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Why is THAT your avatar?

Posted by fluffy0509 • 6/15/07 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic

I was just wondering..why do some of you not post your actual picture as your avatar? Is it mostly to protect your privacy, that you are afraid of judgment, don't have a picture of yourself or something else? I'd just be interested to hear why that is..hopefully there are funny stories somewhere in the mix.

Sandy =]

User Comments

6/15/07

ThriftShopRomantic

Mine is from a piece of old 1910 sheet music I own. I liked the image, and she's a red-head too. As for not using a photo, because I'm using my own name on my web site for authorial purposes, and some of my blogs are regional, I'd just rather not have weird people emailing me or coming up to me on the streets. (I've already got one email stalker, and it's not really fun.)

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1. 2/18/08
  
  crpitt
  
  heh, who looks silly now
2. 2/18/08
  
  ThriftShopRomantic
  
  Ha, I KNOW! (But happily, the online stalker is long gone. So all is good!)
3. 2/18/08
  
  crpitt
  
  lol and Hooray!
6/15/07

blogcabins

I think mine stands out, and promotes my blog, more effectively than a picture of myself would.

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6/15/07

mrsnesbitt

This is from an original oil painting of my goose, Dolly. It was my first attempt at using oilpaints and I couldn't get away with it....next thing she is standing in front of the window...so I painted her there and then. No sooner had I finished she was gone,back to her hut... my blog features my artwork

My blog also features trips on our motorbike, I have a goose backpack..so all in all I use this as my avator!

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1. 2/19/08
  
  jafabrit
  
  I LOVE your ducky
6/15/07

JournalWriter

I was high on pain pills and it's the first picture I found. I'm going to change it eventually. I'm thinking of getting my 3 year old to pose reading one of my finance newspapers. I figure that'll show how easy investing is.

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6/15/07

chelloveck

My avatar is a kind of logo of A Clockwork Orange, which is one of my favourite books, one of my favourite films, and my blog's head is also CO-themed together with its title and my nickname itself.

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1. 3/16/08
  
  amtelemarket
  
  Hey! Mine too! Glad to meet other "clockwork orange" fan. :-)
6/15/07

celticbydesign

I actually did not have a pic handy, so I used a logo instead. No privacy concersn, per se. Just convenience at the time...

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6/15/07

fluffy0509

That is true blogcabins. Obviously I am more tempted to click on someone's profile that catches my eye..but it also seems like some people have the most RANDOM pictures =)

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6/15/07

marcoz

Mine is from a fantastic piece of Stencil Graffiti that I found. The guy who did it (Dolk) is quite funny and does some really great stuff. I thought it would be quite different to use that as my avatar. You can check out more of his stuff on my blog at

marcozna.wordpress.com/2007/03/11/more-and-more-dolk-and-more-again/

[;-]

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6/15/07

Enlight

To attract the ladies, he he he.

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1. 12/17/07
  
  bbrian017
  
  lol, very funny! I use mine for promotional reasons and that's about it.
6/15/07

stocktube

i look exactly like tom cruise, so i thought i should use the name of my blogsite as tom cruise's look is just too normal ...

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6/15/07

fluffy0509

do you think a lot of people put up pictures that aren't them? not someone that's obviously not them like a celebrity..but someone that could possibly be them? that creeps me out..

[reply]
1. 6/15/07
  
  ThriftShopRomantic
  
  I do wonder about that sometimes. It seems like a self-esteem issue, in that case.
  
  And yes, a bit creepy.
6/15/07

m38967

i am a wanna-be beach bum, you know how therapists are always saying that when one is upset or angry to go tho their "happy place", the beach is that place for me. i love it, if i could i would spend all my days and nites there. (blogging of course) hehe.

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6/15/07

cymrusteve

Didn't even think of adding a photo.... I just took a piece of my banner header and used that. Wanted to use something dragonish to highlight my Welsh heritage.

