Way back in '08, it was decided to do away with the, out of control, animated/graphic signatures.
Dare I say, they're slowly returning in the form of AVATARS! However much I enjoy seeing members avatars, the animated/flash avatars really does a number on ones eyes. I had no choice but to change my prefs in order to avoid them.

Am I the only one, in here, with this problem?

Animated avatars, which appear below your name, were never banned. However, pictures in your signature area, the area that appears below any post you make, were restricted. These animations were getting wildly visual and the files sizes were getting huge, making it harder for people to enjoy the forum because they would have to wait for them to load up. Then, when they were loaded, the animations were getting vibrant and intricate. This could slow a persons computer as well.

So because of this, there is no animation in the signature area but the avatar can, since the file size for an avatar has a maximum file size and can only be 80X80.

Gamey is dead on with his response. Also please remember that we really aren't a bunch of old meanies who are trying to restrict everyone from having some fun! We LOVE this forum and all it's many members.

We realize that people love to show off their talents and we enjoy seeing them do so. An animated avvie isn't going to significantly impact anyones loading time even on dial up. It also isn't going to hinder the server by overloading it like some of the old siggies did.

If a person suffers photo phobia or other eyestrain issues, they should follow swedane's example and turn off the avvies in their preferences. We regret that flash avvies cause a problem for a few members.

You will note, I did NOT say Animated avatars were banned. I was referring to the personal animated avatars, yes, the ones below members names. I find them just as hard on the eyes and equally distracting as the former 'banned animated signatures.'

I no, I don't frequent the forum as often as many of you guys, and therefore have no right to complain! However, I am still curious to know if other people are sensitive to flashing graphics/avatars??

We fully respect the opinions of all members, and try to be sensitive to their needs. We are really dealing with 2 issues in this discussion.

The reason the animated signatures were banned had more to do with the size of the files involved than with sensitivity issues such as photo phobia.

A few members do have problems such as you are mentioning so the option to completely turn off signatures/avatars is provided for their convenience.

I hope this answers your concerns.

Yes, I was aware of the reason behind the banned animated signature-graphics, which is NOT and newer WAS my issue!

I looked up photophobia, which may or may not be what labels me. I do have reactions to some, not all, florescent lights. It usually comes in the form of a severe headache, sometimes nausea. The latter has only happened once, thank goodness.

I thank you for your answer.

Swedane,

Sorry you have these kinds of reactions. That might make life a bit annoying at times. I was just telling someone in my family that when I fly on an airliner, I have to have a window seat, otherwise I get nauseous. I think it is actually the other way around for most people, they need the inside seats or they get sick. For me, I am fine feeling a plane tilt and move if I have an outside reference, like the ground or even the wing itself. This actually allows me a way keep my bearings and I don't get so woozy. I wish I had some clever antidote for you but alas, I come up empty handed. And since I am an awesome graphic artist (cough-cough, hack-hack) it is sad that you won't be enjoying my great works of art.
{{HA HA HA HA {{SNORT}} HA HA HA HA}}

It's actually a blessing in disguise. It has made me seek out the smaller, locally & privately owned businesses, e.g., LDW. I've been in the public service for years and believe you me, service sells, and that's a rarity in most big department/box stores. I'm also 'fearsly' patriotic, noting to do with flag & country, but all about supporting locally grown/made products.

Like you, when at 35000 feet above ground, I also prefer an inside seat, mostly because I sleep the time away.

Thank, bunches, for your kind thoughts about an antidote, but NO thanks! These little quirks makes life both interesting & challenging.
As your signature says; yes, I've peeked:
It's not an adventure until you get lost. Otherwise, it's just a road trip.
Being a biker granny, I can sooo relate!

Your graphics are awesome, you say! Umm… well.. ok… I'll give you that.