This is a reeeaaally interesting thread.
First of all, kudos to AverRal for starting something like this. It is true that female musicians are pretty underrated here (and pretty much everywhere). This would at least being some attention over to them.
However, as a female musician myself I don't really think this is the way to do it. Even if the sad truth is that the music market of today largely caters to the package instead of the music itself, is it wise to choose to follow it? This is where the term 'sellout' comes in - where you cater yourself to the market.
Where 'advertising' comes in, it all boils down to who you want to portray yourself as. Another hot chick who apparently plays music, or a talented player/singer who just happens to be a hot chick? If one were to only put pictures of herself up as a form of self-promotion as a musician, she might get noticed, but it is more likely that people will buy her album because they're thinking 'hey, hot chick! hahaha should be at least decent lah. at least not good still got pictures'.
Why not put up demos instead? It is realllllly obvious that if you were to post in the Open Mic part of the forum with the indication of a female persona in the thread title, you'd definitely get more replies and more interest. Firstly it's because of gender, and we all know which gender makes up most of this forum. Then there's that curiosity - 'A female player/singer? That's something we don't see everyday here, should check it out.' If you're good, those who take a listen notice your music more than your looks. You have the advantage as a female in garnering starting interest from fellow musicians - interest in your music. Then they'd know that you're not just a girl trying to make music - can they even? - they'd know you have substance.
Putting pictures up will get you attention, that's undeniable - especially if you know you're good looking. But is it the kind that you would have in mind? 'Hey, she looks quite hot, should be nice to screw. Especially with that guitar/bass/mic with her. Hmmmmm.' Is this any different from selling sex?
It's pretty much a fact that you'd get more attention as a female. It's like some sort of push-up bra - you get the auto boost in the market without even having to do anything, as compared to guys. It's quite sad that gender plays such a huge role in this(sorry guys, we all know that's true), but you're lucky enough to be on the advantaged side. Use it right.
