I was thinking of passing this link around for whomever wanted to chat.. share thoughts.. just say; "hey".

Only thing is.. not sure if the link works?
And, more so.. and to my point of resurrecting a discussion thread can people "Subscribe" to the discussion.. for updates / posts.


We shall see..

Les, I do hope this feature returns. Over the years, many of the site's features that added value have disappeared. I hope we get the discussion thread and have it on our left panel.

Also, for some time now, I have made attempts to renew my donation. I'm not sure when the PayPal link was disabled, but if Caedes would like a donation, it should be restored also. I did mention this before but did not hear back from anyone!

Another also, thanks for the fresh paint to the main gallerie and the timely upgrade of posts to "New Images." You are quite the morale builder.

Nice nice.

:)

___________________________________________________________


More to come, John, and I'll see about your queries as best I can. A number of navigational site items are gone.. need to re-familiarize / poke around some more.

Oh, and feel free to share this link with other members, I went through the "Most Active Members" list to reach some members.

I will do that. Good luck with the "Most Active Members" list as it has more than a few "non-artists" spammers. I think that in part, the reason our discussion threads were discontinued was because spammers took over the links and filled them with junk.

Les I'm here and link works fine. I'm glad your active again, the site could use refreshing! I did not know the paypal link was gone! I did use it the last time I did my membership. This is a great idea, and again thanks for giving new life to caedes I was able to subscribe.

Les, after reading Sandi's post, I went back to see if PayPal was now working and if so, I'd give it a go again. If it is in working order, it's being selective in that it is not working when I attempted to donate.

Les, thanks for this lovely initiative. In my comment on THIS IMAGE of Sandi I have given the link to this thread, in the hope that I've provided an easy way for Caedes-friends to check it out.

Hello everyone!

Ok, in no particular order..

John.. I went to the "Join The Cadre" link.. and, tried to make a donation / become a supporter. No go..

"Things don't appear to be working at the moment. Please try again later."

________________________________________________________________


I did get a little further into the 'donation process'.. by not entering a dollar amount directly while still on Caedes site.. and got to the PayPal site..

PayPal | caedes@caedes.net

But, in the end.. same thing..

"Things don't appear to be working at the moment. Please try again later."

Will have to message *caedes to see what's up.

__________________________________________________________________


Right, with that said..

Feel free to post your thoughts in this discussion thread.

MCGA!

(M.ake C.ades G.reat A.gain!

T-shirts and hats coming.. )

It's like.. I never left..

"Flood Control Error
You may only make one post every 20 seconds. Please go back and twiddle your thumbs for the remaining time."

______________________________________________________________

A big thank you.. to the members and those that were working behind the scenes to keep things going.

Yous know who you are..

Fred Rogers: Look for the Helpers

:o)

I just tried pay pal and had no luck. :(

For those that were wondering about PayPal.. I've messaged Geri; aka *caedes.. will apprise once I get a response.

(*goes back to twiddling thumbs..*)

It is nice to have you return Les. I am sure that we all are hoping you are able to stay around.

Ok, little update..

When I first logged in.. there were over 3,000 images still in queue for the "New Images". I think these images had yet to have one of the Caedes Consuls or Praetors give their approval.


So.. been working through these "New Images" to one; approve and two; as a means of going through images that could be promoted to the "Main Galleries".

That number of "New Images" is now.. sitting at 620.

____________________________________________________

And if you've not taken a look as of late.. encourage you to do so.. and feel free to provide some feedback..

Caedes.net "Main Galleries"


After all., it is "our" site.

:o)

@Tomeast

"I am sure that we all are hoping you are able to stay around."

__________________________________________________________________

Careful what you wish for..

:oP

'K, wondering here.. pondering, too..


What is everyone using to edit their photos and / or create their images?

I had Adobe CS2?
I think it was.. but, that's long gone, sadly.

I did some googling and this was a decent listing of some options available:

Photoshop alternatives: The 9 best free photo editors in 2024

^ Anyone using any of those listed?


'Cause.. lemme tell ya.. Windows Photos ain't cutting it.

Les, I still use Adobe CS6.

