Let's not participate when nasty threads start. I was starting to get into them, but am now trying to stop no matter how hard I am biting my cheek. This is an art gallery and site. It is not aligned with any religion, no matter how vast a number of members may or may not belong to a faith. It is not for only one type of art. As an artist I was trained to critique, not insult other's work and particularly not to insult the artist directly. Ask the artist why they are creating the piece they are working on, Was it just to p**s off the general community? or maybe they are working through an issue in their lives? Maybe the symbols chosen by the artist have meaning to them you can't see. If the response takes you somewhere you don't want to go, then don't go back to that persons work. Their name is clearly stated along with an indication of whether it includes an image. Use these devices, that is why they are there. If a thread turns nasty, leave it, don't feed it. If you feel the need to flame me, oh well, I just check out when it gets nasty.

I used to smoke cigarettes whenever I rendered. New years resolution an' all... No more smokes. I'd been smoking for 20 years. Now I read and post the message boards to keep me occupied while I'm rendering. I can't help it ifin' I get cranky. It's withdrawl.

Nice thought, but unfortunately, some people can't just have an opinion. They feel the need to shout that opinion loudly, and to try and force you to share that opinion, and then insult you when you don't. They don't want to just speak their mind, they want action. Pictures that offend them removed, artists that offended them banned. Personally, I find that attitude far more offensive that any picture could ever be. But of course, these kind of people aren't interested in your opinion or mine, regarding the pictures or their attitude. Like children, they just want what they want, and all else is irrelevant. And so things get ugly... It was a nice thought, though.

Or do what I do. Watch the hole get deeper as I snicker and just not post anything to feed the trolls or fuel the fire. shrug Can be amusing you know.

I try to not comment when the bad posts hit the forum, and here is what helps, a saying my mom use to tell us " It makes a difference who's ox is being gored" And "There but for the Grace of God go I" So when I see negative post I try to stay out :) I try not to be negative or insulting,as to the saying, It could end up my ox being gored! And, other remarks and images bring on the second saying, and I thank God that they are not me! Does that make sense? lol Sallie

Speaking of old sayings, the only one I remember from the Dysney's cartoons my daughters sometimes have a look at, is from Bambi. The mother of Bambi's rabbit friend (whatever his name is in English) tells him (approximately) : "if you have nothing nice to say, why don't you shut up ?" It's something I always remember before opening my mouth... ;-) Compiler

I agree completlely with you Barbarellany. I dont like Renderosity become a (words) battle filed. Guy

I also agree with you Barbarellany, this is not the place to discuss our personal differences. This is a nice place to help others achieve their goals and support, and Renderosity is a nice place with many nice people but most of all very talented. Sharen

I just like to jump in at the end of said nasty threads and say... "you're all bloody loonies" and as long as I don't get flamed, I'm happy! That is if they are't already locked! Seriously, though, things are getting a little unpleasant around here. I know only too well how easy it is to take immediate offense to a reply-post of gallery comment... This happens especially when you THINK you know someone well when actually the only reference you have to their character is ten of twenty posts and comments... the fact that you have never met them, never will, and they are located several thousand miles away... makes negative comments from them worse to bear... "hell this guy just doesn't even understand a single word I'm saying!" Lets all bear in mind that this is an international site... most cultures use language differently and it is easy to mis-construe. Let's face it... I don't even know what LOL means. But it sounds rude! :)

I have been around since this place got started. I have seen wars, shouting matches and name calling. I have the lows and highs. Most I avoid threads that are negative and try to stay out of things when they get heated. I learned the hard way, way back when, that it is futile to join in. People have made up their minds already or are so busy shouting their viewpoints that they can't hear yours. I have almost posted several times things that would have upset people not to mention the guys who run this place, but I have always taken a deep breathed and stepped back. A wise man said that "violence is the last refuge of the incompentant" I try to remember that and apply always. Or as my Grandmother put it, "yankees don't have manners." (yankees is defined as people who are rude crude and uncivilized, not those of northern persausion. :))

LOL, Butch, well said. Sharen :-)

Will you look at that, no nasties. Thank you for responding.So many good points. Butch, let your Grandmother know some Yankees at least try. I really have bitten my lip to avoid fueling the fire. It does seem no one is interested in mediation when it gets going. I hope this will pass soon. I am quite short and all the "high horses" could be dangerous. :) BTW lol = laugh out loud. Not rude onlesss you are laughing at someone.

For myself, I try not to offend. In turn, I am next to impossible to offend. I simply don't care enough. When I post responses to people's work, I'll be constructive. I'll shut up (as Bambi's mum says) if I've nothing constructive or complimentary to say. When I post responses in provocative threads, I try to be polite. There is never any harm in refraining from screaming obscenities, and often harm in not doing so. And should anyone take it upon themselves to insult me, well, it's really not worth their while. I pay attention to honest criticism and well-behaved commentary. The moment the screaming starts, I'm out. Not that I don't like a wee bit of fun here and there... just so long as nobody loses an eye.