I certainly have seen images which are in my opinion not much more than basic snapshots receive lots of comments and "excellents". Who really knows why? I do not have that answer. I discover artists on this site who were unknown to me untill I happen to look at new gallery entries or happen to see a reference from someone else. Sometimes these are wonderful artists and I simply have not been in the "area" to know they are here! As for ratings and comments, I have a gut feeling about my images and am not looking for great ratings as much as decent comments and critique when appropriate. Still, an "excellent" now and then is nice to get when I feel my image is pretty good in the first place. Apparently an image may fill a niche for someone even when I do not anticipate that. Folks judge by more than technical value and emotion, personal likes and life certainly play a part. I will take a look at your gallery..as with ryno, I have not visited your images but will. TomDart.