I'm using Photoshop CC 2019
GIMP is free program for image editing, and Affinity photo is a pay once Photoshop alternative. If you're looking id suggest trying GIMP and see how it works for you.

@Phil2001..

Thanks for the information and suggestions.

I had The GIMP installed some time back.. definitively a powerful editor.. just not particularly intuitive (for me, at least). Might have to take a look at the recent version to see what, if any, changes have been made.

Affinity Photo 2.0.. might be worth a look as well.

Thanks, again.. appreciate your time.

:o)

Les! Here's some cookies for ya! Take a break (LOL)!

Nice to see ya back again!

"What is everyone using to edit their photos and / or create their images?"

I have several free programmes but hardly use them as my ancient Paint Shop Pro X does most of what I want to do. Perhaps what I am capable of doing would be a fairer description.

Occasionally I pop in to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.3 and waste time in there - then return to old faithful PSP :)

I use photofiltre studio on my computer and on my phone I use the edit options on the phone, and sometimes snapseed.

Thanks to all above.

I, for one, really appreciate everyone taking the time to add to this facet of the discussion. It has been most helpful and informative for me.. as I find myself without a decent image editor at the moment.

Going to sift through the comments once again.. add in some googling.. should be almost good good to go (finding the time, is the thing.. see further below) thanks, peeps.

:o)

________________________________________________________________

The backlog of "New Images" is now standing at..

(*drum roll..*)

... ** 235 **


Still finding "Main Galleries" worthy images to promote.

:o)

Just a quick update..

The "New Images" are, in fact, up to date now.

!! ** YaY ** !!

Ahem..


What remains is an odd assortment of mostly ad bots.
Left them for *caedes to slice and dice.
He likes carnage.

And.. speaking of "carnage".. this was a fun discussion..

How do You Pronounce Caedes?

... I don't think the matter has ever been settled?


How do *you* pronounce; "caedes"?

Update..

Just found out from an e-conversation with John; aka casechaser that notifications for images promoted to the "Main Galleries" seems to have been disabled, not functioning.

So..


No secrets here.. to give a glimpse of what has been transpiring behind the scenes regarding promotions to the "Main Galleries", what has been done, thus far, is..

For the most active members.. and depending on how prolific of a poster that member was/is.. went back in their personal galleries up to 50 pages of 12 images each. It was at this point in time of postings.. that images promoted by either; +animaniactoo or +Piner started showing up. So, felt.. had gone back far enough.. for the time being.

Then, as mentioned, and aside from the "Most Active Members" list.. kept an eye on the "New Images" and members/artists that might have overlooked.. and, again.. went to personal galleries.

And, as a result of the e-conversation with John.. another avenue.. member's "Journal" entries of images.

In short.. getting there and to everyone's personal galleries ... slowly, but, surely.


If *you* haven't looked at the "Main Galleries" in a while.. I heartedly suggest you do ... there's 30+ pages of 12 images per of 'new' promotions.

And, I bet *you* find yourself well-represented.

:o)

A big thank you Les for the work you have done so far. I'm so glad your back!! tigs=^..^=

I use Digital Photo Professional 4 that I downloaded when I bought my new canon camera. I try a few edits first before cropping and resizing to see if the photo is going to work out. I then undo all the edits and crop. I go back and start editing again. The last thing that I do it resize.I have found this gives me the best quality image. Not sure it is the correct way to do things but it works for me.

Tada!! I am here as well:):) Hey, Les. is anyone running the site at all? I'm not surprised so much has happened in the last 5 years, or to tell the truth, what has NOT happened:?):) My activity has obviously dropped off immensely over the last year or more but it's nice to see you back here. I have used Paint.net since the day I joined Caedes and have in the past used Xaos, Chaoscope, ChaosPro, Sterling2, but now I use Paint.net, inPixeo,easyHDR 3 and sometimes Photoscape.Did you say you were in contact with one of the Mods?:)

Ok, I think I found the discussion that will shed some light on the questions surrounding; editing, resizing and uploading to the site.

