It is with sadness that I must announce that until further notice, I will be pulling the free faeries from my website and they will BE NO MORE. I'm not going to engage in a battle of wits with unarmed opponents, I don't have to. It seems that some rather perverse minded individuals here can't see any thing beautiful and innocent without it bringing to their sick little minds some despicable horror, and being the lowest common denominators that they are, must protest noisily their ignorance for all to hear. Funny how these little overblown egos with mouths never seem to contribute anything at all except complaints. I apologize to the many, many fine people who have created some amazing and beautiful works with my models, and to the many friends I will be letting down with this announcement. We faeries at Thorneworks love our friends a lot, and try to show that to them as much as we are able. Perhaps in the future the faeries will return, and I will make a few available in the various stores around as I find the time to do so. If anyone thinks it's about money- well, it's never been about money with me and there are many who will attest to that fact. I make a VERY good living from my job and don't need to sell or give away anything. But most importantly I have a wealth of friends, which is wealth that money cannot buy, nor naysayers and loudmouthed fools ever take away from me. Thanks to everyone for all the support and kind words that you have spoken. Thorne =};-}>

This is a sad day for the community, and an ever growing unfortunate trend. While I don't make many comments about peoples work or contributions, I'd just like to thank you Thorne. Yours was on of the first sites I found when I began seriously playing with Poser almost 3 years ago. Thanks for everything.

tis a shame my friend.. but I think I understand. I wish you and your's only the best. perhaps the detractors will mature a bit.. and realize their follies.. take care

It's a shame that it has come to this. I only hope that the people you speak of will one day see the error of their ways. Best Wishes, Cookie

My heart is breaking...

Thorne, my friend, a sad day indeed. Though not entirely surprising given the latest wave of hysteria. I don't give much on the odds of people coming to their senses and realising the error of their ways, their hearts and minds are entirely closed. At least you are not pulling out of the Poser Community, that loss would be too much to bare. You have shown your mastery over the polygon mesh time and again. With a sprinkle of your magic faerie dust, the ugly P4 woman was transformed into a flock of beautiful slender faeries. We can, at least, look forward to you continuing to work your magic on the form and features of Victoria and the Mil Girls. Some will post pictures of faeries crying (as indeed they must be at this news), but I prefer to recall the happy times, when I and thousands like me waited eagerly for your next free faery release. So above is a picture I made a short while ago, featuring some of your faery gifts and your wonderful new Faery Wagon -thanks again ;) (A larger, higher res version is available at my website for those interested: www.isaacnewton3d.com) We all owe you a great deal for your gifts to the Community, and I personally acknowledge you as a major inspiration in my own slow progress in using Poser. I for one will continue to scour the websites for all your forthcoming goodies. IsaacNewton

Hey man this is tragic. Is it only hysteria prevalent in the states, or all over, cos I'm UK based you see. I love your stuff, and like Angel Michael your site was one I found early on, before I started playing with Poser, I just searched for fairies. I use your wings all the time, and I thing its sad that some people just can't see what is art and what is not. est wishes for the future. Pam

I can't quite decide what is worse about this: That conservative attitudes about--oh, just everything--should transform into oppression, rationalized in the name of morality. That pleasurable images, sexual and not, should suddenly become viewed as "nasty"--or worse--illegal. That Thorne should have bowed to the oppressive, conservative forces. That such bowing should be blamed on the oppressor. Just can't decide how to think about this. Of course child abuse is a bad thing. Of course woman abuse is a bad thing. But the overzealous application of censorship in the name of the above is abuse also. And surrendering to that abuse, as a creative adult, is, in a very real way, contributing to it. Children and adolescents are very sensual and quite lovely in many ways, artistic, engaging, and amazingly beautiful, both in and of themselves, and as a metaphor for our own beginnings, our own futures. Which, of course, has no more to do with child abuse than the average Shirley Temple movie. eng

Oh this is indeed a sad day... :( So many will not see the wonders of your creations.. I support your decision... as you are right, friends are of more value.. Whispering softly, an almost silent sigh, Stretching upward to the sun, Swaying is anticipation, The forest wakes to face the dawn, Wait! There is no music, No sound of merriment; laughter No fluttering of gossamer wings. Silence.... The fairies are now extinct.

