Dorman Downer or Smilin' Todd?

I received this e-mail from reader Jim Mead Thursday morning:

Todd,

I finally figured out why I so often skip your column. It's your picture! I look at your face and think oh, it's going to be a column about how the world is going to hell in a handbasket and there's nothing we can do about it. And then I'm pleasantly surprised when I do read a column that you do have a sense of humor and a sense of proportion. You need a new picture, one in which you look happy, or mildly amused, or something. You'll figure it out.

Cheers,

Jim Mead

I can't say I disagree, Jim. Although clearly, judging by the sheer size of my large head, proportion has been a lifelong problem. But thanks, I think.

It's true, my column photo does look a bit dour, as if I've just watched someone kick my dog or thoughtlessly grab my last beer. Perhaps I do need a more positive, sunny image, a la John Tesh.

It's a conundrum. I'm interested in feedback from you, the reader. Does my photo depress you? Would your life be just a little brighter if Smilin' Todd replaced Dorman Downer?

I'm waiting for your verdict.