What do you think about misleading avatars?

giveusallfreedom · 08-23-2008, 09:48 AM

Personally, I really don't care what you have as an avatar. Mine's a freaking atomic bomb blast for crying out loud. Who am I to judge?

That being said, I saw one avatar for one member that I believe misrepresented that individual and looked more like just a way to get attention. Here's a hypothetical situation. 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.

We're in a marketing forum and we sell products to each other. So...

Is it false advertising?
Is it unethical?
Should they change their avatar?

For the record the situation is purely hypothetical. The avatar in question has nothing to do with car. My point is only this...if you're avatar has nothing to do with you or your product and purely exists to entice people that would otherwise ignore you, should you take it down?

What's your thoughts?

Scott Ames · 08-23-2008, 09:54 AM

I don't care one way or the other really.

Imran Naseem · 08-23-2008, 09:55 AM

Either way its just an avatar.

Phil Jacobson · 08-23-2008, 09:59 AM

I think it's probably best to have your photo there. I seem to remember people better and feel I can trust them if it's their real photo.

Corwinnx · 08-23-2008, 10:07 AM

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

Alan Petersen · 08-23-2008, 10:07 AM

Atomic bomb or scantly dressed woman in a bikini--both unprofessional so same-same. :-) In a marketing forum it should be your picture or at least your business logo or business brand. But to each their own.

Tim Franklin · 08-23-2008, 10:07 AM

I think I know what you are saying and I agree...

You see if on Ebay sometimes, they will be selling something and will have a picture of a lovely girl in a skimpy bikini, it does catch the eye, however in a forum its a turn off and perhaps on ebay as well,

More so when the person is likely to not be a woman in the first place.

So yes, I agree, using pictures of a woman when your a man is really not a good thing.

Jelasco · 08-23-2008, 10:09 AM

I think it's getting ridiculous what little things people are complaining about.

kittyluver · 08-23-2008, 10:12 AM

An avatar is a computer user's representation of himself or herself. (Source:Wikipedia). Avatar or Avatara (Sanskrit: अवतार, IAST Avatāra) in Hindu philosophy is the 'descent' or incarnation of a divine being (deva) or the supreme being (God) onto planet Earth.

So You can consider your avatar as a best one SHOULD be your picture not even your GF pic...(lol)

Diana Lane · 08-23-2008, 10:24 AM

I think it looks a bit pathetic on eBay when the gallery photo is that of a woman's thong-clad butt in the air, especially when it has nothing to do with the product. Yet I've seen all kinds of things advertised in this way on there, particularly web hosting. The relevance escapes me.

On here though, a photo of someone in a Ferrari might be someone's way of giving themselves something to aim for. I'm more likely to judge someone by the quality and content of their posts than I am by an avatar, but I'll admit that I'm shallow enough to wonder, if only fleetingly, whether a poster has a face like an open grave if they're using a picture of something else instead

Chris8 · 08-23-2008, 10:27 AM

In my opinion, You can use whatever avatar you want to. I seriously believe that people are not that gullible to picturize a member based on their avatars. The life style photos posted by some of the so called super affiliates, on their blogs, is a completely different thing though. I have seen many people fall for them.

YeopMayuru · 08-23-2008, 10:55 AM

I believe that a person should present his/herself properly in any line of communication.

Promotes better good will between the two parties. Don't it?

sparrow · 08-23-2008, 10:59 AM

Marcus you beat me to this, must be thinking on parallel lines

the dream, whether its theres or yours

success all starts with a dream

I don't who said but it was something like this if you can dream you can attain it

besides who cares what people put up for avatars

Ed

Quote:

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

JohnMcCabe · 08-23-2008, 11:03 AM

Maybe it's my multiple trips around the block, but when I see a guy posing in front of a fancy car, all I see is a guy standing in front of a fancy car. Same for posing in front of a fancy house.

There's an outfit up the road a way that rents fancy cars to tourists who want to take in the sunshine is a sporty convertible. Anything from your garden variety Porsche or Ferrari to a vintage '65 Mustang. My wife and I walk onto the lot with a camera, and 30 seconds later I have a picture of myself posing with 'my' convertible.

