I am on the fence a little here:

I am with you Gee about taking online security seriously and on many fora that I belong to I only include nonspecific personal details.  I never include a photo of me - but that is because I am worried it would break the forum!!!!!  

However, I am in agreement with Susan that an Avatar helps to make individuals recognisable more readily within the forum community (it is easier to recognise than looking for the username) and as such is a part of an online identity. 

So for anyone who is concerned about putting their own picture up here is my solution:

I deliberately choose an Avatar that does not compromise my real life identity but allows me to be readily recognised on the fora I contribute to.  (My Avatar on here is my much missed Otto and I put him up because then I get to see him everyday and that makes me happy; I use him on several other fora too. )

Other people have funnies/cutes for their avatar and yet others are happy to include their portrait.  I don't think Susan's suggestion applies pressure for anyone to do anything that makes them uncomfortable; merely it comes across to me as a suggestion for making the DeskDemon Network more user friendly

On the subject of using real names - this is the only forum where I use my full real name; I do so because I see this as a professional network and so using my name makes sense.  It doesn't compromise my personal safety because I am careful what else I put on the Internet under my real name - again it is a matter of personal choice.

Cathy