Interesting "Goldilocks" analogy there Kate. ie: This one's too hot, this one's too cold, but this one is JUST RIGHT. I wasn't aware there were "factions" of artists, you make it sound so sinister and political. Maybe "Schools of thought" was the term you were looking for. It's less divisive than 'Factions'. I've never believed in heaping false praise on adults who should be able to deal with honest constructive criticism. I believe in encouragement and honest analysis. To simply "pat newbies on the head" and say "Oh what a good little artist are you!" without offering any advice on how to improve is just so patronizing it makes me gag when I read it. Do I like compliments myself? Sure, who wouldn't? But I don't live for them, and I don't complain in the forums if I don't get them. As for critical analysis of my own work I tend to take critique from artists, who are at or above my skill level, more seriously than I would from a novice. This is not to say that I don't value the opinions of a layman, but I wouldn't be looking to them for an art lesson and I certainly wouldn't value their opinion over that of an experienced 3D artist. I'm completely self taught on computers and with 3D art and applications, but I did spend 4 years in art school. So I credit that with giving me the knowledge and discipline to teach myself 3D art. Art school is hard in that you are thrown together with other artists who are years beyond your ability level and the best rise to the top quickly. It can be a harsh lesson in survival of the fittest and it only gets harder in the professional world. Teachers do not mollycoddle the weak, if they don't improve they usually are not there the next semester. This is not to be cruel, it is simply to maintain a level of excellence for all to strive for. I'm sorry if this is a bit "hardcore" for most people here, but that's just the way it is in the real world, which is where I try to spend most of my time. ;-) Having seen your beautiful gallery, I'm surprised you say you were born to be the audience. You certainly have done more than your share of participating at a very high skill level.