Welcome to the photo forum Jared :]

what do they look for...

something unique, eyecatching
quality thumb & image
good composition
could be of a subject they just like
sometimes an intriguing title will do it

It takes time, doesn't happen right away
if it's comments you're after,
try commenting on a few yourself

how to improve...
it's good you ask that under your images
more likely someone will give you a constructive comment

but off hand, not knowing what cam you're using or settings...
your images look a bit over exposed/too light,
need some work compositionally...
& the last 2 images were rather large...
hope that wasn't too blunt :]

but keep shooting, best way to improve is shoot alot
read up on photography & check out other works for inspiration

noticed you asked about thumbs:

if you use photoshop the "save for web" works to keep it under 15K
see forum posts...

http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=1838585

here is another if you do not have PS or PSElements...

http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=2040499

http://www.irfanview.com/

www.fookes.com/
The program is called..Easy Thumbnails..so true and free (looks like i crossed with Doug there :)

Message edited on: 06/13/2005 01:00