I don't want to be curt but the fact is - and I know it is utterly shallow - that I won't change my kind of membership if the first thing I get is a clowny crown or a fake diamond next to my handle.

Maybe premium members could :

- decide to show or not any typical sign

- make their choice among classy and *discreet* signs ; the gold star is just okay

As it is my only reproach to this fantastic site, keep up the good work!

JC

I would prefer a waffle iron for premium members.

noted :) maybe we'll let people change their own icons in the future!

Have a little 'Toronto Maple Leafs' logo as Diamond instead! :P.

Can I get the word "PRETENTIOUS" next to my name in a soft, shifting chromatic glow?

I would think just the opposite. If it is a site mandated symbol, no one will think anything about you for having it. But if you get to choose your own symbol, now you've opened yourself up to looking silly.

No one is going to think anything of the "clowny" symbol by your name if they've been on the site for any length of time because they'll be seeing it everywhere. It will look normal. But, if you choose your own symbol, it has a good chance of looking goofy.

I like the idea of a standardized symbol, you know where you are then, at a glance. The avatar allows each of us to state our individuality.

I like my gold star - it's like Eric giving me a pat on the head and a "good job, kid" after a hard-played chess game!

I like my gem. Its odd, because I don't understand why I've been upgraded to diamond when a lot of other people stayed at platinum?

Why not rename the levels King (Diamond), Queen (Platinum), Rook/Knight/Bishop (Gold), and pawn (Free).  Then, for the icon, just put a little icon of whatever "piece" they are next to their name.   

Isn't that just a second avatar? 

But while we're on the subject, I think lifetime diamond members' diamonds should sparkle or glow or something.  That would be GREAT.

(Kidding!... mostly) 

Nice!

Great suggestion - keeps it chess-related.

Wouldn't the Queen be a little crown anyway? lol 

I quite like the little icons, but in any event it's a pretty minor issue anyway.

Well, it's minor to me too, but i just thought it would be cool.  Plus I figured you could use the same icons as the board icons, so it'd be slightly different.

I like my gold star alot.  but a waffle iron would be okay.

a waffle iron would be great, but an electric hand mixer, though granted slightly more pretentious, even better.