My train of thought when I joined was having to live in a world where I am always being judged whether its the type of job I have, the car I drive, my age, my ethnicity, or whatever else I come into this site thinking I can be somewhere without having any judgement on me. Also knowing before that one of the rules was no racism or hate speech led me a little more to this idea. Having that question as the first thing I see without knowing how else it is going to be used besides the avatar is what caused me some discomfort.

Drunkenninja made an analogy comparing this situation to an online game character that you choose which isn't bad considering the leveling xp points that is here which I like but I see that situation as you are judged on more or less how good you are at the game. I think it is different when you are just communicating with others. I would have felt better if I had the option to stay anonymous right when I sign up then after I get familiar with the site then I would change it.

Also the female avatar is a little different than ours if you were wondering where you could see the difference.