*Avatar Images!*

[The Giant]

Attention!

After numerous complaints, I have thrown out the entire lame-ass avatar list and created new ones. I love them, and I hope you will too. But even if you don't you can still link off-site to your own avatar.

The new set is based on paper cut-out figures I make for my real-life D&D game. So far, I've covered male and female humans for most classes, but I'll keep working. For now, there are no dwarves, half-orcs, or gnomes, and only 2 halflings, but there is still a lot of variety (including a few monsters).

Behold, your new avatar choices!!

http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/BarbarianGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/BardGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/ClericGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/ClericGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/Devil.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/DruidGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/DruidGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/ElfMonkGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/ElfRangerGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/ElfRogueGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/ElfWarriorGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/GreataxeFighterGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/HalflingRangerGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/HalflingRogueGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/MindFlayer.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/MonkGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/RangerGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/RedWizardGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/RogueGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/RogueGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/SolithKnightGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/WhiteWizardGirl.gif

If you had one of the old avatars, I apologize for the inconvenience, but they sucked ass anyway and these are much cooler.

--Rich

[Kai]

:D I love them so much!!!

[Bogotter]

Those are excellent! Reminds me of the junior high Mr. Demon days.

The mind flayer is just too funny!

Great job.

[WampaX]

The powers of awesome have arrived . . .
Though I would like some more non-human choices.

I think they perfectly fit the theme of the site.

Good Job Giant.

[The Giant]

Yeah, nonhumans are coming. There are 4 elves, though...

[Shalbatana]

AAAHHH!!!! AN OCTOHEAD!!!! :o


- very cool

[WampaX]

Or a Pak’ma'ra ;D

[The Giant]

A new batch of avatars has arrived! At last, more non-human choices. Enjoy.

http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/DwarfClericGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/DwarfBarbarianGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/DwarfFighterGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/DwarfFighterGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/GnomeWizardGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/HalflingRogueGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/Kobold.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/MonkGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/OrcBarbarianGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/OrcBarbarianGirl.gif

[Bogotter]

Great job on the new avatars. The gnome wizard is really cool and I like the orcs too.

[WampaX]

Look at the little Kobold, Look at him . . . Kawai desune. ;D

Though I think I'll keep my Halfling, they seem to be one of the few avatar races who look like they are having fun in the playground. (except for the more stabbity one)

10 of the avatars have happy eyes, the rest are either furrowed or in evil consumate V state.

[Gannes]

One of the reasons I like mine! ;)

As of now, however, it seems some of the independant avatars have gone kaflooey. I just get the red-x for Bogotter. Although I do get Shalbatana's avatar fine. Mmmmmm...

[Bogotter]

Hmmmm.......my avatar shows up just fine to me....but it could just be the fact that to me it is cached locally. Anyone else have problems seeing mine?

Ashlock....is that link still good?

[clarkcd]

As far as I can tell your avatar is still ok. I hope everyone can still see mine.

[Gannes]

Oh, by the way: if anyone takes the guy with the shining sword and the sun-shield, he will die. Nothing personal, but just on general principles.

Just so you all know.

[WampaX]

He's frowny AND "V"-browed, so there's no worry about me taking him :P

[Bogotter]

As far as I can tell your avatar is still ok. I hope everyone can still see mine.


I can see yours.

[Bogotter]

Just an FYI.....Stembolt.....your avatar is not showing up.

[Bogotter]

Mole your avatar is not showing up for me either.

FYI

[The Giant]

In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, behold! New pirate avatars!

http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/PirateGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/PirateCaptain.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/PirateGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/PirateWench.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/ElfPirate.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/GnomePirate.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/HalflingPirate.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/HalfOrcPirate.gif

[Bogotter]

Those be a right bunch of lads and lasses! Ya even got a parrot scallywag as well! That's a fine job there Cap't!

[Thoth_Amon]

I really like the druid animal companion. Nice expression! These are so cool. Nice flavor.

