Haven't had time to spend much time here lately-missed a lot but this one grabbed me. As a former art teacher I have to wonder about so much emphasis on what one "likes". Personal preferences are just that, not indicators of the quality of a work. It is essential to be able to recognize merit in art that is totally outside one's preferences. I often found the best way to foster better performance in students was to point out what they had done RIGHT rather than picking at what was "wrong". Invariably they would begin to make their own comments on what they could have done better. The next thing I taught them was that an artist MUST develop a thick skin, judge their work on their own standards - CREATE for themselves alone, ignor effusive flattery and degrading remarks alike, value opinions only from those who have earned respect. Commercial contracts are more about the client's ego than good art, so unless one is prepared to turn out whatever someone else wants, don't go commercial. Ratings and statistics are commercial trappings-and just as superficial. Recognition by one's peers is nice, but anyone who bases their self worth on it might benefit from a session with Dr. Phil. So much for my soapbox. Now a suggestion: what about starting a technique workshop, like the challenges except that images could be submitted anonymously for the purpose of picking them apart. A thread could contain opinions on how others would have managed the subject, colors, lighting, presentation, etc. No need to feel uncomfortable expressing and honest opinion because it will have been solicited. It would be useful to submit images one knows has problems, or doesn't like. New artists could find the process enlightening. I know I would be willing to submit such work and look forward to proposed solutions. Anyone who is uncomfortable with being criticized need not participate. It could foster quite an exchange of information. Just a thought. BTW Native Americans do not carry the "Yank gene". Donna