Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
I've noticed lately an increased number of members without a picture for the avatar. As an active community member, I enjoy having more of a 'connection' with those I converse with, and that is aided by having a picture as the avatar. It creates a disconnect without.
Related to our daily professional lives, we consider a stronger virtual team, dismantling the geographic barriers with some personal information, starting with a picture. We would deem it an anti-pattern in today's expected virtual, collaborative, and social team environments.
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Dec 22, 2018 7:26 PM
Replying to Ashok Kumar
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The lack of basic details in the member's profile is intriguing. I wonder what are they thinking when they engage with other members (having no details).
The thing is this. I completely understand any hesitance. And if an individual needs time to assimilate and feel comfortable and confident, no problem. But once that individual begins posting and networking out with others, time to upload an avatar and put the effort into being an active member. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Dec 22, 2018 9:22 PM
Replying to Dr. Deepa Bhide
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I agree having a face behind the email/message. I believe it helps bonding and acceleration of creating trust. We live in a "visual" world and not having an avatar certainly seems anti-pattern.
Well said, Deepa. :) Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Dec 22, 2018 11:42 PM
Replying to Riyadh Salih
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Andrew, that's exactly was my question for tonight (( Do You feel more comfortable to connect with photo profile or without ? but I saw your so I drop it
I agree that profile with photo provide more comfort and sense of security, warranty, and genuine reflection.
40 % can be right of doing personality analysis through photo
Sometime people needs to be more well versed to post their photo, they might be reluctant at start.
Those looking to achieve 100 K plus what is your thought on this?
Haha, I beat you to it. I'm obviously lighter on the side of contributions through posting discussions as opposed to contributing to others'. Personally, I feel more comfortable with. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Dec 23, 2018 1:10 AM
Replying to Keith Novak
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I definitely think avatars of any kind help to personalize communication even if it is not a business glamor shot. I can also see the reluctance to provide too much personal information. On a professional oriented site, people may not want to display more than they would want on a resume. I myself watch for any signs of spam, phishing, etc.
Now that I've had a chance to interact with the people here, I've seen the wealth of knowledge and diversity of viewpoints so it's worth the personal touch.
Agreed, and happy to have finally won you over :) Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Just to throw one more caveat into the mix. How does everyone feel about fake avatars, e.g., using a picture of someone else from the internet? Is that better or worse than nothing at all?
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2 replies by Amany Nuseibeh and Keith Novak
Jan 01, 2019 9:53 PM
Amany Nuseibeh
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Andrew, while having a photo provides an opportunity for a better connection improving communication. Some might be reluctant to have their photo published. It could be simple laziness or not having a professional picture, or concerns about the use of the photo including being used for someone else's profile! I believe that using someone else's photo on a personal profile for this platform is a definite unacceptable and dishonest behaviour! If you come across one, please speak-up!
Jan 01, 2019 11:15 PM
Keith Novak
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I am split on this. A unique avatar helps distinguish between individuals much better than a blank silhouette but using a picture of someone else seems deceptive.
I have played sports for years where we could not see each others' faces but recognized each other from the jersey or something else. Also, when introducing new teammates to groups, we often all share our name, what they do on the team, and something of personal interest. I agree with Ashleigh that a personal touch like a pet, child, hobby, etc. is fine. The favorite pet avatar is the other ID we recognize when there is no face, and also that personal item we share during team introductions.
I have however seen at least one avatar here that I think was cropped out of an advert and is not the poster. That makes me immediately suspicious that someone is trying to be deceptive, rather than being reluctant to share too much.
Please give your suggestions. I've already started a campaign for improvement on this website watch for it, I really appreciate your participation Saving Changes...
Ashleigh Kennett-SmithICT Project Manager| Australian Red Cross LifebloodAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
If the avatar has a personal feel to it then I think it's fine. To me a personalized avatar says "I am making an effort to interact at a social level although I'm uncomfortable with providing a photo". I have seen avatars that were photos of a favorite scene, building or similar that meet that personal angle.
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1 reply by Drew Craig
Jan 02, 2019 8:19 AM
Drew Craig
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Agree, the avatar does not necessarily have to be a picture of themselves but could be a representation of such. Examples can be as you suggest; a scene, pet, anime character, etc.
Saving Changes...
Amany NuseibehSpeaker, Global Leader | Optimal ConsultingSydney, Nsw, Australia
Jan 01, 2019 8:03 PM
Replying to Drew Craig
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Just to throw one more caveat into the mix. How does everyone feel about fake avatars, e.g., using a picture of someone else from the internet? Is that better or worse than nothing at all?
Andrew, while having a photo provides an opportunity for a better connection improving communication. Some might be reluctant to have their photo published. It could be simple laziness or not having a professional picture, or concerns about the use of the photo including being used for someone else's profile! I believe that using someone else's photo on a personal profile for this platform is a definite unacceptable and dishonest behaviour! If you come across one, please speak-up! Saving Changes...
Just to throw one more caveat into the mix. How does everyone feel about fake avatars, e.g., using a picture of someone else from the internet? Is that better or worse than nothing at all?
I am split on this. A unique avatar helps distinguish between individuals much better than a blank silhouette but using a picture of someone else seems deceptive.
I have played sports for years where we could not see each others' faces but recognized each other from the jersey or something else. Also, when introducing new teammates to groups, we often all share our name, what they do on the team, and something of personal interest. I agree with Ashleigh that a personal touch like a pet, child, hobby, etc. is fine. The favorite pet avatar is the other ID we recognize when there is no face, and also that personal item we share during team introductions.
I have however seen at least one avatar here that I think was cropped out of an advert and is not the poster. That makes me immediately suspicious that someone is trying to be deceptive, rather than being reluctant to share too much. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Jan 01, 2019 9:24 PM
Replying to Ashleigh Kennett-Smith
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If the avatar has a personal feel to it then I think it's fine. To me a personalized avatar says "I am making an effort to interact at a social level although I'm uncomfortable with providing a photo". I have seen avatars that were photos of a favorite scene, building or similar that meet that personal angle.
Agree, the avatar does not necessarily have to be a picture of themselves but could be a representation of such. Examples can be as you suggest; a scene, pet, anime character, etc. Saving Changes...
