LooseSuits

I use photos of myself for icons. It's usually a distorted photo of some kind.

Though images of me are available on Flickr and my site. So if people want to know what I look like they can.

I've never seen it as a risk really.

I use real pictures of me. Real names of me. Real land addresses of me.

I've heard some stories of stalkers .. or murders for that matter. But yeah, that's rare. So it probably isn't dangerous — unless you want to conceal your identity or avoid damaging your reputation (if you're cursing one of the untouchable topics but still don't want to ruin any business opportunities).

Edit> I use real pictures and names as well.

I'm too ugly for any stalker to come to me.

So it's all there on my blog for everyone to see.

Let me tell you that it doesn't matter. I was stalked before I had pictures on line and I really think if someone is sick enough they are going to get you. I do think it pays to be wary what you write and exactly what you post depending on what you may want to do in the future.

There was a murder in this state. It occurred not too far from one of the officers I sometimes go to for work, but that was via a My Space connection and a student at UMBC. I think that posting on places like My Space are more dangerous than posting your own stuff in blogs or on flickr places. I may be wrong of course.

I wouldn't suggest posting partying pictures and would suggest all nude photos be kept private but other than that I really don't think everyone should go around being totally paranoid.

I use my pictures as an icon everywhere. I often get recognized at conferences because people have seen my picture on my blog. I don't see a risk factor (yet).

I've never used a picture of myself online because I hate posing for a camera (and posed pictures in general). However, although I didn't mean for it to happen, it has allowed me to be ageless, raceless, nationless (for the most part), and sexless which is a plus for a few of the things I've written. Besides, it is fun to watch people try to guess and get it completely wrong.

I used photos of myself online. But I stopped doing that since 2 years (I even request some sites admin to help me removing them because they sometimes appear in some Google searches).
The only photo of myself online is the one in my facebook account that's all...

With Google, Myspace, Flickr and my blog, it was pretty impossible to keep my face off the net. So, whether you want to see me or not, there I am. I'm not too worried about my image being out there.

My picture was used in the local newspaper twice by some journalists (of course not due to criminal offence etc.). Being the only Asian in this community, it seems I am still not recognized by the locals. They still think I am a TOURIST here.

So my point is I don't see how dangerous it can be to have your pictures posted online.

My ugly mug is online, and I have no fear of anything untoward happening. At a recent motorsporting event, a couple of bloggers recognised me among the crowds and came over to introduce themselves, so having an idea of what you look like can be a nice thing.

@Ryan: Do you ever get people looking at you quizzically, and then bringing their hand up to shield the bottom half of your face?

I never used to post my picture online, resolutely sticking to my avatar. Now that Bright Meadow is taking off and I'm making more real world connections because of the blog, I see no reason to keep my real face hidden. In fact it's in the header of my blog and has aided recognition in a few blogger met-ups lately.

I use a real photo, I've done the avatar thing and then met people and been like -- "OMG, you don't look anything like I thought you would!"

This way people are like -- "Damn, you are as ugly in person as you are online!" And I say.. "Damn straight Skippy".

Real picture, real information - I want to make my blog personal.

I prefer to stick to the 1up mushroom for the sake of being "recognisable" online. A clear, simple thing like that is far less ambiguous than some guy's face.

But in principle, I have no problem with photos of me being online. (And indeed many are.)

That's a really good point Rich, I'm smacking my head against the wall for not having realized that from the start.

i prefer to use actual pictures. not to long ago i used art or logos for my personal photos, but i've come to realized i'd rather someone be able to recognize me if i ever met them on the street. also i keep better track of names when i can associate a face wit them.

I use my real picture. I don't exactly hang around the type of crowd I really need to worry about. If a bunch of programmers are going to hunt me down for any reason, I'll congradulate them and hand them a beer when they get to my door.

As well, I don't make many enimies online. I'm a pretty likeable guy.

Real pictures here too. Flickr, my site, my avatar... it's easy to see what I look like.

I don't put it out there, but my Flickr feed is on my blog and so people can see what I look like if they really wanted to. I'm not interested in stopping them. At the same time, I'm a bit shy about online visual self-promotion. It's more of an online personality thing than being scared about stalkers and such... Or maybe I really am subconsciously--I just don't know it!

I want my avatar to be personal to me, though, so it is of me but it doesn't lend anything to the ability to recognize me in real life.

I've worked in the security industry for the last 4 years now, and if someone really wants to find a picture of you, they probably can.

On a side note, If you are using any site on-line to find a job, or searching your name in google brings up your site, be careful what you post if you are looking for a job. Some companies are now searching the web, and that picture of you piss drunk at a party probably won't help you land that job!!

All athat being said, I use my picture everywhere online, except here becasue I've been to lazy to do so. Maybe tonight...