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@thebeaddoodler (4262)
Lubbock, Texas
July 6, 2008 7:34am CST
I've seen this subject posted many times in various networking sites and forums, but some people just don't seem to get it, so I'm posting again.
When you join a site like myLot, upload a picture for your avatar! If you just leave the default little green guy it says to the community, "I'm just here temporarily to advertise to you. I don't think enough of this community to upload a picture". I have to tell you, I've received friends requests from people who have been on here for a year, have less than 100 posts and all their discussions starters have been something to the effect of "visit my website" and they don't have a avatar. IF you don't want to put your picture up that's OK. Many people don't use a real picture of themselves for various reasons, but you've got to put something up that conveys who you are.
I don't know about seasoned myLotters, but I won't grant a friends request if they don't have an avatar unless they're my referral. Then I encourage them to put up an avatar.
I also won't grant a friends request from someone whose only discussions are slightly veiled advertisements. Yes, we all work programs on the internet and saying you can find this information in my profile is common, but don't make it your ONLY subject of discussion!
OK Off my soapbox. I'm through ranting for today.
5 people like this
9 responses
@sudalunts (5523)
• United States
7 Jul 08
Hello thebeaddooler,
I am possibly one of the people you are referring to.
I did not change my Avatar, because the picture I wanted, couldn't be uploaded, don't know why.
So I kept the default Avatar, after reading your discussion, I decided to try again, and low and behold it worked. Still not the initial picture I wanted.
thanks for the info
@Gollywog (1092)
•
6 Jul 08
When I first started I didnt know how to upload or download? lol Perhaps they are like me and need help! I dont make friends by the look of there avatar I just make friends with who ever asks. If this bothers you ask them if they need help go to the newbies and give them a chance with avatar, Im sure they would be graiteful to you!I know there are a lot here just to get others to make money for them by visiting there web sites but they will end up leaving here as mylotters will ignore them.
2 people like this
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
6 Jul 08
I understand the newbie not putting up an avatar right away, but I had a friend request today and when I checked out the profile, this person has been a member for a year, has never put up an avatar, has started 54 identical discussions (visit my website) and never responded to anyone elses discussions.
Unfortunately, when I see a person with the default avatar, I lump them into the same category with this person. I know it's not right, but my experience has been that the majority of the default avatars are just there for a semi-legitimate way to spam the site.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I hear ya! But I have a few friends that do have their default avatar and LOADS of posts of various nature. I don't know why, but they are very few.
I've also seen low posters that do have a pix, but you are right that on the whole, its the way you discribe.
2 people like this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
6 Jul 08
The FIRST thing I do when I sign up on any forums and the first thing I did here was to put my avatar in my profile.
Those who know me well know that the yellow enquiring face is ME. That's how I am, quizzical. I want to know as much as I can about when, how and when and I 'wonder' about things a lot too. That's the reason behind my avatar.
I agree about the insignificant green things. They say nothing and everything about who is behind them. 'One in a crowd' sort of people and I also agree about not having many on my friends list either.
Having said that I wish you a happy day and happy MyLotting!
2 people like this
@cjgrooms (4456)
• United States
6 Jul 08
Point well made! Although i am one step away from being computer illiterate and i didn't do it myself i did have JER put me up a picture i figured that at least it would be something that i wouldn't mind looking at and give other people something to see. And even though i didn't realize it at the time the one i choose also gives them something to wonder about because they think i am a man-i am not-I really just don't like looking at that little green fella!
1 person likes this
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
6 Jul 08
LOL, yes I thought you were male at first, but that's a matter of social conditioning. Who says a woman can't be a bull rider or at least a rodeo fan? ;)
1 person likes this
@abruzzi10 (622)
• Latvia
6 Jul 08
i think avatars is invidual thing... who wants , who doesn't want it.. ;)
I prefer to upload avatar because it's better for my eyes :D
2 people like this
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
6 Jul 08
LOL And for the readers eyes too. It makes you more identifiable.
1 person likes this
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
7 Jul 08
OK, I see you and raise you One! My Merriam-Webster dictionary's entry for Avatar is- An incarnation in a Human form,B:an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a Human form.
I see your picture and question if a patch of bead-work is an Avatar? Please bear with me in this discussion. I am in total agreement with you on your Post! Everyone should have an Avatar! But, this is how I see it- when you think of a friend you see her face in your mind, then you see her interests. Same thing on myLot. People get used to seeing your Avatar (and you should never change it once its established for that reason) However in my mind an Avatar is a face (doing what that person does)! People need to see the person, or a representation of that person!
1 person likes this
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
7 Jul 08
LOL, My face doesn't create bead patterns, but beadwork and bead patterns IS what I do, and sort of defines me. I see your point, and I do agree that years ago, when I first got online, an avatar was a person, but in my circle it has become a symbol that represents what you do or who you are.
@paid2write (5201)
•
6 Jul 08
When a new member does not have an avatar image I don't think anything of it as I know it can take some time to work out how to do things on this site. But I do agree that if you are a serious myLotter you really should try to add an image rather than use the default avatar. Most long time members have one.
You also make a good point about friends requests from people who just start discussions to promote something. I think usually those people don't stay as active members, because they are not really interested in taking part in discussions, or in starting ones which are not just there to promote their own site. So it's probably not worth accepting them as a friend. There is nothing more annoying than have someome post a referral link in a response to your discussion.
1 person likes this
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
6 Jul 08
LOL I had that happen in an About forum. I politely told her her website was very nice, but I really didn't see what it had to do with that thread. She retreated and didn't respond.
The bad thing about that is, About has a FOR SALE category and that was where hers should have gone for maximum exposure. LOL I guess some people just don't know how to work the forums and chat places.
1 person likes this
@setroc (853)
• Philippines
6 Jul 08
haha, its not a big deal to me, but its nice that you got it off your system, i guess mylot can be use for that purpose too, i always use avatars if theres a site that i didnt upload any it means im not gonna be in that site for long, so your observation is correct, some dont upload avatars coz they think its not worth the time to
1 person likes this
