Quote Originally Posted by Tempestv
it all depends- first impressions are not built just around the avatar. the user name, sig, and the first couple posts that you read all make a difference. this means that first impressions can be different just because of what posts a user read first.
I agree. So in essence you may like someone, or dislike them based simply on the coincidence of which few of their posts you happen to read first. Allied to the other factors you mentioned obviously.

Which may then lead to you putting a negative spin on subsequent posts. Thus re-inforcing your opinion of the author.