• Tweet
• 
• 

What are Gravatars? This article briskly outlines what Gravatars are—and how to get one and use them. The image below shows the Gravatars homepage.

The image below shows an example of these “Global-Avatars” in action on my WordPress Blog. As can be seen, both myself and fellow blogger Rob Cubbon have made a comment, and our selected images appear next to the comments given:

Comments screen-shot from: The Professional Designers Guide to using Black

If a blog commenter doesn’t have a Gravatar, a blue and white symbol appears showing that the commenter doesn’t one (or at least not with the email address they’re using). These default images are sometimes changed to custom images on some blogs.

I could continue writing about how to easily sign up for one, but the Gravatar site includes a nifty quick video demonstration about how to get one. Simple Hay? See the video below:

(Video above uses Flash)

As can be seen, the process is really easy. If you comment on a variety of blogs often, I definitely recommend getting one. One main benefit is that everyone gets to know who’s commenting with a simple glance of the comment section of a blog. It can increase brand or personal recognition online—and it helps us all build a blog community.

Please don’t feel compelled to get one—it’s your choice. Commenters are welcome here “Gravatar or not”, it’s the comments that matter most. However, if you’re a blogger especially, you’re missing out on a great social networking opportunity.

What do you think about Gravatars? Have you had any problems with them? Is there a reason Not to get one? I’d like to know you’re opinions…

Why not take a look at one of these Articles...