TA

[Bogotter]

Are their any new avatars in the pipeline? With more and more users joining we're seeing the same ones for multiple people. A bit confusing at times.

How about some monstrous avatars?

[davericsdamsel]

you're not concerned someone else will swipe yuor little otter are you???


;D

[Bogotter]

Little? Who you calling little?

[The Giant]

If I have some time this weekend, I'll do a few more. Of course, that still won't stop people from choosing the same avatar. And really, there's nothing wrong if they do.

[Bogotter]

True but I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to see more cool avatars!

[xthemage]

Hear hear. More druid icons are needed. Or possibly bears. Bears are cool.

[The Giant]

The monster request came in first, so...

http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/beholder.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/chimera.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/goblin.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/imp.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/lizardfolk.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/zombie.gif

[Bogotter]

Sweet! Very cool. Ask and you shall receive!

I may have to temporarily switch my avatar!

[Daveric]

Cool ;D

[The Giant]

stupid glitch...

[invisibleadam]

I've made a personal avatar (so as to stop using the one that everyone recognizes as Daverick), but have nowhere to put it on the internet. Is there any way I can upload it to the site or find a quick - and free - host?

[Uyer]

Mmm. I use Graffiti.net - it's not actually great, but then, I only really use it for forum images (i.e. avatars).

Anything much larger tends to over-run the transfer limit...

[Daveric]

A friedn tipped me off to www.walagata.com and it works for all my needs. :) Free and easy to use.

[invisibleadam]

Thanks, Daveric. Walagata seems to be working well.

[WampaX]

Is the wampa showing up?

[The Giant]

It is! Welcome back to the Wampa.

[WampaX]

To quote the commercial:
"Wampa, Wampa, Wampa!"

;D

[The Giant]

OK, I promised new avatars, and while late, they are here.

http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/DrowGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/DrowGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/SamuraiGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/SamuraiGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/Flumph.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/Daemon.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/WolfInSheepsClothing.gif

EDIT: Oops, forgot two...

[Gannes]

Oh, by the way: if anyone takes the guy with the shining sword and the sun-shield, he will die. Nothing personal, but just on general principles.

Just so you all know.

Ahhhh!!!!! Sanseveria has picked the evil Ethan avatar!!! Die, die, die, die!!!

<froths at the mouth and goes into convulsions>

[The Giant]

<----I even gave myself a new avatar!

[Bogotter]

Giant....your avatar is hilarious. Well it's good to finally see a picture of you since I have seen you in like 8 years. You look good! :P

[Ashlock]

Cool, samurai!

Giant, I love your new avatar. We'd all look pretty funny if our avatars resembled us...

[Daveric]

Great new avatars. Gee, that doesn't look like you at all. ;)

[Sanseveria]

[Ahhhh!!!!! Sanseveria has picked the evil Ethan avatar!!! Die, die, die, die!!!

<froths at the mouth and goes into convulsions>

I'm glad I wore my good armor. (and clean underwear)

<hands Gannes a tissue to wipe his frothing mouth>

[The Giant]

Hee. If it's not "Ninja!", it's the sudden unexpected appearance of Goldblade. No one is safe!

[Gannes]

Ah! Giant! What's with the new avatar?

[The Giant]

Thought it was time to get a bit closer to what was really driving this site. The old Illumination color wheel still holds a special place in my heart, but let's face it: this isn't an Illumination board anymore (if it ever was). OOTS is now the biggest draw here, and I encourage others to have stick figure avatars, I thought it only appropriate to sport one myself.

[Bogotter]

Well referring to an old thread started by Rawbear......if I were to have a Bog Otter stick figure drawn I'd probably have to use it.

Perhaps a uniquely crafted avatar could be a reward for any poster who attains the highest level post count title.....whatever that is. (hint hint....nudge nudge) ;) ;) ;)

[clarkcd]

I hope that was a joke.

[Bogotter]

Ummm yeah....that was a joke.....yeah that's the ticket.....a joke! :-/

[clarkcd]

I just think that rewards based on post count, regardless of content, is a horrible idea. If you want to reward posters for contributing useful information, valuable points and insightful thoughts that's fine.

