Should I change my avatar?

**beloitpiper** · 2nd July 08, 12:08 AM

What they said. I'm not a competition piper, and bagpiping doesn't have a sweet logo like the NBA or MLB, but I still use this one (which I made myself).

**Morris at Heathfield** · 2nd July 08, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by ardchoille

I don't even know our Chief's livery colors.

As crest badges are made of unpainted metal, you can't tell the livery colors just by looking at the wreath on your crest badge, if you have one. According to my handy "Scotland of Old" clan map, however, the MacGregor chief's colors are white (or silver) and blue.

**ardchoille** · 2nd July 08, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by Morris of Heathfield

As crest badges are made of unpainted metal, you can't tell the livery colors just by looking at the wreath on your crest badge, if you have one. According to my handy "Scotland of Old" clan map, however, the MacGregor chief's colors are white (or silver) and blue.

Ah, thank you for that info.

**macwilkin** · 2nd July 08, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Unless you have inadvertently adopted your chief's badge (as opposed to his crest) and placed it on his livery colours, I really don't see any compelling heraldic reason to change your avatar. That said, you should not use it in any other form or medium except as a logotype on electronic forums. For example, if you were to use it on writing paper, business cards, or a flag, then it would take on a distinctly heraldic character, and that would be (at the very least) socially awkward.

Rathdown's post is the answer to your question, INMHO.

T.

**northernsky** · 2nd July 08, 10:12 AM

"Although the Crest Badge is purchased by and is therefore owned by the clansman, the heraldic Crest and Motto on it belong to the Chief and NOT to the clansman. They are the Chief’s exclusive heraldic property, which the clansman is only thus permitted to wear. It is illegal for the clansman to misappropriate the Chief’s Crest and Motto for any other use of his own, such as decorating his own silver, writing paper or signet ring, which anyway would mean that these articles belonged to the Chief who is the owner of the Crest and Motto on them."

I have seen folks with clan badges as tattoos. Have they broke this rule? Do their legs/arms/backs now belong to the chieftain?

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 2nd July 08, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by northernsky

"Although the Crest Badge is purchased by and is therefore owned by the clansman, the heraldic Crest and Motto on it belong to the Chief and NOT to the clansman. They are the Chief’s exclusive heraldic property, which the clansman is only thus permitted to wear. It is illegal for the clansman to misappropriate the Chief’s Crest and Motto for any other use of his own, such as decorating his own silver, writing paper or signet ring, which anyway would mean that these articles belonged to the Chief who is the owner of the Crest and Motto on them."

I have seen folks with clan badges as tattoos. Have they broke this rule? Do their legs/arms/backs now belong to the chieftain?

Only if their chief decides to demand his "pound of flesh"...

**ixxo** · 3rd July 08, 02:52 PM

At least you have some point behind your avatar, I couldnt think of anything particularily interesting so I used a picture of a frozen pizza that was left in the oven a taaaad too long as my avatar.. at least for the time being..

**Kevo** · 3rd July 08, 02:58 PM

How do I make an "avatar"??

**ardchoille** · 3rd July 08, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Kevo

How do I make an "avatar"??

Fire up your favorite image editor and have fun

I use the GIMP (in Ubuntu Linux) but I suppose any program would be able to do it, maybe Photoshop. I made mine 128x128 pixels and it seems to be the perfect size.