PLEASE READ: Regarding posting pictures/links with graphic photos of the deceased

[Cubby]

Please take a moment to read this explaination regarding using outside links which include very graphic photos of the deceased.

Rule of thumb. Think that if you have a missing family member and happen to see a body found nearby where your family member went missing you might open the thread here at WS for more information regarding the unidentified person found. In some cases, cleaned up morgue photos are appropriate, in others those photos would simply be far too disturbing for family to see. WS is a 'victim/victim family' friendly site and we always need to keep that forfront in our decision making and rules.

In some cases, we have threads discussing human decomposition for those sleuthing a case and having general questions. In that case, links with more graphic photo's are permitted because only those interested in information regarding human decomp will be viewing those threads.

Regarding the removed link to NamUs with the extremely graphic photo's. It is likely those pictures are necessary for LE or ME but should not have been made available to non logged in members not already verified as LE or ME.

In cases such as what we saw today, Along with the graphic picture warning, please copy the appropriate case details along with the case number and link to main page of site for which the info and pictures were found. That way rather than risking someone clicking a link going directly to any very graphic pics, the reader can go outside WS with the info such search themself if they so choose.

Please use your best judgement when linking, or ask myself or another mod first if you have any questions or are unsure if a link is appropriate.

Thanks for understanding and thank you all for all the hard work and hours dedicated to the missing and unidentified!

Cubby

 

[Cubby]

Please do not copy and paste post mortem photos within the body of a thread. It is best to post a link to a photo hosting site or the source of the photo and allow the reader the choice as to whether or not they would like to or are comfortable viewing post mortem photo's.

Depending on how graphic the photo is, please add the disclosure:

Warning: Post mortem photo at attached link.

-or-

Warning: graphic photo at attached link.

While some of our members may have no problem with viewing such photo's when sleuthing for possible matches, we have to remember one of the main focuses at WS within the missing and unidentified forums is a resource for family of the missing to find support or information regarding their missing loved one.

It may be simpler to just copy and paste, but by doing so and posting a general message in the title of a thread it does not indicate to the reader where within the thread those pictures might exist, and for those uncomfortable with seeing such pics it may prevent them from opening a thread and seeing pages of pages of fantastic discussion and great sleuthing.

While some pictures may be very clean, in the past we have had family request post mortem photo's be removed after a family member was id'd. In some cases, it has taken mod and admin hours upon hours to do so. hence it would be most appropriate for ALL users and readers of WS to have some general guidelines and the choice on which photo's they wish to view or not view.

While this may be a little inconvenient for some to take the time to link and open to see a side by side or a post mortem photo for comparison, it is the best choice for ALL members and readers using WS and our goal to be a source of support and information for family of the missing.

thank you for understanding.

Questions? Please utilize the threadiquette link here within the UID forum.

Threadiquette- Questions about rules welcome here - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community


Thank you!

Cubby