35% rule on Avatars and Profile Pics

[woody]

35% images in posts require a warning...NAT's Thursday gallery, the Cheerleader Thread, TUT (and not just for images there)...all great threads, but those who choose to click on them are properly warned.

A handful of the avatars used on the forum fall in that same not-work-safe category, yet they are visible in any forum section you post in, tech or chat...and specifically, to guest users since turning on/off avatars is not selectable unless you are registered.

Effective immediately, 35% avatars are no longer allowed. Same policy goes for Profile Pictures.

I'll be PM'ing a handful of you with a link to this thread, and I appreciate your cooperation.

[woody]

this has been an ongoing decision, for months and months...the latest issue just brought it again to the forefront. Believe me, I get PM's from users and emails from guests on this all the time....this is not a new issue, but one I'm finally making a statement on.

Making the 35% warning rule consistent means all avatars and profile pics must comply...users can choose to read or not read a thread with a 35% warning in the title. If they read a tech thread and come across a 35% avatar, they don't have the option "up front" to avoid them. Guests never have that option either. And many businesses do monitor images closely.

This makes the tech portions of the forum "work safe" and "family safe" for all.

[woody]

additionally, this guideline is for a generally "family safe" avatar...if your avatar crosses that line with regards to gestures or motions, you will be asked to change it.

The goal of 'MUD is for the forum to remain Family and kid safe...at least with Chat, users have the choice to participate or not. The Tech/Sale/Etc areas should remain family friendly, and all avatars and signatures will as well.