If I were to comment on my own blog, but I did not log on, or otherwise have an avatar, there would be no visual to identify me. In the past, WordPress would show a silhouette of a generic person. A new site feature is the creation of an image, called an identicon, that is unique because it is based on the IP address of the poster. The feature has been implemented on this blog, and you are seeing my identicon.
To complete my research on the subject, I dropped by the blog of the author of the identicon, Don Parks. Over there my identicon was simpler. I don’t know why.
It’s my understanding that it is based on the Email address, not the IP address. I could be wrong though
Hi Nathan. As I understand it, the Identicon is usually the IP address, but it does not have to be. There is a Wikipedia article on the Identicon <<link. So, I have assumed that Identicons at WordPress.com were all generated by the IP address. I see that a plugin for the downloaded and self-hosted blog from WordPress.org will give the user a choice of IP address or email address. WP_Identicon <<link.
WordPress definitely bases Identicons on email addresses.
I would prefer if it used IP addresses, since it would be a bit easier to tell if someone was posting under multiple names.
Well, which is it? does it really matter? It’s different and that fascinates techies like me.
I wonder…
It’s the email address for sure.
It’s some sort of random graphic based on, or in response to your email address, but your IP address figures into the equation too… If you make multiple comments, with different email addresses it will delete your previous comments and also change the Identicon based on the the email address.
ok, these colored graphics for “Identicon (Generated)” like Tims’s are showing in the comments admin section, but not showing for users comments in my blog?!! it still shows the Gravatar default image?! i am using WordPress version 2.7.1 self hosted.