Deleted

[Vincent]

Today my picture on MyGenius was deleted, because my current photo does not "reflect your personal brand," and down graded.

The objectionable photo is the one I use as an avatar on this site, which I think is pretty cool.

Having said that I know that there are sites that only allow "head & shoulders," some being stricter than others. Generally most business forums or sites were one registers, requires a picture. It tends to give the site a more professional feel, but what is wrong having a head and shoulders and an avatar?

My question is, "Do photographs of oneself really reflect your personal brand?"

[Norri]

I, for one, far prefer to see a real person's face rather than an avatar. Avatars are so easy to hide behind.

Forums I've been on where the majority of the people showed their own faces were often nicer, kinder and more supportive. Those with predominantly avatars were full of nastiness and other uglies.

To answer your questions, though, I think it depends a lot on the avatar. Your avatar of Che probably represents your personality and values more than your brand.

[Vincent]

Your avatar of Che probably represents your personality and values more than your brand.

I'm sure you know who Che was, and what he stood for. I'm far removed from his doctrine and believes. It just an iconic photograph. He would be turning in his grave, if he knew how his photo has been commercialised. It's against everything he stood for.

The avatar comes from a series of "theme adverts" that I created - using famous, infamous, fictional, and mystical characters, hoping that my ads will be seen and read, and not immediately sent to file 13.

Maybe I'll post them, so that you can get a "feel' of what I was trying to achieve.

[Norri]

Post away Vincent

[Vincent]

How about this one!! Honestly, It is me

[Norri]

Tee hee hee hee hee !

[daveob]

is this linked to that other post about "way back in 1965" ?

[Dave A]

In defence of MyGenius, I can understand them trying to maintain a more formal image structure to match their underlying ethos.

Personally, I enjoy our diversity and that extends to avatars that are somewhat "abstract." It is an opportunity to give a representation of your personality that a head and shoulders does not ordinarily give.

Of course, we've also got the profile picture option in the members only area which deals with that important personal level contact at the community level that Norri is talking about.

So done right we end up with the best of both worlds. You can have something symbolic which is open to the whole world, but within the community we still know each other as we really are.

Hope that makes sense

[Morticia]

Oh Vincent, do give us the name of your hairdresser!! LOL

[Vincent]

[

In defence of MyGenius, I can understand them trying to maintain a more formal image structure to match their underlying ethos.

I have no problem in them applying a uniform standard. Yesterday on the site, I saw Rin Tintin's father, Tom Selleck, a 'ghostly shadow' a company logo, etc, which should all have had a 'head and shoulders' picture.

Anyway enuf of the bitchin' & moanin' -back to work

[Vincent]

Oh Vincent, do give us the name of your hairdresser!! LOL

Mullet INC - Vernon Koekemoer