Custom avatar help About This Page:

[MrsM]

I'm trying to add a custom avatar and it's not working! Those of you that have the Disney ones, did you get them from the Started by a Mouse website? If so, how do you get it from there to here? I saw Dave's instructions, but I think maybe I'm missing something!

[Bethmn]

I couldn't manage a custom avatar,either..
Mine would show up in the box..and then when I would go back it was always gone..
The Passporter ones worked fine tho..
But then..I'm pretty computer challenged! [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]
*Beth* [img]graemlins/usa.gif[/img]

[MrsM]

That's the same thing that happens to me!

[HiddenMickey]

That's where I got mine. First make sure you type in the right URL in the "Choose a custom avatar" at the bottom of the avatar choice area . Then go up and click on the line that says something like 'save this avatar' under the picture box. Then go to the bottom of your profile page and click on 'change your profile'. I may have some of the wording wrong, but those are the steps. That should work. I had trouble getting pictures from the Disneyclipart site to work but the Started by a Mouse site seems to work. -HiddenMickey

[BRWombat]

I had problems with the Disney clipart site, too. It worked the first time or too, and then it gave me something else -- like a logo of their ISP.

I think I've finally got my custom avatar working the way I want it, but I wasted a lot of time making it!

[abert15]

I went to the Started by a Mouse site, but you aren't able to click on the pic. How do u put down what website of the pic then? I need help guys!

Andrea

[TINKN]

Right click on the picture and then click properties. That should give you the address.

[MrsM]

Aha, it was the properties part that I was missing! Thanks for the help, I feel special now!

[ 06-19-2002, 03:44 PM: Message edited by: MrsM ]

[TINKN]

Congratulations! Doesn't it feel good to get something like that?

[Bethmn]

Ok got that..I think..
but rather then link directly using the properties..I tried to save to my harddrive..and when I went there to access the image it opened in my Image maker format and I couldn't figure out how to copy that.. [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]
when I rt clicked to get prop I just get the dimensions..etc..
sorry to be so helpless...
[img]graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] *Beth* [img]graemlins/usa.gif[/img]

[Jasmine02]

Hello, all. I'm kind of new around here (actually been reading since July, but just starting to post things.

Anyway, I looked up "avatar" in my AOL Merriam Webster dictionary and found this definition:

Main Entry: av·a·tar
Pronunciation: 'a-v&-"tär
Function: noun
Etymology: Sanskrit avatAra descent, from avatarati he descends, from ava- away + tarati he crosses over —more at UKASE, THROUGH
Date: 1784
1 : the incarnation of a Hindu deity (as Vishnu)
2 a : an incarnation in human form b : an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a person
3 : a variant phase or version of a continuing basic entity

I'm just trying to guess if this avatar is a kind of cartoon incarnation.

Sorry to be so serious about this:

Frances

[Dave Marx]

Isn't the continuing evolution of language interesting?

Of those definitions, the closest is "an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a person." but in this case, I suggest we redefine it to be, an embodiment of an individual's personality, often in cartoon form.

This particular usage of avatar in the computer/online world goes back several years. My first exposure to it was in regards to virtual reality game software. The software developers used "avatar" to describe the software-based characters that were created to represent the humans playing the game. (Fantasy game creators seem to be well-steeped in the writings of Joseph Campbell and other commentators on the structure/character development of myths and fantasy tales.)

As far as I can tell, other software developers picked up on this concept, most commonly for chat and instant messaging software (and in this case, message board software). While originally these avatars were generic cartoon charicatures that might resemble the individual, they've now become far more abstract, becoming images of any kind that may help a user add some additional personalization to his/her online identity.

If you're concerned that there's some religious/supernatural aspect to online avatars, don't worry about it. It's clearly a case of linguistic evolution. The current usage is completely secular. (Of course, that wouldn't prevent a horror/science fiction author from using modern-day avatars as a plot device in a fictional tale of the supernatural.)

[Jasmine02]

Dave, Thanks so much for your discussion about avatars. It was very interesting. Not only because I am interested in the origin, meaning and development of words, but especially since I'm also an armchair fan of my son's role playing video games, and found it extremely fascinating to consider the connection between what those programmers have done and my own online adventuring. Somehow I think the fascination with Disney is related to why I find this all interesting too, but I'm not sure how.

At any rate, I'm too "young" on these message boards to be ready for avatars at this point (I've gathered as I've read posts that date back to June on these boards.) I'll have a lot of time to consider what my own online Disney board incarnation will be. But thanks for responding to my post.

Frances