"Image Quality"

For those that prefer the "TL,DR" version.. this one comment from one of the site's most respected photographers/Praetor/Aediles; mayne sums it up..

"Everytime you save a jpg file you will loose quality. So the when it gets to Caedes it has been saved at least three times."

^ It is a comment dovetailing on previous posts.. but, end results still remain the same.

Edits performed will degrade your image.. some.

Resizing.. will degrade your image.. some.
And, possibly more.. depending on the file format chosen, ie. jpg, PNG, etc.

Then.. when the site gets it's mucky fingers on your image and creates the various sizes.. your image gets degraded.. some.
_____________________________________________________________

@Tomeast..

I think.. have to inform myself some more.. that.. I would, in terms of work flow on an image and post processing / sweetening..

1) Perform any edits, adjustments on the largest file size, or, what came out of your camera / phone.
Original size / file is what we want.

2) Crop, if needed.

3) Save as PNG file.. upload to site.
______________________________________________________________


Found another relevant discussion.. started by yours truly..

"Image sizes and resolutions."

^ Again, some of our resident heavyweights (read; "those in the know") weighed in on the discussion. Interesting read, im my opinion.

I am going to work on getting my images saved as a PNG file once again. I read the links Les. I have used photoshop and lightroom and did not really like the results. I believe that the photo software has advanced a lot since those last chats in reference to sharpening especially. For instance The DPP 4 photo software that I use is sort of idiot proof. It automatically sharpens the image and I find it to be to my liking and often leave it. With the click of a button it will optimizes things without having to get into a lot of editing. Some good and some not so good. I usually do the tweaking myself and do not rely on the auto settings available. I do use the raw files as well.

^ Oh, dear... 'they' found us..

Oh darn they sure did!

Just looking above us.. wondering where Tom(east) is / has been?

Noticed him missing in the new images queue, as of late.

:o|


Was looking forward to more scenes like this from Tom..

"Snow Upstream"

... ...

That sounds a tad selfish on my part.

Kinda sorta like a backhanded compliment..

"Ohh! That new haircut looks great on you since you've put on all that weight!"

'K, think we can call off the hounds where Tom(east) is concerned..

"Membership:6/08/07 19:41 - 14/01/25 18:38"

Been working long hours Les. Waiting for snow for photos but none so far. Hope to be present more soon.

Got a little.. little concerned, Tom.

Nice to 'see' you back.


No rush on the photos.. can push things off till next Tuesday..

Have a look for yourselves..

Main Galleries

... 'bout, five (5) + new pages of promotions.


Take a bow, peeps.

:o)

Sidebar: Finding the site a bit wonky today.

Got a double post.

And a redirect to a page with nothing on it, save the letter "I" or something.. while approving images.

Been alerted to a situation with regards to some unsavory spam bots leaving comments/messages on member's images and personal profile pages (I was one of the unlucky ones to experience this facet).

So.. what to do?


First.. submit a complaint.

By clicking on..

"6/01/20 4:50
complain message"

... this will open a page to summit the reason for complaint, etc.


And / or..

Contact *caedes directly..

"Any official communications and inquiries related to caedes.net should be directed to caedes via personal message or to caedes@caedes.net via email. For phone contact numbers, please make a request via email and a contact number will be provided."

That time again.. time to refresh the "Main Galleries".

And, once more..
About five (5) new pages (at 12 per page) of promotions have been added.


Colour me.. impressed.

:o)


Seriously.. good good work, peeps.

We'll forgo the taking of bows.. 'cause.. if your back is feeling anything like mine is after having shoveled snow last week (and the week before and..).. polite smiles and pats on the back all around.

"About five (5) new pages (at 12 per page) of promotions have been added."

I stand corrected.. make that..

'Six (6) plus new pages (at 12 per page) of promotions have been added.'

Good good stuff.

Ya know..

Ain't nothing stopping us from running a contest.. winner.. promotion to the "Main Galleries" as chosen by the participating members in the contest.

Give the "Main Galleries" a bit of bump and different perspective/look, possibly.


"We" can flesh things out for the contest here, if interested.

Something like..

