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I was just looking over profiles and noticed than hardly anyone uses their own photos or artwork as their avatar. This seems kind of tacky to me. Thoughts, please.

Well it is allowed to put pictures that are not yours as your avatar.

I have one that is mine nowadays, but still my face is not completly seen. I like to be sort of mysterious and then be seen in my portfolio.

I can't make an artistic one, because I am not artistic. I used to have avatars that aren't my pictures, but they all represented something that I like even though I couldn't call mine. Reasons are the same as I mentioned above.

Last year I had that picture taken and thought it'd look cool as an avatar.

I definitely prefer ppl to use thier own pics as avatars.
I like to know who I'm talking to.

I like the freedom to be myself or to use something that expresses my feelings at the moment. My portfolio always has my real picture so anyone that really wants to can find me there.

I don't use a picture of me because I don't picture's of me online know matter what sight I am on at the time

It don't really matter to me but I perfer to use my own picture as my avatar

I'm glad we have the choice of what we can put up as our avatars. Some people just prefer to remain anonymous, and that is completely fine. I don't need to know what you look like to chat with you!

My Avatar is of my own design.....

as is 90% percent of the stuff on my Profile/Portfolio....

:)

It can be a matter of safety and security. You don't give away your address so why give out a picture of yourself. Especially with sites like Facebook and photo bucket it would be so easy to pinpoint a face with personal information.

Personally when i first joined i never use to have any pictures of myself up, but when i got to love this site so much i thought why not :) I love having myself for my avatar it expresses who i am in many ways. And for everyone else it is there choice what they have as there avatar, but i do like to know what the person looks like who im talking to.......

My avatar is in need of scratching

So, if someone has an avatar that is NOT their personal photo, it is a symbol or something they made.....do you not speak to them? I see the comment "I like to see who I am talking to." Do you choose not to talk to people on here who do not use a photo?

on one of my profile, my main one I put my face, with my previous hair, ( now its purple) on this one it is a picture of me, but I photoshop the background and my hair, cause mine if shorter in real life ^^

I dont mind pics as avatar the only thing I don't like is when I see the same pic like on 100 different profiles, it gets confusing lol and sort of redondant.

I use ones of me that I edit and make all crazy lol

i don't need my ugly mug THAT prominent on my page... portfolio is good enough...

Aside from the right of freedom of expression and expression of mood or state of mind, it is a good thing we do not have to use our own photos, as even ones in my portfolio are not 100% recent because with my job it can be a security risk. But that's just my 5 cents and I'll say no more.

I use to use pictures I liked. Now I use ones of myself.

I think it's all a matter of choice. It would be cool, if VR had ones that you can choose from (defaults) or you can upload your own.

The thing that really gets on my nerves is people who use the artwork of others, not that they choose not to show themselves for why they are. It's the fact that they are straddling if not crossing the border of art theft is what I'm talking about. Some of the artists who's work is being used without their permission happen to be friends of mine and have been suffering greatly due to such theft. Being a professional artist and photographer myself, it sickens me to how unethical and lazy some people can be.

I have a portfolio for my own pictures. Though sometimes I'm not sure that is such a good idea or what good will come of it. I love having the choice of expressing myself and use a presentation of what I think a jaggedtears face should look like.

I like to use the creature that I love the best. If anyone needs to see what I look like, then please go to my portfolio.

I think it is important to respect others privacy if they choose not to share with the rest of the class ...so be it. I do like to see the person Iam talking with so I can imagin thier exprestions. BUT by no means is it a must because what is important is the persons heart. I am not talking love but trust and truth.

I dont like to see lots of copy cat avatars because it can get confuseing

I would like to give great thanks to Psivampire for makeing my avatar and page

The avatar is of my own design, I think it describes my personality perfectly.

DJJarak,

You posted,

"The thing that really gets on my nerves is people who use the artwork of others, not that they choose not to show themselves for why they are. It's the fact that they are straddling if not crossing the border of art theft is what I'm talking about. Some of the artists who's work is being used without their permission happen to be friends of mine and have been suffering greatly due to such theft. Being a professional artist and photographer myself, it sickens me to how unethical and lazy some people can be."

