Hi to all you fellow Bryce renderers. I'm in a bit of a hard time, because this war seems to have drained me of all my inspiration. I put together my first 2D image ever to express my feelings, and commented on various images concerning this subject. So, I'm against this war and its motives, IMO, are futile. But, please, this is my opinion. I tend not to be offensive in any way, and I manage to do it almost always. So, why I have to be labeled "terrorist" or "Jihad islamic supporter" when I comment an image? Also, I'm an atheist, and when I wanted (and really wanted to, believe me!) pray for the victims of this war, my words were clumsy. So, why I have to read "Doublecrash, if your don't believe in God, then I'm sure you will burn in hell"? In these months here, I made many friends who are Americans, and many of them have relatives fighting right now. Why can't I express my solidarity to them and, at the same time, assert my personal convinctions and ideas against this war without being attacked (not by the abovementioned friends, of course, but by others)? I felt so offended by this blind patriotic madness that I was on the verge to report the attacks to the Admins. Then I thought better. These are sad and hard times, so let be it... and I decided to post this message in this forum, because here I feel like family, you know what I mean. It's not properly a message, I don't know what it is. No need to say I'm not a terrorist. And, being an atheist, I could hardly give any support to any Jihad whatsoever. I'm a writer and a Bryce hobbyist, my ideas are surely abscribable to left-wing, but that's all. I don't know why I posted this. I felt the urge to write it down to my fellow Brycers. I saw images (not mine) ranked badly because of the idea they expressed. This is not fair. People are dying right now. I don't care if they are US, UK, or Iraqis. They are lives, and they are dying. I believe we should think about this before posting any comment... and I'm sure our comments, then, would be way more measured. Sorry for the rambling. Stefano

I'm also part of the www.taldren.com boards, the creators of Star Fleet Command game. You think you all called terrorist lover here don't go there though it has cooled down some. Both sides are hot in the debate and those that instantly label you do so because they can't debate (which the comments sections really aren't a good place to do it anyway) which is why I usually hold my typing on those images. Personally I think this war was unavoidable, not because of Bush and the US but because Saddam was never going to give in to the UN. He would never step down or disarm, he would continue to do what he has done in the past 12 years...stall. We should never have stopped in '91, we are now finishing what was started and technically never stopped. The fighting has been going on for the past 12 years, Saddam needed to go and the military has been very careful not to involve the civilians in this one. From the way things are going so far it's not going to last long and the Iraqi army will be surrendering soon.

Very strong feelings on both sides of the fence with this issue. Both sides have some very strong points. My biggest fear is that Iran and Turkey are going to jump in...

Hi DC, Im sad to hear that some people offended you, primary because we have a Graphic Artists Community and most of the people here to want enjoy the art or post their own, and not to see any offensive messages and secondly because you are a nice guy that encourages a lot of people including myself. I believe in God, but Im not a religious person; I despise any fanatics from any side. The last image of Dhurak was simply offensive. You probably didnt realize it because it didnt affect you. Here is my last comment: It doesnt matter if the person is for the war or against. The message could be offensive or not. For example a tribute is not offensive, even if sometimes it caries a message, that others will not agree with. Using another countrys flag in this context could and will provoke people; therefore it is offensive. I wouldn't like this gallery to turn in to a political arena... When some people have there ideas set on something personal it could be dangerous, I mean we dont want to have a war over here at Renderosity. Usually I dont comment on images with a political message, but I think people shouldnt cross the line. P.S. Turkey jumped in already Joe

I've seen some of the comments directed at those who have made a statement of support, regardless of who's supported and how it's stated. Some are downright hateful. All I can say Stefano, is try not to take it personally. Your feelings are your own and they're neither right or wrong...they just are. I've always found your posts to be kind and reasonable. Just in that, you've exhibited more caring than those who are willing to flame so quickly. I agree with Aldaron in that I think this is inevitable. I don't know if it's the right way to go about things, but I don't know if there's any way that's right. I simply have to hope for the best and to have compassion enough to try to help pick up the pieces when all this is over. The way I look at your expressing yourself is that, yes, you may make some flamers come out of the woodwork, but if you have a positive influence on just one person, then you've made the world a better place for them. And that's worth it. I'm sorry some small-minded hotheads couldn't have enough understanding to know that it's ok to agree to disagree and made you feel like this. I'm glad you posted here. Susan

Don't let the comments bother you, Stefano. Everyone has views on the war (and religion) and some are assholes about it. I happen to agree 100% with the war in Iraq, but I would never slam someone who is against it. I respect the views of others and I hope they will in return respect mine. But since this doesn't always happen, I never post political images, nor do I comment on them (I did once). Just my 2 cents. By the way, I'm with you on religion. The only thing I pray for is shorter renders ;-) Doug

Stefano, we can "burn in hell" together! I dont believe in either God or Religion, and im also against the war. Everyone has a right to his own opinion, without having to be jumped upon. Some people unfortunatly just dont understand that. Dont let them bother you!