Vote for topic
SIx (6) weeks to submit
One (1) week for voting
Announce "winner"

My opinion about the possible revival of the contest phenomenon is given in my comment on the Digital Artists contribution of Les.

I like to use this opportunity as well to express my sincere appreciation for the attempts of Les to breathe new life into Caedes and to re-enthuse members for this unique site.

Sorry for our absence, Animaniactoo and I are still around, we have just been working full time + more. Things have slowed down for me , so you will be seeing me around the site and see your images get approved quicker.

Helloooo, anybody here?...................Apparently not :( Guess I will just pull up an easy chair, help myself to something cold to drink, put on some
SOULFUL MUSIC, and indulge my visual senses as I check out all the new images, (those in the video too) and hopefully, somebody will show up to interrupt me as I talk to myself. *Turns the lights down low and settles in*

Let me explain my thinking here...on another discussion board, Tom (Piner) asked for our suggestions on how the site might be updated. John made a number of suggestions, among which was a reinstatement of the discussion boards. I added my support to that idea, as I'm sure others would like to see also. If that request is to be taken seriously, perhaps we should first demonstrate that we would actually USE the discussion boards. So what better way to do that than to make use of THIS space that Les has graciously offered to us. We can chat about stuff on the site, or ANY every day thing. Just nothing of a sensitive nature, like politics, religion etc. So...come one come all!

Sorry about taking so long to respond, Pat, I was listening to Daniel Castro and lost my place while watching time go by.

As for my thoughts about the discussion boards; they were a very well thought out grouping of topics and subjects. Some of the boards were frequently used and some rarely. It was a freedom on the site to speak up when you felt a need to do so. So, if you were so moved to post a thought, there was probably a category in the discussion boards just for you and your topic. That's what I would like to see returned. The freedom to speak out when I want to and have that place on the site to do it!

Perfectly understandable, John. I've been known to get lost in the music myself at times :) Did you happen to listen to Daniel Castro via the link I provided? What did you think of the sketches and paintings in that video? I was extremely impressed.


On the matter of the discussion boards, I understand, John, and I remember the different categories. As I recall, unless there was a specific issue re: the site or other art related topics, the most frequented discussion board was the off-topic board where members just posted all kinds of random and sometimes silly topics. It was a fun way for members to mingle apart from their comments on the images themselves.
So, what I would like to see is a reinstatement of at least 2 separate discussion boards...one to post questions, concerns etc. re: the site etc. and a second just for fun, the off-topic board.

I have also been toying with the idea of resurrecting THIS but perhaps our numbers have diminished so much that it wouldn't be worth the while. What do you think?

So now that I've talked your ear off, I'll leave you for now with one good ear :)

To be honest, I found Daniel Castro via your link. I also found the sketches to be unusual and fantastic!

The request to us for suggestions was on 03/19/2026. The Black and White contest ended on 04/09/2026. The slug problem was fixed and I for one appreciate it immensely. Thoughts on any of these?

Well...yes, I have saved the link to that discussion board by Piner but haven't visited it recently. I did notice the b/w contest through Les. I had no plans to enter but eagerly await the results.

As for slugs...I gather there was a huge problem with that in my absence and I am happy to know that the issue has been dealt with. Since I've come back, I have noticed a large number of questionable new members in '25 and '26. When I click on their usernames to see what images they may have, none of them have any images, nor to my knowledge, have posted any comments, which I find strange, and may be the source of the slug problem.

Finally...what do you think of the possibility of resurrecting SNATM?

Pat, I was a constant contributor to SNATM. But I do fear we may not have the quantity of artists necessary to have an interesting on-going enterprise. But then, even if it becomes just a handful of participants who enjoy posting in it, it is still something of enjoyment for them. And ultimately, isn't enjoyment of showing our art why we are here?

Yes, John, I remember your contributions in SNATM and appreciated your participation. I also appreciate and value your opinions on the question I posed above. So...I will hold off on that for now until I've had the chance to ask a few more people and we'll see what the general consensus is. It's been nice chatting with you, John. Hope to do so again in the near future. Have a great day :)

By the way, John, I can 'play the blue'...and no, that wasn't a typo. I have a blue acoustic guitar and I can play it...admittedly, not nearly so well as Daniel Castro, or most other people, for that matter :) It is currently at my daughter's place. When I get it back, maybe I'll snap a picture of it and post it.