After a few minutes' drive, we come to one of the barrier islands along the Gulf. We pull off to the side of the road, set our camera on the 'For Sale' sign and a few seconds later we have a picture of ourselves in front of 'our' multi-million dollar beach house.

An avatar is just a picture, no big deal...

I recall a cartoon in a magazine showing a canine typing on a computer, filling out a member profile. The caption: "On the Internet, no one knows you're a dog."

Frank Bruno · 08-23-2008, 11:17 AM

Hey overweight men can have skinny blonde GF's in bikinis too...

Frank Bruno

YiKeS · 08-23-2008, 11:38 AM

G`day,

well I`m not sure if I`ll put my pic up ... I have my favicon as my
avatar on about all forums I`m a member and always end my post
with my name (which I notice now not many do) ... don`t think I
have a pic of me with a shirt on ... who`d wanna see my hairy
stringbean chest!??

Branding is powerful ... so is visualisation but surely if one used the
visualization as a reason to put a cheesy expensive flash car up they
could better serve that purpose by printing the photo to a large size
and taping it above the monitor.

The "pretty woman when your a man" thing .... purely to attract
attention ... guess it`s similar to having your name in big fat capital
letters ... turn more people off than anything ... lol ... no stats on
that tho.

Christopher J.

Jean Morgan · 08-23-2008, 11:51 AM

I have seen two that I really don't like at all, apart from that everyone is being quite sensible compared to what I have seen on forums elsewhere. I expect to see the envelope being pushed further and further over time.

The fact that I don't like them is my personal opinion and no-one else's. If Allen decides he doesn't like someones avatar or maybe he gets a lot of complaints about some avatars then I expect he will do something about it. Until then... well not a lot can be done other than to alert him that some people are concerned which is what this thread is doing.

Jean

Shannon Herod · 08-23-2008, 11:57 AM

Well, if you are building a brand you should use this medium to build your brand. My brand in this niche is my face and domain Focused2Win.com, and you can see both with my avatar.

Many people do not have a plan and try to look cool and not professional with their avatar. (in my opinion)

With this new feature I do judge a book by its cover. If I am trying to make a decision on a business deal I now take into account how they choose to display themselves here (if they are members) and on there websites.

Shannon

KarlWarren · 08-23-2008, 11:58 AM

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.

xmx · 08-23-2008, 12:02 PM

I wear a Ferrari F1 cap in my avatar pic.

I am a big fan of Ferrari F1, but I still don't own a ferrari car,
and even if I had the money to buy it I think I wouldn't.

About misleading avatars, I think I wouldn't be influenced so
much by pics of forum users, I would investigate a little more
about the person.

cheers,

Gian

Steven Fullman · 08-23-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

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.

^^ What paranoid stalkerphobic boy just said

^^

I think it's great to see most of you, is all.

Steve

mmurtha · 08-23-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

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

I agree with Marcus here. You never know why someone uses a specific avatar.

To be honest about it, I don't think that is false advertising, unethical, or that that person or any other should have to change it to suit other members.

I caught myself this morning noticing that someone had what I thought was too provocative (sexy) of an avatar, but then thought about different ways people express themselves, and that it's not my place to sensor another.

Think about it, next thing you know people will be quibbling over nothing, or as Allen mentioned in one of his posts regarding infractions - "Someone gave an infraction to someone else because they thought that individual had an incorrect avatar" or something similar.

Mary

ShayRockhold · 08-23-2008, 12:11 PM

I look at it this way:

I have my pic as my avatar (for better or worse, it's how I look!

).

If someone on this forum has an avatar that is offensive or simply puts people off, that is one person I have an advantage over, so to speak, because someone might do business with me, rather than that person.

So it doesn't bother me in the least.

Fran_C · 08-23-2008, 12:23 PM

Interesting discussion... I have noticed a lot of interesting Avatars in different forums
but I mostly enjoy seeing the poster's photo and that reminded me to go post my photo
for this WF forum...

Fran

Christie Love · 08-23-2008, 12:30 PM

Personally, I like pictures. I think misleading avators remove the personal touch that people need when communicating with each other. The internet is so impersonable already.

When someone sends me friend request and they have an avator, I feel leary. I like looking into a person's eyes to see their sincerity. I truely do believe that the eyes are the window to the soul. Feel free to look into mine. You'll see a lot is going on in there.

