Sorry, I was trying to give my poor inbox a rest so I unsubscribed...

Quote - 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. 

Just because I've left does not mean that I don't subscribe wholly to the spirit of the Critique Group. And while I do understand the necessity of making it a reciprocal affair, it can become burdensome-- and frankly, it was leeching the creativity right out of me. We all create in different ways. I am and have been amazed at the sheer volume of really excellent work that some individuals within this group can produce in very short order. I'm not nearly that efficient with my time.

The group worked better, IMHO, when it was smaller, you learned an individual's style and it was easier to critique within the confines of the type of art they leaned toward. The volume of ebots was not overwhelming. You could better judge the advice you were receiving. I wonder if this endeavor might not benefit from being of a set duration with a limited amount of participants. Then you could "graduate" filled with the willingness to take criticism and the will to give honest comments in the gallery. And a new "class" could take on the project.

I am still open to honest comments. And I am assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that even if I run into a former critique group member that they are receptive to an honest opinion, or why did they join in the first place. (Okay, not Acadia or Propschick because they don't wish it).

I think everyone should join the critique group for a short time at any rate, if they leave and they still are open to honest comments, both Karen and Taintedheart could have their revolution in the galleries.

So keep up the good work!!  :thumbupboth:

kalonart.com