People using Gary's avatar

[Jaws]

I changed it. Thinking it was tribute. But God Hates Elves is ok.


j.

 

[rossik]

I can't imagine why someone would jump to the conclusion that someone is being disrespectful for using the image. Especially if they've been using that avatar for years. It's not like it's a satirical image of Gary. Gary himself voiced it. I doubt he took offense at people using it as their avatar. (I don't want to speak on behalf of him. That is not my intention.)

Personally, if people were using an avatar of me while I was alive, I wouldn't want them to stop when I've passed on. Doing so serves no purpose.

but i think nobody is saying that its wrong, its just that some people dont like it.

i think if annother avatar, even another gary, was in use, it would be better, IMO

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I get the same way every time I see the American flag on a filthy T-shirt. There should be laws against the abuse of sacred images in public.

There is. Technically, wearing the flag except as a patch is illegal.

 

[DM-Rocco]

I don't have a problem with the, "I am gary," because i am into metaphors, but I can see how it would bother some people.

 

[Greylock]

Yeah, using real people is kind of weird.




.... what?

I guess once this week has become last week, or last month, or last year... it will be less and less of an issue for folks. I've never used them here, but my two primary avatar sources are pictures of Antonin Artaud and Richard Boone. Sometimes other real life folks. Used Kit Carson for almost a year, and I don't think anyone noticed. Right now, every where I am on the internets, except here, I'm using a picture of Ben Bova. And he's still alive.

But if it offends, the suggestion above about using Adblock is possibly the best solution. And, that "I'm Gary" thing does strike me as wrong.

I'm not Greylock

 

[Relique du Madde]

Let me throw this out.... would saying "I'm Gary" be wrong IF Gentle Gamer's username just happened to be "Gary + [any lastname that isn't Gygax]?"


I am wondering this because part of me said's it's tacky BUT I'm wondering what exactly about the combination of [Gary Gygax's Avitar] + "I'm Gary" is upsetting, especially considering that I sware Gentle Gamer always said "I'm Gary" at the end of his messages even before this week.

I'm pretty sure if his username was Gary's Clone it would be insulting, but what if it was Gary Patterson? Would people still consider that to be tastless?

 

[roguerouge]

I'd just like to point out that the scene being referenced is the one that made Chalton Heston cry tears of gratitude at their solidarity and their recognition of his efforts on their behalf. I think it's rather sweet and dorky.

It doesn't seem to be snark or disrespectful or to violate the grandmother rule, so, yes, if you're THAT offended block their account rather than silence the one or two people.

 

[Gentlegamer]

I've used it twice, won't anymore.

I was trying to get something more rousing going than the choked up feeling I've had since the news broke.

Here's a memorial pic taken of Gary in January of this year by some members of the Knights and Knaves Alehouse when they played OD&D at Gary's home.

 

[Hunter In Darkness]

I think you should go on using the avatar if you wish if gary didn't like it im sure he would have let the mods know.

 

[Gentlegamer]

I'll change the avatar after the mourning period.

My user name, however, is a permanent tribute to Gary as it is taken from his habit of addressing the "gentle readers" and "gentle gamers" in The Dragon over the years.