"What it means to me is if you ask for comments you are playing the social game. " yes, a fair point. "Never assume that the comments are there to help you improve as an artist. They are there to stroke you. Good or bad, that's what they are there for. If you want criticism or help, you have to specifically ask for it." well we all like to be stroked, obviously, you have read eric burne ? :) i think i am just getting very frustrated yet again here. the hot 20 is an embarrasment but as you say it is not to be taken seriously, actually the way you put it, the whole site is not to be taken seriously, it is more a social thing ? so what other sites are there other than deviant art which has a horrible interface ?