My friend Angie, (she posts as 1Thunder), is very new to fractal art. She brings joy and enthusiasm to her craft that makes it a pleasure to work with her as she learns and stretches her vistas. This woman is flying through fractal programs and Photoshop without one lesson, doing things it takes most other people years to learn. Her natural eye and innate gift is as rare as it is a delight to watch. She is growing and changing with every image she creates, constantly learning, finding her own style and voice.

So it is with dismay and not a small amount of anger that I learned that someone here on Renderosity, some sniveling little anonymous coward, messaged her privately to scold her for "not being original" enough, to stop "copying" others, opining that she had yet to produce something of substance. What possible reason could anyone have to do such a thing? Such smallminded, bitter, petty malice is stunning anywhere, but when it rears its fanged head in an art community, you have to shake your head.

It's not bad enough that Renderosity has lost some quality artists due to the fiercely competitive nature of this place, those abominable, valueless ratings and profusion of crappy, big-breasted Poser fantasy dolls flashing on top of every page, but now we have a creep messaging and chasing off people who are undoubtedly more talented than this person could ever dream of being.

Take a bow, creep. I hope you're proud of yourself. I don't blame you for remaining anonymous. I would, too.

Mindy

Yeah, i bet it's this 'narc' dude, who just becomes a member on the 8th just to annoy some people who are really trying their best to perform their skills to create something wonderful, that GRRRRRR moron commented on my g/f's bryce design as well, and you know what? He doesnt dare to put any of his so called work in here, but is just here to annoy people, they are just tossers, and should be ignored, rather banned from getting any privileges to be able to trash talented artists... But there are creeps like that everywhere, and it's so very annoying to see something downrated which ya worked on for days, just because they are having fun with that. All we can do is to support the ones who are the victims as much as we can greetings, Harmen and Angie, cheer up hon, your art is great smile

Angie, I think your fractals are just lovely. People who go to all the trouble to make unkind and unwarranted comments are obviously very unhappy and disturbed in themselves. They look at the world with jaundiced eyes. I think if you or anyone else gets unpleasant messages just trash them straight away and don't give them a second thought. There are so many other nice and supportive people here in the fractal commmunity. They are the ones I like to reflect on. Happy fractaling!!! Fran

Don't let the bastards get you down, Angie. I know what you're going through because the same thing happened to me a few months ago. It ended up with me deleting all the images in my gallery and leaving the site for a while (actually I was posting anonymously under a different name, JohnnyNemo for anyone that's interested). It was only when a friend talked me into coming back that I decided to try and post again under this name. Some people might say it's karma and what goes around comes around because of some things i've said in the past, but at least I have the balls to stand up and be recognized. Only cowards use anonymity as a weapon to get at others. If you haven't got the bollocks to stand up and say it in front of everyone and show them who you are then you need to STFU! Don't let this coward stop you from posting on Renderosity, Angie. There are people like this everywhere, and if you give in to them then they have won. With every image I upload to Renderosity, I pray these people are watching and I hope it annoys the hell out of them that i'm still here...:O) Matt.

There are always those who take more pleasure in hurting people than in giving a kind word of encouragement. Sour grapes...ignore them. Angie, don't ever let anyone beat you down and try and tell you that your art is not original or worth viewing. We each put a piece of our soul into our work. That is total originality and worth the look and a bit of appluase! Hang in there! Miriah

Most fractal artists begin fractaling after they have found someone they choose to emmulate - hero or mentor. Some try many different styles; some find their own style the first time around and stick with it. Copying someone elses style honors both artists. Angie has openly stated that she is inspired by Mindy's fractals. There is nothing wrong with that! I doubt anyone here can state that they haven't tried, at least once, to copy the style of fractal artists like Paul Carlson, Janet Parke, Kerry Mitchell and others. Angie, you just keep fractaling. Your images are lovely. There are a few known people here in the fractal community who love to sow seeds of confusion, anger, and disappointment. Don't let the b______s get you down! LindaA

I think Miriah said it best. It's Murphy's Law, if there can be people like that out there, there will be. Think about what a sad life this person must have! We were given an opportunity, no-a gift, to make only one single journey through life. And this is how this person has chosen to use it. Tom

I'm sorry to hear of such goings on here. There was one of the like over at the Bryce gallery the last couple of weeks. One of my dear kind friends made it to the Bryce Hot 20, but a person came and posted a scathing comment telling her that her work didn't deserve to be in the Hot20. Now this person who made the comment was not talentless, just extremely rude. It resulted in my friend being afraid to post any more of her works for fear. Take heart...most rude people are just that..RUDE. I don't take rude people seriously. Angie...I cannot find any works under the name "1Thunder". I would like to go visit her gallery.

