Yes, it is normal. Simply because our frame of reference is based upon visualizing others, which stems from human nature. We identify others based upon their physical appearance.

I think there are 2 places we get these 'images': 1. Well the most obvious one would be people's avatars. On mine you can kinda see what I look like but not really =P. http://www.answerbag.com/profile.php?id=37582 Others like nick: http://www.answerbag.com/profile.php?id=74610 he posted what is, i'm guessing , his actual picture. LadyFuschia's avatar is pink and says 'tease' on it. So I picture her being young, lively, fun etc. (although idk if this is the truth hehe) http://www.answerbag.com/profile.php?id=40282 1. The way people type is another thing that helps us visualize other internet users. -People who put these in their answers: :), =), (O:, XD.. I tend to think of them as a smiling kind of person with a friendly face. -You can always tell when a user is young or is a teen. Some users ask questions as if dey r sendin a txt msg. Other times they use words like "dude" or "man". -There are alot of older users on this site too. They tend to compose very thorough and insightful answers. They also throw in a witty joke here and there. Anyway, I feel like I've been rambling on. I hope I answered it right lol. Oh, and I almost forgot: =)

Funny you should ask this question. i emailed joel and asked if we could post a postage-size photo of each other, if we wanted to. no reply. Maybe, some of the answerbag users are wanted criminals. posting a photo would surely be detrimental to their future. Anyway, i believe its a good idea. in my mind, i can picture what an answerbag responder, looks like. its never what one imagined.

Of course. For instances, according to some of your questions/answers, and avatar I imagine you are very skinny, white, and have shoulder length black hair. I know I am probably very wrong.

Of course that's perfectly normal. In fact most I already have preconceived notions on all of you.