My Question. How much of the artwork or images you've posted in your own profile are your own work? There's little difference in using others work for profile content and/or for avatars.

It is a members right to use their own picture or a picture that they like as there avatar. If you do not like the fact that people, myself included, do not use their real pic, to bad, get use to disappointment .

All artwork in my profile and portfolio are my own save for my pro's background, I do have permission from the artist to use it. As well, my protection stamp from the band ~Manowar~, I know Eric Adams personally and he did give me permission to use it.

Wanna hear something pretty damn ironic? My portfolio was just suspended because some of my art was created using images that were not full created by me. The thing that makes the suspension an error is that all the images used were done so either with permission or by special request for specific commissioned projects. :P

Karma's a _____. I thoroughly enjoy being able to exercise my right given to me by VR administration to use whatever avatar I want for my profile. Thank you, VR admin.
~Bows

It could be a matter of ego as well...some that use their real photographs are very creative in the art of making themselves up...appearing as they wished to be seen. I would imagine one without that flare and ability would be rather intimidated to post a normal looking photograph of themselves...not being able to compare. So the use of a piece of art that suites them allows for a feeling of equality...of course...I'm guessing here.

On that note, the individual that wish to appear as "anime" characters just proclaim as to how "childish" they truly are, this would be your perspective, yes?

i think it's a matter of to each their own....



however..........


the worst is when i find people here using photos of my friends and saying that they are the person in the photo!

i've had it happen more times than i would care to count.

Yeah, this is why I copywrite most of my work. If I see someone using my pic as their own, they better explain themselves.

Don't make me dissect you!

I was thinking more along the lines of those that use demon looking art...I didn't consider the more cartoonish looking ones...*ponders*...perhaps that is what they want to look like...a lot of kooks out there.

unlike myspace and facebook there are no privacy settings here, so you can't control who looks at your stuff. I don't mind the art avatars, some are kind of cool. and real photos are cool too, but i think Mr.Tu said it rigth some don't have access to professional photographers and such so they feel a bit uneasy about putting thier mug up for all to see

Gah, who needs professionals to pull of the amazing work? This is what "photoshop" is for.

not everyone might have that as well or knowledge on using it, lol i myself

i wasn't talking about people using things that are posted here.

i was saying that i have seen photos of friends of mine (who are models and not on this site) as avatars here and the (usually) women claim to be the person.....

and self delete when called on it.

I know what you ment. I was just saying...

Besides, I would think it was a compliment after the fact. Just don't do it again, as far as I know, they might be using the pic(s) for molevolent reasons.

It is simply my choice, not yours.

soul, you do have a point.... and with most of the cases that i have seen, you're totally right.

I know what you mean about using model's pics as an avatar and claiming it to be yourself. I know of one user for sure who does it all the time then self deletes. This person does it to disguise herself while she "stalks" someone in particular here....*souls*, you know who Im refering to.

Well first off, I have two profiles. each are me just in different ways. I have one that has a pic of me and one that does not.

I chose the one that does not because it speaks about me in ways that my pic can not.

Also that is also the choice that VR gives us. some chose there pic some do not. I do not believe that any should be looked unfavorably on for that decision.

And now about people post pics that they claim is them is not right, but it will come back and bite them at some point.

Now DJ about your Journal, the commissioned pieces i would ask for a exception on but the one that are used with permission is against the VR rules. it needs to be your work. and if it is not your work then it can not be posted there, but you can post them in your jornal.

Don't really care either way...just tired of seeing the same images in every profile...instead of being original.

yea I hear you there, I have actually taken some of my pics out because they have become so predominate on here. but there are a select few that will not go anywhere such as the pit bull scroll box that i have in my IronKnight Profile.

Since I was the one who suspended DJJarak portfolio I will state why. When you use other peoples artwork, take it to a photo edit and add another layer on top…it is still not your artwork. I asked you to show proof you had the rights to use the artwork, or that it was copyright free. Shown that I would of released it with me asking you to put the info in the description box so others would know as well.

