What do you think about misleading avatars?

[MikeLantz]

I think we should mislead avatars every chance we get...

It is a lot better than misleading real people!

Mike

[Dana_W]

If Allen is not a cute little cigar smoking monkey, then I feel totally misled.

I don't actually think the original post was stupid. Everything that you post on here (and anywhere else for that matter) represents you and builds up your "brand". When you choose an avatar, it's worth thinking about whether it's saying something helpful (or at least neutral), or harmful about you. I've seen a couple of avatars that would cause me to take the poster less seriously. Of course it's their choice to post whatever type of avatar they want; they just may be making a poor choice.

Originally Posted by KarlWarren

The only person "misled" by an avatar is the person who allows themselves to be.

There is no hard and fast rule that says 'you must use your own photo'
do you think Allen really is a monkey?

There are some questionable avatars, one in particular (semi-clad woman) is
pushing it a bit.

I wouldn't pay much mind to someone's avatar in a business sense, unless it
was offensive - in which case I'd choose not to do business with that person.

[ExRat]

Hi DanaW,

Yep, I think that the monkey that Karl Warren has a picture of in his avatar is a really bad idea

[giveusallfreedom]

Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert

Nope. It gets worse At least you can log off. Say something equally stupid to your wife...now THAT"S hell!

Trust me. I have 2 years left in hell, 14 months on good behavior.


keith

That's why I'm not married. I knew their was reason. ;^)

At this point, I figure I might as well just keep posting to this thread. If I can't kill it, I might as well see how long it goes.

Of course the moment I post this, the freaking thread will die.

[Dana_W]

You'd think he would post a picture of an actual human, wouldn't you?

You're hilarious, ex-rat, I always love reading your posts!

Originally Posted by ExRat

Hi DanaW,

Yep, I think that the monkey that Karl Warren has a picture of in his avatar is a really bad idea

[JayXtreme]

At this point, I figure I might as well just keep posting to this thread. If I can't kill it, I might as well see how long it goes.

Of course the moment I post this, the freaking thread will die.

Don't be trying your reverse psychology on us...

Whodya think you are??? Frank Kern??...

We gotta keep this bad boy alive now for the simple fact that you thought posting about keeping it alive and then slipping in the imminent death sentence would cause us to let it die... confused?

Peace

Jay

[giveusallfreedom]

Originally Posted by JayXtreme

Don't be trying your reverse psychology on us...

Whodya think you are??? Frank Kern??...

We gotta keep this bad boy alive now for the simple fact that you thought posting about keeping it alive and then slipping in the imminent death sentence would cause us to let it die... confused?

Peace

Jay

Jay,

LMAO. No, I tried the psychology thing here once and it failed miserably. I tend to just say it like it is now. As dumb as I think my original post was, I am kind of amused by the fact that it hit over 50 something replies. If it hits over 100, I probably won't know whether to piss my self from laughter or shoot myself from embarrassment.

[Matt Maiden]

I should go ahead and admit that I am being misleading because I really don't look like this.
Should tell you right now that I actually look exactly like Brad Pitt but I'm learning to be humble so I found this knucklehead's pic.

[Dana_W]

And I don't know that I trust anyone whose avatar only shows one eye. It seems sneaky, Jay. hmmm.....

Seriously though, I think the OP had a good point! Whatever you post, whatever picture you use, is liable to live forever on the internet and be associated with your name. There are a couple of avatars on here - okay, one is standing out in particular and I think it's the one several people hinted at - as really not a great idea.

See, atomic bomb man, this wasn't the worst thread ever started. Not even the second worst.

Originally Posted by JayXtreme

Don't be trying your reverse psychology on us...

Whodya think you are??? Frank Kern??...

We gotta keep this bad boy alive now for the simple fact that you thought posting about keeping it alive and then slipping in the imminent death sentence would cause us to let it die... confused?

