Are Images Essential?

[Strongbow]

I was wondering how frequently people use images in their blog posts is it essential you have an image or do you use them sparingly?

[WhoJayBe]

Everyone has different opinions when it comes to including images, but I would say "definitely YES!" I compiled my 5 reasons to include images in EVERY post I think you should check out.

Let me know if you still have questions.

[Strongbow]

I think i am converted will try and do that with every post now thanks.

[bbrian017]

How do we make images look good? I mean when I add an image the text goes to close to it and looks bad! Do you understand what I'm saying?

[WhoJayBe]

Originally Posted by bbrian017

How do we make images look good? I mean when I add an image the text goes to close to it and looks bad! Do you understand what I'm saying?

Can you show us an example?

[bbrian017]

The next time I blog I'll bump this topic with an example! I just wish they would auto size, have a nice border etc..

[The University Kid]

@ Brian, if you get images from SXC.hu they tend to be decently sized for the average blog post

As for images in general, no, they're not needed. I promised I'd use more of them, but CBA... and I still get a decent amount of more comments than your average image blog.

People try to overdo it, and use images that look weird, or just aren't relevant. Remember, content is king, images are just a golden ring on top

[thenetfool]

Thanks for the SXC.hu University Kid!
I typically use iStockPhoto.com, they have some great images here.

I think that using images is a must, and I never complete a post until I have images in it to make it more appealing. Lets look at some of my examples:
1. Stock Pitch: Stock Market 2008 | Utilities Stocks That Shine | The Net Fool
2. Top Five List: Top WordPress Plugins | Monetize Your Blog With Ads | The Net Fool

They really draw interest and keep you interested in reading. If you are going for a more professional approach, then by all means limit your image use.
But since I like having articles that are easier to read, I use fun images to spruce things up

[Kacey]

You can also use some Flickr images. The ones with creative commons license and the By attitribute. Which means if you use the image, you give the photographer credit, you attribute it to them.

Here is a link that will search for only those images on Flickr:

Flickr creative commons license by attribute.

You can read more about Flickr licenses here:

Skelliewag

Just make sure that the image you're using falls under this license. It's easy to hop around on Flickr and get out of the licensing you think you're searching on.

[Ferox]

Or you can search on flickr and message the photographer for permission. So far they've always said yes to me.