This is a sad day for me indeed. You have been a great inspiration to me, in fact, it was after seeing renders of your fairies that I decided to buy Poser. My first online purchase was Valentine Hart. After that I either purchased or downloaded from your website every single fairie that I could get my hands on. I used to look forward (like a kid at Christmas) to each month's calendar fairie. I remember writing you an e-mail way back then with a lame newbie question and was pleasantly surprised by your prompt and helpful reply. Thank you for everything!

thorne, that's very sad! it was always pleasure to read about faeries on your site and to work with them. i hope you and they will come back soon!

Stand up for what you feel is right... you have my support, too. -Heike-

Thats very sad notice, no words. Thorne thanks for all..

OH Dear!! That is sad news indeed! :-( Not so much for the withdrawal of your friends... But, for all this censorchip nonsense coming!! Living in Canada, makes me worry that we will feel all this histeria from the U.S. even more... I would like to thank you again for your great GENEROSITY Thorne!! You have influenced this community in a great way!! Until, i found your "realm", i thought Fearies were just for kids... But, you found a way with your little friends to awaken the sleeping child in me! :-) May your Journeys be filled with Love & magic... Marco

Thorne... if I clap real loud will the fairies come back? It worked in Peter Pan. I am VERY sorry to hear your decision. I know how tough it is to deal with brainless oafs who have no appreciation of art... some of my public galleries get stomped by talentless "critics" who, as you said, seem to contribute nothing but complaints. So I understand how frustrating it can be. I do hope your beautiful fairies available in the store as it would truly be a crime if I never got to see those beautiful creatures again! =) But regardless, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my imagination for sharing those wonderful fairies with everyone here! Truly, fairies and leprecauns everywhere observe a moment of silence at their passing. Good bye and good luck my friend!

Sorry, Thorne, but I can't agree with your decision. I've posted my reason on the C&D Board, but I think you're dead wrong to punish everyone because of the actions of a very few. Yes, it's your work, and you have the right to do with it whatever you wish, but this "solution" isn't going to help. Reconsider, friend.

Sorry to see yet another resource withdrawn - but your creations are yours to do with as you wish. You have my support (for what it is worth) for your decision & my thanks for your many contributions to the community!

Im not very articulate nor well known here but I have to put in my 2 cents. If some people think Thorns work is perverted what do they think about naked Barbies...Kens or any of the other life like anatomically correct dolls. If this is a sample of what this world is coming to God help us all. Its not Art or creativity thats dirty or perverted, its the minds of the ignorant that view it. Maybe we should start removing all the paintings in churchs that show some nudity. Remove all the books....movies....everything. I believe all the artists and creative people should take a stand...and soon. Before its to late. Thorn....your work will be sadly missed by all...myself included :O(

Sorry to be clueless, but just what the heck is going on that you're pulling your stuff? From what I have seen the best I can figure out is someone is yelling "child porn" somewhere, and presumably at you in particular. I have had my head pretty much buried in day job and getting the V2 stuff done so I haven't been able to watch other things but as far as I know there's nothing going on here on this site that would cross the line of what is currently regulated and legislated. The Renderotica site could theoretically be attacked but they are at worst in a gray area, at least until the Supremes start making rulings. As far as I know the depiction of "Faeries" would not be illegal. Unless someone is physically serving you with paperwork don't pull your stuff. They way they win is if you quit without a fight. Fight. Go to the matresses. If you give them a cheap win here they will only be back for more the next time. Also, many of these "protectors of civilization" work best in the shadows. Scream and yell. Make a Federal case of it. Pull them out into the light. Start a paper trail of what you and they are doing. Eventually it will curl around and choke them. The bigger a noise you make the more people will notice and you will get help. I for one am more than willing to make noise and scream over this. Confused but Riled

Thorne, I do not know what this current hysteria is that everyone is talking about...but I am sad to see you withdraw your beautiful works. I am still fairly new to the community (half a year or so) , but you have been one of the key people to inspire me. Your kind words have always been welcomed.

It is wise to seek cover from the coming storm, particularly if you have a family to feed. It is sad comfort to know that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. It is easy to say to Thorne to stick it out in the face of the winds of Intolerance. It's quite another thing to stand up to either 15 years in jail, put there by over reaching zealotry. But to withdraw the products isn't going to change the nature or extent of the problem. We might as well put up thirty foot walls around our school yards and playgrounds, regulate the images of children in clothing catalogues and advertising. And for certain, ban children's beauty pageants!

