On: Why did Usenet fail?

[iso1631]

> How can I focus on a threaded conversation if I can't visually see the difference between the participants? Quickly looking at an avatar is easier than reading an email address.

You post this on a threaded discussion forum without avatars, one you've frequented for a decade

[edent → iso1631]

Yes - and I find it rather tedious. Why do you think that every other major SN has avatar images? It's because most users find it a better experience.

I also have my own CSS for HN which makes it much more pleasant (for me) and I I've started using https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30668137

[johannes1234321 → edent]

The nice thing about Usenet: It's an open stadard and clients could show avatars.

For one simple generic blobs generated based on the sender's address, using some service like gravatar or X-Face header.

[mr_mitm → edent]

You could have your Usenet client to the same thing. Generate some sort of image out of the email address.

[lanstin → iso1631]

On hacker news I mostly never look at the usernames. It is all just hive mind. Unless someone is claiming to have won a famous math contest or something. Or if I am really mad at a post, I might look for additional context in their posting history.