Does the look of your Avatar affect your readership?

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   R. Blueposted 15 years ago

   I've noted that some of you hubbers change your Avatar as often as I change my underwear....about once a week.  Does the appeal of a given avatar affect your hits?  Or is it your mood or personality of the moment?  Afre you more apt to read a hub if the avatar is sexy as opposed to a wrinkled old geezer?

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      guidebabaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I feel - YES .

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         jjrubioposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         I concur...It can make a difference why one is reading another's hub depending on the photo on the avatar..And  I change my avatar more than once a week...It depends on my mood..

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            R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            That's why jj has a hot pic...though she doesn't need it...cause she's a hot read.

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               jjrubioposted 15 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks.....I try!!

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         Frieda Babbleyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         LOL  good answer.  and true for some, definitely.

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   Dame Scribeposted 15 years ago

   I have my own pic up n is grainy I have no idea what all my readers think ... never thought bout it. You only change your undies once a week lol you tellin me tall tales?

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      R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Now would I pull such a fine looking leg as yours???

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         Dorsiposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         I think an avatar has alot to do with readership. People like to put a face to the writing, and the more personable a picture, the more readers can relate to you. Perhaps if your idea is to be mysterious or funny then a picture with that slant would be good too (like Pest's picture)
         It's called branding, and when you write and socialize you want people to remember you, and remember your name. So choosing a good name, picture and consistent bio are all important. And if you have to have a nickname make it one that gets associated with you.You don't want to have different nick names all over, people will forget which one is you. Keep it simple.

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   SweetiePieposted 15 years ago

   I change my avatar when I am bored.  I do change mine quite often, but it depends on my mood.

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   Feline Prophetposted 15 years ago

   I've stuck to my avatar since I joined...kinda suits me, what?

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      quicksandposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      The impression that I got was that you are erudite, (true) and a cat fan.
      
      I only said cat! Woof! Woof! Thud! Yelp! Yelp! Yelp!

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         Feline Prophetposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         You really do need to get over your aversion to dogs, quicksand!
         The rest is all true! Hehe...

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            quicksandposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            Feline Prophet, the caravan of my aversion is propelled by barking dogs!

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               Feline Prophetposted 15 years agoin reply to this

               But haven't you heard - those are the ones that never bite!

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                  quicksandposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                  

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   quicksandposted 15 years ago

   I always recognize fellow members of hub pages by their avatars, and names do not always create an impression. However it would be a good idea to keep changing avatars.

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   goldentoadposted 15 years ago

   I suffer from a multiple personality disorder

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   AEvansposted 15 years ago

   I had my pic up for a long time , decided I was bored with me and changed it, it is always nice to have fun!!! In regards to does it make a difference? I don't think so..

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   Anamika Sposted 15 years ago

   I don't think so. If you have quality content then getting readers is not a problem. I keep my avatar standard and do not change it very often. My avatar is my own picture and i had put the same one in all the sites i am involved with the intention of 'Branding'.

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   Elena.posted 15 years ago

   Cool to see this topic revived. Not the first time I see such a discussion in the forums.  I even did a hub on the matter of avatars. 
   
   I used the same avatar for 5 months and all of a sudden decided to initiate a "weekend specials" adventure. 
   
   I can see how it would help with "branding", but it's got to be a very distinct avatar for that.  Oh, I don't know, but I love that the topic is back on stage

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    Bard of Elyposted 15 years ago

    My avatar shows that I am a creative artist and is also a bit of publicity and in gratitude to the brilliant painter Paco de Colmenar who painted it.

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    R. Blueposted 15 years ago

    I put this question forth because for me, I'm more inclined to read the hub of an attractive person than someone who isn't.  There are times that I would like to see the face of the writer and also times when I'd rather see them in my imagination.  As for Pest and GoldenFrog...they fall into the category of...it just doesn't matter because they write so well.  Golden changess his avatar with the change in the weather....but I must say I liked the one of the old man vagrant with the computer in his lap....gave vision to Golden's rage pieces.  Randy Behavior and a lot of the sexy ladies...well I want to see sexy avatars....helps me concentrate.

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       KCC Big Countryposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       The inclination to read an attractive hubber's hub is exactly why some people chose to keep their avatar generic.  So, is that attractive man in your avatar really you, or is it the type of man you'd think readers would want to read?  Based on your comments, I'm guessing the latter.

