All - thanks kindly for your responses. I still am puzzled by those who 'only' post in either the 'writers forum' or the 'galleries'? Why not both? If either area truly wants to enlarge their base, so to speak, then I think it would make sense to cross areas, yes? As for 'constructive critique' - yes, it's not likely to be 'liked' at times for those who receive it. I'm reminded of when I coached sports. Many different ones. Youth sports, mostly. People who enjoyed what they did yet could use some guidance, at times. I saw plenty of 'coaches' whose definition of 'contructive critique' was ''Hey stupid, what the hell was that?" -- One man's constructive critique is another man's ? LOL. I guess I operate on the philosophy that when I comment on anyone's works I try to do it in the manner that would be helpful from my feeble viewpoint, but one in which I would want to be told by others? All here may disagree with me on the following statement, but I truly believe it, "There is a disconnect here in the writer's area, in my humble opinion, between those in the 'forum' and those in the 'gallery'. It's like when you were in high school. You were either in the 'in' group or you were not. So sad to see from my perspective. There are alot of talented people here I read daily, in both areas. Some have far better use of the english language and writers skill than others. Boy, do "I" know that. WINK. I'm reminded of my high school poetry classes I took. Those of Milton, Keats, etc. Then, along comes a 'nut' writer like e.e. cummings or Ogden Nash. I kinda' liked them all - because of their differences and perspectives on life. "C'mon people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now" (Song:Get Together - By: The Youngbloods). *That last line was for Eternalwytch1. WINK WINK. TallPockets.