Peace

Jay

[JayXtreme]

Originally Posted by Dana_W

And I don't know that I trust anyone whose avatar only shows one eye. It seems sneaky, Jay. hmmm.....

Dana....

How can you say that???....

You have sooooooo seen the full face on another forum....

Peace

Jay

[giveusallfreedom]

Originally Posted by Dana_W

And I don't know that I trust anyone whose avatar only shows one eye. It seems sneaky, Jay. hmmm.....

Seriously though, I think the OP had a good point! Whatever you post, whatever picture you use, is liable to live forever on the internet and be associated with your name. There are a couple of avatars on here - okay, one is standing out in particular and I think it's the one several people hinted at - as really not a great idea.

See, atomic bomb man, this wasn't the worst thread ever started. Not even the second worst.

Dana,

Is that why you chose your picture with that sexy come hither look in your eyes?

Thanks for the vote of confidence and the new super hero name too.

I am ATOMIC BOMB MAN. Able to give you cancer in a single explosion.

I feel like I should have a cape on or something.

[Dana_W]

Yikes, is that what I'm doing? That might explain why, when I posted my picture on the radio site Jango.com, a guy who had a picture of himself with a snake around his neck sent me a message saying "Damn ur hot." No I was not flattered; I was alarmed. I took my picture down. (Didn't have my full name or location on there.)

Now go design yourself a cape. What kind of superhero are you without a costume?

Originally Posted by giveusallfreedom

Dana,

Is that why you chose your picture with that sexy come hither look in your eyes?

Thanks for the vote of confidence and the new super hero name too.

I am ATOMIC BOMB MAN. Able to give you cancer in a single explosion.

I feel like I should have a cape on or something.

[John Rowe]

Originally Posted by Dana_W

There are a couple of avatars on here - okay, one is standing out in particular and I think it's the one several people hinted at - as really not a great idea.

Can someone please post a link to this bozo's profile?
I've just got to see how stupid some people can be.

.

[Keith Boisvert]

Originally Posted by Matthew Maiden

I should go ahead and admit that I am being misleading because I really don't look like this.
Should tell you right now that I actually look exactly like Brad Pitt but I'm learning to be humble so I found this knucklehead's pic.

I thought you used this knuckleheads pic for your avatar?



Just kidding. "C'mon, Get Happy! "

[Ephrils]

An avatar picture representing your actual self seems to only come from Internet Marketing related websites. Here, it seems to be connected to business and branding, and for what this place is seems to be an accurate mindset of most posters.

I've used everything from Kristin Kreuk to Gandhi(from the movie UHF) to a monkey holding a gun as an avatar. It's a form of expression to me. It doesn't have to show WHO you are, but represent who you are.

Allan's obviously a little odd and he likes to show that. The nuclear explosion is memorable and that may be all the OP is shooting for.

Outside of IM forums people use anything and everything they want as avatars. Lately, with The Dark Knight being so popular, I've seen way too many Joker avatars to mention.

At the end of the day, I think an avatar is another form of expression. Like the signature, which also has the IM overtone of being used for advertising. I'm sure some places you just stick a quote in that box because you like the quote and then are done with your sig

[Kael41]

Quick question: where did this particular issue pop up? Are people really bitching whether somoene uses their personal pic as an avatar or not? Come on people. I've been using internet forums going back to the BBS days and i've never felt the need or requirement to use my personal picture. God, if people really want to know what i look like, just ask and i'll send pics. I promise you i'm not ugly!

[giveusallfreedom]

Originally Posted by Dana_W

Yikes, is that what I'm doing? That might explain why, when I posted my picture on the radio site Jango.com, a guy who had a picture of himself with a snake around his neck sent me a message saying "Damn ur hot." No I was not flattered; I was alarmed. I took my picture down. (Didn't have my full name or location on there.)

Now go design yourself a cape. What kind of superhero are you without a costume?

LMAO

That story combined with Keith's post about pissing your wife off were worth this post any day of the week.

