OK here's the deal. I read through the whole front page of this thread and then skipped to the end so I could post so I apologize if this seems out of context. 

First thing... Most times when I make my images I WILL start out with a library pose to get a general idea of where I'm going. When I see certain things in my mind as to how I would like it to turn out, its not so easy for me to turn it into reality. So on that note I believe that people do deserve some small amount of praise for coming up with a nice idea even if their presentation isn't so much... 

Secondly... I have been here at r'osity for several years and I consider myself an artist regardless of if I'm any good or not but because I truly enjoy doing this (playing dress-up dolls as some of my friends lovingly call it.) If I find myself browsing the 'What's New' uploads I look for the beginners... I do this because I remember what it was like to first start out with Poser (v.4 LOL) and I know how hard it is. I don't give rediculously happy --'Oh thats so byooteefull"- and stuff like that but I do say things like: 'Hey, great work on this and this and such' and then if I feel it necessary I will send them an email or IM on what they could do to improve. IMHO the comments option on images is really designed to be a motivational tool for anyone who wants to be an artist. If you do choose to be critical (option allowing) then be gentle... Many of these artists are new or not exactly used to harsh comments of the public. Who gives a rats hairy bumm about the people who have 300 comments/image? There are only so many generic comments to go around, just figure that they really only have about 15 -real- comments after lumping all the 'awesome' and 'beautiful' and 'incredible' comments apart. 

Another thing I tend to do is come here to the forums and get opinions on certain aspects of my images. For example: I went to the PSP forum to get opinions on an image I painted hair in.

Just remember, the older artists here can have their following but make sure to recognize the new artists because they could end up commenting on something you made! :)