We ask all members to keep embedded videos to the dedicated threads. The reason for this is that embedded videos consume a large amount of bandwidth, and cause pages to take a lot longer to load. It's not an issue for people with fast broadband connections, but it is an issue for those who have slower connections or who are using mobile phones. It is, in fact, a major inconvenience for those people. Even on a broadband connection, older systems can become bogged down with all embedded videos.
If embeds are confined to specific threads, then those people who do not wish to be subjected to them can choose to avoid those threads. Those who enjoy posting and watching/listening to embedded videos can carry on. I don't see anyone losing out in this set-up. All it requires is a modicum of self-discipline.
random embedding in a thread is okay, cos one or two videos don't really affect the thread load times ... just not in the music NO EMBEDDING thread
I understand where you're coming from, one embed on a page is not going to cause much of a problem, but "random embedding is okay" is a difficult rule to follow, or enforce. If enough people post "random" embeds on one page, this would amount to a problem. Which posts get edited? Who gets a bollocking? Who gets infractions?
I don't want to have to make judgments about who's gone daft with embeds and who hasn't. Careful judgement takes time and the moderators have limited time. It is much easier to say "no embeds are allowed, except in those threads where it is expressly permitted.
Does anyone not understand why it's a problem? Does anyone have an argument with our desire to keep such embeds confined to specific threads?
Full disclosure: I know I myself have occasionally posted embedded video in threads where it is not supposed to happen, I know sometimes we all have a lapse of judgement. But it seems that certain members
just don't give a fuck whatsoever :D I am asking you to please start giving a fuck.