We all know, don't we, that just because one person out of more than 100,000 Rendosity members makes a suggestion, we aren't obliged to take it or take it to heart.

Recently I received some rather detailed suggestions on how to improve my graphics (I'm at the beginner stage...there is almost nothing I couldn't improve on my graphics). I didn't happen to agree with some of what was said. I thanked the person and said I respectfully disagreed. The person then implied (though I may have misinterpreted them) that I was being defensive. In truth, I respect the fact that they took the time to write. I simply did not agree with the opinion they provided, nor did I particularly agree with their interpretation of my graphic (what they wanted, I think, was for me to change the graphic so it matched more closely what they thought the graphic was about).

You don't have to be an artist to have an opinion about what you like...I hope everyone has that right and the right to express that opinion (though I don't think that right extends to a persistent attack....people should have the common sense to leave another person alone after they've indicated a lack of interest). We are fortunate on this gallery to have skilled graphic artists to comment on each other's works, but often the best critics have good insight but not necessarily the skills.

Bottom line...you as the creator don't have to accept their opinion. So while I appreciate, very much, someone who takes the time to track me down and offer suggestions, it doesn't mean I automatically rush to redo all my graphics as a result. Will I do my next graphic differently as a result of the comments? It depends on whether for that graphic that it is relevant for me to change. Part of it, for me, is that my graphics change as I learn new skills....I have a long way to go and I know my abilities limit what I can now present. My critic may be happier with what I produce in two or three months as I learn how to better express my themes.

Or my critic may never be happy with what I do. Then I gently suggest they find someone else who graphics they can enjoy more than mine.

The point is, it's a two way street but you don't have to drive down it. And it may be just 1 person out of more than 100,000 ... a lot of times people who like what you're doing and don't have anything to suggest for improving it will not write at all.

Life is short. Do you want to spend your energy on this person or doing your graphics to your own satisfaction? You always have a choice. And let's face it, there are some people out there who wouldn't be happy with the equivalent of Van Gogh or Picasso on these galleries. Oh well, that's their problem and not mine.