Avatars: A recent topic of discussion.

Of all the billions of common inoffensive images you are able to use as an avatar without causing any upset, the only reason I can see for posting the image of someone who takes umbrage at it being used is merely to inflame and annoy that one person. It is pointless, in very poor taste and I don't want that situation to exist so I voted to bury it without trace.

From my perspective, this all started due to petty whining over an avatar Rudi had used for ages without complaint. Rudi posts images of various ugly blokes from forums including mates. He has done this since forever and It’s a part of who he is as a forum character. The subject of his avatar has previously expressed humour at folk posting videos of him, so I cannot see why a pic he shared publicly would cause offence.

Pesonally, I think the issue was raised to make a fuss for the sake of it, exploiting the fact that Oliver and I were just gettg used to working together. I don’t appreciate that.

IMO we should’ve said “feck off” to the request to remove. Of course it then became a hot topic and we had copycat episodes, escalating tensions and making it an issue we need to resolve. Realistically I don’t see an alternative now and I feel that rule 4 probably covers us in stopping use of avatars to cause offence or controversy.

As I’ve said before, the last thing I want to do is give a cause to anyone wanting to start a “war” in order to maintain notoriety or give them any “traction” in steering agendas here. Given the fact that avatars are now an issue *and* my desire to ignore an otherwise irrelevant persona, I have no choice but to vote for keeping forum personalities out of avatars unless the person concerned has said publicly they don’t give a feck.

I’m really glad Oliver has created this poll and thread, as the topic really needed an airing.Whilst we initially disagreed on this issue, events have now left us in agreement that the best course of action is to restrict the use of avatars featuring other forum personas under our existing rule 4.

I’d also say to Rudi or anyone else affected by this, please don’t let those stirring the Sh#t win. The intention wa to create division and drive away members. Give them the attention they deserve: Feck all!