Of course they can :) erm, this might be rather simplistic but why can't people trying reading the threads that interest them the most and forget about the other ones. If images are a pain then skip those threads. If math makes your head ache, then skip those threads! In concern for slow connections around here I would however limit images to specific sizes. They can always be linked to their larger counterpart in the persons gallery after all. I do tend towards thinking that this isn't a gallery but DO want to see images illustrating a point or initiating a discussion such as the one called Bryce Fractal. There were some very good images in that thread that both sparked the conversation and illustrated techniques and meanings.