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?

Personally, I’ve always felt a stronger connection to members who upload avatars -

Same, I think it shows personality and that extra effort to connect with the community.

Personally, I’ve always felt a stronger connection to members who upload avatars

Not a stronger connection, but I recognize people by their avatars more than their usernames.

 

That was how I was able to spot Paul not being on XenForo's forum almost immediately.

 

I should upload my XF one here now that I think about it.

I don't mind if my members don't use avatars. I always use an avatar on every forum I join though, if I don't have one it's probably because I forgot to upload one and just wanted to go straight to posting on the community.

I really don't mind if members use avatars or not. On my old forum, I used to have rotating avatars set that would randomly display for people who didn't have one set, but it was niche specific (football players on a football forum) so it kind of worked. I quite frequently forget to upload avatars to forums that I join, but I try to do so when I remember as I do think it generally looks better, and I know some prefer it!

I have a themed default avatar for members without one. But if a new member becomes sticky they tend to want something unique inevitably anyway. But I don't push it. I just make sure it's easy to change.

It doesn't bother me as I consider it their business.

I don't mind it. Especially with Xenforo assigning avatars with the first letter of a screen name. Members usually add an avatar once they become more involved in the community.

I like it when people upload their own avatars. It makes the forum friendlier and helps me remember who they are. Default avatars can feel a bit anonymous. I’d really enjoy seeing more special pictures!

Personal preference - people “decorate” their accounts. My office in real life is decked out with nerdy and sentimental items (LEGO, degrees, Flo from Progressive bobble head, various stuffed animals, relics from old jobs, etc.). I feel my profile is my forum “office” where I get to showcase and offer up discussion pieces.

 

As for other members, I also prefer when they decorate their “spaces.” However, I value what the content provided whether they decorate their spaces or not. I think one way to work around this is to have solid stock avatars in place that still make the design flow look good still. I’d rather look at well designed art than the first letter of a username in a circle.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.