Bias and avatars

So frequently I am really disappointed to see the real face of people whose online content I enjoy. So frequently they do not fit the attractive, intimidating image I have fashioned of them in my head. And I find it to be a real letdown. I lose respect for people when they spend hours hunting down and creating interesting content but then spend zero time on self presentation.

Maybe it is a marketing bias, maybe it is a youthful bias, but I truly believe personal presentation is important. If you have crooked eyes (mine are a little uneven), there's not much you can do about it. But you could groom your hair, choose flattering clothing, wash your face...

It's that kind of thing that really bums me out online. You may be thinking, "Yeah, but you look like a total n00b in your picture." And that's true. But I am a dork, and my picture reflects that. It also reflects decent grooming and, zoomed out, clothing relevant to this decade.

Although I fantasize about a world full of beautiful people (watch TV), I don't expect it. I just expect people to take care of themselves.

And, if you're not going to take care of yourself, by all means - make a logo to present yourself online instead of using the mug shot. Because once it comes to my attention that you can Tweet 100 awesome links a day but you can't bother with a healthy diet, guess what? Respect gone.