I thought your “puppies” referred to 3 kids.
Nrdsb4, took me ridiculously long to realize that poster had spelled her name backwards.
I agree there are some posters we can id by their first few words.
I didn’t want a name colleagues could recognize me from, somehow put 2 + 2 together. I still sometimes hold back on what I say that could make me or my girls too obvious, though I’ve spilled a lot, over the years.
With the “new” CC it’s sometimes difficult to know if the person is a guy/gal/student/parent. I don’t think there is any bias with poster names. I do wish they still had that out there though because I’ve made the mistake of thinking I was PMing a mom and it was a dad.
People think I’m a guy. Not sure if that helps or hurts. Garland is actually an old family name from generations back. And I like dolphins.
I’ve sometimes wondered if my confuzzled-looking South Park avatar colors replies. But yeah, that’s pretty much how I look. I’m thinking about switching when D17 chooses her school.
I mostly hang out in parent areas and I must admit I default to thinking everyone is a mom unless they say otherwise.
I doubt I have to say I’m not a mom. I’m also not 21 with a ponytail any more. Oh, 1974. Where did you go?
I pay little or no attention to the names people choose. I pay attention based on whether I have come to trust & respect (or vice versa) the person’s opinions.
What do you think the ratio is here of moms to dads? My guess would be about 2 to 1.
I think it’s likely 80% female, but could be wrong.
Very enlightening and funny thread! My avatar is a sculpture in Mexico City.
People assume I am a guy. Its kinda funny.
Ha ha. Should we start a guessing game?
Pretty sure @TomSrOfBoston is a guy. About as sure that @romanigypsyeyes and @doschicos are female. @skieurope? Not sure. Those are the only names that pop into my mind right now. Oh, there’s also @mamaedefamilia. Female, unless she’s been messing with us.
Yes, female.
I though @doschicos was male for the longest time.
People assume I am male. They also assume I am into cats. One of these is true! Haha.
B-)
There is one user here who I’m blanking on, but I noticed her avatar because – even though she changes it sometimes, it’s always a photo of guinea pigs in one form or another. I noticed Right Coaster when he switched his avatar to a map of the northeast too. And @snoozn – how funny, swear to God I was just thinking about how much I love your name the other day!
As for me, well, Jen was taken, JenJen too, and so here I am. One of a thousands Jennifers; story of my life.
" I noticed her avatar because – even though she changes it sometimes, it’s always a photo of guinea pigs in one form or another."
@intparent! Who is still sporting her Olympic guinea pig look. 
@doschicos Thanks!! I wonder if you say her name three times, if she’ll show up like Beetlejuice.
We’ll find out soon. 
I selected my username because I work with higher ed data. Several years ago in my son’s school forum, a very argumentative poster assumed I was gay - read my username as college_queer I guess? The poster made some very derogative comments to me based on (his or her?) assumption.
Interesting query…
I like when people have their owned customized avatars… it’s an easy way to identify a person. And it is even fun to see when someone goes for a change. It is easy to make assumptions whether someone is a mom, dad etc. but it usually becomes clear through postings over time what the relationships are.
When I chose my avatar and user name I didn’t give it much thought… I just thought they were upbeat and cute.
These things do effect how you are responded to. It is helpful for people to know this at the start. Thank you @PNWedwonk for posting.
I am here! I do love guinea pigs, and also happen to like to swim, so kept the swimmers after the Olympics were over. Although a recent shoulder problem has kept me out of the pool, and I am starting to resemble those potato shaped piggies all too closely. $-)