the AVATARS question – is it time to ban the ugly ones????

[scouries]

[size=+2]THREADMASTERS STATEMENT OF INTENT[/size]

This thread has a threefold purpose:

First, I’d like to encourage an overall improvement in the quality of AVATARS posted on the LITEROTICA forums.
Second, I like to rate the past and present AVATARS and then produce an official list of SW ratings.
Finally I’d like to heighten the awareness of the value of post aesthetics among our members.​

​

WARNING TO READERS: I’d advise readers of this thread to read page 1 and then skip directly to page 4. When you get to page 4 close your eyes and scroll down past the first post on that page, then enjoy. Thanks, jim

But the problem is who will decide which ones are ugly?

And why should we ban them anyway?

The AHland UGLY AVATAR COMMISION of INQUIRY?

We’ve spent a great deal of time over the last couple of weeks discussing whether we should ban POLITICAL or SEXIST or RELIGIOUS or RACIST threads.

And yet again and again people mentioned that while they didn’t support the proposed censorship they did wish that some way could be found to bring a more civil tone to the discussions.

I have an idea.

No one mentioned AVATARS and the message they send and the effect they had on the thread reader. It’s now readily accepted by most gurus in the psychology world that presentation (how you’re dressed, your tone, the physical environment in which the message is delivered, etc.) is as important as the message trying to be communicated.

AVATARS are the first thing we see when we go to open a post.

I’ll mention two I don’t like. I don’t particularly want to single them out (unfortunately they’ve already attracted their share of attention – much of it unfair) but these two offer us the ability to not being perceived as picking on one particular group which is so important in any AHland discussion. This is meant to provoke an apolitical, asexual, areligious thread.

One’s male, the other female.
One’s gay, one’s straight (I think I’m correct here).
One’s a left winger, the other on the right. (I think)
One’s JBJ, the others JJ. (maybe it’s a j thing?)

They attack us with their AVATARS! Before we read a word we’re faced with a slap in the face and this clear message, “FUCK YOU” .

As human beings we have an automatic response on seeing them of “FUCK YOU TOO BUDDY”. We’re angry at them and we haven’t read a word.

Both of the two I’ve mentioned have had different and better AVATARS in the past (J.J. in fact had a simply delicious one at one time). And I can honestly say that I thought better of them when they had more positive ones. We’re hard wired that way.

Both they and we would be better served if they decided to change their avatars. So c’mon you two – set an example for us all.

Hey, let me be honest here – getting rid of these ugly AVATARS isn’t going to change the world. But it is a small step in the right direction.

I have other thoughts on the AVATAR question – my likes and dislikes, the aesthetics of AVATAR appreciation, what posters are proclaiming when they don’t use an avatar, how much penis is too much penis in avatar pics, who has the best avatar, why do people change their AVATARS, etc., etc. - that I’ll expound on in future posts.

james r scouries

LITEROTICA’S
ALL-TIME TOP AVATARS LIST

​

AVATARS will be rated using the LITEROTIC story scoring scale. The following are ratings for already rated AVATARS.

[size=+3]5’s [/size]
(loved it – one of the best)

[size=+2]scouries[/size]
[size=+2]LAUREL[/SIZE]
I’m no fool, she signs the checks
[size=+2]McKenna[/size]
cute one – no longer available
[size=+2]sarahhh[/size]
I love dick one – outstanding
[size=+2]Freddie[/size]
the polo one
[size=+2]KillerMuffin[/size]
[size=+2]CeriseNoir[/size]


[size=+3]4’s[/size]
(really liked it – good work)

[size=+2]jamiebjohnson[/size]
smiling
[size=+2]Liar[/size]
[size=+2]Safe Bet[/size]
[size=+2]SaintPeter[/size]
[size=+2]Ogg/Jeanne D’Arc[/size]

[size=+3]3’s[/size]
(so-so you can do better)

[size=+3]2’s[/size]
(didn’t like it much)

[size=+3]1’s [/size]
(too much penis or another major artistic transgression)

[size=+2]drippinghoney[/size]
[size=+2]jessiejackson[/size]
finger one
[size=+2]dixie c lee[/size]
every one shes ever had

[size=+3] 0’s[/size]
(bare avatar riders)

[size=+2]pilot[/size]
​

 

[scouries]

Somebody stole one of my favorite avatars…

Why??????????

One of my favorite ALL-TIME AVATARS belonged to somebody called McKenna (I’ve never met her). She wasn’t someone I came across very often but the odd time I did I’d stop and read what she had to say. Simply because of the AVATAR! It put a smile on my face.

I looked for it today and fuck, you wouldn’t believe it, IT’S GONE!

That inviting smile, those crossed legs, the sweater, the whole perfectly composed picture is gone – replaced by who knows what (actually the new one isn’t terrible (yes it is), it’s just that it’s not the one).

It’s like walking into the Art Institute of Chicago expecting to see Seurat’s “Un dimanche après-midi à l'Île de la Grande Jatte” and coming face to face with some minor work by a second rate cubist.

McKenna, please, please, wherever you are, bring back your old AVATAR.

