Objectively critiquing people's work and helopng them get better is often a rather significant time investment. Not one that a lot of people have, and not one that people always come when they come here.

In my example, when I'm in a more studious mood, I tend to crack a book or a tutorial and try to learn something for myself. I don't feel like I depend on other people's feedback in order to get better. I look at the 'masters work' and I tell myself, I need to figure out how to do this. Then I go looking, tutorials, internet, programs, books, the info is out there.

Any time I'm finished with a piece, I can see at least 20 different things on it that I think could have been done better, where there is a gap between my skills to create something and my theoretical knowledge. So, when there is a critique, about 8 out of 10 times, I'm thinking, yeah, I already thought of it. I have it on my to-do list to practice it more on my next piece. So, hearing things I already know, I find frustrating.

Nice comments however really help my motivation and drive to keep practicing... since I already have the inner drive to try and outdo myself each time I do something. I almost never do an image unless there is something new I learn along the way of doing it.

Also, when I'm interested in critique, I post a WIP in a relevant forum, with thought, comments or questions, rather then in a gallery. Putting something in a gallery sort of implies (to me) that the author considers something a finished piece. Audience either connects with it (for a number of reasons) or they don't, and move on.

I'm not trying to say that this is a way things 'should be', but I wanted to illustrate an opposing view to point out that there is a number of different people out there, with a number of different reasons and goals for participating in here. 

I'm looking, on one hand, there's people whom are wanting intellectual and technical support, butt at the same time are depreciating the value of social and emotional support. I want what I want when I want it, and unless you offer me what I want, rather then what you have time and energy to offer, I'm going to knock you.

So.....  you guys want critique... here's some: Learn to appreciate things differnt from those that appeal to you or that you want. Learn to understand and value both, or all, sides of the argument. It will help you with your artistic expression, and it will make 'other people' grate your nerves a lot less, and it's helpful with life in general. It's really a win/win proposition. 

And... I still think that Drac secretly wants a hug.

Hi, my namez: "NO, Bad Kitteh, NO!"  Whaz yurs?
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