User Data Question?

[ArcGames]

Question, I am using php and mysql. I am creating a user profile for every member that joins my site. They will be able to upload pics, info, videos, etc, etc. The question I have is this......

Would it be best to create a table that stores each piece of data (pics, video, info, et..etc.) into the table for each user, or would it be best to create a seperate directory for each user, have the data stored in each user's directory, have a reference to each piece of data stored in the table, then when the data is to be used, pull the reference from the table to use the data?

Or is there a different way to go about it?

Please your opinions and advice is greatly needed and appreciated, please?

Thanks!

[dagon]

the general rule of thumb is that it is better to store pics and other binary data as a file, you can put the file name\location and any other details you need in a db. I would not create a dir per user (although it has merits) i would use one dir and uniquely name files on upload.