Unemployed
🤓
- Nov 28, 2020
- 6,727
Copying and using the same avatar as another user without their permission should be against the rules. Some do it because they think it’s funny or because they want to show appreciation for a certain user... I understand that. But it always causes mass confusion, even when well-intentioned.
People often recognize avatars before usernames, so they automatically associate whatever message is posted with the original user, even if it actually comes from the impersonator. This can lead to misattributed opinions, derail conversations, and even cause unnecessary conflict.
As we know, avatars are like our faces online. Some users choose to present themselves as Japanese schoolgirls, some as male models, and some as mass murderers. I think that's weird and cringe, but it’s none of my business.
Either way, many of us click on threads based on avatars alone, without even reading the username. In fact, this forum doesn’t always display usernames, only avatars. As you can see in the image below, that suggests that, on our forum, avatars are actually more important than usernames.
Because of this, I think we should consider adding a rule against avatar impersonation without permission, with a warning for first-time offenders and stricter action for repeat violations. However, if someone explicitly allows another user to use their avatar, then of course, that’s perfectly fine.
People often recognize avatars before usernames, so they automatically associate whatever message is posted with the original user, even if it actually comes from the impersonator. This can lead to misattributed opinions, derail conversations, and even cause unnecessary conflict.
As we know, avatars are like our faces online. Some users choose to present themselves as Japanese schoolgirls, some as male models, and some as mass murderers. I think that's weird and cringe, but it’s none of my business.
Either way, many of us click on threads based on avatars alone, without even reading the username. In fact, this forum doesn’t always display usernames, only avatars. As you can see in the image below, that suggests that, on our forum, avatars are actually more important than usernames.
Because of this, I think we should consider adding a rule against avatar impersonation without permission, with a warning for first-time offenders and stricter action for repeat violations. However, if someone explicitly allows another user to use their avatar, then of course, that’s perfectly fine.
