"Borrowed" avatars

[LePetitChoux]

I was wondering, is it OK for two members to have the same avatar? Because I don't know if my new Kermit picture would be "borrowng" Rimbaud's "Kermitness", as I believe I am right in saying that Rimbaud is the "Kermit" member. On a Tolkien site, it may be expected that several members have say, Aragorn as their picture, but not so trivial avatars, are they "personalised"?
I've been struggling with my conscience for ages now, and I'd greatly appreciate everyone's views on avatar hire.
~LePetitChoux smilies/smile.gif

[Diamond18]

Well, Rim doesn't even have a frog as an avatar right now, so I'd say you're safe. *shrugs* I'd think it all depends on the person you're borrowing the avatar or avatar theme from, whether he/she cares or not. As to having the exact same one at the same time, that might confuse the rest of us. smilies/wink.gif

[burrahobbit]

Just don't use the same picture. One time somebody used my sun. I made that sun. I was mad. Somebody could use a different picture of a sun and I wouldn't care, even if it was a smiling sun with the same colors.

[onewhitetree]

Anyone can use my avatar, as it is an homage to me.

[Orual]

I think that unless you *really*, *really* like the other person's avatar, it's a better idea not to duplicate, simply because on some subconscious level everybody associates the person with the avatar. Sometimes I don't even look at the name, just at the avatar--"oh, it's Daffy Duck, that's Diamond." (By the way, I think you've permanently scarred me by changing your pic, Diamond. Thanks. smilies/tongue.gif )

I mean, I don't think that there's necessarily any "ownership rights" attached to avatars--unless, like burrahobbit, you created your avatar--but I think for the sake of not confusing other members it's a better idea to go original or not go at all.

~*~Orual, whose own avatar is busted right now~*~

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Anyone can use Sir Cosmo, whom I recruited from another site with my own two hands.

However, that could mean that people will think that you're me, which might damage your readership. Also consider the social awkwardness of being confused with a member of the 1908 Olympic fencing team. 'Tis not a consummation devoutly to be wished, I can tell you. smilies/wink.gif

[Kuruharan]

You know Squatter, (and this is a rather embarrassing admission), but for a long time I thought that your avatar was a picture of General Erich von Falkenhayn. I didn't think that could be right, but one never knows.

I will now silently and with dignity suffer the justly earned hoots and jeers for my ignorance. :o

EDIT: Oh the mortification! Missed an egregious spelling error during my proofreading as well! This has just not been my day. :eek:

[Gorwingel]

I think it is ok to have the same avatar, but I would stil like people to be as creative as they can. But yeah when to people have the exact same avatar I do kind of get confused.

[Diamond18]

(By the way, I think you've permanently scarred me by changing your pic, Diamond. Thanks. smilies/tongue.gif )

Oh, great, now I have GUILT! smilies/biggrin.gif I may bring him back after a time. I just felt like something new, to shake things up a bit, you know. And if I may say so, it is a rather "shocking" avatar. smilies/wink.gif

[Bruce MacCulloch]

I don't see a problem with shared avatars. However, I still have yet to see anyone else with as great a sense of style and tastefulness as I. smilies/tongue.gif

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Oh my, Diamond 18!

I love your new avatar and am tempted to um, "borrow" it myself! As coincidence would have it, I was walking around the lake through the snow this very night musing about whether this would be the year I change my Native American name to "Kayekyonyo" ... Iroquois for "Lightning Strikes All Around." I'm not known for "fire, smoke and lights" for nothing! Had a couple close calls this past year alone (in fact, earlier this past summer, my laptop computer at work was struck by lightning when I struck the ENTER key!)

Again, cool lightning avatar you have there, Diamond! smilies/smile.gif

Gandalf the Grey

[ February 10, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[Diamond18]

I'm glad you like it, but aren't you obligated to keep your Gandalf headshot? Must stay in character, you know. smilies/wink.gif

My, my, the laptop experience sounds like a once in lifetime event. Must have made you feel powerful, controlling nature with the press of a button... smilies/biggrin.gif

[doug*platypus]

burrahobbit's story sounds a bit frustrating, but I don't think that anyone except Jim Henson could really complain about you using Kermit.
1908 Olympic fencing team.
There is no word to describe how funny that is. Not even ROFL.

