Does an avatar affect your perception of a post(er)?

[Dingfod]

I find it difficult for the avatar not to affect my perception of what someone posts. Perhaps I should put avatars on Ignore. Note my lovely Doris Day avatar. Who could take me serious with that avatar? Oh, what the hell, nobody takes me serious anyway.

Are you affected by people's avatars?

[Miisa]

Yes, but I prefer having them to blocking them, they make the posters more real. Perhaps we are more comfortable with identifying people with a "face".

[curses]

Not always of a post, usually it affects my perception of a user in general. I do like them, however, because it gives a little insight into a person's character.

[Legs]

I get attached to avatars and saddened when one I love is changed..

(ie) Godless Dave :sadcheer:

I also think an avatar is a little window in to that person's personality.

[Ymir's blood]

I like avatars a lot. They help give me a feel for someone and also make it easier to identify the poster.

I tend to change mine often as the whim strikes.

[JoeP]

Since people choose their avatars, I don't think it's wrong to allow yourself to be influenced by it. Of course it's uncomfortable when you realise that the person you've been feeling all positive towards is not in fact a cute female movie star. Esp in the context of internet discussion where cues are missing - and serious discussions when you want to take the person seriously (as in rl you might want to ignore the person's bad breath or S.E.X.Y t-shirt). It's just tough.

[Dingfod]

I tend to change mine often as the whim strikes.My whim strikes a lot more often than yours. Today, Doris Day, tomorrow, Tom Morrow!


/kidding

[livius drusus]

I think an avatar would affect my perception of a post only if I'm unfamiliar with the poster, and even then it would affect my perception in a mnemonic device sort of way.

Generally speaking, I enjoy seeing people play around and switch them out. When you went all Doris, Warren, and lisarea went all Mr. Moustachioed Universe it made me giggle for days, but it didn't make me take y'all's posts less seriously.

[Dingfod]

You know we did it for alphamale's sake, don't you?

[livius drusus]

He he... Yes, Warren. I had cleverly surmised as much. Hence the :giggles:.

[Dragar]

Since people choose their avatars, I don't think it's wrong to allow yourself to be influenced by it. Of course it's uncomfortable when you realise that the person you've been feeling all positive towards is not in fact a cute female movie star. Esp in the context of internet discussion where cues are missing - and serious discussions when you want to take the person seriously (as in rl you might want to ignore the person's bad breath or S.E.X.Y t-shirt). It's just tough.

The fact you're not, in fact, a ginger cat was devastating to me.

[JoeP]

The fact you're not, in fact, a ginger cat was devastating to me.Why do you think I'm not? The only board member who's met me is Farren, and I gave him some tuna to keep quiet.

[godfry n. glad]

Curious.

So... Warren? How is it that my Laocoon avatar affected your perceptions of me? Has the change of avatar to the Wicker Man affected a change in your perceptions of me?

Others feel free to comment, as well.

[Dingfod]

Before, you seemed to be in a bit of agony, strained, now you're just on fire.

[godfry n. glad]

Thank you, Warren. :giggle:

Others: Is that the consensus?

[wei yau]

I'll admit that your previous avatar did make me think of someone in agony. I don't think it really painted my perception of you, however. That is, I didn't think you were an unhappy fellow.

In my head, I saw it as an example of someone who was not god-free and glad.

[ms_ann_thrope]

godfry, your Wicker Man freaks me out (I have a fear of fire, as mentioned in the 'phobia' thread). I liked that movie a lot except for, you know, the last scene. Poor Edward Woodward! Thank goodness he was able to be reincarnated as 'The Enforcer' on teevee years later...

[livius drusus]

The Equalizer! I loved that show! Christian Slater was on it when he was put a wee sprog. :vibes:

[godfry n. glad]

I'll admit that your previous avatar did make me think of someone in agony. I don't think it really painted my perception of you, however. That is, I didn't think you were an unhappy fellow.

In my head, I saw it as an example of someone who was not god-free and glad.

Ah... But I was an unhappy fellow. I still am.

If you have an acquaintance with the myth surrounding the Laocoon figure, you'd know that he, and his sons, were punished by the gods with death by python for his speaking the truth and warning the Trojans not to allow the great horse built by the Greeks inside the city walls of Troy. I felt a great deal of identity with Laocoon...having been punished for speaking the truth (at least in my eyes) by the tin gods at both II and HH.

And, of course, I'm a fan of classical sculpture.

