53 replies to this topic

[webmaster]

Hi guys,

Just a point that has been brought to my attention by a few members now. In these increasingly anti gun times, it can be a bit off putting, maybe insensitive to have certain avatars. These include images which don't show AirGunners in a good positive light. It is not unimagineable that we have had antis signing up to see what we are about.

One of the main reasons for being here is to promote safe and responsible airgun ownership, so we should be careful with the image we portray.

So, can I ask any member who has an avatar that has animated firearms or the like to change it?

Thanks for this, we have to be very careful, shame I know, but it is the times we live in!

[mosstrooper]

Aww, I like my Glock! Seriously though, this is a gun website, we use guns, I am sure any antis already know what we are about --- mainly guns I hate giving in to them but will replace my avatar with some thing less "gunny" if it is reckoned that it will save giving them ammo. ( if I remember how to do it)

[webmaster]

Well, we are an airgun forum, but you know what it's like.... best to be a bit more, well... you know! I've got rid of my Dirty Harry and you know how hard that was!!

[mosstrooper]

Thats because you got your fancy gun I am working on changing it now,, sob,,, sob
P.S. I was just thinking of stealing your dirty Harry one.

[Kenny]

Should we be ashamed of what we support!
Should we bury our heads in the sand?
Why can't we be pround of sometyhing we love!
i'm sure if i went onto a site that a tree hugger was on he would have something close to his heart as an avatar!

Point is, it's time we stopped hiding and stood proud, is a picture of a gun on a 'weapons' forum asking for trouble?

kenny

[webmaster]

Just a suggestion after a few members mentioned it!!

[Greenwing]

Avatar changed as requested, for something a bit more arty.
I liked my previous picture but I wouldn't want to upset the "bleeding-heart do-gooder liberals whose only pleasure in life is to moan about other people"

[Strike Team]

I've switched my Lee-Enfield avatar for a picture of a pussy .

[Mav]

lol

[webmaster]

Aye aye aye... I get the point... don't "shoot" the messenger. No probs with pics of Lee Enfields etc... It's only pics that could be construed as "rambo type" etc. etc.. you know what I mean!

[Greenwing]

Nice cat "strike team" is it yours or a web pic?

I think we should all change our avatars to something completely non-gun/shooting related, just for a bit of fun.

And Lenny, I find your Rapid & Steyr offensive . I'm a sensitive soul and ask if you could change yours to something less rifley (I'm sure that's a word)

[gibbs]

Strike Team, on Oct 20 2008, 01:42 AM, said:

I've switched my Lee-Enfield avatar for a picture of a pussy .

If we keep doing what the "antis" want ,we`ll all be "pussies"!, I honestly thought this forum had a bit more back-bone than the "other one" ,who`se name shall not be spoken here!

[webmaster]

Not being pussies, just things like animated gun fire are maybe not so relevant on here?

[Mav]

what about a pussy with a gun? lol well thats what gibbs thinke we are lol
it takes a real man to have a gay pic !

[webmaster]

Hold on, let Lenny put his money where his mouth is... I'm ok with the avatars personally, it's just i've had a few complaints, well.. more comments rather than complaints.

Anyway, I keep telling you that this forum belongs to each and every one of us, which it does. So let's have a vote. I'll put up a poll and I'll stand by the majority. Fair?

[Greenwing]

gibbs, on Oct 20 2008, 05:04 PM, said:

If we keep doing what the "antis" want ,we`ll all be "pussies"!, I honestly thought this forum had a bit more back-bone than the "other one ,who`se name shall not be spoken here!""

Don't take it too seriously mate. We're not doing what the "anti's" want. Lenny only "suggested" that we think about the pictures we use.
It seems that there are a few members here that find gun pictures offensive, a bit strange for an airgun website but apparently true . I think the reason for any avatar changes would be to think about promoting the sporting and/or sensible side of airgunning and not look like a bunch of gun-nuts.
Changing to an avatar completely unrelated to shooting would be a bit of a sarcastic response because we went too far in toning it down. Anyway I bet you have other interests outside of airguns, why not feature one of them?
If you think about it, any picture could offend. Someone may not like my new avatar because it features a tidal wave, someone may not like "strike teams" avatar because they were badly mauled by a kitten .
In the end, it's only a picture, who cares if you can't have a .50cal spraying rounds.
And before someone replies - No, I don't think it's the thin edge of the wedge to surrendering our rifles, it's called being discrete/considerate.

[Strike Team]

The cat is indeed mine. Her name's Lisa. Last cat was called Homer, so Lisa is an appropriate name for the new cat .

[Greenwing]

Lenny,

Could you add a "really not bothered one way or the other" category to your poll so that I can vote.

Thank you

D

[webmaster]

Have added a "not bothered" option....

As Greenwing mentioned, when you aim to promote safe and responsible airgunning, it is sometimes counter productive to be seen to be into rapid fire spraying lead about rather than precision shooting. I know... I know... I've done my fair share of big boys toys stuff, I'm just passing on comments from a selection of visitors and members.

[Mav]

and if your not bothered but would rather people showed a little discresion???