Some Peoples Avatars Freak Me Out

[Philippa]

It might also be a defense mechanism though? Some people might deliberately wish to repel people so no one tries to befriend them. I did that for years...and still do at times, but not with scary avatars.

 

[Nadege]

I hope mine doesn't.

 

[Spiderallis]

I haven't been bothered by anyone's choice of avatar, but I hope if mine upset someone that they'd let me know. I'd hate to miss the chance at meeting a friend over something like that.

psst- I love your avatar Nighthawk, that's a very pretty Blythe doll. I also really liked Philippa's last one, it was colorful and made me think of pixies. Whitneys Story has a fabulous avi too, lovely choice.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Mine is a computer drawing by my oldest granddaughter. I do not think it would offend anyone. I admit some of them are creepy, some are unclear and I cannot tell what they are. I just keep hoping they will tire of them and change them to something better.

 

[Sammy]

There were a few I found disturbing. I try to ignore them and understand that the person has a reason for whatever they choose.

 

[illbeokayoneday]

me too, I have found people's avatars, elsewhere, or profile pics bother me. Perhaps it goes with PTS my doctor told me not to watch the news!! I don't very often, but I definitely can't watch any type of violence on tv.

 

[Nicolette]

There was a member on here that had a gun as an avatar...it looked like you were staring down the barrel of a gun pointed right at you. I hated that avatar and wondered why he would use it on a sight like this...but.... who knows what's going to affect other people.

That particular avatar was removed by staff (me actually) - there is a line drawn if an avatar causes too much distress for the majority of members.

 

[Tanishq]

Some people might deliberately wish to repel people so no one tries to befriend them.

Yes, very much possible. Few weeks ago, I felt to send some good message to some member because they sounded so crucial moments of their life. When I clicked on their profile page, it showed they limit what they want to show. I got this thought, perhaps they come here to get advice and don't like to communicate at all.

 

[Abstract]

Few weeks ago, I felt to send some good message to some member because they sounded so crucial moments of their life. .

Hi Jaret,
I can't comment of those people of course but will say that if I had known that I could do that when I first joined then I would have done so. It would absolutely not be selfish reasons and I always support more than I post (that's also scary). But I was totally terrified of direct contact with people. It is hard to even put into words how much. Even getting a text from friends sometimes makes me go into a freeze.It's very painful place to be. Desperate to reach out and terrified of contact.

Phillipa,
I totally agree with you. I suspect that when there is a picture that is aggressive in any way it is like saying "don't mess with me" or "keep your distance".

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Yessum. The insensitive clod is now on ignore. I figure if you flaunt your support for an institution that knowingly hides molestation, you don't deserve an ounce of my attention.

Don't like their avatar, put them on ignore. Well, the OP can't do that, I'm assuming, but anyone else can.

 

[Nicolette]

If there are any avatars you find offensive - you can find a post by that member, report the post commenting on the avatar, and staff can evaluate. No promises but it sounds like there is one you are currently aware of that all staff may not have seen?

Just like anything, if deemed detrimental to the community it will be addressed if brought to our attention. Sometimes we can act; others we can't but if you don't tell us we may not know.

 

[Philippa]

Phillipa,
I totally agree with you. I suspect that when there is a picture that is aggressive in any way it is like saying "don't mess with me" or "keep your distance".

I know that is the strategy I use when I want people to keep their distance from me, although I use it in real life when I walk around in public. I know how to emit the "Don't f*ck with me" vibe very well. It's a self-protection strategy.

Once people can get past that aggressiveness, and get to know me though, they know I'm really just very gentle.