[godfry n. glad]

godfry, your Wicker Man freaks me out (I have a fear of fire, as mentioned in the 'phobia' thread). I liked that movie a lot except for, you know, the last scene. Poor Edward Woodward! Thank goodness he was able to be reincarnated as 'The Enforcer' on teevee years later...

I'm sorry it freaks you out. I thought it a highly appropriate holiday avatar for the likes of me.

Anybody need a light? More to come after December 21.

[ms_ann_thrope]

I'm sorry it freaks you out. I thought it a highly appropriate holiday avatar for the likes of me.Not your fault; I'm the one with the issues. :P And it doesn't make me think any differently about you! Although your Laocoon avatar always reminds me about the gardening tips you gave me (I guess because of the greenish color). Everything is still alive in the yard, BTW, though I've managed to kill some potted ivy indoors. How pathetic is that? :sadcheer:

[ms_ann_thrope]

The Equalizer! I loved that show! Christian Slater was on it when he was put a wee sprog. :vibes:Dooooh, yeah, The Equalizer. I'm always confusing Clint Eastwood films with Edward Woodward television programs. :blush:

Christian Slater was in that? I never knew!

[Jesus Christ]

I want to know how MY avatar affects people's perceptions of me.

[godfry n. glad]

Poor Edward Woodward! Thank goodness he was able to be reincarnated as 'The Enforcer' on teevee years later...

Yeah..."The Equalizer".

He was damned good as the star of one my favorite foreign films (Aussie film, that is) 'Breaker' Morant.

[Dingfod]

I want to know how MY avatar affects people's perceptions of me.You Your avatar makes me horny for some reason.

[Crumb]

...
:stunned: Were you saying something JC? :confused:

[godfry n. glad]

I'm sorry it freaks you out. I thought it a highly appropriate holiday avatar for the likes of me.Not your fault; I'm the one with the issues. :P And it doesn't make me think any differently about you! Although your Laocoon avatar always reminds me about the gardening tips you gave me (I guess because of the greenish color). Everything is still alive in the yard, BTW, though I've managed to kill some potted ivy indoors. How pathetic is that? :sadcheer:

It's my plan to return to Laocoon after the holly daze. I trust the gardening tips were actually worthwhile? As for indoor plants, worry not....I suck at that, too. The only plant I have indoors is a poor potted African violet that is struggling to live on the bathroom sink counter. All others have bitten the dust and become compost.

[livius drusus]

Christian Slater was in that? I never knew!

Just in one episode. He was a runaway or something, and his hair was bleached so blonde it was platinum. I saw Name of the Rose a few months later and immediately recognized him as that kid in that episode of The Equalizer. :giggle:

[godfry n. glad]

...
:stunned: Were you saying something JC? :confused:

Yeah... How cum it doesn't get any bigger when I click on it?

[pescifish]

I agree with what everyone here has said. :yup:

They provide additional insight into the person posting. That can influence how I feel about that person. It's most disconcerting when I really like an avatar, but hate what the person posts.

[Legs]

I want to know how MY avatar affects people's perceptions of me. Your avatar makes me horny for some reason.

Me too :chin:

[ms_ann_thrope]

I trust the gardening tips were actually worthwhile?Oh yeah, big time, both you and DebbieT gave me lots of good suggestions, which were duly implemented! :yup:

re: avatars, I tend to pick one and stick with it. I think it's kind of cool that other people change theirs for seasons/events. The recent spate of name changes has had me doing some doubletakes, though. :confused:

[Carlos]

Curious.

So... Warren? How is it that my Laocoon avatar affected your perceptions of me? Has the change of avatar to the Wicker Man affected a change in your perceptions of me?

Others feel free to comment, as well.

You are still an asshole , an Atheist fundy and fanatic.

Thanks,
Carlos

[livius drusus]

re: avatars, I tend to pick one and stick with it. I think it's kind of cool that other people change theirs for seasons/events.

I've used my Colloseum eclipse everywhere I've had an avatar. I really dug being able to Christmas it up, though. It was the first time I ever tried my hand at graphics like that and I was so happy it came out like it did.

The recent spate of name changes has had me doing some doubletakes, though. :confused:

He he... I made a couple of the changes and they still trip me up a little.

[Dragar]

Why do you think I'm not? The only board member who's met me is Farren, and I gave him some tuna to keep quiet.


