I've been flip-flopping between my robot head and pictures of myself. I just can't decide.
On that note, do you believe having a real picture of yourself is more beneficial to your readership and the visitors to your pages because it gives it more of a personal touch? Or do you think it doesn't matter much?
I go for an avatar as I am a teacher and I don't like the idea of my image being in the public domain. Some people claim that they have more hits with a real pic. Its up to you!
Hmmm, I think with being on Facebook and Myspace for years, it's always too late for me. My pictures have been in the public domain for quite some time!
I tend to agree. even on facebook, my pics are for my friends only. the avatar is a likeness, a representation of what I feel and what I write about.
I used my own pic for a while, and even then it was not easily recognizable. but I like using an avatar better. some will disagree, but it's really a personal preference. I truly don't think it matters to your audience. there are many successful writers here who use an avatar instead of a personal photo.
I like this one with your dog. is that a king charles cavalier? use whatever you feel most comfortable with.
Yes, it is.
I'll just give it some thought, usually I don't need a profile image for what I've been doing before since it's just not needed, but for here hmmm... decisions, decisions.
enjoy your time here and good luck.
my son has a KCC also, his name is walnut!
It really depends on what exactly you want to portray to the readership. Is it a character or situation of you? Is it your genuine nature and appearance? What you want to portray is what will be appropriate for you to use.
I'm real picky about my avatar. I want my profile here to reflect my writings, and give a sense of who I am.
I prefer my current picture on all my internet accounts as you have to maintain a presence on the web if you are going to do well at this game.
I agree with Anna Evanswood.
"I go for an avatar as I am a teacher and I don't like the idea of my image being in the public domain. Some people claim that they have more hits with a real pic. Its up to you!"
I am still on the hunt for the right avatar to represent me and my writing. I like that idea better than using my own pic, kinda like finding the right logo for a business or the right cover art for a book.
Its great to put your own pic up if you're good looking - if not, then why not be like me? and change it everytime you get the urge - from warrior princess to scantily clad poster girl to flower fairy - its all good! I like to add variety and get sick of seeing the same image everytime I post. But I like other people's to stay the same. not knowing why. . .
I think an avatar can express your individuality by it's self without being a picture of the writer.
Especially if you're more of an entity...
In my case, it's been a rather difficult decision. I use a real pic of myself, but I find that our pictures do detract from our writing at some level or the other, esp. when one writes on serious and rather sensitive issues such as I do. Not only have I received some very patronizing comments on a few of my hubs, but I often get the most ridiculous requests for 'friendship' by people who haven't read a word of what I've written! But even that is nothing compared to the seriousness of ever being 'recognized' in a strictly muslim state for my hubs, (e.g. one that is against muslim veil) which could easily put my life at stake or have a 'fatwa' passed against me in an Islamic court!
So, yes, I do see some limitations to posting one's real picture here.... but then I tell myself, it's who i am...and why should I let anyone scare me into hiding myself...! At the same time, I would want to be recognized for my writing and not judged by my appearance... so it's dilemma in my mind in lots of ways...
It makes me think that both ways are important, either my real picture to see who I actually am behind the writing.. or.. an avatar to express who I am.
Perhaps I'll find a middle-ground, possibly some sort of characiture, where it's me.. but it's a hand-drawn picture of me.. Hmmm.. possibilities!
I think that's what Relache has -- a sketch of herself. Good idea as a change from a photo.
yes, I agree... something in the middle is not a bad idea... a sketch/caricature yes. Eventually, I'll probably do the same... certainly before any Taliban come looking for me!
edit: hey, weren't you using a robot or something till yesterday?
I can't really think of anything to use apart from a picture of the 'real me'.
There just doesn't seem to be anything else that 'says' something about me ... or do I lack imagination ...
But I am picky about which pictures of me I use, even if I have made some bad choices in the past (or maybe not only in the past).
Im really picky when it comes to pictures, but I think it depends on you really whether you want to have your real picture or not.
I use my real picture, but is your choice.
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mine is a little boring I know, I'm just thinking of changing it to something interesting but I don't know what'
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