Just one teenie thing about uploading to flikr and other photo sharing sites to keep in mind. Many users looking at this site from behind a firewall at their business or place of work may not be able to see them. Many companies employ software to restrict what employees can see on the web and often photo sharing sites are blocked because 'some' of them may contain material that is inappropriate in the work place.
So if you can upload an avatar to a non photo-sharing website this might be better. I offer a standing invite to all IFAS members to host their avatar on my site if you want. Just email your file to me and i'll send you back a URL to use.