[Ea]

I often confuse people with the same avatar - and unless they have a really gender specific user name, I also usually unconsciously get a hint from teh avatar. For example, this thread is the third time I'm surprised to learn the daffy4u is female.

Originally Posted by montsnmags

I probably take some first impression from avatars, especially the amusing or impressive ones, be they artistic, or animated like RWood's and TadW's (one of my faves). I'm not sure how long those first impressions last before they're overwhelmed by reality.

I love your avatar, Ea. I don't know that I take anything from it other than that pleasure.

My avatar does change, but it does tend to gravitate to this one, created by the often-absent-and-much-missed Taylor514ce. I have no idea what first impression people get from it. It amuses me, and without being so foolish as to delve too much into the reasons lest I not like what I see, I also feel that the mask fits my face like a glove (a glove made in the shape of my face).

I think, for me, avatars are reality online. It's the only visual cue I have to the identity of the person. In your case, the propellor hat says 'nerd', 'IT'. The monkey face is someone who's a bit unconventional, perhaps artistic, have wide mental horizons. Remeber you chose this exact picture over others - and you chose to have an avatar image in the first place.

Originally Posted by Steve Jordan

As someone who partially uses his presence on MR to promote his business, I have most often used avatars designed to represent my books site, not me... though I have used the "Steve Headroom" shot on occasion, as I have also used it on my site at times. I see no reason why an avatar has to be a representation of a person... an icon works as well.

Do you know what your avatar reminds me of if I don't look too closely?

Originally Posted by FizzyWater

I'd be more likely to think people's avatars are an extension of who people wish they were, if it had anything to do with their personalities. I know it's true for me - I've always been the overly responsible one in the family and at work. So I envy the "flapper" personality - one that can just go out there and grab fun as it comes.

You're probably right. It's like dressing up for a carnival - people's costumes can be quite telling.