Pandamonium: Avatars come to Houstonist

Hey, registered Houstonist commenters: You now have avatars! If you have a profile (and if you don't yet, why not register?), just go to "Edit Profile" and upload a 100 x 100 pixel image. Then try commenting (on this post!) and bask in the glory of our ever-improving commenting system.

For now, the default avatar for registered commenters across the Gothamist network is a baby panda — and no, it's not clear why, though we have to admit that it's pretty darn cute. Still, you'll probably want to change it to ... you know, whatever. Maybe a vintage photo of former Mayor Kathy Whitmire? Or, for that matter, a shot of Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie? Oh, wait — same thing.

The avatars are the latest step in improving our comment system: By the end of the month, it'll be registration-only, but your commenting profiles will be much more customizable. We really hope you'll decide to take part by spending a few seconds registering your profile.

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Photo: the Oregon Zoo