Dean -- I've been trying for weeks to post a "hero" photo of myself that shows up when you post a thread, with no luck. In the profile section there's a place for a photo, and that's what I've been trying to use. I assume an avatar is close to its dictionary def, which is a symbol, like your flag. Anyhow, I've written and written and guess our hosts are just too busy with other aspects of running a busy and growing site like this to look into it. But whatever you call it -- avatar or photo -- well, it really shouldn't be this hard! If you learn the trick that so many others obviously have mastered, please to let me know. Good luck.