Steven Fullman · 08-23-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christie Love

I like looking into a person's eyes to see their sincerity. I truely do believe that the eyes are the window to the soul..

I couldn't agree more...

Dan C. Rinnert · 08-23-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giveusallfreedom

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.

It could be an expression of a goal or a dream rather than a reflection of their current reality.

giveusallfreedom · 08-23-2008, 12:56 PM

Steve. You promised you would never put my pic on the forum dude. WTF? I only got that drunk that one time and things got a little out of control. That chicks make up bag blew up on my face and... oh nevermind.

JayXtreme · 08-23-2008, 01:03 PM

Is it a misleading avatar though?...

To guess someone's intentions from a picture posted is a bit far stretched to say the least..

We have absolutely no way on earth of knowing the reason WHY someone would post a specific picture...unless they say so..

Jay

Bruce Wedding · 08-23-2008, 01:04 PM

Cool idea. I think I'll take a picture of me in my Ferrari and use it

John Rowe · 08-23-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giveusallfreedom

I saw one avatar for one member that I believe misrepresented that individual and looked more like just a way to get attention.

I know what you mean. Allen's new avatar really pissed me off too.

.

Tirmizi · 08-23-2008, 01:10 PM

well its nice to see people with faces on avtars and they are more likely to get the vote of confidence then those guys with farari so its not misleading, its costing them portion of business

John Rowe · 08-23-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giveusallfreedom

My point is only this...if you're avatar has nothing to do with you or your product and purely exists to entice people that would otherwise ignore you, should you take it down?

LOL... just noticed your forum username.

.

JayXtreme · 08-23-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Rowe

LOL... just noticed your forum username.

.

LOL.... now that's ironic...

Jay

ExRat · 08-23-2008, 01:46 PM

Hi,

Personally I'm more likely to have a little more trust for someone who appears to 'show themselves.'

For example, mo-fo does all night vid-casts of himself getting lathered and doing various other things in shorter videos. He puts himself out there and he claims that this increases his sales. I believe him.

Neither way is right or wrong, but I think it makes a difference - and I reckon you can tell that by the posts that people make.

Kay King · 08-23-2008, 01:47 PM

It is interesting to me that four people made posts about what an avatar "should" be.

By all means, have the avatar on your profile that is as you think it "should" be - and allow others to determine their own "shoulds".

kay

giveusallfreedom · 08-23-2008, 02:16 PM

LMAO, seriously the only reason I posted this was because I was tired and got aggravated that I went to the profile based on the avatar even though I should known better. I sincerely thought this post would die a slow painful death like it's topic deserved. In fact I immediately fell asleep after posting it and after waking back up and remembering what I did I personally went out and beat my own @$$ for posting it.

Please...Please...Please just let the post die. Of all the posts I've made, this is the one that won't die. Now I just feel like an idiot.

Emailrevealer · 08-23-2008, 02:18 PM

I don't think I've ever had an avatar and I never really notice them unless it's a pretty girl.

Vince Runza Online · 08-23-2008, 02:27 PM

Your avatar should be consistent with your persona. In my case, yes, I *am* a bad boy, even at my age!

Elmer Hurlstone · 08-23-2008, 02:36 PM

WYSIWYG.

Yep, that's me.

I may start using either Riley's or Sutton's pic instead. They are both under the mistaken impression they're better looking than me.

Then, again, I could always use either George Clooney's or Richard Gere's photo.

Elmer

ExRat · 08-23-2008, 02:49 PM

Hi longname,

Quote:

Please...Please...Please just let the post die. Of all the posts I've made, this is the one that won't die.

Yes, I agree

Elmer Hurlstone · 08-23-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExRat

Hi longname,

Yes, I agree

Roger, I concur.

Elmer

Keith Boisvert · 08-23-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elmer Hurlstone

Roger, I concur.

Elmer

Me too

Keith

admin · 08-23-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Franklin

I think I know what you are saying and I agree...

You see if on Ebay sometimes, they will be selling something and will have a picture of a lovely girl in a skimpy bikini, it does catch the eye, however in a forum its a turn off and perhaps on ebay as well,

More so when the person is likely to not be a woman in the first place.

