A question about your avi

Beach Bunny · Mar 9, 2009

ETA: avi is short for avatar.

I've noticed a rather interesting phenomena about avatar selection. If someone is using a what appears to me to be a feminine avi, the probability that the person is female is almost 100%. But, if someone is using what appears to me to be a masculine avi, the probability that the person is male is maybe 60 - 75%. Non-gender specific avis are about equally split.

I am wondering why. If you're female and you're using what most people would consider a masculine avi (eg it's a pic of a man), why did you choose to use it?

I am just curious. I don't want to start an argument. I especially don't want to get into a stupid argument over equality among the sexes. Because that is not where I am coming from.

One of the reasons that I have heard before is that the person was a fan of the male celebrity they were using as an avi. That makes sense to me. So, what's yours.

James81 · Mar 9, 2009

Took me a minute to figure out what you meant by "avi."

Jersey Chick · Mar 9, 2009

I changed mine over Valentine's weekend - to show a little love for our Aussie friends during the wildfires. Hugh's my crush o' the month and I can't quite bring myself to change it just yet.

Normally, I'm Linda Hamilton

alleycat · Mar 9, 2009

For some reason, 60% of the new members immediately think I'm female. I guess it's the cat avatars that does it (i.e., cat avatar=female; dog avatar=male, unless noted otherwise). I know that doesn't answer your question; I just thought I would throw that into the mix as well.

For any of you newbies reading, I'm actually a 6'-3" tall, NFL linebacker-sized guy.

rhymegirl · Mar 9, 2009

I'm a sweet little bunny rabbit. But am I male or female???

Beach Bunny · Mar 9, 2009

JerseyChick, You can take your time about changing back to Linda Hamilton. I'm sure enjoying the eye candy.

Cranky · Mar 9, 2009

Until I started using avies that were actually pictures of me, I always used ones that led people to assume I was a man. *shrug* I chose them because they tickled my funnybone, or just because I liked them, that's all.

CaroGirl · Mar 9, 2009

Mine's currently of my daughter giving me a mittened "thumbs up" after one of her very first downhill ski races. Given my user name, I doubt there's much confusion over whether I'm of the girl or boy persuasion. Although I sometimes wish I'd chosen a name with a bit more mystery.

CaroGirl · Mar 9, 2009

alleycat said:
For some reason, 60% of the new members immediately think I'm female. I guess it's the cat avatars that does it (i.e., cat avatar=female; dog avatar=male, unless noted otherwise). I know that doesn't answer your question; I just thought I would throw that into the mix as well.

For any of you newbies reading, I'm actually a 6'-3" tall, NFL linebacker-sized guy.

Well, cats are kind of girlie plus "alley" is also a diminutive form of the name Allison. Double whammy of confusion there.

jvc · Mar 9, 2009

alleycat said:
For some reason, 60% of the new members immediately think I'm female. I guess it's the cat avatars that does it (i.e., cat avatar=female; dog avatar=male, unless noted otherwise). I know that doesn't answer your question; I just thought I would throw that into the mix as well.

For any of you newbies reading, I'm actually a 6'-3" tall, NFL linebacker-sized guy.

You're male!

Oh crap. I'm gonna have to stop flirting with you now

Beach Bunny · Mar 9, 2009

alleycat said:
For some reason, 60% of the new members immediately think I'm female. I guess it's the cat avatars that does it (i.e., cat avatar=female; dog avatar=male, unless noted otherwise). I know that doesn't answer your question; I just thought I would throw that into the mix as well.

For any of you newbies reading, I'm actually a 6'-3" tall, NFL linebacker-sized guy.

Yes, but you're an alleycat which usually is a rough tough male cat so why anyone would think you're a female escapes me.

rhymegirl said:
I'm a sweet little bunny rabbit. But am I male or female???

I had to think about this for a minute. Bunnies are feminine because they're notorious for producing a lot of progeny. :Shrug:

MumblingSage · Mar 9, 2009

Hmm...my avi is female, my signature is male (albeit an anime male, but all the same). So my answer would be, 'because I like to look at him and now I can see him in every post!'

That said, my signature pic looks drastically different depending on the width of the screen I'm viewing it on.

Mythical Tiger · Mar 9, 2009

I'm hobbes, so I wouldn't know^_^.

~Sam

Beach Bunny · Mar 9, 2009

Cranky said:
Until I started using avies that were actually pictures of me, I always used ones that led people to assume I was a man. *shrug* I chose them because they tickled my funnybone, or just because I liked them, that's all.

... Thanks for answering my question. That makes sense.

rhymegirl · Mar 9, 2009

alleycat said:
For any of you newbies reading, I'm actually a 6'-3" tall, NFL linebacker-sized guy.

You are? Wow, I thought you were female.

alleycat · Mar 9, 2009

jvc said:
You're male!

Oh crap. I'm gonna have to stop flirting with you now

You mean, our date for this Saturday is off? I'm hurt. I'm going to go home and have a good cry and watch reruns of Sex in the City and eat ice cream until I gain ten pounds.

alleycat · Mar 9, 2009

rhymegirl said:
You are? Wow, I thought you were female.

I also like to shoot poor little wabbits . . .

CaroGirl · Mar 9, 2009

alleycat said:
You mean, our date for this Saturday is off? I'm hurt. I'm going to go home and have a good cry and watch reruns of Sex in the City and eat ice cream until I gain ten pounds.

The Internet is a weird and confusing place.

James81 · Mar 9, 2009

Chalk another one up to thinking alleycat was a girl.

alleycat · Mar 9, 2009

James81 said:
Chalk another one up to thinking alleycat was a girl.

You promised me roses and candy, dammit!

rhymegirl · Mar 9, 2009

James81 said:
Chalk another one up to thinking alleycat was a girl.

Okay, for my part I was kidding. I knew Alleycat was a guy.

For others, all you have to do is check his profile and it says he's male.

alleycat · Mar 9, 2009

rhymegirl said:
Okay, for my part I was kidding. I knew Alleycat was a guy.

For others, all you have to do is check his profile and it says he's male.

I would have thought my insensitivity and lack of manners would have given them a clue . . .

James81 · Mar 9, 2009

alleycat said:
You promised me roses and candy, dammit!

That was back when you said you'd wear that pink dress that you look so good in.

DaddyCat · Mar 9, 2009

I'm another big guy who's into cats, but no doubt my ID leaves little room for confusion.

rhymegirl · Mar 9, 2009

alleycat said:
I also like to shoot poor little wabbits . . .

Yeah. You are a mean old lady, aren't you?

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