[Bêthberry]

I think Squatter and Kate and Orual touch on the important issue about avatars, that for some or perhaps many, the avatar is chosen and used very carefully and consciously as part of the creation of a nick identity or personality. It is a unique, original act of imagination. And to appropriate the avatar is to appropriate that identity, like a second-rate hack writer, almost.

I know I was quite taken-aback when I saw someone else use burrahobbit's sun, because to me that avatar is burrahobbit, just as Birdie's is Birdland and pio's is piosennial.

And while avatars do come and go, I think it would be a matter of civil decorum to respect those acts of creation.

I mean, after all, who would really want to ride on Rimbaud's coattails? Or Bruce's? Or HeronIsterion's? Or Estelyn Telcontar's? Blah.

Bethberry

[ February 11, 2003: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

[LePetitChoux]

I am being almost convinced to change it, but the thing that would clinch it for me would be Rimbaud's own opinion... smilies/confused.gif

[Rimbaud]

The image is not mine, I have no claim over it. It's purely a question of personal aesthetic. Although I may be forced to slap you around with a large trout.

[Gilthalion]

I suppose I can only say that I subcreated my avatar from a scan of (I think) one of Christopher Tolkien's maps, using MS Paintbrush and one of the shareware GIF animators. Previous avatars, the oldsters will remember: The Floating Head & Eye, and the Spinning Head!

By unanimous acclaim, nausea, and motion sickness, I submitted long ago to the petition to retain the Map avatar.

[Ithaeliel]

<--------- Sailor Saturn rules!

I don't have a problem with people stealing- er, I mean sharing my avatars. If it ever happened, I would probably change mine to something different... it's a bit hard to be truly unique on a forum which has 6000+ members (even if many of them post once, leave, and don't return).

[burrahobbit]

My avatar is unique. It is not hard.

[red]

<--- Priceless.

Rim, that's $19.99 plus tax.

[DaughterofVana]

<------ Lifted from BD's own site.

Whaaaat?? It's pretty! I know I have no shame.

-'Vana

[ February 11, 2003: Message edited by: DaughterofVana ]

[Susan Delgado]

My avatar is unique. It is not hard.

What he said.

This Phoenix is mine, I created it. On one hand it's only a few bytes of pixels, but on the other it's something I thought about and spent time making. I put my energy into it, and no one else on this planet can say that.

My previous avatar, Chameleon, I did not create, but it is mine as well, because it has been mine.

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

for a long time I thought that your avatar was a picture of General Erich von Falkenhayn

For the benefit of those unfamiliar with German military history, this is General von Falkenhayn

http://www.dhm.de/lemo/objekte/pict/97003948/200.jpg

They do look quite similar, but mine is Sir Cosmo Edmund Duff-Gordon, fifth Baronet. I chose him for his moustache.

[vanwalossien]

That general had a quite impressive moustache too. smilies/smile.gif I don't know if I'm just weird or what the thing is, but I can't help picuring you a bit like your avatar Squatter (don't ask me why..).

I don't think there's any danger of anyone borrowing my avatar, so far I've met ONE downer who has even recognised it. It's Nemi, that's what. Cartoon from Norway, great fun. But if anyone by any chance likes Nemi, just borrow it. I 'borrowed' it myself from an online newspaper.

[Bêthberry]

I hate to disappoint you, vanwalossien, but that avatar fails to do justice to the real Squatter, by a long shot. It doesn't even come close. Except by way of signifying his sense of humour. smilies/wink.gif

Bethberry

[Pipperin]

I think its ok to "borrow" avatars, but mine never seem to work smilies/frown.gif I could say my avatar is completely black smilies/smile.gif

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

I can't help picuring you a bit like your avatar Squatter

Much as Bethberry may flatter, the avatar looks a great deal more distinguished than I do. Note the quiet dignity with which he bears his bizarre name and insane facial growth. I can only aspire to such gravitas.

[obloquy]

but I think for the sake of not confusing other members it's a better idea to go original or not go at all.