As an artist and photographer you should be aware and use to this type of request. As a person who has stated the use of others artwork gets you upset- you should have been ready to shown the permission and links to the copyright free art.

And let’s not forget the bare breast on one of the ladies pictures- that along got you suspended. ;)

As far as me picking on you…uh…no. I read the thread and wanted to see this artwork you talked of so I went to see your work. Can’t help if it did not meet VR rules.

As far as people using avatars that is not a picture of them- It is your God Fearing right Cancer has given to you. Use it if you want. :)

I think there is many reasons people use avatars that are not real photos of them. Personally, I have real photos of me in my port. If anyone wants to see them, there I be. My avatar was chosen because my profile here has a Hannibal theme. So in keeping with that theme, I completed it with said avatar.

After reading this whole thread I have numerous things I would like to state...

- Some people often have a strange theory that if they display an image of themselves on the internet that someone is going to come after them and kidnap them. This is complete foolishness. I completely understand simply not wanting to display an actual image of one's self just because you don't want people to see you. I understand not wanting to show an actual image of one's self for professional reasons. I understand simply wanting to appear as something else or using an image you really like as your avatar... But the excuse that people will come and kidnap you if they know what you look like is ridiculous. If someone wanted to obtain your information, they would, regardless if you posted a real picture of yourself for an avatar. Personally I would like to see that excuse dropped in general as it is silly.


- I think it is tacky to generally insult a lot of people when supposedly asking a question. If you want to know why people use certain types of images for their avatars, there is a graceful way to ask the question without insulting them in the process.

- Numerous copyright laws come into play when it comes to using stock images. Just because they are posted as stock images does not mean one can take them and use them where ever. A photographer should really understand this as the taker of images and a photo manipulator should understand it just as well and always have proof of permission from the original artist, especially when planning to sell the images as prints, which I know the OP has mentioned in the past.

If you cannot provide the required (and reasonable) proof that you have permission from the original artist to use their image, then a suspension is not in error. As a photographer, you should respect Sentorans for protecting the original owners. This is not karma, it is simple logic. If you're going to blow off steam and point your finger at people who use images they like as avatars, accusing them of stealing art, and then claim that edited stock images you don't have documented permission to use are YOUR artworks, then it is logic that it will catch up to you here.


To each their own. I enjoy seeing what people actually look like here but some of the coolest people I know do not use a picture of themselves for their avatars. Hell, my room mate doesn't use a picture of herself as her avatar.

thank you for posting your reasons Vampirewitch39, even though you did not have to.

And if those are you reasons and request then the should be met. But unless i misread something i did not see anyone accuseing you or any other sentoran of picking on DJJarak?

You are right. My mistake. Sorry. :)

When I originally joined back in 2005 I only used Wolves or The Wolfman as an avatar til a lot of friends wanted me to use my image.So now I use various edited images I took of myself.

So, you're suggesting that those who do not use their own picture for their representation are crass; cheaply vulgar; tasteless; and crude??

I prefer not to use a personal photo of myself due to the fact that this is not a dating service where I need to show people what I look like, nor am I looking for a significant other.

I have never posted a picture of myself nor have I given out information that is overly personal due to safety and trust issues on the net.

And, maybe you feel comfortable with the way you look, but I do not think it is fair to lable those who have issues with their looks or do not feel it necessary to use a picture of themselves.

i use edy maskot of iron maiden .. i like the band

I do not have any way to put up my picture of myself so i use a pic of a show i watch..

~darkklord75~

great point, I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who do not have a way to get a self photo on the site. I was one for a little bit. Until I got an account on a different site that had others pictures on it that I was in that I could save to my computer and upload onto the site.

i concur with you psi...

If a person thinks they are ugly and do not feel comfortable showing their pic as the first thing people see on their profile.. they have that right to not do so...