[reply]
1. 6/15/07
  
  ThriftShopRomantic
  
  I have a friend who's Welsh who'd cheer you on over that!
6/15/07

Shenlon

Um... Well, I've posted on a few different webboards before, and never used my own picture. I've not seen very many people on said webboards post their own pictures, so I haven't either. I continued the tradition here. Personally, i don't find it very important, especially for people I will probably never meet in real life.

As for why I chose this one... I lived in Taiwan for two years. There, as in a few Asian countries, they have a toothpaste called "Darlie." My avatar is the logo. It's funny, because the Chinese name for it translates as "Black Man." I found out after I got back to the States that it used to be called "Darkie" in English, but some folks got a bit offended, so they changed it. Chinese people don't care, so they kept the name the same. So, I picked it because I find the whole situation quite humorous.

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6/15/07

pundeerd

just to make my audience aware who I am,at least they know who is posting!!

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6/16/07

Serenacyh

On my blogs and at forums, I have a favourite avatar which looks like a small apple/tomato sticking out it's tongue. It is cute and it makes me laugh. But at blog Catalog here, I can't upload animated avatar. And I am using cyber cafe's computer, so I just choose one from the default pictures on computer.

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6/16/07

sindoo20

I think my avatar speaks better for my blogs than my pic would.

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6/16/07

xbox4nappyrash

certain amount of privacy. it's one of my favourite shots, and it is me!

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6/17/07

clioandme

Don't have a camera or a digital photo of myself. But I did have this little figure for instant messaging, and it was already the right size. Looks better than me anyway.

[reply]
1. 12/17/07
  
  tetsujin
  
  And also it is small and red and awesome. Also, if I did see you face to face, I think the first thing I would say is...So you are not a little red dog?
  
  Cameron
6/17/07

terencechang

I post my picture.. because it's me. No one else.

Famous people can't hide their identity. So if you want to be famous, you have to think you are famous.. ;-)

So here I am.

[reply]
1. 6/20/07
  
  ichaduma
  
  same here.
2. 10/20/07
  
  bsilvia
  
  Yes, that's the answer
6/17/07

mugshot

I made mine myself, I have the nickname mugshot as people think I look like someone who belongs in prison probably due to the large scar on my head from playing football...anywho I also dont show my real picture as I dont want people from work finding me online

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6/17/07

marco71

It is hard to tell but it is a picture me, qualified as a self portrait I suppose.

This was in Paris La Defense on the steps of the Arche. I setup the camera on its tripot and slow speed then walked in front of the camera to make a gost image.

Then the rest was done with a Flickr gadget website to make it look like newspaper.

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6/17/07

PrettyLady

The photo in my profile is me. It is not a recent picture, but it is still me. I use it as it is my favorite picture of me. lol

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6/17/07

kingnutin

Nothing can be funnier than The Simpsons. This is an X-ray image of Homer.J.Simpson's head.

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6/20/07

BrentD

Mine is a picture of one of my alternate personalities. Not a particularly nice one either.

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6/20/07

badm00n

cuz the horns make the ladies HORNy! Haha sorry, I couldn't resist!

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6/20/07

firepowr

mine is just a picture of me.

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6/20/07

furniture27

It's me at my nephew's one year birthday party.

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6/26/07

AAACopywriter

It looks like me, and I believe it gives an idea about myself. As amatter of fact, it is me!

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6/26/07

bnsullivan

I use the airplane because all of my blogs are about aviation. So far. I'm planning to launch a new, non-aviation blog very soon, so I may have to re-think the avatar.

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6/26/07

VampireFaust

It is the cover of my book...

[reply]
1. 6/26/07
  
  bnsullivan
  
  VampireFaust -- now THAT really makes sense! ;-}
6/26/07

btocher

Mine is used on every site that needs an avatar. It's derived from what I think is the best photograph I ever took, and you can see the original here:

www.flickr.com/photos/btocher/138393005/in/set-72057594122163063/

I've never used a picture of me, and for a long time there was no such photo on the web. There is now, though - and those who read my blog will have seen a link to the blog where it lives (it's not on my own blog).

