No profile pic = bad idea?

Sabine_Stroehm

nutmegoreo wrote: »

I can think of many reasons why someone would choose to not have a pic up. I have some in my profile, but those are for friends only. I work with a lot of people, some of whom I am certain are on here, and I like privacy. I'm here for me, and although I've made many great friends along the way (several I really want to meet), this process is for me and about me. I try to help out where I can and provide support, but it isn't my main priority. I like interacting with my friends, so I try to keep the list small and cut it down regularly. I enjoy their support and I don't think a lack of personal information is a deal breaker for an internet forum friend. I also disagree that level of commitment is related to profile pics or info.

Nicely put.

jwcanfield

HappyCampr1 wrote: »

I can't even have blank silhouette heads in my phone contacts. I need pictures of every person and every business. Blank silhouettes are creepy to me.

Some people (me, as an example) just simply hate the way they look in pictures. It's a sickness, I know, but immortalizing myself in unappealing images isn't creepy, just a self-protective quirk.

Peter_Brady

jwcanfield wrote: »

HappyCampr1 wrote: »

I can't even have blank silhouette heads in my phone contacts. I need pictures of every person and every business. Blank silhouettes are creepy to me.

Some people (me, as an example) just simply hate the way they look in pictures. It's a sickness, I know, but immortalizing myself in unappealing images isn't creepy, just a self-protective quirk.

So use a picture of something that puts a smile on your face.

I personally don't care if someone doesn't have a picture of their self, but I would never accept a FR from someone with no picture.

Just my two cents

FitPhillygirl

It makes no difference to me either way. I'm friends with the person, not their profile pic, lol.

minizebu

HappyCampr1 wrote: »

I'm ok with totally abstract images...just not blank silhouettes

I don't really like it when a pal has a blank silhouette, although I have accepted friend requests from such people. It doesn't have to be a picture of a themselves, but a picture of some kind (animal, art, food, text or anything, really) is preferable.

The picture the person picks to represent himself or herself tells me a little tiny bit about his or her personality. A blank silhouette gives me nothing to go on.

A blank silhouette plus a blank profile results in me ignoring the friend request.

GrooveMerchant

I haven't figured this place out yet I guess. I'm trying, but at times it feels a little bit like high school.
I took some pretty gnarly before pictures... when I have some 'afters', then maybe I'll put them on my profile. Avatar will likely remain something other than me, though. I'd much rather see an orangutan, myself.

iecreamheadaches

I usually accept anyone that sends me a request. I actively go through my friends list and delete nonactives and such though. Or if youre a dick or try to like hit on me or are just overall creepy ill delete.

I'm not here to make friends perse but I do enjoy meeting new people here and if I can motivate people or offer advice or help I'm up for it, or hell I even have a few friends that are inspirational to me. The more the merrier in my opinion!

I also understand that not everyone is at a place in their journey where they want to post a picture of themselves or for whatever other cyber security reason so I try not to be a *kitten* about it.

DearestWinter

I would hesitate to accept a FR from someone with no pic at all. I don't care if you grab a random picture of a cat off Google - I feel someone who has gone to the trouble of adding a pic (any pic) is more likely to be engaged and supportive as a MFP friend.

kissedbythesunshine

becky10rp wrote: »

I don't care so much about the pic - but for me - if they haven't filled out their profile - even the basics - I'm generally not interested. I'd like to know that this person has a vested interest in MFP and is willing to share. It's like going out on a date with someone who won't talk.....why bother?

Yeah but some members who use the app don't know about the online profile. I have clicked on some active people and saw a blank profile so I'm assuming it's something some don't know about. In 2016 who's going to take the time to log onto the actual website when you can use the app? I think it's a technology problem here not a lack of vested interest.

777cbr

Just decided to add mine even though I am a bit covered up. Initially didn't want any of my friends to recognize that I was on a weight loss site because of a picture. Now, I talk about MyFitnessPal to everyone and sing its praises. It has really helped me achieve my goals.

Montepulciano

I don't judge off of pictures or the lack there of. As someone else mentioned I look at the quality of their posts and see if there is something to be gained by having them as a friend. A lot of times I reach out to those who have achieved their goal as it is a reminder that it can be done. Other people just bring common sense or knowledge that I desire to share. But most important is a sense of humor, at least to me.

