General What's your take on members without an avatar?

[MamaFrankie]

My avatar is my celebrity crush at the age of 28.

 

[Kyng]

Doesn't bother me at all, TBH: I do think an avatar is nice to have, and it helps me to form a connection if there is one, but if somebody chooses not to use one (or just sticks with the default one), I don't really notice.

 

[Cory]

I think an avatar can often be a picture of yourself, someone you love, an interest, or something you can relate to. An avatar can help speak words about the person behind the screen, it usually tells a little something about them. Even a default avatar I would prefer to see over someone with no avatar because otherwise, their account looks nude.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Let’s talk about those users who stick with the default avatar. Do you wish they’d take the time to upload something personal? Or does it not bother you at all?

Personally, I’ve always felt a stronger connection to members who upload avatars - it adds a unique touch and makes their posts more recognizable. It’s easier to remember them and even start associating their thoughts and personality with their chosen image. I feel like default avatars can feel a bit anonymous, like the user hasn’t fully invested in the community yet. Even when you set that default image different from the software's default.

How do you see it? Does it affect how you view or engage with members? Do you encourage them to upload avatars, or is it just one of those things that comes with running a forum?

In the past, if you didn't use an avatar, it was weird, and I would assume you're a spammer.

However, nowadays, with the need for privacy, I don't even notice it anymore.

I figure; the avatar feature is there is you want it. Use it when you want to use it or don't.

 

[InMyOpinion]

I mean I would prefer if a user uses an avatar but I completely understand if they don't. Sometimes people like to remain a little anonymous and don't really know what to put as an avatar which is fine. For a while I didn't really use an avatar and it was simply because I was too lazy to think of what picture I wanted to use and I also didn't want to have to change anything.