Avatars Are More Than Just A Cute Pic Beside Your Name...

[Deleted member 1860]

But I think a lot of people don't realize this.

When I read a post, my mind locks away the info that I've read and associates it with the avatar. Those of you with generic avatars really are doing yourselves a disservice as it is more difficult to recall your stories, past posts, etc because the info wasn't originally stored in my mind with an associated picture.

I am very much a visual learner and I know it's associated with certain visual cues being able to recal info from my mind.

I know that Anthony encourages everyone to have an avatar via banners at the top of the page, but thought I'd put my two cents in as it really does help when trying to remember who said what or what someone is currently dealing with. All the generic avatar people kinda just get lumped together in my mind!

 

[Abstract]

Thanks SOL. I think for me it is largely the battle of being seen/not wanting to be seen. So really it is no surprise to hear what you say! Some sort of paranoia methinks.

 

[Nicolette]

Abstract it doesn't have to be a picture of you - just something you like which identifies you from all the other females with an avatar of:

I change mine from time to time but you quickly work out who has changed and can pick out their posts in a thread based on the pictures. If the avatars are all just default like yours it makes it much harder to work out who is writing and associate with any of their other content in other threads.

I just Googled 'Abstract' and many gorgeous pictures came up which you could choose from for an avatar like:



Which is a free image.

 

[Abstract]

Thanks Nicolette,

You are really sweet to do that. It's so extreme that putting anything there says something about me and that feels too exposing. But saying that, I am turning into a bit of jabber-box on here in recent weeks rather than hiding so anything is possible. :rolleyes:

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi abstract,
I really didn't mean to offend anyone, so I hope I didn't offend you! I completely understand why some people may want to remain more anonymous by using the forum avatar. I just wanted to express how it is easier for me to link a pic with the info I read so that I can be more helpful with my replies in the future. There are a ton of avatar sites out there where you can find legal pics to use. That is, if that's something you'd like to do!

 

[Artfulone]

Scared of Lonely, I agree with your original post in that individual avatars can assist in remembering threads and posting patterns from individual members, particularly when traumatised persons have difficulties with concentration and memories. Where as when avatars are more generic and the same avatars are used by many members it can be harder to remember them. However many persons don't have the will or concentration to find an individual avatar when they first come to this site, plus there are the issues of anonymity that abstract talks about, persons new to the site and in earlier or more severe stages of trauma are less likely to want to be noticed, but still wish to partake in discussions or ask questions. I like my anonymity and my individuality, they both offer security.

 

[Britt.f7]

For me, choosing a name felt more revealing. That could be due to the fact I like to change my avatars often. Not sure why that is. Whom I kidding, I'm the same way about decorating or liking things. This is why I could never get a tattoo.

 

[Abstract]

Hi abstract,
I really didn't mean to offend anyone, so I hope I didn't offend you!

You certainly did not offend me at all but thank you! I totally understood your intention. I am working on being more comfortable being seen and trusting more.

 

[HollyB]

I agree with the OP. I often have a difficult time remembering/following without an avatar.

Mine is representative of how I feel - like a puppy dog, giving unconditional love, eagerly awaiting the return of the person she loves most.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I go by names. People change their avators all of the time. I like mine because my granddaughter did it on paint on the computer. It is hard having all of the generic avatars so I am glad I get to know people by name

 

[Red Feather]

I agree. My avatar changes with my mood. It helps to differenciate who is who. With Gizmo I always can know its Gizmo because I see the yellow sun and the green grass. :D

 

[Springer80]

But saying that, I am turning into a bit of jabber-box on here in recent weeks

This ones free!!! :D