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          R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Can't slip anything by you can I???  That was my point in a subtle way to some of the people who use their own picture as their avatar.  I'd rather imagine how they look than actually seeing them...LOL

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             KCC Big Countryposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             I tend to agree, but at the same time I'm sometimes curious to see what they really look like.  I had the monkey you see for the longest time and decided to change for awhile.  Once I hit 10,000 pageviews last night, the monkey is back. 

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                R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                I see KCC....so you can't get the Monkey off your back...LOL  Obviously you're doing something right...keep on hubbing

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    Colebabieposted 15 years ago

    Well mine is me. I just can't think of anything clever.

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       R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       And if I looked like you, I'd post my pic too....maybe naked.....oh yeah thats not allowed, but its how I'll imagine you from now on.

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          Colebabieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Haha. That's all I have to say

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             R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             Cole....I see I left you speechless....standing there naked with nothing to say.....You know I'm just teasing.

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    robie2posted 15 years ago

    Well here's my report on my highly unscientific experiment LOL-- I substituted a recent pic of my real self for my usual sleek and elegant avatar yesterday afternoon. My hubscore actually went down three points right after I did it. Guess I'm not as attractive as my avatar eh? but then I already knew that:-)
    
    Readership didn't change much though-- in fact was up -- not sure what it all means but went back to my avatar today. I've been using her for close to a year now and we are really good friends so up she stays at least for the moment.

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       Elena.posted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Robie, aren't these facts really mind blowing? I never thought avatars make much of a difference, said so before in this thread, but one's gotta wonder when seeing the ratings and readership and what not!

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          R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          My hubscore's only an 8.....so if I post my pic....lemme see....nope I haven't actually seen any negative hub scores.

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          robie2posted 15 years agoin reply to this

          I guess it's all about "branding" as they say in the marketing world. There are also lots of other influences on hubscore--not just avatar so it might be hard to figure out. Like my readership is up because I recently posted a new hub--my first in a month-- which might also be part of why my hubscore went down LOL
          
          I think the bottom line is what someone else said--people like to look at pix of attractive people. We're hardwired for it I guess and that is what keeps the plastic surgeons in business

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    William F. Torpeyposted 15 years ago

    I use the Bing Crosby Postage Stamp as my avatar because I am hopeful that it will inspire those who are unfamiliar with him to listen to his music and watch some of his many movies -- some may be hard to find, but many can be found on the Web. No one needs to see my picture to read my hubs.

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    RKHenryposted 15 years ago

    I change mine every once in awhile with the belief that it does make a difference.

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    GeneriqueMediaposted 15 years ago

    I made mine pretty quick and dirty. As a lark, mostly. I'm working on one comprised of three segments: G M L, with each letter corresponding with eyes, ears, and mouth (with duct tape covering them, I'm so uber-original..I know.).
    
    But when I get it to work, it'll probably be too big and complex to shrink down...

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       R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       LOL

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    Pestposted 15 years ago

    I dont think people would like it if I changed mine.  Some avatars become part of who we are.  An extension of a personality or a way to express a personality otherwise hidden in the everyday world away from HP...unfortunately for me I have a kittycidal raccoon.  So to answer with my opinion...I dont really think it matters.

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       R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Pest...I did say earlier that you and Golden were the exception....heck you could post a turd for an avatar and everyone would still read you.

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          Pestposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Eloquently put my friend!  LOL  Thanks!

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    Teresa McGurkposted 15 years ago

    I'm really a fifteen-year-old boy.  This is my mother's photo.

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       jjrubioposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah! LOL
       You are silly!!!

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       Rochelle Frankposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I like it. It looks like you have secret and you are trying not to laugh.

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       GeneriqueMediaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Jeepers! Who woulda thunk? Now I don't feel as bad, being a sickly old man hiding behind a generic av.

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       JamaGeneeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Then what a pretty mother you have! You be nice to her, you hear??? 

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    Dorsiposted 15 years ago

    Here is the thing you need to consider with your avatar- consider it like your own personal "logo" and think about that for a minute. I've been in advertising half my life and I can say that logos are a huge part of a companies identity. That's why you don't see them change their logos very often. Think about how many times you have looked at the coca-cola or walmart logo or any other company. By viewing it several times it starts to make an impression in your head.
    I am against changing my avatar frequently, no matter how tempted I am to do so. Remember Ann Landers picture? That is how I would like people to recognize my writing through the consistent use of my picture with all my writing.
    Choosing an avatar for people wanting to be professional writers is alot more important that one thinks.

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    EYEAM4ANARCHYposted 15 years ago

    I've been thinking about updating my avatar and using my real pic:
    

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       R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I must say ...What a vast improvement..I never did like cats.

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          R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Pest...is that you????

