The time suck of avatars
First of all, wouldn’t that make an excellent title for a movie? Sorry, I’ve already called it.
Second, this was going to be a post about how I wish I could look like my avatar. About how cool her clothes are, and how much I love her hairstyle and her boots, and how cool it is that she has a black Lab, too, etc.
But on the way to that post, I got so involved in creating my perfect avatar, I somehow fell into a time tunnel and came out two hours later, dazed and guilty, wondering if I’ll get to the end of my life and think, “If only I hadn’t kept searching for the perfect top! I’d still have that extra forty-five minutes.”
It’s just that here’s the thing: when you have absolutely zero skills at drawing or painting or decorating, a program like Yahoo Avatars or WeeWorld is the closest you might ever get to being able to create art. (And just so you know, the WeeWorld characters are all short and chunky, the Yahoo Avatars are all tall and slim and great-looking. You decide.)
I’d love to show you my avatar, but I can’t figure out how to transport her over here. Maybe someone with computer skillz will tell me and I can update. Because for as much time as I spent creating her and her wonderful outfit and the beautiful scenery behind her, it might be nice to be able to use her someplace.
Oh, and for those of you wondering how I’m doing on all my short-deadline writing projects, um, sorry, what?
Follow the links above and create your own Mini Me. I defy you not to get as caught up in at as I do.
Technorati Tags: Time Suck of the Avatars (The Movie)
July 11th, 2007 at 5:35 am
And just in case, after reading this post, you still have time that needs to be tidily sucked:
You can create an avatar of yourself as a Simpsons character! Yes, over at the official Simpsons movie site.
(So sorry to tell you about this, jules, you huge Simpsons fan, you. I resisted emailing you because I knew you had a lot on your plate. Now you’re doomed.)
Robin, I’m hoping some techie comes to your rescue. I really want to see your boots.
July 11th, 2007 at 5:40 am
I feel this way about updating our children’s series wiki. I get started and I fuss and I fuss and I fuss. I think, “Just one more thing. No, now just one more. Now just one more.” This can go on for quite some time. No real art to it, of course, but definitely the time suck.
July 11th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Thanks for sharing the sites, Robin. I’ve been wanting to make one to use on the SCBWI list. Have visited the sites briefly, but resisted getting sucked in just now (only spent a half hour there). I don’t know much about adding them to other sites, but usually there is a HTML code you have to insert wherever. In another place where I am going to join a webring, I was told that if I made my own website, I could do it, and otherwise would have to send it to the webmaster/creator. Unfortunately, though, I have not checked to see if the code is available to us on the sites, nor have I figured out how to insert it. May need to call in my computer expert…and you know who that is!
July 11th, 2007 at 9:26 am
I’ve done the avatar making bit with Yahoo and haven’t really had the chance to use it(it does appear when I read my email,which is nice). The Yahoo version kind of reminds of Colorforms,with those cartoony backgrounds and clothing choices.
Oh,and thanks for letting me know about those Rowling interview clips,Robin. I went back to YouTube and replaced them with slightly longer ones that should work now:)
July 11th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Sara, you aren’t helping. That’s all I’m saying.
Adrienne, but it’s fun, right? I mean while you’re doing it. It feels like active, productive work. It’s only afterward that you realize you’ve just frittered away your life.
Judy, let me know if/when you figure it out. I’ll ride your coattails with your computer expert.
Lady T, I’m glad you fixed the Rowling interviews. Everyone, if you want to hear J.K. talk about HP, go over to Living Read Girl (link at the right). I’m going there right now, because you know I can’t resist a time suck.
July 11th, 2007 at 11:48 am
I’m not that kind of computer expert…
I’m quite the lazy computer expert…
July 11th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Sorry, Robin, but I’m working on this deadline (hides the tacky romance novel, the cheetos, and the nail file) and, believe it or not, I’ve never played with avatars . . . Simpsons, huh? COOL!
July 11th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Oh, yes, it’s one of my favorite semi-brainless stress relievers at work. It works best when I update the wiki while listening to my iPod.
July 11th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Crap. Now I just spent twenty minutes changing my Avatar that I don’t even know how and/or where to use.
(Hey Robin, come on by MotherReader. We’re talking about The Secret. I used your character’s quote too.)
July 11th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I saw that, Mother Reader. I was just about to respond, but I had to leave for an appointment. I’ll be right there . . .
July 12th, 2007 at 7:14 am
I’ve seen that, Sara, and I’ve tried to avoid it!
I just have. to. see. that. movie!
July 12th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Have checked out both sites, Robin, and apparently we can only use our avatars on their sites…too bad…I wanted one for the SCBWI list.
July 12th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Judy, someone else was telling me she thought we could do “Save as,” then save the avatar to a file which we could then upload to our websites. I haven’t tried it yet, but let me know if you do.