Originally Posted by JRF
Well, item 1.... if all it takes to scare off a new member / poster is an avatar.... well... I am not sure what to say. I find that in general the info on the boards is so useful that avatars alone will not scare off someone. The use of multiple handles and posting for the sole purpose of starting flame wars will scare off one.
Not a question of scaring anybody, just a visual clutter/distraction. Personal opinion.
I suppose I wouldn't mind allowing people to have the option — or even, in fact, having registered users default to the option to see the avatars (first impressions no longer being a factor). I just think that for non-registered/non-logged-in users not showing them would likely be a better default.