i would like to get some critiques...i posted a picture in the critique section today (for the first time)...i had to resize the image for the allowable upload size, and now the photo looks terrible...help???

It is a compromise between file size and quality.
I'm using Thumbs Plus 7.
I start out with an 8MP image, and resize to 75% of its size.
Then apply an unsmarp mask filter, then resize again.
And repeat that (unless a filter makes it look too artificial).
Until the size is nearly 640x480
Then the last resize is custom size to 640x480
Saving, I use the highest quality and sharpness that will give me an image within the size limit.

In Photoshop the save dialog will calculate the file size for you, so it's easier to get the right file size.
But you will have to compromise on JPEG quality settings to produce a small enough file to upload.

If I'm in a hurry, I apply one USM filter, and resize directly to 20% of original - I have a custom setup for that that I can run form a single function key. Also saves them in a sub-folder named "sized" under the original location..

I don't think it looks too bad - what are you seeing that I'm not? :) It is pretty small - I usually size photos at 600 on the long dimesion and leave the proportion on the other side. What software are you using for this? If it's Photoshop I can give you a step-by-step.

I don't think it looks too bad - what are you seeing that I'm not? :) It is pretty small - I usually size photos at 600 on the long dimesion and leave the proportion on the other side. What software are you using for this? If it's Photoshop I can give you a step-by-step.

i'm using the software that came with my camera...i'm seeing that it's not clear...it's all fuzzy...i guess i could use photoshop instead?

The software you use should be fine for resizing, I'm probably just not familiar with it. I could probably figure it out if it's Nikon View (which I have but only use as a viewer). Another option - that's free :D - is Irfanview (http://www.irfanview.com)