I comfortably agree with ~Psi-vampire~, as this is NOT a dating site, personal pics are rather useless in the long run. That is unless you fancy your face being looked at by who knows who ever or are a narcisist (no offense), the only irritating thing about most pics are the pippy anime pics that pop up for no good apparent reason.

I think this is a place of creativity. We have portfolios for our art and photographs. It is not necessary to have them on the actual profile unless the person chooses to do so. Why would it be tacky? I personally don't want my pic there because I don't have many. I really have never liked my picture taken. I don't know why but have been like that since a kid. I used what I had since on the internet in my portfolios.

As far as using the same avatars, there are a great deal of people here and it is difficult for that not to happen. I have found graphics and thought that I hadn't seen it around. I think people see them and like the graphic and use them. I have had graphics I have actually changed taken right off my profiles. Not a nice thing to do but then essentially I don't own them anyway. I change my avatar almost everytime I change my profiles. Just what I do because I like things to match...its just me. If you wish to use a photo of yourself, then do so but I feel everyone should be free to decide for themselves which they prefer.

Besides, how many of us will really ever meet? I believe in the right to privacy even with your real picture. I have no problem whether someone wants to use a reprensentation or a real pic. The choice is up to us. This is what makes vr the BEST!!!!

I love being able to go back and forth. Sometimes I don't have a pic of myself to represent my present mood. It would be nice if we could see a real pic of someone in their portfolio.

I have real pics in mine just please don't laugh out loud!

I like the Avatar pics, and as far as it being illegal, web sites such as Photobucket, PhotoCasket, glittergraphics, are designed for such use and reasons to allow people to use the art work. Otherwise they would have copy blocks installed.
Profiles would be extremely boring without those images creating the art behind each individual profiles.
Who wants to see a ton of self pictures and just written preferences alone?
I think it gives the profiles character.
Besides, are not the portfolios the choice of displaying your own personal picture?

All I'm saying is that people should have permission before using the work of others at will. Most of what people find on sites like Photobucket were posted there by others who did so without permission. If there is nothing wrong with what these people do, why do so many of them remove copyright marks when they can, huh?

I feel the same way toward trite avatars. I try to not let it get to me anymore because, well, not everyone is creative. As a result many of the avatars are so over-used that it would be difficult to locate its origins to contact the creator to ask permission to use the image. So the alternative for unoriginal people for putting an image of themselves as their avatar is to use a generic sparkly wolf fairy vampire rose image with glitter and otherwise overused effects.

Well from my perspective, I understand that some people want annonymity, or they just feel like the dont look good, or they have no photos.....What I have a problem with is, is the individuals who use other people's artwork as their avatar, and then block any stamps from being used on their profile ratings, in which they claim is "un-original" or "tacky" and yet they are essentially doing the same thing.

Not having artistic skills of your own is not a license to use the work of others without permission.

I completely agree with you DJJarak....Thats why any stamps that I make, if it is not art of my own, then I get the exclusive permission of the original artist. But that is alot easier for me since I get the art that I dont make from friends of mine.

~DJJarak~

You posted-

"All I'm saying is that people should have permission before using the work of others at will."

I disagree with this statement. You have said much more than just that and it has offended a few individuals. I admit, I am a bit immature and keep finding myself returning to this thread to see its progress. As many have said, this is a place to come and "relax." I'd like for it to remain that way. So I have chosen to not use a personal picture as my Profile Avatar, because I can. My image was given to me by Miss. Sanguinarius. Thank you Miss Sang.

Either way is fine, some people prefer a private life and use another pic of something else, which is fine by me, i have respect for someones private life

I have used a simple web cam pic of me for my avatar

Honestly...what does it matter? Most of my friends here do not use their real picture. They are not tacky in any way, shape or form. When one converses with someone they converse with the person, not their "look".

I change from time to time.... but personally i prefer the real pictures than the avatars! i do blieve its a 50 / 50 % situation on the choices!

I am very artistically challenged LOL so I cannot draw or have drawn for me what I would really like to use as my avitar...so I when I came to VR almost 5yrs ago this was the avitar I picked and for the most part have used all the time...I don't think that it is petty, lazy, uncreative, or a copywrite infringement to have such an avitar...I mean I am not making any money off using it here...but it does reflect the darker side of me which is why I use it...