So yes, I agree, using pictures of a woman when your a man is really not a good thing.

Tim,

When my lady put's her bikini on I'll be sure to send you a note. :-)

Josh Anderson · 08-23-2008, 03:07 PM

I am sure you are not really a:

And I am sure Allen is not really a cigar rolling Cuban grandma:

Soooo misleading!

admin · 08-23-2008, 03:09 PM

When it comes to avatars I have a habit of changing mine almost weekly. I'm hope that doesn't piss anyone off because I don't intend to stop :-)

giveusallfreedom · 08-23-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

I am sure you are not really a:

I wonder if this is what hell feels like? Posting something stupid to the WF and nobody being able to let it go. :^)

And how the hell do you know if I'm not an atomic bomb? Atom bombs are tied into the internet too you know.

ExRat · 08-23-2008, 03:17 PM

Hi Allen,

Ref - the picture of the cigar lady in Josh's post/your avatar

My mate Ronnie Balfour Corbett has been searching for ages to try and find the Cuban woman who pinched his glasses. I see she's bust them and fixed them with some sticky tape. 'And it's goodnight from him...' (ref - The Two Ronnies - you need to be an ageing Brit to understand this drivel)

Ronnie Corbett - Pictures, News, Video Clips, Layouts, Wallpapers & Fan Club - Flixster

Keith Boisvert · 08-23-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

I wonder if this is what hell feels like? Posting something stupid to the WF and nobody being able to let it go. :^)

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

BrianMcLeod · 08-23-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExRat

My mate Ronnie Balfour Corbett has been searching for ages to try and find the Cuban woman who pinched his glasses.

Oh... She lives a few doors down from me.

She said he told her she could have them...

At least, I think that's what she said.

Yo soy un gringo. Mi español esta malo.

Best,

Breeang

08-23-2008, 09:48 AM	#1
giveusallfreedom Billionaire in Training War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Okinawa, Phoenix, WI, etc. Posts: 221 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	What do you think about misleading avatars? Personally, I really don't care what you have as an avatar. Mine's a freaking atomic bomb blast for crying out loud. Who am I to judge? That being said, I saw one avatar for one member that I believe misrepresented that individual and looked more like just a way to get attention. Here's a hypothetical situation. 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. We're in a marketing forum and we sell products to each other. So... Is it false advertising? Is it unethical? Should they change their avatar? For the record the situation is purely hypothetical. The avatar in question has nothing to do with car. My point is only this...if you're avatar has nothing to do with you or your product and purely exists to entice people that would otherwise ignore you, should you take it down? What's your thoughts?

08-23-2008, 09:54 AM	#2
Scott Ames I'm getting fat War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: West of Rockies Posts: 4,823 Thanks: 198 Thanked 309 Times in 173 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I don't care one way or the other really.
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08-23-2008, 09:55 AM	#3
Imran Naseem Just A Nice Guy :) War Room Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: UK, Manchester Posts: 3,898 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 952 Thanked 396 Times in 180 Posts Social Networking	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Either way its just an avatar.
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08-23-2008, 09:59 AM	#4
Phil Jacobson Kendama Samurai Join Date: May 2007 Location: Japan Posts: 176 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 11 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I think it's probably best to have your photo there. I seem to remember people better and feel I can trust them if it's their real photo.
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08-23-2008, 10:07 AM	#5
Corwinnx Advanced Warrior Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Posts: 881 Blog Entries: 7 Thanks: 109 Thanked 170 Times in 83 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? 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
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08-23-2008, 10:07 AM	#6
Alan Petersen Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA. Posts: 2,191 Blog Entries: 9 Thanks: 272 Thanked 162 Times in 89 Posts Social Networking	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Atomic bomb or scantly dressed woman in a bikini--both unprofessional so same-same. :-) In a marketing forum it should be your picture or at least your business logo or business brand. But to each their own.
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08-23-2008, 10:07 AM	#7
Tim Franklin Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,247 Blog Entries: 12 Thanks: 36 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I think I know what you are saying and I agree... You see if on Ebay sometimes, they will be selling something and will have a picture of a lovely girl in a skimpy bikini, it does catch the eye, however in a forum its a turn off and perhaps on ebay as well, More so when the person is likely to not be a woman in the first place. So yes, I agree, using pictures of a woman when your a man is really not a good thing.
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08-23-2008, 10:09 AM	#8
Jelasco Senior Warrior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: USA. Posts: 1,253 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I think it's getting ridiculous what little things people are complaining about.

