While an Avatar is not a requirement, I am going to do my part to encourage the use of an Avatar by not replying to anyone who doesn't have an Avatar unless they are asking how to add an Avatar.
Some people do not know how to upload one, like Joy Martin, and maybe new people. Maybe you can make some kind of generic avatar for those people, like you do for the ones who have passed away (not RIP, of course). Then, if they do not like the generic one, they can change it to something they like, and that way everyone will have some kind of avatar, @Ken Anderson . You are welcome to “borrow” my Llama avatar for the generic one…….
I have offered to create an Avatar for anyone who doesn't know how. All they have to do is give me an idea of what they'd like to have as an Avatar, and it will take me only a few minutes to do it, whether it's an image, an AI-generated fake photo, or something else. Several people have taken me up on that. I won't punish anyone who doesn't have an Avatar; I will simply not acknowledge them in forum discussions. A generic image wouldn't help to differentiate members from one another.
If you were in a room filled with people who all look the same, you'd probably have trouble following a conversation. Avatars help to differentiate one member from another, thus facilitating discussion.
My problem is, I get used to seeing familiar "faces." When someone changes their avatar I don't recognize them for a while.
Just to let everyone know, yes I deleted mine, but will be putting on another. Just have to find the right one now. LOL
Well, hurry up and look, @Cody Fousnaugh ; I always enjoy your avatars and miss them when you are in the middle of making a change.