I've been looking so long at these pictures of you that I almost believe that they're real

[venta]

When I started this journal and was casting about for an icon, the obvious choice seemed a picture of myself. This was partly because, although I didn't particularly want my journal to be easily findable, I did like the idea that anyone who stumbled across it, and knew me, could work out who I was. I also couldn't think of any other image I particularly identified with.

I don't know whether other people who use non-photo pictures as primary icons chose images that were important to them, images they like, or just images that happened to be lying around at the time, but to me a photo seemed like the obvious first-choice.

Of course, I then ran into a problem: I don't photo well. For years I thought I just suffered from the same problems as everyone (notably, thinking that photos of oneself are awful). A while back I discovered that actually, I suffer much more exactly from the same problem as everyone else (notably, thinking that most photos of me are awful). Typically, just to be awkward, the ones which other people think are reasonable I usually don't like.

The photo I use as my icon was taken by grahamb in the Elsinore around five years ago, and I quite like it. However, a lot of people don't seem to think much of it, and I've been wondering whether I should change it. I stick to just one icon, because I find it slightly confusing when other people switch icons mid-thread, and I like the idea of one easily identifiable picture to represent "me" on Livejournal. On the other hand, I do quite like some people's icons to represent different facets of themselves.

I'm not fond of LJ's icon mechanism whereby, if I changed my default item now, all past posts/comment would
begin displaying with my new default icon. If you don't know me, and recognise me only by the icon, would this confuse you ?

I think I've more or less decided what I'm going to do, icon-wise, but in the tradition of governments everywhere I shall hold a Consultation to make sure that you, the people, can be demonstrated to be thinking the right things.

[Poll #446361]


Proper review of the MC5 when I have the time.

Comments

[mejoff.livejournal.com]

They don't have to be naked, unless you want them to ;), I do need to practice straight portraiture as well. and no audience that you don't invite, with or without clothes! (sorry Helen)

[venta.livejournal.com]

Am available as practice portrait model, though I think I might keep my clothes on ;)

Interestingly, I do have some studio potraits taken at one of these makeover-and-take-photos places: they're rather nice photos of a quite attractive person. Sadly, they don't look anything at all like me.

[mejoff.livejournal.com]

rah!
possibly sunday, while Helen does the last gm meeting?

[lanfykins.livejournal.com]

<looks at diary>

I take it I'm not transporting any strange exercise machines to yours that day, then?

[mejoff.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes I was supposed to find some way of contacting you about that. Les lesbiennes havr said that they are quite happy to recieve hyadj mekkle things and you, and ply you with tea if you have time... if that's ok?

[lanfykins.livejournal.com]

There are many ways of contacting me, but commenting randomly on other people's LJs until I show up is a more reliable method than the uninitiated might assume :)

the email address of lanfear at slappy, which is an organisation in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is another possibility.

I need to be in London anyway that day, apparently (ksirafai has ordered me to Rotherhithe to have my hair re-dyed) so I just need to know the time and place and all is fine.

[mejoff.livejournal.com]

well, If I tell you that it's exactly opposite All Saints Station in Docklands, and I'll give you the full address someplace less public, then since you're doing me a favour, you tell me what time is good for you, or just show up when you get there!

[lanfykins.livejournal.com]

I'll check with my hair-dye-dealer and let you know :)

[lanfykins.livejournal.com]

I'll aim to show up sometime between midday and 2pm.

Um, when am I picking up the mechanical contrivance?

[lanfykins.livejournal.com]

Friday I'm in London...
Saturday I'm having a nice lie-in...
Sunday around 10ish is looking most likely, if that's OK?

[lanfykins.livejournal.com]

...it suddenly occurs to me that there is a greenend in between the slappy and the org.

Oh, secutatrix knows the email address anyway ;)

[venta.livejournal.com]

Depends entirely on what time I get back from Preston - I've currently no idea whether that'll be a sensible time or not.