I found Angie's work. LOL!! She doing a super great job! smile

I recently recieved a bad review of one of my pics at GFXartist.com. I looked at his gallery and found that he makes pictures of furry creatures who stand on two legs with their genitals hanging out. Trust me, It takes all kinds to make a world. Whether you listen to them or not is up to you.

If someone thinks they so talented that they can critique someone else's work in an unnecessarily harsh manor, they should remember that there are always more talented people in this world than them... What if all critiques were like the one your friend was given? Some of our greatest masters in art would have never continued to work. VanGogh would have surely shot himself long before he did, and Leonardo DaVinci would have maybe made war machines. Hitler's history shows a long period of time of angst about harsh criticism about his work as an artist and he wanted to BE an artist... and look what became of him. (condensed analogy) Words are magick. You can create good things with them or bad. It is a shame that this person is not as great as they see themselves to be, for Great men are measured by how they treat less-great men. ahhh I rambled but you get my point.

There are more of us (nice guys) than there are of them (creeps)! So, consider the source, a whiny, small-minded, JEALOUS little idiot should be just brushed off like the insect he is. Angie, you are doing just fine! Keep it up!

Amen, and ditto! (Can't say much more than has already been said....) Keep on creating art as you see fit, Angie!

Mindy~Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You know how I feel about you already! hugs I really did not expect all of this.... I know exactly what you mean though. All I ever did was be kind to everyone, and show my art in return. I thank you for being my mentor and friend... and for creating amazing art that never ceases to inspire me!
And for saying what I wouln't say! :)

To everyone else that posted:
Thank you for your opinions and encouragement. I certainly did not expect all of this, but I will take all of what everyone said to heart. I appreciate it. :)

You're quite welcome Angie... you have a wonderful talent..don't let it go to waste. Post your little heart out and don't pay attention to the jerks. hugs Helen

Angie, I hope you don't let someone's rude and tactless manners keep you from doing what you enjoy and sharing it with those who appreciate it. I know it hurts, but it's not fair that he should take away the joy of your art. Please don't let this person do that to you. This person obviously has no concern for the feelings of others, so why should it matter what they have to say?

Angie, sometimes there are people that are insecure about themselves, and they seem to have to take it out on others. You have to overlook such simple minded people! Your work is extremely gorgeous, and I think you need to continue posting. This person is probably just jealous because they're work is not as good! Mindy is definitely an inspiration to us here at Renderosity and so are you!! So just keep posting and ignore what other people think or say. You have to be happy with yourself, and who cares about this "person", who obviously hasn't anything better to do!! Hold your head up and get to posting those beautiful images girlfriend!! Vicky

hmmm I agree totally with midnightblue. Even though its hurtful, dont give people like that the satisfaction of knowing they have contributed to a reluctance to post your art ( which is very lovely, i looked ) Indeed i would take their comments with a tiny grain of salt, as they are so obviously reeking of jealousy and lack of inspiration. Re the emulation of someones style... that is indeed correct, i know because when i first started fractaling, my inspiration came from Jackie ( lulu18 ) who has the most beautiful touch with a spiral i had ever seen. She is also the one who taught me how to use Apophysis, and gave me heaps of support with UF. There are always critics, and often the worst and nastiest critics are the ones who lack much artistic skill. Like Vicky said, hold your head up high... be proud of your work, dont be hesitant to show it off, and definitely dont let some small, narrow minded, amateur critic take away your pleasure in creating.

Thank you, each one of you who took the time to post in this thread and offer your support. You are the true gems of this community, with hearts as big as your talent.

