|
|
Avatar, Gravatar, Wavatar, Bavatar, McDavatar?
Have you become baffled with all of the names floating around for the little images of you or images that are supposed to represent you? Here is a guide for those who are overwhelmed by the name game. Plus, a discussion of why you want to have one of these whatchamacallits.
Avatar
An avatar is a representation of yourself (or some aspect of yourself). Avatars can be a two dimensional photo, icon or picture or a three dimensional model. Avatars on Internet interactive sites such as forums, blogs and chat rooms provide a way to recognise the contributor without having to read the name. They often also represent the individual's beliefs or interests in some way, serving both as a form of recognition and a personal statement.
Avatars are typically small square images that display next to the contributor's post. Some forums allow the user to upload an established avatar image. Other forums allow the user to select an avatar from a preset list. Some avatars are even animated with a sequence of multiple images played repeatedly.
You can have an avatar made for you at any number of sites. Some sites offer a pixilated version of your face from a photo, others create a cartoon looking character that you can customize with backgrounds and accessories.
Identicon
Another form of avatar is the identicon. The identicon is formed as a geometric image created from a hash of the poster's IP address. This allows an anonymous user to be uniquely identified from session to session without the need for registration or authentication.
Wavatar
According to the creators, Wavatars is a plug in that will generate and assign icons to the visitors leaving comments at your site. The icons are based on email, so a given visitor will get the same icon each time they comment. The designers created the wavatar concept to liven up comment threads and give people memorable 'faces' to aid in following conversation threads.
Gravatar
A gravatar is a globally recognised avatar, i.e. an image that follows you from site to site appearing beside your name as you post on other people's blogs etc. as long as the site has the gravatar plug in enabled.
What should your avatar look like?
Your avatar is part of your overall image as an online retailer. Spend some time thinking about what that image should be. It may be as simple as a pixilated version of your face. But, if you want to project a certain image, the avatar is a very simple and acceptable way to do so. For example, if you sell jewelry, you may want to create a bejeweled avatar. If you sell fishing equipment, your avatar may be a fish, a mermaid or a guy with a fishing hat on.
Why you need a gravatar
The gravatar adds consistency to your look by assuring that your avatar moves with you and that consistency is part of your branding strategy. It allows people who 'follow' you to recognize your post even before they read your name attribution. Sign up for a gravatar at Gravatar.com.
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 18 | |
|
| More Articles from E-Commerce | | |
| Top Articles in E-Commerce | | |
|