What's the formula to create links? I've been away for so long that I sort of forgot.

I sent you a pm, Sherree. Hope it makes sense.

Pat

So here it is just past 2 a.m. in my time zone...my hours can be rather mixed up at times...and so can some of my ideas be at this so-so late hour :)....I have a question or two...what do you think of the proposition of resurrecting
THIS old idea? Are our number of active members too few to make it worthwhile? Any one who may happen to visit this discussion board, please leave your answer to those questions below, or send me a pm. Many thanks.




AND....since I seem to have the place to myself, may as well put on a couple tunes...
HERE is a young girl I found to be quite talented...and again

HERE

Don't know what Les is going to say when he finds I've been fooling around on his discussion board but this is what can happen...when the cat's away, the mice will play :)

Pat, in theory it is a nice idea. Personally I doubt there are enough active members to make it worthwhile. Not very many seemed to participate in the past. Maybe if it were a once a month day. Do you see it as a contest or just a participation idea?
On reflection, hey, why not ? Those that can and want to will, and those us us not so talented can enjoy the efforts of others :)

Thank you very much, Lyn, for your imput. You made a few different points that have the wheels turning.........We shall see :)

To danika, here is how to make a link:

Link, casechaser

Thanks for removing the offending post.

Yes, let me add my thanks and appreciation for that as well :)

So far, not many visitors have responded to my invitation to join me here. Maybe my friend, John, will show up to keep me company.....

Meanwhile, to cheer myself up, I'll watch a little
COMEDY

Thank you, John.

Just pulled up, put some neat blues on from YouTube, and am ready for whatevers!

Hi John, sorry I missed you. I'm a bit of a night owl so didn't get up very early today. Thanks for dropping in. Maybe next time leave a link so we can see what you've been listening to. Sandi told me she enjoyed the comedy link I left above.

And....for anyone else who happens to take a peek in here, I would encourage you to leave a quick hello, a comment on something, maybe tell us what you're up to that day, post a link, tell us a joke, whatever. We should try to liven this place up a little....or John and I might just turn the music up full blast and really wreak havoc in here :)

Drum roll:

"I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug."

"Today at the bank, an old lady asked me to help check her balance. So I pushed her over."

"Nobody is completely useless because they can always be used as a bad example."

"Why do people love you if you donate a kidney, but if you donate five kidneys, they call the police?"

Putting the heat to your blood tonight:

Stayin' Alive, AltMusic Lab

LOL, funny, funny lines, John, and I REALLY enjoyed the music. Great stuff! If people don't check things out here they don't know WHAT they're missing.

The one and only Eric Clapton

AFTER MIDNIGHT

WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS

GROANING THE BLUES

Eric Clapton is one of the greatest of all time. There is an YouTube video documenting his invite by George Harrison to play and record on While My Guitar Gently Weeps. John Lennon, at the time was against any outsider participating on a Beatle song and he felt Clapton was more into notes than music. I heard that Clapton came into the studio, played the solo and won Lennon over. To such an extent that Lennon told everyone that will be the take for the solo. When George left the group (for 12 days as it turned out) Clapton was the one that John and Paul were considering asking to join if George did not return.

Yes, there are a few really amazing guitarists out there. I think Clapton may be my favorite. I really like his style. Thank you, John, for all that background info you've provided. I knew he played on George Harrison's recording of that song but was not aware of all the other stuff going on behind the scene.

Yes, speaking of 'amazing' Gamazda definitely fits into that category.
Thanks for the link, John. People should check that out...I know I will.

The Dark Side Of The Moon 50th Anniversary - 2023 Remaster - Full Album, Pink Floyd

Oh, I really like Pink Floyd, John! I remember years ago, setting my clock radio to get up in the morning, and I would often wake to the strains of one Pink Floyd song or another. Needless to say, I didn't get up right away but continued to lay there and listen :) Thank you for sharing this one.