And if any of you meet this wonderful girl will you please repeat my message to her.

james r scouries

 

[sr71plt]

We could just follow the rules and law and erase the ones in copyright violation. That would halve the avatars posted possibly (and probably get rid of yours, Scouries). Probably not get rid of the ugly ones, though. I do remember looking at a couple that obviously were home-grown of the poster and thought, "Whoa, does he/she really want us to identify them with this?"

P.S.: I like the changing ones 3113 puts up the best--they all look stolen, though.

 

[scouries]

I was afraid you might say something about copywright (you've got it on the brain). The above picture was taken from Wikipedia and had the following written under it. I assumed (perhaps wrongly) that if it was good enough for them it would be good enough for LITEROTICA.


This is a faithful photographic reproduction of an original two-dimensional work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain for the following reason: This image (or other media file) is in the public domain because its copyright has expired.

This applies to the United States, Australia, the European Union and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 70 years.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note that a few countries have copyright terms longer than 70 years: Mexico has 100 years, Colombia has 80 years, and Guatemala and Samoa have 75 years. This image may not be in the public domain in these countries, which moreover do not implement the rule of the shorter term. Côte d'Ivoire has a general copyright term of 99 years and Honduras has 75 years, but they do implement the rule of the shorter term.


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The official position taken by the Wikimedia Foundation is that "faithful reproductions of two-dimensional public domain works of art are public domain, and that claims to the contrary represent an assault on the very concept of a public domain". For details, see Commons:When to use the PD-Art tag.
This photographic reproduction is therefore also considered to be in the public domain.

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[sr71plt]

I was afraid you might say something about copywright

Nope, didn't say a thing about "copywright."

(Curious also what "the above picture" has to do with your avatar, which is what I commented on. But not curious enough to care about your answer.)

 

[scouries]

I generally don’t like people who change their AVATARS all the time.

I always think one of two things when I come across it- either

a) this so-and-so is trying to put one over on me and fool me into reading his/her post; or

b) this person has so little confidence in her/him self that they try to reinvent themselves every second week.

In either case I’m put off and don’t want to waste my time on their posts.

There are exceptions. Someone who gets rid of an ugly one gets my approval. Maybe he/she has finally seen the light I think and then sample their post just to signify my approval.

Special event AVATARS (Halloween for example) are all right I guess but please don’t invent some event every week (one special event per year?).

When you’re ready pick a good one and stick with it is my advice to anyone now nearing the 100 post mark. Take your time, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your LITEROTICA posting life. Prepare well before. Think about it. Ask your friends. Don’t rush into it.

james r scouries

christ, don't become a comedian on me ace...

 

[_Lynn_]

Nope, didn't say a thing about "copywright."

(Curious also what "the above picture" has to do with your avatar, which is what I commented on. But not curious enough to care about your answer.)

*snerk*

 

[TxRad]

I always found it funny that Scouries and Sarahhh used to use the same stolen AV. Think they were trying to tell us something. Nah, we already knew they were the same person/guy.

 

[scouries]

Choosing to not have an AVATAR is a message too of course. We have various people (some with thousands of posts) who don’t post one.

It’s a not very subtle rejection of something or other. I’m sure everyone who chooses this route has his/her individual reason for his/her choice. I once asked a famous LITEROTICAN who practiced bare-avatar riding why he did it but he hemmed and hawed in response and wasn’t very convincing.

[size=+2]Gabby[/size] rides bare-avatar but its only because the pretty little thing can’t make up her mind (women!). And my suggestions are simply met by a glowering stare. She’ll decide soon…

Ace goes bare too – he claims it’s because of his CIA background but I’m not so sure. It may well be he hasn’t yet mastered the digital camera.

Generally I believe that it’s not a good approach for the average LITEROTICAN to ride bare-avatar.. It’s a mild irritation to our thread readers.

Again there are exceptions. One of the only two posters I’ve ever put on ignore (he’s off now) was there mainly because of his AVATAR. I hated it! I looked for him today (haven’t seen him since I got back from the Amazon) and low and behold he’s riding bare-avatar. PTL.

james r scouries

 

[sr71plt]

Ace goes bare too – he claims it’s because of his CIA background but I’m not so sure. It may well be he hasn’t yet mastered the digital camera.

Bingo. I've never said why, but "he's never mastered the digital camera" is true (so, you didn't even have to lie) and if I did bother to master that, I then wouldn't be able to master pasting it wherever it goes to show here.

How's your "copywrighting" coming, Jim?

 

[scouries]

I generally don’t like penises highlighted in AVATARS. Now I’ll grant you that perhaps my being a heterosexual male has something to do with this but it’s not the only reason (I’ve also heard from quite a few ladies that they’re not particularly fond of them either).

First off, they’re everywhere. In AHland. In GBland (they’re really ugly over there). In Amateur Picture place. Even in the realm of Story Feedback if you can believe it! On the nipples thread (can you imagine checking out the nipples while this puffy red penis looks on). I believe that to post one indicates a lack of originality.

