27 replies to this topic

[Walter]

We've found it does work, I feel I know folks better when they use a photo as an avatar.

Yeah but if the person is in scuba gear like mine is how will you know me better? Also since you don't know the people to begin with how do you know the photo is really them?

Like Kamala said, we rely on the honor system. Yes, you can get around the system by using a diving photo or one in which you can't really be seen well. At the time we started this site, this was a groundbreaking concept and we expected some resistance. There's been some, but less than we expected. I'd love to see a change requiring avatars to be clear photos of the person's face. Since I'm no longer part of this site's management team, I won't be proposing such a change.

[WreckWench]

We've found it does work, I feel I know folks better when they use a photo as an avatar.

Yeah but if the person is in scuba gear like mine is how will you know me better? Also since you don't know the people to begin with how do you know the photo is really them?

Like Kamala said, we rely on the honor system. Yes, you can get around the system by using a diving photo or one in which you can't really be seen well. At the time we started this site, this was a groundbreaking concept and we expected some resistance. There's been some, but less than we expected. I'd love to see a change requiring avatars to be clear photos of the person's face. Since I'm no longer part of this site's management team, I won't be proposing such a change.

You don't have to be part of the site's management my dear...anyone can make suggestions or propose changes! Besides you know you are always welcome back!

[ScubaPunk]

This is the first and only internet board that I am an active member on, so I did not know that the personal pics were an unusual concept. But now I can't imagine not having them. It humanizes the whole communication process. I feel like I'm talking to real people. I have met many people from this board in person and everyone I have met has posted real pictures of themselves. I have been on other sites and seen the cartoons and such, and it just feels creepy to be conversing with someone you can't see. I think it's a great policy, and I hope it never changes.

[Walter]

This is the first and only internet board that I am an active member on, so I did not know that the personal pics were an unusual concept. But now I can't imagine not having them. It humanizes the whole communication process. I feel like I'm talking to real people. I have met many people from this board in person and everyone I have met has posted real pictures of themselves. I have been on other sites and seen the cartoons and such, and it just feels creepy to be conversing with someone you can't see. I think it's a great policy, and I hope it never changes.

Good point, Darlin', I remember meeting you, it was almost like seeing an old friend again.

[cmt489]

This is the first and only internet board that I am an active member on, so I did not know that the personal pics were an unusual concept. But now I can't imagine not having them. It humanizes the whole communication process. I feel like I'm talking to real people. I have met many people from this board in person and everyone I have met has posted real pictures of themselves. I have been on other sites and seen the cartoons and such, and it just feels creepy to be conversing with someone you can't see. I think it's a great policy, and I hope it never changes.

I completely agree! When I travelled to Grenada there was no awkwardness of trying to figure out who I was travelling with or being totally suprised to put the face to the name. Over New Years Nicolle (Dive_Girl) and Ryan (diveaddict) were up here. They were driving around but I had no problem recognizing them in their vehicle thanks to the photos on this site.

[Basslet]

Ah, but I met a guy from another site whose photo was about 20 years out of date.

[ScubaHawk]

If I photoshop some earrings on Bevo, It'll look just like me. For those of you missing my lovely face, it shall return anon. I personally like the idea of charter members and admins being able to use non-personal avatars, we pay extra for the privilege and (as a group) are less likely to abuse the privilege. I don't see it running rampant in the charter member community, even mine is for a limited time only.

[ScubaPunk]

If I photoshop some earrings on Bevo, It'll look just like me. For those of you missing my lovely face, it shall return anon. I personally like the idea of charter members and admins being able to use non-personal avatars, we pay extra for the privilege and (as a group) are less likely to abuse the privilege. I don't see it running rampant in the charter member community, even mine is for a limited time only.

You are right ScubaHawk. Even through the teasing, I do respect the extra privledges of the Charter members, and I appreciate the extra contributions you have made to the board.

[Bubble2Bubble]

Hawk

If I photoshop some earrings on Bevo, It'll look just like me

I thought that was a picture of you after riding out the 80mph currents in Grenada.
Then I took a closer look with my glass's on and your right its Bevo

I'm sure this is some kinda phase the upper management is going thru..

scubapunk

I think it's a great policy, and I hope it never changes.

Well before I meet you Sandy I thought you posted a pic out of some Gurly Magazine!

But You are You and who loves You Baby

Its B2B

[ScubaPunk]

scubapunk

I think it's a great policy, and I hope it never changes

Well before I meet you Sandy I thought you posted a pic out of some Gurly Magazine!

But You are You and who loves You Baby

Its B2B

Well Bubble Boy! I think

[Dive_Girl]

Over New Years Nicolle (Dive_Girl) and Ryan (diveaddict) were up here. They were driving around but I had no problem recognizing them in their vehicle thanks to the photos on this site.

Holy crud and we were only 2 hours out of the water, no comb, no make-up, probably still had the dang mask ring - remember I drove onto the ferry to Vancouver in my DRYSUIT! I like the personal pictures on this site too. Only thing is cmt489 looks even classier in person!

[WreckWench]

Ah, but I met a guy from another site whose photo was about 20 years out of date.

Hmm....looks like you should hang out here more! But seriously...since we aren't a dating site...people tend to be more honest!

[finley]

Ah, but I met a guy from another site whose photo was about 20 years out of date.

Hmm....looks like you should hang out here more! But seriously...since we aren't a dating site...people tend to be more honest!

and tend to have more fun...since we know who we are dealing with and why....I never thought much about the avatar thing until this thread...since most were "diving" pictures that's what I posted (esp. since it's not a dating site) I didnt feel the need to have a "glamour shot" just something related to diving.....WW..do I have to do more deep thinking now????