I really dont mind others seeing who i am really. I feel that this is me and i have nothing to hide..

it's a proven fact that most people who use avatars as display pictures are lest likely to be talked to or chosen over someone who does.. i like to know who i'm talking to.. most of the time people will ignor and pay less attention to people with avatars because it makes them think that that person is hiding something and maybe lieing about who they really are.. it's true because me myself is that way.. i don't talk to people who have avatars unless they have a picture in there portfolio for me to see.

vvSoulshroudevv: How am I not to take offense to you calling me a narcissist for having an image of myself as an avatar? This reasoning is backwards and hypocritical.

If people should be allowed to have something other than a photo of themselves as their avatar without being ridiculed, then people should also be allowed to use images of themselves as avatars without being called narcissistic.

Don't take it out on people like myself because one person believes something is tacky.

Thank you, Morrigon. Well put.

A lot of people don't use their own photos for safety reasons, which I can understand. As far as avatars go, they can still be a fine representation of the person that is portraying themselves on a profile.

Another reason I think people may not use their own photo is because they don't want people to talk to them because someone may do so just because they have a pretty face.

I actually don't understand 'safety reasons'. I mean, most people go to school and work (at least to the store) and can be followed directly to their home afterward... you know? So how is a picture on the internet scary? I've never felt the need to walk around town with a mask. So, that safety issue I can't buy into.

If having your picture taken and posted in a public place is a security issue then people should be REALLY upset about yearbook pictures.

For real, there you can't even use a 'screen name' :P Your legal name is posted right next to your grill.

I typically use pictures of myself for all 3 of my profiles, if I don't use a picture of myself I happily credit the artist in my profile. Currently the exception to this is one profile is using an image that I edited.

As for copyright images, I am very copyright compliant. Every image on every single profile of mine is made by me. If I used art from another artist, they are either a general permission artist or I have purchased the right to use that image and my license number is on that image.

Just because you find something on photobucket does not mean it is ok to use.

Imagine if you did a days worth of work and then the lazy bum who sat next to you all day gets your paycheck. That is what it is like when people steal art. Even if you credit the artist, they appreciate it.

I'm really rather old and rather homely and do good just to type much less understand photoshop! So, please understand why some of us would rather just use another avatar! I'm still the same person with or without a photo of myself.

well I find it nice that we can change the advatar anytime we want to our own images, pictures or use stuff from photo sites. I like to change mine alot for my mood so.. to each their own

and as to teh security /safe part Please my daughter had her Identity stolen and had no clue till some cop told her she was wanted for cooking meth. !! Yeah, could you imagine her shock when she found out it was her sister-in-law who used her name in a bust.. please images on the net is the least of my worries LOL ....

DJJarak - I have deleted your previous post as it was extremely inappropriate.

This thread remains open as long as members debate the types of avatars used, it is NOT a thread for you to critique the appearance of people's avatars.

Whether you think you are attractive or not, that does not give anyone the right to steal the artwork of others for their own needs.

I don't use pictures of myself for avatars except for on one site. If people want to see what I look like they can look in my portfolio. I think I also have some of my art there but I haven't done anything new in a very long time.

I like the avatar I have because it is something that I happen to like. It is up to the owner of the account to put what they want as their avatar and it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks... but each there own.

I've been here for just over 3 years and I've never used a picture of myself as my avatar.

My original avatar was created for me by the person who introduced me to VR. That image was hosted on photobucket and guess what? Someone decided it was ok to nab it and use it for their avatar. Let's just say I was not happy. She eventually took it down after much discussion as to why it was NOT ok for her to use it as her own.

During this time Morri was kind enough to create for me the avatar I have now. I never asked for it or expected it. I had only expressed my disappointment in feeling my original avatar was no longer "my own". She took the time to create for me a new representation and I've proudly displayed it ever since.

