I have just been viewing the Photography Hot 20 and came across an image titled "Proof" by blurededge. Having read the accompanying comment, I feel I have to comment (there is no provison for doing so on the image itself!) I am in favour of ANY type of imaged art, photographic, CG, natural media, cave paintings, or whatever and have no truck with anyone shooting whatever they want. However, I do take exception to the point the above artist is making in that the only images that receive worthy attention are those of females in various states of undress!! Is the comment aimed at specific individuals, or at the genre itself? If its at the genre, then I'm sorry but thats the way it is, people like to look at people!!. If its at individuals artists/photographers who specialise in that genre, then I take task. I do not condemn or castigate ohters for the subjects they choose. For christs sake, I make a living from this!!! Is it me, am I taking this the wrong way, or do I stop posting? I have never meant to offend with my images, and if anyone is offended, I will remove the photographic work. If its about hit counts, then tough!. I do this to show my work. I could'nt care less about hits, itgoes above that! Peeved or what? Ok, I've vented my spleen, I will return to what passes for normal for the time being. Blurededge, if your intent was to make a point, then you have!, although I do not agree with the generalisation. Sorry Guys David

I hesitate of course speak for Blurededge, (that sort of second guessing really leads to un-intentional flame wars). But I do not believe that the point he(?) was trying to make is that making figure studies, or looking at them, is a bad thing. Folks have injoyed looking at art depicting flesh since the beginning of art. The vision of ideal body styles, and the quality of the work of course varies. As long as the work does not violate some very specific items in the Renderosity TOS, it need be judged only on its own merits. In particular, much of the work that you post here is excellent, and it would be a shame to not have it available. I believe the point Blureredge was trying to make, and which has been pointed out by many folks before here and in other 'osity forums, is the bias in the numerical "hit" counting. [Personally, I value the three or four encouraging and constructive comments I receive from thoughtful people much more than any "hit" count.] Personally, I have been amazed again and again, when within a few hours any thumbnail even hinting at the possibility of a flash of skin accumulates hundreds of hits. How can this possibly be? Are there thousands of people worldwide just cruising 'osity for a little excitement? Seems there are better sites to go to for this. And how do they invariably pick out the hot images, when the thumbnails are often only vague suggestions? Do the viewers immediately e-mail each other saying, "Hey, look at this one!"? Or is it only a couple people, returning to the same image many times? As such things often go around here, I expect this thread is going to be very popular over the next couple days. It brings folks into the forum who we have never seen before, and some stay to be valuable contributors. Sadly, it usually degenerates into name calling and hostilities. And then the moderators, as they should, remove the thread. Until then, I hope we have a lively and thoughtful discussion.

I agree with Misha. I am just one voice, though. One could save some time by visiting the Poser forum. There, one can expect a "rabid" discussion on the Hot20 at least every 4 months (grin). Throw in a few discussions about Vicky in a Temple and you've pretty much summed up where this thread is likely to lead. I, like Misha, can't read Blurededge's mind. IF I was told at gunpoint to take a guess, I wouldn't think he was pointing at you, Bidsy. Why do I say this? I went to the Photo Hot 20 for the first time today (after reading your this post) and didn't see any of your stuff in there. (doesn't mean your stuff HASN'T been there, but not on today's viewing). Also, I might point out, the Hot 20 consists of 2 photos of females and 18 photos of varied other subjects...MUCH different than the Poser Hot 20 which, on any given day, is 95% female images. Personally, I'd like viewing counts to be high. But I'm not going to compromise myself to get them. I post Poser/photography items based entirely on what kind of art I like to do. I like figure photography very much, too, and I'd post them if I had any I felt proud of. I just don't have many. But I won't post what I DO have just to get a count. I also (and I realize this may be bad) refuse to vote for an image for the Hot 20 and I very rarely rate one. (of course, contests are a different thing, where a person has entered to be judged against others) That is also the reason I never check the rating button on my posts. Art can be very subjective, so I post looking for comments more than anything else. I am here to show my stuff and receive pats on the back and, HOPEFULLY, some interchange of ideas from other artists who have a different idea that I may not have ever seen myself. So, Bidsy, keep posting the type of art you are interested in. Certainly, do not let an inferred comment stop that! I've rambled enough. Thanks for reading.

Thanks guys, I agree that the finger is not pointed DIRECTLY at me. It is not my intent to start a flame war, I will request the topic deleted if it does, but I do feel that the point (proof) raised was about the number of hits particular images get. I agree with you both, its the constructive, idea-pooling interchange that I am looking for. Its just that the genre of my kind of photography gets knocked from pillar to post. I can deal with that, but not from within a community of artists. It seems contrary?! Its a principle thing!

