Current Avatars, including Sara & Zen

[Starfish]

Okay, so this might be a strange thread to start, but recently I have noticed how powerful avatars are on the boards. There are many that really impact me and my preconceived notions about the people they represent, but two in particular have made me really think recently.

1) Sara. Sara, when you started, you had that sunflower, and you remember the discussion about it...how happy and sunny it was, etc. Now that you have changed it to that very fierce and unhappy looking cat, I actually feel a little jarred when I see it associated with your name! :) I find it quite interesting how much I notice that.

2) Zen. I don't truly recall the one you had when I first started TE, but it was quite different than now. Now, I have to tell you, I have started associating that monkey's face with you almost as if that is actually a picture of you!! LOL...I sort of picture you actually as a monkey now! Bizarre or what!?!

Anyone else have strong reactions to avatars lately? Am I the only one who is nuts? (Or, bananas in Zen's case :p )

[lph]

I get quite confused when people change avatars, as I connect them with their avatars much more than with their names. (Especially when (like me) they call themselves bunch-of-initials-and-some-numbers.)

That being said, I really like both Sara and Zens avatars. I like all the cat avatars a lot :)

[DirtDiva]

I have the same username on three different cycling forums. I make sure I have a different avatar on each so I remember where I am and how many naughty words I can use. ;)

[Mr. Bloom]

lph: I assume you look like your avatar:)

zen: I assume you don't:D

[SouthernBelle]

I don't look like a llama. I am much shorter.

[Pax]

I get quite confused when people change avatars, as I connect them with their avatars much more than with their names. (Especially when (like me) they call themselves bunch-of-initials-and-some-numbers.)

That being said, I really like both Sara and Zens avatars. I like all the cat avatars a lot :)

Good point about the confusion, I had a stalker on another forum use my avatar for a few days, he went around saying terrible things to people...I received dozens of PM's from people wanting to know what I was doing. Avatars are very strongly linked to the poster (unless you change it often).

[sundial]

I like your llama. :)

I'm a visual person so I do tend to associate avatars with personalities. I miss the sunflower, Sara. Probably because it envokes the feeling of warmth and it's also my favorite color.

Starfish, I hope you don't change yours either.

[SouthernBelle]

I like your llama. :)

I'm a visual person so I do tend to associate avatars with personalities. I miss the sunflower, Sara. Probably because it envokes the feeling of warmth and it's also my favorite color.

Starfish, I hope you don't change yours either.


Thank you. I never ride in taxis either.

[mtbdarby]

Please tell me you don't think I'm a pig???:eek:

Is it time for me to put the team Polska boys back as my avatar? Then how would you picture me???:rolleyes:

[Kalidurga]

Having ridden with ZenC, I can personally attest that she is, indeed, not a monkey. :D

[RolliePollie]

Okay, so this might be a strange thread to start, but recently I have noticed how powerful avatars are on the boards. There are many that really impact me and my preconceived notions about the people they represent, but two in particular have made me really think recently.

1) Sara. Sara, when you started, you had that sunflower, and you remember the discussion about it...how happy and sunny it was, etc. Now that you have changed it to that very fierce and unhappy looking cat, I actually feel a little jarred when I see it associated with your name! :) I find it quite interesting how much I notice that.


Too funny! That's actually my cat yawning...it's a cool picture when it's bigger, but I guess it does look a little ferocious as an avatar! Sunflower is coming back....
:D

I love all of yours too! There is one TE'er out there (can't remember who it is though!) with a tiger striped bunny. I really like that one. And I like Lisa S.H.'s too. And I can't forget your great starfish, Starfish!!!

[Pax]

Please tell me you don't think I'm a pig???:eek:

Is it time for me to put the team Polska boys back as my avatar? Then how would you picture me???:rolleyes:

No, but your avatar makes me think you're great fun and you maintain a touch of whimsy. ;)

[rij73]

I love checking out avatars too. I think the variety is fascinating. It's cool to see what people would choose as a representative picture.

I do not look like a furry black dog, nor do I study my broccoli so intently. But, I'm madly in love with my dog, and I love that picture. So, there you are!

[kelownagirl]

I agree with the idea that I strongly connect the avatar with the person. I think my brain believes that that's what you look like whether it be a cartoon, and animal, or the picture of that guy that Crazycanuck has. I must admit I like the ones that have pics of the real person best, just for that reason.

[sundial]

But, I'm madly in love with my dog, and I love that picture.

It's so much fun to see all the pet lovers on TE.

[Beane]

i'm too indecisive to pick one image to represent myself, my pets, and my biking interests... :-(

[mtbdarby]

No, but your avatar makes me think you're great fun and you maintain a touch of whimsy. ;)

Thanks Queen:D

[jobob]

I have to admit sara's kind of frightened me :o I like the sunflower much more.

Some avatars make me chuckle - rij73's , righteousbabes' cat with the melon on it's head, clockworkorange's dog, Ace's dog (what a great expression), mtkitchn's ostrich, mtbdarby's porker.

I also like the avatars that show the poster riding her bike or running.