[Bogotter]

Just out of curiosity why do you think it's such a horrible idea? I think people get a kick out of having their titles change after reaching a certain post count plateau.....why not an avatar?

[Grey Watcher]

Just out of curiosity why do you think it's such a horrible idea? I think people get a kick out of having their titles change after reaching a certain post count plateau.....why not an avatar?

It's been a problem, especially in larger communities, because people spam mindlessly just for the privelage to earn better titles and custom stuff. Even if you try to curb it by, say, creating a specific thread for spam (which I have seen done), it still eats up bandwith, and can still have an adverse effect on the atmosphere of a board.

[Bogotter]

I could understand that I guess. I don't know but for some reason I wouldn't see that happening here. The mod seems to have things under control here.

[The Giant]

The mod seems to have things under control here.

Flattery will get you nowhere. :P

I would only consider it on a case-by-case basis. I mean, since the mod and the avatar-maker are the same person, I know whether you "earned" your post count or not.

Plus, we're talking like 5000 posts before I would consider it. No one is going to spam their way to 5000 posts before I shut them down anyway.

[Zherog]

That sounds like a challenge, Rich! :P

[clarkcd]

I could understand that I guess. I don't know but for some reason I wouldn't see that happening here. The mod seems to have things under control here.

I agree that Giant can keep up with any miscreants and for now the GitP boards are fairly small. Boards and communities change. What is true now isn't always going to be true.

These are Giant's boards and I'm certainly not trying to tell him what to do. I was just adding my 2 copper on an idea that was brought up.

[Calyn]

Hey, here's my suggestion.

WotC just came out with a new psionics book... but we don't have any psionicist type avatars out there, for those of us with the "phenomenal mental powers" bent.

Or mabye some outsiders? Now that you've got a succubus villain in the comic... :)

[fredryck]

Hey Giant, Any chance of some new avatars in the works? I love them and would love to see more of them.

[The Giant]

Maybe this weekend; my schedule is looking open...

[Bogotter]

I think there has to be at least 10 or so people using the white wizardess avatar. The one that Isida uses.

Any status on some of those new avatars?

[Arian]

I do like the DruidGirl image I've been using; but in emulation of that great PrC, "Avatar of the Flumph", I think I'll spend some time with the avatar of a flumph. :)

(At least until I see what's in the projected new batch of avatars.)

[KingofQueens]

Hmmmm, Giant, can I PM you with some avatar suggestions? Or are these avatars going to stay as your personal creations?

[The Giant]

It doesn't matter to me whether you PM them or post them here, but any suggestions should be broad-based. As in, "More of THIS class" or whatever. If your suggestion is, "I want to see a wizard with this color robe, holding this, with this kind of hair and a cloak this color," I'm going to ignore it.

[KingofQueens]

It doesn't matter to me whether you PM them or post them here, but any suggestions should be broad-based. As in, "More of THIS class" or whatever. If your suggestion is, "I want to see a wizard with this color robe, holding this, with this kind of hair and a cloak this color," I'm going to ignore it.

Even if I asked you to make that kind of avatar? Eh, just kiding. I might be sending a few suggestions soon, anyways.

[Josh_Kablack]

There are like a dozen different pirate avatars but a glaring lack of any ninja avatars. Could we at least get Haley in black with a scarf over her face or something?

C'mon, "I love ninjas, they're wacky"

[RawBearNYC]

*snicker* *titter* *giggle*

heheh, "ninja"!

[Grey Watcher]

Ooo! Maybe we could finally have Ninja-Pirates and my dream would come true! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[Orion]

Hiiiiii-yah! Prepare ta have yer Shiver's Timbered! Yarr! *Judo-CHOP*!

[AngelSword]

I'm going to have to agree with the outsider type avatars. You have the lower planes somewhat represented, but not fully enough, and you left the upper planes completely untouched.