John Rowe, I'm not going to post a link, because it really wasn't that big of a deal. If you really want to know PM me, but it really doesn't matter.

I'm honestly kind of surprised that nobody has brought up the fact that my screen name is giveusallfreedom and my avatar is an atomic bomb. I actually chose them both for completely unrelated reasons, but the irony kind of hit me as I was following this thread.

[Matt Maiden]

Keith that's too funny. I was cracking up

We might both look like we've had a rough life but I think he has been in more bar fights than me.

[Alton Hargrave]

I am not trying to mislead anyone. I really am a very handsome guy. Yes, this is my real picture. LOL Actually, I used to be tolerable. I think. Who knows? Who cares?

I think all of us should put our real picture on here. It won't hurt. And, it helps us get to know each other.

Alton

[Keith Boisvert]

Originally Posted by Matthew Maiden

Keith that's too funny. I was cracking up

We might both look like we've had a rough life but I think he has been in more bar fights than me.

Yeah, being a child star appears to lead to a rough life, or at least the norm. And I am sure he has the whole board beat as far as bar fights go!!

Keith

[giveusallfreedom]

Originally Posted by Kael41

Quick question: where did this particular issue pop up? Are people really bitching whether somoene uses their personal pic as an avatar or not? Come on people. I've been using internet forums going back to the BBS days and i've never felt the need or requirement to use my personal picture. God, if people really want to know what i look like, just ask and i'll send pics. I promise you i'm not ugly!

But you are modest, so isn't that all that really matters.

And no. Nobody's complaining about using as self pic. Let's not take this discussion even farther down the road of stupid ideas than I've already taken it.

[Matt Maiden]

I still think I too can knock out Donny Osmond.

[Keith Boisvert]

Originally Posted by Matthew Maiden

I still think I too can knock out Donny Osmond.

Haha. Its Marie you have to worry about!! She will kill you with kindness and beg you to make her stop being so damn friendly!!

I hear Danny B, Donny O, David cassidy, and Leif Garret are hooking up with MC Hammer and David Hasseloff for a European Tour next year.

keith

[admin]

Originally Posted by Ephrils

Allan's obviously a little odd and he likes to show that. The nuclear explosion is memorable and that may be all the OP is shooting for.

LOL. That's the coolest thing anyone's ever said about me. Except you spelled my name wrong, now I have to ban you...

[John Rowe]

Originally Posted by giveusallfreedom

John Rowe, I'm not going to post a link, because it really wasn't that big of a deal. If you really want to know PM me, but it really doesn't matter.

Okay... that does it! Back to Humor School for me.

.

[Steven Fullman]

Originally Posted by Matthew Maiden

I still think I too can knock out Donny Osmond.

...at last! Someone who wants to take Donny out...!

I'm prepared to lead with the boot.

Steve

[Ephrils]

Originally Posted by ;50413

LOL. That's the coolest thing anyone's ever said about me. Except you spelled my name wrong, now I have to ban you...

Sorry

I know a handful of Allen's in real life, and they all spell their name differently I had to pick one and go with it.

[Paul Myers]

I have 2 years left in hell, 14 months on good behavior.

http://www.goohf.com is your friend.

Now THAT would be an interesting avatar... hmmm...

BTW... It worked, Allen. All that goofing around and people don't even realize that your current avatar IS an actual photo of you. Clever.


Paul

[Tom Dean]

I have to agree with Donna. It's worth thinking about what you use as an Avatar.

With more & more people using social sites (that use Avatars) for business communications and to reach their market, maybe it should be given some thought even if you simply use your brand/logo.

Most newer blog themes are including Avatars for commenter's. The forum here has them along with a pic for your blog on the forum.

The local paper uses their logo for their twitter Avatar & I will stop when scanning a page if I see their logo.

