@wip re: proposed GIF change
hey @wip, I can't find your ask box so I'm tagging you instead.
The proposed changes to GIF files - namely, to change them to mp4s - would be incredibly detrimental to the fans on tumblr who make GIFs of media (shows, movies, games, etc). I mostly consume media I'm interested in through GIFs on tumblr, not only because they look significantly better than the original, but also because I don't want to spend a good amount of my time watching a show that isn't worth sacrificing that time for. I've tried to watch shows as they come out, but too often I'm disappointed by click-bait narratives, queerbaiting, portrayals of abusive relationships as 'normal,' and the like. I'm incredibly grateful to the folks who make GIFs on tumblr since I don't have to suffer through media that doesn't value me and my communities as their audience. Changing the file format of GIFs to mp4s would effectively kill off the amazing GIF ecosystem here on tumblr by drastically reducing the quality of these GIFs. This proposed change would also exclude users who don't have high bandwidth connections, exacerbating the internet gap and potentially reducing tumblr's user-base. I really value Automattic's respect for tumblr's users and communities, and hope that y'all continue to do so by similarly respecting the hard work and community of GIFers. I likewise appreciate that I'm able to provide feedback on these kinds of proposed changes as someone who cares about what my time on tumblr looks like.
