RFC HN: Distributed Avatars

Hi Hacker News,

I've noticed that more and more sites are using gravatars for user pictures (github for example). I like the idea of a globally available image tied to an email, but I don't like the fact that you are tied to the gravatar system (single point of failure).

I'd like to propose an alternative, and would love your feedback.

Gravatar associates a url based on the md5 hash of an email - instead I'd like to propose that the domain within the email address, combined with the prefix be used to generate a url. ie bob@test.com could be associated with the avatar at test.com/avatars/bob.jpg

It seems that only a few big email providers would have to get on board with this for the majority of people to have such an avatar. And people such a myself who have concerns about owning their online profile can control their avatar by using an email connected to their own domain.

What are peoples thoughts on the matter?