I think mine sucks for this forum so it will be changed... but what do you thing about these Avatars:

http://tinyurl.com/5ahtrm - World Village Blog

http://tinyurl.com/6ypzp3 - Twitter

http://tinyurl.com/35reku - My Blog (several people have sent me emails about how pretty my horse is in this one and inquired about it) Well it's not my horse. I was on vacation in Canada.

http://tinyurl.com/5alz6z - Facebook

http://tinyurl.com/6yfhpe - iTunes

Any of these give off a feeling of - trustworthy, honest, knowledgeable, would do business with?

Didn't think so lol. I know... thank goodness my kids got their Mom's good looks.

Anyway I think what you use should be considered in the light of whatever message you most want to convey.

Tony Blake's picture "The Angry Marketer Blog" seems to be a good job of branding. He uses it on all the social sights (I think) and he does look angry.

I'm sure you can pick up on many more examples.

Off to look for the right Avatar pic. Thanks Atomic Bomber now I'm freaked out by all of mine.

Tom

[tommygadget]

I look like my avatar when I go to Burger King and ask for the hat...

TomG.

[Darrell Hagan]

My avatar isn't misleading in any way. Its just cute . As far as professionalism goes, its just an avatar. I'd rather deal with people who have a sense of humor along with their professionalism anyway.....

[Keith Goodrum]

OK, I apologize if my avatar caused this much trouble.

It's been taken down...

[Adeel_Chowdhry]

I woke up with a bid of a headache today...not sure what the problem is...

-AC

[JayXtreme]

Originally Posted by Adeel_Chowdhry

I woke up with a bid of a headache today...not sure what the problem is...

-AC

LOL... I like it Adeel

Jay

[Kael41]

Originally Posted by giveusallfreedom

But you are modest, so isn't that all that really matters.

Truly one of my many failings Ah well, at least I don't have any self-debilitating vices Blame it on the lawyer in me..it was always "eyes on me" in the courtroom. Gotta play to your strengths

Self confidence or arrogance..gotta find that line one of these days

[JohnMcCabe]

Now if I could only figure out who this guy is with his hand on my belly...

[Angela V. Edwards]

I feel sorry for you if you look like Brad Pitt. Too bad you don't look like George Clooney.

Originally Posted by Matthew Maiden

I should go ahead and admit that I am being misleading because I really don't look like this.
Should tell you right now that I actually look exactly like Brad Pitt but I'm learning to be humble so I found this knucklehead's pic.

[Matt Maiden]

Hey Angela, if you squint real hard (maybe close them) I kinda look like George right?
Yeah, thought not.

Back to Bragolinaville

[clanspring]

Originally Posted by Corwinnx

Mine is my pic, BUT, visualization does work, so if the 'ferarri' in question is the members 'dream' maybe it's just his or her way of reminding his or herself of that dream every time he or she posts.

-Marcus

That is the same thing I wanted to say. On the other hand, why worry about the avatar? Then again, bring up the subject allows people to express their opinions, and an observant person can learn what is likely to work versus what is likely to hamper their own business.

[BIG Mike]

While I think it's always nice to put a face with the forum name (or an ass in the case of John Rowe's Avatar ), I don't think they're misleading. It's nothing more than a case of personal expression.

I periodically change mine (sometimes a picture, sometimes something else) but I don't ever think I've ever thought of an Avatar as misleading - how could it be? It has the most meaning to the owner of it.

[Angela V. Edwards]

Well, if I don't use my corrective lenses (so nearsighted it's not measurable), EVERYBODY looks like George. :P

Originally Posted by Matthew Maiden

Hey Angela, if you squint real hard (maybe close them) I kinda look like George right?
Yeah, thought not.

Back to Bragolinaville

[GarrieWilson]

It depends...

One person, that I have noticed, is using a stock photo of a woman. If you check their profile/images, they have other stock photos of this person.

This leads me to think this person is trying to mislead people. Especially since they have many of them. Of course they could be a model for stock photo companies but I dought it.

In this case, I do think it's wrong because of the intent.

