Can I turn off Avatars?

I'm pretty new to this site and I have to say that the avatar situation is just out of hand! :-) They're often huge and quite often don't do much more than add clutter to the page. Is there a simple way to disable them so I just seen screen names? I'd love to be able to see this site without the gaudy avatars.

Thanks!
John

[edit on 19-3-2008 by Neiby]

I should mention that I just found one way to do it using Adblock Plus, but I'd rather not use that method because it will probably block other content from the Upload section that I do want to see. I'd love to hear any other ideas.

Thanks!

Hey there,

the closest thing to this is to turn on the low-bandwidth mode..

This can be done via the ATS store,

This is found in the Member center (Top of the page)
then go to "ATS Store"

You then can use your points to Turn on low-bandwidth mode



From what i remember this stops Avatars from showing,

Turn on low-bandwidth mode: Switches ATS to Low-Bandwidth Mode for you. This causes many cosmetic effects such as profile background and text colors to be disabled. If you are on a slow connection, this may speed up your browsing on ATS. After low-bandwidth mode is activated, this button will change to "highband". To return to normal bandwidth mode, press the "highband" button.

[edit on 19-3-2008 by asala]

Thanks! That looks a lot like what I was looking for, but it turns off a bit too much. I think I'll just work on tweaking the Adblock Plus filter for now, so I can still see the other content. I don't have a low-bandwidth connection, but I definitely could do without all the giant avatars and profile backgrounds.

Thanks again!

reply to post by Neiby


Profile backgrounds are a great way to express your self.

They are not there to be annoying.

oops... double post.

[edit on 19/3/2008 by SilentShadow]

The Mods monitor the Avatars so they are all kept to a size requirement. As said before it is a great way for people to express themselves and makes each member an individual within this community.

The easiest way i can see to rectify your problem is simply log out. It gives all the same content and gets rid of the avatars. I didn't even realise people had avatars until i logged in after lurking as a non-member for two years.

I found the avatars to add to the experience of ATS

EDIT: I'm not actually condoning logging out, being a member is an incredibly rewarding experience something that being a non-member doesn't equate to. But each to their own.

[edit on 19/3/2008 by SilentShadow]

They don't bother me enough to log out, but I do think they're annoying. I don't mind avatars, in general, but some of these threads look like a graphic artists threw up. :-) It's just a personal preference of mine. There's nothing wrong with them. I just prefer a cleaner look. I'd probably be fine with the avatars alone without the profile backgrounds. In fact, it probably would suffice to be able to get rid of the backgrounds and leave the avatars. I'll have to tinker with it.

Thanks!

reply to post by Neiby


Also I believe that using an add block software is against the T&C of the site. This site is funded through the adverts that appear in the banner and side of the board so I would suggest to go to low bandwidth mode just to keep within the guidelines of the site.

No its not? .. A site cannot force you to allow popups OR adds.. its the same kind of breach with advertising companies as to tell people to click on your Addsense adverts which brings in a good portion of a sites revenue from advertising..

I don't use one on my home PC, but I do use one that blocks most adds on my work PC / Network .. not by choice, just company policy. Actually.. using ATS in general is a breach of that haha.. but.. what ever.

4b) Ad Blockers: As AboveTopSecret.com is provided as a free service, in part through the income of our advertising, you agree not to use "ad-blocking" software or similar built-in web browser options while using the website(s).

From:www.abovetopsecret.com...

Yes it is against the T&C, but its more of a please don't do this thing. You agreed to not use add blocking software when you signed up for this site. I am sure that members do use them. But it is against the T&C

This is in response to the post by Nelby. I suggest you check the profile of this person. I used the ignore button on him yesterday because of verbal abuse. I did check his profile, no threads or anything. I suspect this "Nelby" is a new identitiy for a person i had "ignored" several days ago for the same obnoxious behavior. I suspect he is searching for a way to hide his identity again.

reply to post by debris765nju


how could turning off his avatar possibly hide his identity. from what i have read here, it's all based on ip address.

Oookkk, Please if you suspect something is shady about a member or whatnot, then please suggestions/complaints, i will not have it drawn out in a public thread when there is no proof of such a thing, Its unfair on the new member, Lets not get in to whitch hunts,

Thank you,

Asala,


Feel free to u2u me if have any issues,