chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in What do Avatars Mean to Us

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

youtube downloader — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 05:28:29 -0000

Some people use graphics. Others use symbols that represent something important to them. Some use pictures of themselves, and change them out frequently. Others have used the same picture everywhere for years.
And here’s a really interesting detail that came out in the conversations: what we choose as an avatar seems to relate to our self-image, our self-esteem, and what we think about when we look in the mirror.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Alisyah — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:47:27 -0000

I use a picture of my ticking when I leave in dormitory for 3 years. It just because I loved that picture and the stories behind.

But after read Matt & your posts (I was directed here from Matt`s blog), I think I am not going to hide anymore. Big thanks to both of you.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

internet marketing tips — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:10:51 -0000

I like to use my real picture as ewll..i believe it's important to be transparent as an internet marketer...

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

marti garaughty — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:03:54 -0000

Hi Chris, what an interesting look at avatars. I think some people don't think much about it at all while for others, it has multiple meanings.

I was actually thinking about this a few weeks ago because I have an art website running, a marketing blog plus 2 new websites and another blog in the works so...

Since I do multiple things, I was wondering how to represent myself online, especially with widgets like MyBlogLog.

I finally decided to stick with the avatar I've been using for awhile because a lot of people recognize me just from the pic.

It's basically another form of branding and consistency pays off long term...

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

HL Web Hosting — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:35:47 -0000

Great post, excellent info.

Appreciate it.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Jsarao — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:55:10 -0000

With all these replies, it is hard to capture the feeling of what people think about avatars. I think an unscientific online survey might be worth while.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Internet Marketing Joy — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:22:22 -0000

In my case, I always use the same avatar in all my social sites so that when I meet my friends on other social sites they can easily identify me..^^ also I used my real picture so that other members won't become suspicious of me.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Wingnut — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:29:03 -0000

I use an image of a wingnut... because I go by Wingnut... kind of obvious. I have thought of changing to a picture of my face for twitter... with maybe the wingnut added in...

I think I will leave it the same everywhere else though. On twitter with a face picture it might make it more personal... and would be fun to just be walking around and have someone say "Hey, you're Wingnut of WingnutSEO right?"

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Shéamus — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:52:41 -0000

I've never given much thought to using a picture of yourself, within your avatar, as a 'brand' before. It makes perfect sense, of course.

Now, the problem of finding a photo you won't want to change in two days!

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Sonia Simone — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:30:02 -0000

p.s. your avatar on Twitter looks to me like nothing so much as a big cheerful monkey ear. I find it very endearing.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Sonia Simone — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:21:23 -0000

I always use the same pic for what I suppose could be called "branding." If someone runs across a blog post then see me on a forum or some other venue, I want them to make that connection, "oh, wait, I sort of know who she is." It helps them remember that we've met, if you will.

I sometimes use a funny picture of my little boy when he was about 8 months old, with a big pouty crybaby face. I use it because it makes me laugh and it helps me remember to lighten up. We are not curing cancer, we are just yakkin' on the Internets. Sometimes I find it useful to remind myself of that.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Jeri Casey — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:49:47 -0000

I always say that my avatar represents the inner me because I know the inner Jeri is thin and always beautiful. ;) She doesn't, however embody the whole of who I am, only a portion. I have my avatar photo on my main VW profile, and my real photo under the 1st life portion of my profile.

I actually have more than one avatar, one who represents the caring, friendly Jeri that has a lot of friends, but only a few that are truly close. The other represents my introverted nature, the side of me that likes to spend time alone, study, learn new things and explore. :)

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

PG — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:41:50 -0000

I use a shot of myself for my avatar. It is actually a still of the first video I did in my W8 Loss Wednesday series. I just felt it embodied my goofiness so well. I wasn't actually doing a 'thumbs up' but was pointing to something above with my thump, but paired with the goofy look on my face it just struck me.

I don't take myself too seriously. My avatar screams that.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Don The Idea Guy — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:53:34 -0000

The photo avatar is usually a last resort for me. I try to choose something that inspires me or embodies a character trait on which I'd like to focus. If Ben Franklin were still around and decided to start Twittering, I suspect he'd keep switching out his avatars and icons between the 13 Virtues by which he tried to live his life.
http://www.changingminds.or...

