Are you put off by photos of people on informative web sites?

[Bertha Venation]

Okay, here's what I mean. In another thread, Taverner recommended that someone check out Rational Recovery - www.rational.org. Being an agnostic/atheist who sometimes considers going to AA, I went there.

There is a picture of the founders (I guess) on the main page. For some reason, I was instantly put off and closed the tab. I always react this way when personal pictures are on informative web sites. Call me weird, I dunno.

Are you similarly put off?

[Orsino]

1. Just as I am put off by those church billboards...

...that prominently feature pastors' pictures. It shouldn't be about one person, or about a pastor and spouse. Wanna show me pictures of people? Show me smiling congregational portraits or candids, instead.

It smacks of ego, yet I can't definitively say that a leader's face doesn't belong--it just troubles me.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Bertha!

I honestly don't think you're weird...

I did not have the same reaction, though...

I thought that picture was kind of nice. It seemed to to add a more personal touch to what could have been a plain, cold web page...

Which I suspect was their reason for posting it...

You had your reaction; I had mine. I don't think either one of us is weird!

:pals:

:hug:

[gmoney]

3. Depends on the purpose of the site...

...that site is trying to project the image of a supportive environment filled with caring people who will help you with your individual problems.

I think the "personal touch" is appropriate here, although the quality of the photo itself leaves something to be desired. I think it's better that it's "real people" rather than some stock photo of a model pretend smiling with perfect teeth.

[pitohui]

4. no how can i be put off by someone standing by their writing?

i used to be annoyed when i had to supply the photo to go w. a magazine article i had written but i understand the purpose

people need to know that there are real people who stand by their advice and what they've written

a picture/visual makes that easier for some people

we're a visual society

most people are FAR MORE put off by articles/sites etc. that DON'T include some kind of pic or graphic

an anonymous article or site can never have the same power as an article, book, or site where the person feels strong enough to stand forward in public for what they are saying

[MissMillie]

5. They should put a picture of me on there

with the caption

"This is no one in particular... she's just having a good hair day."

[suninvited]

6. Maybe if it were a site

selling jet engine parts, or something like that, but in this instance I wasnt put off at all.

It is an attractive photo of an obviously loving couple, and I think they were just trying to personalize the site. So you realize there are real people behind the written words.

I was not put off at all by the photo on that website, but I might not have made it the dominent item when the page is first opened.

[Richardo]

7. I'm put off by the tab labeled "Recoveryism"

What?

English has the largest vocabulary of any language in the world. Use an existing word, please.