[reply]
1. 6/26/07
  
  MollyCrane
  
  I agree with most, Btocher, great foto.
6/26/07

MollyCrane

Hi! My avatar IS me. It's a Crane. Which represents my present Last Name. Crane. Great conversation starter!

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6/26/07

ccarey76

Two words, website branding.

After all if you want to look ME up all you have to do is visit my Ziki.

www.ziki.com/en/people/wiseassoffice

www.noheat.com
Tech News Too Cool

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6/26/07

Witchywife

This is me... I used to use an avatar that was an abstract design with the screen name Witchywife. Then I started my blog and put a picture of myself on it, so I figured what the hell, it's out there anyway, so I started using real pictures of myself in avatars. I use different avatars... my blog log, stumble, and this for example, different picture, but all sady ME, nonetheless.

Still having some identity issues with screen name. Half the places I am Witchywife (from the old anonymous days) but I am starting to use my real name more and more... to Terence's point - people have to know your name and face if you want to be famous

I'll cross the "stalker" bridge when I come to it... (I have had two marriage proposals though - but I think they were because of my cooking, not my avatars!!) :-)

[reply]
1. 3/16/08
  
  amtelemarket
  
  Damn! and I 've already get married ;-)
6/26/07

Getty72

Well, mine is me too. However, I chose this one because it kind of hides my face. Unfortunately I have a phobia about having my photo taken..which is daft I know, but I just don't like the way I look when I see myself. This photo is the closest I get to a compromsie.

Maybe, I'll change it one day.............

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7/05/07

frenchkys

Just wanted to be creative. Well, that IS me on the lower right corner there -- not just a flattering shot.

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10/20/07

omrelaP

Putting the face beside a name.

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10/20/07

anne151515

Its symmetrical shape is fascinating. You can do many things!

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10/20/07

robinj

I changed mine a little while back because flowers are nature and daisies are pretty and colorful and all the colors are the rainbow colors which have significance to me

guidetolifeblog.com

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10/20/07

Vishnuap

Mine is just a funny monkey pic. It sort of captures and reflects my outlook to this whole 'life' thing far more effectively than I could possibly do using my own image.

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10/20/07

voodooKobra

I added a cheap hollow mask to the default BlogCatalog for two reasons:

1. I only had MS Paint on that computer at the time (I was downloading Photoshop)
2. It symbolizes a lack of lawfulness and purity.

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10/20/07

cyberpunk

i hate having my picture taken, and i wanted a picture that was related to "cyberpunk", but still recognizable even at a reduced size (as an avatar) so I used this one. kinda weird-looking but i got used to it eventually

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10/20/07

sellytapgirl

I dont have a decent picture of myself and like to protect my privacy.

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10/20/07

deb2012

Nice going fluffy, you lured me out of my cave-yes I sort of like to hide in the dark, but a picture of me is observable on my blogs if you follow the right links! Lemme know if you find "me"

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12/17/07

LuckySpace

This is really my photo!

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12/17/07

wandadog13

This is me hanging on for dear life on a kids roller coaster at the American Adventure which has now shut and rides sold off!

I had to smile as we were passing the camera and the kids wanted a picture.

[reply]
1. 12/17/07
  
  wandadog13
  
  one day i'll post the whole picture on my blog - perhaps a xmas present to you fine folks.
12/17/07

tetsujin

This is my avatar because it is my little header thing. I have had about three on here so far, the first was me and my girlfriend. Stoneman didn't like that one. The next was me and my blinking shirt, it was fun for a while. Then this guy came up and well, I liked it.

Cameron

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12/17/07

suburbqueen

I used to use the same little cartoon chick that's on my blog, but finally decided to put my pic up in here...seems more personal.

[reply]
1. 2/18/08
  
  clioandme
  
  One example of the problem with rejuvenating ancient threads. Some of our answers still apply, but others, such as yours, no longer do.
2. 2/18/08
  
  suburbqueen
  
  Yep...the cartoon chick is back.
2/18/08

ettarose

First, I use two avatars. The one here because a picture of a turkey is how I feel sometimes (ok, a lot of times)and the one on my blog is a picture of a woman on the edge of sanity. I think that pretty much says it all on my blog.