You and your works will be missed Thorne, do what you feel is right for you and them. And once more thank you, for all you've done.

ENGELKEN, that was beautifully put.

Thorn, do what feels right. If you look around very closely, the same ignorant attitudes prevail everywhere. Most people don't require much from their fellow man, but at least they could MYOB if what you do doesn't suit them. Take smoking, for just one example. People continue this disgusting habit in the face of mountains of evidence. Disgusting taste, smell, side effects, disease, 2nd hand smoke effects, etc. Ditto for religous zealots largely responsible for flaming people such as you. Like they have some monopoly on ethics. They haven't even examined there own history, to which they've handed over their life. Ever gone to a torture device exhibit? Ever notice who in about 90% of the cases were turning/controlling the turning of the thumbscrews??? Priest. They got away with murder for almost 2000 years. My spokesmen for God? I don't think so. Talk to the hand. It's a long sordid list of human atrocities as any group in history bar none. The thought police throughout known history. People should try thinking things through for themselves, more subjectively. The condom issue- whoa. Overpopulation, STD's & AIDS- not a problem. Abstinence is the answer. Looked at the #1 instinct in the animal kingdom - the sex drive. Try supressing that one they advise. I am not reading this thread any more, so please don't respond to me here. Thank you thorne, for you efforts.

Attached Link: http://www.falange.org/wewant.htm

This outfit is likely defunct ... probably having been co-opted by the Religious Right. Read for yourself. In matters concerning Poser, the Far Left also views Poser in a bad light. In fact, those behind USC 2256, Title 18 were out to abolish Poser and other computer programs capable of rendering an anatomically correct human image.

Ohh damned, that's a really bad day. But if i would be you, i wouldn't close the site. If you feel you're on the right side, then fight. No more excuse, face their names. Tell em the truth. Don't give up. There where allways people which had other opinions, what happens if you feel your on the right side. Let em speek, don't give em the interest they want. And shure not along, they will shut their mouth. That's just what i would do. Robert Egli aka SHARKEY Switzerland

I loved your little poem Helen. Is it original to you? Very nice. jon

Again, I ask who is going after Thorne. Is there a real legal effort being mounted against him, or simply the threat of it? If so, by who? Is it a private individual, a private group or a government or law enforcement agency?

Well , very sad news for the whole comunity....Well miss your work....

So they win...we loose...so sad...:-(.......

Like jbrugion, I don't know what's going on. Like everyone, I side with Thorne, who's done more than most to advance the pictorial and artistic potential of Poser. Thorne - duck! Don't stand up against whatever zealots are playing moral McCarthyists. That kind of people love picking on symbolic, preferably defenseless, targets. They have as little integrity as intelligence - show you have both, and keep your opinions and yourself intact. Watch and wait - we'll wait, too, and hope. We all know your stuff's worth waiting for ;-)

I find it amazing that during the Renaissance(sp?), which occurred during one of the darkest times in human history (in terms of religious persecution/political persecution etc), the thick minded individuals that ran things were at least able to discern the difference between art and life. The majority of the artwork of the time contained nudity, of men and women and children - yet no one mistook it for any form of pornography. In these enlightened times, however, we are more and more often finding the human body, no matter the age, to be a thing of disgrace rather than beauty. Oh to have been born hundreds of years ago! sigh