Either that, or gamer icons. (I'm the LARPerGuy avatar! Oh yeah? Well, I'm the DMGuy avatar!) ;D

[peteyfrogboy]

Okay, since this is the place to make requests, I was sad that Xykon-as-frog from OotS #78 wasn't available as an avatar. Obviously, a niche sort of preference. :)

[The Giant]

As promised, twenty new avatars! I tried to stick with variations of those that had been used by a lot of people, like the Knight and the Red Wizard and the White Wizard.

http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/AssassinGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/BardGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/BlueKnightGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/RedKnightGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/PaladinGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/GreataxeFighterGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/NinjaGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/NinjaGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/BlueWizardGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/RedSorcererGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/OldWizardGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/NecromancerGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/NecromancerGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/GreenSorcererElf.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/HalflingWizardGirl.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/EvilClericGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/SwashbucklerGuy.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/Planetar.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/BlackDragon.gif http://www.GiantITP.com/mb/YaBBImages/avatars/Griffon.gif

[xthemage]

Nice... awesome avatars Giant. PaladinGuy's an almost perfect fit for a Skylord character of mine. Mind if I borrow him for use as a mini?

[The Giant]

For your own private use? Go for it.

[The Giant]

I can't believe this thread is still corrupted...

[AngelSword]

An Angel! With a Sword!!

BRILLIANT! Thanks ^__^

[Arian]

Hmmm, decisions, decisions...

Revert to DruidGirl, which Scorpina is also using?
Stay with Flumph, which Matuse is also using?
Pick one of the shiny new ones?

What to do, what to dooooooo? :D

[Orion]

Whoa! Goth chick! w00t! ;D

[Bogotter]

There's a couple of real nice ones in that batch. I think I like the green wizard with familiar the best. The black dragon is really cool too.

[penguinscanfly81]

Nice new images Giant. However, i seem to notice the lack of a penguin. Im just kidding. Actually, if there was a penguin avatar, it would probably be quite commonly used. Keep up the good work.

[ToTo_Annihalation]

Mine is..... beautiful! It's so pure Evil!!! Thankyou So so so so so so so so so Much!

Okay im back to normal now.

[Fenris]

I love the Avatars ;D
The best that I have every seen ;D
I think a werewolf would be the coolest kinda avatar ;)

[Orion]

I think this Assassin/Rogue guy is the BEST! ;D

[kirellagen]

Hmm, my avatar was posted on july 2nd, and I joined 16 days later. Hmm.... almost as if it was destined for me..... :P ::) ;D
I have yet to see another person with this avatar. I would hope that another person would like it. Actually it looks a lot like a Psion I'm playing.

Kire

[Rhuna_Coppermane]

Any chance of a female Ranger? I didn't see one in the avatar list. (Apologies if there is oneand I just didn't see her.) And is there a female half-orc? I didn't see one of those either.

[Gdrad]

Suggestion. More Dragon variants, monsters and animals.
Good work on the avatars so far. Ill be waiting for one I would want to use.

[Bogotter]

Any chance of a female Ranger? I didn't see one in the avatar list. (Apologies if there is oneand I just didn't see her.) And is there a female half-orc? I didn't see one of those either.


There is a female half orc. It's called: Orc Barbarian Girl.

[Fsi-Dib]

Two words: Specialist wizards. Don'tcha think? Necromancers are already there, so we're missing...
Abjurer
Conjurer
Diviner
Enchanter
Evoker
Illusionist
Transmuter

Of course, some might be already covered with different names. Call me lazy if you like, but I ain't checkin'. ;)

[Videospirit]

Female Necromancer is the coolest looking. THe giant's female ones all seem to be slightly better than the male versions though. hmm. odd.

[The Giant]

:(

[Equlan]

If that's true then that's purely because you prefer to look on females than males :D

[Arian]

I disagree with Videospirit - I'm very keen on some of the male avatars. I just feel that they wouldn't serve to represent Me very well, seeing I'm of the female persuasion.

Tell you what, Giant - when I have a sex change, I'll be sure to try on some of the male avatars.