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2/18/08

musampa

My muse

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2/18/08

funepets

Well if you want to build brand awareness it better be something that people will recognize. Not saying that a face on a profile will be forgotten easily...lol.

Plus we wanna be the next mickey mouse...hehehe

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2/18/08

RecycleCindy

Mine is one of the first bags I crocheted with plastic bags. It's just me and I use it just about everywhere. It identifies me and I'm kinda the bag lady so the picture fits.

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2/18/08

CreativeFossil

mine is me, I like to know who I'm talking to, so prefer face pics, but if they have none, it's no big deal.

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2/18/08

mitch972

Mine represents the connecting of the interracial experience.

I get lots of compliments

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2/18/08

kdawg68

Mine is my favorite horse of all time, Curlin, winner of the 2007 Preakness and Eclipse Award honor for "Horse of the Year." He's been a hero of mine since early in his career. He's the reason I started blogging. He's also strikingly handsome, and a total chick magnet.

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2/18/08

africana

i'm bare because i'm bearing my soul to the world. i think the picture is quite fitting

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2/18/08

Anniepooh

Well, this is so vain - I use my own photo because people often make the assumption that I'm old and fat because I have 7 kids and write about food. My photo is on my Disney blog, anyway, and that gets WAY more traffic than my personal blog-so, the stalker possibility is there anyway. I'm pretty sure 7 kids would scare off any would-be's, though :O)

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2/18/08

happyfoodgirl

Hmmm. It's the only picture I have where I look decent, and I love it so much I use the same pic on all my social profiles.

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2/18/08

Anok

Well, this is a picture of me - it's just me in my protest get-up. It fits the theme of my blog, and still maintains some modicum of privacy, which I like....a lot.

(and maybe even need!)

[reply]
1. 2/18/08
  
  kevingoodman
  
  Ninchea
2. 2/18/08
  
  Anok
  
  OK, it's killing, me German is decent, but not that good. What does Ninchea mean?
2/18/08

kevingoodman

I originally had a heraldic display (coat of arms) but decided it was more REAL to use my own photo

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2/18/08

oims

Well the cat got picked because the original idea was to go with a stress relief related site (which exists), but then just got back into what I've been doing for so long... but the cat stayed

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2/18/08

funepets

oims -- the cat looks cute ..LOL

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2/18/08

ModelElaine

I just like the picture I am using, but it's not really me LOL

[reply]
1. 3/18/08
  
  ekim941
  
  You said it was
2/18/08

DJInBoise

I like mine because I was younger and better looking. But that was before the operation. Kidding!

DJ
Boise, ID

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2/18/08

thenearbyfuture

Well, all the writers on thenearbyfuture.com are anonymous, so therefore we never release our true identity. The flower is our site logo, so why not?

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2/18/08

genopianist54

this is me, i change my avatar every 2 months...

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2/18/08

TheMrs

I used to use my real picture until I had a similiar incident as ThriftShopRomantic with an e-stalker and she's right.. it's not fun. I felt the avie I'm using now is just a thoughtful stance and while it indicates that I'm a female, it doesn't distract from what I'm writing about.. at least I don't think it does.

I used to use weird objects as avies, then I was accused of not only not being a woman, but of being a pimply faced teenaged boy who was pretending to be a woman his mothers age. Weird, I know.

Regardless, I find it kind of funny the assumptions people make based solely from an avatar. Most men online use pics of big boobed women because it's been shown that they receive more favorable treatment if others think they are female. Why the ginourmas ta-tas make a difference.. no clue. Gives them something to gawk at while they are bending over backwards to help their e-hottie? lol

Ah well... I ramble.

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2/18/08

Mewie

Not many people break dance - so I feel quite unique with my current profile pic.

Never had a stalker before but since I'm a guy and married, chances of that happening are slim. Then again, I do look like I'm an under-age teenager... aiii yah.

