Navigating the galleries is so easy that it's unlikely you will need any help. If you experience problems then either the server is working slowly, or you should look first at the software you are using. Certain browsers may have problems, though we have tested with all the major ones. But more likely, certain instances of Norton can create problems with their default ad-blocking settings which incorrectly identify images as being adverts when they are not. If you still need help you can always visit the Message Board. Registration problems: While you can view and download the images freely, if you want to use the advanced features such as lightbox, e-card, upload etc, you have to register. While that is normally simple, do remember that a lot of ISPs have spam filters and you may not receive the activation e-mail unless you set your mail account to allow mail from afterdarkfantasies.com. Uploading to the general galleries: First off, you can only upload to the main galleries, not to individual artist's areas. That means you can upload when you are in areas such as Asphyxiation, Vore, etc. The Upload button will be active at those places. NOTE: Items uploaded do not appear straight away. They have to be checked by the Admin to make sure they are suitable. Artwork should be your own creations, not stuff you found lying about elsewhere. Images should be appropriate to the area you upload to, and do remember that we will not tolerate stupidity or child porn. Anyone trying to abuse this facility will be barred from the site and may be reported to the authorities if they upload CP. Uploading to individual artist galleries: If you are given your own named gallery then you should not upload into the general area. Artwork can be mailed to Chupacabra for adding, or we may be able to arrange for you to have the ability to upload direct into your own gallery. To apply for your own gallery with direct upload contact Chupacabra. Uploading to the Library: This works exactly the same as uploading images except a thumbnail is not needed. Since these use a default icon, adding the story name and maybe a short description, will help viewers. NOTE: All stories must be in Acrobat PDF format. Creating a PDF: Shareware and freeware libraries have a selection of tools for turning a normal document into a PDF. These are very easy to use as they act as virtual printers. Instead of printing to a normal printer, you 'print' to a PDF creation program which does all the work for you. If you make a document in a word processor, you can retain all the layout and embedded pictuires in the PDF file, making it much more versatile than if you gave your fans a simple text document. File Naming: Many people use Windows software that has a rather lax attitude to what is allowed in file names. But the internet is not so tolerant. So if you want your pictures to be activated, and you want people to be able to view them, you need to follow these guidelines: - File names should not contain spaces - File names should not contain extended characters like ' ! ? etc. Just a - z and 0 - 9 - If you include the _ in file names the picture will show with spaces in the title. So if you call a picture The_Fat_Cat.jpg, the gallery will title it The Fat Cat. - File names should not be too long. No more than 15 characters including the extension. If you need to explain what the picture represents, you can do that in the 'artist's comments' box when you upload it, not in the file name. - File numbering is rigid, unlike Windows. If you need to keep a sequence of pictures in order, don't vary capitalisation in the names and don't use numbers like 1, 2 .... 10, 11. For example - file1.jpg, File2.jpg, file11.jpg, File236.jpg will not show in order. Name them file001.jpg, file002.jpg. file010.jpg, file011.jpg, file236.jpg. Individual Galleries: If they want, artists can apply to have their own sub-gallery within a section (or sections) instead of posting in the general galleries. Apply for this by writing to Chupacabra. Galleries will need a good selection of artwork, not just a couple of images. Linkbacks: If you have a web site and use ADF to promote it by means of the artist comments, having your own gallery here, or by adding a URL to your images, then you also need to provide a reciprocal link to ADF on your own site. This can either be one of our banners (below) or a text link. Mail Chupacabra with the URL of our link at the time you upload your images, so that it can be verified. Our banners: Link to http://afterdarkfantasies.com. Do not hotlink to these images.