BardGuy, ElfPirate, GreenSorcererElf, PaladinGuy... they all make me wish I was comfortable "looking" male for a while.

[Khaelo]

More suggestions:
PaladinGirl?
Ambiguously-gendered anything (humanoid)?
Succubus? ;D

[tlelaxue]

um yeah, i didnt know where to put this, but someone stole one of ur avatars and is using it on another site, i really like OOTS, so i decided to tell u bout it, its near the bottom of thins page... : http://www.neoseeker.com/forums/index.php?fn=view_thread&t=404613&p=2
so do whatever u want, i just though it was the right thing to do...

[RawBearNYC]

um yeah, i didnt know where to put this, but someone stole one of ur avatars and is using it on another site, i really like OOTS, so i decided to tell u bout it, its near the bottom of thins page... : http://www.neoseeker.com/forums/index.php?fn=view_thread&t=404613&p=2
so do whatever u want, i just though it was the right thing to do...
Thank you tlelaxue for letting us know. I mentioned this to Rich. Not only are they using "one" of Rich's avatars, they're actually using Rich's avatar. Which, in my opinion, is the height of sleezy.

[The Giant]

An email has been sent. This WILL involve legal action if it is not removed, trust me.

Yeah, I am pissed. >:(

[Bogotter]

Oh man.......how dumb is that?

Keep us posted on how it works out.

If you need a fiendish dire otter to back you up....let me know.

[Alarra]

wow....and he uses that on more than one forum too.....that's just wrong.

[tlelaxue]

more then one forum meening site, or more then one forum withint neoseeker? ???

[HyperSniper]

What? Stealing? Legal Action? AHH!! Holy crap I thought this was some little site that no one cared about. I was just searching through google looking for an avatar image and this place popped up. I thought that that rich guy's avatar was pretty cool so I... well you get the picture. I am VERY sorry and I hope that I don't get.... well.... any more angry e-mails. How could you take leagal Action? It's not like I'm stupid enough to put my REAL first and Last name.

[HyperSniper]

Ok, I took down the guy's avatar and put up something different, so don't sue me or anything like that...

[Bogotter]

What? Stealing? Legal Action? AHH!! Holy crap I thought this was some little site that no one cared about. I was just searching through google looking for an avatar image and this place popped up. I thought that that rich guy's avatar was pretty cool so I... well you get the picture. I am VERY sorry and I hope that I don't get.... well.... any more angry e-mails. How could you take leagal Action? It's not like I'm stupid enough to put my REAL first and Last name.


The images and avatars on this site are copyrighted. The Giant spends a lot of his energy building this site and his comics and he protects his intellectual property.

But this all seems like an honest mistake. Thanks for changing your avatars.

Oh and welcome to the boards!

[Kashinn]

I've noticed that apparently no-one is using a real foto-avatar. Is it okay if I use one? I also tried my crippled sketching-skills and might opt to that Avatar if the Foto-ed one doesn't meet approval ;-)

...I hope this is the right place to ask this question :)

...oh and by the way, the pic is *not* edited besides the shrinking. It is an actual pic of one of our guinea pigs *ggg*

[Bogotter]

Are you sure that's not a Fiendish Guinea Pig?

Real life photos are fine for your avatar. The only restircted avatars would be obviously obscene or offensive avatars as well as any modifications of the Giant's avatars.

Other than that.....enjoy!

[Bogotter]

Posting to eliminate the thread bug. Please ignore.

[The Giant]

What? Stealing? Legal Action? AHH!! Holy crap I thought this was some little site that no one cared about. I was just searching through google looking for an avatar image and this place popped up. I thought that that rich guy's avatar was pretty cool so I... well you get the picture. I am VERY sorry and I hope that I don't get.... well.... any more angry e-mails. How could you take leagal Action? It's not like I'm stupid enough to put my REAL first and Last name.