[Fredwina]

hint: my name isn't pikachu ;)

[kjay]

I love the sunflower! I'm gone on camels, thus my avatar. She's a beauty, don't you think? :D

[jobob]

nor is it Fredwina! :cool:

[indigoiis]

I belong to other forums as well, and wanted this avatar to be different. I'm starting to identify with the blue electric wheel/circle. Kind of matches my mental state these days...

[rij73]

I noticed that some people with avatars that aren't pictures of themselves made their "profile picture" a picture of themselves. I just did that and think it's nice. So a quick click on anyone's avatar can show you what they look like too! It's just a shame about the file size limit. Makes us all look really tiny! :D

[Starfish]

And I can't forget your great starfish, Starfish!!!

You know, I just picked the name Starfish because I was in a hurry, wanted to log on and post, and it does have some meaning for me, with the little story.

BUT...if I had realized how much I was going to see and hear "Starfish" because of it, I would have put a little more thought into my Username.

I don't really like my avatar, but I wanted one, because they are helpful (and fun!!) in using the boards...but this was what I found quickly and easily on the internet.

Someday, maybe, I'll find an avatar I really like. Maybe a pic of myself next year, on top of Shasta, thinner, and having finished the Super Century's 16,000 feet!!! :p :rolleyes:

[Kimmyt]

i'm too indecisive to pick one image to represent myself, my pets, and my biking interests... :-(

I'm a member of another forum that i rarely post to, but the frequent posters often have a Avatar Month thing where they change the topic of the month and then you find an avatar that fits the topic that is also you. It's kinda funny, because when you're not in on the joke its rather odd to be confronted with a bunch of shirtless b-list actors or something on everyone's avatar and you're going, 'uhm...whatthehell'.

K.

[Zen]

I would explain my avatar but right now my friend and I are taking turns picking fleas off one another.

[Trekhawk]

Please tell me you don't think I'm a pig???:eek:

Is it time for me to put the team Polska boys back as my avatar? Then how would you picture me???:rolleyes:

Oh no you must not change your avatar!!

I love the cute little pig.:)

[7rider]

...and I am NOT a bunny's butt!!!

But I have to admit, bunnies have darned cute butts!! :D

However, I am fickle, and do like to change my avatar with my mood, the season, when I see a cool pic. That said, I have other forums where I have not yet changed my avatar. Only here. I guess I wanna keep you guessing??

[Lifesgreat]

My avatar's name reflects how I ride. I hope I am not the only one who watched Gumby and POKEY when younger. :rolleyes:

[Chile Pepper]

It's so much fun to see all the pet lovers on TE.

My three cats and four dogs wouldn't all fit in an avatar, and I couldn't possibly choose just one. (Well, maybe Mo, the half-doberman frisbee queen, but don't tell the others I play favorites.)

[Scarlet]

I just love all your avatars and I too associate them quite quickly with the person who posts the thread or reply.
I particularly like Lisa's and OrioO and of clurse crazycanuk as this Brian May from Queen (the group)

S

[RolliePollie]

I guess this is kind of frightening...I think you can see her tonsils!

[five one]

It took me over a year to find the image I finally added very recently. Up till then I was avatar-less. I doubt anyone associates me with the pic yet, and I post so infrequently that every time is like the first time :o . Been around a while, but am a relative unknown. Like the perpetual new kid on the block.

I have an ancient picture of myself on a trike much like one in the the avatar. Maybe someday I'll get it scanned and use it as my avatar.

[luv'nAustin]

This is a pretty funny thread. Sometimes when I ride I think about my avatar and hope that I look as graceful as she does when I take a drink of my water. :)

[Flybye]

I do associate avatars with people, but not a face picture, just a personality. I don't think of you all as pigs, etc.

That being said, I think I'll try out my poochie for my avatar for awhile. She will be pleased with the choice!

And, just to clear things up, I am not a dog :D

[HappyAnika]

Flybye - your dog is beautiful!

Luv'nAustin - I've always wondered about your Avatar, the rider looks like she only has one leg, where is the other one hiding?

On the other forum I post to, I have my dogs as my Avatar, but since this one is cycling related, I thought I'd use a picture of me on my bike. Plus, I got that picture just before I joined here, so it was timely. I did use my dog's name as my username though. I have the most mundane name, Jen. Anika is much more memorable. (And she's happier than I am. Not to say I'm not generally happy, but she's pretty much always happy. My other dog is "Furry Kelly", doesn't have as nice of a ring to it as "Happy Anika". And I'm definitely not furry. ;) )

I also get confused when someone changes their avatar.

[snapdragen]

And, just to clear things up, I am not a dog :D

Well, I AM a PowerPunk girl......:D :rolleyes:

[wannaduacentury]

I love Animals. so mine is of my kitten Patch. He's a cutie and the pic was too cute not to use somewhere, so it ended up here. Jenn :)

[Flybye]

Thanks - I think my pooch is stunning.

Your poochies are cute! Now we know the story behind the name.

I knew that you were hoping for a bigger picture of my girl, so I'll indulge ;)
Just this once.

