Is it RUDE not to have an AVATAR?
@lordwarwizard (35747)
Singapore
March 19, 2007 3:18am CST
I have been here for a few weeks, and have done a fair amount of clicking here and there. I find it strange that there is a good number of people who do not have avatars. Or more correctly, they are using the default green avatar.
If someone is new - maybe it is just his first few days or he has posted very few responses - I can understand that he is perhaps still checking things out. In this case, it would make sense not to spend unnecessary time getting an avatar since he may or may not stay on at myLot.
What I find hard to understand is that there are those who have been around long enough and have clocked a decent post count, but are still using the default avatar. If you want to be indulging, you might say that perhaps, he is just not savvy enough to get a picture and set it as his avatar. However, is it really THAT hard to get and set an avatar?
For me, I think it is actually quite rude to go avatar-less, so to speak. In real life, this would be equivalent to someone talking to you without removing his sunglasses. In ancient times, it would be like someone talking to you while looking down from his horse. He may even be wearing a mask so that you can't guess who he is or how he looks like. It is simply a lack of respect.
For these people, I sometimes wonder if I should even bother replying to them. My point is - if you can't be bothered enough to get a simple avatar, why should I bother with you? Further, I also have an impression that they are possibly scammers or spammers who just want to get in quick, and get out quick.
What do you guys and gals think?
33 people like this
133 responses
@mdarma (868)
• Singapore
19 Mar 07
I tend to agree with you my friend, There shold not be a reason for them to have an avatar.
I am also wondering, why people are not using their own photos for the avatars... If one is sincere they should be willing to have their photos and come in ....
@feralwoman (2199)
• Australia
19 Mar 07
I like your avatar - love the way it changes colour! yea, cool!
4 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
19 Mar 07
The online world is a very dangerous world - sometimes even more so than the real world.
I can understand why people don't want to use their own photos as their avatars. I for one would not want to do so too. :P
4 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
•
19 Mar 07
Well personally I hate having my photo taken! I would cringe if I had to keep looking at my photo everytime I started a dixcussion or made a response - thats why I've got one of my babie pictures - they are the thing that means most in the world to me!!!
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
19 Mar 07
I understand what you mean sweetie. I find it easier to identify to each username with avatar. But I can't say that I find it rude not to have one either. There can be many reasons why some of them didn't bother to get one. They may not really be interested in joining here for long or they are still looking for the perfect avatar to use. Like you, I felt that I'm talking with a virtual faceless people when I'm responding to some of their threads. I always believe that most mylotters chose their avatar that spoke of their personality and anything that's related to them. I chose my bunny because I found out that we're both sensitive and loving. "smile"
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
20 Mar 07
The light dawns. Your avatar is like your signature. A symbol of what you are about. I get it. But don't judge no avatar. They may still looking for the right symbol.
2 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
19 Mar 07
Exactly bunny. Avatars are more visual. I usually look for the avatar to know whose post I am looking at. It helps me remember you better too.
*hugs*
3 people like this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
19 Mar 07
I don't think it is rude, people are still allowed their privacy. Some people don't know how to download or simply do not see the need for it.
5 people like this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
19 Mar 07
After a few days here, anyone who has not picked their own avator is trying to hide something, in my humble opinion.
4 people like this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
19 Mar 07
Look, some people do not want to show their photos (I mean if you are overweight and it shows on your face, would you? Or if you are just so ugly that children flee from you, would you? Or if you could not take a good photograph, would you?) and an avatar might not be that easy. Some people are not good at drawing, and you need one to suit your user name. People who do not have avatars are not scammers or spammers. They are bad artists.
By the way, cataracts run in my family, so in summer the only time I have my sunglasses off is indoors.
4 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
19 Mar 07
I hope that you took my post correctly - I was generalising. I know that there are people who need to wear sunglasses - in those cases such as yours, then it is definitely not rude. I was referring to the general state of affairs so please do not get me wrong. I was neither trying to be sensitive nor provocative.
1 person likes this
@perugu (5279)
• India
19 Mar 07
hi,friend,you are true to some extent.Many member's avatars are not real and some intentionally kept sexy/actress photos for getting the attention of other members.Then what is the use of avatars..when it is not true...I can quote many number of members who are using wrong avatars.
4 people like this
@Lindalinda (4111)
• Canada
19 Mar 07
Some of us are technically challenged. It took me a while to figure out how to put an avatar on my profile. Eventually I did it. Actually it is so easy once you know how. There are scammers and cheaters with avatars and those without one.