For the record, I am the owner and writer for this site, as well as the creator of all the art here. Thus, all of the content here was created by me, and thus is copyrighted by me. That particular image is my personal avater, because it's a self-portrait of ME. You were basically using my face for your avatar. And before you call this a little site no one cares about, you should know that we get more than 15,000 visitors a day, currently.

As far as finding anyone's real name, your ISP has that information, and if needed I was capable of dealing with them directly. Most ISPs do not want to deal with the issues surrounding copyright theft, if push comes to shove.

Anyway, as Bogotter said, this seemed a simple case of not knowing. But I suggest you make sure whatever avatar you choose isn't an image someone else owns.

[HyperSniper]

Ok, what REALLY threw me off was how badly drawn your avatars were. You know, it looked like it took you no more than 5 minutes to draw each one with paint. So.... It did not look like anyone would care if I used them. Apparrently this was not true. Uhhh.... Maybe I could make up for it if I buy a T-shirt or something?

[RawBearNYC]

I'd like to add to what Rich said.

Every image on the internet is owned by someone. If you didn't draw it yourself, you don't have any say in how that image can be used. Many people assume that since images are on the internet that they're public domain. This is simply not true. Many people know they're not public domain, but don't care. Well, that's their karma. But you should know that it is strictly unlawful to take any image from any website and use it in any way without express permission from the author.

Message board avatars are probably the worst offenders here. People borrow images from all sorts of places and use them to create a custom identity. When we installed this message board software, I looked at the default avatar images that came with it and was amazed at all the amount of copywrite and trademark infringement (I mean, there was even a superman S symbol) going on. That's the reason Rich used these great stick figures on this site, to get away from that.

If you think his avatar is cool, and you think it only takes 5 minutes to create in Paint...perhaps your best bet is to make one from scratch, yourself. Rich can only copywrite the specific images. Not the style, so if you make one on your own, then you own the rights and can do with it as you please (tho, I'd suggest not copying his exactlly, I'm not sure what the raminifactions are when one work is derivative of another).

The other big issue with borrowing images for use as your own avatar is that you're borrowing the identity that goes along with that. Now, in the case of Superman's S, noone's going to think you're the real Superman. But it would be easy for people to think you're the real Rich Burlew. For some of us, the avatars we chose are fairly personal, and we use it as a firm representation of ourselves in cyberspace. it's diheartening to see someone else borrowing that representation for themselves.

[tlelaxue]

But you should know that it is strictly unlawful to take any image from any website and use it in any way without express permission from the author.
LOL, maybe hes just unlawful evil in nature ;) :P ;D

[Kashinn]

Well said, RawBearNYC.

The problem with the identity is why I like to choose my own avatars over pre-installed ones. I admit that I like to use other peoples art sometimes, as I am pretty bad at drawing myself. But when I do, I contact the artist and ask for permission. In my experience, the replies are friendly and positive. Normally its okay if you put a reference to the artist wherever you use their art - but that is for the artist to decide and the reason why I ask!

...and that's also a reason why I tend to use avatars that I make myself from pictures I took because those I own and can do whatever I like :-)

Ah and to HyperSnyper - I can see that you made an "honest mistake" but that attidute is not okay: "I thought no one cared, so I thought taking the art would be okay"
Ask first, then use - it helps to avoid trouble and often gives an interesting opportunity to talk to the artist :-)

[Malecki]

Giant, is there a situation for you to make a large batch of avatars and then sell them as miniatures? Cardboard cutouts or something along those lines.

I am not sure how well they would sell, but even though I do not play tabletop I would assuredly buy them if you came out with them.

-Malecki

[RawBearNYC]

I can see it now, Order of the Stick collectable minatures, sold in starter and booster packs. I want one.

[abadguy]

So you can't slightly modify the board avatars? Not even, say, transplanting elf ears to an existing non-elf-eared one? How about doing a collage of images from the comic to make a wallpaper? What if I only use it on this site and board?

[Malecki]

The Giant is fairly unambiguous about that: absolutely no.

