Hi everyone, So here's what I've got on my mind today. You know how a lot of folks have a picture of themselves on their blog or even on their sales/squeeze pages? As you probably know, that's not because they think they look super sexy in the mirror* -- it's because sharing a personal photograph is a great way of building trust with your audience. It's the marketing equivalent of saying, "Hey, I'm not just some faceless schlub on the internet, I'm a real person! You can trust me!" * Note: depending on what you're selling, being incredibly good looking can actually be a detriment. For example, say you're hocking one of those pickup artist guides for men - the uglier the guy is, the better (since visitors will think, "wow, this guy really must have a secret! look at him, he's a gargoyle!"). On the other hand, if the person selling this product is a blue-eyed, strong-jawed ex-Ambercrombie and Fitch model... you get the idea. Anyway, it's clear enough that using a photograph of yourself has recognizable marketing benefits. Except it would be pretty naïve to think that everyone uses their real photo. I can assure you, they do not. More likely, they've licensed some stock photography or paid a model (a tiny fee) for the rights to use their picture. So here's my questions: How do you feel about this? What do you think the ethical ramifications are, if any? Do you have any thoughts to share regarding possible legal issues that could arise from this practice? So, Here's How I Feel About It... Note that I said "feel", as in a personal or emotional response. I'll be honest with you... after years of following and playing in the internet marketing arena, I'm basically dead inside. I view everything with a cynical, skeptical eye. For me personally, pictures do absolutely nothing to increase/decrease trust. I only care about the quality of the product or blog or whatever the person is doing. As for the use of "fake" pictures, I don't personally think there's anything wrong with it. It's not much different than using a pen name. Furthermore, I can relate. I don't want my picture plastered all over the internet -- I grew up during a time when the rule of thumb was that everyone on the internet probably wanted to rape and/or murder you. The idea of sharing your picture or, heaven forbid, your phone number on the internet was nuts. There was no Facebook, no Skype, no Google Earth (hell, there was no Google at all). Obviously, times have changed, but that doesn't mean that I want to attach my photo to an article titled 7 Dirty Secrets To Lose Your Baby Fat in 30 Days! or whatever (even IF the quality of the content is good). A Funny Story Did you think I forgot that I had promised a funny story? Some of you probably saw this a few years back, but for those of you who haven't, you'll probably get a real kick out of it. I remember when this story came out and it still gives me a good chuckle. Can you imagine that? Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter. What do you think about using stock or model photography for "personal" pictures?