I consider avatars to be an extention of a person, almost like acting. In real life, a person's "avatar" on a television show can become MORE popular then the actor themselves, and anyone trying to imitate that character/avatar can logically be sued for defimation of character/copyright infringment/etc...
This also has an extention into Everquest and other such MMORPG's. Some of the players of these games are better known IN THE GAME then in real life, they might have a online girlfriend, lots of gold, and be infinitally powerful, when in real life they are a 25 year old nerd living in their parent's basement. Is it right to defame these people's virtual characters when it might cause depression and even suicide (which has happened to EQ players) in real life? I would say it's quite wrong.
Slashdot Mirror
This also has an extention into Everquest and other such MMORPG's. Some of the players of these games are better known IN THE GAME then in real life, they might have a online girlfriend, lots of gold, and be infinitally powerful, when in real life they are a 25 year old nerd living in their parent's basement. Is it right to defame these people's virtual characters when it might cause depression and even suicide (which has happened to EQ players) in real life? I would say it's quite wrong.