[Flybye]

Well, I AM a PowerPunk girl......:D :rolleyes:

You go, girl. Or is it woman? Lady? :D :D :D

[Flybye]

I love Animals. so mine is of my kitten Patch. He's a cutie and the pic was too cute not to use somewhere, so it ended up here. Jenn :)

Can't tell from here, but is there something on that cute kitties head?

[maillotpois]

I did not know til now that cats had tonsils.... :D

I have always loved kjay and Southern Belle's avatars. I guess I have a thing for critters with hooves. :rolleyes: The ostrich is great. That new Flybye weimeraner is great! And I have always loved the rj...(I forget the #s) broccoli dog.

I always expect Snap to be shorter then she is when I get together with her for lunch or whatnot. :D

[wannaduacentury]

Can't tell from here, but is there something on that cute kitties head?

No, there is a corner missing in the vinyl where the kitties can get under the house. my sil took the pic when he was sitting at the edge looking out.

[LBTC]

My avatar reminds me of the best ride I've had to date (won my category, was ahead of and injured DH in this shot and the most fun gully run you can imagine), and helps me remember that one day I will be out riding and having fabulous ride days like this again.

I love the dogs and cats and especially that crazy critters. And, yes, I do know you by your avatar more than by your name. Sometimes a changed avatar makes me think there's someone new onboard, which is still fabulous. :D

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[madscot13]

I am pretty much my avatar- square and a scare!


If you I ever changed it or you ever saw me in real life, I don't think you could handle it.

[Look]

I hardly note avatars and never really considered adding one!
I guess that's weird. I'm glad to know that!

The funny thing is, I think of myself as a fairly visual person--- I "organize" my desk by leaving everything out where I can see it! But I'm WAY more of a verbal, word loving sort and so that must be where my eyes rest.

So can any picture in my iPhoto become an avatar? I could probably find one of our cat or my garden.

[RolliePollie]

I did not know til now that cats had tonsils.... :D



I was shocked by this as well...

Flybye - your doggy is so cute! It looks like her head and shoulders are sprouting out of the grass!

Starfish - thanks for starting a great thread!!!

[Starfish]

I was shocked by this as well...

Imagine how shocked I was when my cat had a full blown case of acne on her chin! :eek:

That was years ago...went away with oral antibiotics, antibiotic cream, and yes, vet-prescribed-zit-popping-by-me! (Vet called it "expressing" them, of course!)

Quite an interesting deal, popping my cat's zits (to relieve the pressure which was obviously bothering her...then used the cream...the acne went away in about 10 days).

[RolliePollie]

Imagine how shocked I was when my cat had a full blown case of acne on her chin! :eek:

That was years ago...went away with oral antibiotics, antibiotic cream, and yes, vet-prescribed-zit-popping-by-me! (Vet called it "expressing" them, of course!)

Quite an interesting deal, popping my cat's zits (to relieve the pressure which was obviously bothering her...then used the cream...the acne went away in about 10 days).


I wish my skin would clear up that quickly!!!

[DirtDiva]

Hell yeah!

[Mr. Bloom]

I am pretty much my avatar- square and a scare!


:p :D :D I BELIEVE THAT:D :D :p

Don't change a thing!
I think it's great!

[Bad JuJu]

I like to change my avatar occasionally, but I've been using the current one for quite a while now and will probably stick with it for a while--it's one of my fave photos of my choc. lab, Cocoa.

Cocoa and I love seeing all the other animal pix in avatars! :D

[mtkitchn]

I seem to "recognize" everyone by their avatars as well! Lots of them make me smile when I see them (madscot's box, for instance). Funny to meet people in real life after you've formed sort of a mental picture of them from their avatar.

[Beane]

So can any picture in my iPhoto become an avatar?


Yeah, but there are size limits: 100 by 100 pixels or 19.5 KB (whichever is smaller).


...meanwhile I'm still trying to decide what to make my avatar...

[Beane]

ok so here's my dog Indy (short for Indurain). hopefully my other dog doesn't get jealous.

[lyca]

Quack quack quack. :D :D :D

I was thinking of changing my goose after someone suggested Veronica get a bunch to guard her house (because they poop everywhere and are very aggressive). But I think I'll keep it for now...at least until I find something else I like. Besides, she's guarding a pinecone and for some reason I find that funny! :p

[maillotpois]

Oh no, the goose rocks! She must stay.

[LoriO]

I got this picture in an email about a year or so ago and just loved the look on the cats face.

It someways it is appropriate for me because I can be a total crab one moment and a little silly the next

[Dianyla]

Well, I AM a PowerPunk girl......:D :rolleyes:
snapdragen, I always laugh when I see your avatar. For a long time you used to use the custom user title "popcorn fart" and I would always imagine your powerpunk girl just screwing up her face and grunting as she pushes that little popcorn fart out. :p

[chickwhorips]

I wish I looked like mine, but I use her as motivation.

Though I had two fighting grizzlies for a while after my encounter, but I always go back to Rosie. She's my hero.