medical problems - migraines, epilepsy, etc. - that are exacerbated by the overuse of animated .gifs. Only use them in moderation. Again; be considerate
C) Try to use words when you can to express yourself. Consider it practice for the "real world" when you won't be able to use .gifs to write a report for your boss.
D) And when it comes right down to it - what's wrong with just being considerate of other people's feelings?

On the other hand - if you want to use .gifs, that is your right, but don't get all up in people's faces if they prefer to read reviews with words. Remember there might be legitimate reasons they don't want to come here to Goodreads and see them. In your responses expressing your opinions? be considerate

[Manybooks]

Chrissie wrote: "Many of us who dislike GIFs, often for health reasons, would just like a way to block them on our own computer. All of us, let's keep this polite. There is absolutely no reason to be nasty."

Hear, hear :-)

[[deleted user]]

English isn't my first language, and I hope I write this in a way that is understandable.

I don't mind gifs even when I don't use them myself.
I get it that people can have problems with gifs, because of health reasons, but I don't think that gives them the right to demand that all the others have to act according to their preferance.
It was already mentioned in this thread. There is a program that enables you to block gifs. If you really prefer all the gifs on all the websites you visit: adblock
I'm pretty sure there are more browser adons that would do this, but this is the one I know about.
So my opinion: if you don't like gifs and want to vent your anger on them here: go ahead.
But don't call other people inconsiderate or other things, when there is a way to take care of your own health without forcing them to change their behaviour

[Manybooks]

Christina wrote: "Katy wrote: "Consider it practice for the "real world" when you won't be able to use .gifs to write a report for your boss."

I get what you're saying, but that sentence is assuming that those who ..."

The thing is if you can use GIFs in reviews, it should not be a major problem for GR to allow those of us the option to block these (and I don't mind pictures, just animated images, because I find them visually distracting, especially when reading reviews). I do not in any way want to deny members the right or the option of using GIFs, but I would like GR to implement, to create an option for me to permanently block GIFs from the book pages (only for me, personally, as an option). And I really do not think that this is too much to ask or that it interferes with anyone's freedom of speech and expression (and it is also my own freedom of speech to not like, to even despise GIFs, I am not being nasty about it, I just find them a major irritation, especially if/when I am tired).

[Katy]

Dreamer wrote: "English isn't my first language, and I hope I write this in a way that is understandable.

I don't mind gifs even when I don't use them myself.
I get it that people can have problems with gifs, bec..."

That's a good point. Thanks for your perspective.

Christina wrote: "Katy wrote: "Consider it practice for the "real world" when you won't be able to use .gifs to write a report for your boss."

I get what you're saying, but that sentence is assuming that those who ..."

You're right. My apologies; I did not mean in it that manner.

[Katy]

Gundula - definitely start a Feedback thread for the GR people to see if there is a way to do that, or use the adblock thing (but that might block other stuff, too, so ...)

[[deleted user]]

Adblock can block a lot of things, but you can tweak it that it only blocks what you want it to block.

I started a google search "block gifs".
The first hit is this site: Gif block which supposedly enables you to only block gifs using firefox.
I don't know this program so I can't say anything about it. But it sounds easier to use than adblock.

[Manybooks]

Katy wrote: "Gundula - definitely start a Feedback thread for the GR people to see if there is a way to do that, or use the adblock thing (but that might block other stuff, too, so ...)"

I am probably going to wait a while to start a new thread in the feedback group. There was a thread up yesterday, and it got so heated and vehement, that Kara closed it down (setting up a similar thread only one day later and on a weekend, when GR staff is not working is probably not a very good or productive idea and might get me in some hot water).

[Chrissie]

Gundula wrote: " I do not in any way want to deny members the right or the option of using GIFs, but I would like GR to implement, to create an option for me to permanently block GIFs from the book pages (only for me, personally, as an option)."


I agree!

What Gundula is suggesting cannot be disagreeable to those who like and want to use GIFs! Can't we all support and suggest this to GR! Can't we all say this is what we want? Then everybody is happy. Please, let's try and work together and find a solution that will please everyone!

BTW I have tried to block the images by the programs suggested. It didn't work.

[[deleted user]]

Dreamer, alas, that add on for FF doesn't seem to work.

[Manybooks]

Chrissie wrote: "Gundula wrote: " I do not in any way want to deny members the right or the option of using GIFs, but I would like GR to implement, to create an option for me to permanently block GIFs from the book..."