I wouldn't ask for the post to be deleted. I think some thoughts there can benefit others who may have the same thoughts and concerns. I think a lot of people think it's unfair to "compete" against female subjects...but as pointed out above, females have been, it seems, the main focus of art for centuries and centuries. It's not going to change soon...LOL. And don't get me wrong. It's a wonderful subject to try and capture.

Just how do you get to this hot 20? :O)

While in the photography gallery, there is a link near the bottom you click on. Then, there are 20 photos.

Thanks chuck I will go look Jeff zoooms off >>>>>>>>>>> :O)

Just a suggestion...

For much more in-depth responses, critiques and opinions try posting some of your work here in the forum either as an image, or a link to a gallery image. I think you will find that the general discourse is better overall.

As to the "Hot 20"...
IMHO, it really doesn't mean anything, people who are obsessed with making it there should probably re-assess there goals as an artist.

of course that is just one person's opinion.

Honestly, I do not check the Hot20. IMHO, ratings do not make an image. I check out the entire photo gallery instead, where people have equal chances of being seen. I make mental notes on which images are kewl, and I hardly ever rate other peoples images. Ergo, I don't get miffed at who's Hot and who's not. :-) (*

I guess I won't be going there again :O(

The "Hot 20" isn't bad in concept. It is pretty democratic, and some of the images (last I checked) had a lot of merit. Now, for something REALLY interesting, go to the photography gallery and sort by "Most Viewed."

Not sure why you said, "REALLY interesting", Misha, since my initial thoughts of what I would see was revealed to be pretty much what I expected. Some nice work but, for sure, but proof of what "Proof" was trying to say.

Michelle sits.....she really would love to say something..........butshe will keep quiet.....as she has discovered before herfoot really doesn't taste so good in her mouth....

REALLY, as classical quote from Rocket J. Squrrel: "Now, here's something you'll REALLY enjoy," right before cutting to the commercial. [Sorry, some of my classical references can get pretty obscure.]

i think the point he seems to be making in interesting from a pyschological point of view, but i do appreciate how some photographers who take photos of women for 'geniune' reasons of art may feel somewhat sore on this subject. i do think that perhaps it may not be quite significant enough to get worked up over, however...

Ok, I am calm now.........Thanks for putting a different perspective on it.

Well- that is human nature- personally I like looking at photos of the human body & nature- both are very beautiful & pleasing to the eye- I don't like the body being demoralized & reduced to smut though. Bitsy/David's photos are wonderful & professional. I find it amuzing that the thumbs of women or suggestion of nudity get the majority of hits- I look too. Not all of us have models we can photograph (darn), thankfully there's always nature.

Not meaning to change the subject- not everyone liked my roadkill series- I was hesitant in posting them knowing I may get some negative reactions on my choice of subject matter- but like I had posted with the photos- it's a common scene here in TX, was looking for new subject matter, didn't shoot any of the more disgusting images, & imo, I found it photoworthy. It got a reaction & that's a big part of viewing any artwork.

Anyway, I could ramble on, but as long as whatever-the- image is done in good taste with hopefully some artistic flare, then by all means post it! And hopefully it will get some of the recognition it deserves.

(Hmmmmm- that photo did knock the cat pic right outta of 1st place- wonder what that says...)

"Not all of us have models we can photograph (darn)" Of course, your daughter's no slouch...let's not forget. "Not meaning to change the subject- not everyone liked my roadkill series- I was hesitant in posting them knowing I may get some negative reactions on my choice of subject matter- but like I had posted with the photos- it's a common scene here in TX, was looking for new subject matter, didn't shoot any of the more disgusting images, & imo, I found it photoworthy. It got a reaction & that's a big part of viewing any artwork." Guess I missed it. Went through your gallery and couldn't see them. :( I believe my (sicko/prankster) sister once gave me a book on roadkill. I thought it was a prank, but the book was actually serious...trying to identify various types of raodkill in various stages of 2 dimensions and decay.

thanks for the compliment on my daughter- true, she makes a wonderful subject!

As far as the "roadkill series" they're on the first page of my gallery- fourth row down- "TX Speedbumps", "Kamikazi Bird", & "Crime Scene" (may change soon if I ever get around to posting a few new ones)

I really don't want to start a discussion on the merits of these pics though runs for cover from possible blasting

There have been many references to "roadkill" such as posters, t-shirts & books like your sis gave you -hehe
Helps to have a sense of humor

Well, now I just HAVE to show you one that's funny. I didn't take it, so I'll post it here if I can find it. <()>

oh- I am so offended!- my eyes, my eyes! washes them out with soap then hands Chuck the soapbar, eyes sting & tear OK- well, it's not a nudie but may need a violence warning-
(sorry to those with no sense of humor or fun)