Gravatar just doesn't work >:(

I have absolutely no clue how to install gravatars in Wordpress. I've followed all of the instructions - successfully installed the plugin, then inserted this code:

<?php gravatar(); ?>

Code (markup):

...in my comments.php section (in multiple areas, for trial and error reasons) and all it does is post a long URL as text on the live site, that looks like this:

http://www.gravatar.com/avatar.php?gravatar_id=d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e

Code (markup):

any insight about what this problem might be? I've given up on it

 

I've not used Gravatar before, so probably can't help. However, if you haven't already tried it, I suggest the 'MyAvatars' Plugin for WordPress. A lot of people with blogs have a MyBlogLog profile, and it might even support Gravatars too.

 

thanks - I'll try it out tonight. There's just one last thing I want to try - I read a website that said you have to wrap the gravatar code within Image tags. I dont know why Gravatar's site can't just explain how to do this in detail...

 

Can anyone explain what gravatars?

 

Gravatars are those little square shaped icons that appear next to the comments you make on a Wordpress blog. You have to create a free account and upload an "avatar", and it will appear next to any comment on any blog.