08-23-2008, 10:12 AM	#9
kittyluver HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: , , India. Posts: 222 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? An avatar is a computer user's representation of himself or herself. (Source:Wikipedia). Avatar or Avatara (Sanskrit: अवतार, IAST Avatāra) in Hindu philosophy is the 'descent' or incarnation of a divine being (deva) or the supreme being (God) onto planet Earth. So You can consider your avatar as a best one SHOULD be your picture not even your GF pic...(lol)
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08-23-2008, 10:24 AM	#10
Diana Lane The Beer Hunter War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 835 Thanks: 98 Thanked 205 Times in 110 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I think it looks a bit pathetic on eBay when the gallery photo is that of a woman's thong-clad butt in the air, especially when it has nothing to do with the product. Yet I've seen all kinds of things advertised in this way on there, particularly web hosting. The relevance escapes me. On here though, a photo of someone in a Ferrari might be someone's way of giving themselves something to aim for. I'm more likely to judge someone by the quality and content of their posts than I am by an avatar, but I'll admit that I'm shallow enough to wonder, if only fleetingly, whether a poster has a face like an open grave if they're using a picture of something else instead
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08-23-2008, 10:27 AM	#11
Chris8 Warrior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? In my opinion, You can use whatever avatar you want to. I seriously believe that people are not that gullible to picturize a member based on their avatars. The life style photos posted by some of the so called super affiliates, on their blogs, is a completely different thing though. I have seen many people fall for them.
	Manoj Sandeep

08-23-2008, 10:55 AM	#12
YeopMayuru Warrior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I believe that a person should present his/herself properly in any line of communication. Promotes better good will between the two parties. Don't it?

08-23-2008, 11:03 AM	#14
JohnMcCabe Happy Hooker War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North of the Peace River, Southwest Florida, USA. Posts: 2,391 Thanks: 294 Thanked 483 Times in 317 Posts Social Networking	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Maybe it's my multiple trips around the block, but when I see a guy posing in front of a fancy car, all I see is a guy standing in front of a fancy car. Same for posing in front of a fancy house. There's an outfit up the road a way that rents fancy cars to tourists who want to take in the sunshine is a sporty convertible. Anything from your garden variety Porsche or Ferrari to a vintage '65 Mustang. My wife and I walk onto the lot with a camera, and 30 seconds later I have a picture of myself posing with 'my' convertible. After a few minutes' drive, we come to one of the barrier islands along the Gulf. We pull off to the side of the road, set our camera on the 'For Sale' sign and a few seconds later we have a picture of ourselves in front of 'our' multi-million dollar beach house. An avatar is just a picture, no big deal... I recall a cartoon in a magazine showing a canine typing on a computer, filling out a member profile. The caption: "On the Internet, no one knows you're a dog."
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08-23-2008, 11:17 AM	#15
Frank Bruno Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: USA Posts: 2,379 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 8 Thanked 75 Times in 60 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Hey overweight men can have skinny blonde GF's in bikinis too... Frank Bruno
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08-23-2008, 11:38 AM	#16
YiKeS Apparently .. I`m A Troll Join Date: May 2007 Location: Queensland, Australia. Posts: 568 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 40 Thanked 30 Times in 28 Posts Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? G`day, well I`m not sure if I`ll put my pic up ... I have my favicon as my avatar on about all forums I`m a member and always end my post with my name (which I notice now not many do) ... don`t think I have a pic of me with a shirt on ... who`d wanna see my hairy stringbean chest!?? Branding is powerful ... so is visualisation but surely if one used the visualization as a reason to put a cheesy expensive flash car up they could better serve that purpose by printing the photo to a large size and taping it above the monitor. The "pretty woman when your a man" thing .... purely to attract attention ... guess it`s similar to having your name in big fat capital letters ... turn more people off than anything ... lol ... no stats on that tho. Christopher J.
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08-23-2008, 11:51 AM	#17
Jean Morgan Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kinver,Stourbridge,United Kingdom. Posts: 875 Blog Entries: 4 Thanks: 54 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I have seen two that I really don't like at all, apart from that everyone is being quite sensible compared to what I have seen on forums elsewhere. I expect to see the envelope being pushed further and further over time. The fact that I don't like them is my personal opinion and no-one else's. If Allen decides he doesn't like someones avatar or maybe he gets a lot of complaints about some avatars then I expect he will do something about it. Until then... well not a lot can be done other than to alert him that some people are concerned which is what this thread is doing. Jean

