OMFG, seriously?  You're taking what she said out of context to go out of your way to take offense to it.

THIS IS SOMETHING WE DO THAT IS FUN.  IT IS NOT MANDATORY THAT YOU TAKE PART, AND THAT INCLUDES OPENING THE THREAD.  IF YOU WISH TO COMMENT/CRITIQUE THE IMAGES, PLEASE DO SO ON THE IMAGES.

It's not that we're saying you can't make comments, what we're saying is that this thread isn't the place to critique and/or comment on the images.  If you or anyone else wishes to, we've provided the links DIRECTLY to the images on the staff pics page.  Voila.  Think about it this way...if we picked your image, and someone commented here that the images contained in our pics were vapid and devoid of meaning, wouldn't it sting a little?

I know that the critique of the staff picks is aimed at the staff, and, quite frankly, we've got pretty thick skin.  However, the vitriol aimed at us tends to splatter and hit people who don't deserve it, like the members who's images we picked to showcase.

There is a reason we started this.  We try to showcase art that ISN'T making it into the Hot 100.  Because, frankly, it's a lot of the same images and artists week after week.  And, that's fine, and it's community-driven.  We choose images that are posted in the gallery, and each of our opinions on what we like is different.  And, sometimes, especially with someone like me, likes change from week to week.  

Also, you're right, the TOS doesn't say you can't speak your mind, but it does say this:

"Members and users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is constructive and respectful of others at all times. Additionally, we hope that each member/user will work to facilitate a culture of collaboration and positive reinforcement, so we can all share our passion for art while developing our personal ambitions, and friendships."

So, while it's not technically a TOS violation to be rude, it's not going to endear you to anyone, either.  We DO expect that you all to treat each other like you'd like to be treated, and tend to remember the way members treat others when they complain how they're treated by others in the forum.

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Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad.