In my opinion, it's best to just ignore these pictures/members if it is really bothersome. People are people, we are all different. I don't usually comment on something like this but the world is full of individuals. What is normal to one person may bother another.
I focus on why I am here, not why others may be. I like to focus on whats really important to me, why I am here, and change the things I can and don't worry about the things I can't : ) Now back to work.

I don't think you're being stiff or boring. I agree with Dean H. though, it's not a big deal, except when it's clear that a member has ulterior motives to post a pic of someone else, like say, a guy posing as a pretty girl, just to draw attention to his posts or comments. Regardles of how brilliant his ideas are, the fact that he does it, tells me he is someone I wouldn't trust to do business with (sneaky). Other than that, I compare it to article and book authors who prefer to remain anonymous..why they do it..only they know

I don't really see this as an issue. Most of the buddies I have added are ones I found through their forum posts, although there are a couple of profile views I did check out because of the pic ;-) You wouldn't mind posting a list of these, would you. LOL

You might be surprised by the bright business minds behind some of the most scandalous pics and also some of the crusty old folks. In the internet business it is entirely possible to do a 7 figure joint venture with someone whom you have never met in person.

It's time to judge people on the content of their IM character and not the color of the bio pic, avatar or dog. As always, this is just my two cents worth.

BTW, I have one large eye centered in forehead, a horn on top (tilting slightly to my left) and a scaly skin with a "Joker" grin of sharp teeth. Wanna do a JV? :-)

I'll be totally honest. When I see a picture of an attractive female (sorry guys) it makes me want to click on her pic more out of ...er... curiosity. It does make me think they're less serious about IM and more bothered about themselves though.

I cant say i really noticed. I use facebook a lot and have found that it is too easy to pass judgement when you see a picture, however dressed. Ive made great friends with people who actually look a little scary or not the kind of people i would normally chat to normally. Technically since we are in the PJ club perhaps we should all have our pics taken in PJs! The picture can represent who you are more so than a photo. Lets see for example my photo sould say bad haircut, overweight chocolate lover, where as this pic says lover of art and fantasy and 3D. I know which id rrather choose. Its a matter of sing the horse and not the dung!

I agree with you wholeheartedly on the subject of the proud peacock posers; I'm sure when I was researching this site there was no mention of a dating service! One thing I noticed is the majority of exposed skin has no sign of age. Oh, to be 20 again.

Mostly, I fall in line with your way of thinking when it comes to "real" photos as well. I like to put a face to a name; that being said, I use a picture as the top layer of my pics because it reflects who I am and I feel it may just pique people's interest enough to make them delve a little deeper (where I DO have a face). But on all counts, you and I are on the same wavelength.

Suzi -- I am so glad you posted this! I find this odd behavior more often here (on WA) than other business sites. I think it's a combination of immaturity, seeking attention (and clicks or profile views) and just the questionable moral beliefs of our younger generation. I think we see it more on WA because members tend to be younger and there seems to be less oversight. Of course, there are many 20-year-olds who, I am sure, are just as baffled by this behavior, but we have to remember that this is the generation that grew up on reality TV.

hmmm

I post cartoon character images of myself, but I don't post scantily clad images because that would just be awkward for everyone.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I don't think it makes much of a difference to anyone with an open-minded perspective. I've networked with professionals that choose to use avatars from cartoon characters to Star Wars characters. It doesn't tell me anything except that person likes the image they decided to put online.

The majority of people who post images of themselves or other people in a sexual manner don't tend to be very professional or mature to begin with, so I can't say I've dealt with that much here. Perhaps they have some personal issues that are none of my business, it doesn't matter to me. If they are professionals and I can learn something from them then I wouldn't waste too much time even thinking about it.

It usually serves you better to mind your own business anyway, but this is an interesting blog, thus my reply.

I agree some are a bit off base to me. I waited till I had a real pic to post. Now if I could figure out how to get rid of 5 copies of iti was trying to get one that didn't cut me off and ended up with a bunch of the same one!.