Sorry Doublecrash. People can be so unreasonable, immature, etc. You should, of course, be able to express your views without being condemned to eternal damnation by the Allmighty "StoneyZ". Just keep saying what you need to say

Stefano, Sharing is one thing we do have in the time we are here. Resistance begets resistance, so if others taunt or provoke, consider they understand no other way of expressing their frustration or need for knowledge and understanding, and they just might in some primative way find an answer, maybe not. So be it. Please do not take it to heart. Language is only a tool to express ones reality. My reality is mine and mine alone. When I leave I take it with me. If I express it here and someone actually listens, maybe it will become part of their reality, which in my mind is really cool, (as my son would say, "gives me props") and leaves a legacy of my reality here. Hopefully it will make a difference in someones life. What truly breaks my heart is the loss of life, any, and I have not as of yet been able to substantiate a definitive power. In essence, Share away, I'll listen, and maybe it will impact me enough to share also. :from a fellow human Rod

Thank you all. Really. I wrote this post yesterday night because I really felt frustrated for this. And... er, blush, I did it in the Bryce Forum because I was sure no flame would came out of my post, hoping to be soothed (not the right English word, but the one I have in mind escapes me right now) somewhat by you fellow Brycers. I was right. So, thanks a lot. Stefano PS: Treemont, I saw and answered to your comment on the image you're talking about, but it wasn't you that I referred to when I talked about unfair rankings. I should say mostly this is happening outside the Bryce gallery [a coincidence? nah... :)] We disagree on our views of that picture, but your comment was more than fair, you absolutely didn't insult anyone. S.

Dude...if you not against him.....meaning "God" then your with him...one way or the other it will come out in the wash ...so a "True" Christian or Believer will know this and not worry about wether or not you are under a label of Christinaity or Muslim or whatever...A true believer is paient and kind..slow to wrath and understanding...It will all come out in the end ...God isn't going to care what "Religion" your in or not in...all he looks at is your heart...and the hearts of all. Peace and as it states in the last few sentences in the Bilbe... "He that is unjust,let him be unjust still.He that is holy,let him be holy still." and the Beatles...Live and let die :)

Stefano, You have to remember that America was born out of bloodshed and violence, since the first European settlers came to these shores and started killing the native inhabitants in order to take their land. Born of bloodshed and doomed to perish in bloodshed ... something the native Americans will tell you. The history books are full of fallen civilizations whos leaders felt that wars were the only way to get what they thought they deserved. Ours will someday be written on those very same pages. My opinion, Dave

Well my Italian friend, You certainly don't choose small topics do you? Religion, politics, and war...my, my. I am not anti-war, I believe it is a necessary evil at times, though I am not sure where I stood on this one. I say "stood" because now that it has begun I believe it is my duty to support my countries leadership. I also have not yet heard a good argument against the war that was anything more than emotional. No offense intended to anyone with that comment...I just have not been presented with a rational argument, yet. As to religion, having been a pastor for close to ten some odd years in my previous career, it saddens me to hear someone claim to be an athiest. And, while I certainly respect your point of view I would hope you could appreciate mine as well: If we were both on a ship that was going to sink, like the Titanic, and I KNEW it was going to sink, and I KNEW where the lifeboats were. And if you kept trying to tell me you didn't believe the ship was sinking or that life boats were not necessary...would you fault me for trying to save you from what I KNEW was certain death? In truth I would be somewhat less of a friend if I did NOT try to tell you help you understand what I knew to be true. I have little tolerance for those who sling phrases like, "You're going to burn in hell", whether it is true or not from their point of view. As a Christian, God has called, no, commanded that I love people. I can't do that effectively without telling them what I know to be true. Not by slamming them or flaming them but by coming alongside and being willing to engage in meaningful dialogue the sole purpose of which is to arrive at an understanding of what is true. I love religious/philosophical debate..it is like food. Sorry for the soap box, but you started it. :) -Curtis

http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,919627,00.html Important paragraph is the 5th one http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030321-023627-5923r IMO this is the reason this war is needed.

I'm unsure what has happened here, must have missed something, but for someone to flame you Stefano is unbelievable. You have always been, in my opinion, a level headed, decent man and I feel from the way you write, a gentleman. I personally don't agree with this war but it's because of the loss of life, all life, any life. I would have prefered if talk had continued, it may have eventually led to the removal of Saddam, maybe not, but they should have continued to try. As for religion, I do not believe in the churches, I believe there is something out there but I have no faith in the corrupt doctrin of most official religions. Man is basically corrupt therefore since the churches are created by man, they too must be corrupt. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and it doesn't matter if they are right or wrong, it is their opinion and no one has the right to negate what you believe as long as no harm comes to others because of your beliefs. Just my 2 eurocents. Peace to all Cat

Claymor, I appreciate your intervention. I feel it's better not to enter into this safeboat thing you pulled out, because we could go on for centuries... :) Same for Aldaron. I didn't intend to pull a thread about war and anti-war, so excuse me if I don't begin a discussion on the reasons to be pro or con. Mine was really anything more than a way to vent off some of my frustration in receiving such inflamed feedback (and I want to repeat again that I didn't receive any of this from any fellow Brycer belonging to this forum and/or the Bryce gallery). Now, at a coupl'a days' distance, I deleted the incriminated IMs and I'm way cooler than the other day about it :), and this mostly because of your comprehension and support [special smiling thanks to Rochr who sacrificed himself to burn in hell along with me! LOL!]. I'm also glad that I didn't contact the admins for this: as I said, these are hard times, and as always with a war involved, often people lose their common sense and the sense of measure (on both sides). So, thanx again to all. Now I really feel better. I even found again the inspiration to complete the challenge pic! :) Stefano

Finish the challeng picture, you mean your not there yet............what's the world coming to at all. 8) I have started 3 attempts and still don't know what I'm doing. Cat

Is all this flap about your picture entitled "Death For No Reason" and your comments on what is represents ? If so then the picture says very well about what happens during war and your comments are just that YOUR comments, everyone is entitled to them. I hope that you don't take the negative comments to heart and continue to post you artwork. I like the picture and the statement in the image and what it signifies. peace and regards, bob btw: I am an American and was in the USAF during the last years of the cold war. I am learning Buddhism (European religons just don't fulfill my needs) so I lean towards peace and peaceful solutions.

Unclebob, I'm glad you liked that image. No, what I was referring to were comments I received both publicly and privately after I commented other pics with the same subject. And no, I won't stop uploading images. :) Thanks for your words. Stefano