Originally Posted by
Jenbel
Let me summarise, since you seem to be ignoring a lot of people's genuine concerns:
- avatars create visual clutter
- not all members will realise that there is an off-switch for avatars, just as not all members realise that there is an off-switch for signatures (and how long have we had that feature
- it's too easy to misuse/abuse the avatar feature - not a good thing for building community
- you expect moderators to be the ones to police avatars - which means not all people could turn them off. For example several of the mods who have responded, including myself, don't want to have to look at them, but would have to...
- you expect moderators to be the ones to police avatars - while ignoring their legitimate concerns about having to subjectively decide on what is and isn't allowed (your talk of automatic suspension resolved back to moderator discretion when given a direct example)
- you expect unnamed people to give of their time at your order to help people technologically unable to upload
vs
It would be nice. Seeing someone's picture would help foster community.
^^^ Well-stated. The cons far outweigh the pros.
As has been stated previously, less is more. And simplicity is elegance.
Originally Posted by
Punki
If there is a moderator who can't bear looking at smilies, avatars, or flags, if we should decide to use them, it would probably be in the best interest of FT if that person resigned and was replaced by a another who had no such reservations.
Sounds like a pretty democratic way to run things: If you don't like something, you should resign in favor of someone who is not so offended/concerned/bothered/etc.
Originally Posted by
Punki
Yes, being able to put a face with the name would go a long way toward building community, just as showing a flag indicating the posters nation, would help build greater understanding. All to the good of FlyerTalk.
Isn't there already a place on FT where people can post pictures of themselves---if they would like to do so---so that others can put a face with a (user)name? How would adding avatars add to what already exists?
Originally Posted by
redbeard911
I still like the little country flags and airline logos. ^
Regarding airline logos...I'm not an IP lawyer, but does the term "trademark violation" concern anyone?