The FAQ is a good place to go to first when you have a question. Here is the section regarding editing Avatar images:

http://www.giantitp.com/FAQ.html#faq22

[yrro]

How about some atypical class/race combinations, like a half-orc wizard or bard, or a halfling barbarian.

I'll admit this is a bit of a personal bias; I'm playing a half-orc wizard currently, and I'd reaaally like to see giant-style interpretation of the idea.

[Gamebird]

I'd like to see more animals as avatars. People have mentioned bears and penguins, but I'd like to see lizards, birds, snakes, wolves, cats and so on.

A few D&D appropriate objects might be cool too: cauldrons, swords, a crossbow, a sword crossed with a wand, a wizard hat, a crystal ball.

Or still life: a cat sitting next to a wizard's hat and staff, or a dragon egg sitting in the middle of a pile of gold, storm clouds with lightning...

By the way, I don't think your drawings are "bad" at all. They're done in a "simple" style, but they're cool, creative and interesting-looking. Like someone else suggested, if the avatar was that badly drawn and all, then why did the guy steal it? And if it's so easy to make, then why didn't he make his own?

Sheesh. On the other hand, I have no idea how to steal an avatar, much less make one. :'(

[Ikkitosen]

Okay, I hope you don't see this as just more badgering about extra avatars (that's not asking for a badger avatar, it's just....never mind), but since this image already exists I was wondering.....

would it be possible for me to use the Tenkazu pic for my avatar please?

I'd never noticed it there before, but he looks cool in his lacquered blue armour. Is he new? And does that mean Campaign Delta will be starting up again soon? (Although he's dead, isn't he. Hmmmm, maybe not such a good sign then.)

Ta, Ikki.

[Kashinn]

Sheesh. On the other hand, I have no idea how to steal an avatar, much less make one. :'(

Stealing is too easy, and I'll rather leave more people not knowing. As for making: Just *make* one: Draw your avatar, and then scan it. Or draw it in a program (maybe even Paint which comes with windows).

When your finished just cut it to size using another image manipulation software, like Irfan View: http://www.irfanview.com/

Irfan view is great for image viewing and cutting - but is *not* a paint-program. But it is really handy when bringing the avatar to the size the respective board requires (in the case of this board, it is 117x117 pixels).
Resizing in Irfan view is done by using the "Resize & Resample" command from the menue.

Just try it, its not hard to do :-)

[ThogLikesPuppies]

Mr. Giant, sir? (Thanks for the Thog Tshirts, by the way. I'm soooo happy).
Erm, yeah. Can we have a Drow guy avatar who doesn't look bored please?

Pretty please?

And, not that I'm bothered, really, but I feel that more "unusual" avatars should be available. The little zombie guy's proving quite popular. How about a vampire guy+girl, and a Changeling one (that's an interesting one for you)? :)
Werewolf? Goblin Ninja?

I'll go now.
Cheers,
Thog Likes Puppies.

[Aramul]

Is that what the thread bug looks like... *ignore me*

[TheLadyIsabella]

How about royalty? e.g. one that looks like a king, princess, etc...

Or baby versions of the classes in nappies?

[Meagen]

I think someone's been playing too much Neopets.

[White Blade]

Some one else, has practiced too much necromancy.

[Meagen]

It's not like the thread is no longer relevant.

[pumpkinetics]

A thought on unique avatars

What if unique avvies from the giant were rewarded (besides from the usual) as prizes for competitions, or for special contributions to the site?

Just a thought, Giant.

[iKitten]

Hmm, disheartened I am, but understandable. I was about to take an altered version of one of Giant's avatars and post it, using it as a forum avatar here of all places. I'd painted the horse in the paladinguy in camoflauge. Was going to have a little quip below saying "Have you seen my horse?" Took me about an hour and a half too because I was working with a fresh install of GIMP on an iBook. Not a big deal, was watching a quirky werewolf movie at the time.

I am glad I found this thread first and had the good fortune/foresight to read a few pages deep into it. I enjoy the Giant's work, both in and out of the comic, too much to not respect his wishes, legal ramifications not withstanding.

