LJ Etiquette - Using Cut-Tags
This tutorial is to help those who:
- Don’t know what a cut-tag is.
- Don’t know when it is appropriate to use cut-tags.
- Don’t know how to use cut-tag.
What are cut-tags?
Cut-tags are used to “hide” all or part of your journal entry behind a link. Readers can click the link to see the “hidden” part of your entry.
When should I use cut-tags?
Cut-tags are mainly for the consideration of those that may be reading your entries. It gives your reader the choice to click the link and continue, or to scroll past if they prefer. In the case of images, using cut-tags helps pages to load faster. These are some of the most common examples of when cut-tags should be used.
1. Adult images or content. Not everyone on your reading list appreciates or is of age to view adult content. It is also a violation of policy in many LJ communities to post adult content without the use of cut-tags, and complaints can be made to the LJ staff if non-cut images, icons, or entries are found to be “offensively indecent”. I also recommend posting a disclaimer so that readers will have an idea what is behind the cut-tag, and can make an informed decision to click or not. Example: “Warning - Adult content”
2. Controversial images or content. This applies to anything that may elicit strong emotional reactions in others. Religion, politics, abortion, etc. are examples of some topics that can easily upset or offend others. I also recommend posting a disclaimer so that readers will have an idea what is behind the cut-tag, and can make an informed decision to click or not. “Example: “Political Rant”
3. Non-work safe images or content. This is primarily for the consideration of your readers that sneak a peek at LJ while at work. Foul language, provocative images, etc. are non-work safe. The best rule of thumb, if it would be inappropriate to be displayed on an office desk, then it should be put behind a cut-tag. I also recommend posting a disclaimer so that readers will have an idea what is behind the cut-tag, and can make an informed decision to click or not. Example: “Non-work safe language”
4. Spoilers for movies or TV shows. Movies and TV shows are often not screen/viewed at the same times in different countries and time zones. Readers that haven’t yet viewed the movies and/or episodes will not appreciate seeing plot points and other details being posted openly. Use cut-tags with a spoilers disclaimer. Example: “Lost episode 3:6 - spoilers”
5. Large sized images. Large sized images should be placed behind cut-tags because they can bog down dial-up users, and often will distort other user’s layouts if your entry shows up on their friends page. Images that are large enough fill up your entry area should be placed behind a cut-tag with a large image disclaimer. Example: “Firefly Wallpaper - not dial-up friendly”
6. Multiple images. More than a couple of images, even smaller ones, can unnecessarily bog down dial-up users. Use a cut-tag with a disclaimer so they can choose to click or not. Example: “Photos - not dial-up friendly”
How do you use a cut-tag?
When posting an entry using “rich text” mode…
1. Click the icon on the LJ update tool bar that looks like this:
2. An Explorer User Prompt window will pop up.
3. There will be a default text of “Read more…” You can leave this or type in your own text, such as a disclaimer. Click OK. This text will become the link to the rest of your entry.
4. You entry window will then look like this:
Notice the gray area with the text: Type your cut contents here. This where you place your entry or images that you want to be behind the cut-tag. Anything in the gray area will be hidden behind the cut-tag link. The link will have to be clicked in order for the reader to see that part of your entry. Anything not in the gray area will show up outside of the cut-tag in the entry and is immediately viewable to someone scanning your journal.
If preferred, the entire entry can be typed first. Then you can highlight the section of the entry you’d like to place behind a cut-tag, and click the cut-tag icon on the tool bar. Then follow the steps 2. and 3. as listed.
When posting an entry using html mode:
1. Use the following html tags to frame the part of your entry you want hidden.
(remove asterisks for use)
<*lj-cut text="descriptive text here"*>
Place this in front of the part of your entry you want hidden. The descriptive text will become the link to the rest of your entry.
<*/lj-cut*>
Place this at the end of the part of your entry you want hidden.
Anything after this “closing” tag will be visible outside of the cut-tag. Anything between the above html tags will be placed behind a cut-tag link and will only be visible once the reader clicks the link.