Angie, there are some wonderful people here, you can read their names above; these are the ones you need to concern yourself with, not anonymous idiots with mean spirits. No need to thank me, you are my friend.

{{{{{Thanks everyone}}}}}}}}}}

M

Hi all-
I know there is no sanctuary from the rude behavior of others, and we get a fair share of these people trolling the galleries here. It is upsetting to me that such behavior could turn away some great artists. I don't want to see that happen. If anyone falls victim to such attacks, please let me know, and I will do what I can. Do not answer and give these people the satisfaction they are seeking, just let me know. Such behavior is against the TOS, which I chose to uphold when I took my position here.

From the TOS:
Personal attacks. This includes but is not limited to, destructive, abusive, defamatory communications in any form, and retaliatory attacks from personal attacks. If you need assistance, please communicate with someone from our Renderosity Team.
Destructive commentary/communications made with the intent to disrupt or attack (Trolling). This applies to any communications within this community, whether in the forums, art galleries, graffiti wall, chat, or IM.

This should remain a positive place to learn and grow.

Angie-
Your work is excellent. Don't let someone else lead you to think otherwise.

Thanks to everyone for their input on this.

Nick

Angie, your work is simply beautiful... I hope you won't let one bad apple spoil the experience of Renderosity for you. I think everyone's said it all already, and I'm a bit late, but don't stop, don't let them get you down, and most of all, don't give up your vision. Kat

I agree with what everyone said here. They are just jealous that they can't create such beautiful work! Don't let them get to you, or they have won. Just keep creating spite what they think. Jinx

um, verlughmina, Leonardo DaVinci did make war machines-- was rather proud of it, tried to found his reputation on that skill. I don't know angie's work, I do know I learned by copying everybody who was good until I knew enough to find my own style. Haven't done much lately because of crippling arthritis but while it lasted I had fun. Not sure about the basis of this complaint but could it be not about originality but about cloned accounts? Emily

Angie, your art is simply gorgeous. I try to emulate Mindy's work but haven't even attempted to post them as they are not satisfactory to my eye! Please do not let this persons cowardly attack keep you from posting. It is apparent that you have the support of some wonderful artists! Renderosity is for learning, growing and inspiration. Most artists are inspired to create by what they see and feel, if it happens to be another artists work, So be it. Looking forward to your next post! Treena

Angie, Just keep on keepin' on. I just went and looked at your gallery after reading this thread, and it's quite wonderful. I don't really see it as that close to Mindy's, but even if it were, so what? Isn't imititation the sincerest form of flattery? Besides, there is a limited number of themes available from within a fractal program, e.g. there may be an unlimited number of spirals, but they're all spirals. Does that mean every time I make one I'm copying someone else? I hope the guy sends me an IM like he sent you. He'll be reported before I finish reading it. Dennis

I just want to say to everyone that posted their kind words to me here. Such moving words of encouragement, and enlightenment. I appreciate each and every one of you so much...for taking the time and effort to give your thoughts for me. I must admit...I was feeling very down and low. You all have helped me to see what I should have been believing in...all along. Maybe that is what I needed...for we are given many gifts...if we choose to accept and embrace them is up to us. I do! I was taught a valuable lesson in all of this...and it has lifted a weight. My most sincere Thanks...to each and every one of you! It warms my heart...your words...I appreciate them very much. Angie

Can't add anything to the above comments but would like to add my agreement.

Angie, you see now... soooo many good people around here!!! Just forget about this imbecil and post for all of us some of your wonderful fractal work! I've been to your gallery and OMG what a talent you have!!!!! Hugs from Sweden, Teresa

Wow. I got excited that thing like this could happen at this place! From the first moment I joined I felt very welcomed and cheered up everytime I needed. Angie, I visited your website and I think its georgeous! I really like it and I love your fractals. I think you DO HAVE your own style that is amazing. I will always appreciate your postings and don't let someone hurt you. Just do what you want to do :-) Alex

Interesting. When I looked at Angie's work the first person that I thought of was Mindy. I had to come back here to see if Mindy was the culprit and then I saw that she started the thread. Mimicry is a great complement and you are both making a lot of beautiful stuff. Keith