Secondly, they’re generally poorly composed pictures (mainly I think because often the cameraman is also the model). For example, look at the AV of drippinghoney. I’m not trying to pick on him but YUCK! Stand up man. Pull in your stomach. Expand your chest. Flex! No one wants to see your bum from that angle. As someone once said, “Just say no to crack!”

I have no objection to nudity my good fellow. And this is LITEROTICA a world famous sex/porn/erotica site.

But as soon as I come across your AVATAR I scroll down without reading. I’d suggest you hire a professional photographer – the few dollars it’ll cost will be amply repaid in reads.

james r scouries

 

[TxRad]

I wonder if everyone put up a dick picture, would he go away?

 

[scouries]

Animals? Dogs and cats?

They’re popular but can easily miss the mark. The babes seem to prefer cats and the guys dogs. But they can easily become too cutsey. LAUREL was a cat once but then she went glitz on us.

I like Liars. Not sure why but I do. He’s a rat which I generally don’t like. Unless he’s a chipmunk.

VoluntaryMonkey’s is good but not great. But why a bear and not a monkey? Sorta a strange choice if you ask me.

I loved Polo but my pal [size=+2]Freddie [/size] seems to have lost the little guy. Which is sad.

Evil Alpaca has a great one! LLAMA…

The black guy used to have a horse one but I think he’s left the site. No one seems to have a lion…

james scouries

 

[Loring2]

Who is this Guy

I wonder if everyone put up a dick picture, would he go away?

Not a chance Tx. This dude is a masochist, he loves pain and ridicule and wonders why anyone would be uncivil to him Knows a lotta stuff too.

Says he likes painters, at least I think he does 'cause he said somethin' about a Frenchmen, Henri S ... something or other who does it with point ... someting or other ... something about a fat goose wallowing in the mud pool.

He must know a lot Tx ... wouldn't care to know him much and I wouldn't want him for a friend. Phony as they come.

Loring

 

[Safe_Bet]

Here's the new Av you ordered scouries... Sorry it took so long but it required a bunch of retouching to make you look even THIS good! I STILL think you look pretty snazzy in your Walmart Greeter's uniform, though.

Oh, crap... I meant to PM this to you.... Oooops...​

​

 

[YoursSINSerely]

I like my avatar. It says who I am. You can read anything you want into it, but it's staying.

 

[sr71plt]

I like my avatar. It says who I am. You can read anything you want into it, but it's staying.

You can even stand on your head and read it, which is sorta cool.

 

[lance gt]

I like my avatar, it says who I am and lends a bit of heritage to the room. I like my other ones too, so changing my avatar is like getting to see more sides of me. People have commented on the ones I've used and said they're great, so I must be putting up some good Av's.

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

Well gosh golly, anything else someone want to try to control what I'm allowed to do on the forum?

Can I drink while I post? Is there a limit? Can I talk to anyone or is there an approved list?

Tell me more rules. I wanna find a way to break them

 

[lance gt]

Well gosh golly, anything else someone want to try to control what I'm allowed to do on the forum?

Can I drink while I post? Is there a limit? Can I talk to anyone or is there an approved list?

Tell me more rules. I wanna find a way to break them

I know why you're doing it, you want to get spanked by a cowboy in a great looking car, who'll do you dry in the morning and leave you wet at night. tell me I'm a bad boy, c'mon

 

[michchick98]

I just find it incredibly ironic and enormously humorous that scouries continually gets names wrong (on purpose), generally has nothing nice to say about most regular members of the AH, repeatedly belittles many of us for not being intelligent enough to read his thread, yet he started a thread here in the AH where many have him on ignore, and the most intelligent thing he's posted is photos of famous works of art and citations from Wikipedia.

AND, he bitches about people changing their avatars too much, but his pal from Pittsburgh changes hers every time she makes a new "book cover" and he has no problem whatsoever with that.

Speaking of ugly avatars, customizable image blocking software is a wonderful thing. Lets one block any image that's unpleasing to the eye, including avatars stolen from a French porn site. (That is where you stole yours from, isn't it scouries?)

Of course, there are always the customizable settings here on the Lit boards where you can block avs and sig lines, but with that it's all or nothing and since scouries can't seem to figure out the proper way to quote a message.....

 

[sr71plt]

But you'll have to admit that the art does dress up the place. The most authentic material Scouries has ever contributed.

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

I know why you're doing it, you want to get spanked by a cowboy in a great looking car, who'll do you dry in the morning and leave you wet at night. tell me I'm a bad boy, c'mon

You have been paying attention.

 

[michchick98]

But you'll have to admit that the art does dress up the place. The most authentic material Scouries has ever contributed.

Oh, there's no question about that.

 

[YoursSINSerely]

But you'll have to admit that the art does dress up the place. The most authentic material Scouries has ever contributed.

By George, I think you are actually trying to brown nose Scouries. You think you are actually going to be chosen to be the monitor, aren't you? Freddie said he'd only use you for a back up monitor position. Laurel chose Freddie already to be the monitor. You can stop kissing up to him. I don't think he likes it when men do that to him.