Just in case someone notices that the thread "Here's lookin at you, Kid..." is gone, I deleted it myself. I did it not because Bongo took offense, as I explained no insult to him was ever intended and the comments by others seemed to indicate that they understood that. But I realized it set a bad precedent to alter another's picture, no matter how funny or innocent or obvious the alteration might seem. I realized that there were certainly things that someone might do with my own submissions, some of which would have me rolling on the floor and wanting to buy the perpetrator a beer, and others that might make me angry (as in Bongo's case) I apologize to the forum for almost starting a very bad trend. Scarab<-trying to kick his own butt, but just not flexible enough at this age

Scarab, I commend you for your actions and the reasoning behind it. Even though it was done in jest, you raise a good point about altering the artwork of others. Many of us would look upon the altered image with the humor that was intended, however, some might take offense. I dont know if Bongo was truly upset or not, but try not to worry about it. Bongo should realize that you made an apology and explained yourself, then went a step further and deleted the thread of your own accord. I think that your mature handling of this matter sets a good precedent. When I see the members of this forum come forward and act with maturity and compassion, it makes me happy that I chose to stick with THIS forum. Happy New Year All!

I once heard a lecture from a famous artist who'd been gifted with a pencil drawing by another great artist ... two professional people who should've known better. The recipient took the drawing and in a fit of creative experimentation erased almost the entire drawing, leaving a hint of the original piece. When the originator of the drawing found out, he was so hurt and incensed that the two men haven't spoken since. I'm so glad that those in this forum have the forsight to avoid such a possible situation.

When Has this not been done? Of course we call it Homage. Do what ever you want and let the pieces fall were they may. All great artists copy or have copied, changing a little here or alot there. And I have seen it done here with some great painters ie Escher, Botticelli, Rockwell, should I go on? Funny or not these artist have all been paid "Homage to" I guess you should wait till they are dead ;)or learn to take a poke. Remind me to have you by me that beer when mess with me }:)

I liked your image, and would like to see more primates with their eys bugging out.

This reminds me of a funny little place on Usenet, a newsgroup that specializes in fake celebrity porn. These folks take a celebrity face picture, and paste it onto a porn pic. I've seen folks there get into terrible arguments because one person (they call themselves 'fakirs') accuses another of stealing his/her work. "You stole that headshot off my image", they'd say, and cuss each other back and forth for sometimes WEEKS at a time. Neither of them ever stopping to think that THEY THEMSELVES ripped off TWO photographers' work when they "created" their image. I know, it really doesn't have much to do with this situation, but I wanted to share the story anyway...

One should not be offended by such usage. So much creativity is just putting pieces together. Something "original" is usually just taken out of context. I'm not sure it would be bad if people started posting edits of one another's work, although it would surely stir up some dissent. People need to have more of a sense of humor about these things.

My question is- Legume, why are you hanging out in a fake celebrity porn newsgroup? L

Warrior, you'd be surprised the places I go in search of new talent to recruit for this site... been darn successful in finding folks, too. Where do you think all those new members in the adult forum came from? ;) (Oh yeah, I go there for the TITS, too.)

Considering I don't go to the Adult section.... L

You know I remember seeing a Celebrity shot like the one you mentioned Legume on a Fakir's Website, this one was so good that I couldn't tell if it was real or not. But damn if it was real it sure had be cold on that boardwalk. Jack