Yeah, I can see what you are saying about Tekmonk.  i didn't feel that at first, but i can definately see why most would.

I am glad for the little reminder.  It is a rule I know too well (especially the Golden Mean).  A Bachelor of Fine Arts would suggest that I could make better art then I do!  When working as a photographer I always took all these things into account.  I shot so many photos that it became second nature to me.  I looked through a lens and I saw the perfect composition.

With Poser and all 3D I find myself spending so much time on so many little details that in the end I'm just happy to get the pic rendered.  I try to remind myself, but I can forget.

That said, a perfectly centred nude can be a good thing.  I will defend a few fine pin up artists (from here and elsewhere) who use centered nudes.  But these people don't center.  They make the body parts fall into areas within the rule of nine, the golden mean or which ever.

Things don't have to be "off centre" or crooked to be interesting or well composed.  If every artist did that, then we would be getting people complaining that no one takes the time to center their work.

In the end, the composition has to fit the subject matter.

Other points to consider are playing with the focal length and actual angle.  Not everything has to be from straight forward.  We can move above or below the subject to create interest and new meaning.

Still, I'm happy to be reminded.

(Hey, it's better then someone coming to my gallery and just saying, "This sucks".)