I don't put my picture up because I don't feel the need to share my face her. Nor do I feel the need to share my name. This is my haven. It's the place I come to and relax. I chat with friends, vent in my journal, and enjoy a sense of anonymity. Those here who know my face, also know my name and I've shaken hands with all of them but one.

It's not fear that drives these choices. It's a need to have a place where I can be totally and completely me.

I for one change my avatar around pretty often, depending on my mood and what not, we have thw ability to use the images that we would like to use for our avatars, that is how it has been set up and I have no complaint with it. Sure I use my own pic from time to time, which is generally one from my portfolio or a random pic of myself that Ior someone else took of me.

I usually change my avatar often unless I really like the one that i am using then i will keep it for a while.

I have used both- a piece of artwork and my own image. When I first join VR I would not use my own mug as I was not comfortable with it. And at the time I hated having my picture taken, doubt if I even had one that was not over a year old. Not that I was worried about security but about rude comments about my looks, weight, etc. But spending time on VR made me see my concerns was unfounded.

And the photo bug bite me hard with the pictures a certain Otter posted. Next thing I knew I was taking lots of pictures- even some of myself indulging in a love I have had for over 30 years. That would be make-up.

Would I use artwork again? Yes. I have no problem with them. Just as I have no problem using my own mug now. (With lots and lots of make-up. lol) To me it really is not a big deal either way.

Just because it is a picture you upload and tell me it is you don’t mean I trust it to be true. So I still take “real pictures” with a grain of salt.

As long as members follow the TOS, it really does not matter.

Nuff said...

Because I have very few face shots [snigger]. Not especially photogenic. The real me does feature in my portfolio, Zppelin shirt & shaven head and the longhaired recipient of an attempted sodomizing...

~Morrigon~ states: "How am I not to take offense to you calling me a narcissist for having an image of myself as an avatar? This reasoning is backwards and hypocritical."

My "narcisist" post was directed toward the general population and had the form of (no offense) residing within said post. If this indirect comment made you in any way offended, then this is by choice. Nor was it directly or indirectly related to your previous post.

As well, I do not see any hypocricy within it since MY avatar is NOT a personal pic of mine, but of one that I made to express my inner self so to speak.

As previously stated, you may take offense but this is by your choice alone, since it was directed toward the "general" population and not at just one individual.

Indeed no, just because you state "No offense" after saying something that generally causes offense does NOT pardon you from offending people.

Enlighten me, what logic should I be following here?

personal pics are rather useless in the long run. That is unless you fancy your face being looked at by who knows who ever or are a narcisist (no offense)

You stated that people who use avatars that are photos of themselves are narcissist, either that or their choice is useless. I use an avatar that is a photo of myself, so you have called my choice either useless or have called me narcissistic.

No you don't have the luxury of insulting a general group of people and then placing the responsibility of taking offense to the insult on them as if it is their own fault.

Perhaps you don't understand what I mean by hypocrisy. The hypocrisy is the attacking of members who use avatars that are pictures of themselves because someone states that people who do not are tacky.

People who use their own photos do not deserve to be attacked or called names any more than those who use other images, as many people have agreed already.

I like to see who I'm talking to as well... it's just kinda weird sometimes when I think I know someone pretty well, but have never seen them... but oh well.

I don't think people should worry about pics of themselves online though... like... I am known online mostly though myspace with like 10,000 friends who i know like 10 of them. LMAO...and it's weird when i see someone using my photos... or when someone approaches me who "met me online" but i have no idea who they are... but with so many people's faces on the internet now days... what are the chances someone is gonna steal your pics or do something weird like that unless you're really popular... I just don't see a big risk...if any. Don't get me wrong... I have had people try to pretend to be me online... but it's only cuz of the amount of people who know me... I guess I seem more important, when I'm just a normal starving artist. LMAO

but it is a person's choice... but it is weird when you see someone faking you

REALLY WEIRD....but flattering at the same time.

just because someone posts a pic as their avatar and claims it's them in no way proves it is. I have known of people on here that have gone so far as to steal someone's personal pic and post it as their own. Needless to say they were caught and promptly punished.