@kakuemmom (859)
• Canada
19 Mar 07
I can see your point of view. However it doesn't bother me too much, most of the avatars are not real ppl anyway so really what difference would it make. Mine is a pic of my youngest i don't think anyone needs to see my ugly mug lol.
4 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
20 Mar 07
Is it hard to set an avatar?No if you know what you are doing. It took me a long time to figure out how.Maybe these people haven't found the image they want. I knew what I wanted, found it, and as soon as I knew how to set it, I had it.But is it rude not to have one? I don't think so. There is no rule forcing you to have a avatar.You can tell a lot more about a person by a person's responses and discussions.I wouldn't look down upon a person just because they don't have an avatar, I think that would be rude, like refusing to talk to someone just because you don't like their appearance.
3 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
21 Mar 07
Well, maybe the ones without a avatar are shy and don't want to reveal too much.
2 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
21 Mar 07
It's possible, of course. But how much can you reveal if you don't place your own photo?
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
20 Mar 07
A valid point. Yet then again, I used the analogy of sunglasses (minus exceptional cases who need them) instead of talking to someone whose appearance may not be pleasing.
Consider a snobbish guy who talks to you in his bullet proof car with his window winded down only by an inch. You can't even see his face. Consider a person who has much to desire in his looks. The second case is not rude at all. I was talking more about the first case.
2 people like this
@ethanmama (1745)
• Philippines
19 Mar 07
I think I am one of those people you are referring to :). I tried to upload a picture of our company logo, but for some reason, it doesn't load. I don't know why. I've tried about 3-4 times before I gave up.
I do not like uploading my picture or that of my family at all. I want to retain some privacy for my family, you see. Also, I feel I am not photogenic enough, anyway :).
I am still on the lookout for an avatar that would best reflect me, at the same time, load properly :D. I haven't found it yet.
But, truly, I do not know that not putting an avatar would offend anybody, so I did not actively pursue it for now.
Well, I hope I can find something that suits my fancy soon :).
3 people like this
@ethanmama (1745)
• Philippines
19 Mar 07
Hey, it worked! Now I have an avatar :)
2 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
19 Mar 07
I find it strange because you guys are making good posts and oh boy, look at your rating - it's a 10, just like ratburn above. That was why I was puzzled. You are obviously actively contributing to the myLot community. :P
And hehe, I see you got an avatar already. Well done, my friend! That's at least a start. When you come across avatars you like more, just change it accordingly. ^^
1 person likes this
@jencai (3412)
• Philippines
19 Mar 07
you had a point, i also do wonder that before. this are the possible reasons that comes into my mind:
1.don't know how to change his/her avatar
2.never mind changing his/her avatar
3.just drop by in mylot due to curiosity
4.wanted to keep privacy
what do you think? am i wrong or right?
@ratburn (939)
• Philippines
19 Mar 07
hi everyone. i didn't know you guys are bothered by people not having an avatar. as you can see, i don't have one. i have been here for around 3 weeks already and i never cared to put one. the reason i haven't put one is that i don't know what to put. i don't like to put my own picture and didn't want to use some avatar that is not mine or some cartoon character or whatever.
i have posted close to 200 posts already. i'm not a scammer and i'm here purely for fun and interaction. i guess some people think it's rude that i joined to get some interaction and yet i haven't disclosed myself. i'm speaking for myself here. i hope you guys don't think that just because i don't have an avatar, means i'm less of a mylot user. i'm not comfortable with having an avatar. and that's it. i'm not trying to offend anyone nor am i saying it's right not to have one. to each his own. i can't promise that i'll be putting one soon. in my own time i guess. i hope you all understand :) have a great day everyone!
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
19 Mar 07
hey there ratburn,I do not think its rude and a lot of others don't..You are just as important as anyone here..If you are not comfortable with an avator than don't get one,thats up to you..I do not think you have offended anyone,but i do feel that you have been offended,and im sorry for that...
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
19 Mar 07
Hello my friend, you are one exception then!;-)
I know what I said was rather sweeping, and I do apologise if you are offended. Otherwise, there... we have a genuine user sharing his views.^^
1 person likes this
@jhazie (340)
• Philippines
19 Mar 07
hey its not rude to have an avatar and display in here,its exciting and great to see diff'rent avatar, downloading is easy lol...maybe others they dont know how to download,but why u also show your avatar here and its cool i like it..lol:)
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
19 Mar 07
First of all bite me. How dare you critise me for not having an avatar so what your saying Im a scammer and Im a bad person. Fine if thats how you feel I wont bother with you either. I know who my real friends are no wonder you got deleated as a friend. I dont need friends like you.
