Do we still need to download-upload images from WIkimedia Commonsto use on Wikitree?

Question

Do we still need to download images from Wikimedia Commons then upload (with full attribution) to Wikitree to use an image on a Notable person's profile?

I'd like to use something like [[image:Harold Ball.jpg]]" or  "[[image:commons:Harold Ball.jpg]]" to include an image of Harold in a profile or space page, rather than duplicate the image as advised in the response to a question 5 years ago at https://www.wikitree.com/g2g/708356/how-does-one-include-a-wiki-commons-image-for-notable-person ?

Is it possible to include Commons images directly in WT pages now?

Thank you

Answer 1

Do we still need to download-upload images from WIkimedia Commonsto use on Wikitree?

The short answer is yes.

The long answer is:

There are two ways to do what you are describing. Hotlinking and InstantCommons (a feature of MediaWiki 1.13.0 onwards that allows the usage of any uploaded media file from the Wikimedia Commons in another MediaWiki installation).

WikiMedia itself does not recommend hotlinking. Additionally, WikiTree does not support InstantCommons since we are running a highly customized version of MediaWiki which predates InstantCommons.

Therefore, the recommended approach for using images on WikiTree is to download them from Wikimedia Commons, and then uploading them to WikiTree, ensuring proper attribution. This method ensures compliance with license terms, supports WikiTree's mission, and allows for consistency within the platform.

Comments

Thank you Steven for the clarification, I appreciate it. I code, so I understand the problems with Hotlinks. Downloading from & uploading to have always been my preferred way of sharing images. That way I don't have to wonder what random code they are going to throw to bollox up the page.

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Thank you.

I was hoping for something similar to how Commons images seamlessly integrate to Wikipedia as if they are Wikipedia images. I guess that's what InstandCommons would give if it were possible.