To be honest, any disappointment I feel is on par with that of a diabetic finding a candy bar and being told they can't have it.

Apologies to Giant for attempted copyright infringement in this timeline and probable copyright infringement in another timeline, if not several.

[Tyranith]

I was inspired by OotS to create my own avatar, of an early incarnation of my character, Thanatar, in pure oots style :D He's a Half Drow Fighter

[RawBearNYC]

I was inspired by OotS to create my own avatar, of an early incarnation of my character, Thanatar, in pure oots style :D He's a Half Drow Fighter

that's a very nice avatar, Tyranith, very well done. I encourage you to go post that over in the comic's section. There's a thread there people have been using to showcase their custom avatars http://www.giantitp.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=comics;action=display;num=1090550324

[Tyranith]

Aha! Thanks, I was looking for a thread similar to that and must have missed it =p
I knew that other people had been creating their own avatars from the fan art section - I kind of assumed they'd be in here and didn't read it all the way through.

[Propane]

Avatars that this forum could really (REALLY REALLY) use...
Githyanki
Avarial

[Kurt]

Giant!!! Re-make my avatar, please!


http://none.hphost.com.br/kurt_foto.jpg

Your avatar is great as it is. One suggestion is that you bring it into photoshop, paintshoppro or the Gimp and adjust the canvas size so that the graphic is square (optimally 117 x 117), to avoid the squishing you're seeing on your avatar.

[Kurt]

Your avatar is great as it is. One suggestion is that you bring it into photoshop, paintshoppro or the Gimp and adjust the canvas size so that the graphic is square (optimally 117 x 117), to avoid the squishing you're seeing on your avatar.

Thanks! But I thing wich it is so 'linear' to be equal a one from the comic, or not?!

[RawBearNYC]

Thanks! But I thing wich it is so 'linear' to be equal a one from the comic, or not?!
Huh?

Oh, and I apologize, I just realized that I hit "modify" on your original post instead of "quote", so I edited it. I didn't mean to do that, sorry. I rolled a 1 on my mod skill check.

[HempRope]

Ahhh. I was wondering why he was critquing himself.


EDIT: I just posted on this page and it created a pg. 10 of this thread w/o any posts on it. What happened?

[erisian]

I think that's the bug they've been mentioning. Nice.

[HempRope]

Huh?

(I'm so confused...???)

[erisian]

From the top of the last page:


Is that what the thread bug looks like... *ignore me*


It looks like whenever someone posts the last post on a page in this forum it creates a new, blank page. You posted the last post on the last page and so it created this page with no posts. You then edited your post expressing your confusion so I posed and mentioned that other people have been mentioning a forum bug (like our friend Aramul in the quote above) and I am hazarding a guess that the blank-page phenomena is that bug.

[HempRope]

Well, perhaps... but I've made the last post on a page in other threads, & never created a new page... maybe it's only for the end of page 9, as we then go into double digits?

[Sneak]

I think the bug is only for this thread.

[HempRope]

Oooooh. :D

I see!

I'm going to shut up now.

[argonath]

I'd like to see a help page that displays all the available OotS avatars. The User CP Options only lists descriptions. I didn't want to change my profile 142 times and review my posts just to preview what the avatars would look like.

After some searching I found this thread, but it's a bit of work to find and sift through for Rich's posts. A summary page displaying them with their captions, linked from the User CP Options page would be very handy.

Maybe there is already such a thing and I just failed to find it?

kk thxbai!

[Azrael]

This thread is almost exactly two years dead.



Thread Necromancy (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/announcement.php?a=1)
Bringing a thread back from “the dead.” If a thread has fallen to page three and hasn’t been posted to in for a month and a half, don’t post to it. Start a new topic if you want to discuss the subject.

And to answer this query I'll steal Rawhide's answer from ... six days ago.


Thank you, this has been planned for a long time. We have other priorities and this is right at the bottom.

For the future, if you're going to try to cull technical information out of anyone's posts, I'd suggest digging through posts by either WampaX or Rawhide, not The Giant.