Interesting topic! :D Here's my 2 cents: I make fractals mainly for myself, and I enjoy it greatly. I also find many of the works appearing here very inspiring, interesting, enjoyable etc. etc., and if I happen to have a spare minute or two, I'll leave comments to show my appreciation of the image in question. I try to be as objective as possible, ignoring "external" factors such as who's the author of the image and how many comments he/she has left on my works so far. Or, to be completely honest, I don't give a rat's ass about anything else than the picture itself when deciding whether I should comment or not. Like many others, I also think it's completely pointless to view and comment images just because you like the person who has posted them, or have received support from him/her. It's the art itself that should arouse comments, not friendship or 'returning the favour'. That, of course, doesn't at all mean I don't appreciate the friendships I've made here, but you know what I mean :D I often say "please comment if you find this image bland/yucky/great/interesting etc.", because I'm interested in what kind of reactions and thoughts my works may arouse in the viewers. Although it's always somewhat nice to get a bunch of "great work" comments, I appreciate one well thought out comment more, be it negative, neutral or positive. Then again, as is the case with me too, people seldom have the time to give serious consideration on any of the works they view. Often I have only time for a quick ten-word comment, or no time to comment at all, but that doesn't mean I don't like the picture! All in all, I think Linda's point is very important and should be considered by every "comment junkie". Of course it's none of my business to say what one should do or not, but I know I value 'genuine' feedback over back-patting. It's just crazy to think that someone feels a pressure to comment on my works just because I've commented on theirs. Anyway, keep your artistic energies flowing and the art coming folks, I appreciate it more than the amount of my comments may indicate ;D PS. Deagol, I don't think you should've deleted that piece of art just because there were only 3 comments. If you yourself like it, keep it on display no matter what, unless your motivation comes from getting many comments only. Besides, 50 viewings tells me it did catch the eye of many gallery visitors -- including mine!