Consideration In Posting
Seriously guys. Read this. Please?
Bumped, cause I feel this needs to be heard again. I know this is a long entry, but it was very hard to try to squeeze this important subject any shorter. This is so much more important I think, than those silly random blog entries. Please take your time to read this.
As of the past few weeks, I’ve finally have found time to go around the art forum and really devote some time to it. But, there is something I’d like to talk about. First, this really has nothing to do with me. Though, I am very much concerned about the well being of other artists...or well, anyone who works on creative stuff (writing, MoCing, etc). Before I start this lecture, I may state this is just out of opinions and I am not trying to challenge the ‘look and leave’ issue. You have a right to post where you want or when to just look and leave. And for another thing, if you don’t even go to GA, please don’t feel pressured to do this. Nevertheless this issue has been bugging me for some time.
When I joined [2005] and made my first art topic, I got a lot of nice posts. It wasn’t a big hot topic, but people were kind enough to really encourage my art on BZP, by friendly critique or just a simple comment. Without those people who did that, you probably would not see as much art as I do today. Maybe I could be wrong, but I felt back then artists felt more respected. I’m not saying as in any sort of popularity, but simply they got decent posts and just some sense of reverence. I think this problem has always been around and I may sound like I'm exaggerating the issue...but still, bear with me.
It seems more people squander time with the people who really don’t try with art and then the people who truly strive don’t get much attention at all. These counts with both the talented artists and the new ones who are struggling to learn and improve. I’m not trying to be mean to certain people; but really, it’s getting a bit ridiculous. What you do could greatly affect a person’s esteem about art, MoCing, writing, or any other creative activities. If you rather want to post and comment about a five minute MSPaint drawing, that’s fine I guess. Just try to be a bit considerate to the artists who work hard or at least wanting to get better. They are the ones you should focus at and give care.
Also, when I begin to notice our veterans and popular artists are not getting decent posts anymore…we have a problem.
I’d like to clearly address the type of artists you should regard:
- The Newbies: Just because a drawing may not be up to standards of marvelous talent doesn’t mean the artists is lazy and purposely terrible. People don’t become artists in one day; it takes years and years of never-ending practice. So if you see a person who said they are working hard on something and they are not getting many posts—do them a favor and help them out. Just because their art may not be as talented doesn’t makes them lazy or terrible, they just need help and practice.
Remember this important quote Hahli Husky posted in her blog awhile back: "Good artists are the terrible artists who never gave up."
- Veteran Artists: Now, the larger artists on BZP (I feel) have just as much trouble surprisingly. Sure their art may be awesome, but if they continue not to get any comments and encouragement, they slow on their art or stop all together. They feel their art isn’t good enough or it’s a waste of time to bother showing the art here. Our fellow BZP artists work HARD on their art for their enjoyment and to entertain you guys—you could at least repay by giving them by a friendly comment or review.
[Note: I seem to keep contradicting myself, but even though I said give focus to the people who put a lot of effort in their art (This is the top priority), there isn’t anything wrong with commenting a drawing someone drew quickly. I and other artists have drawn quickies that we are proud of, or possibly a draft/WIP that the artist needs opinions on. Either way, just try your best to tell when someone needs a comment, and when it does best to ignore some of the imprudent ones.]
To the people who will tell me “Well I can’t give good reviews” or “I’m not good at pointing out critique”… that’s okay. I know I may sound a bit contradicting to Nikira’s ‘How To Review’, but don’t feel pressured to give the artists an amazing review. As long as you don’t sound immature, rude, or spammy, you should be fine. While most artists appreciate long reviews, they still should understanding toward the members with less of the flair to give a long review. All the artists wants is help on improvement and just to know he/she is noticed. No matter, still try your best at reviewing though. (Read Nikira's review help for how-to)
Now I may be confusing the meaning of this a bit. It’s true most people seek attention, but in a humble sense I don’t mean they want to get bragged on or feel all conceited (Even though we still enjoy a good ole' ego boost). Simply put, what if you worked really hard on something, posted, and then no one commented? It hurts, doesn’t it? We can never really cleanse this issue away from BZP, but you can help just a bit by encouraging a friend time to time or thinking twice before you post somewhere. Where you could be posting in a large GD topic where most posts are ignored, you could give a just as quick comment in the art, writing or MoC section and really encourage a member in their work.
And hey, if you start to take the time to comment other peoples work; your chances will double about receiving more comments in your own topics. Speaking of which, if someone gives you a nice review in your topic, return the favor if you can and review something of theirs. It's a nice thing to do.
I just felt this needed to be pointed out. I’m not pressuring people to post or make you feel guilty. In fact if you’re not really into the whole creative division, don’t worry about it. But this is focused toward the people who do go there or are getting back there. In no way am I trying to be impolite; I’d just like people to understand this problem.
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