We all have one. An avatar, that little image that identifies you on Gather. Some choose to use the generic Gather logo. Some use a real or doctored photo of themselves, or kids, or pets or objects. Some hide behind an image that obscures everything about them including gender. If a picture tells a 1000 words, what does your avatar say about you?
I'm a very private person. It took me a long time to feel comfortable enough to post my face. I didn't want to be judged on my appearance but now that I have it's kind of liberating. Our Ceo Tom Gerace just changed his avatar to something edgier and hip. Like it or not your image speaks volumes about you. I'd love to see more people in my network coming out of hiding. I like you. I promise not to bite. We share so much, it feels one sided at times not to see your eyes.
When you make comments, does a person's image influence you? Do you feels safer to express yourself from a mask? Do you like changing your image often to suit your mood? Just some thoughts I've been mulling lately. How about you?
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Comments: 52
And I am always self conscience with my pictures up, afraid someone will come along and slam me.
I like to think that my avatar (my former owner, Frida) expresses me fairly well--soft and furry with a certain amount of playfulness. Not declawed--but giving the appearance of being declawed except under extreme circumstances. If I ever DID post a decent picture of myself (of which there are precious few) I think you'd be surprised at the remarkable resemblance between our expressions.
As far as safety goes, I've always maintained that the net, whether IM or this type of a forum, gives us the opportunity to either tell the truth or lie, both with relative impunity. I don't really think our actual appearance makes as much of a difference as what we do with the opportunities we're presented.
I have a very strong taste for the bizarre and freakish and I am instantly drawn to people whom I perceive have similar proclivities.
Right now I'm still digging this little kitten with a melon football helmet, but who knows how I will feel tomorrow.
At times, the avatars don't show rapidly because I have a lousy internet connections and I have been confused about what someone is saying. Then the avatar pops up and I realize it is a different person.
I don't do pictures of me. Period.
My avatar matches my screen name, danishcanadian. Anyone else's avatar match their screenname?
Anyway - my own picture is still in my archived area but I prefer using those that say something about my 'me-ness', hobbies, habits, whatever.
That's funny. I don't suppose this girl studied rocket science, so at least I hope she was cute.
You want to see me look at my images I am there.
I have a group called the "best of the web" for links to great sites, hence the use of this avatar.
P.S. - I also hate changing avatars and generics LOL
Even the most specific personal photograph is a mask at the same time it can reveal all.
I don't mind the generic av's much, although the pix are often fun and intriquing. What I love are the word-balloon replies coming from cats and dogs and skies....
I like it when people keep the same one for some time as well, as it is easier for me to find them. So many members now have the same first names, that I find it comfortable to see the same icon.
I do have tons of pics of myself up here though too.
I'm also too lazy to bother changing my avatar.
Like Charles, I like to change mine from time to time. Sometimes it matches my mood. And other times, I just get bored looking at the same picture all the time. In any case, the avatar definitely helps me form a first impression of someone. It gives me a context for reading their contribution and comments.
So where do we go from here? Have you seen the avatars on the Brightcove website? What do you think of these? http://corp.brightcove.com/about_brightcove/brightcove_leadership_allaire.cfm
I'm familiar with Brightcove. Jeremy Allaire is brilliant. I believe they have(no pun intended) a very bright future. They're a private company for now but ....
Re: avatars. I've seen some amazing cutting edge work. Very exciting!
I wonder how Gather could interface with them?
Jesus Saves
Jesus Knocks
Jesus Sings
Plus I agree with Sue S., I'm not so sure how safe I'd feel using an easily identifiable picture of myself on the Internet.
mine is of my daughter, lillie (aka princess sea, dolphin lillie) at lake michigan, 2 summers ago. she's running toward the water, and was SOOO happy. it was a lovely day, one of my favorites ever. when i see it, i just smile and feel warm inside. we had the best food, NO sunburn for me, warm water for swimming, waves, seagulls, and happiness galore.