well... for once in my verbose life I am at a loss for words... (don't worry though, I always think of some!) Helen your poem is beautiful. Don't think me toooo cheesy here, but I actually think I'm going to cry! Isaac's image is just outstanding. To everyone else who has replied here, all I can say is a very, very humble thanks for your thoughts and for this overwhelming show of support. It was not a decision I made quickly, or at the spur of the moment, or in reaction to any single forum thread or post. Quite honestly I had been considering it for some time now. in the however many years since I first opened ThorneWorks, I have had many, many more letters of thanks and support than I have criticisms or flames. In fact, as relates to this very issue of screaming "FIRE!" (child-porn) in a crowded theatre (Renderosity, and the internet at large), I have received exactly ONE complaint in my email- in the form of some misguided soul in France asking me "how old" one of my models was. ...Oh, I don't know, a month or two I suppose since she came into the world.... As my english itself is atrocious, and I was BORN here, I would NEVER make fun of anyone else's brave attempts at it, but we obviously had a language barrier there. So I forwarded his letter on to my friend Vincent in Belgium, who could set him straight in his own language. ;o) ah... good times. In my time online (NOT a Johnny Cash song), I have also been ripped-off, free-drived, hacked unsuccessfully, accidentally deleted, and caught in the middle of some hellacious forum politics with flame bullets flying fast and furious. I have somehow, with the support of my very dear friends, been able to survive all that, which without them, I most assuredly would NOT have survived. I put one helluva lot of work into the models I create. That's prolly 'cause I'm very slow and deliberate- these things just can't be rushed. But when I see that hard work attacked as being some despicable thing that, before coming online, I would never even have DREAMED it to be associated with, and then I myself being placed right alongside with that association as though I WAS or even COULD BE responsible for the sick minds of a very few others... "I'm taking Ford Motors to court because my kid got run over by a crazed drunken driver in a Ford..." Well, that was about the ol' proverbial straw that broke it. The ridiculousness of it is only surpassed by the fact that anyone would even fall for it. You guys are so great and you are making this very difficult to do... I'm not chickening out of a fight; I've fought this one. So then please consider this a time-out to regroup and consider options, of which there ARE some... even I am not always sure what those mischievous faeries over at my place might have up their little faerie sleeves for the future. Thorne, down but not OUT (big tongue out at you perverts! :oP) P.S. (Did I mention, you guys are GREAT! Thank you, deeply.)

Thorne I am saddened by all of this, as your faires are truly a work of art. I have purchased them and also gotten the free ones. I agree this will be a sad day, if you no longer enlighten us with your beautiful creations! But I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for what you have given to us :) Sallie

I think it's a smart move by Thorne. Who knows what's going to happen in the courts these days. Better safe than sorry.

Dear Thorne, There are some heavy hearts in this household. But even though, I will forever be indebted to you! I can remember the many joys you have brought into our lives here. The many times my wife and myself were like little kids at Christmas, as we awaited your new coming characters, or how about the joy of using your great characters. Alot of us less talented folks (like myself), found we too could put together some nice art, due to you sharing your talents with us,art that we never would of known much less made, if it were not for you Thorne. Thanks a million ! Thorne you have already contributed way more then any ones fair share. May the light, love and happiness you have shared with so many come back to you , many times over. I also hope that you never stop using the great gifts God has given you. But what ever path you choose we will wish you nothing but the very best always ! Your Friend Stoney :-)

I was one of the people who saw the latest stupidity before it could be yanked. It was a private debate in the Vendor forum - not accessible to regular members, but it was posted in a public forum anyway, against Renderosity rules. Although the actual post was yanked, the reactions to it are still posted publically, so I believe a summary is acceptable as the post could be gleaned from the replies still on the site. If not, please feel free to yank this post. One or more of the admins at Renderosity expressed concern that some idiot will scream child porn because the kid textures are anatomically correct and the models are shown without clothing to show off the full textures. Naturally, the vendors are upset because they don't feel that they are promoting child pornography and are insulted that their hard work would be considered as such. (Please understand, the admin(s) never said that any of the vendors were promoting child pornography, the fear was others would do so.) Someone took this private debate on the issue, copied it into one or more public forums and declared that the vendors were in favor of child pornography. A few weeks earlier someone sounded the child pornography charge at Thorne, then later recanted, stating that they meant that they feared what others would do with Thorne's fairies, not what Thorne himself was doing with the models. To be fair, the person publically apologized to Thorne, but I think the damage had already been done. Between that and this latest McCarthy attack, I'm not surprised that Thorne feels sick about the whole thing and is pulling his stuff. Even if you stop creating more fairies, please don't stop bringing beauty into the world. It needs all the beauty it can get!

So sad to hear this for alot of reasons. I hope, at least you will offer your faeries for sale. I personally don't do images with children or faeires, be they sexual, violent or PG rated, but I do believe that people have the right to do whatever they want with what they own, download, make, etc... You also have the right to do as you please with your models. This is your decision and that is that. So be it. I wish you all the success the community and market has to offer. I think your models are wonderful, as I suspect many of those that are making images that you disapprove of do. One has to remember that once out there on a public highway like this is, anything can happen (be they free or purchased). One has to consider that from the start and get past it or...not. I personally, do not believe in censorship. I don't hold any grudges or ill will towards those that do on a personal level either. I respect individuals' rights to choose, whatever the issue. On a political level...well, we might butt heads! Good Luck with whatever you decide to do in the end...

