I've changed my avatar

Hahaha that's an interesting idea! I don't think that you looked forbidding in your old avatar, perhaps you should put a picture of you and your puppy and we can have the best of both worlds.

No-one seems to recognise my avatar ('Chorlton', a happiness dragon with a Manchester accent, from 'Chorlton & the Wheelies')but don't think this effects my responses. It is a strange website, mylot, where you can never really tell what will evoke a response. I've made postings about 80s music, european literature, politics and religion, with little response - but mention animals and people flock (pardon the pun) to answer. I thought your avatar was great, and from what you've written in this post, quite apt - I thought you looked like a cross between Terry Pratchett, Mick Fleetwood & Rolf Harris, which would be a wonderful creation. I'm unaware of any pagan influences in Oz, though with the Salem witchtrials (I've read the Crucible) in the US and European non-Catholic influences in art, literature, architecture, etc. Are there any good websites that I might visit about Australian Pagan influence, and perhaps download some of the songs you refer to?

I do believe that our avatars make a difference in the way that people respond to us. Just like in person, I think that the way that we present ourselves in our interactions with the public effect the way that people see us. "Don't judge a book by its cover" just isn't given a lot of thought.

I was one of those who saw your photo before you changed it. In my view you looked interesting...and being that I am a hat person I like yours...and the photo. So did I find you "forbidding?" For what it is worth...no I did not. If others found it so...well maybe it is a good idea to change it. Your choice. After hearing that you were a practicing Wicca I can appreciate why I felt a comfort level within the exchanges we have had so far. Although the teachings within Wicca are not the only ones I have incorporated into my spirituality, there are certainly many aspects of it and other Pagan teachings that I resonate with. In regard to your discussions not getting that many responses...all I can say is that it takes time to find like minded others here. I know for sure there are many of them within Mylot Land that are interested in sharing what you call "heavier" discussions. If you were to check back on many of the discussions on Perspectives you will see there are topics there on a lot of things that go beyond small talk. A lot of the regular contributors to Perspectives topics say they come because they like the fact that they can put on their thinking caps. I have also had the pleasure of connecting with many members from all over the world who embrace different viewpoints about religion, politics, spirituality, metaphysics, Buddhism, yoga, the afterlife, reincarnation, whole person healing and most everything else. In regard to your question about the visual effects of chosen Avatars...I have not found that personally. If the Avatar was really gross (in my view anyway), violent or demeaning, yes that would have a bearing on whether I would go beyond it. Would make me wonder what message they were sending out. I also trust my felt sense of member's "energy" when I decide to exchange ideas with them. Anyway, I am sure you will find more who want to share deeper ideas with you. They are here... So long for now, Raia

We shall see if it makes a difference. I actually like your picture as I think it makes you look distinguished and wise. Ah well I know I a biased. But I also love the picture of our cute dog when he was a puppy and he is just sitting there in his hero worship mode. He is a bit bigger now but still a hero worshipper.

I rather liked your old avatar but the new one is cute enough. I think that there is a little psychology about these things. I used to be a cartoon pike but I was told by someone who has fish phobia that it frightened her! So I went for the baby in the flowerpot. Mostly though it is the quality of the discussion that attracts me. Not the badge on the cover.

Really? I thought you looked "kinky" in your previous avatar! I keep a picture of me up because I like to see the person I'm talking to, and you know the old saying "do unto others" blah blah... I just feel like it makes MyLot a little more human. But the puppy is cute, no complaints! As for posting real discussions, keep going with it! I like your discussions!

Is that true. I must get a picture and make it my avatar. I will not post my face as it is bland and maybe the lack of an avatar is why I only have a six rated star. I will find a cute picture of a cat or a doggie and post that. Maybe my star will rise.