Roberttitus: The way I see it, I've got nothing to hide. I'm not exactly the prettiest dude around, but I'm not so ugly that I have to hide behind a fake picture.... & before you ask.... that isn't a shot at anybody & I don't know if any of you are ugly are not. That is just my personal philosophy & part of something I was taught by the shrink I went to when I was suffering from depression & lack of self confidence. Never hide who you are & always act as you are.... words I live by.
I've always thought it pretentious to parade around with your own picture as an avatar. The whole "nobody wants to see your ugly mug, especially people who don't like you" thing. I've seen too many admins and self-important project leaders doing that. As much as I'd love to see my pretty little face on all of my posts, I'm sure at least one person would find it annoying...
I still have a lot of depression myself these days, but I don't lack confidence. I used to want people to like me, or even love me, but then one day, I just realized that not only was that unattainable, but then it came to me.
"You know what? If people liked me, I don't think I'd like myself anymore. I'm beginning to think I legitimately hate people". It does wonders for your self-esteem, and horrors for your reputation with others!
Of course, if it's about not hiding who you are, well, I can't very well tell you what to do, now can I?