You're using Elrian's avatar.

[VanimaEdhel]

I think that, no matter what the history of how someone managed to obtain their particular avatar is, one should always ask their permission to take it. While originality is always most favorable, if you really, really, really like someone's avatar, I think that you should be able to ask to share avatars. If they say "no" for personal reasons, that's okay. Then you can make/find a similar avatar on your own, if you want. Just search for sites with art of a theme similar to that which you desire!

Meanwhile, you can always know me through my fairy avatars...

EDIT: Seemed fitting that I posted here right after changing my avatar, actually...

[ February 13, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Orual]

You're using Elrian's avatar.

Am I? Oops! I've never seen any of Elrian's posts. My bad--I was desperately trying to find an avatar that worked, after the site my old avatar was from shut down. Thanks for the heads-up...I'll try to find a new one.

~*~Orual~*~

[Alkanoonion]

I like my avatar, it’s not as good as my old kangaroo but it is more appropriate considering the Downs theme

after the site my old avatar was from shut down. Thanks for the heads-up...I'll try to find a new one

You should never direct link to another sites images without permission as they pay each time someone views the image. This is the same as stealing... saying that I will move my pic tonight to my own server as well
smilies/wink.gif

[ February 13, 2003: Message edited by: Alkanoonion ]

[Alkanoonion]

like my new Avatar?

[Diamond18]

Yes, very nice, Alk. Very...ghastly.
smilies/evil.gif

[ February 13, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

[vanwalossien]

I know Squatter doesn't look like that, I've seen his pic on Alk's picture page, but I can't help it...

[dragoneyes]

Vanima! At last! you have an avatar I can actually see! I've never seen your avatar before, it's always been a red cross.

My avatars will always be dragons. If mine were to be used, I'd pobably still keep it because I had it first and I'm really quite fond of it.

[Kalimac]

I'd say always ask, no matter where the avatar came from. Just for general harmony and all that. However, if you've *never* seen an avatar around and have to dig back a year and a half in the archives to find someone who was using it, it's probably safe to assume that it's back in the common pool.

- Kalimac (whose avatar was kindly given to her by Diamond18)

[Beren87]

Don't ever take my Avatar. Period.

I use it on every PHP board that I go to, it's part of my identity.

[ February 15, 2003: Message edited by: Beren87 ]

[Lindolirian]

I am Agent Elrond... 'nuff said.

[Orual]

This may deviate slightly from the topic at hand, and feel free to ignore this post if you see it fit, but where does everybody else get their avatars? I do try to link from my own website, but it's a pretty bottom-line crummy website and for one reason or another (though I'm leaning toward an extraterrestrial conspiracy, myself) all I get is that omnipresent box-with-an-X for my efforts. I'd like an avatar, since it gives a visual link to a screen name, but I simply don't know where to get them. Advice?

~*~Orual~*~

[Alkanoonion]

I have some on my home site found here (http://breeunderbreehill.com/id87.htm)
you can direct link to my page, I am always on the look out for more avatars to add so if you want one hosted just email me with it. smilies/smile.gif

jwahl@bigpond.com
or
thain@breeunderbreehill.com
or
joe.wahl@transport.sa.gov.au

[Liriodendron]

Wow! I will email you! Maybe there is a way to use my Entmoot avatar here?! smilies/smile.gif

[burrahobbit]

Entmoot! Now there's a name.

[Beren87]

Yep, I agree, that is most certainly a name.

*shakes head in utter confusion at burra's post*

[burrahobbit]

You wouldn't be confused if you knew what I was talking about.

[Helkahothion]

Alk has a great thing at his home site. I had my old Avatar from there. I just go to sites with picture galleries. My latest one is from the nine companions (http://www.ninecompanions.net) website. You could go there. It has a lot of cool pictures too. Not as much as I have on my computer tough. I think that borrowing an avatar is not a bad thing as long as it is not something that someone else created. If you like kermit, fine take a kermit avatar. Just try it to be different from someone else. We can't all have different avatar's. Atleast, not all a different subject. You should see how many legolas avatars there are here (yes I'm guilty to that as well) so why not two kermit avatars?