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Rick Dumont — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:32:28 -0000

I'm new to most of the social sites and the idea of NOT being anonymous is a new concept. Anonymity on message boards was the norm. I now use a photograph. I enjoy putting a face to a name and on twitter, flickr, friendfeed, etc. I think most of the photos are authentic. The photo makes for a better connection. It won't be long before we have the option to put a video clip in the little avatar box.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Gina Kay Landis — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:23:23 -0000

Well, my Twitter avatar is me in my usual high energy look. However, IMHO, the avatars I love are on oddcast.com/SitePal. But - I can't use them on my real estate web site. Wah.
The Twitter avatar - I would like to change it occasionally but frankly don't have time to. If I find a neat photo or take one, or have a new one of me, I likely will. With spring coming, I may take my own photos of flowers etc. and pop a new one up there at any time - be ready!!

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Claude Vedovini — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:28:38 -0000

I always use a photo of myself, and I usually choose the one I consider the best at this time. So sometimes I change, usually not because I have a 'better' photo but because my perspective has changed.

The photo I use depends as well on the context. For example, right now I use two different avatars depending on whether I consider the context more professional or more personal.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Kat — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:20:56 -0000

i don't think people should put a photo out there
if it's something they feel judged by
we're not all attractive average white males.
(the median)
some of us get judged for our "looks" enough on a daily basis in real time
it's nice to have somewhere to speak where the lamest most insignificant part of our being is discarded

it's not always "self esteem"
it's sometimes annoyance that it matters
and often times causes folks to dismiss what we are saying

the elderly can have an equal voice here
the fat
the unattractive
the middle aged
etc

don't take that away from us
it's simply another judgment on something we're trying to skip judgment on

if you all care about what a person says
then why do you need to see a their physical form?
when it's just a superficial skin that we got stuck with randomly at birth

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Clintus McGintus — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:16:31 -0000

I prefer when people use their photos for avatars because it puts a face with the name, especially if I've never met them before. As for my own, I definetly want one that represents who I am. Speaking of which, it's probably time to update mine.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Ben Ayers — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:14:14 -0000

Great post Chris. I recently got a cartoony self portrait done for the redesign of my blog and I love it - it seems to capture me much better than any photo I have. Now I find myself signing up to the latest social app just so I can use the pic :) The great thing about it is that it's still 'me' but it stands out a bit from other images...

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Becky McCray — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:54:49 -0000

By the way, Laurie Reyes is very new to all this tech stuff, and I think this may have been her first comment on a blog! (Go, Laurie!)

She has started a blog at http://lauriereyes.blogspot... as a learning tool. You might stop by and cheer her on, leave some tips, or link her to some good resources.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Laurie Reyes — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:01:16 -0000

My avatar is a picture of my youngest son Daniel aka the king. I had a picture of myself up first but really didn't like it, (sorry Becky) having thought about it though I think a picture of my son is appropriate because he is where I am at in my life right now, besides a just beginning a new career thanks to Becky McCray, I wouldn't mind a using a picture of myself if I could find one I like, however I really like the one of my son... he's so darn cute.

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

/pd — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:59:22 -0000

while at it have you heard of Ambient Avatars and chinposin ?
http://www.chinposin.com/

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

Sprite — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:44:55 -0000

That avatar business is a tough one for me. Only because I'm always shy about it. Having a picture of myself up there has been difficult and a big step for me this past year. I've experienced the negatives of being stalked online & in real life, so, in many ways it's been a HUGE step for me. All my avatars are of me. Whether it's been Stripper Friday or a different era, day or month of me. I don't generally use anything other than a pic. of myself, unless supporting a cause or friend, despite it not always being easy for me.

That being said, because I get shy about it, the picture I use most frequently, with my hair covering up the most of my face is the one I'm most comfortable with. My font is real. I am real. I don't pretend to be anything different than what I am. A sometimes silly, sometimes shy, sometimes serious, always, hopefully kind, and on occasion a very *hey the lights went on*, smart kinda girl. Since I'm in the middle of another transition and positive change in my life, maybe I'll start playing with my avatars more to express that.

Good idea, great thoughts. Thanks Chris. *hugs*

Re: What do Avatars Mean to Us

/pd — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:35:41 -0000

avatars == ALIVE , IMHO, avatars are not just a pic, its a personal emoticon and true life is always works in progress.

YTs the order of things during the development of "amplified human beings" :)