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             LondonGirlposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             I just have a photo of me and my son - people can like it or lump it!

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                JamaGeneeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                LG, that photo is *your* brand! I'm sure your son won't mind seeing himself every time he reads your stuff when he's older!

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                   LondonGirlposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                   When he's a greasy-haired spotty 15 year old oaf, he might not like it. That'll be his tough luck!

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       JamaGeneeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I'm guessing you cropped off that long number on that card they made you hold, right??? 

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    quicksandposted 15 years ago

    A hubber had once stated something very serious and totally sane in a forum. I read the last few phrases first, and found it so absorbing that I scrolled upwards to check out the entire thing from the very beginning. What do I see? His avatar is that of a little kid about to burst into tears!!!
    
    Brilliant!
    
    ROTFFLMA&BO!

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    SweetiePieposted 15 years ago

    I work at a library and study the covers of book jackets from time to time.  Often writers pose for different pictures through out their writing careers, so I see nothing wrong with updating one's avatar from time to time.  Celebrities also update their pictures from time to time, and we would not see pictures of Sally Field or Meryl Streep on their websites from twenty years ago.  Well of course we would see some older pictures and newer ones, but I think it is perfectly a okay to show a variety of pictures if that is your desire.

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       JamaGeneeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I have a similar job, SweetiePie, but I'll *never* get used to the newer jacket photos of Stephen King! (Better mention I'm a long-time SK fan.)

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          Anna Marie Bowmanposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          His newer pics do seem strange.  Looking at how much he has changed over the years is nice, though.  Strangely enough, I am looking at a pic of King right now.  "Cell" is sitting face down on my desk right now!!!

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          SweetiePieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          I like variety and a unique book jacket always catches my eye.  I am referring more to the pictures authors take in the back of books, many which change con frecuencia.  Also, with celebrities these change quite often.  I can see the point of keeping a certain picture, but I feel one can do well by changing it up too.

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             Dorsiposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             I know you like to change your picture Sweetie. I think you are OK with doing that because your pics always look "consistent",in other words people can still tell it's you. Celebrities have a leg up on us as they have already got "face recognition", so it works for them.
             I have a couple different pics of me but have stayed with those 2 for the most part so people will recognize me at Digg, Facebook and other places where I go.
             It's surprising how many people remember your pic after awhile. When I was a columnist for a local paper people would recognize me on the street because I always had the same pic in my column. Kinda made me feel like a celebrity...lol...

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                SweetiePieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                I see what you mean.  I will probably keep the same pic on the examiner and not change that one.

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    Anna Marie Bowmanposted 15 years ago

    Though I change my avatar frequently, I like to play around, and change things as the mood strikes me, Dorsi had an excellent point.  Your avatar really is like a logo.  People become familiar with that avatar.  I think that is part of the reason we cannot change our names on here.  If we could change both our picture and our name, we would never be able to keep track of who everyone is.

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       R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       You don't think people change their names on here......They're called multiple accounts.....LOL

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    Cris Aposted 15 years ago

    Hmm based on my experience so far, no they don't

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       JamaGeneeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Clever disguise, Cris, going out in public with two eyes! Much more clever than wearing shades and a hat like those other celebs do. 

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          Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          But just the same, you found me. Will try again. Any suggestion? 

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             JamaGeneeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             We've been over this already... Eskimos. Dog sleds.  Remember??

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                Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                yeah i know, and i'm taking that route. i was just trying to sidetrack you. oops, i think i would really need a new suggestion now!

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    Mighty Momposted 15 years ago

    Good question. It seems to be a very, very personal decision. Some hubbers change out their avatars every few hours. Others keep theirs consistent. IMHO, once people know your name (or your user name) and get to know your writing, they will follow you whether your avatar is a real photo of you or a cartoon cat (hellow Feline Prophet!) or an artistic rendering of some sort. It's all just part of having fun being creative! MM

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       Feline Prophetposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Meeeeeow MM, nice to meet you too!

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       R. Blueposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Quite right MM...as I mentioned to Pest, he could use a pic of a turd for an avatar and people would still read his work...and same goes for the toad....Ever notice how some Restaurants have a following no matter how far off the beaten path they are while others with better locations and fancier diggs seem to fail.....just goes to show that quality content will be pursued even if inconvenient....or even with bad avatars.

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    Purple Perlposted 15 years ago

    Avatars do have a lasting impression if the hub content is consistently good or bad or mediocore or a particular speciality topic of the writer.Readers quickly connect with a particular avatar,like "branding" that works for a company.The name associated  should match the avatar for attracting a faithful readership following.

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