I believe that I react to other peoples avatars...here on ATS anyhow...more positively..

1) they have taken the time to read how to attach one, which means they are capable of researching something.

2) what they choose is pretty unimportant considering its typically something they like, find ironic, etc...and I really don't care much about the content, however I will react positively if there is eye candy there...well put together, or clearly stating something, etc...

however..

if its too much over the top, then that makes me consider the person as absorbed in their own ego...which may effect the quality of their debating skills (ego = must be right even when wrong...and will become irrational if they find themselves on the losing end of a discussion).


oh, and finally, I chose my avatar because I like doritos, and the colors are close to a doritos bag :-) (oh, and something about my name I spose)

I like Killzone (a video game) so I knew I had to include the Helghast Trieskelon and the Helghast soldier in my avatar.

But the "One of Many" is a lot more serious. I am one of many who are fed up, one of many who won't take it anymore, and one of many who will hopefully one day make a change. Add that with the scary killzone images, and you've got my general attitude with how things are today.


Peace,
FK

Originally posted by LadySkadi
Consider the implications [and] possibilities for social and psychological manipulation... The possibilities are endless...

Before I start reading through your thread, I wanted to stop and address this one comment. I want to give you a new word, which may help in your searches. Its called 'conditioning'.

Look up 'Classical & Controlled Conditioning'. Symbolism is used to condition people into buying products, or to rally people under the banner of patriotism. Its everywhere and it does have an impact.

Think about advertising jingles. How much of an affect do you think they have?


[edit on 21-10-2009 by Pathos]

I forgot to add social profiles of user names are also of interest.

Sometimes they say a lot. at other times not much like a user name such as cantthinkofaname or youranarse I didnt mean to single any user out, just an example.

While there might be a minority who intend their avatar to relay a certain message, mostly I would suggest avatars are just members expressing themselves.

I drew my own.

i just picked a random image from my camera that i polarized. I come here for the threads, not an avatar fashion statement

I decided to use this as my avatar because it reminds me to keep humor in all things. Too often when I start down these rabbit holes I lose perspective and start to get down on myself. This is just a reminder to take it easy ... have some fun ... be happy that we have all this interesting stuff to talk about. Plus it had an Alien suit in it so thats always a plus for me.

I chose this avatar because it is a picture of me as I feel inside..an elf..which represents smart a$$ness, a prankster and an attitude of "life is fun"..I'm a huge practical joker and I love life..much like elves do Although Ive also had people say, "nice Spock ears"..lol

My avatar is actually a pic of me, that i played with in photoshop. It represents the mask most people wear to hide behind. It also represents my favorite rap group.