The discussion addresses the complexities of photon self-energy calculations in finite temperature field theory, particularly regarding the evaluation of tadpole diagrams. There is acknowledgment of a potential sign issue related to the vertices in the expressions, specifically the difference between the signs of the +-vertex and the --vertex. The distinction between three-momentum and four-momentum is clarified, with capital letters denoting four-momentum and small letters for three-momentum. The confusion surrounding the sign problem is noted, emphasizing that it arises from the time direction of the contour branches. Overall, the conversation highlights the intricacies involved in these calculations and the importance of conventions in defining vertex signs.