I can't seem to get the file size small enough to be able to be uploaded. What is the trick?

Been awhile since I've done one (I'm about due, I'd say) but I remember having to use a jpeg compression of about 4 in Photoshop to get it to work.

Anybody know if an avatar can be hosted at another site (ie: Photobucket) and linked here with just a little more file size?

I had the compression at 0, the resolution at 72ppi and the size down to 80x53 pixels and was still getting a 24k jpeg.

I got it. I copied from Photoshop into "gulp" Paint. For some reason Paint saved as a much smaller file size then PS. Weird but it worked.

If you have PS configured to save a "preview" of your image files, the file size will be proportionally larger. In the case of a thumb size pic like an avatar, saving an additional thumbnail could well double the size...

Thanks, Steve. I'll check my settings.