Topic: Changing avatars

[PhillipAEllis]

being a curious chap, and having just changed my avatar from a portrait of Mallarme, to a headshot of myself, I was wondering how often you decide to change your avatars, and whether you too would change one of yourself.

[markc]

  I can say that I do not really do Avatars and have them disabled on this laptop. I generally look for speed vs beauty when I do anything on a PC.
 I used to teach MCSE classes so I have spent a lot of time at a keyboard and want as little overhead and as good security as you can get.
MDC

[PhillipAEllis]

I hadn't known you'd disabled avatars, but had noticed you had chosen not to display one. Which is cool.

I'm the sort of chap that appreciates the chance to display good, clear headshots of myself over my range of social media & forum accounts, and while I loved having a cool portrait of Mallarme I got to a point where I thought that, using my own phiz, others could at least see me & relate to me more than otherwise.

Whatever floats your proverbial, I expect.

[Colin-ICE]

I never use headshots as avatars.

The name Colin Smith comes with a certain level of anonymity. Why ruin it by splashing pictures of myself around the web.

[PhillipAEllis]

Interesting point, there. I guess, since people connect more with an online presence if they can see it's you, rather than anyone else, that that's the reason for social media experts to recommend using your own headshot. There's also an element of consistency if you've multiple platforms, so that, say, if I see your face here, and elsewhere, I know it's the same Colin Smith. Know what I mean?

[intothatdarkness]

I usually base avatars (when I use them) on a project or idea I'm working on. Helps me focus.

[ironmaul]

I like avatars for quick identification purposes. It's quicker with eye recognition than type. Avatars are also like branding, like my "Taste of Happiness" avatar, I've had it for a long time and anyone seeing it knows who I am. I only have my real portrait on Facebook and Linkdin so that those who know me personally are sure that it is me that they are connecting with.

[PhillipAEllis]

That consistency of avatar use is what I was fumbling about: it's brand recognition, which you gain with your avatar (and it works on me), and which both myself and others achieve with our portraits. I don't always use the same image, but I try to use my name, as I try to use (where possible) variations on my r/l name (Phillip A. Ellis -- the "A." = Arthur) just as I have almost consistently worn a beard & moustache (and written poetry) since high school.

I certainly associate your "Taste of Happiness" avatr with you, Mr Maul.

[VladD]

There's a certain comfort in fake anonymity, but I like to think that people who put their face on Inet try to be more amicable and honest. The question with pictures usually is: is that a mugshot of him/ herself?

[PhillipAEllis]

It's a good question, especially with a too common tendency towards psedonymity, especially those faking reasonably well-known people, or anyone else for criminal purposes.

[KacyCrawford]

I like to use headshots as avatars.   

[PhillipAEllis]

It's a distinctive avatar you've got there, especially with the richly saturated purple in the centre.

[jdale]

In honor of this thread I am changing my avatar (or, rather, adding one for the first time). In case you're wondering, no, it's not a self-portrait.

[PhillipAEllis]

I like, jdale, either because of or in spite of the fact that I can't work out what it is.

[ironmaul]

Animal, mineral, or vegetable?

[PhillipAEllis]

you missed one, Mr Maul: animal, mineral, vegetable, or politician?

[jdale]

  Animal. Here's a link to the full image: http://madreporite.deviantart.com/art/Blue-Dream-209158623

[KacyCrawford]

It's a distinctive avatar you've got there, especially with the richly saturated purple in the centre.

I liked it:)