As a security measure, we can no longer allow links to avatars from offsite. The graphic that represents your identity must be uploaded to this site, not just linked.
I have uploaded some cute topic-appropriate default avatars, so if you do not upload your own, you'll still have a little graphic that goes with your name. If you see no graphic, that means you had an off-site avatar and you should change it.
Hmmmmm why are some of the avatars and usernames color-coded? I will let you deduce that.
. Let's just say it's a thank-you, if an imperfectly implemented one.