Many people are not using avatars because of the size restriction and/or not knowing what to do. An avatar helps to easily distinguish between people, when reading posts.
User Control Panel » Profile » Edit avatarFFR has generic
"Gallery" avatars, for a simple quick choice. (Choose from 7 categories)
Avatars are restricted to a maximum size of 100px by 100px.
This is one example site, that will help you do this, if you do not have photo editing software:
http://www.shrinkpictures.com/Steps 1,2&5 are all that is required.
If people are really having difficulty, just post your image here, and someone will help you.