Greetings,

Anuion
________
Nassau (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Chrysler_Nassau)

[Alkanoonion]

Liriodendron / Lizra your Entmoot avatar has been added to the web page. http://breeunderbreehill.com/36f3c3c0.jpg and can be found here (http://breeunderbreehill.com/id87.htm)
smilies/smile.gif

[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: Alkanoonion ]

[Liriodendron]

Alkanoonion, Thank you so much! You are now one of my favorite people! smilies/smile.gif I will attempt to put my avatar on BD. I certainly appreciate your help! MWA! smilies/smile.gif smilies/cool.gif

[Liriodendron]

Yes! I just saw my avatar come up! I see you put my other avatar up too. That lovely lady is "Laurier" an Alphonse Mucha print. I was hard pressed to pick between the two, (I love them both) but I'll go with consistency and have the same avatar on both forums. Maybe someone else would like to borrow "Laurier", she is beautiful! Thanks again Alka! smilies/smile.gif

[Orual]

::hugs Alkanoonion:: You're making friends here! Seriously, thank you for your site--I love my new avatar! Vanima sulé, mellonamin!

Namárië,

~*~Orual~*~

[Helkahothion]

Alk has made a lot more friends than you think. Since I knew of that pic site of his, I started to admire and worship him.

Oh lord Alkoonion, tell me what to do. smilies/redface.gif

Greetings,

Anuion
________
Hemp (http://marijuanahemp.com)

[DaughterofVana]

You should never direct link to another sites images without permission as they pay each time someone views the image.

!!!!!

Am I causing the BD to lose money? What can I do to fix this problem?

My earlier post wasn't meant to offend anyone, just to convey that my avatar wasn't that big of a deal for me. (I think everyone took it like it was meant, so I think it's okay.)

-'Vana

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: DaughterofVana ]

[Beren87]

If your only using the Avatar on BD, then no your not. But if your using it somwhere else and linking to it then you are.

Burra, then what was the point of speaking if only you know what you were talking about?

[Alkanoonion]

Am I causing the BD to lose money? What can I do to fix this problem?

My earlier post wasn't meant to offend anyone, just to convey that my avatar wasn't that big of a deal for me. (I think everyone took it like it was meant, so I think it's okay.)

-'Vana



My comments were meant as a warning for unwary people not directly link to any Downs members

A quote from another site
We are receiving a noticeable increase in Direct Linking and Bandwidth Theft complaints from other websites. For those of you not familiar with this, Direct Linking is posting or otherwise causing to appear an image, which is hosted on web space, which one is not authorized to use. When you direct link, you are draining bandwidth from that web space and costing its owner money every time the web page containing the image is viewed.

We and other websites take this very seriously – not only is bandwidth a costly item for any site, direct linking is often the result of improperly using copyrighted images, which further compounds the problem.

We ask you to exercise caution in what images you use – if they are not yours, make sure that you have permission for their use, and house them on your own servers or hosted space. If we find direct linking and bandwidth theft in conjunction with a legal complaint, we will remove the images directly from your site. Repeated violations will lead to action being taken against both boards and individual users who are involved.


When I say do not direct link it is because direct linking is equal to stealing.

If you find a picture on the site say www.Alkaspics.com (http://www.Alkaspics.com) (made up site) and you direct link to it each time someone views the picture it takes up Alks bandwidth. Once the allowed bandwidth is used up the owner (Alk) has to pay for more. Example I have a fruit shop, you walk in and eat a piece of fruit, no big thing everyone tries the products before buying. But when 100 people tri 1 piece of fruit each that’s just cost me the owner 100 items.

Some items are also protected by the copyright and you may need to obtain authorization of the owner of such materials before using them.

I have no problem with people using pics on my page as long as they are used on the Downs or my site.

To fix the problem why not purchase items from the Downs Shop.

smilies/smile.gif

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: Alkanoonion ]

[burrahobbit]

You see, Beren, the people that know what I'm talking about know what I'm talking about, and those are the people that I am talking to.