This is so sad. Thorne, I've seen some of those flamewars, so I completely understand where you're coming from, and I can't help but suport your decision. I wish the world were a different place...like maybe the one you've created at Thorneworks, full of beauty and innocence. But the world isn't like that. I am confused by one thing though. How will selling the fairies rather than giving them away resolve the problem? This isn't an accusation of capitalism, honestly. I'm just confused by the idea that that's the answer. I too, hope you'll reconsider. But I understand your situation, and support it. yours Eirian

Attached Link: http://irenes-place.com/index1.htm

I must add my thoughts to all these wonderful messages. Being fairly new to Poser, I found your site and thought it was the most beautiful site I had seen, with all those wondrous faeries, it was like Heaven! I do so hope you will consider all the options. You have given us so much! "Every time a child says 'I don't believe in faeries' there is a little faerie somewhere that falls down dead.'

An amen to Irish's post. Your stuff is beautiful and has an artistry I for one will never be able to attain. In whatever guise, come back soon.

Hi Eirian, I posted an answer to you question but it seems not to have made it here. I don't know why. I'll try again. IsaacNewton

Eirian, In answer to your question: I don't know if this is in Thornes mind but it may have made it easier for him to continue giving his characters away if there were more positive measures by Renderosity to alieviate the unfounded concerns of certain misguided individuals. Renderosity wishes to impose a blanket ban on any nude figure in the MarketPlace advertising pictures that appears to be less then 20 years old (teens, children and babies) - I don't think I'm giving any secrets away by saying that. Think about that for a moment, is it reasonable? If you wished to you could go to a store and buy a magazine or video showing real live 18 year olds having acutal sex!! So, what can Renderosity do that would support Thorne and others like him who provide us with such beautiful characters, and hopefully help to persuade him to change his mind. How about a public statement of support saying that they find nothing wrong with his work? How about dropping this ban in place of sensible vetting of images according to existing legal guidelines not some half wits opinion of what we as a community should or should not see? Perhaps if the Community adopts a mature attitude to these issues, we will yet again see more of Thornes wonderful work being given away. So, write to your Senator/Representative/Forum Moderator... whoever.... who knows, we may yet see the beginning of a new era. IsaacNewton

Eirian, That seems to have made it OK. Isaac

Isaac, There are new laws being considered here in the US that will effect the whole Poser community. I haven't looked at all the details yet, but it's been said that even adult figures who just "look" like children will not be allowed by law. So a scantilly clad adult Poser figure with ribbons in her hair may be a dangerous thing to have very soon. I hope people with more sense prevail. -JH.

I'm here to just making a statement/point, not so much a flame (no its not against Thorne). What I don't understand is that Thorne is getting all the flak. I mean, I suppose i can see why, and why hes doing what hes doing, but I dont understand it. Why dont they focus attention more on someplace like Renderotica? Here, yes, there is nudity, but one can still see it as art. Renderotica is well, straight out porn. It doesnt matter what characters are used there does it? Its all the same in the end. Thats like going to a porn site and saying, "shes a blonde, shes seen more often, lets go after the company who hired her to get her fired." Okay, maybe not the best analogy, but you get the gist. I personally have not used any faeries in my art (no real rhyme or reason, i just havent shrug), but I've seen some incredible works posted here with them. Some so viberant and real, that you want to tap the monitor to see if they'll blink. I just dont see it. Maybe I'm ignorant, maybe I've said something logical for the first time in my life. Regardless, we'll miss your work.

Thanks for the reply Jeff. I understand your concern and the fact that you (Renderosity) may have to take appropriate action. But oh, how I wish more thought had been put into this before announcing, out of the blue, a blanket ban. Perhaps you could modify it to a temporary moritorium until such time as the law is clear one way or the other. Better still, just warn people that a ban may have to be put into effect if the law changes. Perhaps then we may see a change of heart from poor Thorne who has taken a lot of unjustified flack on this issue. Isaac