:whoa:

:wriggle:

[Legs]

When I registered with the name Legs, I had my avatart all ready to go.. but I also had others that I planned to alternate

- table legs
- horse legs rearing
- turkey leg
- leg 'o lamb
- various legs from all sorts of people

I planned to switch regularily from leg to leg... but then I just couldn't :doh:

[Megatron]

Hmm, something tells me my avatar is a good example for this thread... :innocent:

[Ex-zombie]

Avatars definitely affect my perception of posters but only in a positive way. It makes the posters more real. Avatars serve to remind me that it's not just a bunch of words, but a real person is sitting at the end of those words.

[Dingfod]

Hmm, something tells me my avatar is a good example for this thread... :innocent:Well, yes, but that's okay. It's your sig that sucks.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think avatars do give some insight into the poster's personality, so I like to look 'em over every now and then. Some pick avatars that reflect their true personalities, while some pick avatars for reasons of irony.

Like me, for instance. Being the nasty, mean-spirited person I am, I thought I'd pick one that'd throw everybody off.

Cheers,

Nyah!

Michael

[justaman]

I also think an avatar is a little window in to that person's personality.
:rubeyes:

/me suddenly wonders whether he's comfortable with the view his avatar-window is offering of his personality...

[freemonkey]

The recent spate of name changes has had me doing some doubletakes, though. :confused:
The names changes are freaking me out! I've been too busy lately to spend much time here, so I can't keep track.

:lostmap:

I think avatars give a small glimpse of a person's personality, but most of us are not one-dimensional. I like when people change them.

Hmm, something tells me my avatar is a good example for this thread...

Is that a short bus?

[Plant Woman]

I have one avatar on ignore, the rest I like. Hey my name was mentioned in this thread, I must be coming up in the world. :thewave:

Avatars getting tired after awhile and should be retired. Don't you think?

[Leesifer]

The fact you're not, in fact, a ginger cat was devastating to me.Why do you think I'm not? The only board member who's met me is Farren, and I gave him some tuna to keep quiet.

Hhmm, who was that man who sat in the pub in London drinking with me and fragment? :chin:

[Legs]

I also think an avatar is a little window in to that person's personality.
:rubeyes:

* justaman suddenly wonders whether he's comfortable with the view his avatar-window is offering of his personality...

Well, actually ~ your avatar is a window into my personality, since I sent it to you. :giggle:

[John Carter]

No, avatar's do not influence my opinion of any poster. Long signatures, especially those with inages embedded may, but not avatars.

My avatar is not meant to reflect anything about my personality. It was chosen soley because it is an image that attempts to portray the fictional character that is my username.

[JoeP]

Hhmm, who was that man who sat in the pub in London drinking with me and fragment?I should have got that man to give you some tuna, as well. :shakefist:

[Leesifer]

Sorry, did I say man? I mean to say, "who was that cool cat".

[pescifish]

The names changes are freaking me out! I've been too busy lately to spend much time here, so I can't keep track. Me too! But I made myself a cheat sheet until I get 'em cemented in the ol' noggin.I think avatars give a small glimpse of a person's personality, but most of us are not one-dimensional. I like when people change them.Your new holiday one is gonna be making me laugh all season. Those photos are priceless!

[erimir]

I picked my avatar because my real first name is Mario.

How does it affect your perception of me?

[JoeP]

I picked my avatar because my real first name is Mario.

How does it affect your perception of me?
You are argumentative and you like whacking things.

[Johnny Pneumatic]

Someone's avatar gives me a glimpse of what they like. Example, godfry's Laocoön avatar told me he likes classical sculpture. Liv's tells me she likes gladiatorial games with hot, sweaty men fighting to the death.

[Dingfod]

I picked my avatar because my real first name is Mario.

How does it affect your perception of me?
You are argumentative and you like whacking things.Who doesn't like whacking things?

Was that argumentative?

[Bella]

Name changes? What?

[Dingfod]

cappucino = Demosthenes
pepperspray = lunachick
wei yau = eldar
Warren = warrenly
CaptainKangaroo = justaman

[justaman]

Poor Edward Woodward!
I've said this before, but if Edward Woodward took the d's out of his name he'd be called Ewar Woowar.

[justaman]

cappucino = Demosthenes
pepperspray = lunachick
wei yau = eldar
Warren = warrenly
CaptainKangaroo = justaman
EY! :cartman:

[viscousmemories]

:laugh:

[cappuccino]

cappucino = Demosthenes

tsk tsk, you left out an extra 'c'.

