What Is An Avatar?
The content on this page and throughout our site may not be reproduced without prior, written permission from Penney Layne. You may print this content for personal use only. You may LINK to this page only; you may NOT copy this content and post it on your site. Blog Creation Date January 2008
Whenever we customize a webset, one of the questions we ask is, “What do you want on your avatar?” The most common response is, “What is an avatar?” Ok then, the mystery will NOW be solved.
Many of you already know what an avatar is, for those of you who don’t, now you do. An avatar is an 80×80 pixel graphic. It can be used anywhere you want, basically. However, its most common use is in posting forums and other locations with a restricted pixel space for your “logo” so to speak. If the space is restricted to 80×80, you will have to cram your data into a space this size:
.jpg){kind=avatar}
If you participate in social or business forums (i.e. myspace, or any message based posting forum), you probably have a profile that allows you to upload your personalized avatar. Be sure to read the board restrictions prior to upload. You can then change your avatar according to your mood, your style, or the type of forum or posting board it is displayed on. Think of it like changing hairstyles, purses, shoes, clothes, hats, etc. Your avatar can be used to reflect your personal style or persona. It can be an image only, a texted image, or just text on your chosen background. Size is important, however. Nearly all forums and social posting networks place size restrictions on avatars and signature graphics.
An avatar is not a component that is required to complete your webset puzzle. It is basically an extra, like a business card, or plugboard graphic, or banner, for you to use in your internet journeys of promoting your site. And if you are not promoting your site, there are some other articles in the Penney Layne Blog you should visit……..by Laura Brown, Penney Layne Graphics