'Real' avs

[Calamity Jane]

So many people, me included, have begun using actual pics of themselves (or various body parts) as their av. I'm curious how that affects what we perceive as their posting style, how many of us are surprised to actually find out what a person looks like vs the image we developed of them without the pic, etc.

I received a couple of PMs after I started using me as my av. One person expressed surprise that I wasn't African American. The other person was surprised that I was 'so young'. I've been through several of my posts and can't figure out why the assumptions about my race or age were made.

I've also seen posts after someone posts a pic of themselves that run along the vein of "I never would have pictured you like that!"

So, if the avs that aren't 'us' influence people's reactions to us, how do the pics of the actual people influence us?

 

[Wizard]

Everyone thinks I look like this.............................<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<,

 

[PHANTOM5875]

Well, pagancowgirl, yours scared my cat, Roxanne, so I have you down on my BAD PEOPLE list. (Kidding!!)

That's an interesting observation you make. You know, maybe posting our real faces has the same problem as posting a drawing or whatever. People are quick to rush to judgement sometimes one way or the other. To be honest, some of the sexy female avitars attracted me at first to certain people that eventually I found totally uninteresting once I got to know them somewhat though their postings. In other words, appearances can indeed be deceiving.

Posting holiday AV's right now is a fun thing for me to do but I have one I have found that I really like that suits me and somehow just *fit* . Whether it causes an incorrect impresssion as to the type of person I am, I don't really know.

I think it works better for me if I concentrate on the personality rather than how one looks. Now, don't get me wrong. If you want to show off your face and body, more power to you. Whatever floats your boat or lubes your gears.

I just think keeping a little mystery in place is a good thing and allows me to focus on the inner you.

 

[Rubyfruit]

Perceptions are a very strange thing. I'm never quite sure how people perceive me, here or elsewhere, or if they're accurate.

Frankly, I try not to give it too much thought, otherwise, it drives me crazy.

 

[estevie]

Foxinsox thought I was blonde and old...go figure

It is interesting, I was just reading weird harolds thread about av's. I have yet to be completely surprised by an av. I may picture them a bit older or younger, but for the most I have been pretty close. Jazz is exactly like I pictured him!

 

[Angel]

I've had two different Av's of myself. I like them, (Well I kind of have to, they're ME, LOL)

But, looking at my own face whenever I post gets a little bit boring. I see it every day. Normally I find Av's with an Angel in them because it's my username and my RL Nickname. I have a folder full of angel avatars and I will usually put whichever one up out of that bunch that suits my current mood, and a title to match.

I'm kind of partial to the one I have now. Although it isn't my normal Angel theme, it reflects the me that exsists right now.
(The AV, not the PC COCKLOVER title)

 

[Weird Harold]

So, if the avs that aren't 'us' influence people's reactions to us, how do the pics of the actual people influence us?

I think there is very little differnece between "real" avatars and other avatars.

Where the "real" avatars make a difference, is shattering illusions built up in our heads based on "unreal" avatars and posting history.

Another area where real vs unreal avs make a difference is in the amount of flirting. If Perk-Girl posted a "real" avatar that revealed he was actually a pot bellied, cigar smoking old man, I'd probably stop flirting.

 

[lobito]

I catch alot of flack when I post my own pic for my av, especially after I got rid of my last one. I was told it shattered the illusion they had of me, not that I really care. But, I guess some people would rather look at some naked "hunk" wearing only a santa hat, than the actual me having fun on my honeymoon.

BTW Angel, I happen to like your current av the most of all the ones I've seen of yours, there's just something about it. Which is kind of funny, since I like it most when people post their real pics for their av's.

 

[Mensa]

Let's face it

But, looking at my own face whenever I post gets a little bit boring. I see it every day.

Sorry, Angel, but I'm not buying it. Looking at your face could never get boring. Uh-uh. No way.

 

[Angel]

Re: Let's face it

Sorry, Angel, but I'm not buying it. Looking at your face could never get boring. Uh-uh. No way.

LOL. Well it bores -me- since I see it all day long. It'll pop up as an av on and off. But I think this one will eventually make it's way back up most of the time. I kinda like her.

 

[Camille]

When I reach a hundred I will post a picture of myself. Though I have already started looking for more to switch back and forth from.

 

[cymbidia]

As i've said before a number of times, i'll never post my real face or any identifying features because it could have serious repercussions in my professional life. For me, using a "real face" av isn't an option.

Personally, i prefer the av's people pick from the net someplace to real-face photos. I find it an interesting commentary on whatever aspects of their personality they want to share with us here. In essence, non-real-face av's give me more insight into them as a Lit resident than do real-face photos.

The single exception to this is Ruby. She came here with her real face and has never used anything but her real face as an av. She began the whole trend. (And many of us are *so* prone to wavering around as trends in av's wash to and fro through our ranks, aren't we?) I can't imagine her as anything else now.

JMO.

 

[Comshaw]

Well I decided to join the trend toward real av's. Being trendy isn't uulally my style, but what the hell. That is me in the picture, a long, long time ago granted. On the first motorcylce I ever sat on.

Comshaw

 

[Laurel]

I catch alot of flack when I post my own pic for my av, especially after I got rid of my last one. I was told it shattered the illusion they had of me, not that I really care.

Actually, I like your new av a lot more. It has loads of personality.

Times up.

 

[seXieleXie]

Actually, I like your new av a lot more. It has loads of personality.

Here's mine, for 2 minutes only. Merry Christmas!

what a cutie

 

[Laurel]

You're too nice.

 

[dqrich]

Yet another thread to discuss this topic...
I still wonder if what is being said can somehow be over shadowed by the simple fact that the person's avs does not "catch" other peoples attention.
I think this happens, but who really misses out and/or cares?
Are some of the regulars the least bit worried that they might miss a message or comment simply because the memebers they "know" have changed their avs and you were not paying close enough attention?
Serious question here, really...

 

[Never]

Ahhh, Laurel, you couldn't wait until I changed my avatar again, could you? Not that I blame you, Aiko is one of the most attractive cats I've seen.

 

[Laurel]

Aiko is damn sexy!

That's all, folks.

 

[Elizabeth]

I catch alot of flack when I post my own pic for my av, especially after I got rid of my last one. I was told it shattered the illusion they had of me, not that I really care. But, I guess some people would rather look at some naked "hunk" wearing only a santa hat, than the actual me having fun on my honeymoon.

BTW Angel, I happen to like your current av the most of all the ones I've seen of yours, there's just something about it. Which is kind of funny, since I like it most when people post their real pics for their av's.

I love your avatar...really lighthearted and fun. I'd rather see that than some naked "hunk". Of course, I shouldn't say anything. I really have to work up the nerve to use a pic of myself.

 

[scylis]

in my line of work, it's not a good idea to go flashing your face around, no matter where it is.

i am a cleaner.

 

[perks]

Re: Re: 'Real' avs

.
Another area where real vs unreal avs make a difference is in the amount of flirting. If Perk-Girl posted a "real" avatar that revealed he was actually a pot bellied, cigar smoking old man, I'd probably stop flirting.

eeeek......<grin>......hmmmm......I don't mind a good cigar once in awhile sugah but you have nothin' to worry about.

 

[Camille]

Great hair! But where's the nanna?
Cammy

 

[perks]

Great hair! But where's the nanna?
Cammy

here ya go sugah......lol.....just for you, you banana beggar.

 

[Camille]

Yum

Thank you perky, sometimes you just gotta have one!

Cammy