A pet peeve

As serious, earth-shaking, life-or-death issues go, this problem is pretty low on the list. But it bugs me all the same.

Does the picture of the presenter in your conference program ever look like this?

But in person, look like this?

To conference presenters everywhere, please update your professional photo every ten years. We were all pretty cute 20 years ago.

Now I have a different problem. I have a high-maintenance apperance:

and a low-maintenance look for easy summer living on the lake, on bike rides, and when the airlines ban hair gel and shaving cream in carry-on luggage:

I am thinking of asking that conference organizers put a disclaimer by my photo, "This presenter may have gotten sick and tired of shaving and combing his hair and might just be appearing in his low maintenance mode. You've been warned."

With spring teasing Minnesota with its presence, my whiskers are starting to grow back...

Comments

[Alice Yucht]

FWIW, I prefer the informal picture of you. I'd rather see a presenter who seems approachable and even (gasp) human, rather than a pontificating 'suit.'

[Chris Lehmann]

The beard is a good look for you.

[Sara Kelly Johns]

perhaps you can post seasonal pictures for download from your website, like, "If Doug is presenting in the Summer, this picture will be more accurate" <grin>

[Doug Johnson]

Thank you, Alice. When I was going with a woman who had a business background, she would take me to task for wearing tweedish sports coats instead of business suits when giving talks. I tried to explain that approachability was the goal.

And Chris, I only wish my beard grew in "colored" instead of white. Vanity is a horrible thing...

Doug

[lbehen]

I love the "real" look--stick with it all year round. I think the first photo looks like an evangelical TV minister. I'd buy a used car from the second guy but not the first.