08-23-2008, 11:57 AM	#18
Shannon Herod Focused2Win.com War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Florida , USA. Posts: 1,669 Blog Entries: 15 Thanks: 28 Thanked 248 Times in 74 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Well, if you are building a brand you should use this medium to build your brand. My brand in this niche is my face and domain Focused2Win.com, and you can see both with my avatar. Many people do not have a plan and try to look cool and not professional with their avatar. (in my opinion) With this new feature I do judge a book by its cover. If I am trying to make a decision on a business deal I now take into account how they choose to display themselves here (if they are members) and on there websites. Shannon
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08-23-2008, 11:58 AM	#19
KarlWarren www.eCoverNinja.com War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 5,468 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 38 Thanked 51 Times in 33 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? 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.
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08-23-2008, 12:02 PM	#20
xmx Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lugano, Switzerland. Posts: 1,750 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Social Networking	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I wear a Ferrari F1 cap in my avatar pic. I am a big fan of Ferrari F1, but I still don't own a ferrari car, and even if I had the money to buy it I think I wouldn't. About misleading avatars, I think I wouldn't be influenced so much by pics of forum users, I would investigate a little more about the person. cheers, Gian
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08-23-2008, 12:11 PM	#23
ShayRockhold StarFleet Admiral War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delta Quadrant Posts: 1,369 Blog Entries: 8 Thanks: 616 Thanked 264 Times in 133 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I look at it this way: I have my pic as my avatar (for better or worse, it's how I look! ). If someone on this forum has an avatar that is offensive or simply puts people off, that is one person I have an advantage over, so to speak, because someone might do business with me, rather than that person. So it doesn't bother me in the least.
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08-23-2008, 12:23 PM	#24
Fran_C Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Seattle, WA, USA. Posts: 36 Thanks: 8 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Interesting discussion... I have noticed a lot of interesting Avatars in different forums but I mostly enjoy seeing the poster's photo and that reminded me to go post my photo for this WF forum... Fran
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08-23-2008, 12:30 PM	#25
Christie Love The Fabulous One War Room Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 908 Thanks: 10 Thanked 70 Times in 62 Posts Social Networking	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Personally, I like pictures. I think misleading avators remove the personal touch that people need when communicating with each other. The internet is so impersonable already. When someone sends me friend request and they have an avator, I feel leary. I like looking into a person's eyes to see their sincerity. I truely do believe that the eyes are the window to the soul. Feel free to look into mine. You'll see a lot is going on in there.
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08-23-2008, 12:56 PM	#28
giveusallfreedom Billionaire in Training War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Okinawa, Phoenix, WI, etc. Posts: 221 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Steve. You promised you would never put my pic on the forum dude. WTF? I only got that drunk that one time and things got a little out of control. That chicks make up bag blew up on my face and... oh nevermind.

