Just a note to say how pleased I am to get the comments that I have been getting lately. I would not trade those comments for any position in the top 100 galleries (or hot 20 :) ) I know those kinds of comments are hard to come by and that's why I value them so much. Thanks, everyone! I wish that I could say with confidence that I will return the favor. My reluctance comes from a few defensive reactions to my comments. I can't keep track of who wants valuable comments and who just wants to be stroked. I was going on the assumption that if comments were asked for then comments were, um, asked for. I guess a good place to start is with the folks that have offered valuable comments to my images, so I will. I also reserve the right to say, "this is great!" because sometimes it just needs to be said :) Thanks again, Keith

I agree, those comments are hard to come by. And I don't see them being harsh or anything (comments left on your images, because comments on mine are not like that at all). And please add me to your list! I want those comments too, because I do want to get better. The few comments from you I saw were even more polite than mine (although I try, but expressing myself in English is not as easy as in my own language). I guess this trend you started, and if you keep insisting, will be a good thing for all of us.

If I say "comments and critiques are welcome" then you can believe these words and give critiques and advice, suggestions, ... also. If I don't say it under my images - then I just have forgotten it. If I don't want to see any critiques - then I am too old for this world.

I just don't like comments. From all the comments I recieved, no one could help in a certain direction; even I published the UPR. But I'm content what I produce; no more no less. Pepople who are "fishing" on their own comments and are taking a view each 10 minutes on their own posted image, are just super-ego's or weird or have the narcissism-syndrom. That's my vision about it.

Oh, I must be such a narcissicist :-)
I really enjoy looking at my own images in fullscreen mode. I really like them and produce even new ones from time to time. And moreover I like to look at ohter artists' images too - sometimes for pure fun, sometimes for getting inspired.
And if you don't like comments - you just have the possibility to set the checks accordingly when uploading...
For all here a nice weekend!

Andreas

I agree if you do not wish to have a comment on your picture, then make sure you say so upon uploading. I am still new to the Fractals section. I added only my second picture a couple of days ago and have truly appreciated each and every comment I have received. I lack confidence in my work whether it be in Fractals or basic drawing. But with comments and suggestions, I know I will get better. I also get a kick out of some of the comments too. I find out that people get different things out of my pictures. It is refreshing and comical too. As for checking on my pictures every few minutes, I will say I have been guilty of that once or twice. Not for my ego, but just excited about what people might say or if I would even get a comment. Now if I get a comment, I am just grateful as they come. There are some really awsome pictures in this gallery and wonderful artist. I do not know if I understand what has been going on lately with this forum (actually it seems to be present in several forums), but I thought we were here to encourage and learn from each other. I would hope that that would be the main purpose of being part of a artistic community. I will continue to make constructive comments and hope they will help those who want it. As I would love to have comments to truthfully encourage me and inspire me. Sorry for going off. I do hope you all have a wonderful and blessed week.

I agree with Newpy's point- in my opinion we are here to learn from, encourage and share. I hate this kind of bickering.

Kazzy and Newpy - Amen! Hallelujah! Right on! Atta boy (girl?) etc, etc. I know I'm not here to argue. I make fractals and I look at fractals - both mine and and others. It's fun and I can't see that there's anything wrong with just enjoying myself! Andreas and Newpy - I'm with you! Sometimes I keep checking back to see if I have any comments. I get excited! I like both the encouraging "nice image!" comments and the critiques. And I can't see anything wrong with that, or with rating an image "excellent" if it's one I really, really like, or sometimes just to let the artist know that in relation to his/her early images, I can see excellent improvement and growth in skill and creativity! I'm also becoming acquainted with other fractal artists through comments, and that's one of my goals! I want to meet you! Comments keep us connected. I like that. Keep fractaling, keep commenting, keep smiling! People who want to play games and try to fool the system, who don't want to see any comments unless they are critiques, and who object to the ratings given by others are missing out on the fun and fellowship the rest of us are enjoying! LindaA