Why can't I change my display picture? It just has this stupid exclamation mark now?

[Fiery Phoenix]

I was able to change my Avatar picture just fine yesterday. But I tried to change it today, and it refuses to change to anything but this stupid purple exclamation point.

Why can't I change my picture so it will display?
I actually figured out how to do it, but will still give a best answer. Thanks!

[Barkley Hound]

READ STEP 1 !!!

Your avatar can be a cartoon or a photo. You can also use your Facebook or Twitter avatar. For an animated gif you should make it your Twitter avatar first.

STEP 1.
In order for your avatar to appear you must make your Yahoo Profile visible. That is done here:
http://profile.yahoo.com/y/settings/privacy/
There is no reason to hide your profile. Nothing appears unless you enter it and turn a switch on. The name can be anything you want.

STEP 2.
If you want to use your Facebook or Twitter avatar be sure to link the sites in the Profile options.
http://profile.yahoo.com/y/settings/linked-accounts/

STEP 3.
To create a cartoon avatar first go to http://avatars.yahoo.com and create one.

STEP 4.
Click on the default avatar in Y!A and select "edit my preferences".
[shortcut: http://answers.yahoo.com/my-activity/edit/about ]
Click on "update photo or avatar" and a small window will open.
You can select the cartoon, Facebook, or Twitter avatar or upload your own photo.
After clicking "use selected photo" be sure to click "submit".
The same photo will appear in the Yahoo Profile.

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