Question to the mods.

[Samurai Blur]

I'm just curious why no one uses avatars on this site, and why there is no option to put an avatar up with our user name.

[Charles L. Cotton]

I'm just curious why no one uses avatars on this site, and why there is no option to put an avatar up with our user name.

That feature hasn't been activated. We considered it, but decided not to add something else that we have to monitor. I thought about proposing that we activate it for people who wanted to post a photo of themselves, but since very few people use their names, I doubt many would want to post a photo either.

Chas.

[tfrazier]

Then there's sneaky guys like me!

[seamusTX]

Mr. Cotton, I support your decision. I find avatars distracting at best, and on other boards people use obscene or hateful images.

- Jim

[Dan20703]

So, use the signature instead.

[Samurai Blur]

I just thought I'd ask. I normally identify people by their avatars. The first board I ever joined didn't allow custom avatars; They compiled some pictures that pertained to the site and the hobby the site supported. On the other hand, you could always just set up moderated avatars, meaning they have to be cleared with the mods before they go up (so there's no nudity or whatever).

[jimlongley]

I would use this as my avatar anyway.

[Oldgringo]

If an avatar is what I think it is, you did good by diasallowing them. I've seen some on other forums that were "groady to the max" and otherwise offended my delicate sensibilities.

[longtooth]

Like Jim said,
Put it in your Signature line.

[Charles L. Cotton]

In response to requests by members, the avatar feature has been activated. The default size limit is 80X80 and maximum file size is 6411 kb. Here is a link to a free website for creating an avatar from a photo. http://www.shrinkpictures.com/create-avatar/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I'm sure there are many more websites. You can upload your avatar by going to the "User Control Panel" and clicking on edit avatar. The remote avatar feature has not been activated and I seriously doubt we ever will. I may or may not add an avatar gallery, but if I do, it will be after the close of the 2009 Texas Legislative Session.

Please note, avatars are subject to all of the forum rules! If we wouldn't allow it as a photo in a post, or if it sends a message that we wouldn't allow in a post, then it's not going to be appropriate for an avatar. We also don't want any "kill 'um all and let God sort them out" type avatars I've seen on other websites. At this point, the avatar feature has been activated on a trial basis, just as we approached the "Off Topics" sub-forum. That worked out very well and all of the Moderators hope avatars will go as well.

If you have a photo in your signature line, please move it to an avatar. We know this can't be done over night, but please try to do it in the next two or three weeks.

I'm going to post a new rule on avatars, as well as a general announcement for people who aren't following this thread.

Thanks,
Chas.

[tfrazier]

Works great! Thanks, Charles!

This looks a lot better than having images in the signature line...less distracting, IMO. Hopefully common sense will prevail and this trial run will be a success.

[Liberty]

I like it, it really helps making IDing who is in a thread in an overview. I don't think we need any more images of fat ugly baldmen so I used something other than my real picture. is this OK?

[AEA]

I think it is as OK as mine!

[MoJo]

I like it, it really helps making IDing who is in a thread in an overview. I don't think we need any more images of fat ugly baldmen so I used something other than my real picture. is this OK?

Fat, ugly, bald I resemble that - - - Changed it to something from my slim, handsome, hairy past.

[Samurai Blur]

Charles, that's really cool man. Thanks so much.