08-23-2008, 01:03 PM	#29
JayXtreme Babyfaced Assassin War Room Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Out Of My Mind - Brandy Too Posts: 3,323 Blog Entries: 5 Thanks: 1,709 Thanked 840 Times in 450 Posts Social Networking	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Is it a misleading avatar though?... To guess someone's intentions from a picture posted is a bit far stretched to say the least.. We have absolutely no way on earth of knowing the reason WHY someone would post a specific picture...unless they say so.. Jay
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08-23-2008, 01:04 PM	#30
Bruce Wedding Master Persuader War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Houston, TX, USA. Posts: 3,011 Thanks: 47 Thanked 57 Times in 34 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Cool idea. I think I'll take a picture of me in my Ferrari and use it
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08-23-2008, 01:10 PM	#32
Tirmizi Advance Warrior Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Islamabad, Pakistan Posts: 418 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? well its nice to see people with faces on avtars and they are more likely to get the vote of confidence then those guys with farari so its not misleading, its costing them portion of business
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08-23-2008, 01:46 PM	#35
ExRat Dare To Be Different War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: U.K. Posts: 7,581 Thanks: 525 Thanked 1,239 Times in 441 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Hi, Personally I'm more likely to have a little more trust for someone who appears to 'show themselves.' For example, mo-fo does all night vid-casts of himself getting lathered and doing various other things in shorter videos. He puts himself out there and he claims that this increases his sales. I believe him. Neither way is right or wrong, but I think it makes a difference - and I reckon you can tell that by the posts that people make.
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08-23-2008, 01:47 PM	#36
Kay King Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gulf Coast, USA. Posts: 11,346 Thanks: 306 Thanked 751 Times in 464 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? It is interesting to me that four people made posts about what an avatar "should" be. By all means, have the avatar on your profile that is as you think it "should" be - and allow others to determine their own "shoulds". kay

08-23-2008, 02:16 PM	#37
giveusallfreedom Billionaire in Training War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Okinawa, Phoenix, WI, etc. Posts: 221 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? LMAO, seriously the only reason I posted this was because I was tired and got aggravated that I went to the profile based on the avatar even though I should known better. I sincerely thought this post would die a slow painful death like it's topic deserved. In fact I immediately fell asleep after posting it and after waking back up and remembering what I did I personally went out and beat my own @$$ for posting it. Please...Please...Please just let the post die. Of all the posts I've made, this is the one that won't die. Now I just feel like an idiot.

08-23-2008, 02:18 PM	#38
Emailrevealer Opperman Investigations Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Las Vegas, Denver, NYC Posts: 697 Blog Entries: 13 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 17 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I don't think I've ever had an avatar and I never really notice them unless it's a pretty girl.
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08-23-2008, 02:27 PM	#39
Vince Runza Online Local Biz Promotion Czar War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Scranton, PA, USA. Posts: 3,274 Thanks: 61 Thanked 150 Times in 66 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Your avatar should be consistent with your persona. In my case, yes, I am a bad boy, even at my age!
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08-23-2008, 02:36 PM	#40
Elmer Hurlstone Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: FLUSA Posts: 1,203 Thanks: 133 Thanked 119 Times in 59 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? WYSIWYG. Yep, that's me. I may start using either Riley's or Sutton's pic instead. They are both under the mistaken impression they're better looking than me. Then, again, I could always use either George Clooney's or Richard Gere's photo. Elmer
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08-23-2008, 03:07 PM	#45
Josh Anderson It's in my Signature :-) War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ID, USA. Posts: 8,231 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 125 Thanked 614 Times in 275 Posts Social Networking	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? I am sure you are not really a: And I am sure Allen is not really a cigar rolling Cuban grandma: Soooo misleading!
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08-23-2008, 03:09 PM	#46
admin Allen Join Date: May 2002 Location: The South Posts: 5,629 Thanks: 152 Thanked 3,336 Times in 234 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? When it comes to avatars I have a habit of changing mine almost weekly. I'm hope that doesn't piss anyone off because I don't intend to stop :-)
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08-23-2008, 03:17 PM	#48
ExRat Dare To Be Different War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: U.K. Posts: 7,581 Thanks: 525 Thanked 1,239 Times in 441 Posts	Re: What do you think about misleading avatars? Hi Allen, Ref - the picture of the cigar lady in Josh's post/your avatar My mate Ronnie Balfour Corbett has been searching for ages to try and find the Cuban woman who pinched his glasses. I see she's bust them and fixed them with some sticky tape. 'And it's goodnight from him...' (ref - The Two Ronnies - you need to be an ageing Brit to understand this drivel) Ronnie Corbett - Pictures, News, Video Clips, Layouts, Wallpapers & Fan Club - Flixster
	Roger D 'There are no more prizes for predicting rain. There are only prizes for building arks.' Lou Gerstner 'Money can't buy you happiness but it will buy you a yacht big enough to pull up alongside it.' David Lee Roth 'Most people are walking around, umbilical cord in hand, looking for a new place to plug it in.' Cavett Robert Last edited by ExRat; 08-23-2008 at 03:20 PM.