"About that giant popularity contest... I, once again, became frustrated with that game" <<<

Whether people like to admit it or not, it is a game. Not getting many comments on your images? You will if you comment on every image in the gallery for a few days before you post your image. Try it, you'll see the comments on your images increase exponentially to the number of comments that you post. If you comment on EVERY image in the gallery for four days in a row, you can pretty much post a picture of your shoe and get "Stunning"...and "Excellent"...lol!

And that is as it should be, it is a community after all. But it is also very easy to get caught up in the game and post for the comments, and if you don't get many you're all depressed.

I say it does a person good to not post for a week.

I also say you should create images that YOU like. If others do also, good, but if not...hey, YOU liked it. I do agree with Timbuk2 that comments can be a barometer of the appeal of your work, but if you are living for the comments then you should consider going outside once in a while...take a walk or something. =^}

Just my 1.75 cents...