They were incredible musicians and performers.

Anybody here at Caedes left-handed? I'm a south paw. Did you know that if you are right-handed it means that the left side of your brain is dominant, and if you're left-handed it means that the right side of your brain is dominant. It's true. Which only goes to prove, that left-handed people are the only ones in their right mind :):):)

You're not going to believe this but I am also left handed. And blue eyed (all blue eyed people have a common ancestor). All my youth, teachers and other adults would take things out of my left hand and put them into my right hand.

When I was stationed in Taiwan, I was told that I was insulting the chef by eating left handed.

The good old days...

I might have known that of all the people currently here at Caedes, you would be the leftie :) I do not have blue eyes. My eyes are dark brown, so dark in fact, that you have to stand very close to me to see that they are brown. They actually look black from a distance. They tried to change me too but I stood my ground :) Living in a right-handed world, I do do a lot of things with my right hand but when it comes to writing or anything that requires finesse or a delicate touch, it's my left hand.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles

Thanks, John, for that link. Have not listened to that one in a long time.

And HERE is an old one I always liked...the added humor in it too.

Pat I hadn't heard that song by James Taylor before. A funky James Taylor! "Well, that I'm a steamroller for you, baby
I really like to roll all over you
Yes, I'm a steamroller for you baby
Like nothing better than to roll all of you"
James has given "You've got a friend" some extra meanings!

Here is something which may not steamroller anybody, but it will reach your sole and make your feet get up and dance!

Sade ‐ Greatest Hits ‐ Full Album 2023

"James has given "You've got a friend" some extra meanings!"
LOL, he sure has, John.

And thank you for the Sade link...definitely one I will check out.

Oh, thank you, John, for the above link! You know I like Eric Clapton,
This will be great to watch :)

Eric Clapton is one of my favorites too but Jack Bruce was one of the great bass players and Ginger Baker on the drums would be hard to beat too.

Absolutely...I agree.

Looks like John and I are the only ones that come here so...we've got the whole place to ourselves. What do you feel like doing, John? Feel like doing some
EDGE-WALKING with me?

OMG, that looked like it was a lot of fun. I would want two sets of cables holding me, however, and maybe a couple neat bourbons to support my normal brave demeanor.

One of the best all-time recordings of Long Time Gone, by Tom Jones, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Thanks for that link, John I've never heard that recording before. Boy, that Tom Jones had a powerful voice and I always liked Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. As was often the case, Neil looks a little out of it, lol.

Pat, I have seen a lot of comments on this video about Neil's appearance and Crosby's and Stills's apparent appreciation of Tom's performance singing their song. CSN&Y were just doing a TV appearance but, I think, were amazed at the talent Tom Jones brought with him into the song. I can listen to this video over and over again. It's just a great recording!

Thank you to whoever removed the slug post that was here earlier this morning.

I want to thank Piner for restoring the new pictures today that had been, somehow, removed. He acted very quickly and got everything restored and back to normal!

My appreciation as well, Tom :)

Here's a thought. I once proposed that we be given the option to accept or refuse a comment before it gets posted on our work. What if Caedes would consider a modification to that idea. All comments from people on your friends list are automatically accepted. All other comments are to be reviewed by the artist receiving them for content and are accepted or denied based on that review. If not the friends list, some other "new" list that is controlled by us. These slugs keep coming. We are an easy target. The slug today was on-line, in Caedes for 50 minutes doing its damage. What if none of its slime made it to our art, unless we approved it! What does everyone think.

I just noticed the slug slime has been cleaned up. Thank you Tom.

Well, I for one, think that's a pretty good idea John has re: accepting comments. And may save us all a lot of grief down the road from any further potential slug problems And...thank you very much, Tom, once again :):)

My ability to give out "creds" isn't working. Anyone else having the problem?

Mine doesn't work either, John. Plus, I've noticed that you can't look at anything on the site without being logged in. Perhaps it's all some effort to deter or prevent the work of slugs.

John, I've the same problem concerning to give out credits. I've sent Piner (Tom) a PM and asked him to check whether something went wrong after the recent Caedes-site update.