Importance of Choosing an Avatar

An avatar is more than just your profile picture.  In addition to your username, it is what people identify you with in an online community.  Which would you be more likely to remember: a face (avatar) and a name (username), or just a name?  Now try to imagine remembering names when everyone has the same face (default avatar).  Very hard.  It's a fact that most people are wired to remember faces.  This face perception is the basis for social interaction.  In an online community, the same can be applied for avatars.

I've noticed that time and time again, on forums specifically, members that haven't customized their profile to the point of uploading a custom avatar seem less important, and everyone with a default avatar blurs together.  However, people that have custom avatars I identify with, and those member's posts tend to stand out more. 

Choosing the correct avatar can be just as important as choosing one at all.  If you have a picture of something that is negative, people will probably perceive you that way.  If your avatar suggests you are female, people may take that que.  A funny avatar, you have a sense of humor, etc.

My avatar was created shortly after the Simpsons movie came out.  Their website featured Simpsons avatar creator  (note that they could've called it something else, but since it was on the internet they specifically used 'avatar').  You simply upload a good picture of yourself and it builds the character.  So, my avatar is a representation of me.  

Some people choose to upload a good picture of themself, like Phil.  I'm sure most of you have noticed Phil around the site as he is quite active.  It also helps that his avatar is custom, he is designated as a Bentley colleague by the 'B', he has filled out his profile showing his qualifications, and his posts are always courteous and helpful.

Whatever avatar you choose, don't change it too often.  This will confuse people that don't come to the site a lot.  They may have become accustom to seeing your avatar and have built a perception based on it.

So, if you haven't figured it out already - upload an avatar!  Here's how to do it:

  • Go to YOUR ACCOUNT and click on Profile
  • Click on Settings (middle top) - scroll to the bottom
  • Click on Browse - Select image (jpg, gif, png) - The image will be resized to 80x80 pixels if it is not already - OK
  • Click Update - the image should load as it will be seen on the site
  • Click Save Changes