Unfortunately, the email gives no indication as to whether they intend to simply make new skins and clothes and hair and stuff, or if this is part of an actual redesign of the avatars themselves. Now that’s what I’d REALLY like to see.

For the amount spent on that idiocy, there damn well better be some good looking avatars.

Dunno about the default avatar issue. Making better defaults just means more clones running around. Sure, the clones will have a different look - but they’ll still be clones.

I honestly think that capitalism works here. There are enough content creators around to allow customization of avatars. I don’t see how raising the bar does much other than outdate some of the freebie skins/shapes out there that are already overused (creating Newer Looking Clones).

The way I see it - an avatar represents how a person approaches SL. If I see someone who looks like a clone, I assume that they have no attachment to their avatar. It is the character that is important. I mean, I’ve seen people who wandered around with prims on their head as a statement - and that’s cool. That demonstrates some individuality.

I’m obviously biased. But here’s a thought: people could actually design their basic avatar on a website (which is less intimidating for new users) instead of within Second Life. When they get inworld, they can tweak it - but allowing website design of an avatar makes… sense.

Also when you register via the CSI:NY thingy, you get better clothed and better hairdressed avatars as well.