Let me apologize in advance, as I sometimes have problems expressing exactly what I mean, but I hope this reaches who Thorne, as I am very curious if you are pulling everything, or if you will remain in sales for the time being. I had been working on some various Sci-Fi scenes, and was not terribly impressed with the current winged creatures of fantasy until I came across various models from ThorneWorks. I was amazed at the detail and realism incorportated in the models. I immediately began searching out different resources on other faerie props and backgrounds, intending to incorporate some of them into my work. But then I saw this post, and before I even clicked on the link, my heart fell. I am new to Poser and it's possibilities, and I have never yet had the pleasure of working with any of your models, although it's an understatement to say I was quite looking forward to it. The general public (unfortunately, Americans in particular, and yes I'm an American, born and raised, so this isn't a foreigner pointing the finger) is artistically illiterate it seems, and I couldn't help but wonder how long it would be until people started ranting about the anatomically-correct detailing on the available models, especially the children. However, look at all the current and old art that currently portrays human nudity, in both adults and the young. So the nude body is now to be considered pornographic in nature? Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is what I believe. I see a naked child, that's natural. I see a posed naked child, non-erotic in style, and that's art. I see a naked child in an erotic or sexually-intended pose, that's child-porn. It's all about how it's used. As has been thoroughly pointed out in this thread, nudity in art has occurred for thousands of years. Look at ancient Greek and Roman art and statues, or Renaissance paintings and sculptures for examples. Does anyone cry "child-porn" when this depicts forms of a nude child? Of course not, it's not intended to be erotic in nature, and if some perverse individual(s) see it as such, does that mean that society as a whole must also see it as such and now it must be declared inappropriate or even illegal? While growing up I don't know how many times I've heard "the one ruined it for the many" from my parents or teachers, and now even as adults we endure it - the minority creating strife that ends up ruining it for the majority. What's wrong with nudity? My entire life I been in love with the nude figure - it is so pure and delicate, yet so complex. I can just sit and admire it for hours, taking in every detail, thinking to myself, "How did God do it?". I see past the nudity itself, and see it for what it truly is - the most complex machine and creature in the world. Yet someone else can see it for simply a naked body and the sexual drive in their brain apparently overrides the intellectual side, and it instantly transforms into "porn". Too many see the human body as a sexual object I fear, something to be hidden behind locked doors, instead of a living, breathing work of art. Nudity will always be considered one of two things - art or porn. It more or less resides in the mind of the viewer, and the intentions and styles of the artist can either encourage it one or the other. So I suppose one day, we'll all live in a world where nudity in any form is completely prohibited. Well I certainly went a bit further than I intended, but in summary, I am sad to see the effect of the artistically-disinclined and the perverse on works such as those produced by a truly talented individual. I cannot say whether the decision is wrong or right, for surely we cannot know all the circumstances he/she may be facing. But I can say I will miss the opportunity to work with the models if all of them are being removed, not just the free ones.

jonchristopher, you said something very important. Some among us do not see god/God in a nude body (child or adult), only filth. I find this incredibly sad. Even worse, those who see with these jaded eyes are now telling artists that they cannot paint God's most wonderful creation, unless it is covered (with a poly-cotton blend perhaps?) pam

Deleted my earlier post as I thought Thorn found people using his fairies "in peverse" situations. But now realize that Thorn 'is being accused of peversities', well that's just insane! As rediculas as those who once wanted to put clothes on farmer's cows and sheep and those who no longer allow Romeo & Julliett to be read in schools.....what's this world comming to??!! This is really sad as I love fantasy and Thorn's and FairyWoods were my favorits, I had hoped one day to learn your skills ;-( (I never even got a chance to read FairyHeaven's comic) Just like a sad ending story, all the Magic in the world (wide web) is vanishing or running for it's life. And here I am at the door wondering where everyone went..... Thorn, I wish you the best, please don't let these fools take the magic from your heart and wheather you ever plan to post again or not, always keep your wonder creations alive, the world needs more magic! (and for the record, I am from the US)

I was just going to check your site when I ran into this horrible piece of news! I was so sorry to hear this, words fail to express my dismay. Why? Because the same idiots who are trying to silently erode our freedom to think for ourselves, are trying to take over the world with their sick-minded attitudes, and seem to be succeeding bit by bit to do so. This is not, I repeat NOT a theocracy. Soon they'll want the people to give up all their rights as individuals, and turn back the clock and turn this country into a Right-Wing Fascist country where the only freedom, if any, is in the privacy of your own mind, if that. If I sound incensed, I am. Every time someone is forced to yield to the opinions of some perverse-minded, non-tbinking individual. Our freedoms die a little more(I'm in the USA). The necessity to close such a beautiful, artistic and unique site as yours, is totally uncalled for. HOW DARE THEY,whoever they may be.