it can be difficult when there's an average of 180 individual images posted a day in the photo gallery alone & steadily growing a group that just tends to give each other pats on the back is going to happen, but i don't think it is the cause of others not getting the recognition they deserve there are those who can take the time to cruise the galleries & don't just rely on ebots & some who can not & there are some who like cats over landscapes & some who are only hobbyists & would not call themselves artists... some who can only say wow or cute cat & some who only want to hear that... not everyone thinks the same & that makes us unique... why fuss what people say, if you really want critique, ask for it but if your photo is really good in their eyes don't get upset cuz they can not find fault with it & with that... it's getting late for me... toodles :]