Blocking GIFs for one's own book page or when reading reviews should in no way affect those who enjoy using these images. We are not asking for a ban of GIFs, just for a way for those of use who don't like them or are or can be negatively affected by them to block or disable them. And honestly, there really should be no problem with such a request as it does not affect or should not affect GIFs being used or rather being able to be used.

[Stefani]

Gundula wrote: "Blocking GIFs for one's own book page or when reading reviews should in no way affect those who enjoy using these images... "

Here's the problem, actually getting it done. I am not against an option for people to see text only if they wish. But that kind of suggestion would involve major recoding of the website to make it available. Since they can hardly seem to keep the site running smoothly, I don't see something like that being implemented for a LONG time. And until it does we'll continue to get conversations like this with name calling and insults thrown at those who use GIFs...which probably wouldn't help make it up the GR priority list if there's heat about it.

[Literary Ames]

We're probably talking months before GR can even consider doing something like this, but if the request is worded in terms of site accessibility for those with epilepsy and migraines, etc. I'm sure they'll want to provide something.

[Chrissie]

Let's not worry about how long it takes. Let's go to GR and say this is what we all want, so please implement this for us.

[Manybooks]

Stefani wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Blocking GIFs for one's own book page or when reading reviews should in no way affect those who enjoy using these images... "

Here's the problem, actually getting it done. I am no..."

I was wondering about that, but it does not hurt to ask, to request such an option.

[Stefani]

Gundula wrote: "Stefani wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Blocking GIFs for one's own book page or when reading reviews should in no way affect those who enjoy using these images... "

Here's the problem, actually getting i..."

Of course not, and I am fully supportive of asking for such an option...if a lot of people would find it useful then it should be added to the list. But I fear until it gets done, which could be months down the line, we'll keep seeing threads like this over and over again.

[[deleted user]]

I am fully supportive of a block feature for those users that don't want to see them. But I don't want to be called immature, childish, or illiterate anymore because I use GIFs occasionally. There was no need to go there. And I notice that person has not commented on this thread in a long time. Interesting.

[Katy]

Kara wrote: "I am fully supportive of a block feature for those users that don't want to see them. But I don't want to be called immature, childish, or illiterate anymore because I use GIFs occasionally. There ..."

I don't think anyone said that the occasional use of GIFs was the problem - I think it is those who use nothing but GIFs in all their reviews that cause the problem. I have, for instance, seen a review that uses multiple GIFs all expressing the same emotion - that's redundant. Why use 4 or 5 GIFS when one would do? I don't need to see three different people doing a dance, plus a freaking-out Kermit, plus two ponies bursting rainbows to understand that someone is happy about getting a book - use one, you know? I don't mind the occasional GIF, but when I see a long row of flashing things like that, it makes my head hurt, too. *shrug*

I hope a resolution can be created - I've talked to a couple of people and there are some serious concerns about this - not to mention how overuse of them will slow down the display of the site for people on a slower connection.

[Maureen]

I must be old or just very not cool. I don't see how a little moving picture is cute (bunny included), nor can I fathom how it could be capable of expressing how someone really felt. I concur with the folks who point out that this is a website about reading, not looking. If you can't find the words to express yourself...please keep reading.

[[deleted user]]

Maureen wrote: "I must be old or just very not cool. I don't see how a little moving picture is cute (bunny included), nor can I fathom how it could be capable of expressing how someone really felt. I concur with ..."



Maureen, telling someone to "please keep reading" is completely unnecessary and condescending. I hope you don't presume to think that your opinion is the only valid one, but it seems like you do. I love using GIFs to express my opinions. You don't have to understand, I don't write my reviews for you.

[Maureen]

Kara wrote: "Maureen wrote: "I must be old or just very not cool. I don't see how a little moving picture is cute (bunny included), nor can I fathom how it could be capable of expressing how someone really felt..."

I was merely expressing my opinion as so many have here today. I am the last person to think that my opinion is the only valid one, and I totally respect the right of you or anyone else to disagree and interpret my words as you choose.

[[deleted user]]

Barbara, it's Memphis from Big Brother 10. LOL. I have a monstrous database of BB GIFs. I have problems. :)

That's fine, Maureen. I just don't like being told to "keep reading" because you think I can't express myself well because I choose to use GIFs occasionally. It's nasty and mean.

[[deleted user]]

Kara wrote: "Maureen wrote: "I must be old or just very not cool. I don't see how a little moving picture is cute (bunny included), nor can I fathom how it could be capable of expressing how someone really felt..."