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2/18/08

LGramlich

BC refuses to upload my actual photo (which I've made sure conforms to their parameters.) I've tried repeatedly. You can see my real pic on my blog, though.

[reply]
1. 2/18/08
  
  AmmoBob
  
  Your Avatar here looks just like the picture on your site?
2. 2/18/08
  
  LGramlich
  
  No. As stated, my real picture is on my blog.
3. 2/18/08
  
  AmmoBob
  
  Ok, I'm sorry I guess I'm confused..lol Maybe too many beers... But the picture I see here is the same as the picture I see on your blog... Which one on your blog are your referring to?
4. 2/19/08
  
  LGramlich
  
  You must just be going to my BC page, which is not my blog. My blog is a single click from there. My picture is close to the top, on the right hand side.
2/18/08

AmmoBob

Mine is a biker drinking beer. I ride a Harley Davidson (2002 FXDWG) and I like beer. I guess it is more about me than a reflection of my blog.

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2/18/08

shearyadi

I'm not too confident of my own look, so I add my son picture as my avatar

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2/18/08

strandsofbeads

My photo is a pendant I made out of fine silver, resin and polymer clay. It's still my favorite, and I'm proud of it - that's why I use it. Hmmm, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm bragging!

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2/18/08

globalgirl

Mine is the corner of a vintage Guatemalan huipil, a Mayan woman's handwoven and embroidered blouse/shirt. It is appropriate for me as Guatemala is near and dear to me. I'm committed to helping the Mayans though education and business.

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2/18/08

TheMrs

AmmoBob, I'm confused as well. I see the same picture there as here. Unless her pic isn't her blog profile pic? I don't know. Either way, her blog is very cool. Very beautiful photographs there.

[reply]
1. 2/18/08
  
  AmmoBob
  
  Ok, I feel better now.. Thought I was seeing things... Thanks.. Oh, and I agree it is a nice site...
2/18/08

subikar

From the very begging people know me with this avatar so I have not removed this avatar.

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2/19/08

acousticguitarist

Because we red pandas are beautiful and we want the world to know

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2/19/08

mawbooks

I use the same avatar everywhere a avatar is needed. It's all about branding! I chose my avatar because I blog about books, and who isn't cuter than my husband at two years old reading a book? Seriously. Nothing cuter!

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3/16/08

SomeMuslimMan

None of the above. For me, Photo renders your outer features where as Avatar renders your inner features; personality.

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3/16/08

cooper

I've used both. People are less likely to see me as mean when they see me smiling.

[reply]
1. 3/18/08
  
  ekim941
  
  I can see ♥ why ♥
3/18/08

marcueto

I love the western North Carolina mountains, so the black bear is appropriate. Also the blog is called The Fearless Blog and though harmless, most of the time, the black is strong and powerful...perfectly fearless.

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3/18/08

ekim941

Oddly, I actually use my real picture here and a more professional looking cartoon pic on some other forums. I give serious advice on other forums and the cartoon works better. Believe it or not I can be serious.

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3/18/08

dotartdude

I prefer to use my artwork instead.

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3/18/08

nardeeisms

The person in it makes me smile. On the day I took this picture, he was holding a dandelion and treating it like it was an orchid. It stands as a reminder for me to do the same.

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3/18/08

olgatravelingbra

Because it's ME! In the nude.

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3/20/08

ivanpw

it's my favorite England football club and city where I had stayed five years ago - Wolverhampton.

It's somewhere in the West Midlands region of England, UK - near Birmingham. Just turn left, and go straight

Ivanpw
noobpreneur.com

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3/20/08

reasonablerobinson

I wanted a easily recognisable 'logo'. I also prefered a little anonymity to put some clear blue water between my professional work and my blogging hobby. The avatar symbolises that 'just duped' look we have when when realise we have been gullible.

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5/29/08

fstasu

My avatar is me through the eyes of an artist. Being a photographer, I don't ever let anyone take my picture. This fits me.

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