Are Avatars Important?

I agree, an avatar helps give some sense of identity to the person behind the keyboard. It may well be a false sense of identity of course but it still helps to promote an image. I do sometimes find it a bit disconcerting when someone changes their avatar though. I also dread to think what mine says about me! I use it everywhere, it was created by a graphics designer many years ago for a gaming clan forum I run and I've never felt a need to use anything different.

How can you even ask? Just one look at mine should be all the answer you need

For non-business sites, I like avatars since they add a personal touch to postings. Plus with some people I know where they use the same avatar consistently, it makes it easier to spot their posts so I might read or take part in a thread because I recognized a friendly face in the crowd.

[OT]Have you see this yet? Scrat was real! [/OT]

That you're the evil clone of The Flash.

I find them important because of how it allows people to personalise their experience and on most sites something like an avatar system is needed where there are members able to sign up. Whilst it can be good to get an idea of the persons personality it can give off a completely different personality for the person which they might even intend.

I think they are as much a persons identity as their name, I love mine and rarely alter it, I will once in a while do something different, but usually not for very long.

First forum I ever belonged to, five years ago, gaming forum, Sacred International Forum. I remember how long it took me to plan my first post, and I was sweating bullets before I pressed "submit". With that, came this sun avatar that I liked because of it's positive, warm shine, and it's relation go my Indian heritage.

The avatar stuck for me, after a member at that forum sent me an email package, with my avatar wearing Christmas ornaments, all done by her, and sent to me as a gift. It's the first "thing" I've ever received online, and all of the feelings of appreciation and gratefulness ring when I think about it.

Yeah avatars are important!



gogo

For me, it's important. To have an image to attach to the name, a sense of identity, although it can be misleading sometimes.

*shuffles in, clad in asbestos riot gear*

It's apparently important enough that allowing users to have one is a big part of how we monetize our site. I know, evil, isn't it?

*shuffles out, mindful of air-to-ground missiles*

I really love avatars. it's a great way to 'brand' yourself and help people recognize your posting. If you're active and well respected, this can really help you on other forums, since people recognize you and know you're a good member

I agree with all of the above.

I like avatars, I think they help build the sense of community.

You are a pineapple.

With XenForo, avatars are definitely important due to how much usage they get throughout the site.

I find it irritating when people don't have avatars .

It's part of one of the default achievements for a mod I have planned with a friend .

And proud of it! Nothing wrong with some Pineapple heritage, it is a strong & proud Polynesian race known for their tough outer shell but really sweet on the inside.

I still prefer the avatar you used a while back. If memory recalls, the image of the cannonball run doc. Go on, I know you want to.

I suppose I should admit that I've put on a few years since my avatar was originally created and my lightening bolts have started to droop somewhat

I think avatars are important for obvious reasons already stated in this thread. I constantly changing my avatar, I enjoy the change not to mention designing a unique avatar. I probably change mine more than I should do, Guaranteed on a weekly basis my avatar will undergo a design change.