ok, i just want to clarify this because i have lots of people in this group who's work i really enjoy.

people are leaving because they feel they can't comment enough, right?  because the only thing i saw this group as is sort of a simple agreement to accept and give critical feedback.  i ask because while i've removed some people, some i've kept because (as i mentioned) i just really like their work.  and if the message is actually "i want out because i don't want any critical feedback," or, as acadia mentioned, "i don't want pressure to conform to others' opinions," then that's fine, and i shouldn't look at your work.  but if the message is that i shouldn't expect you to comment on my work, then i don't see a reason to take you  off  my list  (should i ever get anything done, or just get back to creating- some hecticness has kept me pretty wholesale from creating just about anything for some weeks now).  because i seriously don't expect anything. 

in my experience, if i don't do things for the experience and not the result, then i'll be continually disappointed.  i enjoy looking at people's work and critiquing it, and i've learned tons even from the ones i haven't commented on.  not that it shows (because i haven't actually done anything), but i have. 

for me, this group is about identifying people who are open to or want honest feedback.  that's it.  because, as many pointed out in the original thread started by tainted_heart, lots of people don't.  they want to feel good, get praised for everything they post, and do the same to others.  they don't want to try hard, they don't want to learn more, and they don't really want to get any better than they are now.  and that's just fine.  i don't think everyone should want to push themselves, or be interested in how to become a better artist.  any more than i think people should change their work because of any of my suggestions.  and i certainly don't think others should comment on my work because i comment on theirs.  life happens.  i just hope that at least one thing i post helps someone.   that's about it.

ClawShrimp - i think karen1573 is trying to keep the group from getting unproductively overwhelming.  many are saying they can't keep up with the postings.  i think it's a sort of double edged sword though, because people are also leaving because they feel they have to keep up with the postings.  more power to her for being the one to try to do what's best for the group.

don't forget the Art Theory forum.  if any of you still want feedback on a particular piece, just post there.