hotlinking images, do you get any benfits when it comes to the search engines.

With SE's, I dont' think it makes a difference, but am not sure. The plan you have sounds good. I say go for it and evaluate the effects.

 

I'm starting to think it would have a problem because even though the image will be on the page, to copy the image to make a thumbail it means that the script has to directly open the image and then copy or resize it and their script will not be able to open it.

But even though, I am still going to do what I said and just have the thumbnails in googles image search. Atleast this will make there be a higher chance of them using the smaller image and then linking to the page so people can see the larger one.

 

Hotlinking can be a real issue, but, preventing it can be an issue also.

I prefer to watermark images. Then, whether hotlinked or outright stolen, you get some benefit from it. Sometimes I only protect the full-size images in a seperate folder. If you're creative with your watermark you can grab lots of fresh traffic. Some good, some bad. I guess I view it as cheap advertising

ie:
See more images at
www.yoursite.com

See the full size image at
www.yoursite.com

 

I love people who hotlink because usually people (like me) generally find out where the image is from through right click properties if the image amuses me.

and generally people will provide a source on forums, like "more images at blah blah".

and now, bandwidth is so cheap at most hosting companies like dreamhost and godaddy, it's alright with me.

 

Hey that's a nice try John...
Thanks for sharing... I will look if I can try this too