Wouldn't the simplest idea be to simply store the picture in the user table itself?
The user simply (as now) set up a URL to where the picture can be found. But then when the changes are saved, wwwthreads goes out and fetches the image from that location and store it directly into the user table, perhaps after moderator or administrator approval. This way the image is always there for display, and the preferences dialog could include a button to remove the image.
Anyone?
Yours,
<font color=red>Per Gøtterup</font color=red>
System Administrator, NetGroup A/S