People that say putting your personal info including your pic on the internet for anyone to see doesn't increase your risk of falling pray to a predator is either naive or in denial. I'm not saying if you post your pic you will be a victim just that it increases the odds.

I think when you use an "alternate" pic for your avatar it can actually give a person more insight to who you really are than an actual pic.

Another advantage to an alternate pic if you don't want to change it there is no need to. With an actual pic you would need to change it about once a month if you don't want to get accused of lying because your appearance has changed.

I have used the same avatar from day 1 on here and have no intention of changing it anytime soon.

ok I know I'm probably going to get slammed for this but just remember this is only my opinion: As far as artists go I think many worry to much about money instead of their art. It wasn't all that long ago when artists would beg to have their art shown much less sold. Almost all of the great artists from the past died poor and never knew the success their works would later achieve. If someone is using your art because they like it and they are not making any money from it and are not claiming it as their own or anyone elses, then shouldn't you be flattered they like it so much? If all the millions of people on the internet went and asked all the artists for permission for every single piece of art what do you think would happen then? If you don't want other people to use your art don't put it on the internet PERIOD NO disabling right click doesn't stop anyone if they really want it. Since every pic on a page is put on the viewers computer in their temporary internet files they already have the pic on their computer whether they want it or not, it's just a matter if they want to look for it or not. if you find your work on someone elses page and they aren't gaining from it or claiming it's not yours just ask them to give you credit if they aren't and tell them thank you for admiring your work.

Posting anything personal on the internet and expecting it not to get copied is like parking your car downtown in any major city with the windows down and the engine running and expecting it not to get stolen.

OK I'm ready for my flogging now :-)

Wolvie™

P.S. I am not advocating plagiarism if you think I am go back and re-read the above post

~Morrigon~ I do not think it is a bid deal, or issue to be asking some what condemning, on the spot questions. This in itself could be deemed as harrassment to the perceptive eye, just as the logic that you are assuming I would be following leads to the same context.

My post could have been percieved as sarcasm, or rudeness. Just depends on who was reading it. Some are narsisistic, and therefore the comment could have been applied to those few, this is why I stated the term "in general." I have no motivation for my posts, save for adding my two cents. But apparently they were not wanted within this thread.

Why not just delete the desired post, without such a debacle of a debate to contribute to rhyme the reason. In the end, you would be just adding fuel to the fire by asking me to make sense of the logic that I use. Thus entrapping me in some sort of charade. This is my perceptive eye speaking. Let it be.

*laughs* I am sorry but I have to agree with wolvie on this. I am not going to touch most of his comment but I do want to expand upon his one comment.

"I think when you use an "alternate" pic for your avatar it can actually give a person more insight to who you really are than an actual pic."

And he is right. The avatar allows one to express themselves or atleast how they see themselves to others. And as many have said. Not everyone if artistic or believes themselves artistic enough to use thier own work. Now I will agree with the use of another's (or model's) photo and claiming that is who you are is...Well I will not utter such profanity here among gentle people. And I will also agree that claiming the work of others as your own is on the same level. But that is the few compared to the many who simply use it as an expression of how they feel and see themselves.

Being a fellow artist, I understand what alot of the complaint is about. But even I do not always use Myown art in My profile. Nor do I claim it as Myown, and when asked will gladly give the name of the artists I admire and use.

And really if W/we go down this road, what is next. No more user names other than your given birthname?

I have edited funny pictures of mine, that must make me artistic :P

However I have pictures on my profile that are not mine and I would say they're not because that's how it is.

But I got unnerved when someone stole a creation of mine and put it on their Portfolio because since it's on a Portfolio the people who view it would assume it's theirs, while on profiles we see numerous of pictures that everyone knows they are found on the web, that's why I believe the copyright rule is for Portfolios only.

Yes, The cute face that you see in not my, but a friend's son, who gave me permission to use it. I told the little boy: " You will be famous between the Vampire community". I place some of my pictures on my portfolio.

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