Okay, so maybe that's being a little too... dramatic. (I know, I know. You're all stunned that I'd be overly dramatic... *grins*)
After I posted about our upcoming redesign, Alex left a comment saying he hoped I'd finally change my user icon from the one with my little dog Fritz. I did; I picked a photo of me thinking about a blog post I was writing, turned it black and white, and didn't think anything more about it.
Since I changed it on Friday, however, I've had about a dozen e-mails and two people call me begging me to ditch the updated icon and replace it with either an all-new one or - at the least - put the old icon back up. One person even said it reminded them of Dr. Strangelove!
So what do you think, Projectors? One of these two icons or should I start over and find something else to make an icon out of? Or does someone out there want to make one that I should use?
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26 Comments
Bil,
Is it just me or are the pictures identical?
Kim Johnson | July 5, 2009 1:18 PM
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neither of those is good, if you must have the truth. In the first you look too tormented (Edgar Allen Poe). In the second, like Barbara Bush.
and the work of professional photographers is no guarantee.
Either you need new, or you need to send me some pics that you like and let me unleash Photoshop on them - not to disguise but to disclose.
Father Tony | July 5, 2009 1:48 PM
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Ah! Now there are two to choose between. My best advice is start over. Maybe go to Father Tony for photoshopping.
Kim Johnson | July 5, 2009 2:05 PM
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Ah! Now there are two to choose between. My best advice is start over. Maybe go to Father Tony for photoshopping.
Kim Johnson | July 5, 2009 2:07 PM
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I dunno, Bil. Somehow you picked a new picture that I dislike even more than the first picture, which I always thought needed replacing. Start over! Maybe let Jerame pick it instead.
Rory | July 5, 2009 4:20 PM
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I think in the new picture you look like you're brooding - and not very approachable.
In the old photo you look friendlier and happier. I guess you have to decide which impression you want to leave people with.
Annette | July 5, 2009 5:41 PM
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Go with a new one! Neither of them are very good, to be honest. Take the help of a photoshop genius!
Flyerfier | July 5, 2009 5:54 PM
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I'd start over. I'd go to a friend to photograph you, or a photographer you know. To get that look that only you have, everyone has one... your friends know that look the best.
alex | July 5, 2009 5:57 PM
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I like the older one. And so does Dana.
John Shields | July 5, 2009 6:28 PM
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LOL - You made the Dr. Strangelove comment! I know you're opinion! *grins*
Bil Browning | July 5, 2009 7:07 PM
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Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious forgotten blog,
While I nodded, nearly , suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some blogger,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'
Here's the picture I like:
http://www.johnselig.com/podcast/JSO_037/bil_browning_1.jpg
Dr. Jillian T. Weiss | July 5, 2009 10:03 PM
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Agreed. Better photo.
Still, I agree with those that recommend your getting some help from the photographers among you, Bil.
Leo | July 5, 2009 10:17 PM
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I agree with Jillian Weiss.
Kim Johnson | July 5, 2009 10:17 PM
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Oh, very handsome. And you look *so* grown-up! ;-)
Rory | July 5, 2009 10:50 PM
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Bil,
The original pic is cute, the new one is more serious, but doesn't let us see your face. Maybe a newer one that does both.
I need a new one myself. I've tried to photoshop away the turkey neck, but it keeps looking like Joan Rivers.
Rev. Steve | July 5, 2009 10:13 PM
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Ooh, it is kind of Kubrick-y! :) I like the old one, personally, but trying a brand-new one wouldn't hurt.
Abigail | July 5, 2009 11:09 PM
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All respect to Dr. Jillian, but you are way too young and cool for that. A suit (Which I wore for too many years) conveys maturity to the young and camouflages the old. :)
I like the new one better than the old one, but I would take up Fr. Tony's limited free offer...
Robert Ganshorn | July 5, 2009 11:40 PM
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Definitely something new. The newer avatar is way too dark, and the old one, while good, has been around for a while. Something brand spanking new gets my vote.
fantwho | July 6, 2009 2:06 AM
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Sorry, Bil, but the new one really does look like Stanley Kubrik meets Edgar Allen Poe.
Susan_F | July 6, 2009 5:41 AM
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You need a totally new photo. The one with the dog makes your post look trivial, and the new one is dark and undistinguished. Your face does not show enough.
Pete | July 6, 2009 8:24 AM
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If there's a way to make yourself look like a Wall Street Journal contributor (There's gotta be some website out there) you could take another less pensive picture--one where you're smiling--and do that. That'd be really sweet!
Phil | July 6, 2009 9:07 AM
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Maybe a dentist ad shot, you in a denim shirt, with your dog, with greenery behind you. Don't know you in person, but I like the one with the dog better.
Amy | July 6, 2009 10:22 AM
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oh. that now pic is you?
lol i thought it was your stalker!
Chromatest | July 6, 2009 10:56 AM
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Can you add color?
ewe | July 6, 2009 11:43 AM
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I like the old one it makes you seem so approachable and personal.
Rob Barton | July 6, 2009 8:22 PM
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Am I the only one who thinks Bil's new pic looks like Kurt Vonnegut?
Rebecca Juro | July 6, 2009 10:44 PM
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