[Hawkian]

Greetings and salutations humble denizens of the GAFtubes!

Some of you may remember a grand experiment that took place this January in which well over 100 NeoGAF users (I can't tell you exactly how many, but there's a certain someone who would be able to...) replaced their ever-so-stylish normal avatars with real images of themselves for the duration of the month. Others may not remember it because you've just joined our glorious forum in the intervening months. Others may not remember it because they didn't notice at all. Others may not remember it due to amnesia. But whatever, it happened.

This had several effects, the first and most noticeable of which is best described by this comic:


I know- it's a suggestion that borders on lunacy, but there are indeed real people on the other side of the computer screen behind ever poster (well, almost every poster) on this forum. With faces and respiratory systems and everything!

To do your part in supporting this theory (and the notion of civility on the internet being something we should all strive toward), why not take the month of July and use a Real Pic Avatar? Check it out- I've even started us off early with one of myself replete with borderline-creepy EviLoresque smirk.

The results of Real Pic January were fascinating, and for the most part supremely positive. A new subcommunity and more than a few actual genuine friendships resulted from the proceedings, perceptions were altered, a much higher incidence of "hey, I recognize that poster! let me actually pay attention to the words being displayed on my screen!" was had by all. And all this with a surprisingly low incidence of creeper behavior.

For some background, here's:

• The original thread, which is somewhat confusing without all the real pic avatars but whatever
• The OT2, which is chock full of delightful collages and nostalgia, mostly due to the outstanding work of Sentry
• The general RealGAF community thread, where the remaining posters from the glory days hang out and talk about things that are real and how real they are

Full disclosure- having another real pic month all up in here was not my idea, and was suggested to me by PM. I don't know if this poster wants direct credit but I'm happy to give it if so- just let me know!

Well then- who's in? :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cwr7Y389us (credit to Charmicarmicat)

[Lissar]

I've already been doing it! I never sto--okay, I kind of did, for special reasons!

[LeadProtagonist]

Maybe? I would kinda feel weird with my own face next to all my posts.

[Mistouze]

Missed out on the last one maybe I'll manage to take an avatar worthy picture of my mug before monday.

[jdogmoney]

I'm in, I think. Assuming I can find or take a good enough picture.

[Hawkian]

I've already been doing it! I never sto--okay, I kind of did, for special reasons!

She who is and always would be queen :P

Maybe? I would kinda feel weird with my own face next to all my posts.

Gotta learn to stand by your words dude! It's like putting a stamp of approval on every post. "I'm myself and I approve this message" ;)

Besides, you're the Lead Protagonist. You gotta set an example

[Sobriquet]

Done.

[Hawkian]

That is a classy shot my friend. Context?

[Lissar]

Maybe? I would kinda feel weird with my own face next to all my posts.

It's a bit weird at first, but you get used to it. Last time we also did themes and stuff, so that was a ton of fun.

She who is and always would be queen :P

Nerd Queen, reporting for duty! *salute*

I hope we can get more girls in on this. :o

[Kitsunebaby]

Why the hell not? Now, to see if I have any new decent pics taken since January.

[kisaya]

Eeekk we're doing this again? Meh, was hoping it'd be exclusive to January.

Maybe.

[Horse Detective]

Why the hell not? Now, to see if I have any new decent pics taken since January.

But...but but! I like your avatar!

[DR2K]

I've been doing it, mostly because I can't decide on an avatar that isn't me.

[Letters]

I found it very awkward to navigate GAF with everyone's faces next to the posts last January, very few people here can pull it off without it looking weird, you guys are really gonna do this more than once a year? :(

/first world problems lol

[Hawkian]

Eeekk we're doing this again? Meh, was hoping it'd be exclusive to January. Maybe.

Just consider it exclusive to January except for the times it's not.

;)

But...but but! I like your avatar!

Everyone likes her avatar. But Morrigan will always be waiting for you in August!

[Tomat]

I'm not ready to do this again GAF ;_;

Although it would be kinda funny if I could pass my avatar off for RPJ2

[Horse Detective]

Everyone likes her avatar. But Morrigan will always be waiting for you in August!

[kisaya]

Just consider it exclusive to January except for the times it's not. ;)

Gives me more time to have decent pictures of myself though :( I don't wanna be left out if it's thrown more than once a year >.<

[Sobriquet]

That is a classy shot my friend. Context?

