Replies

First, let me say I appreciate the time and effort taken by contributors who find and post material here. We are all beneficiaries of your labors.

These articles have educated me and fascinated me.

Having said that:
What does the large photo of the capitol dome add to the sense of the article? Very little.

These sometimes gratuitous and sometimes irrelevant photos slow FR down — for those few of us still on laggardly connections — and add the risk inherent in “Steganography.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steganography

In addition, I sometimes print off an article to read later, or to give to my wife, who does not “do” FR herself.
The unnecessary photos dress up the FR website appearance, but when it’s paper time, they burn up extra pages and ink, for no true value gained.

Again, I deeply appreciate the work you do — it helps me in gaining understanding.

Sometimes the photos are crucial to making a point, and sometimes they’re simply pretty or interesting, or are a visual end in themselves, such as the breath-taking astronomy photos of the day.

And sometimes they just aren’t really needed.

I know this is an unpopular opinion. Sorry ‘bout that.