How do I insert an image into a post? Or do I just put a link to the image I want my players to see? I'm in a bit of a pickle.

Use the tag [img src=url] except with html style brackets, < and >.  Alternatively, you can just post the link to the image if it's quite large.

I usually shrink them down to not break the site's formatting.

Remember to be polite to other websites and not steal bandwidth: host the image somewhere like photobucket.  You'll be able to do basic photo manipulation like resizing there, too.

how do you shrink an image down ?

You have to use photo editing software or websites.  RPOL does not have an option to shrink images that are posted.

In reply to ShadoPrism (msg # 4):

If you have access to MS Paint or an equivalent program - you can usually use its Properties tab to change the overall size - or you can use the direct "resize" feature to do a scaled/proportionate resize.

Use canvas sizing for actually reducing area around the image (such as too much white space at the bottom).  Use resize to actually reduce the whole thing but maintain aspect ratio.

If you have access to programs like photoshop - you can usually use 'Trim' to eliminate white space or even make-transparent all white space.

And if you don't have access to any of those programs, many of the photo storage websites will allow you to change the size, orientation, or other aspects of the pics you are storing there.

I use photobucket - I have not figured out how to resize anything from their.
I admit I have a learning disability, learning new things literally gives me a bad head ache. One reason I am so slow to adopt new game systems. (I still play 2cd ed AD&D and VtM for example).

I use photobucket for all my pics.  If you're in your folder view, if you hover over a pic, you can see those three parallel lines in the upper left corner.  That drops down a menu that includes "Edit".  If you're viewing the picture individually, then look for the square with the paintbrush on it in the upper right of the pic.   Voila!  The ability to manipulate your photo at your fingertips.  ^_^

Ah cool, thanks Empryss.

Another simple means for quick resizing is Postimage.org

When you go to upload look down where it says 'resize' and the drop down menu says 'do not resize my image' <--- click that and select a size that works for you.

Once your pic uploads, right click the image for the link to post.

If you want an editor with more features (color/contrast/cropping/pic merging), Pixlr works well, both PC and mobile.