Pseudonyms and alternative profile images

by Tea and biscuits

Posted: 10 years ago 3 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

I am a pro in my field (genuine with all the prerequisite quals, experience etc.) but...with a face made for radio (in other words, 'image challenged').
I'd like to use a different name (no problem there) but would also like to use pseudonym photo(s) for my profile.
Now, I could purchase some stock images of a handsome chap off Getty and use those - but i'm guessing there must be some restrictions and I have read stories qoting costly comebacks.
Can I use identifyable stock images legally, without challenge? If so, how, where do I get them, and what do I look for in the agreement?
Ta v much

#alternative #images #profile #profile pictures #pseudonyms #stock images

Alexa Smith Banned 10 years ago

Originally Posted by Tea and biscuits

I could purchase some stock images of a handsome chap off Getty and use those - but i'm guessing there must be some restrictions

Exactly so. Well worked out.

Read the terms of service very carefully indeed, if thinking of doing that.

I'll tell you what I do, if it helps: I use pen-names only, in all my business sites and dealings. In order to have a photo of myself on each site (which I think does help), I've had a range of images made for me, mostly by graphic artists on Fiverr, in other words at very low cost, from my own original photos. I use silhouettes; I use cartoons; I use drawings. They're all me, but I'm not recognisable, and - most importantly of all, for me - people don't think "Hold on - this chick's way too young to be a real expert in this subject". It keeps me anonymous, but I still have "pictures". It works for me. Just a suggestion.

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- kilgore 10 years ago
  
  Alexa has what I think is a good solution. That said, what we do is different and I think it works for us.
  
  We do have an about page, complete with photos of the two co-founders of the website, but it's certainly not highlighted -- just a small link at the bottom of the site. And pretty much nowhere else do we talk about ourselves as individuals (except when specifically asked during press interviews). For us, the brand is the company not the people who run it, which I think has a number of advantages:
  People think we're a lot bigger than we really are, which contributes to people viewing us as an authority on the topic and not just a small team who works to much with a bunch of opinions. (You should see the random emails we get to our "HR Department" or our "Marketing Department").
  
  It's more anonymous. OK, it's not truly anonymous -- as I said, we're on the website. But when people talk about the company they don't say, "I love Kilgore!" they say I love "CompanyName".
  
  As with Alexa's solution, there is no deception involved at all. For me it's important to never lie to my customers, even about little things that don't matter. Trust is so hard to build up and so easy to tear down! If someone found out that the picture of you was a stock photo that could definitely fall into the category of "Things that shouldn't matter, but may make your customers think twice about trusting you."
  
  By decoupling our brand with the people who created it, it should be easier to sell our site should we want to (and if we are able to find a buyer!)
  
  Just another approach to your problem -- not necessarily better or worse that what has been said. As with all things, it really depends on you, your business and your customers.
  
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  << This is not a sales pitch >>
  
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Tea and biscuits 10 years ago

Thanks Alexa - thats perfect advice for another idea I have.
This one, though, needs a personal connection of some sort. Kilgore, your advice is appreciated - I'm going to have a rethink as to how I present and market the project.
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