Thanks! My wife and I dressed retro for a friend's wedding for some reason. I even grew a pencil-thin mustache for the occasion. Unfortunately I'm not wearing an eyepatch in this particular picture.

[DonMigs85]

I'll do it if the rest of Pinoy-GAF does.

[Faithless]

Not much of a call to action when you've already got a real avatar.

[SuperBonk]

I guess I'll join in on it this time.

Changed it now in case I forget.

[Lissar]

Hey, nothing wrong with having it biannually. Besides, the old thread was losing steam. We need fresh meat--I mean, new people.

Gives me more time to have decent pictures of myself though :( I don't wanna be left out if it's thrown more than once a year >.<

Oh, Kisaya. You're a beautiful girl. You have nothing to worry about.

I want to take new pictures too, but my hair needs a new cut. D: I probably still will, but my hair is terrible right now!

[outunderthestars]

Alright. I really hate having my picture taken, but I'm game for a month. :)

[Count Dookkake]

Theme?

[Tence]

I think I'll skip this one.

[whitehawk]

I might join this time around. We'll see.

[kisaya]

Oh, Kisaya. You're a beautiful girl. You have nothing to worry about. I want to take new pictures too, but my hair needs a new cut. D: I probably still will, but my hair is terrible right now!

I know what you mean girl. I'd have to pick out the right scarf for a new pic @_@

[Hanmik]

I might join this time around. We'll see.

YOU ARE NOT THE GUY IN YOUR AVATAR...?????? Shock..ock...ock...ock.. I konw Leslie is dead.. I just wish he wasn´t..

[Lissar]

I think I'll skip this one.

You RealFakePic Tencevatar user!

[Hawkian]

/first world problems lol

Different meme came to mind for me

Gives me more time to have decent pictures of myself though :( I don't wanna be left out if it's thrown more than once a year >.<

First of all, every picture I've ever seen of you has been totally adorable. Second of all, there's no need to join in if you don't wanna. It's all good in the hood :)

Not much of a call to action when you've already got a real avatar.

Wait, that's you? Awesome shot.

[Sklorenz]

I'll probably join this time around as well. Going to wait until later to bother finding a photo, though

[lazybones18]

Hmm.....will be skipping out on this one

[MIMIC]

I still haven't reverted back since the last one =p

[RobotHaus]

I might, but the guys in MLB-GAF will be extra harsh.

Also, does it have to be a good picture? I have no good pictures of myself.

[Hawkian]

I think I'll skip this one.

You're incapable of skipping anything that has to do with this. Due to circumstances beyond your control any avatar you ever have from now on will be a Real Pic avatar in some way. Sorry.

[Lissar]

Hmm.....will be skipping out on this one

Lazy being lazy! I know it was an easy shot, sorry. D:

I might, but the guys in MLB-GAF will be extra harsh. Also, does it have to be a good picture? I have no good pictures of myself.

We're here to have fun, not make fun. Don't worry about it! :D

[Tence]

You're incapable of skipping anything that has to do with this. Due to circumstances beyond your control any avatar you ever have from now on will be a Real Pic avatar in some way. Sorry.

Yeah a real FAKE one :P

[Hanmik]

We're here to have fun, not make fun. Don't worry about it! :D

then I DARE you to take a picture form the other side... I bet your Avatar is only a lucky shot..! I guess I misunderstood your post .. lol ..

[DrBo42]

Real-GAF, best GAF.

[Baconsaurus Rex]

I'm in.

[Hawkian]

Theme?

We'll probably do weekly themes or so, eh? Way to keep rocking the thing-on-head style. You and H. Pro are all-stars

[Lissar]

then I DARE you to take a picture form the other side... I bet your Avatar is only a lucky shot..! I guess I misunderstood your post .. lol ..

It has been said that I look different in ever picture! :D So who knows what the next one will look like? But I've been in Tinychat with people from RP, and they know~

[SalsaShark]

Ill do it if most do it

[Baconsaurus Rex]

This is newcomer friendly right?

[lazybones18]

This is newcomer friendly right?

Expect some hazing newbie ;)

kidding

[Hawkian]

This is newcomer friendly right?

NO

WE HATE YOU

...of course! No distinction will be drawn between people who've done this before and those who haven't, and I'm excited about "meeting" as many gaf members as possible :)

[RobotHaus]

Ok, you win.

July is going to be a long month

[Übermatik]

Hm okay maybe... maybe. Let me take a shower and think about it.

[Hawkian]

Ok, you win. July is going to be a long month

What team you repping there on the hat?