To me avatars are just symbols that people choose for themselves. They give a bit of depth to the people hidden behind their names. Avatars don't really affect my perspective of them and their posts. I enjoy when people change their avatars but I also enjoy when people keep the same avatar as their own personal identifying tag. I love when they change their avatars for seasonal holidays - adds a bit of spice to their personalities.

[Dingfod]

Whooptie-do, so now it's pronounced cap-a-see-no. You should change your username to reflect that reality. Yes, I'm that influential.

[cappuccino]

Yes, I'm that influential.

Yes, about as influential as a cup of spiked cappuccino.

[Ensign Steve]

pepperspray = lunachick


You're kidding! I'm glad I didn't tell her to "STFU NEWBIE!" in the 75 bands thread when she kept guessing wrong! :P

[Dingfod]

Yes, I'm that influential.

Yes, about as influential as a cup of spiked cappuccino.I really didn't figure it was that much.

pepperspray = lunachick


You're kidding! I'm glad I didn't tell her to "STFU NEWBIE!" in the 75 bands thread when she kept guessing wrong! :PI thought you had me on Ignore. Or was it you said I was ignorable ... or ignoble ... or ignorant or ... ?

[godfry n. glad]

Poor Edward Woodward!
I've said this before, but if Edward Woodward took the d's out of his name he'd be called Ewar Woowar.

Then, if he decides to rid the world of war, he'd be E Woo.

('dward' free, in other words.)

[Ensign Steve]

I thought you had me on Ignore. Or was it you said I was ignorable ... or ignoble ... or ignorant or ... ?

You totally must have me confused with somebody else. It's because I changed my avatar again, isn't it?

[Dingfod]

Yeah, that must be it.

[MonCapitan2002]

I find it difficult for the avatar not to affect my perception of what someone posts. Perhaps I should put avatars on Ignore. Note my lovely Doris Day avatar. Who could take me serious with that avatar? Oh, what the hell, nobody takes me serious anyway.

Are you affected by people's avatars?
Not at all. I see it as choice on how people wish to express themselves and nothing more. I do not let avatars determine what I think of a person and their posts. If I don't like an avatar, I ignore it. It won't make me have a negative opinion on the poster and their posts. I judge a person by the content of their posts, not the avatars they choose to represent themselves with.

Unllike the administration of a certain message board, I don't judge people on their avatars. I think the generalisation of the presence of avatars leading to vapidity is an unfounded assumption. I think their policy of disallowing avatars is fucking stupid, but I won't into that here beyond what I have already stated.

[MonCapitan2002]

I get attached to avatars and saddened when one I love is changed..

(ie) Godless Dave :sadcheer:

I also think an avatar is a little window in to that person's personality.
I agree. I like some avatars that people use. Why am I not on your list? Am I not noticed?

[MonCapitan2002]

I want to know how MY avatar affects people's perceptions of me.
You need to provide us with a larger version of it.

[Sock Puppet]

Edit -- never mind. I completely forgot that I'd put JC's av on /ignore, not because it offends me, but because I post from work & didn't want it hanging around in my cache. So my little quip would've been mildly amusing if JC really didn't have an avatar, but since he does, it was just bewilderingly nonsensical.

[Sweetie]

I want to know how MY avatar affects people's perceptions of me.

Porn is a dime a dozen. If anything, it is perhaps just rude or crass with the whole Jesus Christ/lesbian porn chicks thing, so that's one way an avatar can affect someone's perception if it can say something about the character or the sense of humour of the person posting.

[Sweetie]

Most avatars are meaningless to me, no more significant than someone saying my name "Rebecca" means something. It doesn't matter what it means in whatever language, it's just a name.

Some throw one off at first, who was it that had an avatar with Edward Norton on it. That one actually attracted me, it was a nice pic, I like Edward Norton. I think it was Ronin. Anhoo, so everytime I saw it, I had to remind myself that that was not the person talking to me, it was a pic of a guy from a movie.

MonCapitan2002, that avatar throws me off consistently. I think MonCapitan is male, yes? But the female avatar just throws me off. The pic is beautiful though.

[JoeP]

Warren = warrenlyNo way! That was you all along?
:noid:

[Petra]

My avatar represents me well, and so it should - it's a portrait photo a friend took of me last Christmas when I caught a star in my paw in the morning light. It was a lovely day, and my coat was luminous in the summer sun, making my greyer hairs look all shimmery and silver. :yup:

[cappuccino]

:lol:

Mind catching a star for me? I need something to enliven up my bedroom.

