Networking & Community Tip of the Week!

[susan silva]

I see many people don't have pictures for their profile.  I just want to note it doesn't have to be 'you'!  Many are using clipart, pets, scenery... etc.   It looks so much nicer when you do have a picture there!  Though personally I would love to see real pictures, I do understand peoples wishes for privacy.  But if you can, why not upload some type of picture! 

Here is how:
Above you should see a drop down button Profile
Drop down and click on Edit Profile Picture
Locate your picture and hit upload!

[gee4]

Susan,

Given the recent new look that DD has been given, it seemed to me this site was perhaps moving towards that of Facebook and Twitter and I did have my reservations about posting certain information as well as uploading photos.  (I still don't think the link to Twitter should be on this site).

I would hope no one feels presurised into uploading information or photos.  The previous version of DD allowed us to view all profiles whether information was posted or not, however the new look DD now allows us to block and hide our profile information, which many have chosen to do.

For me this is Deskdemon and not a networking site as those I have named above.  This was one of my main concerns a few months ago.  Personally I do not see the need for photos or real names.

[Cathy S]

I am on the fence a little here:

I am with you Gee about taking online security seriously and on many fora that I belong to I only include nonspecific personal details.  I never include a photo of me - but that is because I am worried it would break the forum!!!!!  

However, I am in agreement with Susan that an Avatar helps to make individuals recognisable more readily within the forum community (it is easier to recognise than looking for the username) and as such is a part of an online identity. 

So for anyone who is concerned about putting their own picture up here is my solution:

I deliberately choose an Avatar that does not compromise my real life identity but allows me to be readily recognised on the fora I contribute to.  (My Avatar on here is my much missed Otto and I put him up because then I get to see him everyday and that makes me happy; I use him on several other fora too. )

Other people have funnies/cutes for their avatar and yet others are happy to include their portrait.  I don't think Susan's suggestion applies pressure for anyone to do anything that makes them uncomfortable; merely it comes across to me as a suggestion for making the DeskDemon Network more user friendly

On the subject of using real names - this is the only forum where I use my full real name; I do so because I see this as a professional network and so using my name makes sense.  It doesn't compromise my personal safety because I am careful what else I put on the Internet under my real name - again it is a matter of personal choice.

Cathy

[gee4]

Cathy you have made some very fair points here.

I think it's a good idea for the Moderators to upload their photos given they have a much more responsible role here on DD, but I do think alternatives make it a little less formal and of course more fun.

I have put off uploading a photo as I haven't found one I like yet    but I will when I find something suitable.

Can I ask why so many members have blocked their profiles?  Why not just leave them blank??  I like to know a little about who is posting, where you're from, but sadly I can't do that.

[Cathy S]

Can I ask why so many members have blocked their profiles?  Why not just leave them blank??  I like to know a little about who is posting, where you're from, but sadly I can't do that.

Hi Gee, I understand there is a bug with the profiles, which is under investigation.  Mine for example should be visible to all registered members (that is the setting I select for everything if I want a control).  I used to be able to see many more profiles than I currently can and I don't think everyone suddenly decided to restrict access to me - unless there is something everyone is not telling me 

Cathy

[gee4]

Thanks, Cathy.  I thought same! 

Must be a Ctrl Alt Zap function to kill those bugs, huh?

[susan silva]

Here is the clip art gallery from Microsoft.   There are many pictures http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx .  

I agree it can be hard to find one that "fits" but it is possible!  I love Cathy's passed away pup.  He always makes me smile!  I do tend to like the really pretty pictures, I forget who but someone just has a background picture, but it is so nice and works.  I think it is alport who has an icon with a bag on her head, that one makes me laugh.  Oh the dough boy with poke me and you die gets a giggle as well.   We have a new member who has a really pretty graphic of a cat.   I think personality comes out, but sill people can keep their privacy.  As for me, my photo is in the magazines and if I go to a conference or event I do want people to come up and say hi so mine is up.  I have to say, I do visit message boards (favorite author, etc) that I would not post my picture, so do understand.

This is like my 6th edit, I need my tea or coffee!  I wanted to add, tell me where I can implement the ctrl alt zap.  I like it and at times need it!  

[Pringa]

I chose my avatar becuase it fits.  The ball represents my work, and the elephant is me trying to balance a huge workload.

[Jackie G]

Pringa

Welcome to DD, and thanks for your first posting!

I do like your heffalump!

Like Susan, I'm reasonably well known so no point in not showing a pic.  However, if I do have something else I'd rather use, I may change it, but it's a bit like my Facebook pic - I just keep changing it!

[mnott001]

Dough boy is me!  I sure like it.  It is a generic avatar for message boards so I hope no one else uses it here.   

[Cathy S]

I too love your doughboy Avatar (as you know) ...  it is AliciaMont that has the paperbag Avatar and Alport has that rather cuddly black and white cat graphic. 

This almost sounds like a kind of TopTrumps card collection doesn't it - fond memoires of all the lads at high school swapping and bartering their Car TopTrumps <sigh>

Cathy

[susan silva]

Gee has an avatar!  Does it stand for anything?  I like it, it unique.

[Jackie G]

Looks like a Zodiac sign, but I can't remember offhand which one it is...

[gee4]

Virgo 

[officepa]

I am unable to view profiles when I am logged on.  It says I do not have access to view.  I have just tried to view Gee's - not for any particular reason other than she said she had trouble viewing others - so I thought I would try.

I have been thinking tho - by making too much available to others, this could identify you which given some of the discussions on the boards, is not always a good thing.  Some of the issues discussed about companies or individuals within companies can be quite sensitive, who is to say they would not log on and recognise what is being said and work out who is posting?

For example, I could post asking for advice about a problem I could be having with a colleague in my office and while explaining all the ins and outs, how do I know that person is not also logging on and reading and identifying me/the situation?  Some names are obviously real names but others not - could this not lead to all sorts of embarrassment?

Maybe I am just being over cautious.