Kara, I totally want to hijack your GIF stash! SO MANY BB GIFS.

[[deleted user]]

OMG, Ragan! Stealing that one! I don't have that one!!

You are the best!

[Jenna]

Did some people get the internet, like, yesterday? Gifs are a valid form of international communication on this here interwebz.

[Manybooks]

Belle wrote: "Did some people get the internet, like, yesterday? Gifs are a valid form of international communication on this here interwebz."

Just because they are valid does not mean I have to like them. I am certainly not proposing that GIFs be banned etc., but it should not be a problem for anyone that I despise these animated images, that I find them distracting and that I would like to be able to block them (and only for myself).

[[deleted user]]

Gundula wrote: "Belle wrote: "Did some people get the internet, like, yesterday? Gifs are a valid form of international communication on this here interwebz."

Just because they are valid does not mean I have to l..."

I think you're being overly sensitive here. You're not the only person complaining about the use of GIFs. Clearly, you've been vocal about your opinion towards these images and only wish for a way to block them. I don't think anyone is complaining about that.

The problem is the other posters who have called GIF users names like childish, illiterate, ADHD, etc. The people who think theirs is the only valid opinion. They are the problem. And if everyone came on here with a calm attitude, proposing a 'block' button, or some equivalent, instead of name-calling and pearl-clutching, there wouldn't be this animosity.

[[deleted user]]

Barbara wrote: "Since we have so many people's attention, I'd like to get rid of Comic Sans while we're at it. And Scriptina. Graphics that push beyond their sidebars. Clashing colors. That oil that collects on to..."

Nothing, nothing is worse that mismatched book sizes! BAN THEM ALL.

[Manybooks]

Bekka (Pretty Deadly Reviews) wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Belle wrote: "Did some people get the internet, like, yesterday? Gifs are a valid form of international communication on this here interwebz."

Just because they are valid does not ..."

I understand that, and some of the vehemence from both sides has been annoying (but the worst offenders have seemingly left this thread, so perhaps they and their vehemence are actually and hopefully no longer that much of a problem).

I don't know if GR could in fact implement a "block" button, but I would certainly be in favour of this. But I guess, that question will have to wait until it is answered by TPTB.

[[deleted user]]

Gundula wrote: "Bekka (Pretty Deadly Reviews) wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Belle wrote: "Did some people get the internet, like, yesterday? Gifs are a valid form of international communication on this here interwebz."
..."

I don't think they're ever going to implement a block button. But others have said there are a ton of image and GIF blocking software out there. I'm basically computer-illiterate, so I have no idea how to help.

I would prefer an image tag over images in all cases, like a spoiler tag, but automatic. I don't like gifs all over my feed, but I don't want to block them permanently either.

[Gabby]

WHAT IS THE POINT OF HAVING GIFs IF WE CAN'T USE THEM!!!!!!!!!!

[Katherine]

I did come calmly, asking for a block button and got mocked for being old and out of touch.

[Katherine]

None of the image blocking software works uniformly. At no point have I--vehement as I have been about the irritating nature of so many of the bloody things--said they should be banned. I say they aren't welcome, but that is not the same thing

I'm sorry, Gundela, that I have not "helpfully" left the thread.

[[deleted user]]

Old and out of touch? Was that before or after you said this, and I quote directly:

Oh, and I need to add...GOODREADS IS NOT YOUR BLOG. If you want GIFs on your tumblr where you and the rest of your drama club can laugh about it, fine. But this is a literate site for book reviews. "Literate" means "using words".

You imply people are illiterate, they are going to get nasty.

[Gabby]

JESUS! WHY ARE WE ARGUING OVER SOMETHING AS PETTY AS GIF FILES!! I'm guessing we ALL have something better to do than sit here and argue about pointless things like that. Life is too short to sit on a computer and be, like, "I hate gifs because yada yada yada." Really, is it really THAT important? Jeez, its just a damned picture! GET OVER IT! and, like said above- you can block the pictures- there, problem solved. because, whether you like it or not- they're gonna be there! Not everyone is going to stop using them for a handful of people inconvenience! Jeez, probably only ONE person is going to come out of this discussion and not use GIFs.
If Goodreads really hated GIFs that much, than we wouldn't be able to put them on there, would we? But we can. And i know almost no one is goign to listen to me- but if SOMEONE could agree that this discussion is pointless and i really don't see the point over arguing over something that is not gonna happen, than please tell me so i don't feel like the only one.