[Shake]

I want to know how MY avatar affects people's perceptions of me.
It makes me think you have good taste. I very much enjoy your avatar, as I'm sure you all would surmise.

[Godless Dave]

I get attached to avatars and saddened when one I love is changed..

(ie) Godless Dave :sadcheer:

I found that when I met people in real life they expected me to look like Smokin' Jesus, even though I've posted many pictures of myself.

http://www.ex-christian.net/uploads/av-474.jpg

[Legs]

It was actually the one with the cigarette, I loved :)

[Ensign Steve]

I found that when I met people in real life they expected me to look like Smokin' Jesus, even though I've posted many pictures of myself.


:blush: Guilty!

[michael1111]

thats a good question...i think it probably plays a little role at first, but words are stronger and the longer you know the person and how they think the less obvious their avatar becomes. whatever pic or animation they choose you would expect anyhow...its just a reflection of who we think we are anyway :)

michael :)

[Crumb]

So when will you be putting up an avatar michael?

[MonCapitan2002]

When he gets past you in post count? He made LVII posts today. LVII!

[godfry n. glad]

When he gets past you in post count? He made LVII posts today. LVII!


Wow... like, that's three more than LIV.

[michael1111]

ok i will put up an av...

[Legs]

Is that a mug shot? :chin:

[michael1111]

well its definitely me mugging :)

michael :)

[Legs]

Welcome to FF

:eek:

[michael1111]

thanx. are those really your legs?

michael :)

[Legs]

Of course :shrug:

[michael1111]

pretty hot. you have a unique walk...

michael :)

[Ensign Steve]

Wow. Michael is a cutie. I was giving him the old newbie cold shoulder, but now I think I'll be nice. I guess an avatar does affect my perception of a poster.

[Legs]

Your avatar is much cuter ES :P

[michael1111]

lol. well geez, if i knew i just had to smile pretty...

michael :)

[pescifish]

I think my new holiday av shows just how *hot* I am. :jalapeno:

[Crumb]

If I knew that would be your choice I wouldn't have asked michael. :ptht:

[Ymir's blood]

I think my new holiday av shows just how *hot* I am. :jalapeno:
:combust:

[michael1111]

haha crumb!

hey...is that after robert crumb? i was at the rocknroll hall of fame during a trip recently and i saw the coolest thing in the hippy exhibit. they had two unused blotters, about postcard size and not yet soaked in lsd, each with a drawing of janis joplin by robert crumb. it was the coolest...i wanted to steal one! :D

michael :)

[Sweetie]

pretty hot. you have a unique walk...

michael :)

Therein lies the problem. :D

I was attracted to the avatar of a person who looked nothing like the avatar they put up.

If I put up an avatar with big boobs, will that make a difference to how others respond to me, even though I don't have big boobs?

People can use the internet to present themselves as they can't in real life, to cloak themselves in things they like or want to be or look like, and they can control how they want to be perceived by others. There's a beauty to it, really. :dunno:

Some thoughts. :chin:

[michael1111]

i totally agree. that is freedom- to be yourself, even if it means being somebody else to do it. it all comes from your own brain. each of us is in charge of our online experience. we put in and get out of it what we wish.

i dont lie online, but some folks have to in order to find their own truth. im never really bummed out when i find out someone was lying. i might feel a bit cheated or silly, but im really here for me...

michael :)

(or am i?? :chin: )

[Crumb]

is that after robert crumb?
Nope. It's after a :sammich: crumb. :chuckle:

[michael1111]

well i like those crumbs too :)

i was one of those kids who also liked the crust. my sister hated them. it made it easy for my mom cuz there was just the two of us. she would just give me the crusts and her the middle part of the sandwich and everyone was happy :)

michael :)

[Godless Dave]

I found that when I met people in real life they expected me to look like Smokin' Jesus, even though I've posted many pictures of myself.


:blush: Guilty!

Picture this:

The place: Jobar's property in Georgia
The time: Last April. Or maybe May.

Godless Dave: "Hi, I'm Dave!"
Ensign Steve: "Oh, hi. I'm JD."
Godless Dave (thinking): What a bitch
Ensign Steve (thinking): Who the hell is this guy?

[Ensign Steve]

Godless Dave (thinking): What a bitch


Ouch!

[Godless Dave]

j/k