DarkElegance:
I am probably one of those ones that you would consider to be part of this mysterious clique that you seem to think exists. I get a lot of comments from people who have come to like my work as I've gone along and I am not that naive to think it's all artistic talent, because I know it's not. I'm certainly not the best technical artist on Rosity, and consider myself more of a storyteller than an artist. But you know, I am still amazed after two years when someone likes my work and makes that known. I still appreciate it, I still acknowledge it personally the best I can. I haven't become jaded to put myself on a pedestal that such a comment was deserved and expected. While they are certainly welcome, I never expect them from anyone that I comment on, because I do it for the love of the art, not because I am trying to rack up points or something. I often look for potential and storytelling, not always the most technical, though I certainly relate to those that simply just dazzle me as well. Art is all very personal and what attracts us to certain images is anyone's guess, but I don't view/comment/vote based on payback or some mission to shut out anyone. I do it because I care, and that I like to give an artist a boost or a tip. Doing so makes me feel good, and I hope them as well and I truly apologize if that hurts anyone, but it's not intentional.

One has to keep in mind as well, that within the community of Rosity, there is suburbs. Forum, Marketplace/Customer, Chat, and Galleries are all examples and even though one might do a lot of work to support their fellow artists there, that doesn't always translate to other suburbs, though it does help. There's a good chance even that one doesn't even know the other really exists, having never visited. This holds true in the galleries as well. Lot of people don't go outside their chosen gallery. Poser people don't know Vue even exists, vice versa. Artists that work in different venues, tend to find a wider audience and exposure to their work.

Many of the people that get lots of comments/votes, not only are great artists, but have done much for the community in which they are being recognized. Cases in point, SophiaDeer (Poser) and Gallimel (2D). These are two people who not only do great work, but spend so much effort, despite trials in their own lives, to bring light and support to so many. So why shouldn't their work be recognized for not only it's quality, but the effort they've shown in bonding? I don't think that's a clique. i think it's just human nature and I'm sure, in fact, I know, that they do it out of the caring for others and not some hidden agenda.

I think the clique thoughts are understandable. When i first got here, it was quite difficult to understand and I think for a full year, I didn't. When I started, I had 17 views and 0 comments and couldn't get the time of day. I started to just give up, when an artist gave me some good advice. He asked, "What have you done for the community?" I thought long and hard about that, and realized he was right. How could I expect others to extend their hand, when I was unwilling to extend my own. I then said I would be a more active member. These days, I only wish I could be more of a member than health and time allows, but I still care very much for those that I support and those that support my work. I cherish the friendship of many and I don't feel bad about it. Anyone with a little effort, caring and talent can get into the "clique" that doesn't exist if they so desire, but don't do it for fame, but for the friendships that come from it. It will provide you with much more than how many comments/votes.

ShadowWind