[Darrell Hagan]

Originally Posted by Matthew Maiden

Hey Angela, if you squint real hard (maybe close them) I kinda look like George right?
Yeah, thought not.

Back to Bragolinaville

Maybe just me but I think he looks alot like Chuck Norris.....

[Matt Maiden]

Hey dbh,

Funny you should say that. Back in 1978 I was 21 and just married with my first son on the way and was working a second job as a security guard on the weekends.

One Sat afternoon me and another guy are told that Chuck Norris and some other celebrities are going to be showing up at this mall for a charity event and that me and the other guy are going to escort them in safely.

They show up and Chuck is actually about 5'5" - 5'7" and I'm 6'5" walking through the mall "protecting" Chuck Norris.

So now I'm able to tell folks that I was Chuck's body guard for a day!

[Alexandre Valois]

My take on this issue ...

I don't really mind what's in your avatar, but please, this isn't high school anymore.

I don't mind having a scantly dressed woman on my screen, but the person behind it better be in the dating niche or whatever, and enlighten us with his post. Otherwise, I see it only as another desperate scream for attention. And I know Allen enough to see just how the monkey relates

Nothing wrong with letting your personality show. Truth be told, you'd see me in the street you'd think I'm just one of those Raver kids wearing pants that could probably land me safely on good ground if I jumped out of an airplane.

I dress as I like and state my opinion. But I don't go out of my way to shock or pull stunts to attract attention. And it's my picture you see on the left.

Now, while I got nothing about showing off your interests or hobbies or whatever you think defines you in your avatar .... I think nothing would ever suit you as your own picture, especially in the awesome networking resource that is the warrior forum.

I, for one, pay a lot more attention to posts made by people with their faces on my screen rather than flashy pictures. Maybe it's a matter of rapport, maybe it's just a reflexive response to blatant attempts to hype, but that's the way it is.

Now, let's just hope this doesn't open a new can of worms and turns the WF into another myspace ...

Alex.

[Andrew Maule]

Eh, I don't think it matters. Are you really judging people by their avatars..?

[Alexandre Valois]

Sure, a person's choice in avatar, as in cars or anything, is led by their own perception of reality as well as how they perceive themselves to be.

The way I dress, the words I choose to say, are all so many ways to express my views and impress my reality on others. In doing so I am fully aware that I will be judged in return, and that will probably alienate some people - mostly people I wouldn't want to do business with in the first place anyway. Those who can relate will in turn be bound by a sense of newfound rapport, and true interactions may then take place - to me it's all about integrity.

So yep, I do judge people by whatever actions or decisions they make as I believe in each's potential to be whoever they want to be, rather than doom and gloom stories, whether blessings or curses.

And I expect others to do the same towards me...

To sum up (warning: crude language ahead) ...

If you don't want others to call you a whore, don't act like a whore.

(nothing against whores, really)

[Jeff Henshaw]

I just wish that my avitar was misleading.

Going back to the original post:

Say someone has an avatar of them in a brand new Ferrari and in reality they are no where near being able to afford a Ferrari.

Then why not call the police?

Jeff.

[Sirius Lin]

I don't know about you guys, but on this forum where most of us who have avatars put up photos of ourselves (unless you are intentionally misleading us with a photo that isn't of you!), if someone comes on with a bikini girl avatar, I'd think twice about what his/her post has to contribute to the overall thread.

Or maybe it's just the feminist in me not wanting to see women objectified

~ Sirius

[valerieSONORA]

Originally Posted by Sirius Lin

I don't know about you guys, but on this forum where most of us who have avatars put up photos of ourselves (unless you are intentionally misleading us with a photo that isn't of you!), if someone comes on with a bikini girl avatar, I'd think twice about what his/her post has to contribute to the overall thread.

Or maybe it's just the feminist in me not wanting to see women objectified

~ Sirius

I know what you're saying. I don't care if someone chooses an avatar of themselves or something else, but for people who put up avatars of certain body parts, I can't take them seriously.