3 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
19 Mar 07
TerryZ, I don't get why you are biting at me. I was just describing an issue in general. There are black sheep in every white community, and white sheep in every black. I know you have been making quality posts and I appreciate you as a friend. Truly! Please do not be offended. I have nothing against you at all.
I was just thinking aloud why people such as yourself won't get an avatar. Once again, this is *not* a personal attack and I am certainly not saying you are a scammer or bad person.
2 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
19 Mar 07
Yes yes, TerryZ is on my friend list too and I hope I don't get misunderstood. I really did not expect my thread to offend people... I know I should have put in some disclaimer kinda things - I normally do but it slipped my mind this time. :P
Thanks for thinking well of me, cremechese. ^^
1 person likes this
@gemini1960 (1161)
• Philippines
20 Mar 07
ouchh i was hit by that comment...lol joke...not really as what youve been trying to imply here im a ligit one..jsut dont have time and dont know how..maybe i will try learning how..if thats a big problem now...anyway i ahve a pic in my profile..maybe you could peek ..
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
20 Mar 07
Welll, you *can* find time to upload an avatar *if* you want to. So said, don't feel pressurized anyway. It is still more important to make quality posts. ;-)
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
20 Mar 07
Well, I'm really sorry to be one of those people. I didn't think it was offensive to not have a picture. I thought by posting discussions and giving decent responses was important. I just got my first computer, have never had a class about them, haven't worked with them and don't exactly know how to put a picture in there. Since I'm just learning I don't like someone thinking I'd be a spammer or scammer! I just thought the discussions and responses were what this was about. Sorry again. I didn't mean to offend anyone and I hope I haven't offended anyone else.
3 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
20 Mar 07
dfinster,it is okay not to have an avatar.
2 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
20 Mar 07
Indeed, it is alright. If you feel you want to keep it this way, it is your choice. You have a rating of 10 and that already is quite telling. Go on making quality posts and have fun - even without an avatar. :P
2 people like this
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
20 Mar 07
Interesting topic...I never really thought about why they don't have an avatar ( deep thinker here...eh?)..but I do like to identify those that are posting by their avatars..so all the green ones make that difficult for me!! Going avatar-less almost sounds illegal!!! Of course, we have to remember not everyone can have a powerful avatar like our great Lordwarwizard!!!!(Bowing while backing out of the room... I leave you with great respect!!!)LOL....
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
20 Mar 07
Hahaha, what a glib tongue. :P
But you brought up an interesting suggestion.. to make going avatar-less illegal! Hahahahahahaha....
1 person likes this
@twistedangelwings (350)
• Australia
20 Mar 07
I don't have an aviator and realistically unless the world gives me another couple of hours a day I don't really see myself getting one. I'm not into grabbing a random picture that means nothing or very little to me from the net. I'd rather use photos of my pets but free time is virtually non-existant these days so picking one and editing it to fit on mylot is just not an option at the moment. If I make it on here for an hour a week I think I'm doing pretty good in the realm of free time so aviators will just need to wait for me. :) Even when I do use famous people I prefer to edit them and play with them a bit in photoshop. Fussy, fussy child I am. :D
3 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
20 Mar 07
Alright, I understand if time is really a constraint for you.
1 person likes this
@wealth168 (409)
• Singapore
20 Mar 07
I think the issue here is not whether one is rude or not. There could be several reasons :
1) Personal preference.
Some people prefer to use an avatar to identify or represent themselves while others are happy in their status quo (e.g. they like the default avatar).
2) Not technically savvy.
They may not be technically savvy enough to know how to source for an avatar and upload to myLot.
3) Have not found a suitable avatar yet.
They may still be looking around or sourcing for an appropriate or suitable icon or avatar.
4) No necessity or need for avatar.
Some people might think that it is not necessary nor a need to use an avatar. Why bother or take the trouble when a default avatar is already provided by myLot ?
5) Avoid misunderstanding
On the contrary, they might even think it is "rude" or unwise to use an avatar as it can be misconstrued as using a "shield" to "hide" one's real identity.
6) Not compulsory
There is no requirement or rule by myLot that members must use an avatar or if they don't use avatars, they will be penalised.
7) No monetary incentive
For some people, if there is no money to earn from uploading an avatar, why bother ?
8) Laziness
Some people are just too lazy to create an avatar (sorry, not meant to offend anyone here).
9) No significance
Some may think that an avatar is not really important or they do not realise the meaning of it.
10) Dislike avatars
For those who hate using avatars, they would rather use their own actual photos of themselves.
Hope the above answers your question. Have a nice day !