CooCooPuff

I don't really care. I accept and remove if they're inactive for a long time or do anything creepy.

shadowfax_c11

I accept all friend requests as long as they are not hitting on me or trying to sell me something. People who log in and work hard get to stay. I don't care much ab out avatar pics although I like them because they sort of tell you something about the person. I personally don't use a picture of myself because that makes things too helpful for identity thieves.

Gisel2015

kissedbythesunshine wrote: »

becky10rp wrote: »

I don't care so much about the pic - but for me - if they haven't filled out their profile - even the basics - I'm generally not interested. I'd like to know that this person has a vested interest in MFP and is willing to share. It's like going out on a date with someone who won't talk.....why bother?

Yeah but some members who use the app don't know about the online profile. I have clicked on some active people and saw a blank profile so I'm assuming it's something some don't know about. In 2016 who's going to take the time to log onto the actual website when you can use the app? I think it's a technology problem here not a lack of vested interest.

I use my PC so I log onto the website. I never downloaded the app and I am not planning to do it either, so in my case it is a technology issue because I don't like apps and I don't use the phone for any other thing that calling or texting my family (OK, I do check e-mail when the I am not home).

By choice, I have no friends and I don't accept requests with or without avatars or pictures, but I did complete my profile and I do write my thoughts on my wall for my own enjoyment and to keep track of what ever is important to me fitness related. My profile is private so it is for my eyes only and my avatar, a rose from my garden, is pretty to look at.

lithezebra

Goodness no. It's never occurred to me to think less of someone for not having a photo up.

Unknown

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silverstar65

It makes no diff to me. It's not like it's face book where I only have people I know personally and post personal things. I hate my pics. there fore I do not post them.

williams969

Hmm, I guess a profile pic isn't that important. My first and most dedicated MFP pals had no profile pic for the longest time. So, no profile pic is not a problem for me.

A friend request with no forum posts, no logging, totally blank profile page, and no message, and doesn't respond to a msg from me.? Or someone with 15,000 friends who sends a message, "hey, im new here, I need more friends to motivate me." Yeah, that's an auto ignore from me. Like, how did you pick me? Random chance? Friend requested the entire MFP community? I find those requests odd.

grshaadi

cerise_noir wrote: »

GaleHawkins wrote: »

Since there are so many fake ids used in SM it is hard to trust their validity. I use my real name and photo to help insure I do not act like a 'donkey' as much but then I am an old man. In this day and time some may not should use a real face photo.

Using a real name and profile pic wouldn't work for me due to certain people of my past who still think it is awesome to harass even though it has been many many years since I've interacted with them. It's best to keep that facet of my life away from the present. I'd rather keep those idiots away from me, but at the same time I'd like to interact with new people, too. I don't bite, I just don't feel very comfortable sharing personal information until one gets to know me.

I have other accounts with 'cerise_noir', particularly art and photography (except getty images, the only place I use my name).

Hi. I support you fully. When I opened this thread I was thinking of what you had said earlier on the friend's page. It should not matter to anyone if the photo is there or not, or if it is an actual photo. We all are here to learn from each other and support each other.

grshaadi

nutmegoreo wrote: »

I can think of many reasons why someone would choose to not have a pic up. I have some in my profile, but those are for friends only. I work with a lot of people, some of whom I am certain are on here, and I like privacy. I'm here for me, and although I've made many great friends along the way (several I really want to meet), this process is for me and about me. I try to help out where I can and provide support, but it isn't my main priority. I like interacting with my friends, so I try to keep the list small and cut it down regularly. I enjoy their support and I don't think a lack of personal information is a deal breaker for an internet forum friend. I also disagree that level of commitment is related to profile pics or info.

Very well said!

Bluepegasus

I've been on MFP on and off for years, though it's only recently that I have added friends and made a proper profile. Before I kept myself to myself, but this time around I find I am enjoying the social side of it. Until yesterday I only had a pic of my kettlebells, but reading this thread made me put up a proper pic and fill out my profile a bit. I do find doing all that helps keep me focused and motivated!