[Beren87]

I get what your talking about, just not who your talking to, so maybe if those people whom you're talking to would talk about what you talked to them about thereby showing to me who you were talking too.

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: Beren87 ]

[DaughterofVana]

Eh, just a bit more clarification, sil vous plait:

Since I am using the pic from the BD ON the BD message board, am I messing with their band width that way? Or would I only be erring when taking that same pic and using it as my avatar on another site?

How about voting for the site a couple times? I have no money.

-'Vana

[Beren87]

Only when you use it on another site are you really erring.

[lindil]

ok is my spiffy new scrolling matrix avatar kosher?
And Burrahobbit please do not answer with a crypticism only I understand, because if you do and people ask, are we not wasting BD bandwidth smilies/wink.gif .

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

[burrahobbit]

Lindil is so confusing.

[DaughterofVana]

Here's a ponder: if an avatar is stolen from a site and nobody sees it, does it still clog bandwidth?

:Motions upward at lindil:

Thank you for the clarification. I shall now scuttle off back into oblivion and my conscience can rest easy, in all its mis-spelled glory. (oblivion = Language forum)

-'Vana

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: DaughterofVana ]

[Alkanoonion]

lindil
Your spiffy new scrolling matrix avatar kosher can be found here (http://breeunderbreehill.com/id87.htm)

This is what it looks like
http://breeunderbreehill.com/3ab32320.gif

[lindil]

thanks Alk. Spifficication finally complete.

I actually confused Burrahobbit?

Surely that qualifies for an award of some sort!
smilies/wink.gif

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

[Diamond18]

That's interesting, lindil; I never took you for a Matrix fan. You learn something new from an Avatar every day. smilies/wink.gif

[Mister Underhill]

I was thinking the exact same thing! Who would have thought that lindil, lover of trees, nature, and all things Elvish, would be drawn to the grim, dystopian vision of The Matrix? Then again, it does jive with your ongoing love-hate relationship with computers...

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: Mister Underhill ]

[lindil]

Actually, it is sort of a reminder that we are in our own micro-matrix as my first signature link testifies.

There is no question about where I would like to live if I had the possibility [3rd age lothlorien, if Valinor were out smilies/wink.gif], it would not be the dystopian Matrix, but I do think on it's own terms it was the best action/sci-fi movie ever made. I ahve always had a soft spot for the post-apocalyptic type of movie and this one is imo the king of them all.

Every line is perfectly delivered, the pacing is superb, the plot has equal appliciablity, dare one say it here, allegorical relevance to our own times and some pretty decent Kung-Fu.

Over all an A+.

except for the music...which works very well in a sad sort of way.

but it is true I will probably not keep it too long as it is not really my 'style'.

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

[Hirilaelin]

I wonder... If an avatar inspires you, and you have an avatar that is like someone elses, but not exactly, is it still "borrowing"? Because if it is... I think that I would consider it as a compliment! Go fireworks!

[The Only Real Estel]

aye, if anyone steals my avatar I will be PO'd ( don't get any ideas from this post! ) smilies/cool.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

I won't 'borrow' your avatar, Estel, but I will tell you it is well over the recommended file size. Please shrink it.

[Helkahothion]

Yeah I had one of those moving avvy's too, but where oh where can we see the maximum size BW? Or am I just being stupid again and missed it?

[Trippo The Hippo]

I think you should just PM someone and ask them. All my avatars have been hand-drawn by a friend of mine. So if my avatars where popping over the downs alot I would be sad. I think though if you did not draw it or it was not drawn for you, then I dont think you have ownership over it just cause you found it first, but I think a PM is always the polite way to do things.

[The Only Real Estel]

Good point, Trippo... smilies/cool.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

I don't borrow avatars, leastaways not on the same site. It can get both annoying and confusing. Anyway, I rarely change them- the only reason I changed my avatar this time was because a *certain mod* altered my profile, although for what reasons I cannot work out.

I have only ever borrowed one avatar, and that wasn't to be used as an avatar, but as a screensaver- Durelin's avatar. I just love that picture.

I am making an avatar file at the moment actually, on paint. I have about 200 or 300 at the moment, because quite a few people have the same avatars.