Where have all the real names and real avatars gone from the forum?

This point has been raised before, notably in the long-running Jason Moffatt post:

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...um-if-you.html

But it seems that it could do with highlighting once more.

This is a marketing forum and as such you are best advised to be building relationships with the other members. One of the best ways of doing this is by using your own name and preferably a picture of yourself too.

It's a simple little thing but it can have a big impact.

When I scroll down the main forum I see lots of manufactured forum screen names (eg skedyfhb54, 58htloot, iamsad2) that I've forgotten as soon as I've read them. Real names have a much better chance of sticking in my forgetful brain.

When I scroll down the contributors to a thread I see large percentages not using an avatar, a sure-fire way of not allowing me to remember a face.

I haven't even started on the credibility factor. We all know how important first impressions are, well, I'm probably not alone in making a snap (albeit subconscious) judgement upon seeing a username that consists of a jumble of letters and numbers and thinking to myself, 'Probably going to be some fly-by-night, get-rich-quick-seeker without a brain. I might just dismiss their viewpoint.' I know, I'm terrible aren't I? The fact is that not using an avatar and using a stupid username will damage your believability and credibility.

Be a real, believable, memorable person; a human being. I like to create pretty pictures in my mind when I converse with people, imagining what you look and sound like. It helps me connect with you. At least give me a chance of doing that.

Peter