I have no problem with any of the above statements at all. In fact, I (being wishy washy:) agree with both sides of this topic to one degree or another(wishy- washy I know) but I do have a problem with someone who will for example knock down a pictures rating and then not have the courtesy to explain why they did so. Have they seen something that others have missed?? If so, point it out and then perhaps they will help that person to improve that aspect of thier next render. Honest ctiticism given properly in a true effort to help a person improve thier skills is better than no comment at all don't you agree?

I commented on this thread because many times I have felt that the gallery has become more of a social network gathering place than a place to test your skills and improve your skills. This can work only if people are honest in thier opinions on a persons work and tell them any reasons or what you think may help them in thier future endeavors.

As for the low prices of programs such as Bryce and Poser lets look at ones like Blender which is free and some of the amazing work done by some of the truly talented people now using that program. There will always be those who will excel in different graphic programs and those. like me, who just fuddle thier way through things usually with no idea half the time what they are doing.

Lets face it, most of us use these programs out of an innate desire or need to create something of our own and we realise we will never be a Boris Vallejo or come close to being what we who use Bryce call a "Bryce Master".

I think that what is being stated in Datadraws post is that self serving "I'm being nice to you, you be nice to me" comments are not really being honest with each other and serves no purpose in helping one improve. Here comes the "wishy- washy again:)" No offense to anyone who posts anywhere in the gallery or here intended.

Had to edit because I remember a lot of those people scanmead is talking about. And 3D Commune was a great place to learn from some truly great people. And it is true that some of those people left because they thought that way. I do miss some of the people who used to be here but they had thier reasons I guess:(